Business Network Feb 24

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BUSINESS

Keep up to date on latest developments at

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FEBRUARY 2024

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THE STARS OF TOMORROW YOUNGSTERS ENSURING OUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT

INTERVIEW POLITICS MEET THE YOUNG INVENTOR HOPING TO SAVE LIVES

GENERAL ELECTION UNCERTAINTY HAMPERS ECONOMIC RECOVERY

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THE FIRST WORD

CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2024

NEWS UPDATE 4

MEMBER NEWS Innovation centre inspires green future

26 APPOINTMENTS Apprentice joins outdoor furniture firm

THE BIG INTERVIEW his month’s Business Network magazine is a celebration of young entrepreneurship and the business leaders of tomorrow. Reading the coming pages we hope you get a true sense of the talent out there – talent which will go on to shape the economic success of our three counties for years and decades to come.

One of the ways that the Chamber helps support and nurture that talent is through its Generation Next network, aimed at executives aged 18-to-35.

This edition reports on the recent Generation Next conference at the Nottingham Forest ground, which was attended by 120 people and had as one of its themes the best ways of facing up to adversity – I’m sure it’s an issue we could all do with some help with. You can read how the event went on page 40.

We’re also using these pages to issue a rallying call for entrants to our 2024 Generation Next Awards which we are running in partnership with the University of Derby (see page 50).

Nominations are now open.

This month’s Focus section (pages 64 onwards) hears from some of last year’s winners who talk about the boost that winning an award has been for their confidence and the publicity it has brought them. They are an inspiration to us all.

Likewise is Joseph Bentley – who picked up the innovation and technology award and was named entrepreneur of the year at last year’s ceremony – who is the subject of this month’s Big Interview, from page 29.

Joseph has a great story to tell. He is a first class student who helped design emergency incubators during the pandemic and decided to use that experience to do something after two friends were victims of separate stabbings.

His idea, which he has since turned into a business, was to create a medical device that first responders can use to plug wounds and stop stab victims bleeding to death.

It’s a grizzly subject but an issue that unfortunately can’t be ignored in modern Britain.

Joseph still has some way to go getting his idea to market, but along the way he has been honoured by Sir James Dyson, won hundreds of thousands of pounds of funding and gained support and advice from surgeons on both sides of the Atlantic.

It might be early days for Joseph, but if his confidence and enthusiasm are anything to go by, we will be hearing lots more from him in the years to come.

Applications for the 2024 awards can be downloaded at generationnextemc.co.uk/awards

29 Inventor and Loughborough University student Joseph Bentley

Tom Pegden, Editor, Business Network

71 APPRENTICESHIPS, SKILLS & TRAINING Extolling the benefits of workplace diversity

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34 STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS Expert helps Chamber secure wellbeing rating 36 CHAMBER NEWS Accelerator project speeds business grow

EVENTS 48 Pictorial roundup of the Chamber’s Christmas lunch

SUSTAINABLE EAST MIDLANDS 52 How going green can boost your brand

INTERNATIONAL TRADE 54 The Chamber’s flagship TOPS qualification

POLITICS 56 An overview of the Chamber’s annual State of the Economy Conference

FEATURES 59 CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT The pros and cons of whether to refurbish or rebuild your building project 64 FOCUS FEATURE The Chamber’s Generation Next initiative goes from strength to strength

77 Businesses and FE colleges must collaborate to build the workforce of the future

DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY

Editor Tom Pegden T: 07816 347 451 E: marketing@emc-dnl.co.uk Contributor Jasmine Thompson All Submissions E: magazine@emc-dnl.co.uk Chamber Membership E: membership@emc-dnl.co.uk Follow the Chamber W: www.emc-dnl.co.uk Twitter: @EMChamberNews

Publishers Kemps Publishing Ltd 8, The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA T: 0121 765 4144 w: www.kempspublishing.co.uk Managing Editor Laura Blake T: 0121 765 4144 E: laura.blake@kempspublishing.co.uk Designer Lloyd Hollingworth Advertising T: 0121 765 4144 E: jon.jones@kempspublishing.co.uk

82 Is innovation support right for your business?

BUSINESS SUPPORT 84 LEGAL How TV exposure is leading to more contested will cases 86 FINANCE Wealth specialists post positive results despite challenging market 89 SKILLS New cohort of trainees join accountancy firm

Printers Warners (Midlands) plc

91 PROPERTY Chesterfield office block now fully occupied PRIVACY NOTICE Kemps Publishing Ltd process personal information for certain legitimate interest purposes, which includes the following: •

To provide postal copies of this publication to Chamber members and Kemps’ customers; and

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Whenever we process data for these purposes, we always ensure we treat your Personal Data rights in high regard. If you wish to, you can visit www.kempspublishing.co.uk to view our full Privacy Notice and to learn more about our legitimate interests and your rights in this regard.

BUSINESS NETWORK is produced on behalf of East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire) by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed to members without charge. The Chamber and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. While every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither the Chamber nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Chamber. This publication (or any part thereof) must not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format without prior written permission of Kemps Publishing Ltd.

92 MOTORING Nick Jones checks out the new Ford Puma 93 INFORMATION Framework will help employers to connect with young job seekers

THE LAST WORD 94 Chamber president Stuart Dawkins ponders how to help the next generation February 2024 business network

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MEMBER NEWS

The zero carbon innovation centre at East Midlands Freeport

Innovation centre inspires green future illions of pounds are set to be put into a new zero carbon innovation centre for the East Midlands – aimed at turning cutting-edge green ideas into usable, carbonfriendly products.

East Midlands Freeport is leading the plans in partnership with the University of Nottingham and Loughborough University – which will both be matching its investment.

The University of Nottingham says it will help it meet its target to hit net zero by 2040, while providing the necessary technology and lab space to support research in electrification, hydrogen propulsion and advanced manufacturing.

It comes as the UK’s only inland freeport says it has attracted £150m of investment less than a year into its existence, signed off

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more than £5m for two of seven initial projects to bring fresh investment to the region, and helped create 200 new jobs. It is also currently supporting plans to improve junction 24 of the M1 in partnership with Midlands Connect.

The centre’s research will provide solutions to global challenges

‘East Midlands Freeport has the potential to be a game-changer for our region’ The long-term aim of the low-tax freeport area is to support tens of thousands of jobs and add £8.9bn to the region’s economy while reinvesting hundreds-of-millions of pounds of local taxes.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said the

zero carbon innovation centre was a huge step forward in the freeport’s progression.

He said: “East Midlands Freeport has the potential to be a gamechanger for our region by tapping

into existing economic strengths and developing new sectors that will put us at the heart of the UK’s green industrial strategy.

“To achieve this, we need to ensure the world-class research

Funding boost for research duo Two researchers from the University of Nottingham have received a combined £2.7mi for separate projects involving how MRIs are used in healthcare and the musical impact of the British Empire.

The academics are among 75 research professionals to get a share of £101m being given out as UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellowships.

Dr Peter Harvey of the university’s School of Chemistry and School of Medicine has been awarded £1.6m to continue his work into MRI technology to take even more detailed images of the body.

He now wants to focus on looking at diseases of the brain, hopefully allowing experts to understand the brain in unprecedented detail.

His work will initially focus on people who have had strokes or who have brain cancer, which are examples of both acute and chronic inflammation, respectively.

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He said: “Understanding the progression of disease and subsequent deterioration in the brain is one of the most pressing biomedical challenges.”

Dr Joanne Cormac from the university’s School of Humanities has been awarded £1.1m to study the legacies of the British Empire on classical music.

It will look at how colonialism’s profits between 1750-1900 underpinned British music, and consider the impact of colonised and enslaved musicians on it, and how imperial trade around the world shaped the movement of musicians, ideas and goods.

It will also make data on colonial performances publicly available for the first time. The subject has implications for British society coming to terms with its past, and the project team will work with teachers, community groups and heritage organisations to promote access to classical music education.

Dr Peter Harvey

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MEMBER NEWS

Clothing firm hits Google milestone

being conducted in our universities is turned into tangible products that can provide real-life solutions to global challenges, while building a highly-skilled workforce to be the engine that drives these forward.”

Freeport chief executive Tom Newman-Taylor said the plans marked a “milestone” as it starts delivering its objectives and investing in big projects to boost skills and jobs across the region.

He said: “We’ve seen significant interest from major investors, the extension of the window for businesses to claim tax benefits on our sites announced in the Autumn Statement and the Government’s £4.5bn Advanced Manufacturing Plan.

“This all combines to make East Midlands Freeport an extremely compelling place to invest.”

Dr Joanne Cormac

The founder of a triathlon clothes and accessories business backed by the Olympic medal-winning Brownlee brothers has thanked a Derby digital marketing agency for helping bring in a record £1m of Google ads revenue for the year.

Dean Jackson, who owns Derby wetsuits and triathlon and cycle clothing business HUUB, praised Alphageek Digital for managing the successful Google Ads campaign.

The agency, which is based in Century House, in St James’ Court, One of HUUB’s wetsuits helped generate £1.1m of sales in 2023 from a spend of £75,500 – a 1,200% return on investment. It topped the previous year’s sales by £160,000 – when there was a higher spend of £96,000 – making 2023 a record year in direct-to-consumer sales for HUUB. Dean said: “This year has been massive for HUUB and I have to credit the team at Alphageek for their brilliant results, particularly against the current economic backdrop where luxury and lifestyle items are not a priority for anyone. It’s thanks to their expertise and support, but also because we are all able to sit down around a table together. They are reactive and flexible and they have become an extension of the HUUB family.”

Wayne Cross is head of commercial and strategy for the agency, and ran the Google Ads strategy. He said: “I have been working with HUUB for three years and have a fantastic understanding of their brand, which makes me an extension of their marketing team and part of the company. HUUB has staged a few really good sales this year, which have been brilliant attention grabbers, but we still needed to capture their search terms successfully.”

HUUB is one of a number of national and international clients for Alphageek which include Casio, G-Shock, Project D and Do Not Age. As well as Google Ads, it specialises in social media advertising, web design and development, content creation and brand amplification services.

Wayne Cross, head of commercial and strategy at Alphageek

Students learn how to set up their own business Students experienced how it feels to launch their own business as part of Nottingham Trent University’s Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Some 20 students took part in a competitive “Start-up Marathon” run by the Centre for Business and Industry Transformation (CBIT) at Nottingham Business School.

They used experience gained on their business, mechanical engineering and physics courses to come up with start-up ideas, create a prototype and pitch a product in the space of just six hours.

Split into teams they had to come up with a high impact but low-cost solution to problems related to sustainability, artificial intelligence, security and art and culture, and had to design a one-page business overview and a simple prototype.

‘This event has helped me look at various areas of our lives from different angles’ The winning group took away a cash prize for their idea of a new social network – The Social Line – designed to help students build a network of friends with similar passions and interests. It was based on a problem they experienced themselves, and their pitch was commended for creating an emotional connection with the judges.

Other ideas from the marathon included a sustainable building cooling system to replace traditional air conditioning and a smart helmet for micro-mobility riders which increases safety through by using AI to feed the rider with real-time knowledge.

MSc finance student Hanna Kuchanska, who was part of the winning team, said: “This event has helped me look at various areas of our lives from different angles, as teams came up with interesting solutions for existing problems.

“It was challenging because of limited time, but the whole experience was really beneficial.”

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Can a ‘ripple effect’ of culture and kindness in business lead to a brighter future for all?

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL is chairman and founder of investment company RandalSun Capital and the Randal Charitable Foundation. He was the 2023 recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to East Midlands’ Communities Award at East Midlands Chamber’s annual Celebration of Culture and Communities. indness and culture shape all of our lives in ways so profound that we scarcely realise how they impact on our actions, attitudes and overall wellbeing.

Their influence stretches far beyond our own lives, as they are intrinsically intertwined within society, communities and of course business – so much so that we often take both for granted, without recognising their enormous value to the world around us.

Take businesses for example.

Without a strong purpose, mission, values and company culture there would not be a positive and inclusive environment where people feel valued, are productive

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and give their best. Inversely, a poor workplace culture inevitably leads to staff retention issues and low satisfaction. In this way, it’s often experiences of culture and kindness within businesses and the world of work, which then ‘ripple’ through into our communities and beyond.

Perhaps it’s also true that sometimes bad situations that rock both kindness and culture to the core, can also lead to a ripple effect of increased focus on the importance of both virtues. Take the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to global lockdowns, which impacted all of our personal and working lives.

During that time, we all experienced the inverse of culture

and kindness – isolation, exclusion and in some respects intolerance.

Yet one global study by BBC Radio 4 and academics of 60,000 people across 144 countries, entitled ‘The Kindness Test’, found that twothirds of respondents believed the pandemic had made people kinder.

‘Community engagement and a corporate social responsibility focus helps create this ripple effect’ It’s often the case in business too, where we experience best practice from a ‘people perspective’, which shapes our lives far beyond the workplace. Research by Harvard University this year highlighted the benefits to employees of being compassionate on health and personal relationships, but also how incredibly beneficial it is to professional success.

Over my 30 years in business, as the founder and former chairman of an international pharmaceuticals business, as well as through my other business ventures, I’ve felt that community engagement and a corporate social responsibility focus helps create this ripple effect. This in turn delivers so many nonfinancial benefits for the business, our people and society as a whole.

My businesses have always separated kindness and community related activities from commercial targets. Often these activities bring about great benefits, which support commercial activities in terms of motivating teams, as well as aiding employee recruitment and retention.

I see kindness and culture as one entity, which both work in tandem to bring about positive change.

Kindness is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries and brings people together, while culture provides a framework for expressing kindness in a way that is meaningful and relevant.

The culture of a business is paramount and always comes from

HSG earns great workplace accolade Derby-based HSG, a market leader in washroom water conservation, has joined some of the top UK companies by being officially certified as a Great Place to Work.

Having achieved certification with a 97% response rate, it will be included in the 2024 100 Best Workplaces list of companies with 20 to 50 employees which will be published this year.

Certification is run by Great Place to Work which, for 30 years, has been a global authority on workplace culture.

Under the programme, employee views are measured on a range of aspects of company culture including working conditions, benefits, management, wellbeing, diversity, communication and involvement, career and development, social wellbeing, people focus and flexibility.

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business network February 2024

HSG UK managing director Simon Rice (centre) is a long-standing Derby County supporter

…and sponsors the Rams Pride Park-based HSG has become an official sponsor of Derby County Football Club with its logo featuring on the back of the men’s first team playing shirts and shorts for the rest of the 2023/24 season.

The new shirts made their debut at Derby’s home victory against Bristol Rovers in November. HSG UK managing director Simon Rice, a Rams fan and hospitality box holder, said: “As a long-established family business, we are equally as committed to supporting the local communities in which we operate as we are to improving our own sustainability and that of our customers across the UK.”

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MEMBER NEWS

Dr Nik Kotecha says cultivating kindness is good for business

the top. The leaders must live and breathe this every day, which in turn knits workplace communities together. This ripple effect then spreads into the wider community, who then encourage others to follow suit – fostering a more positive and inclusive environment for us all.

It’s also important to highlight that culture and kindness isn't limited to internal interactions. It extends to external relationships too, particularly in this digital age, where a thought leadership presence on social media can be so beneficial to brand.

Companies which go the extra mile and demonstrate true ‘kindness’ without any commercial strings attached, will nurture their followers into advocates, who in turn provide a ripple effect of positivity and loyalty to the brand.

Positives to come out of these internal and external approaches

to kindness are the improved mental health of our people and by association their families and friends; building stronger relationships, and of course fostering a mindset of compassion and giving back.

While culture provides the context and values that guide our expressions of kindness and acts of inclusivity.

It’s clear, even in today’s fastpaced and rapidly changing world, that the ripple effect of culture and kindness is essential for the success of our businesses and the communities they serve – creating a more positive and harmonious society where we all can thrive.

If we all take a moment to cultivate culture and kindness within business, just imagine the impact on our future individual and collective well-being.

Surely this makes good business sense?

For details on the 2024 Celebration of Culture and Communities go to the Business Network events section.

awards for sustainability, including in this year’s East Midlands Chamber Derbyshire awards where it was also previously shortlisted for its commitment to people.

It is also a previous winner of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for the positive impact that its Ureco and Uretech system has on businesses from single site pubs to the NEC.

‘Our Great Place to Work Certification is a clear indication of the value that we place on everyone who works here’ HSG’s Ureco urinal sleeve stops smells by trapping odours below the surface and reduces blockages. It allows the Uretech water manager to reduce urinal flushes from around 96 times to just four times a day – saving money by reducing water consumption.

HSG founder and managing director Simon Rice said: “Our Great Place to Work Certification is a clear indication of the value that we place on everyone who works here from the sales team to the technicians who all work tirelessly to enable our customers to achieve their water conservation and sustainability targets.

“We have grown steadily over the years and continue to look to recruit the right people who share the HSG ethos of quality, flexibility and innovation so being named in the 2024 Best Workplaces list alongside some of the top names in British business will be a massive achievement for an SME such as us.”

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MEMBER NEWS

Delegates and charities benefit from successful business festival S

ome 800 businesses and 2,000 people took part in the Leicester Business Festival in person and online.

The annual fortnight of networking, presentations, fundraising and workshops is promoted as the region’s biggest business event and one of the UK’s biggest business festivals.

One of the biggest direct impacts from the festival was money raised from a #BossBreakOut event for Leicester Hospitals Charity. The fundraiser saw 12 of the city’s business leaders, CEOs and directors ‘locked in’ a pop-up shop in Highcross shopping centre.

Bosses who took part collectively raised more than £15,000 in order to secure their freedom, funding 12fold-away beds so that parents can comfortably stay with their children during hospital stays.

A closing event at the PPL PRS headquarters in St George Street, Leicester, saw three awards given out. A 'First Event to Sell Out' award was given for a Create Better Content session hosted by Paul Ince at Like Mind Media. 'Most Engaged Event Organiser' went to Nicola Moss at Moss Social, while a 'Most Unique Event' award went to Jim Willis at Create Leicester for a Bitter Sweet event.

Excello Law regional director Richard Osborn chairs the festival and is a director of the LBF Community Interest Company (CiC). He also took part in the #BossBreakOut event.

He said: “LBF 2023 has been a great success for so many reasons including raising money for the local hospitals.

Excello Law regional director Richard Osborn is chair of the Leicester Business Festival

“In the world of social media we have seen incredible positive feedback being shared from people across business sectors who have attended or hosted events. New collaborations have emerged and relationships have formed and the annual occurrence of the festival means that ideas, innovations and shared knowledge create great outcomes for the wider business community. Next year LBF celebrates its 10th anniversary, a superb milestone and opportunity to develop something extraordinary as a business community together.”

‘LBF 2023 has been a great success for so many reasons including raising money for the local hospitals’

Haines Watts and Tilney collaborate on free business essentials event Leicester accountants Haines Watts partnered with financial advisers Tilney to host one of 70 events at the business festival.

The free business essentials event on the De Montfort University campus was arranged to support local business owners and those planning on starting a business.

Haines Watts Leicester director Shazin Tayub said: “The Leicester Business Festival is a fantastic platform for businesses to learn, share, and grow.

“Our event, in collaboration with Tilney, was aimed at providing valuable insights into business growth strategies, tax efficient corporate structures and R&D Tax Relief claims.

“It was inspiring to see so many business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across the East Midlands come together.

“Events like these not only provide valuable insights but also foster a sense of community. It’s clear that the region is on a Haines Watts Leicester strong path to economic recovery director Shazin Tayub and growth.”

Award recognition for Derby technology firm

Barron McCann commercial director Harry Mee with services manager Mark Baird and sales director Gary Piper

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Derby technology company Barron McCann was shortlisted for a national award for its work with a top British pet care business.

Barron McCann worked with Pets at Home across the UK to replace more than 2,000 chip and pin terminals at 456 sites over a 14week period.

The work led to the familyowned firm and Pets at Home being shortlisted together in the Best Retailer/Technology Supplier

Relationship (UK) category at the Retail Tech Innovation Hub awards.

Winners were revealed at an awards ceremony at the Barbican Centre in London, and although the pair didn’t win, they were highly commended.

Barron McCann sales director Gary Piper said they had been delighted to be shortlisted for an award, which reflected the “strong relationship” they have with Pets at Home.

He said: “It is a testament to our commitment to delivering quality service through innovation and collaboration.”

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MEMBER NEWS

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Support scheme is a real step forward astle Donington-based Barefoot Coaching has expanded its support for accredited coaches with the launch of a new programme designed exclusively for its alumni.

The Up and Running programme aims to help those looking to start, manage or grow their coaching business and is believed to be the first of its type, specifically aimed at coaching entrepreneurs.

Barefoot, which specialises in coaching and coach training, will deliver the course over a year and online. It will offer invaluable insights and proven strategies from experienced coaches, established Barefoot alumni and seasoned business owners who have successfully started and grown businesses.

The launch comes at a time when the coaching industry continues to grow, with an estimated 109,200 coaches worldwide in 2023, up by 53% since 2019. The increase follows the demand in the market, with every month, more than 1.5 million internet searches made by those looking for life, business, and executive coaching.

Andy Chandler, managing director at Barefoot Coaching, said: “We launched our Up and Running programme because we wanted to do something different, create a platform where people can turn for help and resources after completing one of our accredited coach training programmes.

“We are continuing to witness a growing number of people looking to start a career in coaching, yet they lack either the confidence or resources to do so, so our programme has been tailored to help tackle a whole host of challenges people may face when looking to do so.”

The programme is available to anyone who is currently signed up for or has completed specific Barefoot courses, including ICF Accredited and University Approved Coach Training course, PG Cert in Coaching Supervision course or the Team Coaching Practitioner Programme.

Over the year, delegates will have access to an online learning platform, The Barefoot Coaching Academy, which has seven modules presented by familiar faces within its community, as well as other professionals from the wider network, covering a variety of topics, including creating your brand, finding your why, growing your business and celebrating success.

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Liniar invests in humidity control Derbyshire-based Liniar has invested almost £30,000 installing a cutting-edge humidity control system in its lamination facility.

The investment is part of a continuous improvement of product quality for the company, which is a leading manufacturer of poly vinyl chloride (PVCu) systems and a subsidiary of Quanex.

Humidity control enables Liniar to take a proactive approach to perfecting its laminating process to create foiled products, ultimately improving the bond between primer and adhesive, which results in efficient air curing times regardless of seasonal fluctuations.

Linair lamination production manager John Stark said: “Humidity control is critical to the moisture activated glues used in foiling PVCu profiles.”

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Andy Chandler of Barefoot Coaching

Startups offered advice on growth Innovative and ambitious startups in the East Midlands are being offered the expertise of dedicated disruptor entrepreneurs to help drive transformation and resilience as part of a programme at Nottingham Business School (NBS) at Nottingham Trent University.

The fully-funded Venture Builder programme, which is a core part of the Centre for Business and Industry Transformation (CBIT) at NBS, focuses on nurturing entrepreneurs who are looking to challenge and disrupt industry norms and revolutionise their business operations to propel them from the early stages to scalable and sustainable growth.

‘We are committed to nurturing more businesses, helping them to innovate and challenge conventional industry standards’ It adopts a sparring partner approach to deliver a customised journey tailored to each startup, featuring four key offerings, including in-depth business model clinics and innovation; business process and product road mapping; strategic growth hacking and investment readiness. Start-ups gain access to an array of perks, including advanced hardware and software technologies such as drones, AI development-ready stations, 3D printers for prototyping, and credits for services like Notion, Miro, AWS, Stripe and other essential tools.

Professor Xiao Ma, director of CBIT and an internationally recognised thought leader and educator in entrepreneurship, business transformation, and digital economy, said: “Our role at CBIT has been pivotal in assisting numerous startups in pivoting and understanding their unique value propositions, aiding them in transforming business norms. We are committed to nurturing more businesses, helping them to innovate and challenge conventional industry standards, with the aim of establishing them as leaders in their respective fields.”

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Leicester firm floored by range of global accolades Patrick Monahan with last year's New Kid on the Block winner, George Oliver

Light-hearted awards to return The Alternative Business Awards are returning for its sixth year to celebrate all aspects of work life.

The awards ceremony, hosted by comedian Patrick Monahan, aims to recognise individuals and groups in a number of comical, warmhearted, celebratory, and “alternative” business award categories.

The awards ceremony is set to be held at Leicester’s Hotel Brooklyn on 19 June.

The event provides an opportunity for businesses to come together, show their fun side and raise funds to support Big Difference, which promotes health and wellbeing through the arts and comedy performance.

Niche Magazine is media partner for the event, with PPL PRS its music sponsor. The event’s co-headline sponsors are Eileen Richards of ER Recruitment and Simon Winfield of Red Monkey Play.

Eileen said: “Showcasing our businesses doesn’t always have to be serious; Leicestershire has a great community for that. The Alternative Business Awards is something a little different.”

Leicestershire start-up flooring firm that created a world-first eco product won eight international and regional industry awards in 2023.

Abacus Flooring Solutions has won 16 awards since it launched in 2020. Included in last year’s count, the Coalville-based firm won a global bronze award at the Green World Awards in Miami, where it pipped 500 international nominees to the post.

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‘I knew that by providing an eco-friendly method for replacing harmful bulking materials that we were on to a winner’ Abacus founder Nick Megson and his team have also won two prized at the resin flooring association’s awards, another brace at the Leicestershire Live Business Awards, best start-up firm in the East Midlands Business Masters Awards and both innovation and environmental impact plaudits at the Chamber’s Leicestershire Business Awards.

Most of the accolades recognise the firm’s environmentally ground-breaking Abaplas resin flooring system, where Nick became the first person in the world to develop a process that uses 100% recycled waste plastic as a bulking agent instead of the traditional silica sand.

Silica sand is a mined material that requires a lot of energy to extract and is also dangerous to human health when inhaled. Abaplas prevents potentially tonnes of waste plastic going to landfill – or into the world’s oceans.

“I knew that by providing an eco-friendly method for replacing harmful bulking materials that we were on to a winner, both as a firm and for the environment,” said Nick. “Plus, the product performs even better than traditional resin flooring. We carried out so many tests using numerous grades and types of plastic before we finally achieved the fantastic result we have today.

“At the time, it seemed as if it would never happen.

But now we have all these awards to show for it, which we are extremely proud of, not least because our efforts have been acknowledged across the world.”

Nick Megson (centre) at last year’s East Midlands Business Masters Awards

Travel scheme goes on a winning journey Leicester-based GO Travel Solutions has won a national sustainability award for its staff travel scheme at Fosse Park.

The “Getting To Work” project by the transport consultancy was recognised as the Business Engagement Project of the Year at the 2023 National Modeshift Awards.

Fosse Park, located three miles south of Leicester, is one of Britain’s biggest out-of-town shopping and leisure destinations.

The award recognises Fosse Park's commitment to developing and promoting sustainable commuting among its 2,000 staff. The latest commuter survey reveals a 25% reduction in single-car occupancy journeys and a doubling of bus usage since 2018.

GO Travel Solutions launched its Getting To Work scheme in 2021 as part of the Fosse Park West expansion.

Robin Pointon, Getting To Work project director at GO Travel Solutions, said: “This award highlights the willingness of Fosse Park staff to take up sustainable travel options and is testimony to effective collaboration with partners such as Arriva and Hurrecane Ebikes.”

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business network February 2024

Robin Pointon receives the award

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MEMBER NEWS

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MEMBER NEWS

Coach is driving a green agenda Chamber member is on a mission to make British businesses greener and help them play a part in cutting CO2 emissions.

Professional coach Sophie Wragg, who runs Be Your Best Version, has released a book called Sustainable Business: Uncover the benefits of embracing environmental and social responsibility, which looks into the business world’s approach to climate change and encourages UK businesses to cut their emissions and reach net zero.

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Sophie, who is passionate about helping businesses and individuals embrace environmental responsibility, said: “So often we hear the downsides of becoming greener, it can be a very one-sided conversation.

“No one ever really talks about the benefits and opportunities that becoming greener and more climate-friendly can offer.

“There are huge opportunities and I want to help businesses, especially micro and small businesses, to really seize those benefits.

Mansfield Innovation Centre is managed by Oxford Innovation Space and provides a business base to more than 30 growing businesses.

Based on the Oakham Business Park, it has fully serviced offices and workshops, a virtual office facility, hot desk area as well as meeting and conference rooms. Customers benefit from flexible letting agreements, 24/7 secure access, free parking and a package of business support and coaching customised to the needs of each business.

Fees are inclusive of all utility costs, so users can concentrate on their business rather than the bills. There are also bespoke internet and VOIP telephone packages to suit individual needs.

Woodborough Hall

First anniversary for wedding venue New Chamber member Woodborough Hall held a celebratory event to mark the first anniversary of reopening under new ownership.

The Grade II* Listed Nottinghamshire venue has been brought back to life following a complete refurbishment, and now hosts celebrations, weddings, baby showers, parties, wakes, business meetings and other events.

The hall is open daily and customers can visit for a coffee, drinks, a light lunch or afternoon tea, and has evening dining on Fridays and Saturdays.

For those who want to extend their visit, there are five refurbished bedrooms available.

General manager Jenny Dickie said: “It has been a challenge, but after a lot of hard work, we have been so delighted with the response from our customers and their numerous five-star reviews.

“This resulted in recent further recognition when Trip Advisor gave us their Travellers Choice Award – putting us in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide.

“While delighted with the success of our first year, we will not rest on our laurels and it is our intention to continue to make each visit special and memorable, and we look forward to welcoming returning and new visitors in the coming year.”

David Smith and Sophie Wragg

‘No one ever really talks about the benefits and opportunities that becoming greener and more climate-friendly can offer’ “It can be tough to run a business and these opportunities can make a huge difference to the profitability and resilience of an organisation.”

Sophie put months of work into the book which helps businesses calculate their carbon footprint, develop targets and action plans and explore the opportunities of embracing greener ways of working.

She said: “My book Sustainable Business condenses all the information a business needs to

make positive changes into an easy-to-understand guide and is the first of its kind.”

The book was officially launched at Mansfield Innovation Centre, where Sophie’s business is based.

David Smith, the innovation director there, said: “Sophie has worked so hard to bring this book to fruition.

“Her knowledge of the sustainability agenda is immense, and this book is a fantastic guide for all businesses to take control of their drive towards net zero.”

Highest profit share is going, going, gone to staff National auction house John Pye & Sons has paid out the highest profits share in its history following record results – handing staff £2m in extra pay. The previous year the family business paid out more than £1.3m.

In its latest financial year to 31 July, the firm – which is based in New Basford, Nottingham, and has 20 sites across the UK as well as one in Spain – saw auction receipts hit £119m and turnover reach £45m, up 36% on the previous year. New bidder registrations were up 90% year-onyear.

Managing director Adam Pye (pictured) said: “These are incredible figures for our business. The team has worked so hard on several high-profile projects and achieved more than we ever thought possible during the period.

“I’m so pleased to report that we have again built upon the success of 2022 and am happy to confirm that we were in the fortunate position of being able to share discretionary bonuses with colleagues in their November pay.”

In recent years the business has invested heavily in sustainability, new technology and customer experience. It is currently undertaking an energy efficiency project to upgrade more than 2.3 million sq ft of auction premises across the UK and Europe, and invested in a wind turbine at its facility at Port Talbot in Wales, with a solar panel project underway in its recently opened site in Zaragoza, Spain.

Adam said: “Launching our in-house bespoke auction bidding platform has seen improvements in client reporting as well as customer bidding activity.

“We are noticing more people turning to auction as a way to find potential bargains, particularly during these trying economic times.

Large appliances, household goods and homewares are very popular among new bidders.

“We have seen a real spike in registrations from savvy shoppers and we now have approaching 1,000,000 registered buyers.”

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MEMBER NEWS

Why Military Reservists are worth their weight in gold

Kirstie Lawrence at the 2022 Gold ERS Awards

Kirstie Lawrence, regional employer engagement director at East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, outlines the benefits of allowing staff to join the reserves. arlier this year I had the pleasure of organising an exclusive employer trip to one of Britain’s overseas military bases in Cyprus.

Wherever I go I spread awareness of the great value Reserve Sailors, Soldiers and Aviators add to their employer’s workplace. This rare three-day trip with simulated platoon attacks and helicopter lifts was a chance for employers to see for themselves what incredible people they have within their workplace.

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THE RESERVIST: TWICE THE CITIZEN For those unfamiliar, a Reservist is someone who dedicates part of their spare time to serving in the military. The minimum commitment for an Army Reservist is generally 27 days split over evenings, weekends and their annual training exercise.

Reserve Forces play a critical role in national defence and

‘Reserve Forces play a critical role in national defence and security’ security, from countering threats, peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts abroad, to supporting communities and national resilience at home.

Through their core military training, Reservists develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills. They are pressure tested in deliberately challenging conditions that cannot be replicated in the civilian workplace and, as a result, are resilient and resourceful – basically, our people add value.

Reserve Forces are also often called upon for their specialist skills, either those built-upon from the civilian sector or developed from scratch. This includes driving, health and safety, cyber, engineering, catering and

languages skills as well as HGV licences and nationally-recognised qualifications.

These are transferable traits and skills that we know businesses are searching for, and all of which comes without cost to them. In fact, Reservists receive training which would cost an organisation at least £8,000 a year to implement.

A PARTNERSHIP WITH DEFENCE Reserves are worth their weight in gold and showing them you are a Forces-friendly business is as easy as signing the Armed Forces Covenant. This simple pledge is free to make and is based on the premise that those who serve or have served in the military, including Reserves, are not disadvantaged by their service.

Organisations who take this

further and are able to demonstrate how they support and advocate for the country’s defences can advance through the Employer Recognition Scheme, the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour for employers.

Proudly displaying this instantlyrecognisable award will catch the eye of job-seeking Reservists and also encourage existing staff members to consider the lifeexpanding opportunities of the Reserve Forces.

By supporting the Reserves you are forging a mutually-beneficial relationship. You are supporting the defence of the nation and bringing in valuable staff members to your workplace.

And if you have a penchant for the Mediterranean, who knows, you might one day find yourself flying out to Cyprus to see first-hand how incredible our Reserve Forces are.

…and rail firm keeps them on track to serve

From left: MTMS director Cherril Prentice, group chairman Malcolm Prentice, the firm’s group chairman, operations director Peter Stretton, managing director Matt Forst, Lt Col David Dawber and MTMS financial director Colin Peacock 16

business network February 2024

UK rail maintenance company MTMS has increased the amount of leave it gives to staff who are serving with the Armed Forces to free them up to serve King and Country.

The company, based in Moira, Leicestershire, has pledged to give 15 days’ paid leave for any reservists working at the firm, as well as six days’ paid leave for cadet force adult volunteers and two days’ leave for any spouses of serving personnel.

MTMS made the promise when it hosted an Armed Forces Covenant event at its headquarters, where three UK firms signed up to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, a Government-backed incentive which encourages firms to support veterans, reservists and local cadets.

The event was introduced by the company’s group strategic lead Bruce Spencer, himself a former British Army officer, and attended by companies that have attained gold Covenant status, underlining their commitment to offering the highest possible level of support to former and serving personnel.

MTMS, which is a silver covenant holder and is looking to achieve its gold status, invited Lieutenant Colonel David Dawber, representing the British Army, to carry out the signing duties with covenant newcomers The Little Kitchen & Bathroom Company and Collier Plant, both from Swadlincote, and Hertech Electrical Solutions, based in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

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MEMBER NEWS

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MEMBER NEWS

Firms getting smart on energy use erby smart building and IT infrastructure firm Scenariio has seen an increase in inquiries from companies wanting to monitor their energy use “on a granular level” – including right down to an individual kettle – as bills rise and more staff return to the workplace.

Staff at Scenariio, based in Siddals Road, are visiting a growing number of firms that want to know how smart technology can help them better understand their energy consumption by pinpointing exactly where and how their electricity is being used.

The upswing comes as UK firms deal with increased running costs during the winter months due to continuing high energy prices.

It also comes in the wake of a survey carried out as part of the recent Virgin Media 02’s Business Movers Index suggesting UK staff are returning to the workplace in larger numbers to avoid having to use their own heating and run appliances during the day.

Scenariio is a UK pioneer in using sensors to monitor energy use. Its technology can provide up-to-the-

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Rob Pritchard

‘Seeing the data in front of them makes the case for changing their approach and people’s behaviour even more compelling’ minute data on how much power is being used by measuring the electricity flow on individual circuits.

Among the 200 sensors it has fitted across its own offices – Scenariio also has sensors monitoring air quality and occupancy levels – are devices

which indicate when someone boils a kettle, switches on the air conditioning, turns on a light or a monitor or even uses an electric vehicle charging unit outside.

All the information comes in real-time via the internet to a dashboard, which is visible on a

screen in the office or on a mobile phone.

This gives Scenariio a better understanding of how much each device costs to run and where staff can save money by switching off monitors or boiling less water when they want a cup of tea.

The technology could save bigger companies thousands of pounds each year, and Rob Pritchard, the firm’s managing director, said rising energy bills has prompted more UK firms to take action.

He said: “We are definitely seeing greater interest from organisations wanting to better understand their energy usage.

“Historically they know what their buildings use through the traditional/smart electric meters, but they only tell you how much, and not where and when, so as companies aim to improve their energy efficiency and ultimately cut their costs, they need to measure their usage at a more granular level.

“Seeing the data in front of them makes the case for changing their approach and people’s behaviour even more compelling.”

Gifting company given prize presents of its own Corporate gifting company Colleague Box celebrated another successful year with two award wins.

The Derby business – set up by husband-and-wife Adam and Natalie Bamford in 2020 when the UK went into lockdown during Covid-19 – picked up the Excellence in Collaboration gong at the East Midlands Chamber Business awards for its work with Blue Light Card, and was named joint winners in the Start-up Entrepreneur of the Year category at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in London.

Adam said: “We are incredibly proud of our recent award wins.

“It was an honour to be recognised for our work with Blue Light Card [a discount scheme for emergency and NHS workers], who have been incredibly supportive of Colleague Box and a joy to work with. As a husband-and-wife team working from our spare room, winning the Start-up of the Year award at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards – a national award that has seen the likes of BrewDog, Dr PawPaw and Zilch win previously – is amazing.

“The journey has been a labour of love, and we are beyond grateful

Time to nominate your favourite niche business Natalie and Adam Bamford receiving their award

for this recognition. It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion that our entire team has poured into building Colleague Box. “These awards not only validate our efforts but also inspire us to continue crafting meaningful, personalised gifts that bring joy to people’s lives.”

Natalie said: “Personalised gifting has become a big deal since the pandemic and it shows that you’ve put some effort and thought in, whether it’s Christmas, an employee milestone or celebration.”

Nominations are open for the 2024 Niche Business Awards, with the chance to nominate deserving businesses or individuals in one or more of 15 categories.

Since its inception in 2014, the awards have welcomed more than 4,000 nominations.

The 2023 awards saw more than 500 guests attend Athena in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter last September, to enjoy an eccentric, interactive carnival theme complete with dancers, drummers and pyrotechnics.

Headline sponsored by Leicester-based Hollingsworths Solicitors, the 2024 ceremony will mark the 10-year anniversary of the awards, with the organisers promising the entertainment will be “off the scale” to make this their biggest celebration yet.

Jenny Cross, chief executive of Cross Productions, which runs the awards, said: “The number of nominations for the Niche Business Awards have increased year-on-year which has proven the demand for local business awards.”

The Niche Business Awards 2024 will be held on 6 September.

Nominations close on 28 March at nichemagazine.co.uk/ nominate-now

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MEMBER NEWS

Professor Matthew Brookes

OBE recognition for Uni professor An academic who works on the development of brain imaging technology for the study of conditions such as autism, epilepsy and dementia, was awarded with an OBE in this year's New Year Honours.

Professor Matthew Brookes, from the University of Nottingham’s School of Physics and Astronomy, was recognised for services to physics, having spent 20 years working on the development and application of multi-modal brain imaging.

Prof Brookes has helped pioneer a new kind of wearable brain scanner – which employs the fundamental quantum physics of atoms to measure magnetic fields generated by the brain – which could transform the diagnosis and understanding of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

The OPM-MEG system can be adapted for anyone from newborns to adults, and sensors can be placed much closer to the head, enhancing data quality. It is also cheaper than conventional scanners.

Prof Brookes said: “I’m absolutely delighted to receive this incredible honour.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with an unbelievably talented team of scientists for many years, both here in Nottingham and collaborators across the world, and the credit for all we have achieved must go to them.

“I’d also like to thank all of the staff and students in the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre and School of Physics and Astronomy, who make working at the university an immense pleasure.

“Most importantly, I’d like to thank my family, in particular my wife Emma and our children Isabel and Freddie, for their unwavering support over a long career.”

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BBC newsreader Jane Hill (far left) presents an award to members of the Nottingham City Transport team

Award wins are just the ticket for bus operator he team at Nottingham City Transport (NCT) picked up gold, silver and bronze awards at the 2023 UK Bus Awards, when they were held at the Troxy music hall in Stepney, London.

The annual event recognised NCT with gold for recruitment and retention while staff member Tika Gurung won a silver award in the top national bus driver category.

The team also won bronze in the top city operator category.

NCT was also a finalist in the marketing campaign of the year category, for a recent student campaign.

The business said winning the recruitment and retention award was important considering the

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‘Our drivers always score very highly in our customer satisfaction surveys’ significant challenges facing the industry as a result of the wellpublicised national shortage of bus drivers. It said it had managed to distinguish itself by successfully bringing in 103 new drivers in the last year and keeping hold of a substantial number of existing drivers. As a result, it said less than one-in-200 journeys over the last 18 months have been cancelled due to driver availability issues.

Tika Gurung joined NCT as a driver three years ago and has

Richard Few

Trade body endorses sales training provider Fast-growing sales training provider Sales Geek has been endorsed by the Institute of Sales Professionals (ISP).

The Chamber member, which is headquartered in Lancashire and has its East Midlands operation in Leicester, has become a leader in the sales training industry, with offices located across the UK and internationally.

The company marked a significant milestone in September with its expansion into the United States, establishing franchises in Texas, Florida, the Carolinas, and Georgia.

Founder and “Chief Geek” Richard Few said: “We are thrilled to receive the endorsement from the Institute of Sales Professionals, it’s the result of months of hard work to prove what we’ve always believed, that our sales training is the very best around.”

demonstrated “excellent” performance and customer service through rigorous mystery traveller assessments.

He previously lived in Hong Kong and Nepal before settling in the UK in 2007, where he arrived with his three brothers through his father, who served as a Gurkha.

Prior to joining NCT, he spent five years as a bus driver with Metroline in London.

NCT managing director David Astill said: “Our drivers always score very highly in our customer satisfaction surveys, and the quality of our training is again enforced by Tika’s tremendous achievement in winning the silver award for top national bus driver.”

Water supplier is a splash hit Water at Work has been awarded a top accreditation for excellence in health and safety in the workplace.

The award was presented

by Alcumus SafeContractor, a leading accreditation scheme which recognises rigorous standards in health and safety management among contractors. It is used by thousands of organisations in the UK, from SMEs to FTSE 100 companies.

East Bridgford-based Water at Work supplies businesses throughout the East Midlands with water coolers and spring water. The company’s application for SafeContractor accreditation reflects its attention to high standards in terms of distribution and management as well as the quality of the water and the water coolers it supplies.

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MEMBER NEWS

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MEMBER FOCUS: PEAK TRANSLATIONS Tell us what your company does and a brief overview of its history?

Peak Translations Ltd, established in 1978 by a German-to-English technical translator, has evolved into a premier translation company, specialising in accurate language transfer for written and spoken content. In 2014, having worked for the company as a project manager since 2005, I bought Peak Translations, assuming the role of managing director. I mark a decade of leadership this year.

Who are your main customers and what is your USP to them?

The company’s clients span diverse sectors, with a commonality among end-users – they are all exporters.

Peak Translations primarily collaborates with UK companies, aiding them in effectively reaching foreign markets by ensuring precise and culturally appropriate language communication.

Whether it’s technical documents, legal contracts, packaging compliance or creative marketing materials, the company’s unique selling proposition lies in a comprehensive client partnership model. This involves understanding project objectives, deploying

linguists with industry-specific expertise, leveraging suitable technology, and offering valuable advice on linguistic intricacies.

What is your position in the business and what does your day-to-day role involve?

As the owner and managing director, my day-to-day responsibilities encompass a broad spectrum. While the operational team manages the daily business activities, my focus centres on business development, lead generation, marketing strategy planning, and networking.

When I’m not looking after business development, I focus on financial management, human resources, information technology, and ISO management for the micro-SME. What challenges have you faced in recent times and how have you tried to overcome them?

Recent challenges include the impact of the decline in UK exports, leading to unpredictable fluctuations in demand and price pressures from clients affected by economic downturns and the costof-living crisis. Another significant

Location: Whaley Bridge, High Peak, Derbyshire Number of employees: 4 Spokesperson: Helen Provart, managing director

challenge involves the increasing adoption of AI and machine translation solutions in the industry.

To address these challenges, the company has maintained operational agility, engaged in ongoing dialogues with clients to develop customised solutions, and integrated AI technologies into its processes to enhance flexibility without compromising quality.

What are the company’s plans for the future?

Looking forward, Peak Translations is committed to continued growth.

We already service a wide range of sectors which has enabled us to remain strong in the face of recent challenges such as Brexit and Covid-19, as well as to minimise the risk when some sectors are more adversely affected than others.

The company aims to expand its service offerings further, with a specific focus on strengthening creative services, particularly in the areas of voiceovers and subtitling.

How long have you been a member of the East Midlands Chamber, and how have you engaged with the membership benefits to support your business activity?

Since becoming active members of the East Midlands Chamber in 2018, Peak Translations has actively participated in the Chamber’s offerings. This includes attendance at networking events, conferences, exhibitions, and dinners.

Overall, Peak Translations has effectively utilised its Chamber membership to enhance its network, visibility, and industry recognition.

NEW MEMBERS In November and December 2023, the Chamber welcomed 34 new members:

Event highlights city’s small business offering A raft of new and existing businesses celebrated Small Business Saturday in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter – with more set to begin trading in 2024.

According to figures compiled by the Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District (BID), 29 new small businesses opened in the area in 2023 – taking the overall number of small and independent traders to more than 290 in the area.

The new data was released as the city celebrated the recent Small Business Saturday UK. Brad Worley, BID manager for the Cathedral Quarter Improvement District (BID), said: “We are immensely proud of all the new 22

business network February 2024

business owners who have opened in The Cathedral Quarter this year.

“Investors can clearly see the opportunity to run their businesses within Derby’s Cathedral Quarter and we are delighted to release these figures which show a real resurgence in the area.

“Small Business Saturday serves as a reminder of the diverse array of goods and services available in the local area and highlights the importance of sustaining these enterprises to maintain vibrant and thriving local economies.”

A recent month-long online campaign shined the spotlight on the unique businesses which work hard to make the Cathedral Quarter a desirable destination in Derby.

• Abiljo Excavator Services • Alicia Kite • Arden Laker International Executive Search • ASK4 Couriers • BiddingUK • Bird Duckworth Mee • Brilliant Ideas • Christeyns Professional Hygiene UK • CS Transportation • DL Customs & Logistics • DMS Business Solutions • East Midlands Freeport • EFD Sport and Education • ELS • Eximia Commercial Finance • Framework HA • GB Solar • Gray and White Consultancy • Ivy Tech • Lemon and Lime Interiors (pictured) • Metamorphic Additive Manufacturing • MLS • NetMonkeys • Oxcroft HR Consulting

• P K Group • PJS Consulting Engineers • Praco Packaging Supplies • Rachel Ellen Designs • Sixes Social Cricket • Strelley Systems • Tomato Energy • TUM TUM • Vale Clearances • Withers People Solutions

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Milestone met with renewable investment has become one of the largest family-run packaging companies in Europe.

At the start of the anniversary year, company boss Björn Schumacher, who runs the company in the third generation with his brother Hendrik, explained: “Along our anniversary motto ‘Unboxing the Future of Packaging’, we are pursuing clear goals for the future. We see considerable potential to make packaging even more climate-friendly across the entire value chain. That’s why we want to further reduce the proportion of plastics in packaging across all sectors and replace it sensibly with the natural raw material paper.” he Schumacher Packaging Group, one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of customised packaging made of corrugated and solid board (www.schumacher-packaging.com), successfully continued its dynamic growth course in 2022.

This year, the company celebrates its 75th anniversary and is investing more in sustainability: the focus is on expanding renewable energies and reducing plastics in packaging by using natural raw materials.

By 2025, Schumacher Packaging plans to invest around €700m in the expansion of existing plants and the construction of new ones.

For 2023, however, the focus is on sustainability. This is because the packaging specialist is pursuing the ambitious goal of climate-neutral production by 2035 and is therefore relying on the most modern, efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.

Around €45m is being invested in the construction of solar power plants, and €10-20m is earmarked for the expansion of wind energy.

Currently, a solar park is under construction at the German site in Forchheim, and two more parks are being built in Poland.

The construction of five more solar power plants in Germany and Poland is planned for 2023 and 2024. The total output of all photovoltaic plants will be around 12 GW/h.

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Raw material supply and security of supply still important

To achieve this, the family-owned company is leading the way in the industry: it provides information, works on innovations and seeks dialogue with stakeholders. The management assumes that more than one fifth of the plastic packaging currently used can be replaced by paper-based solutions. By using plastic-free, biobased barrier coatings, packaging with protective functions can be produced that can be fully recycled. Plastics can thus be completely replaced - with the greatest potential in the food industry.

Replacing plastics sensibly

Corrugated and solid board as the basis for a sustainable circular economy

With its innovative solutions made of corrugated and solid board, Schumacher Packaging has grown continuously over the past 75 years and

Sustainability is of great importance to Schumacher Packaging’s business. “The biggest advantage of paper-based packaging is that it is

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completely natural. They are not waste, can be returned to the material cycle 100 per cent or decompose in nature within a short time without leaving any residues. Currently, more than 85 per cent of corrugated and solid board packaging is recycled – this means that it is reprocessed into packaging after use. Unlike plastic-based reusable systems, no CO2 is emitted during return transport and cleaning,” said Björn Schumacher. “We exploit this potential by leading the way and constantly developing new industryspecific and sustainable products. In this way, we can offer long-term security of supply and be a reliable partner - now and in the future.”

Despite the difficult economic situation due to the Ukraine war and the sharp rise in energy prices, Schumacher Packaging 2022 managed to grow.

The packaging manufacturer reacted flexibly and quickly in the crisis year and was thus able to guarantee supplies to its customers. Strategic decisions contributed to this, such as the acquisition of the Kaierde cartonboard mill, the majority stake in the Italian corrugated base paper manufacturer Cartiere Modesto Cardella SpA and the acquisition of the Leipzig Land GmbH cartonboard mill.

“The consistent expansion of our production and processing capacities represents an important contribution to securing the market's supply situation in the future and is part of our strategy for the future,” said managing director Hendrik Schumacher.

For more details contact Naomi Harvey at Schumacher Packaging sales_bir@schumacher-packaging.com

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APPOINTMENTS

Admin apprentice joins outdoor furniture business

Ryan Conway

New author makes the ‘write’ move Derby PR and communications agency, Nielsen McAllister, has pulled off the “signing of the year” by appointing recently published author Ryan Conway as a senior account manager.

Ryan has transferred his skills to the B2B PR world having gained a degree in sports journalism from the University of Huddersfield and having been recognised by the Football Black List in 2020 as one of the 30 best black sports journalists in the UK. His debut book, Pride Before the Fall, documents Derby County FC’s plight from the 2019 Championship playoff final to coming within a week of extinction and demonstrates his in-depth knowledge of both the Rams and the city of Derby.

These, alongside his awardwinning journalism, will add “dynamism, energy and ideas” to the strong team at Nielsen McAllister.

The agency was recently shortlisted in two categories at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Pride Awards 2023.

Ryan said: “I’m overjoyed to be joining such an unmatched business as Nielsen McAllister.

“From the very first interview I felt part of the team, and I am thrilled to be working with them to help drive forward for even more success in the future.”

Nielsen McAllister managing director Bob Bushby said: “We’re delighted to welcome Ryan to our team.

“His journalistic experience, energy and commitment to delivering results for clients make him a valuable addition to our team as we expand our services for our growing client portfolio.”

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A Derbyshire company making hard-wearing outdoor furniture has welcomed a young apprentice as the latest addition to the team.

Former Anthony Gell School student Leah Barratt, 18, of Crich, is studying for a business administration apprenticeship with Wirksworth-based TDP, which makes outdoor furniture and garden products from 100% recycled plastic.

Leah said she was loving being part of a busy working environment.

She said: “I’m more of a hands-on learner. I wanted to be involved in a business setting. I liked the fact the furniture was 100% recycled and I liked the charity work the company gets involved in.”

Community-minded TDP supports a number of good causes, donating benches to the town of Wirksworth, Wingfield Station – newly renovated by Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust – plus a ‘tea for two’ set to Treetops Hospice’s

Leah Barratt on one of the company’s recycled plastic benches

new Counselling and Therapy Centre, built by the BBC’s DIY SOS. Most of Leah’s apprenticeship consists of on-the-job learning at TDP where she has been getting stuck into many different aspects of the busy family-run firm. She also attends Chesterfield College once a week.

Company commercial director Kym Barlow said: “I think one of the benefits for us as a business is Leah’s enthusiasm, new ideas and willingness to give everything a go.

“She came to a talk we gave at Derby University, and she has come with us to several networking events.”

University names medicine lead

From left: Danny Painter, Alan Chaffe and Josh Donnell

Promotions create team that has real Purpose Marketing agency Purpose Media has made a series of promotions to bolster its management team after a strong performance in 2023.

The move – designed to strengthen collaboration between key parts of the business – sees experienced champions appointed to ensure the firm’s creative, brand and technical capabilities are fully exploited on behalf of its growing client base.

As part of the changes, senior designer Alan Chaffe steps up to creative lead, senior front-end developer Josh Donnell becomes technical lead, and senior designer/front-end developer Danny Painter takes on the role of creative technologist.

Managing director Matt Wheatcroft said the promotions supported the business’s mission to deliver comprehensive and impactful solutions for clients across web, creative, video and digital marketing.

He said: “Our team brilliantly combines insights, technology and creativity to bring our customers’ visions to life and help them achieve their marketing and business objectives. These appointments will ensure that, as we continue to grow, experienced, innovative and passionate voices are always fully heard during all internal and external collaboration, allowing us to continue to produce solutions which exceed client expectations.”

A leading professor in the field of dementia care and the psychiatry of the ageing population has been appointed as the University of Nottingham’s next pro-vicechancellor leading its Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Professor Sube Banerjee joined Nottingham to succeed former deputy chief medical officer for England, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, who stepped down from the role last year to take on a new part-time role as senior strategy adviser in medicine for the university.

Professor Banerjee was previously professor of dementia and executive dean of the Faculty of Health at the University of Plymouth.

He led the development of England’s National Dementia Strategy and his research focuses on improving care and services for people with dementia including the evaluation of new treatments.

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APPOINTMENTS

Paperclip calls on Louise to step into director role Derbyshire-based telephone answering business Paperclip has promoted Louise Bellwood to director.

Louise joined Paperclip two years ago as senior commercial manager and has been integral to the implementation of new systems, training and development, and service delivery.

Managing director Anne Batty said: ‘Over the past two years, Louise has worked incredibly hard to understand and develop the operational side of Paperclip’s business.

“She has built strong relationships with existing clients and, alongside the Paperclip team’s professional service delivery, has contributed to our excellent client retention performance.

“I have now tasked Louise with spearheading the next phase of Paperclip’s growth.

“I have no doubt she will approach this with the same energy, enthusiasm and skill she has shown in every challenge she has taken on so far.’

Louise said: “We have already planned a wide range of marketing initiatives in the first quarter of 2024, including exhibitions, social media campaigns, and advertising.

Deepa Jamal

Timms adds new commercial lawyer

Louise Bellwood (left) with Paperclip managing director Anne Batty

“One of Paperclip’s core differentiators is the scope and flexibility of the services we deliver.

“The aim is to meet potential clients face-to face wherever possible and really get to the heart of their aspirations and the challenges they face.”

Duo join management consultancy Derby-based independent management consultancy FPA Consulting has expanded its team with the appointment of Dave Brandon and Caroline Eyden.

It follows a period of growth for the company which specialises in quality, environmental, sustainability, health and safety and information security, procurement, energy and utility management.

Dave Brandon joins as a consultant having previously worked at the National Timber Group as its integrated systems group manager supporting 36 sites across the country. Caroline Eyden also joins as a consultant, having previously worked in the regulatory

department for a medical device company.

In their new roles both Dave and Caroline will work with clients to assist them in developing, maintaining, and improving their management systems.

Managing director John Barke said: “As a team we are very proud of our 25 year track record of supporting businesses to achieve management standards and create cost-effective, efficient and sustainable supply chains.

“Dave and Caroline bring new and complementary skills to our company and we are delighted to have them on board to assist our drive for future growth.”

Dave Brandon and Caroline Eyden

Timms Solicitors have appointed Deepa Jamal as a lawyer in the firm’s growing commercial department.

Deepa studied law and psychology at De Montfort University and has worked in commercial property in Derby for more than five years.

Working across Timms offices in Derby, Ashby, Burton and Swadlincote, she specialises in all aspects of commercial property including advising landlords and tenants on business leases. She also handles the sale and purchases of business assets.

Timms managing partner Fiona Moffat said: “Deepa has a specific skills set which will greatly enhance the service we are able to offer – particularly in advising both tenants and landlords of high street businesses which are the life-blood of our local communities.”

Deepa said: “Timms have a sterling reputation and I am delighted to have joined them in the next stage of my career.”

Hugo building a career at leading property firm

Dave Brandon and Caroline Eyden

Commercial property consultancy Salloway has promoted Hugo Beresford to associate director.

Mr Beresford initially joined the company on a placement from Nottingham Trent University in 2014 as a surveyor, and returned to a full-time position at the firm after completing his studies.

Since then, he has proven himself to be an invaluable asset to the business – which operates out of Derby, Nottingham and Burton – who has developed and grown within the organisation, providing clients with high-quality advice across the commercial property sectors on matters such as acquisitions and disposals, rent reviews, lease renewals and valuations.

More recently, he has become a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

He said “I am delighted to have been

promoted to the position of associate director and I am truly thankful that my efforts have been recognised. The growth of my career continues thanks to the opportunities and support provided

by Salloway Property Consultants and for that I am exceptionally grateful.”

Managing director Stephen Salloway said: “It is extremely rewarding to see Hugo progress through the ranks starting as a raw sandwich placement and going on to become an extremely competent chartered surveyor.

“Hugo has achieved this through hard work and a desire to listen and learn. He has an excellent work ethic and has developed a portfolio of corporate and private clients to whom he provides a high quality and very professional service.”

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MEMBER NEWS

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

Inventor Joseph is determined to make a difference How James Dyson helped young Loughborough University student Joseph Bentley with his revolutionary – and hopefully life-saving – response to knife attacks.

ontinuing a focus on the Chamber’s Generation Next programme in this month’s magazine, we spoke to one of the big winners of last year’s Generation Next awards – and hear about the long, hard process of getting a radical new medical device ready for market.

Joseph Bentley has devoted his adult life to developing something that could soon be having an impact around the world.

It’s not lost on the Loughborough University product design and technology graduate that one day his efforts could mean the difference between life and death for a victim of knife crime.

He said: “For me, when I started the company, I knew that I didn’t necessarily have the skills to make massive social and political change – but knife crime is such a sensitive thing in the UK. “So I hoped and had aspirations that we would be able to develop a piece of medical technology that could do something, that could make a valuable impact.

“I can’t really imagine what the feeling will be like the first time that this device will be used to stop someone from bleeding to death – but I hope one day to understand what that will be like.

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Joseph Bentley with the awardwinning device that could save the lives of stab victims around the world

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

Joseph was prompted to create the life-saving device after two friends were stabbed

“I wish such horrible things didn’t happen, but someone’s got to do something.”

While still a student at Loughborough, Joseph came up with an idea to design something that could plug life-threatening knife wounds after two friends were stabbed.

The attacks brought home just how critical his idea could be.

He discovered that there was already a process where paramedics could pack fresh knife wounds with a special type of gauze – and even a clotting agent – to stem the flow of blood.

Joseph took that idea one step further, developing a device with a special sleeve which is inserted into a wound and inflated –

Joseph demonstrates the product with a ‘stab dummy’

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potentially easier to use and more efficient than the old method.

That idea and his prototype helped him achieve a first at university in 2021, and go on to win that year’s International James Dyson Award – giving him the impetus to persevere with his idea as well as £30,000 of seed funding to keep it going.

Other awards have followed and more recently Joseph was named entrepreneur of the year at the East Midlands Chamber’s Generation Next awards, where he also picked up the innovation and technology award.

Since then his business, called ACT Medical has gained more than £200,000 in grant funding

Joseph was a guest speaker at Loughborough University’s Schofield Society dinner

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

as well as private backing which Joseph puts over seven figures.

The hope now is to have a finished device in production within the next few years, ready for use by first responders such as paramedics and police – the people whose actions can make all the difference at the scene of a stabbing or injury.

Joseph, who is still only 24 and lives in Cambridge, came up with the REACT device – it stands for Rapid Emergency Actuating Tamponade – having already helped work on technology for one of the biggest health emergencies of his generation.

He was on a sandwich placement in the medical device team at a Cambridgeshire company called TTP – The Technology Partnership – when the Government launched its campaign to find designs for a new type of mass produced ventilator that could help people whose breathing was badly impacted by Covid19.

Thankfully, as the medical profession’s understanding of Covid became more apparent, the project was shelved, but it gave Joseph a solid grounding for his future plan.

He said: “I was fortunate to be in a med-tech consultancy right at the start of Covid when the government did their ventilator challenge.

“It was all hands on deck, redesigning a ventilator in six weeks, with full 13, 14, 15 hour days, speaking to people on the frontline who were dealing with this every day.

“We ended up partnering with Dyson and I was asked to do a render to be shared with Dyson and the employees there – and woke up the next morning to see it was headline news.

‘Knife crime was a focus for me and it dawned on me that I wanted to do something about people that were bleeding out.’

Joseph was named Entrepreneur of the Year at last year’s Generation Next awards

“I was seeing the images that were on my computer screen a few hours earlier go up on mainstream news. It was crazy and really motivated us as a team.

“It was all around creating something that could be rapidly manufacturable and we got to the point where we had them ready to go, but then the projections dropped and the Government didn’t need them.

“They were ready should they be needed and something that was a great success and which I hold quite dear to my heart.

“This was the first time I was exposed to a great healthcare demand – creating a medical device for this very large problem.

“As I pondered what my final year design project was going to be, it came across my mind that I wanted to tackle something that was sensitive and important and healthcare related.

“It hadn’t occurred to me at this point, but while I was at university there were a couple of incidents with two of my friends who were stabbed in unrelated events in London.

“I’d watched them and their families go through that, so knife crime was a focus for me and it dawned on me that I wanted to do something about people that were bleeding out.”

He said it can take stab victims five minutes to bleed to death – never mind the time it takes for help to arrive – so making something that was quick and effective to use was key.

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

The device has been through a rigorous testing regime

He said: “The first aid advice if you are ever stabbed or impaled by any object is to not remove the object, because it’s providing what they call an internal tamponade – providing internal pressure that limits the amount of blood loss. The idea in my mind was can a first responder place a device inside a stab wound which can use internal pressure to stabilise a person quicker?”

This turned into a design project using a balloon system which is inserted and inflated, and based on the average stab wound depth of five inches.

After the project was completed, Loughborough University helped Joseph with protecting the patent and with publicising his work which, once again, gained big media attention.

He said: “It always blows my mind, to be honest. I’d gone on summer holiday after university and out of absolutely nowhere I was getting hundreds of messages a day.

‘Even if these devices are going to be used to save lives they do have to be quite low cost which is something we have changed our design towards’ “That really invited me to think about whether I wanted to continue the project and when I spoke to surgeons and paramedics about the design of the project it was always “yes”. As a concept it seemed valid.”

He said he was helped by Pete Hitchings, the manager of the Loughborough University Incubator, and student enterprise team there, who helped him with many of the minutiae associated with setting up a business – including finding crucial funding.

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Loughborough University helped Joseph protect his patent

He said: “This was something I had designed at university and now it was a case of seeing if it was possible to turn it into what is, quite honestly, a high-risk classification medical device.”

The Dyson money was the first to go into the business, and gave him the confidence to dedicate at least one more year to seeing if it could work.

“It was a massive stepping stone for us, and a vote of confidence from a really big name.”

From there his team – which has three fulltime members and hopes to have another four or five in the next couple of months – started looking for more funding and to find the right path to commercialise the concept.

They also completely redesigned the prototype to make it less mechanical, easier to use and, importantly, cheaper.

He said: “The product has massively changed.

“We’re still using the principles of applying internal, direct pressure. That hasn’t changed.

“But the cost, size and weight of the system has been substantially reduced, which we feel ensures that when we get to market these devices can be in every location that one would expect.

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

“Even if these devices are going to be used to save lives they do have to be quite low cost which is something we have changed our design towards.

“We’re one of the only companies at the moment focussing on purely direct pressure for internal wounds.

“A lot of companies look at external pressure – the tourniquet is the best example of something like that, which goes around a limb but which cuts off blood to the entire arm or leg, and there are obviously problems with that.

“We are looking at very targeted, direct pressure that hopefully continues blood flow throughout the rest of the limb so you have far fewer issues when you actually come to take it off.”

After several years of hard work Joseph said the team were finally “very close” to having a design that they will be comfortable with sharing. But that’s only the next stage in a very long process.

He said: “In terms of the medical validation of that design we are at least two or three years away from that being available to the market.

“It’s quite hard to say how much it will cost.

We know that haemostatic gauze can sell as a 3m roll, I guess, for about £60, so relatively low cost. “But there are other products available in the US that can be upwards of $300, $400, $500, so we want to be at the lower end of that spectrum.”

And when production finally gets underway Joseph said he would love for it to be manufactured in the UK – or at least in the countries where they are going to be sold.

For the time-being it will be a case of “watch this space” to see if the grand idea of a young student from Loughborough could one day be saving lives around the world.

AWARD ENCOURAGES YOUNG INVENTORS The James Dyson Award has supported hundreds of promising inventions from young engineers and scientists in dozens of countries around the world.

In 2021, the award received a record number of entries worldwide and Sir James chose three global winners for the first time that year, each receiving £30,000 in prize money to support the next stages of their inventions.

The sustainability winner was a low-cost, handheld device to identify plastic for recycling, while the international winner was a device for pain-free, at-home eye pressure testing – opening up access to glaucoma testing – by students of the National University of Singapore.

Joseph Bentley picked up that year’s international medical award. Sir James said of his design: “This type of problem-solving invention shows the significant impact engineers can have on serious, global issues, and is why I created the James Dyson Award.

“Developing a medical device is very challenging and there will be no end of hurdles, but I would urge Joseph not to be put off since the opportunity to save lives is so great. I hope that through winning the award this invention gets the support it requires as it has the potential to make an impactful change.”

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STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS

Expert helps Chamber secure wellbeing rating he Chamber is helping to set the bar for workplace wellbeing after landing a global accreditation – with the help of the region’s top expert in the field.

The region’s largest business representation group has achieved the WELL Health-Safety Rating at its offices in Chesterfield and Nottingham, following consultancy support from workplace consultants and office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors, based in Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

Administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for buildings that focuses on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans to address a post-Covid environment now and into the future.

WELL certification helps large and small businesses to take the necessary steps in order to prioritise the health and safety of their staff, visitors and stakeholders by reviewing environmental aspects such as air and water quality, nourishment, light, noise and comfort.

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The WELL Health-Safety Rating focuses on stakeholder engagement, health resources, emergency preparedness and cleaning procedures.

‘The pandemic shone a new light on how we manage workspaces’ East Midlands Chamber director of resources Lucy Robinson said: “The pandemic shone a new light on how we manage workspaces in order to instil confidence among employees and visitors who use our buildings, whether it is everyday or on a hybrid working basis.

“We therefore felt it was important to adopt a recognised standard to ensure our buildings support the wellbeing of our people when they are working from the office in order to support collaboration with colleagues.

“Working closely with our patron Blueprint Interiors, we focused on areas including air and water quality management, cleaning and sanitation, emergency preparedness, health service resources, and stakeholder engagement and communication.

Facilities coordinator Dean Symonds and director of resources Lucy Robinson

“As a result of these efforts, we are delighted to have received the WELL Health-Safety Rating, which we believe will enhance our offer as an employer of choice in the region while also acting as an exemplar for our 4,000-plus members.”

Workplace design consultancy and interior fit-out specialist Blueprint Interiors became the first company in the East Midlands to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating in 2021, and now supports other businesses to meet the requirements for accreditation.

Rebecca Beadle is a WELLaccredited professional, and lead

project designer and well-being specialist at Blueprint Interiors.

She said: “We are continuously innovating in order to bring workplace consultancy, practical processes, sustainable building techniques, psychological theory, data insights and accreditations such as the WELL Building Standard together to ensure workplaces meet the needs of the people that use them. The Chamber has fully embraced all these principles and we are pleased to have been able to support it to achieve this prestigious rating.”

Link can help put businesses at cutting edge An independent research and technology organisation has entered into a strategic partnership with the Chamber.

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) works in partnership with industry, academia and its members to implement innovative manufacturing processes and new technologies.

Its areas of expertise stretch across a wide range of industry sectors, including aerospace, defence and security, power and energy, automotive, built environment, space, food and drink, and healthcare.

Andy Barnes, sector management director at the MTC, said: “We’re delighted to join East Midlands Chamber as a strategic partner. Thanks to the Midlands’ strong manufacturing heritage, this will enable us to help more companies in the region to adopt new technologies that will support our country’s transition to net zero.”

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The MTC building

The MTC was established in 2010 to bridge the gap between university-based research and the development of innovative manufacturing solutions in industry, in line with the Government’s manufacturing strategy. It is part of the High Value Manufacturing

Catapult, supported by Innovate UK. It employs 900 people across its sites at Ansty Park, in Coventry, and Liverpool Science Park, in Liverpool, which are home to the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre and the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing.

As part of its strategic partnership with the Chamber, the MTC will be a partner of the Manufacturing and Trade Conference and East Midlands Manufacturing Network, which unites local manufacturers and enables members to tap into peerto-peer and expert knowledge in order to evolve and expand.

David Pearson, director of partnerships at East Midlands Chamber, said: “As the UK’s manufacturing heartland, the East Midlands has a huge number of businesses that stand to benefit from tapping into the Manufacturing Technology Centre’s knowledge and support, which will enable our firms to grow.

“We’re therefore very excited to be strengthening our relationship with the MTC, which will be a key supporter of our Manufacturing and Trade Conference as well as our growing East Midlands Manufacturing Network.”

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STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS

Freeport team-up aims to boost inward investment he Chamber has joined forces with East Midlands Freeport to help make the region an enticing destination for overseas investors.

The organisations have entered into a strategic partnership agreement that aims to maximise the economic potential of having the UK’s only inland freeport located in the region.

The freeport provides tax and customs benefits to businesses that locate themselves across three tax sites in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, with the goal of attracting foreign direct investment that will create jobs and boost skills in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, automotive and logistics. The ability to retain business rates will also help drive economic regeneration across the region.

The partnership will involve co-ordinated activity between the organisations on inward investment, harnessing the Chamber’s relationships with local MPs and Government decision-makers.

The Chamber will also support the freeport to identify businesses that could become customs site operators. Any business that operates in the freeport’s 45km diameter enclosed zone, centred on East Midlands Airport, can apply to become a customs site operator to receive a number of VAT and Duty benefits.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The Chamber is the only organisation that has a territory to match that of East Midlands Freeport, so we are delighted to be playing a key role in unlocking the potential of a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our region.

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Help to build your leadership team

‘The Chamber will perform a vital supporting role for the Freeport’ “We were one of the biggest supporters during the freeport’s formation, having called for a free trade zone around East Midlands Airport to maximise the potential of having the UK’s busiest pure freight airport on our doorstep as far back as 2018 in our Business Manifesto for Growth.

“It is exciting to see the freeport now fully operational, and this strategic partnership is a major milestone in getting the word out to both businesses in our region who can benefit as customs site operators and to those overseas about why the East Midlands is a great place to invest and do business.”

Over a 30-year period, the

freeport expects to add £9bn to the East Midlands economy and create tens of thousands of jobs, while retaining £1bn of business rates to be spent locally.

Since receiving formal Government approval in March last year, it has already attracted £150m of investment and created 300 jobs.

East Midlands Freeport chief executive Tom Newman-Taylor (pictured, inset) said: “The Chamber will perform a vital supporting role for the Freeport by helping to identify and contact businesses who will benefit from the customs reliefs we can provide, lend us their investment expertise and help to raise our profile with their 4,000 members.”

The University of Leicester has launched a new Level 7 senior leadership apprenticeship starting on Monday 8 April.

Open to applications from organisations of all sizes and sectors, the senior leader apprenticeship is funded through the UK Government’s Apprenticeship Levy. It aims to support organisations wanting to build leadership capacity within their teams and individuals who are currently in, or moving into, strategic management roles.

Providing the flexibility of online learning combined with opportunities for on-campus study, the apprenticeship is designed to be completed partly during work time with organisational support.

Upon successful completion, alongside the apprenticeship award, apprentices gain a postgraduate diploma in business administration accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), with the option to undertake a further six-months of study on the Leicester MBA. For more information, visit www.le.ac.uk/courses/seniorleader-apprenticeship/2024

THE CHAMBER IS HONOURED BY THE SUPPORT OF ITS STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS

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CHAMBER NEWS

Amelia Bone, PA of the Year 2023 with Scott Knowles

Awards recognise support expertise The East Midlands PA Awards are back for a second year, providing businesses with the opportunity to externally recognise and celebrate the achievements of executive and business support professionals.

After being held for the first time last autumn, entries are now open for the 2024 celebration, which will take place in September.

There are nine categories to enter, inclusive of all experience levels across all sectors: • Team of the Year Award • Rising Star/Newcomer of the Year Award • Outstanding Achievement Award • Lifetime Achievement Award • Independent Virtual Assistant of the Year Award • Administrative Professional of the Year Award • PA of the Year Award • Project Champion of the Year Award • Business Support Manager of the Year Award.

The awards recognise individuals working across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

Some of the positions can include personal assistant, executive assistant, virtual assistant, office manager, office junior, administrative assistant, business support manager and secretary.

To view category criteria and to make a nomination, visit www.pa-forum.co.uk and click the East Midlands PA Awards tab.

Fully-subsidised training that will help to drive business growth Action-planning workshops are a key part of the Accelerator project, a fully-funded project designed to help businesses in the East Midlands at all stages of development to start, sustain, grow and innovate.

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive at the Chamber, explains what the workshops involve and how to sign up.

ADDRESSING BUSINESS CHALLENGES Businesses that commit to a programme of continuous development are best placed to adapt and respond to changing market demands and trends. The Chamber recognises that net zero, ESG, digital transformation, AI and innovation are all areas that, over the coming years, will help drive business growth in the region.

These areas are all cornerstones of the Accelerator project.

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY ACTION PLANNING? The Chamber’s action-planning workshops help delegates develop focus and decide on next steps in meeting particular goals. The workshops: • Are delivered by expert trainers in an inclusive boardroom style • Cover a range of topics, from finance and HR to digital marketing and sales • Include no more than 15 delegates to allow for individual feedback wherever possible • Provide delegates with an actionable plan and strategy to implement once back in their business.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Any staff member, manager or business owner who plays a part in a business’s strategy, operations and performance.

TOPICS COVERED For more information about partnership packages, contact PA Forum founder Daniel Skermer on daniel@paforum.co.uk or the Chamber’s executive support manager Lesley Young on lesley.young@emc-dnl.co.uk

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The Chamber has contracted a team of expert trainers to deliver action planning workshops, including in the following areas: • Leadership and management A key skill of leadership is building the right team. Whatever the challenge, a team that performs also thrives. Our ‘Building a high-

performance team’ workshops cover the key foundations of top teams, providing practical skills to help accelerate this journey.

• HR and employment Law ‘Performance management in a day’ is one of our most popular HR courses for managers seeking to ensure due diligence when it comes to their role in leading and empowering people.

• Finance A better understanding of business finance – including using the right terminology when dealing with the finance team or accountants, and calculating the profitability of different products and services – is key to running a successful business and is the topic of our ‘Managing finance’ workshop.

• Cultural change The ability to be consistently creative is widely recognised as the key to respond and adapt to change in the commercial world.

Internationally-acclaimed culture change expert David Chabeaux helps put managers and their staff on the road to creating a culture that ignites creative potential, builds a culture of resilience and empowers a culture of talent.

• Sales and marketing Sound marketing and branding practice starts with developing the foundations of a robust marketing strategy. Our ‘Marketing and brand development’ workshops equip delegates with a toolkit of brand development methods to take their business to the next level.

HOW TO SIGN UP • 21 February, 9.30-4: Align a culture of execution – Delta Hotels by Marriott, Nottingham • 21 February, 10-11: Decarbonising governance – online • 22 February, 9.30-4: Getting started with paid search advertising – The Grand Hotel, Mercure Leicester • 22 February, 9.30-4: Managing finance – Reach Events Derby • 27 February, 10-11: Decarbonising culture and optimising engagement – online • 28 February, 10-11: The carbon neutral journey: Not all footprints, verifications and offsets are the same – online • 29 February, 9.30-4: Modern SEO – Strelley Hall, Nottingham • 6 March, 9.30-4: Seeking a culture of understanding – Delta Hotels

by Marriott, Nottingham • 12 March, 9.30-4: Getting started with email marketing – East Midlands Chamber, Friars Mill, Leicester To view our upcoming Accelerator workshops and to book your place, visit: bit.ly/AcceleratorEvents There is no limit to the number of workshops or webinars you and your colleagues may attend. Accelerator workshops, webinars and conferences will be running throughout 2024 and are constantly evolving to meet businesses’ needs. If there’s a topic you think the Chamber should add to its programme, please let the Events team know at: events@d2n2growthhub.co.uk

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CHAMBER NEWS

Sir John Peace

Action urged on Newark bypass

Marketing and sales go hand in hand, of course, but often businesses think of sales only as new business coming through the door. Opportunities for repeat or add-on sales from existing customers can easily be overlooked.

A company’s customer care people are best placed to spot and develop those opportunities, and our ‘Negotiating sales through excellent customer service’ workshop helps delegates explore how they can best work with their customers to maximise results and relationships while developing their role as trusted partner.

• Web design and e-commerce ‘How to plan, build and launch a killer website’ offers a comprehensive overview for businesses to understand their key audiences, and structure their website and content accordingly.

Our ‘How to safely update your WordPress site’ workshop helps remove some of the mystique around web updates, giving businesses the confidence to add and maintain their own websites.

• Organic search, measurement and conversion Our ‘Making the most of Google Analytics’ workshop gives a useful insight into how you can track who is visiting your website, where they

come from, how long they stay, and what action they take (if anything) as a result.

• Paid digital advertising Our ‘How to master digital display and video advertising’ workshop supports businesses implement online campaigns where they want to target particular audiences with content.

• Social media and content marketing Perhaps one of the biggest changes to the way we all do business – in fact, even the way we live – is how we make use of AI. Our ‘Getting started with ChatGPT’ workshop continues to be everpopular among businesses seeking to become more efficient with their time and to improve efficiencies.

How to ensure a streamlined customer journey from start to end is the subject of our ‘Converting more website visitors into sales and leads’ workshop, with our ‘Using video in content marketing’ workshop providing visually engaging ways in which to win and convert new audiences.

• Energy readiness We’ve also been asked by some of the district councils to run ‘Energy grant readiness’ workshops for businesses in their area. By taking energy bills from the last year, the sessions can help businesses

ABOUT THE UK SHARED PROSPERITY FUND The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6bn of funding for local investment by March 2025. The fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

Diane Beresford

produce an initial energy baseline, understand their associated carbon footprint and identify energy saving ideas. They also include broader training around energy auditing to take away and hopefully implement.

ABOUT THE TRAINERS The workshops are delivered by consultants who have been chosen because of their expertise in their field and their demonstration of how their support has helped businesses at a very practical level.

The team are also on hand to offer consultancy support, funded by the Accelerator project’s growth vouchers, in areas such as a website or social media audit.

WEBINARS For those staff members who are short on time, one-hour webinars are perfect as an introduction to a particular topic.

Our sustainability series not only offers webinars with universal appeal such as the implementation, management and benefits of the international environmental management system ISO14001 but more sector-specific webinars such as ‘Supply chain decarbonisation for manufacturing, retail, and the food and drink sectors’, which offer support on how to approach and calculate Scope 3 emissions.

Finishing work to upgrade the Newark bypass has been labelled as “imperative” by Midlands Connect chairman Sir John Peace as a new report is launched.

The region’s transport body says the A46 bypass is not currently performing at a standard that meets current and future needs.

The main issue affecting the bypass is traffic congestion, with an average of 15,440 to 16,290 vehicles passing through the corridor northbound and southbound each day.

This has resulted in belowaverage vehicle speeds, which are exacerbated by congestion at junctions that, apart from the Farndon roundabout junction, all operate at excess of 75% of their maximum capacity.

Midlands Connect’s report said high traffic volumes have contributed to significant safety issues, with 77 collisions recorded between 2017 and 2021.

It has proposed a scheme costing between £500m and £600m that would reduce journey times by 30%.

Measures would include improved signals at Farndon roundabout, a new dualcarriageway bridge over the A1, better signalling at Winthorpe roundabout, and improved junction at the Cattle Market roundabout.

Sir John said: “Newark is the missing piece of the puzzle for the A46, and Midlands Connect’s firm and strong recommendation is for the Government to grasp the nettle and finish this vital upgrade of the Trans Midlands trade corridor.”

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President stays on for another year as six new board members are appointed tuart Dawkins will remain as Chamber president for another year after the business representation group held its annual general meeting (AGM) for 2023.

The former FTSE 100 bank communications director continues in the honorary role after Dawn Whitemore, who was due to succeed him for 2024, chose to defer her year as president until it is compatible with her position as chief executive of SMB College Group.

Craig Brothers, owner of Nottinghamshire-based digital transformation consultancy Six Degrees Associates, was inaugurated as vice-president, with Dawn now set to succeed him as president at the AGM in 2025.

Six individuals were also elected to the Board of Directors, a group of 17 experienced business leaders representing different fields and sectors who provide strategic direction to the senior leadership team in driving forward the chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.

The new board members are: • Martin Barnett, chair of TTK Confectionery (trading as The Treat Kitchen) • George Oliver, owner of 1284 • Maz Patel, managing director of

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Scope Construction • Amit Sonpal, director of commercial banking at Barclays Bank • Anjuu Trevedi MBE, head of knowledge exchange and innovation at De Montfort University and senior partnerships development manager at Twycross Zoo • Sandra Wiggins, manufacturing mentor and leadership coach at Authentically Balanced.

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CHAMBER IN NUMBERS • 14,212 export documents completed • 2,786 customs declarations completed • 9,049 event registrations • 469 Business Awards applications • 1,790 people supported into work

‘Outstanding at all the things a chamber of commerce should be’

• 281 jobs created or safeguarded • 8,347 businesses supported • 30,000+ business support interactions • 44 strategic partners and patrons

Stuart, who spent 18 years working at Alliance & Leicester prior to its acquisition by Santander and now sits on a number of strategic boards across the region, spoke about how East Midlands Chamber has gone “from strength to strength” since its creation following a merger between Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce with its Leicestershire counterpart a decade ago.

“I remain convinced that not only is East Midlands Chamber outstanding at all the things a chamber of commerce should be, it also performs a vital role as a voice for the East Midlands – a region that lacks many such voices,” he

Representatives from Pick Everard and Flint Bishop, pictured with Chamber chair of the board Kevin Harris (right) received certificates for 95 years as a Chamber member 38

Five of the new board members, from left: George Oliver, Martin Barnett, Sandra Wiggins, Anjuu Trevedi and Maz Patel. Inset below: Stuart Dawkins

• 32,695 social media followers

said at the event, held at The Link Hotel, in Loughborough, on Wednesday 13 December.

Stuart revealed he will continue to support the region’s three community foundations – Foundation Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, and Nottinghamshire Community Foundation – for another year as part of the Chamber Charitable Fund, which raised £4,698 over the past 12 months.

He explained how between them, they support more than 400 local charities and causes each year, and he wished to “continue to raise awareness about their vital role in the infrastructure of our place”.

His two themes for the year of supporting “generation-next-butone” and supporting our communities will also remain in place for 2024.

Stuart added: “Healthy, positive communities are not just a nice-tohave. Supporting them is not just ticking the CSR box. It is an essential part of a sound, thriving economy and society.

“Similarly, one does not need to be a grandparent to be aware of the way in which the choices made

by those with power today can profoundly affect the lives of those who will take our place in future generations.”

The AGM, which was preceded by a market hall exhibition of 17 charities and non-profits, was hosted for the first time by Kevin Harris, who was appointed chair of the Board of Directors earlier this year. It featured a presentation from East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles on its activities over the past year and opportunities for members in 2024.

Mir Patel, from the Chamber’s Leicestershire Business of the Year for 2023, Unique Window Systems, and Craig Needham, from Nottinghamshire Business of the Year, BFY Group, also gave presentations on their companies.

The event wrapped up with presentations to longstanding members, with Nottingham University Business School celebrating 30 years as a member, UHY Hacker Young and Leicester City Football Club reaching their 40th year and Saint-Gobain Construction Products UK marking 50 years. Pick Everard and Flint Bishop were also honoured for 95 years as members of the Chamber.

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Event supports entrepreneurs ome 120 people attended the first annual Generation Next conference at the Nottingham Forest City Ground, which had a theme of facing up to adversity and making the most of entrepreneurial thinking.

Aimed at the region’s up-andcoming business leaders, the event included speeches and a Q&A with representatives of East Midlands Chamber, sponsor Mattioli Woods, Loughborough College, and ER recruitment. The event’s headline sponsor was ITS Technology Group.

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‘It’s our collective responsibility to harness our innovative potential’ Generation Next is the Chamber’s networking group for young professionals aged 18-to-35, and the half day conference also marked the launch of the 2024 Generation Next Awards – the winners of which will be announced on 4 July.

Chris Hobson, the Chamber’s director of policy and external affairs, took the opportunity to use the day to talk through some of the results of a recent Generation Next Survey (see page 41). It showed that issues such as flexible working, continuous personal development and maintaining a work-life balance were at the top of the list of what the region’s young business people

Clockwise from top: The conference attracted 120 delegates; Stephen Fern, managing director of 200 Degrees Coffee, told his ‘Entrepreneur’s Story’; the Chamber’s Lucy Robinson (left) with Beth Bearder

want in their careers.

Beth Bearder, legal director at Nottingham employment lawyers Halborns and a Generation Next Champion and board member, said attendees shared a combination of resilient minds and entrepreneurial spirit.

She said: “Entrepreneurial thinking embodies a mindset, a

way of approaching obstacles with creativity, resourcefulness, and an unwavering determination to find solutions.

“It’s about embracing uncertainty, spotting opportunities where others see obstacles, and persistently forging ahead, even when the path seems daunting.

Throughout history, some of the

most remarkable innovations and successes have emerged from adversity.

“Think about individuals who turned setbacks into stepping stones, transforming challenges into groundbreaking opportunities.

“Their stories teach us that resilience coupled with an entrepreneurial mindset is a formidable combination, capable of turning adversity into advantage.

“We stand at a juncture where the world faces unprecedented challenges – from global health crises to environmental concerns and economic uncertainties.

“But let us remember that within every crisis lies the seed of opportunity.

“It’s our collective responsibility to harness our innovative potential, to leverage our entrepreneurial thinking to address these challenges head-on.

“It’s about fostering a culture where failure is not feared but embraced as a stepping stone towards success.

“It’s about nurturing an ecosystem that encourages creativity, collaboration, and out-ofthe-box thinking.

“It’s about cultivating a mindset that sees challenges as invitations to innovate, pivot, and evolve.”

For more on the networking group visit generationnextemc.co.uk

MEET THE GENERATION NEXT CHAMPIONS FOR 2024 RETURNING MEMBERS: Daniel Nikolla – Chair Daniel is a chartered marketer from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Scarlett Canavan – Vice chair Amber Siddall Beth Bearder Byron Burghart Harsh Shah Rikan Patel

NEW MEMBERS: Ella Sheppard (1) Ella is a senior associate at law firm Freeths, specialising in employment law and HR support. She offers contentious and noncontentious advice on all employment-related matters to employers and employees across the East Midlands and beyond.

Benjamin Wileman (2) Benjamin is a senior leasing consultant at Select Car Leasing Burton-on-Trent. He has worked in the automotive industry for more than five years since graduating from the University of the West of England.

His role is to provide a five-star customer

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service by helping clients identify and choose the right vehicle and contract dependent upon their needs and requirements.

Joshua Leach-Aslam (3) Joshua is the general manager at restaurant food supplier Ocean King, where he translates the vision of its directors to develop and implement strategies for success.

He joined the food sector in 2016 after a successful career in the British Army. After joining the sector as a novice, he has grown into a respected member of the industry.

Nicole Perkins (4) Nicole has more than 10 years’ experience working in multiple sectors including aerospace, utilities, manufacturing, before landing her current role as a procurement officer at Futures Housing Group.

She is passionate about her personal development, but also supporting other young

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professionals in helping build their own personal and professional platforms.

Preethi Kang (5) Preethi is a business, marketing and sales professional with 13 years’ experience working in engineering, manufacturing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics markets with multinationals and SMEs. Currently the commercial manager at Qinesis, a business growth company, Preethi has started the transition towards becoming the MD. Ruby Birks (6) Ruby is project manager at a full-service agency Purpose Media, where she manages the schedules, scope, cost and resources for projects and retainers.

She began her career as a digital project apprentice in 2021, and in 2022, on completing her apprenticeship with distinction, she transitioned into her current role.

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Helping SMEs to be equitable workplaces Chris Hobson presents the survey results at the Generation Next conference

Next generation want a better work-life balance lexible working, continuous personal development and maintaining a work-life balance are top of the list for the next generation of business, according to a report by Generation Next.

A healthy work-life balance was ranked as the most important aspect of a job by employees aged 18-to-35 in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, with 34% citing this as being above all other considerations in a survey by the network.

This was followed by salary (30%), entrepreneurial freedom (20%), benefits (10%) and innovation (7%).

When asked how important hybrid and remote working was to securing a role, respondents gave it an average score of 7.3 out of 10.

Generation Next carried out its first-ever Young Professionals in the East Midlands survey, to help businesses and other key stakeholders understand the

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development needs and preferences of the future and existing workforce, as well as to align the network’s offering to members.

Lucy Robinson, director of resources at East Midlands Chamber and Generation Next lead, said: “Undertaking this survey has been a really important piece of work for us, not only to help the wider East Midlands business community to retain and attract young talent, but also to ensure our services are still relevant in developing the region’s skills.”

Generation Next chair Daniel Nikolla commissioned the survey as part of his goals during his first year heading up the board.

Fellow board member Harsh Shah, who is a data analytics manager at East Midlands Chamber, created the survey.

To view the results of the survey, visit bit.ly/GNreport2023

GENERATION NEXT SURVEY FINDINGS Key findings in the survey, which was completed by 116 participants, included: • While four in 10 respondents use LinkedIn for career development opportunities, 22% look to their own organisation to progress their career, with local business groups and education institutions also accessed. Some 77% said a company’s training policy was an important driver for recruitment.

• Continuous learning was valued by 82% of respondents throughout their careers, with 32% interested in accredited learning.

• Networking was found to be either a “somewhat” or “incredibly” significant driver of career development for 98% of respondents, and 82% expected their employers to finance a subscription to a membership organisation, such as the Chamber or Generation Next, to support their skills development.

• Thirty-six people said they had been mistreated for being young or inexperienced, with other challenges reported including a lack of resource, disrespectful behaviour, a lack of self-confidence, resistance to change from their employer and restricted flexibility.

The British Chambers of Commerce Workplace Equity Commission is urging businesses, stakeholders and interested parties to contribute towards making change happen.

The commission includes representatives from the UK and international chamber networks, business leaders and experts from across civic society.

Meeting regularly over the next 12 months, the group will produce practical recommendations to help SMEs create more fair and equitable workplaces.

The commission defines workplace equity as creating a level playing field for individuals, recognising that we do not all start from the same place and that adjustments may be required to provide fair access to opportunity.

The inquiry considers workplace equity from the perspective of SMEs across all sectors and geographies in the United Kingdom.

The focus is on workplace equity for everyone in work, and those wishing to access work.

Businesses, individuals and organisations with views and experience are being encouraged to contribute to the research.

The commission is inviting submissions addressing Gill Hunter (top) and Shevaun questions including: Haviland 1. How do we create a culture where leaders ensure ‘We need to nurture workplace equity is at the heart of business and where and support the they commit to the cultural ambition, skills and change required?

2. What challenges do SMEs face potential of people in creating equitable in every part of our workplaces and how can they community’ be supported to overcome them? What are the critical factors that would help employers?

3. What positive actions are businesses taking to develop equitable workplaces?

Gill Hunter, managing partner of Square One Law and co-chair of the commission, said: “We are delighted to launch our inquiry into workplace equity. The commissioners all bring unique insight from their different personal and professional backgrounds.

“We want to hear from anyone who has experience or views on how SMEs can create workplaces that truly create a level playing field for everyone. Personal testimony will help us fully understand how diverse workforces can be recruited and retained.”

Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “To grow our economy, we need to nurture and support the ambition, skills and potential of people in every part of our community.

“Everyone’s ideas, skills and experience are important to business and the economy, and must not be wasted. We want to help businesses ensure a level playing field in our workplaces where everyone can achieve their potential.

“We know companies are facing real economic challenges – but embedding equity into workplaces is good for business and the workforce and can improve productivity and growth.”

Individuals and organisations interested in providing evidence can get in contact via equityinquiry@britishchambers.org.uk

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Election must not get in way of businesses he uncertainty surrounding when a General Election takes place must not get in the way of businesses’ ability to drive forward the growth that will bring down inflation and boost wages.

This was the view of business leaders speaking at East Midlands Chamber’s Annual State of the Economy Conference, held at the University of Leicester School of Business on Thursday 14 December.

On the day the Bank of England kept the base rate at 5.25%, the highest point in 15 years, and 24 hours after the latest economic data showed the UK’s GDP shrank more than expected by 0.3% in October, speakers made the case for cross-party consensus on key economic issues such as skills, productivity, and research and development – which they said are crucial to raising business investment from its current low bar.

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‘An unpredictable political environment, with multiple ‘resets’ as the country gears up for a General Election’ Data from the Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey, run in partnership with the University of Leicester School of Business, was presented to give a snapshot of the past year. It showed how after a general improvement in activity and sentiment throughout the first half of 2023 there has been an overall slowdown towards the end of last year.

The Chamber’s director of policy and insight Chris Hobson said: “Our Quarterly Economic Survey results for 2023 can be viewed as a game of two halves, with the recent slowdown underpinned by a decrease in advanced orders – both at home and overseas – along with a weakening labour market, flat investment intentions and a decline in cashflow performance.

“Driving this has been, firstly, fiscal pressures from 14 consecutive increases in the base rate by the Bank of England. It may be the lag time between rate hikes and subdued consumer demand has 42

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The main contenders – Rishi Sunak (left) and Keir Starmer QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY - Q4 2023

Chris Hobson

now passed and we are experiencing the full impact of that prolonged, proverbial belttightening.

“Away from this, we’re also experiencing an unpredictable political environment, with multiple ‘resets’ as the country gears up for a General Election. This has meant an increase in policy announcements, arguably with more of an eye on positioning as opposed to meaningful growth strategies for UK plc.

“Looking at historical trends via our State of the Economy Index, it’s not unusual to see things slow down ahead of an election, but the concern is that continued uncertainty about when this might take place could act to lengthen the duration of this for businesses.

“Sentiment is an incredibly powerful – and often underestimated – factor in economic activity. As businesses seek surety over the environment into which they’ll be investing over the coming 12 months, it’s incumbent on all parties to ensure we don’t allow the nature of our political cycles to mean we are found wanting.

“But one note of confidence – this time 12 months ago, many were predicting a recession in 2023 that never materialised. And when talking to individual businesses, the big picture trends we see are hiding many, many positive stories of growth and success.”

• See p56 for a report of the Annual State of the Economy Summit.

EAST MIDLANDS CHAMBER QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY Q4 2023 FINDINGS: • UK and overseas sales have each remained steady throughout the year, increasing by a net 2% between the third and fourth quarters, but there were declines in advanced orders for a net 9% and 10% for UK and overseas respectively • Recruitment has slowed with a net 8% drop in businesses that added to their headcount in the prior three months compared to the previous quarter, although there was a net 1% rise in firms expecting to increase their workforce in the next three months • Many employers continue to face challenges with filling job vacancies – 55% of organisations attempted to recruit and, of those, more than seven in 10 (72%) experienced problems in finding suitable staff.

Skilled manual and technical, and professional and managerial roles were the most difficult to fill • After easing throughout the year, price rises are back on the agenda.

In Q1, 54% of businesses had expected to increase their prices due to cost pressures from energy, raw materials, people and fuel. This fell to 30% in Q3 before rising again to 40% in the final quarter of the year, with increased labour costs the main driver • A net 7% of firms reported cashflow was down in Q4, a 6% rise from the previous quarter • There was no difference in intentions to invest in plant and equipment between the third and fourth quarters, but investment intentions for training increased by 5%. Both indicators have remained very low throughout 2023, with the total proportion of firms intending to increase their investment never climbing above 20% • Business confidence shows a mixed picture, with confidence in profitability prospects down by 2% compared to the previous quarter but up by 4% for turnover expectations.

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East Midlands can ‘lead the way’ in energy transition T he East Midlands has the potential to “lead the way” in the energy transition to net zero by holding some of the key ingredients – but businesses need more support to make changes right now.

These were two of the headline messages at the Midlands Energy Summit, held by the Chamber at the University of Nottingham’s Trent Building on 30 November.

Speakers from major organisations including Toyota, Uniper, National Grid and the East Midlands Freeport gave an insight into some of the clean energy activities happening in the region, including in hydrogen, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

‘We mustn’t forget about what we can do here and now to make gains in the green agenda’ A new East Midlands zero carbon innovation centre, which aims to transform cutting-edge green research at the University of Nottingham and Loughborough University into commercial products, was announced by the Freeport’s chief executive Tom Newman-Taylor at the event – with the Freeport contributing £5m of funding towards the initiative.

The Chamber’s director of policy and insight Chris Hobson said: “With three of the big bases for future energy provision – hydrogen, nuclear fusion and nuclear fission – being developed here in the East Midlands, across a range of

nationally-critical projects and research that is backed by public and private sector investment, we are leading the way in the energy transition.

“It was fascinating to hear more about some of these plans from the major players in these areas, and the new East Midlands zero carbon innovation centre is an exciting initiative that taps into these strengths while developing new sectors that will deliver further investment and high-quality jobs for our communities.

“But while the future holds plenty of promise, we mustn’t forget about what we can do here and now to make gains in the green agenda.

“Toyota is a great example of a company making small adjustments to save lots of energy and while some of these learnings can be passed down through the supply chain, there is plenty more we can do.

“Small businesses tell us they want to make the necessary changes to decarbonise their operations, and many are already taking huge strides forward, but require more support.

“Our Sustainable East Midlands initiative can signpost businesses to funded programmes, events and best practice.

“More broadly, it’s crucial for businesses, the public sector and universities to work closer together to develop research and roll out new technologies that will help the East Midlands and UK to become a world leader in the net zero economy.”

Andy Nolan addresses the Energy Summit Scott Knowles at the podium

SPEAKERS COVER ALL THE ANGLES Speakers at the Midlands Energy Summit, held in partnership with the University of Nottingham and East Midlands Freeport: • Andy Nolan, development and sustainability director at University of Nottingham, explained how the institution aims to reduce a £30m annual energy bill across its estate via a series of energysaving measures • Paul Gleaves, head of power purchase agreements at Consultus International Group, provided a long-term energy market analysis and provided tips on how businesses can de-risk their energy management strategy • Tom Newman-Taylor, chief executive of East Midlands Freeport, spoke about the “huge opportunity” net zero provides to the East Midlands and the importance of creating a region-wide voice for inward investors • Dr David Parfitt, senior data analyst at National Grid ESO, delivered some future energy scenarios for the East Midlands, including one in which the region can “lead the way” towards net zero • Faye McAnulla, programme director of the Energy Research Accelerator, gave an update on cutting-edge green projects being delivered by universities across the Midlands • John Malpas, senior manager for the environment and carbon neutrality project at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, offered an insight into how the Derbyshire-based car manufacturer has made significant reductions in energy use within the paint shop by making small tweaks.

Survey shows remote working is here to stay Just 27% of businesses expect their workforce to be fully inperson over the next five years, according to new research.

A survey by the British Chambers of Commerce Insights Unit and technology firm Cisco of more than 1,000 firms, 96% of which were SMEs, found that 47%

of organisations anticipate their staff to be mostly in-person, 16% expect mostly remote and 8% fully remote.

The research found a clear divide between sectors, with services firms, such as the finance and legal, more likely to expect remote working. Only 17% of B2B services

organisations expect fully in-person working, while the figure for manufacturers is 38%, and B2C services 37%.

Companies were also asked about the connectivity tools they use such as video calling and cloud security. A quarter (25%) of firms say they are not confident they

have the knowledge to make the right purchasing decisions, while three-quarters (75%) are confident.

More than half (55%) are relying on external experts when making decisions about adopting technology. Two-thirds (65%) of firms said connectivity tools are good value for money.

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Relationships are key to success increase membership across the three regions. I have first-hand seen the impact of the network in developing relationships, boosting confidence and enhancing skills.

This year, Scarlett Canavan (pictured) has been promoted to vice chair of the Generation Next board of “champions”, while continuing to have an active role in the Chamber’s network for women in business, Enterprising Women, as an ambassador. The brand and marketing manager at ER Recruitment speaks to Jasmine Thompson about how both networks have had an impact on her career so far.

What has your career journey been to date and what does your current role involve?

I joined ER Recruitment as a marketing intern while studying advertising and marketing communications at De Montfort University.

After graduating in 2018, I joined the business full-time as a marketing executive and since then have been promoted to my current position as business and marketing manager. My current position involves all elements of branding, marketing and communications, as well as events and our partnerships within the community.

As a member of both Enterprising Women and Generation Next, how have the networks supported you in your career so far?

The Enterprising Women and Generation Next networks have not only introduced me to fantastic people who believe in me, but have also provided me with a platform to get involved in activities I never thought I would. The networks encourage growth and self-belief, and the variety of seminars and workshops I’ve attended over the years have helped me to become a version of myself that younger me would be proud of.

What do you hope to achieve during your time on the Generation Next board?

I have recently stepped into the role of vice chair for Generation Next. I’m so passionate about the development of young professionals and truly believe in our network’s mission.

I am really excited about many of the events we have planned throughout 2024 and I’m keen to expand our brand awareness to

How can business networking groups help support young professionals with their career development?

I believe that just by feeling included as a part of something is huge for a young professional. The transition from education to the workplace is vast and can be isolating, networks such as Enterprising Women and Generation Next provide a sense of support and camaraderie.

Enterprising Women is bursting with female talent varying in expertise and I have had the pleasure of learning from so many of them. Likewise, Generation Next offers mentoring and social networking opportunities that transform business connections into genuine friendships. Everything in business is about relationships and by providing the opportunity to collaborate young people can learn, grow, connect and succeed.

Mutual support helps overcome challenges The Chamber is responsible for Business Peak District, a membership organisation that represents businesses in and around the Peak District. In this issue, Business Network speaks to skillslocal director Tracy Duggan (pictured) about how the organisation has impacted her business.

Tell us about your business?

Skillslocal was established almost 10 years ago, building on more than 25 years of experience in public and private sectors in a range of regional and national roles. I provide a range of services from business coaching and mentoring, Investors in People and an online learning platform.

I am responsive to developments in the sector, and evolve with our client’s needs. During lockdown I trained with Barefoot Coaching, and am now a professional certified coach. I undertake continual professional development as a member of the Chartered Management Institute, International Coaching Federation and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. I work with a wide range of businesses and individuals, with a growing focus on young women who own businesses.

What recent successes have you had?

I have delivered a number of high-profile

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projects, working with chambers of commerce, local enterprise partnerships, Enginuity, Learndirect and the University of Derby. In addition, I work with more than 30 businesses across the East Midlands supporting them to achieve Investors in People accreditation.

I also volunteer my time nationally as mentor on the national Help to Grow Programme, the Santander Women’s Breakthrough Programme, and am the vice chair of Business Peak District.

What is it like to do business in the Peak District?

While the Peak District is beautiful place to live, it can be challenging for small businesses. The main challenge is the geography and rural infrastructure, with lack of public transport.

However, the rise of remote working has enabled me to support a wider range of clients.

There’s a surprisingly strong business community across the region with some wonderful, unique businesses.

How does a networking group like Business Peak District support your ambitions?

I’ve always had a passion for supporting businesses, which is what drew me to Business Peak District. As vice chair, I am able to influence and support vital business services to Peak District businesses.

Networking is a vital part of my success, and I currently manage a growing local network for women in business called the Flourishers, where we come together to support one another and share our expertise in a safe and supportive environment.

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Great turnout for our festive celebration Comedy, fundraising and a celebration of the past year was on the menu at the Chamber’s Christmas lunch. ore than 250 people attended the annual event, held at Athena in Leicester, on Friday 1 December.

Guests were treated on arrival to festive songs performed by members of the Musical Village choir, based in Leicester. Networking opportunities and a three-course meal followed, along with entertainment provided by comedian Nick Page, who reached the final of Britain’s Got Talent in 2018.

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A raffle raised £845 for the Chamber Charitable Fund, taking the total amount to £4,698 raised by Chamber president Stuart Dawkins for his three chosen charities – Foundation Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, and Nottinghamshire Community Foundation.

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Last year’s Future Leader winner Theo Kirk (centre) with Kirstie Shelts and Amber Siddall

Sir John to lead seminar at expo Sir John Peace CVO CStJ (pictured), one of the region’s most celebrated business leaders, will lead a seminar on business growth at this year’s Love Business Expo.

Sir John, Midlands Engine chair, will be the special guest of multi award-winning KuKu Connect co-founders Stephen Goddard and Philip BrooksStephenson, who will host the session about raising the ambition of businesses in our region.

Their seminar will focus on how Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire businesses can attain global standing in the business world and showcase the Midlands.

It will also introduce the King’s Awards for 2024 and encourage businesses to apply.

Sir John, who also chairs Midlands Connect and is the Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, has a long and distinguished business career at the highest levels, covering the technology, financial services and retail sectors. He was knighted in 2011 for services to business and the voluntary sector.

This year’s Love Business Expo takes place at the Holywell Park Conference Centre, in Loughborough, on Thursday, 15 February.

The Chamber is the event’s headline partner. It will host a Question Time-style panel discussion alongside co-sponsor SMB College Group, about ‘Strategic thinking for business growth’.

Love Business Expo is free to attend, and details can be found at www.lovebusinesseastmidlands.com

Celebration of our communities The Chamber’s Celebration of Culture and Communities event returns on 29 February at Athena, Leicester.

A key milestone in the Chamber’s major events calendar, the evening provides businesses with an opportunity to celebrate the people and cultures that make the East Midlands a great place to live and work.

This year’s event theme is “stronger together” to help build relationships across the region by recognising and championing the people and businesses who make up its communities. There will be music, food and dancing from all over the world as well as entertainment from many parts of the rich tapestry that makes up our region.

The event is backed by Chamber strategic partners Samworth Brothers and emh group, with Sanjib 8 and Sanjay Foods supporting as event and hospitality partner, respectively.

Tickets cost £85+VAT, with a discount to be applied on tables of 10 at £750+VAT. A further table discount will be applied for charities at £650+VAT. To purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/CoCC24

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Putting spotlight on talented youngsters Y

oung business talent across the East Midlands will be showcased at the 2024 Generation Next Awards.

Launched at the network’s inaugural conference at the Nottingham Forest City Ground on January 12, the awards are the showpiece programme of Generation Next – a network for young professionals and entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 35, which is run by East Midlands Chamber in conjunction with headline partner the University of Derby.

‘The Generation Next Awards are a celebration of the amazing young talent within the East Midlands’ This year’s awards features 12 categories, ranging from Best Start-up and Customer Service through to Innovation and Technology and the Generation Next Future Leader.

The 2024 programme includes a new addition, an “Investing in Young Talent Award”, recognising forward-thinking businesses which provide mentorship, training and growth opportunities for young professionals.

The application process for each category has been streamlined for a “one form fits all” process with a reduced number of questions.

Lucy Robinson, East Midlands Chamber’s director of resources and Generation Next lead, said: “The Generation Next Awards are a celebration of the amazing young talent within the East Midlands, and our diverse programme recognises the next generation of business who make outstanding contributions to their communities.

“We want to encourage young professionals from across the region to tell their story and celebrate their successes.”

In 2023, Generation Next returned to Bustler Market in Derby to host its awards ceremony, where it recognised young talent such as Theo Beauchamp, director at Nottingham-based job agency Express Recruitment, and Joseph Bentley, who took home two awards for his medtech start-up ACT Medical for revolutionising

GENERATION NEXT AWARDS 2024 CATEGORIES • Future Leader Award (sponsored by the University of Derby) • Apprentice of the Year Award (sponsored

by Loughborough College) • Creators and Makers Award (available for sponsorship) • Customer Service Award (sponsored by Express Recruitment) • Entrepreneur of the Year Award (available for sponsorship) • Environmental Warrior Award (sponsored

by Hydropath Technology Group) • Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Award (sponsored by Futures Housing Group) • Innovation and Technology Award (sponsored by Hardy Signs) • Rising Star Award (sponsored by Nottingham Trent University) • Start-up Award (sponsored by University of Nottingham) • Volunteering and Charitable Impact Award (sponsored by ITS Technology) • New for 2024 – Investing in Young Talent Award (available for sponsorship)

the care for stab wounds (see this month’s Big Interview on page 29).

Last year’s was an awards ceremony with a twist – featuring street food, a live DJ and arcade games, which attracted more than 250 people from across the East Midlands.

This year’s ceremony will be held on 4 July, with the venue confirmed in the coming months.

Entries are open for the 2024 awards from now until Monday 11 March. They can be submitted either by individuals within the 18 to 35 age bracket or on their behalf by a colleague or line manager.

Applications can be downloaded at generationnextemc.co.uk/awards and should be emailed to the Generation Next team at gennext@emc-dnl.co.uk upon completion.

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Developing your director skills E

ast Midlands Chamber’s Director Development Programme can help you gain a well-rounded view of the workings of a director – and prepare and refresh your knowledge of the processes and skills useful to a senior role.

You don’t have to be an established director to benefit from the transferable content on the Chamber’s flagship course.

The five-day programme, which is run over several weeks, takes delegates through various skills including leadership strategies, planning priorities, finance, people management approaches, and driving performance and change, which can be applied in a variety of situations encountered by senior employees.

The sessions are structured to be stages in a business development process. Developing a business culture has the potential to be too abstract, so the focus at every session will be for the participants to have specific action steps to begin during the session, and complete between sessions.

At each subsequent session, participants will be expected to discuss how they have applied the material covered during the previous session, so that clear connections and progress can be made.

The courses are one of the Chamber’s core training offerings and the next one starts at the Chamber’s Chesterfield offices on 2 February.

For further information contact the Business Training Team on 0333 320 0333 or email business.training@emc-dnl.co.uk

Course helps put things in perspective To find out more about what the Director Development Programme has to offer, we spoke to Will Throssel (pictured), chief operating officer of Archaeological Research Services, in Bakewell, who took part in one of the courses.

What does your organisation do and what does your role involve?

Archaeological Research Services provide the full range of commercial heritage and archaeological services to clients from large infrastructure to private construction.

My role is to lead the effective day-to-day running of the business.

How important is personal development to you and why did you want to join the Chamber’s director development programme?

One of our company values is “Openness to Learning”. It is important to me to push forward, grow and develop as an individual and bring that development into the workplace.

I’m driven by innovation and development and training provides one way of introducing new ideas and concepts into the business.

The training programme appealed to me because it covered a broad range of topics that spoke to some of the challenges that I was addressing.

What did you learn on the course and was there anything in particular you enjoyed?

The course included a range of practical useful tools and techniques that were powerful and simple to apply. I enjoyed the style of delivery and interaction with other attendees.

How has the programme helped you in your role?

I found the techniques for transforming broad objectives into clear, direct actions particularly useful as part of setting our company strategy for the year.

How would you describe the process of moving up from managerial to director level, and what kind of knowledge or experience gap exists that requires training?

The biggest challenge of moving from managerial to director level is dealing with the breadth of the role, it’s no longer possible to say “that’s not my responsibility” or “I don’t need to worry about that”.

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SUSTAINABLE EAST MIDLANDS

www.emc-dnl.co.uk/sustainability

Boost your brand with sustainability Alvaston Moor Academy’s vice principal Dan Ingram shows off the water bottles with students Lucy Middleton and Amal Nadeem

Students have bottle to make the difference Students at Derby secondary academy Alvaston Moor have been provided with their own reusable water bottles in a trust-wide initiative to save a million plastic bottles a year from landfill.

Bottled drinks are no longer on sale at the academy as part of a catering shake-up, and hydration stations have been installed instead so that students can fill up their own bottles, accessing water for free throughout the day rather than having to buy it.

The Bracken’s Lane school is part of Archway Learning Trust, which includes 11 academies in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. The move is part of a plan to stop selling bottled drinks completely.

Year 11 students Lucy Middleton and Amal Nadeem said providing hydration stations and stopping the sale of bottled water was a great move both environmentally and for students’ health.

Amal said: “I think it’s much better because it prevents littering around the school. Because people aren’t littering the bottles, they are being careful about other litter too.”

Lucy said: “A lot of people weren’t drinking water because they were having to buy it, but now they can just get it. Now we have these hydration stations, they are a lot better for people.”

Another way that the school is keeping students well nourished is to offer a free breakfast and free fruit at break times, while they can buy a snack at break and a meal deal at lunch for £3.

Academy vice principal Dan Ingram said: “We’re reducing litter around the site. That’s a really easy thing that we have been able to implement.

“Also, we’ve had 40 degree heat in the past and we are getting more extreme temperatures in this country. Students will be able to keep themselves hydrated throughout the day, which leads to better health, and improved outcomes in the classroom because of better focus.”

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By Mark Robinson (pictured), co-founder of Leicestershire design agency Creative62. n today’s world, sustainability has become a pressing concern for both individuals and organisations.

As businesses recognise the need to adopt sustainable practices, sharing our sustainability efforts within the workplace as part of the internal brand activity has become a valuable strategy.

By promoting and communicating our sustainability initiatives internally, companies in the UK can reap numerous benefits beyond environmental impact.

After all, we are all responsible for changing our behaviour, and only working together will instigate genuine change.

Our activities and efforts must be shared across our brand activities, not just externally with those directly impacted.

I

BOOSTING EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND MORALE Sharing sustainability efforts within the workplace serves as an effective means to engage with our employees and boost their morale.

When employees know their company's commitment to sustainability, it creates a sense of purpose and belonging.

Employees often become more motivated and aligned with the organisation's values, in turn increasing job satisfaction and productivity.

By involving employees in our sustainability initiatives, we can tap into their skills, ideas, and enthusiasm, creating a positive and collaborative working environment.

STRENGTHENING INTERNAL BRAND IMAGE Internal brand activity is crucial for establishing and maintaining a solid corporate identity.

Sharing our sustainability efforts demonstrates a company’s dedication to responsible practices and its role as a responsible corporate citizen.

ATTRACTING AND RETAINING TOP TALENT As sustainability becomes increasingly essential for job seekers, sharing our sustainability efforts within the workplace can be a powerful recruitment tool.

Prospective employees are more likely to be drawn to organisations prioritising sustainable practices. By highlighting sustainability initiatives, businesses can attract and retain top talent, creating a competitive edge in the job market.

INSPIRING BEHAVIOUR CHANGE Sharing sustainability efforts internally catalyses behaviour change among employees.

When individuals witness the positive impact of sustainable practices within their organisations, they are more likely to adopt similar behaviours in their personal lives. This ripple effect can extend beyond the office walls, promoting sustainable living and contributing to a greener society.

ENCOURAGING COLLABORATION AND INNOVATION Internal brand activity centred around sustainability can foster collaboration and innovation within the workplace.

Organisations tap into diverse perspectives, knowledge, and expertise by involving employees in sustainability initiatives. This collaboration can lead to the development of innovative solutions and practices that further enhance sustainability efforts.

Furthermore, sharing success stories and best practices internally encourages exchanging ideas, creating a culture of continuous improvement and learning.

By showcasing commitments to sustainable practices, organisations contribute to a greener future and enhance their internal brand image, creating a positive and purposedriven work environment. So, get your activity, commitments and results out there. Think of your office as a blank canvas – be bold!”

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BUSINESS NETWORK

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

ITOPS qualification delivers the goods The Chamber’s International Trade Operations and Procedures (ITOPS) qualification is the flagship course within its international trade training service, with more than 1,400 delegates achieving the award over the years. Richard King, an international logistics coordinator at Myonex, was awarded his qualification last November.

He speaks to Jasmine Thompson about how the knowledge gained from the course will impact his job role and company.

What does your company do?

Myonex supplies and distributes pharmaceutical and medical ancillary devices for clinical trial and pharma industries. The company employs 147 employees worldwide across its offices in Birstall, Leicester, Horsham, USA and Berlin, Germany.

What does your international trade operation involve?

We import and export high value temperature controlled pharmaceutical products to more than 70 countries. In terms of sourcing and importing, Europe is our biggest market, whereas for exporting, we are expanding more into the AsiaPacific region and the Middle East.

How have the events of the past few years affected your importing and exporting activity?

Coming out of the European Union has resulted in more paperwork, and increased costs as we sought ways to continually move product in and out of the Europe.

We also had to set up a European entity that could act as a Myonex depot for importation and decommissioning of product ready for export to non-European regions.

Richard King and David Pearson

NEXT COURSE WILL KICK OFF IN APRIL The ITOPS qualification is a practical and relevant qualification designed to prove that candidates have the necessary skills to accurately operate procedures in an international trade administration environment.

Running over eight half-days and delivered in partnership with Fidelitas Training, delegates will learn how to avoid costly mistakes and improve their international trade procedures.

The course is suitable for anyone employed in an international trade environment – whether that of a manufacturer, supplier or freight forwarder.

Sponsored by Kranlee Logistics, the next ITOPS course begins on 9 April and runs until 18 June. It costs £2,050 + VAT for Chamber members.

Register at bit.ly/ITOPSApril24

Reports shows TCA problems remain A new survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Insights Unit of 733 businesses shows the difficulties facing British firms in using the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) have not eased.

The BCC report also highlights a fresh set of challenges approaching as UK and EU regulations diverge, creating further headaches for traders on both sides of the Channel.

The TCA was agreed on Christmas Eve in 2020 to allow tariff-free trade with the EU once Brexit took effect.

But a high proportion of businesses say trade with Europe in 2023 is now more difficult than it was a year ago.

The BCC has sent the Government its report examining the main issues the TCA is causing for firms with possible solutions to many of the problems.

Shevaun Haviland, director general of the BCC, said: “If we want to put more money into people’s pockets and get businesses growing then we need to boost our exports, and the EU is our number one market.

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE Why did your company want to enrol on the ITOPS course and who took part?

My manager completed ITOPS in 2020 and recommended it to the team as an option to improve our knowledge of international trade operations. I put myself forward as I was keen to learn more and gain further experience in this field.

How did you find the course and what did you learn?

I found the course to be very enlightening and have learned a great deal, especially when it comes to Incoterms, the correct use of customs procedure codes and the finer details of import and export documentation.

This knowledge alone is proving to be invaluable as we check our import and export documentation more thoroughly than we had previously.

What impact will the qualification have on your job and business, and what would your message be to other companies considering enrolling on the course?

The ITOPS qualification will and has already been beneficial in my work. Going forward, it has provided me with a platform to showcase my knowledge and skills, which will enable further progression within the company and my career. I would recommend it to all companies working in international trade, as it will save a lot of time and effort having employees who understand the finer details needed to follow procedures correctly.

Having this knowledge could be the difference between growing a successful and compliant business, or a business constantly struggling with customs delays, HMRC audits, chasing clients for payment and taking unnecessary transport risks when agreeing Incoterms.

UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL TRADE TRAINING COURSES Understanding commodity coding DATE: 8 February TIME: 9-12 COST: £160 + VAT Navigate the complex and difficult international system for coding products for customs purposes.

Inward/outward processing DATE: 15 February TIME: 9-12.30 COST: £160 + VAT Introduction to methods of obtaining inward and outward processing relief from customs duty and VAT on international transactions.

Letters of credit DATE: 5 March TIME: 9.30-4.30 COST: £285 + VAT Detailed guide on how to be proactive in opening a letter of credit, how to work with the documents and present to the bank correctly.

Incoterms 2020 DATE: 7 March TIME: 9-1 COST: £194 + VAT Get a detailed and focused commercial view of the latest Incoterms 2020 standards used for moving goods * Prices listed are exclusively for East Midlands Chamber members Delegates from the ITOPS programme with their qualifications last November

“That’s a reality that should not be ignored by our political parties, but I also recognise that improving our trading relationship with the EU must be realistic. There are lots of things we can do to make our current trading arrangements better, but a growing worry is how we handle further changes coming down the track.”

The survey also found that 35% of firms buying and selling services faced difficulties due to the Brexit deal, while a lack of recognition for professional qualifications was exercising 27% of firms.

An awareness of upcoming changes in trade rules and regulations being made by either the UK or the EU was alarmingly low, with 80% or more of firms knowing no details of the legislation.

This includes knowledge of the Electronic Trade Documents Act, Export Health Certificate requirements, new labelling requirements, the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, new checks on food imports, safety and security requirements for EU imports, UKCA and CE marking, and new EU VAT laws.

Shevaun added: “EU businesses have been largely able to carry on importing goods into the UK as they did before Brexit, but that will change next year, and could lead to significant new disruption. The rules and regulations

governing trade aren’t static. We need to take a smart but flexible approach to how we handle these alterations to keep their impact to a minimum. It is in no-one’s interests to damage our trading relationship further.”

The BCC’s TCA Three Years On report sets out 26 recommendations to improve UK-EU trade.

Its top proposals for quick action include: 1. Create a supplementary deal with the EU which either eliminates or reduces the complexity of exporting food for SMEs. 2. Work with the EU to develop simpler guidance on the Brexit deal so that it is applied consistently across all member countries.

3. Develop new arrangements on changes to regulations to minimise disruption to businesses and raise awareness of any fresh impacts.

4. Establish a supplementary deal that exempts smaller firms from the requirement to have a fiscal representative for VAT in the EU. 5. Make side deals with the EU, and member states, to allow UK firms to travel for longer and work in Europe, and provide mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

Book on to courses at bit.ly/EMCinternationaltraining

Sign up now for Trade Facilitation Forum in Birmingham The BCC is running its Trade Facilitation Forum (TFF) on 28 and 29 February.

The two-day event is taking place at the Burlington Hotel, Birmingham. It is open to UK and international Chamber staff who are working on international trade services.

Attendees will have the opportunity to share best practice, collaborate and learn more about developments in international trade services offered across the Chamber network.

The event will feature speakers including Shevaun Haviland, director general at BCC; Liam Smyth, managing director of ChamberCustoms and director of trade facilitation at BCC; William Bain, head of trade policy at BCC; Tim Bailey, international trade director at West and North Yorkshire Chamber; Peter Bishop, chair at UK National ATA Carnet Organisation and Abdeslam El-idrissi, deputy CEO and secretary general at Arab-British Chamber of Commerce.

To book a place, email p.wrighting@britishchambers.org February 2024 business network

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POLITICS

Conference sees economy faring better than hoped Driving productivity, developing skills for future jobs and ensuring speculation over when a General Election takes place doesn’t get in the way of business growth were all on the agenda at the Chamber’s Annual State of the Economy Conference, held at the University of Leicester School of Business in December. Dan Robinson summarises the discussions.

The University of Leicester School of Business hosted the State of the Economy Conference

NO RECESSION BUT WE’RE NOT OUT OF THE WOODS YET When the inaugural Annual State of the Economy Conference took place 12 months earlier, the prospect of a recession was the elephant in the room.

Inflation was at a 40-year high, reaching 11.1% in the latest figures at the time for October 2022, while the Bank of England was midway through a monetary tightening policy that eventually included 14 consecutive rises to the base rate.

Chris Hobson, director of policy and insight at the Chamber, presented Bank of England (BoE) data showing that inflation had come down to 4.5% off the back of energy and fuel cost pressures receding. Food and beverages have also become less of an issue, but services inflation remains sticky.

The BoE forecasts inflation to come down to its 2% target by the end of 2025, while the unemployment rate – which was 4.2% nationally and 3.7% in the East Midlands in the three months to October 2023 – may increase slightly in 2024/25.

The Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey – which is completed by an average of 350 businesses, a third of which are manufacturers and representing a mix of sizes, every three months – shows activity has generally slowed throughout the year from a macroeconomic perspective.

Sales and orders, recruitment, investment intentions and confidence has remained stable but at a relatively low base. Pricing intentions and cashflow worries reduced sharply throughout the year as cost pressures from energy, fuel, raw materials and people eased, before re-emerging as a concern at the end of 2023.

Chris said the impact of raising interest rates was only beginning to be fed into the economy as consumer demand softens, while political uncertainty negatively affected investment intentions.

But he said businesses are “very bullish” and would take a glass-half-full approach to the future.

“We’ll never talk down business and the economy because there’s so much good stuff going on, but also sentiment is important,” he added. “Twelve months ago, people thought we were already in a recession but the economy has performed better than expected.”

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CHAMBER UNVEILS ITS MANIFESTO FOR GROWTH The biggest priorities for businesses will be put to politicians ahead of the General Election as the Chamber previewed its next Manifesto for Growth at the Annual State of the Economy Conference.

Head of special projects Richard Blackmore delivered a presentation that showcased what the manifesto will feature. Building on the principles outlined in an economic blueprint launched in Westminster last year, titled A Centre of Trading Excellence: A Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond, it includes a list of policy asks across four areas: 1. Deliver transport and digital infrastructure fit for 21st century businesses 2. Align the taxation and regulation regime with a proper vision for UK plc 3. Fix the broken planning system 4. Target skills reform for the realities of today’s workforce.

Policies were chosen following extensive consultation with Chamber members across various forums and an edition of the Quarterly Economic Survey, which asked businesses to rate their biggest priorities. The manifesto will be launched in the first quarter of 2024 and used by the Chamber in its engagement work with prospective parliamentary candidates ahead of the election.

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POLITICS

MAKING NOTES FOR YOUR FUTURE ACTIONS

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sales Sat Khuntia said this is based on expectations the upcoming General Election cycle will involve building better relationships with the EU as the UK’s biggest trading partner.

“The last election was very much fought on the basis of disentangling the UK economy from the EU,” he said. “This election will be the reverse of that, to strengthen the relationship with our largest trading partner. This feeds into a relatively bullish sentiment for businesses.”

Doubts over when the General Election will take place hampers confidence, however. The Chamber’s State of the Economy Index (see page 42) has historically shown activity dips before an election.

Mukesh Bulsara, partner at business advisory services firm Coadax and vice-chair of Leicestershire Business Voice, said: “Certainty enables businesses to plan for investment and recruitment but in the next 12 months, we have the added uncertainty of an election, which could stifle investment.”

PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH IS CRUCIAL

6 SPEAKERS ADDRESSING THE CONFERENCE: 1. The Chamber’s Chris Hobson 2. Jonathan Geldart from the Institute of Directors 3. Economist and politician Jeevun Sandhe 4. Peter Bedford, County Councillor for Markfield, Desford & Thornton 5. Alex Hudson of PwC 6. Richard Blackmore from East Midlands Chamber

LOOMING GENERAL ELECTION MUST NOT IMPACT GROWTH PROSPECTS A strong recovery for the US economy after the pandemic – inflation peaked at 9.1% but is now down to 3.1%, the lowest in the G7 – means the dollar has fared well against the sterling, disadvantaging UK exporters. This is expected to continue throughout early 2024 before sterling rebounds in the second half of the year, according to Barclays forecasts.

The bank’s global head of transactions for FX

Wage growth has been one of the drivers behind keeping inflation high, with above-inflationary rises in the minimum wage also causing some concerns among speakers, who cited how this impacts industries like hospitality.

Chris said: “Raising productivity is the surest way for salaries to increase in line with inflation but this has remained unchanged since 2018.

Getting productivity up is something we’re not doing as a country and needs addressing.”

Low productivity has been the reason for sluggish growth in GDP since the 2008/09 global economic crisis, according to Stephen Hall, a professor of economics at the University of Leicester School of Business.

Between 1974 and 2008, UK productivity grew at an average rate of 2.3% per year but this dipped to 0.5% on average between 2008 and 2020, the lowest levels in records that stretch back to the mid-18th century.

Prof Hall blamed issues such as regulations, planning controls and minimum wage hikes, adding: “Somehow we’ve got into a position where Government creates lots of little problems, which add up to a really big problem on productivity.

“Investment isn’t high enough and that’s because there’s all sorts of blockages that make

Taking time to plan ahead is imperative for business leaders – but don’t forget to write ideas down.

This was the advice from Jonathan Geldart, director-general at the Institute of Directors (IoD), during a keynote speech at the Annual State of the Economy Conference.

Discussing coping strategies for business during a period of significant upheaval, he said there are three horizons to look towards – long, medium and short term.

“There is the now, which is full of stuff you just have to do, such as pricing issues, but make sure you take a step back,” said Jonathan.

“Then there is what’s next – in 2024, there’s the election – so take time out to smell the coffee and look beyond right now.

That gives you the opportunity to also think about the next three to five years. But write it down – often we don’t because we’re too busy, but listen and talk to others, codify your ideas, structure it and put into a framework of macro and microeconomics.

This allows us to create a strategic plan.”

it difficult to invest. Uncertainty is also an issue – if you don’t know what’s going to happen, then how much of your own money are you willing to speculate on the future?”

FAIL TO PREPARE ON SKILLS, PREPARE TO FAIL Skills are a perennial challenge for businesses and many leaders believe they should be top of the priority list for the next Government.

Mark Deakin, director of cost management at infrastructure consultancy Turner & Townsend, believes “complete reform” is required. “There is a big issue around people coming out of education and not being correctly trained, not in the right sectors and not meeting business needs,” he said.

When looking at how to make progress in this area, he cited an example of when his firm worked with Manchester City Council two decades ago. The city was going through major regeneration and needed to understand how to upskill and reskill its workforce.

He explained: “We mapped out what was required within industries like construction and manufacturing, and put a timeline against it. It was as simple as showing the developments coming up in the next 24 months and we’d need 366 carpenters, for example, but there were only 244 in the area so we needed to fast-track training in that vocation.

“It gave us a plan for the future and pushed this back into the education system.”

Accountancy giant PwC and law firm Freeths are also exemplars in taking on young people straight from school and university. PwC’s East Midlands partner Alex Hudson explained how the firm partners with the University of Nottingham and Newcastle University to tailor courses for its needs and guarantee jobs for graduates, so they can “hit the ground running”.

She added: “With the green agenda, there’s going to be jobs in five years’ time that don’t exist now, such as nuclear engineers. We need to start now with providing the right courses, but businesses also need to tell the universities what they need so those skills come through.”

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CONSTRUCTION & REDEVELOPMENT

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CONSTRUCTION & REDEVELOPMENT

FEATURE

To refurb or rebuild? …that is the question

In a world where net zero, sustainability and social responsibility have become increasingly important to businesses and consumers alike, the decision as to whether to refurbish a building or demolish and start from scratch is one to consider carefully.

Business Network explores some of the key questions to help you decide the best course of action.

In many cases, new builds are cheaper to build per square metre than a complete renovation. Renovations can also be much more difficult to estimate, especially if hidden dangers such as asbestos or structural problems are uncovered midway through the process and work grinds to a halt.

deterioration and wear and tear, technological advances, changes in economic conditions and users’ requirements, changes to legal requirements, design, and social needs.

How soon will the existing building become obsolete?

Of course, a building’s function can always change, and new technology can always be used to extend its life, but consider the costs involved in delaying the inevitable.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE?

WHAT ARE THE PLANNING RESTRICTIONS?

It’s common sense that a refurbishment can be delivered much faster than a new build. If you’re operating on a tight schedule, even the slightest delay can be incredibly costly.

If the building is listed, or located in a conservation zone, this will have a dramatic impact on the type and amount of work you are legally allowed to do on the property. Will the façade need to be kept exactly as is? Will you be allowed to gut the building entirely? Will the local government and residents object to extensive work and will consultations need to be held?

WHAT ARE THE COSTS INVOLVED?

WHAT IS THE STATE OF THE EXISTING BUILDING? The state of the building’s ‘bare bones’ will have a direct impact on the level of work required to meet both the standards of modern building regulations and desirability among prospective tenants.

Energy performance is a key consideration – no one will want to occupy a building with draughty windows and poor insulation! Also keep in mind floor plans and layouts. If, for example, the building was built before ambulant toilet provisions became an obligation, it may mean a reduction in the net floor area in order to meet this modern requirement.

WHAT’S THE OBSOLESCENCE FACTOR? Obsolescence occurs for a number of reasons: physical

‘As the government pushes towards net zero, the environmental performance of the building must be considered’

CAN YOU BE SUSTAINABLE? As the government pushes towards net zero, the environmental performance of the building must be considered. BREEAM ratings will be improved if you utilise the existing frames of building.

However, while it is true that many older buildings cannot be refurbished to the same energy standards as a modern construction, the impact of using new materials and the resulting impact on the building’s carbon footprint must also be considered.

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FEATURE

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CONSTRUCTION & REDEVELOPMENT

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Why

Minerals Matter so much for future generations f it can’t be grown, it must be mined.

This stark, uncompromising reality is one of the reasons why the minerals industry is so significant to the UK and, indeed, the global economy.

The resources sourced from the earth are essential to maintain the most basic human activities, including food production, energy creation, construction, the production of pharmaceuticals, and engineering.

There are no substitutes that can replace the minerals needed to manufacture the wealth of products on which an economy is dependent.

Minerals are used extensively in concrete, cement, asphalt, adhesives, animal feeds, glass, ceramics, batteries, fertilisers, and medicines, as well as several other applications.

Not only are minerals essential, but they are also at the heart of a green future. The UK government’s policy paper, Critical Minerals Refresh: Delivering Resilience in a Changing Global Environment, acknowledges the need for skills and education to form part of the UK’s resilience in critical minerals.

The minerals extracted are essential for all net zero efforts, without which efforts to create, at scale, wind farms, solar panels, and lithium batteries to power electric cars, would simply founder due to lack of materials to manufacture them.

Recruiting new workers into the sector to succeed the skilled workforces that quarries and mines have nurtured is therefore very important.

The average age of a worker in the mineral products industry is 56 and highly skilled. The variety of available roles and skill sets needed is extensive within all business functions of a typical quarry. Where a quarry exists, based on the geological assets, it is frequently the bedrock of local communities and their economic ecosystems, providing generations of opportunities to local people.

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The demand for critical and other minerals is likely to increase as part of net-zero ambitions

MEETING CAREER ASPIRATIONS OF YOUNGER PEOPLE Research conducted in May 2023 by engineering and professional services firm WSP found that the majority (73%) of current UK students feel uninformed about the green jobs available to them. This could be one reason why the mineral products sector has a succession challenge.

The sector is a good match for the career aspirations of young people. We understand many young people are part of the most acutely climate conscious generations (including millennials and Gen Z), concerned as to what their futures will be.

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eager to engage with like-minded employers.

They value industries and businesses who are thinking about what can be done.

‘Seeing examples of people working in the sector and hearing their stories is inspiring for young people’ The sector also marries with the known wish list of young people, including good money, diverse, inclusive and unisex workforces, a wide variety of work, environmentally conscious

practices, training and progression focused, innovative, data and digital technology driven.

Career progression is evidenced by the many business leaders in the sector who began their careers at 16 and retired as the CEOs. So, given that the sector is an imperative and that it is still one of the few sectors where varied, interesting, and lifelong careers can be found, with progression determined by ability, why else would young people not see it as a good career choice?

Perceived image may also contribute. The idea is that jobs in the mineral products sector are physically demanding and environmentally

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UK networks, already well known across the education sector. Teachers can request for Minerals Matter STEM ambassadors to visit their school via their STEM Learning UK network and provide lessons that meet the needs of the curriculum, Skills Builder framework and the Gatsby Benchmarks.

Joined up thinking to make invaluable connections with those to whom the world of work is a mystery and just a looming thought on their horizons. Passionate young people who are looking for guidance.

Hannah Higley, future skills coordinator, Minerals Matter, said: “Engaging with young people like this is vital. Seeing examples of people working in the sector and hearing their stories is inspiring for young people when making choices about their future career path.”

REPETITION AND REINFORCEMENT FROM PRIMARY ONWARDS Research has also demonstrated that engagement should not be a one-off experience.

Repeated careers interventions and advice is key to being productive against single interventions, especially for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Early and repeated intervention with primary schools can help to dispel sector stereotypes and demonstrate a diverse workforce. Such positive primary school interactions can be very memorable and reflect on subject choices taken in secondary schools for many students.

Showcasing the sector to young people through site visits and talks

SOFT SKILLS IN DEMAND AS WELL AS TECHNICAL sustainability, environmental management, and biodiversity targets. Far from being environmentally damaging, it is one of the most dynamic leaders on climate care.

Therefore, any disconnect is partly about awareness and knowing the truth of what the sector is and does.

WHO IS STEPPING UP?

disruptive. There are, without doubt, some physical operational roles in the sector, but none so physical that are beyond the capabilities of women and men, young and old. The sector benefits from incredible technologies and machines that make lighter work of the tasks in hand.

Plus, as the minerals industry produces the raw materials we all use, it is the birthplace of carbon capture and the circular economy. The people within it use fantastic, innovative science to improve production of essential materials, such as concrete and cement, right at the source. The mineral products sector is making real time interventions that are meaningful for net zero,

One of the sector membership organisations tasked with being part of the answer to recruitment is the Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC) via their Minerals Matter crosssector approach, a commercially neutral campaign to increase awareness and understanding among young people of the opportunities that exist for the excellent careers in the sector.

Two strategies are being used to tell the story.

Firstly, harnessing the experience of the sector via the recruitment of Minerals Matter STEM Ambassadors, experienced industry people with the knowledge and passion to educate young people about the mineral products sector.

Ambassadors go into schools and talk to young people about their careers and the work opportunities in the sector. This interactive experience creates meaningful and lasting impressions on the students, with work being done in both primary and secondary education.

Those starting their careers are just as important as those with 40 years of experience. Going back to their schools to showcase their successes and explain their opportunities is very powerful. It cuts through to young people.

Secondly, by making the connection and process of engagement with schools simple for the teachers and careers advisors in education.

Minerals Matter is partnered with STEM Learning

In a blog on the HEPI site, Essential Skills for 2035, education commentator Mary Curnock Cook, CBE, highlighted the continuing importance of so-called soft skills. She pointed to recent research from the NFER, Pearson, and others – all suggesting a growing demand by employers such as those in the mineral products sector for skills such as communication, information literacy and problem-solving.

The minerals products sector is pivotal. It offers lifelong learning and career development for anyone with the determination to succeed. It is open to every conceivable skill set. By working with industry and with schools Minerals Matter is making the link between the sector and its value to society. Its future workforce will be front and centre of a new, net zero economy.

For more information and resources, including how to register as a Minerals Matter STEM Ambassador, please visit minerals-matter.co.uk /get-involved If you are a teacher interested in working with Minerals Matter for a school visit or project, please email info@minerals-matter.co.uk with details of your idea.

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GENERATION NEXT

Award recognition is a real confidence boost To mark the launch of the Chamber’s 2024 Generation Next Awards we asked some of our 2023 winners what the awards meant to them.

Some 11 awards were handed out last year, celebrating the Generation Next network which supports young people aged under 35 in businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. A key milestone in the annual regional business calendar, the awards returned to Bustler Market in Derby and were held in association with headline partner the University of Derby.

Here’s what some of last year’s winners had to say…

picking up a wide range of experiences across sales, marketing and brand management; eventually leading me to a general manager role.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the role, people and brand I was left frustrated by the direction and values of the owners.

At the same time, I had been struggling with my own mental health caused by multiple stress points such as work, finance, family – combined with my persistence in bottling emotions up and prioritising others' wellbeing over my own.

Name: David Allerton Job title: Founder Company: SE-LF Location: Barrow Upon Soar, Leicestershire Award: Start-up of the Year Give a brief description of the business: These are not your usual beauty gifts. At SE-LF we believe that the sensory nature of skincare means it’s the perfect vehicle for mindfulness and wellbeing practices, so we set about creating guided self-care experience boxes that are good for your mind, body and the planet.

Tell us about your career to date?

I left university after completing an architecture degree but I knew that the career wasn’t for me.

I wanted to be people-facing rather than office-based. I took the opportunity to go travelling and when I returned I joined a graduate scheme with Procter & Gamble working for the professional hair brand Wella.

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Why did you win a Generation Next Award?

All of these experiences above, combined with my journey through therapy, led me to start SELF. At the heart of the business is a simple philosophy to “Do Good” and “Be Good”.

We aim to achieve this not only through the wellbeing our experiences provide but also through the intense focus we put into the environmental sustainability of our products and business. We source recycled or sustainable materials, we promote the return and reuse of components, we avoid plastic where possible and we are carbon-neutral certified through our tree planting partnership with Carbon Neutral Britain.

Further to this, we pledge 10% of our ongoing net profits to the Mental Health Foundation as well as raising additional donations through things like the London Marathon.

We also support the work of local charities and not-for-profits such as Connected Perinatal and Derby County Community Trust.

I feel it was a combination of my own personal story, the values built into SE-LF and the actions we take, which all contributed to being named Start-up of the Year.

How does it feel to be recognised for your success via the Generation Next Awards and how has that helped you/your business?

I actually found it quite moving to be named as

the winner at the ceremony. A lot of time, passion and energy goes into starting a business, and to hear the comments from the judges was incredibly validating.

Having recognition from Generation Next helped me gain a funding loan from the Sir Thomas White Foundation that helped continue the growth of the business, including now being stocked in luxury hotels and spas such as Tewkesbury Park and Cowley Manor.

I wasn't expecting it at all, it's been amazing to get something like that as well. That award against such amazing competition was incredible.

I set up SE-LF after my own personal journey with mental health issues, and tried to find a really accessible way for people to introduce self-care into their lives.

I looked at that through skincare as something we already have in our lives and can build on.

But I also wanted to make sure that self-care didn't feel selfish.

The beauty industry already has a third of landfill in Western countries, so I created a carbon neutral business that allows people to indulge in self-care without it feeling like it was impacting the planet.

It's a case of now just building from here. I've got lots of hotels and corporate businesses that are looking into gifting, but also building that direct-to-consumer business, allowing people to give the gift of self-care. That's our tagline.

You've got to give it a go. It's been an incredible experience, meeting everybody and seeing all the different businesses that are out there.

What tips would you have for any young person applying for business or industry awards?

Be open and honest with your story, and let the judges know what drives and motivates you.

Passion is contagious and if they really feel that coming from you, I think it goes a long way.

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Mental Roots collaborates with various artists, businesses, and charities in creating representational solutions through animated campaigns, visual design, and creative, culturally competent workshops for youth, students, and professionals.

Name: Nathan Addai Job title: Animator, entrepreneur, mental health worker Company: Mental Roots Location: Derby Award: Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Give a brief description of the business: Mental Roots is an ethical, not-for-profit brand using creativity and media to destigmatise and improve mental health support for underrepresented communities.

Mental Roots involves an award-winning series of animations initially commissioned by the BBC, as well as the Spotify-commended Mental Roots Podcast. With an initial focus on AfroCaribbeans, Mental Roots’ vision is to empower the marginalised and harmonise various races, cultures, and generations.

Name: Ruby Birks Job title: Partnerships manager Company: Purpose Media Location: South Normanton, Derbyshire Award: Rising Star Give a brief description of the business: Purpose Media is a strategic marketing agency, specialising in digital, web, creative and video to engage audiences, inspire customers and deliver results. Our team combines insights, technology and creativity to bring visions to life and deliver solutions that make a difference to your business.

Tell us about your career to date?

I started at Purpose Media as an apprentice in March 2021, after I left college due to the havoc that Covid caused on education. After that I quickly fell in love with the apprenticeship process and its blend of work experience and learning.

Tell us about your career to date?

I have seven years experience learning and developing animation as a craft (mainly 2D). In this time, I have a BBC-commissioned selfdirected animated short, and have also completed a few client projects.

I have won five awards/festival placements exclusively for my animation. This includes the initial Mental Roots animation which was shortlisted in the BFI Future Film Festival – the biggest young adults’ film festival in the UK. I have eight years experience doing various kinds of paid and volunteering work supporting young people, including running school workshops, academic tutoring, and ongoing church youth group support.

I have judged for the same creative award I had been shortlisted in four years prior and I’ve been one of the youngest speakers at various creative and professional events.

Most recently, I have been working within the mental health sector through which I have gained a coaching certificate and led various one-on-one sessions with adults recovering from mental health crises.

In all this, I’ve gained a unique experience and perspective on creativity, education and social empowerment, and how these aspects can complement each other. This makes me the ideal leader for an initiative like Mental Roots.

Following my apprenticeship, I became project manager for the company. As an organisationloving person by nature, project management felt like the perfect fit. Alongside this I also became the apprenticeship ambassador for GenNext.

Then in late 2023, I became partnerships manager after becoming the networking lead for the company and adopting a portion of the sales responsibilities on top of my existing project management role. At the same time, I also joined the board champions for Gen-Next.

I came out of school at 15 to a world thrown into a tailspin by Covid and all the chaos that it brought along with it. Since starting my apprenticeship at Purpose Media, I’ve gone on to build a career I’m proud of and can genuinely say I love. Since then, I’ve tried to use the career opportunities I have to help people that are in the same position I was a few years ago.

Why did you win a Generation Next Award?

I believe I won my award as I’m genuinely passionate about my career. Being able to speak with real enthusiasm about what I do for work goes a long way to showing people the best of my work. I also believe my resilience helped me win. The path to where I am now in my career has been a rocky one, but I’ve not let it stop me and looking back, it’s been well worth the effort.

How does it feel to be recognised for your success via the Generation Next Awards and how has that helped you/your business?

In my head I’m still the nervous little 15-year-old looking for an apprenticeship, so to be recognised with the Rising Star award went a long way to helping my imposter syndrome.

Winning the Rising Star award really helped me

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Why did you win a Generation Next Award?

I won the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Award because of my unique approach to addressing the highly relevant issues of black underrepresentation in the creative and mental health sectors.

Even seeing a link between the two sectors and how they can work together to depower cultural stigmas, is a conversation that is yet to get mainstream attention. There’s still a lot for me to figure out as I go, in terms of building a robust business model around this topic.

How does it feel to be recognised for your success via the Generation Next Awards and how has that helped you/your business?

The recognition is greatly appreciated, especially as I was also shortlisted in the Creators Award.

There have been a small handful of useful connections I gained from the awards ceremony – both client and mentorship wise.

I think the biggest way this award is helping my business though is that it is further proof to me that my voice, skills and experience are highly needed within ‘EDI’ and creative work.

What tips would you have for any young person applying for business or industry awards?

I’ve had a few awards and competitions I’ve been rejected from, and that’s okay. That’s life.

You never really know what is possible until you try. Don’t belittle your own abilities and voice.

You just might surprise yourself with how far you get by putting your work out there.

It’s not just about the prize. It’s also about the relationships, feedback and further opportunities you can gain while pursuing the award.

mark the transition from being a school-leaver looking for an apprenticeship, to being an apprentice, onto being a full time employee with a defined career.

As much as my company is continually supportive – and I’m confident I always have their backing – winning the Rising Star Award was a lovely way to get some external validation that I’m doing well. My company believing I was worth nominating for the award was fantastic enough, but then to have the judges back that up by choosing me as the winner meant the world.

The opportunities I’ve gotten since winning the award have also gone a long way to making my career what it is now.

Through the awards win I’ve gone on to be featured on the cover of Business Network, speak at networking events, becoming a GenNext ambassador and later board champion, and many more benefits. Overall, it really helped boost my confidence, expand my network and open doors for me.

What tips would you have for any young person applying for business or industry awards?

Look at the journey you’ve come on. Chances are, if you look at where you are today, without the context of where you were yesterday, it won’t look very impressive.

On the other hand, if you look at the steps you’ve taken to get from where you were to where you are, the chances are you’ll see a real journey that you’ve taken to grow in your career.

Having a look at my career as a whole rather than just where I am now really gave a wider context to my journey rather than a static view of where I’m at now.

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GENERATION NEXT

Generation Next programme 2024 Our learning and development initiative aims to empower young professionals in the East Midlands with a diverse range of skills and opportunities to excel in their careers.

In conjunction with our networking events, the themes covered will shape our webinar series and document library, which provides advice sheets and media related to various skills and topics.

Furthermore, our Generation Next mentoring scheme helps members connect with accomplished business leaders from different backgrounds and industries to gain insights and guidance.

To access this support package, consider becoming a part of our membership community.

Get in touch with the team to discuss our membership package by emailing gennext@emc-dnl.co.uk FEBRUARY – ASSERTIVENESS FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT The ability to express your opinions positively and with confidence is a key skill that can help young professionals to better manage themselves, people and situations.

Assertiveness can help with the development of strong work relationships and help you influence others to gain acceptance, agreement, or behavioural change. Learning how to become assertive at work is crucial to anyone’s career.

By having a confident, respectful demeanour that allows you to communicate well with others, it can lead to productive and positive interactions at work which may lead to effective team building, leadership development and collaboration.

Key takeaways: • The principles of assertiveness.

• How to have courageous conversations.

• How assertiveness can help you progress within your career.

MARCH – THE FLEXIBLE LEADER – THE FUTURE OF LEADING HYBRID TEAMS Are you ready to embrace the future of leadership in a rapidly evolving work landscape? Generation Next will equip you with the essential skills and strategies to excel in leading hybrid teams.

As remote work and hybrid models become more prevalent, the role of leaders is undergoing a profound transformation. To succeed in this new era, leaders must adapt their leadership style to effectively manage teams across physical and virtual environments.

Key takeaways: • Explore the benefits and challenges of hybrid work models and their impact on leadership dynamics.

• Learn how to modify your leadership approach to suit the needs of a diverse and dispersed team.

• Learn communication techniques to serve a virtual team and create an inclusive work environment.

• Goal setting techniques and performance metrics which align to a hybrid model.

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APRIL – THE ART OF PUBLIC SPEAKING Are you ready to captivate any audience and leave a lasting impression with your powerful and persuasive speeches? In April, Generation Next will focus on mastering the art of delivering compelling speeches and presentations with confidence and finesse.

Public speaking is an essential skill that can open doors to new opportunities, boost your professional profile, and empower you to inspire others with your words. Whether you're a seasoned speaker looking to refine your techniques or an aspiring communicator seeking to overcome stage fright, our event this month is designed to cater to all skill levels.

Key takeaways: • Discover the key elements of impactful communication and how to convey your message with clarity, purpose, and authenticity.

• Learn proven strategies to conquer nervousness and performance anxiety, allowing you to speak confidently in any situation.

• Understand the significance of non-verbal cues and gestures, and how to use them to enhance your presence and connect with your audience.

• Gain insights into crafting persuasive and memorable speeches that resonate with your audience.

• Learn to use visuals, such as slides and multimedia, effectively to support your message and add depth to your presentation.

MAY – WELLBEING Workplace wellbeing relates to all aspects of working life, from the quality and safety of the physical environment, to how you feel about your workplace, colleagues, and organisation.

Your wellbeing is a key factor in determining your organisation’s long-term effectiveness.

Studies show a direct link between productivity and the general health and wellbeing of the workforce.

The winners of last year’s Generation Next awards

Even on your best days, stress can prevent you from being fully focused and unable to complete tasks to the best of your ability. Too much stress can often lead to burnout, disengagement, sick days, and strained relationships within the workplace.

Key takeaways: • Healthier habits for you to adopt such a healthy eating and regular exercise to help you reduce your stress levels.

• How to maintain a healthy routine to ensure a good work – life balance.

• Ways you can remain mindful during the working day.

JUNE – THE POWER OF MAKING CONNECTIONS Unleash the power of networking with the help of Generation Next to forge meaningful connections both personally and professionally.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a working professional, a student, or an individual seeking personal growth, we will help you harness the power of networking to achieve your goals.

Key takeaways: • Learn practical strategies to approach networking with confidence, authenticity, and purpose.

• Learn how to utilise social media platforms as powerful tools for building professional connections and personal branding.

• Understand the importance of authenticity in forging meaningful connections. Learn how to nurture relationships and turn them into valuable, mutually beneficial partnerships.

• Address common networking challenges and fears and develop strategies to overcome them.

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JULY – GENERATION NEXT AWARDS

adapt and respond to various situations with grace, resilience, and emotional intelligence, so you can thrive in diverse environments.

AUGUST – RECOMMENDED READS Whether you need some help creating a business strategy or are looking for new ways to brainstorm ideas, a good place to find those answers is in a good book – but it can be hard to know where to start. This month, Generation Next will explore recommended reads by industry experts via its online channels.

SEPTEMBER – EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE Generation Next will explore the critical skills that foster self-awareness, empathy and effective interpersonal relationships, and how these attributes can be applied to your job.

An expert speaker will unravel the secrets of understanding and managing your emotions while enhancing your connections with others.

This month’s interactive webinar, will enable you to gain practical tools to navigate life’s emotional complexities.

Key takeaways: • Discover how to recognise and understand your own emotions, paving the way for improved self-awareness. Uncover your strengths and weaknesses and gain insight into how your emotions impact your decisions and relationships.

• Learn the art of empathy, allowing you to connect more deeply with others. Explore techniques to better understand their feelings, perspectives, and needs, ultimately fostering more productive relationships both personally and professionally.

• Acquire strategies to manage your emotions under pressure, reducing stress and enhancing clear decision-making. Develop the ability to

OCTOBER – EMPOWERING THROUGH INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP Generation Next will explore the transformative power of inclusive leadership in today's diverse world. Discover strategies to foster an inclusive culture that celebrates differences, maximises potential and drives innovation. This month’s interactive webinar, will focus on practical insights and tools to harness the strength of diversity. Generation Next will help you unlock the full potential of individuals across your organisation, forging a path to a more equitable and successful future.

Key takeaways: • Learn a comprehensive framework for fostering an inclusive workplace, enabling you to contribute to an environment where all team members feel valued, heard, and motivated to contribute their best.

• Gain insights into practical strategies to attract and retain diverse talent, promoting a richer tapestry of perspectives and experiences that fuel innovation and success.

• Hear from an accomplished leader who has effectively championed inclusivity, offering real-world examples and actionable advice to inspire and guide your own inclusive leadership journey.

NOVEMBER – UNLOCKING YOUR PROJECT MANAGEMENT SKILLS Generation Next will delve into the intricacies of project management, to enable you to gain invaluable insights and practical tips to enhance your organisation skills.

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This month’s interactive session will cover essential strategies to streamline processes, overcome challenges, and elevate project outcomes.

Key takeaways: • Master effective communication within a project team.

• Understand agile methodologies that you can adapt to changing project requirements.

• Learn project management tools for efficient planning and execution.

• Understand managing project risks and mitigating potential obstacles.

• Gain insight and enhance stakeholder engagement for project buy-in and success.

DECEMBER – THE POWER OF EFFECTIVE COACHING AND MENTORING Generation Next will bring together industry experts from its mentoring team to discuss valuable insights and actionable strategies to enable you to get the most from a coaching and mentoring relationship.

Key takeaways: • Learn how to establish meaningful connections with your mentor and help create a coaching environment conducive to growth.

• Explore effective communication techniques to foster understanding, trust, and collaboration.

• Understand the art of setting and achieving realistic goals through coaching and mentoring, enhancing both personal and professional development.

• Gain insights into assessing and measuring the success of coaching and mentoring programs, ensuring continuous improvement and tangible outcomes.

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GENERATION NEXT

Why the University of Derby is supporting the Chamber’s Generation Next initiative Generation Next is a network for young professionals and entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 35, which is run by East Midlands Chamber in conjunction with headline partner the University of Derby.

Here, the university’s student and graduate engagement officer sets out why it is so important for them to support the next generation of UK executives.

We also hear from one of the students who has benefitted from the initiative.

Name: Amber Siddall Job title: Student and graduate engagement manager Company: University of Derby Location: Derby Tell us about the university?

The University of Derby offers industry-relevant, research-informed courses, expert teaching and strong industry links which create unrivalled career opportunities. The university partners for impact, meaning that it is committed to creating a collaborative environment where graduate talent can flourish. The city of Derby has a longstanding reputation for extraordinary innovation which the University of Derby aims to build upon, using knowledge to support the prosperity of our region, nation and the world.

Our students, graduates and staff are making an impact in our region and around the world by using their expertise and experience to drive innovation and make positive changes.

The University of Derby is continuously investing in facilities and will soon be adding a £5.8m Biomedical Science Super Lab. A brand-new state-of-the-art Business School is also set to open near the city centre as a modern, zero carbon hub for students and startup companies to learn, network and prosper.

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What is your position there and what does your day-to-day role involve?

As a student and graduate engagement manager in the Careers and Employment Service, my daily responsibilities include developing and implementing marketing plans to promote our Careers Service, which supports students and graduates in their career journey.

Day-to-day I create engaging content for various channels, including social media, newsletters, and the website, to reach and inform students and graduates about career resources, events, and opportunities.

Additionally, I work closely with internal and external stakeholders to enhance the visibility of the Careers Service.

Why did you want to support Generation Next by becoming a partner?

The University of Derby take a very active role in the local business community, supporting

entrepreneurs and organisations of all shapes and sizes while also producing a significant number of highly skilled graduates who remain in our region.

Supporting Generation Next complements the work we do to inspire young people to become the business leaders of the future through a combination of academic expertise and realworld experience. The initiative creates valuable links for our students and graduates to a growing network of young professionals, connecting them to a community which can help them – and each other – to take those vital early steps in their business career or to take on their own entrepreneurial challenge.

As part of our sponsorship of Generation Next, we offer 100 memberships every academic year to enterprising and ambitious students and recent graduates. This enables them to upskill, find mentors and business partners, and build a professional support network to help them

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Here is the story of one of the people who is a member of Generation Next, and its impact on them:

FRED GOUGH, GRADUATE Fred Gough, who is in his early 30s, joined Generation Next in late 2021, as a recent Writing and Publishing graduate.

Fred was diagnosed with autism and dyspraxia while at university, after suffering from low moods and social anxiety. He found interviews particularly hard.

After being overlooked for several jobs, he secured an internship in the university’s Careers and Employment Service and was encouraged to join Generation Next.

Fred joined the network, keen to develop his general confidence, expand his network, and develop stronger commercial and business skills.

‘In July 2022, Fred was awarded a Generation Next award for Diversity and Inclusion’ During his membership, he took part in a panel discussion about mentoring, sharing his own experience about how mentoring had helped him.

Fred has become a strong advocate for mental health issues, and neurodiversity, and is proud to positively represent and ally LGBTQ+ individuals.

For instance, he used his knowledge and lived experience in these areas to advise on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) issues for the Careers and Employment Service, while he was an intern there.

In July 2022, Fred was awarded a Generation Next award for Diversity and Inclusion for his efforts in this area.

He was also appointed as Generation Next's Ambassador for Wellbeing for 2023 before moving into a new role in the university’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Office and joining an EDI working group looking to develop support and recognise mechanisms for staff across the university’s innovation and research team.

The group also aims to increase diversity across the whole university’s workforce and activities.

succeed. They can also celebrate their achievements and raise their profile by being nominated for a Generation Next award. The university is the headline sponsor for the ‘Future Leaders’ category.

How have members of your team benefited from the network and if so, how has it supported their career development?

We are only partway through our second academic year of offering Generation Next membership to our students and graduates, however, 130 people have already benefitted from this scheme, with more members currently being recruited. These members have had opportunities to build their networks through formal and informal networking events and mentoring, learn new professional skills through a dedicated programme of educational workshops, and get access to blogs and resources.

There’s still time to submit your entries for this year’s awards Entries are open for the 2024 awards until Monday, 11 March. They can be submitted either by individuals within the 18 to 35 age bracket or on their behalf by a colleague or line manager.

Applications can be downloaded at generationnextemc.co.uk/awards and should be emailed to the Generation Next team at gennext@emc-dnl.co.uk upon completion.

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APPRENTICESHIPS, SKILLS & TRAINING

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FEATURE

The benefits of workplace diversity

By Chris Tullin, assistant principal, Curriculum, North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College.

Chris Tullin

ust lately I have been talking to businesses about building inclusive workplaces and the huge benefits that this delivers across organisations.

Employers can see that improving diversity is not only the right thing to do but also makes excellent business sense.

As well as promoting a sense of wellbeing and helping to foster a strong workplace culture, diversity raises awareness of our differences and helps everyone to learn and develop.

One of the most impactful ways to build a

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diverse and inclusive workforce is to employ and train young people with special educational needs and disabilities. DWP data illustrates that young people who are neurodiverse or have additional learning needs are disadvantaged in the employment market.

We recognise that once students reach the age of 24 and funding under EHCPs (Education, Health and Care plan) ceases it can be difficult for them to secure jobs without significant support.

To tackle this, NWSLC launched its Supported Internships programme, which is a work placement programme for individuals aged 16-25 designed to enable young people with special educational needs and disabilities to achieve sustainable paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need for work through learning in the workplace.

Since the launch of the programme, the college has worked with employers such as National Grid Metering, Leicester City Council and the NHS who have provided placements for interns.

Interns join the business as a cohort in the September following the completion of their college course. During the academic year, interns spend each term working in a different department (from fabrication and printing to packaging and despatch) to enable them to gain skills across a broad range of functions. Every Friday they attend a classroom session covering the modules within their college programme, including CV writing and job search, 72

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and asses their progress with their job coach, captured through daily journals.

Every intern that completes the programme is facilitated to access a meaningful interview to provide them with the chance to secure paid employment. We work with them beyond the end of their programme in tandem with Supported Employment Services to continue helping them to find work even at the end of the programme.

As a result of this concerted effort to build an inclusive and diverse workplace, the workplace atmosphere becomes one of cooperation, empathy, kindness, and support. Staff are better aligned to the company goals and work better together.

There is a great deal of emphasis on helping each other, not just those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). Colleagues become more aware of differences including neurodivergence and take adapting to various working styles in their stride. There is a lot of fun and laughter in the workplace and a well-developed culture of respect.

Throughout the organisations we have worked with, there has been a hugely positive response and businesses are coming back to recruit new interns each year. We would love to hear from businesses that are interested in improving their workplace diversity and would be delighted to work with them to introduce candidates from our own student body.

‘There is a lot of fun and laughter in the workplace and a welldeveloped culture of respect’

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FEATURE

Businesses and FE colleges must collaborate to build the workforce of the future

By Debbie Keegan (pictured), director of employer engagement, SMB College Group.

E Colleges and businesses have a common goal – building an innovative, well-trained and sustainable workforce for the future. To achieve this goal, FE Colleges must learn how to better understand and work with local and national businesses.

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EMPLOYER SKILLS FORUMS To help bridge the gap and gain insights into industry trends, skill requirements, and emerging technologies, SMB College Group holds regular Employer Skills Forums.

Employer Skills Forums provide an open and informative round table discussion with employers about industryrelevant skills for the future workforce, allowing both the college and their industry partners to explore how businesses, colleges and college students can create a symbiotic working relationship for the benefit of all.

This vital information helps colleges to design their fulltime, T Level and Apprenticeship curricula to meet the needs of leading local and national employers.

1. Tailored curriculum and industry-relevant facilities It is important for colleges to not only tailor their curricula to meet the needs of industry, but also ensure that their facilities meet industry standards, giving students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with similar facilities to that which they’ll encounter in the working world.

Alongside tailoring full-time college courses through skills forums, SMB College Group also provides flexible and customised training programmes to meet specific requirements of individual businesses.

An example of this is the recently opened Commercial Plumbing and Gas Training Centre in collaboration with Worcester Bosch. Industry collaborations such as this are not only a huge selling point for businesses and students, they also strengthen college-businesses relationships, providing real world value for local and national businesses alike through CPD (continuing professional development) and staff training.

2. Apprenticeships and work experience Another way that colleges can work with businesses is to help companies to recruit and train apprentices and work experience placements. These mutually-beneficial relationships provide invaluable experiences for students and allow businesses to start building their future workforces.

Regarding working with the college to provide valuable hands-on experience for students, SMB College Group’s partner, Resideo, said: “Our collaboration with SMB College Group is aimed at training the next generation of heating and plumbing installers on the latest products and advancements in the industry.

“Providing industry knowledge, together with practical workshops on products and systems, will upskill students, supplementing the training content from

‘Colleges can work with businesses to help companies to recruit and train apprentices and work experience placements’

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their course. Equipped with these additional skills and experience, students get a head start to their career, as they play a key role in the future of the sector.”

3. Networking events and career fairs Attending networking events is the perfect opportunity to meet businesses and build connections. SMB College Group has regularly attended the Love Business Expo, which has been a great opportunity to network and show businesses the great work that colleges do in educating the next generation. Students can also be brought along to such events to give them the opportunity to meet and connect with local businesses.

Organising regular career fairs on-site at college also showcases new opportunities for students. Inviting local employers and businesses to career fairs allows students to meet their potential future employers and find out more about the industries that interest them.

4. Collaborations and partnerships with businesses At SMB College Group, we are proud to have a wide array of employer links with large and small businesses alike. This helps us stay at the forefront of the industries that we work alongside, teaching students what they need to know to become the knowledgeable, experienced and desirable workforce of the future.

These highly-valued industry partners provide work experience opportunities, guest lectures, apprenticeships and much more to enable the college to enhance student experience.

By adopting these strategies and more, FE colleges can create a dynamic and mutually-beneficial relationship with businesses, ensuring that their programmes remain relevant and their students are well-prepared for the workforce.

Regular communication, innovation and collaboration will be key to sustaining and strengthening these partnerships over time.

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‘Organising regular career fairs on-site at college also showcases new opportunities for students’

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Small businesses, big opportunities ational Apprenticeship Week 2024 is here and this year the focus is on how businesses – particularly SMEs – can make the most of the funding support available to develop workforce skills.

Apprenticeships are a great way to improve the skills of your team and, for a small business, they can offer a route to accessing new talent or developing existing staff.

But the funding process can be hard to navigate, with many SMEs unaware of what is available to support them. National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from 5-11 February, shines a spotlight on how SMEs can use apprenticeship funding from the Government to help develop a workforce with future-ready skills.

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has been providing apprenticeship training since 2016, aligning its courses to the needs of business in management and leadership, data science, digital technologies and healthcare.

“There are so many ways in which businesses win with apprenticeships, and we’re here to help SMEs in the East Midlands navigate how they can use the Apprenticeship Levy funding to accelerate their growth,” said Dr Danny Buckley (pictured), deputy apprenticeships lead for DMU’s Faculty of Business and Law.

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BENEFITS OF APPRENTICESHIPS • Did you know that on average in the UK, the estimated yearly gain for employers is between £2,500 and £18,000 per apprentice during their training period? Apprenticeship outputs usually surpass their costs, delivering a net benefit to employers during their training.

• Did you know you can use apprenticeships to upskill and retrain your existing workforce?

Apprenticeship training can be used to fill key skills gaps in your business, boost employee motivation and improve retention rates.

• 92% of companies that have taken on apprentices believe this leads to a more motivated and satisfied workforce. to your existing staff that you are serious about their career development and shows potential workers that you invest in your teams.

“We know that apprentices tend to increase productivity and can also help businesses to innovate, increasing your competitive advantage.

Because apprentices tend to come from broader, more diverse backgrounds than traditional university graduates, they bring different views and experiences to the workplace and that leads to new ideas.”

The reality is that apprenticeships are available for both new hires and existing employees. Small businesses can use apprenticeship programmes to upskill their current workforce, ensuring that employees stay relevant in rapidly evolving industries. This dual-purpose approach allows businesses to address skill gaps and invest in the professional development of their staff.

By offering an apprenticeship you can ensure that the skills developed are matched to your company’s current and future needs. This will help fill any skills gaps and allow your business to source future managers and leaders from within.

CAN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMMES REALLY ADDRESS THE SKILLS GAP IN MY INDUSTRY? The simple answer here is yes. Apprenticeship programmes are a powerful tool for closing the skills gap, especially for small businesses.

Dr Buckley added: “In my area, which is leadership and management, we find that many people who come onto the programme have been in managerial roles but have never had formal training. Giving them that academic, theoretical know-how to add to what they already know from doing their day job can make a huge difference to their confidence and capabilities.”

HOW DOES APPRENTICESHIP FUNDING WORK? Large companies with a wage bill of £3m or more pay into a national funding pot called the Apprenticeship Levy. Each company paying in has its own apprenticeship service account, and can use the funding to pay for apprenticeships in its business.

Smaller companies can access 95% of funding towards the cost of an apprenticeship from the Government, and it pays the remaining 5% of the cost.

However, if you have fewer than 50 employees you will be eligible for 100% funding from the Government if you take on an apprentice aged 1618, or 19-24 if they have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or have been in care.

Figures show there are more than 360,000 small businesses employing less than 50 people in the East Midlands that would benefit from this scheme.

“Addressing the skills gap is a big part of the positives, as it provides the opportunity to build your own team of specialists who can bring in added value almost from the start by applying their new knowledge as they go.

“By making apprenticeships part of your company’s approach to training, it sends a signal 80

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IS APPRENTICESHIP FUNDING ONLY FOR NEW HIRES? The myth is that apprenticeships are only for young people and school leavers and that funding is only applicable when hiring new employees, not for upskilling existing staff.

CASE STUDY Mia Churchill, 23 (pictured), works for Specsavers Audiologists in Peterborough. She completed DMU’s Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship and graduated last year.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without my apprenticeship. The course at DMU has instilled me with confidence - shortly after qualifying I was put forward by my director onto a leadership course where I've really felt that I'm capable and deserving. I now am a full time hearing aid dispenser/audiologist as well as clinical lead for the two stores I work across. I don't think I would have that confidence and ability to give back to my company without my apprenticeship experience.”

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DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY

Is innovation support right for your business?

Championing innovation and productivity is a cornerstone of the support offered by the Chamber’s team of nine Innovation & Growth specialists. Led by head of innovation services Paul Humphreys, the team provides a regional presence for Innovate UK EDGE (IUKE), delivered on behalf of Innovate UK, the UK’s Innovation Agency for high growth and innovative businesses. Here he explains how it can help Chamber members.

IUKE IN BRIEF IUKE provides 1-2-1 tailored support that grows and scales innovative businesses, helping them to hone commercial strategy and structure.

Its three areas of focus are International, Investment and Intellectual Property, with innovation underpinning all three areas. It operates across the three domains of Healthy Living and Agriculture, Digital & Technologies and Net Zero.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE CHAMBER’S INNOVATION & GROWTH TEAM Scale-up growth can be achieved in many ways, whether through product development, digitisation, AI, accessing large-scale finance or international collaboration and partnerships.

The nine individuals who make up the Innovation & Growth Specialist team have specialisms in complementary areas, offering support on a range of things including building an investment proposition and reaching out to private investors, to addressing some of the cultural and collaborative barriers associated with international growth.

An important part of their role is to act as a critical friend to the business, working closely with its senior team to build a robust strategy and understanding to overcome challenges and accelerate long term growth.

They are expert connectors who ensure businesses have access to unique opportunities and can capitalise on the team’s close relationships across the business ecosystem with organisations such as universities, Catapult centres, LEPs, local authorities and chambers of commerce beyond the East Midlands.

Their close working relationships with universities makes them best placed to inform businesses on the 82

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Paul Humphreys, second from left, with members of the UK EDGE Team

types of graduate and postgraduate support on offer.

Graduate internships present a practical way to test feasibility and determine whether a concept is worth pursuing.

DEFINE INNOVATION! For a project to be considered truly innovative, it needs to show gamechanging potential.

The Chamber’s innovation & growth specialists typically work with businesses at the proof-ofconcept stage onwards. That could mean launching a product that either doesn’t already exist or that has a clear pathway to be scaled up, either in this country or elsewhere.

Alongside evidence that the business is trading significantly (R&D companies are an exception to this) and has the appropriate traction and financial resources – or prove that it is investment ready – it also needs to demonstrate true impact. Its new product, service or process needs to have a real-world application that addresses profound issues with a clear demonstration that jobs will be created or safeguarded for the longer term.

IP is a key indicator of showing true innovation and being used effectively in business strategy. The Innovation team’s IP audits and close links with IP attorneys are key to ensuring a business is protected when entering new markets and are also an important part of future investment since IP often has commercial value.

CONSIDERATIONS WHEN INVESTING IN INNOVATION Early considerations when delivering innovation and applying for suitable investment include: • Ensuring the business has the right mix of skills, people and connections, together with the right mindset and team culture to innovate and grow.

• Understanding what financial

commitment a business can make and their Technology Readiness Level (TRL).

• Legal and compliance requirements, including CE marking for companies developing a medical device or a product supplying medical data.

• A clear plan on costings as well as timescales to give potential funders the confidence that every stage of the project has been considered.

• The ability to demonstrate the innovation itself and the ability to scale at pace and how this will have a profound impact in being a leader among peers.

FUNDED ACCESS TO CATAPULTS AND RTOS As well as strong links with university research and commercial teams, the innovation & growth specialists have access to nine catapults spanning some 50 locations across the UK. These independent centres cover a range of specialisms from high-value manufacturing to medicines discovery, digital and offshore renewal energy. They offer businesses the tailored expertise, equipment and resources they need to accelerate their chosen project.

Grants with RTOs (Research & Technology Organisations) support projects with a value up to £25,000 and offer a £15,000, 100% funded grant. Funding for IP audits is also available, as well as support to become investment ready for innovation-focused businesses seeking to raise a minimum of

£500k over two years and with a minimum of £100k in income from either grants, investment or revenue.

This investability training provides rigorous, structured training in the fundamentals of investment readiness, as well as the opportunity for senior management to practise their pitch among peers and an investor panel. It includes invaluable constructive feedback from investors, input from investment champions and external expertise.

DEVELOPING AN INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE The Chamber can also fold in other valuable support services such as finding Chamber equivalents in other countries and introducing businesses to Innovate UK’s Global Business Innovation Programme which is designed as collaboration to share R&D. As the UK member of EEN (Enterprise Europe Network), Innovate UK has access to the world’s biggest business network organisation for businesses looking to innovate and grow on an international scale. It also enjoys close relationships with the Department for Business and Trade which can aid businesses seeking to achieve export growth and enter new global markets.

If you think your business has what it takes to develop this partnership, please contact the Chamber’s Head of Innovation Services, Paul Humphreys, Paul.Humphreys@emc-dnl.co.uk to find out more.

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DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Is my data and my business

Cybersafe?

Ask Neuways…

You’ve worked long and hard and invested time and money to make your business successful, so why put it at unnecessary risk? s a business owner, you will ultimately have responsibility for the data in your business, so you will need to know your cyber hygiene risk score. You may have questions such as: do we have outdated solutions? Is our hardware up to date? Is our software patched?

And so on. When was the last time you decided to do an IT health check or cyber security assessment audit on the state of your business?

Is it likely some time ago? Or never?

A cyber risk and security assessment should be a vital piece of your risk management plan.

Otherwise, how do you know what’s really happening in your business?

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WHAT IS A CYBER SECURITY ASSESSMENT? A cyber security assessment is a process that evaluates and strengthens your company’s cyber security posture by identifying vulnerabilities and potential risks to the information and data held that could be exploited by hackers or other malicious entities. The assessment involves a comprehensive analysis of your company’s network, systems, applications and other assets to determine the current overall level of security.

Our Cybersafe Team will work to develop a remediation plan that outlines specific steps to address any red flags and issues that have been uncovered from performing a cybersecurity risk assessment.

Advisories may include implementing new security controls and policies or reconfiguring network settings, or that your software needs updating to ensure you are secure. They may even tell you that everything is absolutely fine and your score is amazing!

KEY COMPONENTS OF A CYBER SECURITY ASSESSMENT: A cybersecurity assessment involves the use of specialised tools and techniques that enable Neuways to identify weaknesses and potential threats within a company’s infrastructure.

The assessment process typically begins with a thorough inventory of a company’s information assets, including hardware, software, and data.

THREE IMPORTANT REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD PERFORM A CYBER SECURITY ASSESSMENT 1. Cybercrime is on the rise and costing businesses each year The costs of cybercrime are significant, one important step is to invest in IT managed services and include cybersafe measures.

Managed services can help businesses to stay compliant with cybersecurity best practices and mitigate the risks associated with cybercrime. In addition, managed services can help businesses to respond quickly and effectively to security incidents caused by cybercrime.

2. Cybersecurity is not just for large companies – any business can be targeted Small businesses are often appealing targets because they usually have fewer resources dedicated to cybersecurity. As a result, small businesses need to be extra vigilant in protecting their data and systems from attack. You may also have suppliers and you will almost certainly deal with customers that may not have any security in place at all, which may also put your business at risk.

3. Investing in cybersecurity is an important part of protecting your business It’s not just having an IT budget these days – you need an IT security budget.

Businesses need to make sure that they are taking the necessary steps to protect themselves. The best approach is to take a broad view of your company’s security and implement a range of different measures.

This is followed by an assessment of existing security controls and policies to determine their effectiveness in mitigating potential security risks. This exercise should be on a need-to-know basis, so it’s important that employees are unaware of the exercise taking place in order to highlight your real time state in these reports.

Once potential vulnerabilities and risk areas have been identified, security professionals then work to develop a remediation plan that outlines specific steps to address any issues that have been uncovered. This can be included in an executive summary and shared within a management meeting.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND NEXT STEPS: In our increasingly cyber connected world, the importance around cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Threats can range from phishing scams and malware attacks to malvertising, and they can have a significant impact on your businesses and the end user. By taking the necessary steps to identify and prioritise risks and knowing the security gaps within your company, you can start to make informed decisions about your business objectives and plan to better protect your business.

To end this piece where it began - you’ve worked long and hard and invested time and money to make your business successful, so why put it at unnecessary risk?

Engage with Neuways to assess the current cybersecurity posture of your business, with the aim to improve overall security and highlight any improvements to keep up with the everchanging world of cyber threats.

Contact our Cybersafe Team at Neuways on hello@neuways.com today and let us help your business become cybersafe.

Listen to our new CyberSafe Digest Podcast on:

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LEGAL

TV exposure encourages more contested will cases fad for TV shows featuring families wrangling over their inheritance is helping to fuel an increase in contested wills cases, according to one East Midlands law firm.

Smith Partnership, which runs six offices in the region, says programmes such as The Inheritance and Inheritance Wars: Who Gets The Money? are encouraging people to seek their own legal advice.

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Michael Squirrell

Fintel acquires advisers’ review site VouchedFor, a UK review site for financial advisers and mortgage advisers, has been bought by Fintel, a provider of business and regulatory support services to the UK retail financial services sector – with the help of Shakespeare Martineau’s East Midlands team.

The deal, reported to be worth more than £7.5m, will see Fintel grow the VouchedFor review platform and launch more services for advisers.

Established in 2011, VouchedFor provides a free-for-consumer database of more than 350,000 client reviews of professional advisors. Its senior leadership will stay on under the deal.

Fintel provides technology, compliance and regulatory support to thousands of intermediary businesses, as well as data and targeted distribution services to hundreds of product providers through its SimplyBiz brand.

The fintech provider – which owns household-name star-rating service Defaqto – also supports consumers to compare and buy financial products.

The deal involved 48 shareholders, including current employees and management.

Shakespeare Martineau corporate partner Michael Squirrell, who acted for VouchedFor executive chairman Adam Price, said: “We are delighted to complete this deal on behalf of Adam, working closely in conjunction with other advisers and shareholders (including Samos and Octopus) to provide an aligned and strategic approach to the transaction.

“This completion would not have been possible without a huge team effort from the VouchedFor management team.”

The Shakespeare Martineau team comprised Michael Squirrell, Ashley Taylor, Nana Maisuradze, John Maple, Chris Royals, Huw Witty, Charlotte Cassells and Danielle Lister.

Toby Ramsden and Sam Esser of Sequence Advisers provided corporate finance advice to Mr Price. Eversheds and BDO acted for Fintel.

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‘There are plenty of instances where people have the right to mount a challenge’ The two TV shows – one a drama – have shone a light on how badly written wills can be contested and overturned.

Among the cases explored in Inheritance Wars were two brothers who lost their inheritance to an adopted sibling – the kind of issue inspiring more people to mount a challenge to a loved one’s last will and testament.

The firm says there has been a rise in the numbers of contested wills cases over the past couple of years, prompting it to increase the number of people in its contested

Alison Neate (left) with solicitor Victoria Townsend

probate team from two to three.

Alison Neate, the firm’s head of professional liability is now taking on contested probate cases.

She said: “These TV programmes are picking up on an increase in families who have been left unhappy by their relatives’ wills and are coming forward to contest them in bigger numbers than we have ever seen before.

“While they are certainly made for entertainment, there is definitely enough truth in the shows for viewers to understand

how the industry works and what issues in their own lives might be worth challenging.

“It’s often been assumed that someone’s last will and testament is legally binding and can’t be challenged, but that’s not the case at all. With property prices now so high, plus people making bad wills during Covid-19 and the changing nature of families, there are plenty of instances where people have the right to mount a challenge and seek a resolution that is fair and in their interest.”

Freeths advises on major retail sale National law firm Freeths advised on the completion of EG Group’s £2.07bn sale of its UK operations to Asda.

Founded by the billionaire Issa brothers in 2001, EG Group is a British retailer which operates filling stations, convenience stores and fast-food restaurants across Europe, the United States and Australia.

The successful transaction was led by Freeths UK real estate legal team partner Atiyya Khaliq (pictured) and managing associate Michaela Mason, together with managing associate Zac Clayton, associates Samuel De La Bertauche, Hayley Bunt, Nicole Hendy and Elliott Thorne, and legal assistant Poppy Hinton.

They were supported by colleagues from Freeths’ Glasgow office including partner Paul Ockrim, director Gary Georgeson and associate Pamela Gorman. The team worked alongside corporate lead counsel from Skadden.

Atiyya Khaliq said: “It’s been wonderful to work with the EG Group team and its corporate and tax advisers Skadden and EY on this sale which has been testament to the business and its stakeholders

all working together to complete the transaction.

“This deal has really played on the strengths of our Freeths national Real Estate capabilities.

“Marking a new chapter for EG Group, we look forward to seeing what’s next in store.”

Freeths also advised EG Group on the sale of its 218 KFC franchise restaurants across the UK and Ireland to Yum! Brands’ KFC Division.

The deal is part of the global retailer’s successful portfolio optimisation strategy and continued progress towards putting in place sustainable growth and innovation.

The Freeths legal team was again led

by Atiyya Khaliq, supported by Zac Clayton, Michaela Mason, Samuel De La Bertauche and Poppy Hinton.

Atiyya Khaliq said: “As a valued client, it’s great to see EG Group’s corporate sustainability strategy coming to life.”

EG Group continues to operate in the USA, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium and the UK, including bakery business Cooplands, as well as franchise businesses with the Starbucks, Subway, Greggs, Sbarro, Chaiiwala and Cinnabon brands.

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FINANCE

Wealth and asset specialists buck the market trend eicester wealth and asset management specialist Mattioli Woods issued a January trading update stating the business had performed well in what were proving to be complex markets.

Revenue was up 8% to £59.1m in the six months to 30 November, thanks to a “resilient” trading performance, against a challenging macroeconomic backdrop.

The business said organic revenue was up 4%, with a robust new business pipeline, and it had achieved 374 new client wins in the period with an asset value of £82.2m.

The total client assets of the group remained stable at £15.2bn, slightly down due to £155mn worth of downward market movements.

The business also said recent acquisitions were performing well, and it had a robust pipeline of potential bolt-on acquisition opportunities.

Chief executive Ian Mattioli MBE (pictured) said: “I am pleased to report revenue growth in the first six months of this financial year, despite the challenging macroeconomic backdrop that continues to affect client sentiment and market value of clients’ assets.

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‘We continue to focus on the integration of recently acquired businesses, with realisation of revenue synergies’ “Revenues were 8% higher and the group delivered organic revenue growth of 4% reflecting the resilient nature of our revenue model combining fee-based revenues for specialist advice and administration with ad-valorem investment management revenues linked to the value of clients’ assets, despite a slight fall in the value of client assets under advice and administration during the period.

“We enjoyed particularly strong growth within our core pension

consultancy and employee benefits business segments, with the proposed changes to pension and tax rules announced in the Chancellor’s recent Autumn Statement driving strong demand for advice.

“We continue to focus on the integration of recently acquired businesses, with realisation of revenue synergies across the group remaining a priority.

“We also completed a detailed review of our current investment offering for clients during the

period which has identified opportunities for enhancing group revenues while reducing clients’ costs.

“Our focus will now shift to implementing these strategic changes for the benefit of both our clients and shareholders.

"Client demand for our specialist consultancy services, to help them better understand the proposed changes to pension and tax rules, has generated a strong 22% increase in the value of new business enquiries versus the prior year.

“We expect these recent legislative changes and the current macroeconomic conditions to drive continued demand for trusted specialist advice.”

Sheetal earns senior leader accolade

Sheetal Sanghvi

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RSM UK’s Nottingham office managing partner was named outstanding senior leader of the year at the recent Multicultural Business & Community Champion Awards (MBCC).

Sheetal Sanghvi collected the award which recognises an individual who possesses a distinct set of qualities and behaviour that inspire and empower others to reach their full potential.

The awards were launched in 2016 to celebrate unsung heroes, champion diversity and recognise the value of outstanding individuals and organisations across the UK. The ceremony attracts community champions, charity heroes, entrepreneurs, businesses, professionals, sponsors and enthusiasts from all walks of life.

Sheetal said: “Being awarded outstanding senior leader of the year at the prestigious MBCC awards among such incredible finalists was a huge honour, and a magical end to a fantastic evening.

“You cannot become a good leader without great people around you, so I dedicate this award to my family who have always stood by

me in everything that I do, all the leaders that have inspired and invested in me throughout my incredible journey at RSM and my amazing team – all of whom make me the person that I am today.

“This was a new category this year so being the first to win it will always be a special moment and one of many career highlights for me.”

Mark Taylor, regional managing partner in the Midlands at RSM UK, said: “Sheetal’s progress within our business over the last few years has been nothing short of meteoric and it is absolutely fantastic to see the contribution she is making to the continued momentum of RSM being acknowledged in this way.

“A truly humble and compassionate leader but with a sharp commercial focus, Sheetal fully merits this brilliant recognition.”

The awards judges included Justice Williams MBE, co-founder and editor in chief of the Black Business Magazine, Olympic gold medal winner Dame Denise Lewis OBE, singer/ songwriter Jamelia and UK chief executive of The Prince’s Trust Jonathan Townsend.

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FINANCE

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt

Take note of tax changes

By Darryl Hoy (pictured below), a technical director within the Radius Team at Shorts Chartered Accountants, specialising in R&D Tax Relief. n 22 November 2023, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, delivered his Autumn Statement, outlining several changes to UK tax.

Particular emphasis was placed on business, and the R&D Tax Relief schemes received a lot of attention.

Here, our team outline the main changes you need to know, whether you are an accountant helping clients submit R&D tax claims or a business claiming tax relief.

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NEW COMBINED R&D TAX RELIEF SCHEME As widely anticipated in the buildup to the Autumn Statement, the current Research and Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) and SME schemes will be combined into a single R&D tax credit scheme.

Under the unified scheme, businesses will be able to claim expenditures incurred in accounting periods starting on or after 1 April 2024. The merged scheme will adopt the existing RDEC rate of 20%.

For loss-making entities in the merged scheme, the notional tax rate will be reduced from 25% to 19%.

Based on a Corporation Tax rate of 25%, this change means a net relief of 15% (£15,000 for every £100,000 spent on R&D) for profitmaking companies, 16.2% for lossmaking companies, and 26.97% for R&D-intensive companies.

ADDITIONAL CHANGES Since April 2024, several other adjustments will be implemented in the new system.

Notably, R&D claimants will no longer be able to designate a thirdparty recipient for R&D tax credit payments, except for specific limited cases.

Moreover, as of 22 November 2023, no new transfers of R&D tax credits will be permitted, meaning that, in most instances, companies making R&D claims will receive the tax reliefs directly.

CLARIFICATION REGARDING SUBCONTRACTORS Part of simplifying the schemes also includes clarifying HMRC’s view on subcontracted R&D. Where a company with a valid R&D project contracts out part of that work to a third party, the company will still be able to claim those (R&D qualifying) costs of that contract.

HMRC’s view is that the company is the decision maker on whether the project requires R&D and also bears the financial risk.

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SKILLS

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SKILLS

Latest group of trainees join accountancy firm

he Nottingham office of accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young is continuing to develop the next generation of audit trainees and accounting and business services trainees, with its latest cohort of graduates, placement undergraduates and school leavers.

Many of the new starters have been educated in the city, including Rohan Dhillon and Callam Boultby who are undertaking third-year placements as undergraduates at Nottingham Trent University.

Having both joined as accounting and business services assistants, they are now furthering their professional development with industry experience at UHY. Rohan, who is studying

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economics with banking and finance, said: “When searching for a placement opportunity, the training role at UHY really jumped out to me.

‘The training role at UHY really jumped out to me’ “The role offers lots of variety and enables me to explore which services and sectors particularly appeal to me – all with the added bonus of being convenient to my needs as a student in Nottingham.

“The team is very sociable, which has helped me and my fellow trainees to feel settled and an enthusiastic environment to develop in.”

Audit trainees Jess Sinfield, James Whiteman, Aidan Finn and Andrei Roca have all joined the UHY team following graduation, where they will be undertaking Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualifications over the next three years.

UHY partner James Simmonds said: “We have an unwavering commitment in supporting the next generation of accounting professionals to prosper in a career in the industry. In their first few weeks at UHY, our latest cohort have shown exemplary application and an enthusiasm to learn more.

“We are delighted with the progress they are making and equally the level of support that our team members are going above and beyond to offer.”

College welcomes engineering expert An engineering master’s student from Germany has been welcomed by staff and students at West Nottinghamshire College’s Engineering Innovation Centre for extended classroom volunteering experience.

Jan-Hendrik Voss, from Osnabrück, in north-west Germany, first visited the college in 2017 with his peers from Osnabrück’s Technical College through the Erasmus+ project – a European social-mobility programme for education, training, youth and sport.

Then, as a 19-year-old student, he was able to see how the college’s engineering curriculum functioned compared to his classes in Germany, while also attending a six-week engineering internship at Doughty Precision Engineering Ltd in Daybrook, Nottingham.

Since then, Jan-Hendrik has gone on to gain qualifications in automated engineering, concentrating on electricity and energy, and electronics and automation, followed by a

Jan-Hendrik (centre) with principal Andrew Cropley (left) and head of engineering Ben Toule

bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at Hochschüle Osnabrück.

He is now studying for a master’s in electrical engineering and English – and has chosen to return to West Notts College to gain experience in tutoring apprentices.

Jan-Hendrik said: “I'm really enjoying developing my skills with these students and I’ll be able to use them back home in Germany.

The next step for me will be to complete my teacher training qualification.

“The specialist area of electrical engineering is very interesting and there is plenty to explore in this subject.

“It’s been great to pass on my knowledge to such a variety of ages in the classrooms and I’ve tried to keep the learning as interesting as possible.”

Cathrin Winsor with the Level 3 IT students

Students given ‘themed’ advice IT students at Vision West Nottinghamshire College have discovered how their skills and knowledge could take them into careers creating the magic that goes into theme park rides and entertainment across the world.

The group welcomed Cathrin Winsor, project director from Derby-based Katapult, who showcased the complexities of the hardware and software used at attractions such as Warner Bros Discovery, Legoland Parks, The Eden Project, Alton Towers and Drayton Manor Resort.

Cathrin has a wealth of experience in her role with the company which designs themed attractions and experiences for visitors across the world.

That has included a fullythemed guest experience at CBeebies Land, in Alton Towers, which provides an immersive and engaging way for children to have their photograph taken on a green screen with their favourite characters.

Katapult also provides immersive family entertainment centres including a new Ferrari Experience dining concept – for enthusiasts to interact and connect to the glamour and excitement of the Ferrari brand.

Cathrin worked with the Advanced Diploma in IT Level 3 group to look at how important project management is when creating immersive entertainment concepts which include audio, visual and special effects.

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PROPERTY

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PROPERTY

Flagship offices now fully occupied L

ess than 12 months after completion, all six floors of office space at One Waterside Place in Chesterfield are now fully occupied.

The flagship office development, owned by Chesterfield Borough Council, has welcomed Rosewood Wealth Management along with another international company, which are both expanding their presence in Chesterfield. They join BHP Chartered Accounts and Varley which already occupy space in the building.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for economic growth, said: “We invested in One Waterside Place during the pandemic and it was a key element of our economic recovery.

“To have now fully let the office spaces within the first year of opening shows how our economy is growing and demonstrates how we can compete with the cities around us to attract both investment and jobs.”

Sale agreed for warehouse space

Rosewood Wealth Management is a local business providing financial services including mortgages, pensions and investments.

Its co-founder Shannan Pool-Gorman said: “Rosewood is proud to be part of the development at Basin Square. We are passionate about supporting the local area and look forward to playing our part in the next development phase for our beautiful town.”

The development of One Waterside Place was led by local property development and investment firm Bolsterstone Group PLC. Its managing director Peter Swallow said: “One Waterside Place is a runaway success story having taken less than 12 months to fully let.

“When planning the commercial element of Chesterfield Waterside at Basin Square, we knew that the proximity of the train station would be a major pull for businesses. It has certainly been the case.”

Gas-free homes given green light Wavensmere Homes has got the green light from Amber Valley Borough Council for its revised plans for the redevelopment of Milford Mills, overlooking the River Derwent, between Belper and Duffield in north Derbyshire.

Some 69 new homes will now be delivered on the land which is within the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accessed off A6/Derby Road in the centre of Milford village, the redevelopment will feature 42 two- and threebedroom houses and 27 oneand two-bedroom apartments, within a four-storey building.

Wavensmere Homes said it has spent more than £250,000 on archaeological investigations on the site, while amending the original planning application to enable the 4.7 acre development to be gas free.

The houses will have air source heat pumps, while the apartments will have electric heating and solar PV panels fitted to the roof of the building to generate renewable energy.

FHP Property Consultants director Tim Gilbertson says they have finalised the sale of substantial warehouse space at Sherwood Business Park to Parkside Steel after it outgrew its current unit on the estate.

The building sits just off Junction 27 of the M1 and offers a mix of storage and production space with two storey offices, along with extensive car parking and a separate delivery yard.

The deal sees the sale of just under 60,000 sq ft of space from a private investor which enables Parkside Steel to expand and relocate as their business continues to grow.

Tim said: “I was delighted to see this sale go through on Sherwood Park which remains an attractive and sought after location just off Junction 27 of the M1 motorway.

‘My vendor clients were delighted with the disposal’

College construction work gets the go ahead Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has successfully secured two major builds for Nottingham College.

Construction has been approved for a new £5.4m Centre for Employment and Independent Living for Students with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (CEIL for SLDD), as well as a new £5.4m Construction Skills Centre (CSC), as additions to Nottingham College’s existing portfolio.

Works for the CEIL for SLDD scheme will include delivering a two-storey new build with a gross internal floor area of 1,350 sq m,

with 13 classrooms, teaching kitchen, dining area and ancillary spaces across its two levels, as well as associated external works.

The CSC scheme will consist of a new build specialist centre to meet the growing need to provide training for construction skilled trades in the local area. The 1,500 sq m building will offer a flexible teaching and learning facility with a big double height construction trades workshop, as well as classrooms, a smaller modern construction workshop and associated staff and support facilities.

“It was a pleasure to deal with our purchasers, Jack Audley of Parkside Steel throughout and as ever it is good to see a local company growing and expanding.

“Equally, my vendor clients were delighted with the disposal in a deal where both parties behaved impeccably and despite having some hurdles to cross with the sale, both did their utmost to achieve a common goal of a transaction in the simplest manner.

“Thank you to my clients for this instruction and I wish Parkside Steel well.

“Once again, this sale highlights the very limited number of opportunities to buy that are on the market in the industrial and warehousing sectors in the East Midlands and it would be great to have more opportunities like this to put to the market.”

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MOTORING

Ford revives its Puma The original Ford Puma was something of a disappointment - sales were low and the range-topping version couldn’t pull the skin off a rice pudding. Now Ford has decided to re-introduce the name with a radical new design and technology that even today is quite mind-blowing, writes journalist Nick Jones.

have to admit, the mechanical wizardry that has occurred in this car has me nodding my head in approval. “There’s no replacement for displacement” has been a phrase that’s been circulating for years – in other words, the assumption that technology has yet to come up with a suitable replacement for traditional petrol and diesel engines.

But that has been thoroughly debunked with what the Ford engine team has achieved here.

What’s remarkable is the output of the relatively small sub-one litre three-cylinder engine, which packs a staggering punch, and somewhat defies belief. The economy figures are brilliant – achieving more than 60 miles to the gallon – over an array of roads and driving conditions with no lack of power when called upon.

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Admittedly it’s not the quickest away at the lights, but it’s perfectly acceptable for today’s roads and conditions.

Hybrid motors are fairly sparse in this kind of vehicle, often saved for the upper-echelon of road traffic. The secret here is the Ecoboost 48-volt mild-hybrid box of tricks which squeezes every drop of power out of the fuel while shutting off the engine when it’s not needed and using a small electric motor to provide a bit of boost when called upon. It’s a clever piece of kit, with no input whatsoever from the driver.

My car has the Titanium trim which brings in a whole raft of standard equipment that would satisfy any boxticking extras narcissist.

A smooth 6-speed gearbox is standard, but one can specify a 7-speed auto if required. The interior is the usual straightforward and user-friendly Ford layout with controls which are in the right place without having to negotiate a complex menu in the 8-inch touchscreen.

What it all goes to show is that, even though vehicle technology is moving so fast, this package in the revived Puma is nothing short of remarkable.

FACTFILE MODEL Ford Puma Ecoboost 1.0-litre

PRICE OTR From £24,945

PERFORMANCE Top speed: 120 miles per hour 0-60 mph: 9.8 seconds

POWER 125 horsepower

TORQUE 215 Nm

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INFORMATION

Forging links with young job seekers ast Midlands employers are being given a chance to assess the quality of their engagement with young jobseekers by comparing themselves against nine new standards.

The Careers & Enterprise Company – which works with schools, colleges and employers to help every young person find their best next step – has developed an ‘Employer Standards’ framework to help make the process of getting young people into work even smoother.

Each standard reflects a different aspect of the steps employers can make in supporting effective careers provision in schools and colleges. Measures include providing opportunities for young people planning to start out on their careers, helping them build skills and preparing young people for job applications.

More than 360 employers nationwide – including Tesco, Lloyds Banking Group, KPMG, and BAE Systems – have already assessed themselves online against the nine evidence-based standards.

The results suggest employers that promote careers pathways are up to four times more likely to see

Credit: LLEP Careers Hub

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Enterprise adviser Dan Lamoon, MD from Colab Creation, at an LLEP Careers Hub event

‘Inclusivity is one of four pillars of Leicester and Leicestershire’s Economic Growth Strategy’ an increase in the number of young people applying for apprenticeships. But they also showed that many firms could be doing more to help young people through job applications and interviews.

The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) Careers Hub was one of the first to pilot the framework.

Each of its 10 cornerstone employers – which include Cavendish Nuclear, CR Civil Engineering, DHL, and Leicester City FC – has completed the free assessment.

The Mighty Creatives, another LLEP Careers Hub cornerstone employer, helped develop the new system, including producing a video and help guide for employers which want to improve their offering.

LLEP chief executive Phoebe Dawson said: “Inclusivity is one of four pillars of Leicester and Leicestershire’s Economic Growth Strategy as we aim to create an adaptive workforce in which everyone has access to skills and career progression.

“By contributing to the development of the CEC framework, we are not just helping include young people but also bridging the gap between education and careers in industry.”

Dr Nick Owen MBE, chief executive of The Mighty Creatives, said: “The pandemic seriously jeopardised the education and employment prospects of many young people.

“It is vital that employers are confident enough to be able to play a part in offering real, meaningful employment opportunities for those young people.

“Working with the LLEP Careers Hub, and contributing towards shaping the national recruitment inclusivity framework, does just that.”

To do the assessment visit employer.careersandenterprise .co.uk

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THE LAST WORD Chamber president Stuart Dawkins looks ahead to the coming year and considers how we can best pass on to the next generation. s you will probably have seen elsewhere, I have been asked to continue as president of the Chamber for another year. I will be leaving the role in December 2024, handing over to our new vice-president, Craig Brothers. I’m sure Craig will do a great job before then passing on to Dawn Whitemore.

You may also be aware that Daniel Nikolla is carrying on for another year as chair of Generation Next – a key focus for this month’s magazine. Daniel’s successor will then be Scarlett Canavan.

Generation Next continues to build on the range of events and support it provides for young businesspeople and entrepreneurs. I urge you to check out its offerings if you have not done so already.

ensuring the continuation of the very stability and security that most business leaders crave in order to make good decisions.

My two chosen themes were a small attempt to bring some of this to the fore.

You may remember that a year ago, I asked each of you to do two tasks during 2023. The first was to spend time to find out how you can help with the real needs of your local community. The second was to spend time to consider how you can most effectively support generation next-but-one.

Each of these themes was aimed at taking good quality time to reflect. And to reflect perhaps a bit more widely than usual. To reflect on who is important to you, and what you will leave to those in future generations. Precisely the issues involved with succession.

I will not be doing an audit to check on how you did with those tasks during the year – you will know that for yourself.

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SUCCESSION AND LEGACY The coincidence of timing regarding Daniel’s and my continuation got me thinking about succession and legacy.

Human nature seems to include an urge to build something and to ensure it can continue.

But what do we choose to build? With what purpose? And what do we wish to leave behind when we have finished?

Let’s take these things in turn, starting with succession. This is the stuff of many a fictional drama, and the narrative of many a real-world drama too. There are many famous, or indeed infamous, examples of succession done well or done badly. For most of us, I hope, the drama can be avoided.

I am not competent to be giving tips about how and when to pass on to the next generation – whether it is literally to the next generation of one’s family or simply to the next person. But for all of us, that time will come.

Sometimes events dictate the timing and nature of a handover. More often, it is a decision.

Almost always it will involve giving something up. Giving up some aspect of lifestyle, or control.

Letting go of something.

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CONSIDER OUR IMPACT ON COMMUNITIES Passing the baton on to the next generation involves a surprisingly wide range of considerations

some certainty. Yet this is a plan that can get right to the heart of what it is you want from life.

It requires a reflection on matters wider than the operational, and the profit and loss account.

Which links to legacy. For some things and for some people, legacy may not matter that much.

But when it does matter, it too involves wider considerations than those often at the front of mind.

REINFORCING CHOSEN THEMES My musing on all this ties in with the themes that I focused on in my first year of the Chamber presidency.

They were based on my belief that some version of free market capitalism is an effective way to enable growth and innovation in a society.

But, left to its own devices, it is sometimes far less good at ensuring the benefits of that growth are distributed well. It can also be less good at

The start of my second year as president gives an opportunity to extend and amend slightly the tasks I set out for the first year.

By the time my stint as president has ended, two years will have passed. Two years is quite a decent chunk of time in a business environment; an amount of time that can deliver a lot of change.

By the end of my second year, I ask that you consider the impact you and your organisation have had on your communities and on generation next-but-one during that whole twoyear period. Give it an honest assessment. I hope you will be pleased with the conclusions you come to.

If, however, any part of you is uncertain about whether you will be pleased with your assessment, then begin to do something about it now. There is still another year to go to take the steps you need to make you happier with your future assessment. A year is a long time.

Whatever you achieve during the year – and whatever you may grow or may leave behind – I hope you have a great 2024!

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