Biz Network Sept 2025

SCHOOL OF ROCK!

KASABIAN FRONTMAN SERGE PIZZORNO BACKS IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION AS HE RECEIVES HONORARY DEGREE

POLITICS

CHANCELLOR PRAISES

EXAMPLE OF LOCAL

SUCCESS STORY

FOCUS

HOW THE REGION IS TACKLING THE ISSUES OF SUSTAINABILITY

THE FIRST WORD

If some people had their way, the green revolution would be scrapped and the world encouraged to “drill, baby, drill” – regardless of the consequences. There has been growing cynicism to the threats posed by climate change – a vocal minority who want to drop clean energy policies, who argue that global weather is always shifting one way or another and who say the move to go green is dragging economies down.

Whether or not the families who lost homes in the Greek wildfires this summer, or the communities flattened by hurricanes in the US and Caribbean, or those who lost loved ones in the Pakistan floods in August would agree with that is a matter of opinion.

While there is opposition to the push for sustainability, there is still a huge amount of conviction to the fact that we all need to act now – and keep acting – to stop the world getting hotter.

East Midlands Chamber is proud of its work supporting businesses in their mission to cut carbon emissions – from providing specialist help for companies keen to save energy to signposting government grants for SMEs to install EV chargers.

Hundreds of Chamber members are invested in sustainability – from solar panel installers to green electricity providers, recycling companies and universities working on harnessing the power of hydrogen and extracting valuable metals from used batteries.

One relatively new member is 1Energy, which wants to invest more than £100m in piping waste heat under the streets of Derby to provide cheap, green energy to some of the city’s biggest buildings.

After revealing the plans in July, we take a more in-depth look at what they want to do –and how they plan to do it – in this month’s Big Interview.

Following the sustainability theme we hear how Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is helping reintroduce Atlantic salmon to the River Ecclesbourne; news of a new sustainable freight network; and how some of the region’s biggest venues are embedding sustainability into the heart of their operations.

There are also details on attending the Chamber's Sustainability and CSR conference in Derby on 11 September.

Hope to see you there.

Tom

, Editor, Business Network

Editor Tom Pegden

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Contributor Tim Smith

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BUSINESS NETWORK is produced on behalf

SEPTEMBER

2025

MEMBER NEWS

4 Work under way on new innovation hub

APPOINTMENTS

24 University awards honorary professor title

THE BIG INTERVIEW

27 Andrew Wettern, founder and CEO of 1Energy

STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS

32 Visit opened up a world of possibilities

CHAMBER NEWS

34 Students urged to consider their options

CHAMBER NETWORKS

42 Generation Next Summer Festival celebrates the best of the best

TRAINING & EVENTS

46 Final call for entries to East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2025/26

SUSTAINABLE EAST MIDLANDS

48 Recycled furniture firm breaks boundaries

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

50 Businesses sign up for export support

POLITICS

52 Architects to take space at Canopy

FEATURES

54 CHARITABLE CAUSES, PROMOTION & PARTNERSHIP

How you can make a difference

56 Going green with The National Forest

58 Why talk must lead to action

60 FOCUS

Business Network rounds up the region’s latest thoughts and initiatives surrounding sustainability and CSR

66 CORPORATE CHRISTMAS

Choosing the ideal corporate gift

68 Keeping your Christmas event inclusive

DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY

70 Planning ahead helps avoid harmful issues

BUSINESS SUPPORT

73 LEGAL

Law firm kicks off new sponsorship deal

74 FINANCE

Accountants team up to offer wider service

76 SKILLS

Report shows LSIP making good progress

78 PROPERTY

Green light to transform historic site

80MOTORING

Nick Jones test drives the Seal, China’s latest addition to the electric car market

THE LAST WORD

82 Chamber president Dawn Whitemore on why the Government needs to cut red tape

Pegden

COVER PHOTO

Serge Pizzorno with his honorary degree from the University of Leicester

Picture by Jason Senior of Redpix

MEMBER NEWS

THE LATEST NEWS FROM OUR CHAMBER MEMBERS

Work starts on innovation hub

Work has started on a £20m innovation park hub in Ashfield for manufacturing and distribution businesses.

The Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre (ADMC) will be a jewel in a new £100m Innovation and Technology Park, and could go on to become a national centre of excellence for automation.

The 30,000 sq ft centre will help businesses of all sizes harness the power of automation to boost productivity, streamline operations and enhance competitiveness.

Roadworks ahead of construction partner Lindum starting on the site, off Low Moor Road, Sutton, are now getting under way,

Ashfield District Council leader Cllr Jason Zadrozny hoped it would become a magnet for businesses wanting to embrace new technology to drive growth.

He said: “It will provide a legacy for generations to come and one that will attract more high skilled jobs to Ashfield.”

The Innovation Park, supported

by Ashfield’s Towns Fund, will play a central role in delivering high-skilled job opportunities in

How the Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre will look

the region. Its strategic location –close to the A38, M1 and Sutton Parkway Station – makes it ideally positioned to serve the Midlands’ manufacturing and logistics sectors.

Scholarship boost for Thai students

Fifty students from Thailand will benefit from six weeks of study in the UK thanks to a scholarship programme launched by the Thai government and the University of Leicester.

The university has been chosen as a UK partner in the Thai prime minister’s One District One Scholarship which will see successful applicants travel to Leicester in October for a combination of studies at the university and extra-curricular academic activities. Scholars will also enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of Leicester City FC and attend one of their matches thanks to a partnership between the university and club.

‘The programme supports young people from every district of Thailand’

Thai deputy prime minister Prasert Jantararuangtong said: “This marks the beginning of a significant experience in the lives of all our young participants.

“I urge everyone to make the most of this opportunity, not just for your own benefit, but to return and help develop Thailand to keep pace with the world, avoid being left behind, and proudly compete with other nations. I believe this project will ignite the power of our young generation, transforming it into a force to

drive Thailand towards a better future.”

President and vice-chancellor of the university Professor Nishan Canagarajah said: “The programme supports young people from every district of Thailand, many of whom face socioeconomic barriers, to gain international education experience.

“This aligns with our mission as an inclusive university.”

The keys to the new home of Derby International Business School have been officially handed over, ahead of its opening this month.

The Cavendish Building will offer inspirational teaching in a setting to match, with the hope of making the city a destination of choice for students, academics and industry.

‘This new landmark building will serve as a dynamic hub where industry, students, and academics come together’

The seven-storey building has features including a Google-style creativity lab, a finance lab for budding investment bankers complete with Bloomberg and London Stock Exchange Group terminals, a logistics lab, a creativity lab and an XR suite to create an immersive learning experience.

Construction was carried out by Kier Construction.

University of Leicester president and vice-chancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah (Credit: Redpix Photography)

New business school will serve industry as well as students

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, vice-chancellor and chief executive of the university, said:

“We are delighted to be one step closer to opening the doors of our Cavendish Building.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the university as this new landmark building will serve as a dynamic hub where industry, students, and academics come together to drive innovation and shape a better future for society.

“Designed for applied learning and pioneering research, the new space will foster collaboration and empower industry and academic partnerships for impact across the globe.”

Business school head Dr Nicola Lynch (pictured) said: “Our priority from the outset was for The Cavendish Building to be a central hub where students, academics and industry co-locate, co-create, share knowledge, gain skills and collaborate to help solve some of the world’s biggest challenges.

“We look forward to further strengthening our business partnerships and to continue developing a blueprint for how universities can work effectively and meaningfully with industry.”

Tom Newman-Taylor

Investment will drive growth at Freeport

East Midlands Freeport has outlined how more than £1bn in funding will be used to drive infrastructure, skills and sustainable energy development across the region.

The freeport’s first investment strategy and 2025/26 Business Plan sets out how it plans to use business rates and other funding to unlock development, attract investment and support growth across its three nationally significant sites – East Midlands Airport and Gateway Industrial Cluster; East Midlands Intermodal Park; and the former Ratcliffe-onSoar Power Station site.

It has been drawn up in line with the Government’s industrial strategy in partnership with councils, developers and the East Midlands Combined County Authority. It sets out how the freeport will:

• Reinvest £1bn

• Deliver infrastructure and unlock development-ready sites

• Launch a new skills and communities fund

• Support the clean energy, logistics, and advanced manufacturing sectors

• Help create an estimated 28,000 new jobs and potentially deliver £9bn in wider economic impact.

Management said it builds on early progress, which they said had secured £150m of investment and created more than 850 jobs.

Freeport chief executive Tom Newman-Taylor said: “These plans show how East Midlands Freeport is unlocking development, attracting investment and building value for the region. This is a freeport delivering with purpose –backed by strong partnerships and focused on sectors that will define the UK’s economic future.

“We’re proud to be part of a strong ecosystem supporting growth that is targeted, inclusive and aligned with both national strategy and regional priorities.”

Freeport chief executive

Inside the University of Derby Business School

The new University of Derby Business School

Kasabian singer, songwriter and record producer Sergio ‘Serge’ Pizzorno received an honorary degree from the University of Leicester in recognition of his contribution to the city and music industry.

The 45-year-old indie rock star, who has racked up seven UK number one albums, accepted his honorary doctorate of music at one of the university’s summer graduation ceremonies.

‘Embrace the scary stuff, because that’s where the magic lives’

He told graduates at the ceremony: “I’d like to give a huge thank you to the university for this incredible honour, and all of you graduating today, nice one, let’s have a round of applause for you all.

“Here you are gloriously robed, cap on head and brilliant. Also, a shout out to the lecturers, professors and academic wizards who guided you, to the parents and friends and families who sent you beer money thinking it was for text books.

“This is your life, not mine, your path will be beautifully different. Change is growth, it isn’t failure, it means you’re alive, you’re learning,

Serge Pizzorno at the degree ceremony

you’re paying attention – never be afraid to change your course.

“Embrace the scary stuff, because that’s where the magic lives.

“You are capable of more than you think, you won’t find that by staying in your comfort zone. Also, play. Play with ideas, play with failure, play like it matters and sometimes play like it doesn’t. The outcomes will arrive, the joy is in

the process and that’s where the real gold is.

“Dedicate. When you find something you love, pursue it with everything you’ve got. There’s no deadline on discovery, embrace that chaos.”

Kasabian’s members met while attending Leysland High School and Countesthorpe Community College.

Notable highlights include a 2014 Glastonbury headline spot and

New principal will always put students first University honours local rock star

The new principal and chief executive of Leicester College is looking forward to building on its strong reputation and doing even more for the thousands of students who studying the city, writes Tom Pegden.

Shabir Ismail became principal and chief executive of the college this summer, replacing Verity Hancock who had spent several years in the post.

The appointment coincides with news that the college has extended its strategic partnership with the Chamber.

Shabir said: “It’s a huge privilege to be the new principal of Leicester College. I’ve been here for 15 years and there’s no better college that I would want to lead – we have the right ethos and the right culture and are continually investing efforts in improving our community and our student experience.

“We’ve always been proud of the work we do here instilling ambition and inspiring the young people who study here, who come from very different – sometimes challenging – backgrounds.

“That level of enthusiasm and commitment is evident throughout the organisation, from the bottom up. For me, the next step is ensuring we continue to progress in what is a challenging further education environment, making sure our curriculum is relevant and meets the needs of employers, and enabling our students to go on to either higher education or to work in the sectors where they want to be.”

Shabir joined the college in 2010 as a director, going on to become deputy principal for finance and corporate services as David Cameron’s austerity measures began kicking in. He was appointed deputy principal/CEO a decade ago.

He said: “We work hard to ensure all our students have the right chances and the very best opportunities.

“Our core values have always remained the same – even through austerity – which are that we serve our community, we serve our stakeholders, and we continue to support students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. In the past decade or so, access to

learning, particularly free education and access to benefits, has changed. Transport costs for students, for instance, have become challenging as has support for students with special educational needs.

“All of those challenges have given us a more business-like approach so that we are efficient. We need to ensure that the courses we offer are appropriate and that we meet the needs of all of our stakeholders.

“It means we can put our hands on our hearts and say we’re there

University president and vicechancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah said: “Sergio has undoubtedly helped put the city of Leicester on the map and this accolade today is our way of acknowledging this and our sense of pride in his achievements.”

for all our students, and that we see all those students making the right progress and achieving their ambitions.”

The college has three campuses – Freemen’s Park, which is near the Tigers rugby ground, Abbey Park and St Margaret’s.

Each year it supports around 15,000 students – with around 4,000 16-19-year-olds, almost 10,000 adult learners and about 1,100 apprentices. There around 1,100 members of staff.

Shabir said that since Covid the college had invested more time and resources in nurturing its students, supporting them with things such as their mental health and wellbeing, and in inclusion, to make sure no student is left behind.

Courses offered range from construction and engineering to performing arts and media.

The new principal said it is also one of the biggest two providers of T-levels – two-year technical courses which are broadly equivalent to the A Levels – in England and which involve an extended work placement for all students.

three appearances at Leicester's Victoria Park – one to celebrate Leicester City’s Premier League title in 2016.

Shabir Ismail

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Chesterfield-based door hardware firm takes councils and contractors behind the scenes of a live fire test

On 7 July, Rutland Door Controls hosted their Live Fire Test Experience event with the support of Warringtonfire.

Established in 2004, Rutland’s mission is to enhance compliance and performance at every door. Renowned for their high-quality door hardware and thorough support, Rutland provides assistance through every stage of the door hardware journey – from compliance and testing, to ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting.

The Live Fire Test Experience held at Warringtonfire Birchwood included a thrilling demonstration of a live EN 1634-1* fire test, along with a facility tour and detailed CPD training session on fire door hardware. The event was designed to highlight the importance of correctly-fitted fire doors and their hardware – two seemingly identical doorsets were tested in parallel, with one intentionally set to fail. Minor changes to the fated door’s configuration led to dramatic differences during the test, emphasising the importance of getting it right first time. Compliance and performance rely equally on correct specification and conscientious installation.

To learn more about Rutland’s products and services, visit rutlanduk.co.uk, or speak with a specialist via sales@rutlanduk.co.uk, or by calling 01246 261491.

*EN 1634-1:2014 is a standard that specifies the methods for determining the fire resistance of door and shutter assemblies, openable windows, and elements of building hardware.

IN BRIEF

HEALTH BUSINESS TEES UP NEW OFFER IN LAKES

Derbyshire-based Choices

Health and Fitness has opened an 18-hole woodland-themed adventure golf course called Critter Creek in the heart of the Lake District.

The course is set against the natural backdrop of Windermere and marks the company’s first move into the leisure and tourism sector.

Managing director Duncan Foster said: “We’ve always believed in promoting fun, fitness and family. Opening this adventure golf course allows us to extend that mission beyond our Derby roots and offer a unique experience to the millions who visit Windermere each year.”

FANTASTIC CAMPAIGN BY MARKETING FIRM

A Derby-based digital marketing agency has launched a campaign on behalf of Casio G-SHOCK’s partnership with Marvel.

Alphageek Digital, based in Friar Gate, worked on the highprofile campaign to celebrate the launch of a new range of GSHOCK watches, to coincide with Marvel’s summer blockbuster, The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Alphageek has managed Casio’s digital marketing for its G-SHOCK brand for the past five years. Managing director Art Lindop said: “To be working with not just one, but two globally recognised brands like Casio and Marvel is extremely exciting and testament to the creativity and hard work of our team over the past few years.”

TRAINING PROVIDER DONATES IT EQUIPMENT

East Midlands-based training provider EMA Training has donated thousands of pounds worth of IT equipment, including server racks, servers and routers, to Embark Federation, to support its network of schools. The IT equipment, worth more than £20,000, will support 23 schools across Derbyshire.

The hardware was previously used by learners at EMA Training as part of their apprenticeship to help them develop hands-on skills which they could apply in the workplace. EMA recently decided to stop delivering IT apprenticeships, and turn its focus to its specialities in accounting, marketing, payroll and data technology.

Managing director Tracey Mosley said the kit was collected by the team at L.E.A.D IT, who delivered and installed it at the schools.

Now historic attraction can look to the future

TCromford Mills has secured £1.3m in development funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Arkwright Society said the investment marked the beginning of Cromford Mills: Celebrating Heritage, Creating a Sustainable Future – described as a once-in-ageneration project to restore and reimagine one of the UK’s most significant Grade I listed 18thcentury building complexes.

Work will focus on the transformation of the landmark 4storey Mill, Building 1, which greets you as you walk through the main entrance to the Matlock site.

The support will fund the essential planning, consultation, and design work phase, laying the

‘Restoring our vacant historic industrial buildings is about unlocking new opportunities’

groundwork for the full restoration and sustainable reuse.

As part of the internationally significant Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site, it will take Cromford Mills a major step closer to being removed from Historic England’s National Heritage at Risk Register and securing its future as a vibrant heritage destination and thriving community space.

At the heart of this vision is a skills and enterprise programme, to

Home staging firm is becoming hot property

A home staging business in Melbourne, Derbyshire, has secured a six-figure funding package from the British Business Bank’s Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through fund manager Maven Capital Partners.

Founded in 2015 by Elaine Penhaul, Lemon & Lime specialises in professional home staging for high-end residential properties.

The business has staged more than 1,500 homes to date, working with estate agents, developers and homeowners to help properties sell faster.

The funding will support a recruitment drive to create new jobs and help launch the company’s franchise model.

Elaine Penhaul, Founder of Lemon and Lime, and Richard Brightly, Investment Manager at Maven

The University of Derby, local organisations and colleges. It will focus on practical training and work placements in areas such as heritage construction, renewable energy, design, hospitality and tourism – equipping people of all ages with skills for the future. Taster sessions will begin over the next two years.

There will also be a restaurant beside the waterwheel, a welcome hub for visitors, as well as event and function spaces.

Eilis Scott, chief executive of the Arkwright Society, said: “Restoring our vacant historic industrial buildings is about unlocking new opportunities, sparking innovation, and using the stories of creativity and enterprise to inspire.”

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Interest hots up as more plans for Cold War bunker unveiled

The heavy iron doors, 2m-thick walls and complete lack of windows make clear the huge job needed turning the 70-year-old Nottingham War Rooms Cold War bunker into a workable business space.

The plans, drawn up by developer Langcroft Group, include installing lifts, knocking through internal walls and creating a threestorey atrium in the middle to bring in natural light from above.

There are plans to bring in further light by cutting around 60 window slits into the concrete walls, each measuring 2m high and 50cm across.

Throughout, the plans will have to be sensitive to the nuclear bunker’s history, protecting important aspects such as the old BBC studio – which could become modern media facilities – and the former government office areas, which could be used as workspaces, potentially managed by East Midlands Chamber.

There are plans to make the technically impressive Lansom airtube system, installed to shoot paperwork around the building in vacuum-sealed tubes, a focal point of the changes.

The original Cold War kitchen will also be preserved, and the big ventilator units will remain a feature of the main lobby area.

In all, the footprint of the site –built in the 50s and extended in the 60s to be home to 400 people in

‘We’ll have to see how all the bits gel together and won’t do anything without the approval of Historic England’

the event of nuclear war – has 55,000 sq ft of space, with a lettable footprint, including two planned extensions of around 36,000 sq ft. There would be parking for 50 cars.

East Midlands Chamber is in talks about potentially managing the workspaces, and youth charity Base 51 is also considering taking some of the space. The search is now on for other potential tenants to play a part in the designs.

Craig Cameron, land and partnerships lead at Langcroft, said the property was currently owned by Homes England and the sale will go through if planning permission is granted this autumn.

Historic England has also been involved in the preservation side of the proposals.

The scheme, on land off Chalfont Drive, is being proposed alongside 104 new homes on the land surrounding the bunker, in partnership emh Group, and with a total investment budget of around £34m.

Craig said: “The whole idea and opportunity to refurbish the site was of real interest to us –combining the housing with redeveloping the existing building.

“The ventilators will stay in the lobby area, for instance, and the lifts will be installed in the old ventilation shaft.

“The old kitchen is still in almost new condition and will be preserved, maybe with seating for a coffee shop. We want people to be able to see it – there will be a significant cost, but we’ve already been approached by people with pop-up restaurants interested in doing fine dining here, and other things. We’ll have to see how all the bits gel together and won’t do anything without the approval of Historic England.

“The plant room downstairs could become a potential play zone, while we’ve got a couple of people looking at the area which was the women’s dorms, including a medical group which is keen to take on the whole floor to provide private addon services to the NHS such as MRI scans and blood testing.

“We’ve had gyms show an interest and there’s potential for a whole floor to be used as coworking offices and workspaces. There’s space for a conference room and we’ve got people interested in media facilities. The BBC studio could be redone to the original designs and then could be used for things such as recording music and podcasts. It could then be used by businesses to do social media-type content for their businesses.”

If you are interested in finding out about the plans or talking to the developer about the opportunities within it, then scan the QR code below or visit: www.nottinghamwar-rooms.com

Developers plan to preserve much of the original Cold War kitchen

Stairwell in the War Rooms

Nottingham War Rooms Cold War bunker is an imposing building

The ventilator units are set to be a feature of the lobby area

Craig Cameron

Sam Grogan, pro-vice chancellor of Loughborough University addresses the People and Skills Conference

Learning all about skills reform

Businesses leaders joined representatives from the education sector at East Midlands Chamber’s 2025 People and Skills Conference, which was held at Loughborough University.

Held in partnership with Loughborough University and West Nottinghamshire College, and sponsored by Futures, the conference sought to pinpoint opportunities for skills reform through a series of talks and workshops.

Chamber director of policy and insight Richard Blackmore chaired panel discussions at the conference.

‘These are conversations we can build on to get more people into work and drive growth’

He said: “If we’re going to fix the skills gap and get people into roles that can hit the ground running, we need to engage with both employers and educators and find ways to get meaningful results.

“The East Midlands People and Skills Conference gets decisionmakers from both those worlds together in one place and the discussions that took place highlighted areas that can be progressed – identifying effective EDI initiatives, approaches to recruitment for those in education and retention of talented people.

“These are conversations we can build on to get more people into work and drive growth.”

Loughborough University professor in work psychology Eva Selenko, the keynote speaker, gave a talk on research into the issues that underpin youth unemployment.

She said: “Getting business and educators together is enormously important. As an education provider, our goal is to get students into good jobs. It’s a broad topic where we can share our academic knowledge, not just teaching expertise.

“Services are changing constantly, apprenticeship options change and some opportunities are fewer than they were, so sometimes young people cannot find their way through the maze of service provision.

“There can also be mental health issues among young people that can hinder them in setting goals

and finding education or staying in it, or showing the resilience needed when getting a job, for example. There are a multitude of factors to face, and we need to work together with businesses to solve them.”

Futures head of business development and partnerships Chris Grocock took part in a panel on recruitment, retention and productivity.

He said: “It’s really important that we get to meet with businesses, that we get to explain the offer that's out there and really tackle some of the fundamental policy issues.”

ER Recruitment founder and managing director Eileen Perry MBE DL said: “Getting businesses and educators together, as has happened at this conference, is so important and I feel there’s a greater appetite for that these days.”

Louise Dakin, SEND employability manager at West Nottinghamshire College, said: “The college is committed to supporting our local employers and has delivered successful initiatives and partnerships through offering supported internships, and it was great to showcase this to the business community at the conference.”

Louise Knott, vice-principal for communications, engagement and student experience at the college, said: “At a time when many businesses tell us they are struggling to recruit good, loyal staff, it is vital they have a full understanding of the range of support on offer to help them expand their recruitment pool through programmes such as supported internships. The conference gave us the perfect platform to do this.”

Dr Gareth Thomas, managing director of Skills and Employment Support

Keynote speaker Eva Selenko, professor in work psychology at Loughborough University

Louise Dakin, SEND employability manager at West Nottinghamshire College

Leading light Chan Kataria to stand down from emh role

East Midlands housing provider emh Group has announced the retirement of its long-standing group chief executive Chan Kataria OBE.

The non-profit landlord, which owns and manages 22,000 homes, has been headed up by Chan for 21 years.

Originally set to build a handful of affordable homes for exservicemen after the war, the group has only had three leaders in its 79-year history.

Chamber director of policy and insight Richard Blackmore chats to Chan Kataria OBE at the 2025 Culture and Communities celebration

Chan at the 2024 Leicestershire Business Awards with host Emma Jesson

‘Even after all these years, I never fail to be amazed by the dedication and commitment of our colleagues’

Chan has overseen a period of significant change since starting in post, including seeing the group grow from 8,000 to 22,000 homes across 45 local authority areas.

Based in Coalville, it now employs 1,100 people and has a specialist academy which supports more than 250 apprentices each year.

Awarded an OBE on 2007 for services to housing, Chan came to the UK aged 11 in 1972, when his family was forced to leave Uganda

under the regime of Idi Amin. After gaining a degree in economics, he became a housing officer 35 years ago to help play his part in tackling the emerging housing crisis.

He said: “It has been an honour and privilege to serve as chief executive at emh.

“I am proud of the things we have achieved as an organisation, including such things as being one of first phase strategic partners with Homes England, championing greater diversity with strategic partnership with the East Midlands Chamber and so much more.

“Even after all these years, I never fail to be amazed by the dedication and commitment of our

colleagues who go the extra mile to make a real difference to the lives of our customers and communities on a daily basis.”

He will leave towards the end of this year, enabling time for a recruitment to be found.

In the meantime, he has been appointed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government to be a non-executive director on the Board of the Regulator of Social Housing.

He is currently a member of the Midlands CBI Regional Board and a board member at the Rainbow’s Hospice in Loughborough, and also Leicester College.

Industry must continue to support military

Stuart Williams OBE, chief executive of the East Midlands Reserves and Cadets Association, has warned that new partnerships between the military and industry are crucial to keeping Britain safe.

Speaking at the 2025 Regional Engagement with Defence Conference, he said the war in Ukraine, growing Russian aggression, nuclear risks and daily cyber-attacks at home, meant the world had changed for the worse.

Drawing on material from the review, he added: “We are in a new era of threat, but the Strategic Defence Review will make Britain safer, secure at home and abroad.

“Defence is fundamentally important to us all and a new mindset is needed to help us move to a whole of society approach to Defence. Key to that is a new partnership between Defence and industry.”

Businesses were also reminded of the value of employing military personnel – many of whom have qualifications in areas such as leadership, advanced driving and engineering –and provided an updated on new career and skills initiatives.

Examples of destruction and resilience in the Ukraine capital Kyiv. Inset: Stuart Williams

Hosted in Nottingham, the Regional Engagement with Defence Conference highlighted what the review means for business.

A key theme was the need for greater employer support for our Reserve Forces, which consists of people who train with the Royal

Navy, Royal Marines, British Army or Royal Air Force alongside their day-to-day jobs.

There are currently around 30,000 Reservists in the UK, but the Strategic Defence Review has set out an ambition to increase this force by 20% when funding allows.

Guests welcome Yun

Air freight hub is flying higher

The UK’s number one dedicated express air freight hub has seen volumes surge over the past three months, bucking market trends.

Management at East Midlands Airport said it handled more than 103,000 tonnes of cargo between May-July – up 17.4% on the same period in 2024.

The airport is number one in the UK for dedicated cargo operations – as opposed to cargo carried in the belly of passenger aircraft. Industry data suggests belly-hold volumes elsewhere have remained broadly flat.

It has been driven in part by the arrival of four new operators running routes between China and the UK and comes despite obstacles such as Trump’s tariffs on global trade.

Management said airlines were attracted by the flexibility of East Midlands’ 24/7 operation and its

‘The new carriers represent a further boost to businesses trading with one of the world’s most important economies’

location at the heart of the UK.

The new operators are Central Airlines – operating twice-weekly on behalf of Chinese logistics firm YunExpress – US-based Atlas Air, Ethiopian Cargo, Saudia Cargo and British freight operator One Air, which switched its UK base for China-UK flights from Heathrow a year ago.

An East Midlands spokesman said its chief operations officer had stated that it was quicker to get goods offloaded from East Midlands to its warehouse near Heathrow than when it flew into Heathrow.

One Air is now launching four flights a week connecting Europe

with the Middle East and AsiaPacific regions, from East Midlands via Liege in Belgium and on to Dubai and Hong Kong. It also has plans to introduce Boeing 777s to its fleet of 747s.

East Midlands is home to the main UK hubs of DHL, UPS and FEDEX and handled 375,000 tonnes of freight worth £37bn in 2024/5. By specialising in dedicated freighter aircraft, it can give operators the certainty of flight slots.

The airport recently reconfigured its cargo aprons so that out of 27 cargo stands, 12 can now take wide-bodied aircraft, up from seven. There are also plans to increase nearby logistics space, while landing fees that less than those of Heathrow.

Four runway-side plots are also being made available for redevelopment, including 1.3m sq ft of warehouse space, new

taxiways and stands for up to 18 more aircraft.

The plans anticipate a 54% growth in express freight cargo volumes over the next 20 years and could support more than 20,000 new jobs and an uplift of almost £4bn for the economy.

It comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a partnership between parent company MAG –which also owns Manchester and Stansted airports – and global logistics property giant Prologis which will see a new logistics and advanced manufacturing park brought forward for development, helping unlock £1bn of investment as part of the East Midlands Freeport, for which the airport is the principal port.

Airport managing director Steve Griffiths said: “The new carriers represent a further boost to businesses trading with one of the world’s most important economies.”

EMR regional fleet upgrade right on track

East Midlands Railway (EMR) has unveiled its first refurbished Class 158 train marking the next major milestone in its £60m project to improve its regional fleet.

The project will deliver a cleaner, more modern on-board experience and ensure the trains continue to provide a reliable and comfortable service for years to come.

The Class 158 fleet, which mainly operates on the Liverpool to Norwich route via Nottingham, Manchester and Sheffield, will see a £5.2m interior refresh, including new seat foams and covers using high-durability EMRbranded fabrics, new tabletops, carpets, vestibule flooring, and a deep clean of all passenger areas.

The trains will feature updated branding and labelling, along with newly painted exteriors, creating a consistent and refreshed visual identity across the fleet.

There will also be upgraded on-board passenger information systems to ensure more accurate real-time updates.

Managing director Will Rogers said: “This investment will breathe new life into our Class 158 fleet, significantly improving comfort, safety and the overall travel experience for customers across our regional network. It’s a clear demonstration of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of our trains and delivering better journeys for all.”

A Class 158 train

Express Central Airlines to East Midlands Airport

Education charity opens doors for all

Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP) is based in Chesterfield and employs 26 people. Chief executive Clare Talati (pictured), talks about the business.

Tell us what your company does?

DEBP is a charitable incorporated organisation, registered with the Charities Commission, which equips children, young people and vulnerable adults with the opportunities and tools for success.

We have seen year-on-year growth in turnover over the past 10 years and as a charitable organisation we are always seeking new opportunities to help support more children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

What services do you provide?

We offer three core services, with bespoke options, to support individual educational requirements: helping learners to recognise their potential and develop key employability skills, including entrepreneurial skills; delivering high-quality careers guidance; work experience programmes that help schools meet their statutory requirements to provide 10-days work experience for students in secondary education.

What is your USP?

We work with primary, secondary, mainstream, specialist schools and support centres, and in the community, supporting learners up to age 19, or 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. We also work with vulnerable young adults up to age 30 to advance their employability skills. Our USP is that we provide a combination of well-being, employability and careers support for learners in all age groups and across all educational settings.

What does your day-to-day role involve?

Much of my focus is on business

development and ensuring we can provide stability and consistency for the young people we support and much of this involves relationship management with partners.

What recent challenges have you faced?

As a charity we have no core funding so actively seek funding opportunities to enable us to continue the exemplary work that the team deliver. This can be challenging, particularly as lots of funding is short term. However, we are a dynamic organisation, able to identify and respond to needs as they emerge, this makes us the ideal partner to collaborate with.

How has East Midlands Chamber supported your business?

We have been based within Chamber offices in Chesterfield since 2012, and staff have attended training and events organised by East Midlands Chamber to increase knowledge and get tips for best practice. We have also used the Chamber publications to promote our company, programmes and job vacancies.

IT experts should be at heart of business

Mike Donoghue (pictured), managing director and principal consultant at Derby IT consultancy Economit writes about changing technology at work.

For decades, IT teams were seen as support functions focused on fixing what was broken and “keeping the lights on”. But in the age of cloud computing and AI, that model is outdated and extremely limiting for companies.

Today, IT must move beyond reactive helpdesks to become proactive business partners, and its success must be aligned with organisational goals, and judged accordingly.

Cloud technology has already redefined business computing. Instead of slow, expensive infrastructure projects, companies can now access enterprise-grade tools on demand.

This shift has democratised technology, allowing even small businesses to scale quickly and securely.

‘Modern IT’s role isn’t just to fix what’s broken – it’s to enable what’s next’

Meanwhile, hybrid and remote work models have further leaned toward cloud adoption, pushing organisations to seek IT partners who understand not just infrastructure, but security, compliance, data strategy, and business process optimisation.

AI is the next transformative force, and no longer a distant concept, but a reality already embedded in everyday web applications and services.

Nearly 70% of organisations now use AI in some form, harnessing it to improve decision-making, enhance customer service, and unlock data-driven insights.

Modern IT’s role isn’t just to fix what’s broken – it’s to enable what’s next. That means helping businesses automate processes, build intelligent data pipelines, strengthen cybersecurity, and ensure regulatory compliance.

It means speaking the language of commercial strategy, not just technical jargon. This is where IT delivers true value – keeping the lights on needs to be a given, and not a measurement IT’s effectiveness should be judged by any longer.

Organisations that thrive will be those who see IT not just as a helpdesk, but as a strategic partner, that they can and should be demanding demonstrable value from.

Boost your brand – and improve your community impact

Ben Rigby (pictured), director at Sporting Communities CIC, shares how East Midlands businesses can deliver real community change – while also building stronger teams and a more socially responsible brand – by partnering with a not-for-profit that drives workforce development, wellbeing and co-created regeneration.

A TRUSTED, VALUES-LED PARTNER FOR YOUR CSR AND ESG STRATEGY

Sporting Communities CIC is an award-winning, ethically driven organisation with charitable aims, working to build healthier, more inclusive communities across Derby and the wider East Midlands.

As a not-for-profit, every surplus is reinvested directly into initiatives that tackle inequality, develop skills and improve wellbeing for those who need it most.

By aligning your CSR or ESG budget with us, your business can:

• Show leadership through ethical, place-based investment

• Strengthen customer loyalty by backing real social value

• Access transparent reporting for procurement and ESG purposes

• Join a growing network of changemakers making a real difference

• Support local youth activities to improve mental health and wellbeing and connect with young people.

• Gain access to community assets to reach new audiences, raise your profile, or enable your team to create a positive physical impact within the community.

• Ask questions of the young people we connect with and develop your own youth voice group.

REAL RETURNS – FOR YOUR BUSINESS, STAFF, AND COMMUNITY

Working with Sporting Communities brings tangible value:

Brand elevation – be seen as a business that invests in local lives and futures.

Staff pride & purpose – give your people meaningful volunteering, wellbeing opportunities and a reason to be proud.

Local visibility – sponsorships and community projects bring your brand into trusted, neighbourhood spaces.

ESG integration – receive tailored stories, stats and impact reports to support social value bids and reporting.

Authentic social recognition – build trust with customers, stakeholders and your own team.

One of our partners recently sponsored a training bursary for a disengaged young person. That individual is now a qualified youth worker –employed, inspired, and mentoring others. The sponsoring team even met him at a local event, where the impact of their support became deeply personal and real.

WE CO-CREATE, NOT DICTATE

We believe in designing with communities, not for them.

Over 200 residents and five local businesses co-produced the regeneration of Normanton Park Community Centre in Derby, transforming a forgotten space into a vibrant, communityowned hub.

Your business can be part of this model: offering ideas, sponsorship, or staff time to create shared spaces and services that are sustainable, inclusive and valued.

DEVELOPING LOCAL SKILLS AND GROWING TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE

Our Supporting Communities Training Academy delivers accredited training in youth work, sport, health, and social care. These are not just qualifications – they're routes into real employment.

Your business can:

• Sponsor scholarships for those furthest from the labour market

• Co-develop sector-specific training to help grow your future workforce

• Offer guest talks, mentoring, or site visits to inspire young people

• Upskill your own staff through CPD-accredited wellbeing and leadership courses.

WELLBEING

THAT WORKS – FOR PEOPLE AND TEAMS

We deliver practical, engaging wellbeing programmes for families, schools, and workplaces. From mental health awareness and trauma-informed practice to active lifestyle events, our work builds resilience and connection. Corporate partners can:

• Sponsor public wellbeing festivals that connect your brand to positive experiences

• Commission bespoke workplace wellbeing sessions for your staff

• Promote your values and culture through joint community initiatives.

THE HUMAN VALUE OF PURPOSE-DRIVEN BUSINESS

In today’s market, people want more than products – they want meaning. Employees are proud to work for businesses that give back. Customers are loyal to brands that stand for something.

Our partners often tell us that the real value of working with Sporting Communities isn’t just the public recognition – it’s the way it brings their teams together, makes their work more meaningful, and leaves a lasting legacy they can be proud of.

LET’S BUILD SOMETHING BIGGER, TOGETHER

Be part of something with purpose. Together, we can build stronger communities, unlock potential, and help your business thrive – inside and out.

Visit: www.sportingcommunities.co.uk

Tel: 07966 984147

Or email: ben@sportingcommunities.co.uk to start the conversation today!

Derby must be seen as a land of opportunity

Derby has all the right ingredients and now needs to bring them all together: that was one of the key messages from this year’s Derby Property Summit.

Held for the first time at the new Vaillant Live venue, an audience of 300-plus people, including business leaders, decision-makers and investors, heard from keynote speakers and panellists who shared their views on Derby’s regeneration story.

‘The alchemy of cities involves the people, the economy and the place itself’

The property summit was organised by Marketing Derby, the city’s investment promotion agency, and backed by event partner AtkinsRéalis and brand sponsor Compendium Living. It was hosted by business journalist Declan Curry, who introduced John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, and who talked about the complexities of cities, where people, business and place interact in a built environment of the past, present and future.

John said: “The alchemy of cities involves the people, the economy and the place itself.

“For me, it’s about change and transformation. It’s about shaping.”

Keynote speakers included Andrew Carter, chief executive of urban policy research unit Centre for Cities, who offered the national perspective, talking about the key elements that make a successful city – from encouraging and nurturing entrepreneurialism and innovation, to strong, forwardthinking leadership.

He was followed by Paul Morris, director of St James Securities, the company that is delivering the regeneration of Becketwell, of which Vaillant Live is a key element.

He reflected on the successful first two phases of the £200m regeneration scheme and the importance of delivering a truly mixed-use project.

Becketwell is one of a number of major schemes rising out of the ground in Derby city centre – and at this year’s summit, Tammy Whitaker, director of city growth at Derby City Council, outlined what is coming down the pipeline, including Derby MADE, the council’s new flagship regeneration project at the Market Place.

Finally, a panel discussion took place, offering the perspective of those who had already invested in the city – and in some cases, now call Derby home.

The panel was made up of Karen Clark, director of operations at Ergo Advantage, Emma Davies,

head of regeneration at AtkinsRéalis, Henrik Juhl Hansen, managing director (UK and Ireland) at Vaillant Group, Bruce Lister, managing director at Compendium Living and Lesley So, founder of OMOMO Korean Street Food.

The Derby Property Summit also showcased the work of architecture students at the University of Derby, who shared their stunning visions for the North Riverside area of the city on video screens around Vaillant Live. Attendees were handed copies of the newly updated Derby Investment Guide, (pictured) which details the city’s major investment opportunities.

…Leicestershire has scope for growth too

The Business Gateway Growth Hub has welcomed a new partnership with the government as part of its Business Growth Service.

The Growth Hub, operating across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, is part of the new service – which is led by the Department for Business and Trade.

The national service is designed to make it easier for businesses across the UK to locate and access the support they need to start, grow and succeed. It links businesses with free, expert and impartial advice –including local support through regional growth hubs across England.

Phoebe Dawson, director of business skills at the Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership, is responsible for the hub.

She said: “The Business Growth Service will offer businesses in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland seamless access to both local and national support.

“This new collaboration will ensure businesses in our region can easily find the right help to start up, grow, and also consider routes to international trade - as and when they need it.”

Businesses in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland can access a wide range of support from the Business Growth Service at www.business.gov.uk or the Business Gateway Growth Hub at www.bizgateway.org.uk

Phoebe Dawson at a Business Gateway Growth Hub event in Leicester

Panel discussion at the Derby Property Summit

(Credit: Beth Walsh Photography)

A big service for small businesses

Truly SMB only launched at the start of the year –its roots go back longer – but has already built a strong client base among SMEs for its software and hardware managed-services.

Vicky and Brett Critchley, the company’s chief executive and chairman, launched the business at the start of the year with co-owner and chief experience officer Tim Rookes. Members of the management team also hold equity.

The couple previously ran Cooper Parry IT, based at the Cooper Parry offices near East Midlands Airport, which they acquired under a management buyout.

That morphed into Derby-based Bam Boom Cloud, a Microsoft partner with a niche supplying SMEs with the sort of accountancy tools usually reserved for big corporations.

That grew to have team

members in the US, Canada, India, Italy, South Africa, Ireland and Germany, picking up awards –including Microsoft partner of the year on four occasions – and winning a global reputation.

In four years that grew to 140 people with a £15m turnover, before being sold to Denver-based cloud commerce marketplace Pax8 in early 2023.

Vicky and Brett’s new business grew out of a merger with IT provider True MSP – which was owned by Tim Rookes and had around 130 clients.

The team recently took smart new offices in Castle Donington, with enough space for expansion – the SMB in the name is an Americanism for small and midsize business, in anticipation of US growth.

In the first six or so months, the headcount has grown from 23 to 50 and the number of clients to

300 – equal to an annual revenue of around £5m.

Truly SMB offers tech support ranging from hardware to cybersecurity, accounting systems and AI services – primarily by adapting Copilot for individual customers’ needs.

Clients include car dealerships, small HR teams, law firms, marketing businesses and interior designers – paying from £450 a month to around £1,500 a month. Pax8 is now a supplier.

Vicky said: “Our goal is to simplify technology for SMBs that don’t have IT knowledge or an IT team. We don’t complicate it with jargon – we want to offer worry-free IT.

“The ground has shifted lately with the onset of AI, and there’s the risk that small businesses sit back and wait too long, allowing big businesses to get a head-start.

“Our role is to help SMBs adapt it

for their use – small businesses are much more agile, so should be able to take advantage of it a lot easier.

“We tell them it’s a bit like getting fit – if you try doing a marathon from a standing start you’re going to be in a lot of pain. That’s just how a business can feel, so we want to come in like a personal trainer to help them adopt small changes and make incremental gains.

“We hold their hand over a long period of time, working with anybody that is growing and who wants to be more efficient and is curious about technology.

“With AI, lots of businesses are trying to work out what to do – this level of interest in a new technology has never been seen before. The demand is definitely there.

“Where it comes into its own is with anything that is repeatable or manual. That’s where the economy will see the biggest shift – when it comes to automating processes.

“We’re not pitching huge projects, but we will work out a small thing that we can start with.

“For instance, if you look at a mobile phone company call centre, you can use AI to remove all customer wait times. Automating that repeatable job means the customer experience is better.

“Small companies are much more agile and can take advantage of this new tech to grow fast.

There’s also a danger that the companies that don’t use the new technology will be left behind.”

Truly SMB chief executive

Vicky Critchley and chairman

Brett Critchley

What value could better procurement unlock for your business?

For many SMEs, procurement is a necessary but frustrating part of running a business. Whether it’s navigating supplier price increases, managing contracts, or dealing with supply chain delays, procurement can feel like a drain on time and resources.

Yet, when done well, procurement isn’t just about cutting costs – it’s a strategic tool that can improve cash flow, reduce risk and drive business growth. The challenge? Many businesses don’t have the time or in-house expertise to unlock its full potential.

Even if you don’t have a dedicated procurement team – or you have just one or two people managing purchasing alongside other responsibilities – you can still benefit from the right training, guidance and support.

That’s where Beaumont Procurement comes in.

MAKING PROCUREMENT WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Led by Richard Beaumont, a procurement expert with over 30 years of experience in businesses of all sizes – from SMEs to global corporations – we specialise in helping businesses buy smarter, negotiate better and streamline procurement processes.

Unlike generic training programmes, we listen first, understanding your challenges before designing practical, handson training that delivers results. Whether you’re looking to save costs, manage supplier risk, meet sustainability targets, or improve contract negotiations, we provide the tools, skills and strategies your business needs.

Richard Beaumont

FLEXIBLE TRAINING THAT FITS YOUR NEEDS

Whether you have a full procurement team, just one person handling purchasing, or no dedicated procurement resource at all, we offer training and coaching that fits your business, including:

• Tailored procurement training –delivered in-person or online, for individuals or teams

• Coaching & mentoring for business owners and procurement leads

• Practical workshops focused on cost-saving, supplier management and contract negotiations

• Procurement technology guidance – helping you make the most of digital tools and AI

• Sustainable procurement strategies – ensuring your supply chain meets ESG and sustainability commitments.

LET’S TALK

If procurement is slowing your business down, let’s change that.

Graduates launch life-saving app

Two Nottingham graduates are launching an app which could become a potential lifesaver for students across the country.

Monica Ghuman and Eloise Paling are helping launch the Student Safety App that they hope will help prevent a repeat of the June 2023 Nottingham attacks, which led to the deaths of students Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both 19, and school caretaker Ian Coates.

Barnaby’s mother, Emma Webber, told the BBC she was endorsing the phone app, praising the graduates “for their compassion, for their care and for their insight”.

The Barnaby Webber Foundation, which was set up following her son’s death to support young people in need, is also backing it.

Monica and Eloise said the free app will allow students and student

University and while I was there, the university partnered with the local police and recommended for us to download an app that gave us real-time alerts of what was happening.

“So, for example, I knew when police were on campus, I knew if a robbery had taken place, and I knew if a firearm was on campus.

“When I transferred to Nottingham Trent in my second year, I was given an email address and a phone number for their security team – but felt there wasn’t that level of support.”

‘A student can go on the app if they witness any violence on campus’

Centre wins heart of wedding suppliers

The Derby Conference Centre has become the first venue in the UK to be recognised as a Wedding Industry Approved Venue – joining a trusted supplier network curated by I Do Magazine & Exclusive Suppliers. The accreditation sets a standard for trust and professionalism in the wedding industry and was created in response to a growing number of wedding scams impacting couples across the UK. With increasing reports of unreliable suppliers taking deposits and failing to show up on the big day, the Wedding Industry Approved programme was launched to protect couples and ensure they can book with confidence.

Eloise said: “A student can go on the app if they witness any violence on campus or if the police are around, and describe what it is, where it is and add a photo if they want.

“That goes to our 24/7 control room where they will take out any sensitive information before sending it out to all the other app users.

bodies to upload information about dangers and incidents in the local area, ensuring anyone using it can steer clear.

To ensure the information is accurate, isn’t posted maliciously and isn’t overly sensitive, everything that’s shared will be checked by a 24-hour control room.

It also has an SOS button that automatically contacts a loved one if the user finds themselves in a sticky situation, sharing their location.

The pair graduated this summer from Nottingham Trent University in business management and entrepreneurship and are launching the app in time for freshers starting their studies this autumn.

Monica said the project had been in development for two years and they joined at the start of the year to help manage and market it to students.

Monica said: “I did the first year of my degree at Arizona State

“So, it tells them exactly what’s going on in that area, what’s near them, and gives them an option for a safe route home.”

Monica added: “Another feature is if you’re on a date that’s going badly, say, and you’re in a really uncomfortable situation, the app has a fake call feature where you can put in any name, any number and set up a timer for it to call you – giving you an easy way out of any awkward situation.”

As well as aiming the launch at students, the pair are talking to student accommodation providers, nightclubs, bars, and venues to spread the word.

The app, they said, will be free to use, with the potential for a revenue-making student rewards scheme later down the line.

It is being overseen by a network called the Student Safety Council, which is chaired by business expert, podcast host and human centred leadership specialist Kul Mahay.

Eloise Paling and Monica Ghuman, from the Student Safety App, at their graduation

APPOINTMENTS

THE LATEST CAREER UPDATES AS COLLEAGUES MOVE UP OR MOVE ON

NEW CEO COMES TO THE CREASE AT LCCC

Leicestershire County Cricket Club has appointed Emma White (pictured) as its new chief executive.

She was previously managing director of rugby side Doncaster Knights and has held senior positions in the horse racing industry, including managing Limerick and Sedgefield Racecourses.

The appointment comes after Sean Jarvis announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down in the autumn, having delivered a five-year plan to grow the club. He will remain in a consultancy role, supporting his replacement during the transition. It comes during a period of increasing momentum for the domestic game, particularly through new investment linked to The Hundred.

Emma said: “I’m really excited to get started with the club. I’ll be joining equipped with a range of experience and a proven track record in driving success in the sector.”

UNIVERSITY AWARDS

FIRST HONORARY PROFESSOR TITLE

Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, president and chairperson of the board of trustees of American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, has become the first person to be conferred the title of honorary professor by the University of Leicester.

The award is one of the highest honours the university can bestow, and was made in recognition of her impactful contributions to women’s empowerment, child literacy and cultural development regionally and globally.

Sheikha Bodour visited the university School of Business this summer to receive the honour and spoke with students and faculty. She also took part in a discussion on museum studies and cultural sector research.

A global leader in publishing and education, Sheikha Bodour has led transformative efforts to expand access to books, knowledge and inclusive learning.

She is the founder and chief executive officer of Kalimat Group, which has published more than 500 titles in more than 15 countries, with a focus on socially conscious Arabic children’s literature and inclusive storytelling.

APPRENTICE COMPLETES ENGINEERING COURSE

Michael Smith Switchgear team member Charles Ashwell has become the first apprentice to complete Leicester College’s engineering fitter programme.

The Level 3 programme is designed to train the next generation of engineers and manufacturers to produce complex high value, low volume components. The 42-month course covers electrical theory, hydraulics, pneumatics, material science, and project management for technology such as turbines, cranes, gearboxes, production lines, rigs and platforms.

Michael Smith Switchgear produces bespoke switchgear assemblies to power large buildings including hospitals and data centres.

Charles said: “Gaining the general engineering knowledge was really important – particularly electrical knowledge.

“Knowing the electrical theory is key – it doesn’t teach you how to build a switchboard, but it does reinforce why we do certain things the way we do.”

Michael Smith Switchgear is working with Leicester College to recruit eight new apprentices.

TAX MANAGERS JOIN PKF SMITH COOPER

PKF Smith Cooper has welcomed indirect tax managers Ali Garner and Tony Chamberlain to the team. Ali has previously supported clients – including universities –within the education sector, as well as clients which have experienced rapid-growth and change in their business post-Brexit. She joins from KPMG where she worked with big clients in sectors including those trading outside of the UK.

Tony returns to PKF Smith Cooper as indirect tax manager from NHS Property Services.

He has worked in VAT for more than 10 years, where he started his career at HMRC as hidden economy manager, before moving to a VAT advisory role in 2018.

He has experience working within the private sector and for universities, not-for-profits, SMEs and accountancy intermediaries.

Gavin West, VAT and indirect taxes partner, said: “We are always searching for top talent to join our VAT team, and it is great to welcome Ali to the firm and welcome Tony back.”

Ali Garner and Tony Chamberlain of PKF Smith Cooper

L-R: Training, quality and development supervisor Gavin Sullivan, Leicester College engineering skills coach Steven Brown and Charles Ashwell, of Michael Smith Switchgear

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi

SAIRA EARNS PRESTIGIOUS SENIOR LEADER ACCOLADE

SF Recruitment chief executive Saira Demmer (pictured), has been named in Management Today’s Women in Leadership Power List 2025.

Now in its second year, the list spotlights exceptional senior leaders across the UK who have demonstrated strategic excellence, cultural impact and industry innovation.

Saira joins a prestigious cohort of female leaders from companies including Virgin Media O2, Cancer Research UK and Amazon Web Services.

Since being appointed chief executive of SF Recruitment in 2020, she has led the business through a period of significant transformation. Under her leadership, it has grown from a niche finance and accounting firm into a national, multi-specialism recruitment agency, with turnover increasing from £10m to £25m, and profitability tripling.

Beyond financial growth, she has implemented a familyfriendly, high-performance culture that includes flexible working by default, no fixed hours in contracts, and industry-leading policies for parents and carers. The changes have wiped out the gender pay gap at the business and led to a 66% female leadership team, and 95% of employees reporting a positive work-life balance.

GELDARDS’ EDUCATION TEAM GETS NEW PARTNER

Thomas Emmett (pictured), a specialist legal advisor to educational institutions and an expert in special educational needs (SEN), has joined Geldards’ education law team as partner and head of schools, colleges and university services.

His expertise will strengthen the firm’s growth strategy for the specialist team, which is recognised as a leading national practice in education, SEN and disability law and is ranked by Chambers and Legal 500.

The team has seen significant growth over the past few years to meet increased demand from parents, students and educational institutions seeking legal services.

He joins from Knights, which recently acquired Birkett Long where he was a partner and the head of education, and has experience advising schools,

academies, colleges and higher education institutions on commercial, corporate, data protection, regulatory and education law matters.

He also assists parents, carers and young people with advice on EHC plans and SEND tribunal matters.

JAIDAN A RISING STAR OF PRINT INDUSTRY

Jaidan Patel (pictured), a senior account manager at Printvision (UK) Ltd, has been named one of The Printing Charity’s rising stars for 2025.

Jaidan, 19, was recognised for his progression within the large format print industry, working his way through production and machine operation to become a successful account manager covering the south of England.

As a result, he has been presented by The Printing Charity with a financial award to invest in personal skills development and training to help develop his career further.

He said: “I love working in the print industry and have learned a lot already. This award allows me to develop my knowledge even more. It’s been a great experience, and I would encourage anyone in the print industry to apply next year.”

Operating since 1996, Printvision (UK) a leader in the supply of exhibition and display solutions to clients across the UK, Europe and beyond. It is headquartered in Leicester.

LEADING LAWYER TAKES UP KEY ROLE AT EMCCA

East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has appointed Sanjit Sull (pictured) as its first permanent director of legal, governance and compliance & monitoring officer.

Sanjit is described as an experienced local government lawyer and governance professional with a distinguished career in public sector legal services.

Most recently, she has been group manager legal, democratic services and information governance (deputy monitoring officer) at Nottinghamshire County Council. Prior to that she was interim director of law and governance & monitoring officer at North Northamptonshire Council.

Throughout her career she has supported a number of big commercial projects and programmes and contributed nationally to local government improvement through her involvement in Local Government Association peer reviews.

EMMCA chief executive Amy Harhoff said: “Sanjit’s legal expertise and deep understanding of local government will be instrumental in helping us establish robust and accountable systems as we deliver our ambitious devolution programme.”

MEETING THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE REGION’S TOP BUSINESSES

Firm with the power to make a difference

Network turns the spotlight on sustainability, we meet ANDREW WETTERN, founder and CEO of green energy specialists 1Energy, which has ambitious plans to decarbonise Derby as part of an eco-friendly energy revolution.

It’s apt that Derby, with its place at the heart of the first industrial revolution, is preparing for its part in the new energy revolution. The city has been chosen for a £125m-plus clean energy heat network, which could one day see low-cost energy pumped into its council buildings, schools, hospitals, offices and even its homes.

Green energy specialist 1Energy wants to use water source heat pumps to harness waste heat from SmartParc Derby – the 155-acre food campus on the eastern edge of the city – which would be pumped through a 17-mile network of underground, water-filled pipes to around 50 of the city’s biggest energy users.

Each building on the network would have a heat exchanger to harness the energy and turn it into heat.

Andrew Wettern is the founder and CEO of 1Energy

1Energy heating systems are designed to provide clean as well as low-cost energy

The SmartParc is already delivering lowcarbon food production. Its on-site energy centre – the first of its kind in the food industry –provides a shared heating and cooling system that recycles heat from refrigeration plants and shares it with its tenants. It is reported to be more than four times more efficient than the equivalent gas boilers.

The 1Energy plan – pending a public consultation and subsequent planning permission – is to use water-to-water heat pumps (supplemented by air source heat pumps if required) to take spare energy and share it with beneficiaries that could include the University of Derby, Derby College and the city council.

‘Home to world-renowned innovators, Derby is uniquely placed to lead the transition to a more secure energy future’

A University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Trust spokesperson has said the project could eventually see the two city hospitals provided with pre-heated water, significantly cutting how much gas they use and offering a cost-effective, green heating solution.

1Energy recently received £23.2m of government backing from the Green Heat Network Fund, with a further £100m of private funding announced over the summer. Its joint venture partner is Asper, a specialist investment management firm, with a focus on building sustainable infrastructure businesses.

If the plans get the go-ahead, work could start in the autumn of 2026, and it could be up and running by April 2029. It could create up to 100 new jobs.

Derby is one of eight low carbon heat networks across the UK to get a share of £100m of government investment. 1Energy says it will be developed at no cost to the local community or council, and could eventually cut city wide gas demand by around 7% - with a total of more

than £140m invested into the network as it grows.

The business pledged its initial investment to the project at a launch event inside the world’s first factory, Derby Museum of Making, attended by Derby’s leaders, including MPs Catherine Atkinson and Baggy Shanker and Councillor Carmel Swan, cabinet member for climate change, transport and sustainability at Derby City Council.

Representatives from the public and private sectors heard how the plans could deliver a more secure future for the city – bolstering energy security and innovation, creating skilled jobs and apprenticeships, and future-proofing essential infrastructure.

1Energy chief executive Andrew Wettern said: “Derby has long led the world in terms of innovation, from water networks to defence.

“We are delighted to bring long-term investment to the city and build on its rich industrial heritage, enabling leading businesses to play a key role in delivering a new utility model.

“Home to world-renowned innovators, Derby is uniquely placed to lead the transition to a more secure energy future.

“Alongside transforming the city’s energy infrastructure, the Derby Energy Network will give businesses greater choice and long-term price certainty. All while unlocking economic, health and environmental benefits for the city, the region and the country.

“We are excited to continue working with Derby’s trailblazers to develop the network.”

Baggy Shanker said: “The Derby Energy Network represents a huge opportunity for our city to deliver another cutting-edge project, continuing our long-standing leadership on innovation.

“By combining private capital and public investment, it will bring hundreds of millions of pounds into Derby. I see it playing a key role in boosting economic growth.

“It is great to hear the project will also create hundreds of skilled local jobs, including apprenticeships. As a former apprentice myself, I know first-hand how transformative they can be.”

1. 1Energy launch at Derby Museum of Making

2. MP Catherine Atkinson speaking at the launch

3. Roads will need to be dug up to install 1Energy pipes

4. Work on a 1Energy pipe network

5. An artist’s impression of the Bradford Energy Centre

6. The Exeter Energy Centre will deliver renewable heat to buildings in and around the city through underground pipes

MPs Catherine Atkinson and Baggy Shanker at the 1Energy launch

Home to Britain’s first publicly-owned water network, water-powered silk mill and planned public park, Derby has led the way in terms of devising innovative solutions to societal issues.

However, heat remains one of our biggest challenges. Accounting for half the UK’s natural gas use, 1Energy says it is one of the main reasons the UK remains reliant on imported fossil fuels and, as a result, vulnerable to sudden changes in international prices.

‘This

initiative will help to keep homes and buildings across Derby warm in a more sustainable way while delivering wider benefits’

It is also responsible for a fifth of air pollution and more than a third of Britain’s total carbon emissions.

1Energy says heat networks offer the lowestcost, simplest, fastest route to addressing all these challenges at once, requiring the fewest retrofit measures.

The Derby Energy Network would, it says, provide the extra benefit of adding another element to the city’s leadership on engineering

innovation. The project will also create and support hundreds of jobs, apprenticeships and supply chain opportunities locally.

It would, however, involve digging up miles of

roads to lay the new pipes. Councillor Carmel Swan, cabinet member for climate change, transport and sustainability at Derby City Council, said: “This is brilliant news

Delegates learned about 1Energy’s ambitious plans for the future

The launch event at Derby Museum of Making was attended by a selection of the city’s business leaders

for our city. 1Energy’s £100m investment in lowcarbon heating will mark a transformative step forward for Derby – not only in our mission to tackle climate change by cutting carbon emissions, but also in fostering healthier, more resilient communities.

“This initiative will help to keep homes and buildings across Derby warm in a more sustainable way while delivering wider benefits, from improving air quality and reducing fuel poverty, to enhancing public health and wellbeing.

“This initiative will be a game changer for communities across Derby, and I look forward to working closely with 1Energy to deliver lasting benefits for Derby.”

Aligned with the city’s pioneering spirit, 1Energy is the first company in the UK to use funding from institutional investors to build cityscale low-carbon heat networks.

Phil Lovell, chief operating officer at SmartParc, said: “At SmartParc, we are pleased to be working with 1Energy Group, to jointly explore opportunities to provide low carbon heat to the Derby Energy Network.

“Collaboration opportunities offer greater scope to harness the work we’re already doing at SmartParc for the benefit of the wider city.

“By harnessing innovative technologies and shared values, we’re contributing to a cleaner, greener Derby while supporting businesses and organisations across the city in their transition to net zero.”

HOW THE SCHEME WOULD WORK

According to 1Energy, heating accounts for about 37% of UK carbon emissions and is still dominated by fossil fuel.

About 24.5 million UK homes are heated by natural gas – most of which has to be imported – which not only emits carbon but also contributes to poor air quality.

Alternatives to fossil fuels include wind and solar – which can also tie in with battery power.

There are also air source and ground source heat pumps while hydrogen has potential to be a substitute for gas, although the volumes needed make that harder (running costs are higher and efficiencies lower).

‘Heat networks also have the advantage of being configurable for future changes and can be retrofitted if energy sources change’

Another option is heat networks – also called district heating.

1Energy says there are around 14,000 district heating networks across Europe, some dating back many years, and as an option it is more efficient that local air source heat pumps. Because a heat exchanger would replace a boiler in a building it would mean no more gas boilers, gas connections or gas maintenance costs.

The system works by collecting waste heating on a semi-industrial level (which can be topped up with solar, gas or biomass heating, geothermal and potentially even

nuclear) to supply heat to multiple buildings through a network of insulated pipes many miles long.

A heat exchanger in the end building –about the size of gas boiler in a typical home – would transfer the thermal energy for the end user.

1Energy wants to create a “self-sustaining” heat market by 2050, taking the amount of heat from these types of networks from around 3% today to 20%. That, it said, would take a £80bn investment.

It wants to invest £1bn into district heating over the next 10 years.

Although current costs are high – though cheaper than installing building-level heat pumps – that would come down with scale.

Heat networks also have the advantage of being configurable for future changes and can be retrofitted if energy sources change.

Above all they are particularly good at decarbonisation, especially if the original source is already low carbon.

A network could last 80-100 years.

1Energy is involved in schemes in Milton Keynes (with a £120m investment), Exeter (£130m), Oxford (£180m), Derby (£120m), Sunderland (£105m) and Bradford (£75m).

The Derby plan would initially serve public sector buildings but could be expanded to the private sector and possibly even homes.

End users might include Royal Derby University Hospital; Florence Nightingale Community Hospital; University of Derby; Derby City Council; Rolls-Royce; Derby College, David Lloyd; Pride Veterinary Referral Hospital.

As well as helping achieve energy security goals, the Derby network would play a role in reducing air pollution and improving public health.

Heat networks can be configured to take account of potential changes in the future

STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS

NEWS AND UPDATES FROM EAST MIDLANDS CHAMBER’S LEADING SUPPORTERS

Andrew

Cropley

College earns top honour from MoD

West Nottinghamshire College has achieved gold in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) 2025 – the highest honour for employers which support the Armed Forces community.

The college is one of just 12 organisations in the East Midlands –and the only one in Nottinghamshire – to gain the gold standard in the awards, which recognise UK employers that champion veterans, actively support the Armed Forces Covenant, and demonstrate forces-friendly credentials in their recruitment and employment practices.

It builds on the college’s silver award in 2024 and comes just five years after it signed the Armed Forces Covenant and received the bronze award.

The college supports ex-service personnel and serving members of the Reserve Forces, and its dedicated reservist policy includes 10 days’ annual paid training leave.

Several former service personnel have been helped to become teachers, including two currently undertaking PGCE qualifications at Nottingham Trent University.

Other support includes construction skills training for service leavers, ex-military personnel and their families in partnership with the national charity Building Heroes.

Principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley MBE, a former Royal Navy commanding officer, said: “As an ex-serviceman myself, I'm delighted that our college has succeeded in the challenge we set ourselves in being a brilliant partner to our superb Armed Forces and those who serve.”

Trip enabled students to explore possibilities

By Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL (pictured, inset), chairman of the Randal Charitable Foundation

Iam delighted to pause and look back on a pioneering partnership project, which saw our Randal Charitable Foundation, Leicestershire Police and the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) support pupils from five Leicester schools tour London and the Houses of Parliament to help raise aspirations and demonstrate possible career paths.

With more young people than ever struggling to stay in education, find employment and track down career opportunities, I’ve reflected on the importance of collaborations like this one.

New data released by the Department for Education showed over a quarter of a million school suspensions in Spring 2024 – a 12% increase on the previous year. Other studies show devastating statistics, including almost one million 16–24-yearolds in the UK who are not in education, employment or training – that’s one-in-seven who are economically inactive and not looking for work.

The need for creative interventions is real – and pressing.

Our visit was organised in the summer of 2023, with a simple aim – to help inspire underprivileged young people to gain the opportunities and

motivations to reach their full potential. Inspired by the trip, our partners have recently reported that a number of the young people have begun following their dreams and finding their passions.

One pupil, a ‘looked after child’, has now completed school with impressive exam results and frequently mentioned how much they enjoyed the visit throughout their final year.

‘A pupil who, despite facing significant challenges at home, has developed a passionate interest in politics’

Another has blossomed into what teachers describe as a ‘superstar’ at school, maintaining strong attendance and being a positive influence on fellow pupils. And perhaps the most touching story of all comes from a pupil who, despite facing significant challenges at home, has developed a passionate interest in politics and is now thriving academically, with aspirations towards public service.

This trip alone didn’t change lives, of course. But it did allow a moment in time to explore possibilities –and create some curiosity about different futures, which I’m delighted to see now being translated.

A precious moment indeed.

Air IT recognised among world’s best

Air IT has been recognised by Channel Futures on the prestigious MSP 501 list of the world’s top managed service providers.

With offices in nine UK locations, Air IT is the MSP 501’s top-ranked provider for physical presence across the UK, delivering regional support and on-the-

ground expertise. This year, it was ranked fourth overall in the UK and 92 globally.

The recognition highlights how Air IT is helping customers reduce risk, improve efficiency, strengthen cyber resilience and drive growth through smarter, more strategic use of technology.

Understanding LLM… and making the most of it

Cass Vranjkovic (pictured), lead technology specialist at IT support group NetMonkeys, considers the next stage in AI.

An LLM, such as GPT-5, is an expert in language. It’s been trained on a massive amount of text to understand and generate human-like writing with incredible skill.

Think of it as a master communicator who can draft emails, summarise reports and create marketing plans, all to help you work faster.

A world model, on the other hand, is a fundamentally different beast. Google’s Genie 3 is designed to simulate a realistic environment. Instead of just “reading” about the world, it aims to “understand” how it works, including cause and effect. While still in its early stages, it can create and navigate interactive, virtual 3D worlds from a text prompt. This capability is a gamechanger for testing and training.

While GPT-5 can handle the

basics, its true value for business leaders lies in its advanced reasoning and multi-tasking abilities. Instead of just drafting a marketing plan, it can act as a fullfledged agent. You could give it a prompt like, “Create a marketing campaign for our new product launch, including social media posts for the next four weeks, and then generate a report on how to best target local customers.” The AI can then plan, create, and even help you analyse the results.

This dramatically lowers the barrier for creating new digital tools, allowing SMEs to innovate without needing to hire a full team.

GPT-5 also boasts improved multimodal capabilities, meaning it can understand images, video, and audio as well as text. You could upload a picture of a new product and ask it to write a detailed

description or get it to create a full transcript and summary of a video.

For now, the focus for East Midlands businesses should be on leveraging the immediate, practical power of LLMs like GPT-5 to streamline daily operations and innovate on a smaller scale.

However, world models like Genie 3 offer a glimpse into a future where AI can help us plan, test, and solve complex, real-world problems in ways we’ve never seen before. By understanding the distinct roles of both technologies, business leaders can better prepare for the future of AI and the opportunities they present.

Eileen appointed patron of foundation

The Bodie Hodges Foundation has appointed Chamber director Eileen Perry MBE DL as its first official patron.

Eileen, managing director and founder of ER Recruitment, brings a long-standing commitment to supporting families, promoting positive mental health, and championing initiatives that make a tangible difference to people’s lives.

Her support of the foundation has grown over several years, with personal and professional involvement in flagship events such as the Supper Club, Freddie’s Festive Fun Run, and the recent StompRoundLeicester campaign.

The foundation supports families

FUNDING TO AID THE CYBER CRIME FIGHT

A £150,000 support programme will help East Midlands businesses –particularly in manufacturing, logistics and professional services – strengthen their defences against the growing threat of cybercrime.

Led by Dr Ismini Vasileiou, associate professor at De Montfort University Leicester, and founder and director of the East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster, it offers practical, handson support to businesses that want to improve how they manage cyber risk, train staff, and future-proof their operations.

The project will be delivered in collaboration with 1284 Communications – a regional consultancy known for supporting innovation-led growth – and Bulb Studios, a digital design agency that specialises in turning complex ideas into accessible, usercentred solutions.

BLUEPRINT WRAPS LATEST PROJECT

good, and supporting our local community has always been at the centre of everything I do.

in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland dealing with the bereavement of a child.

Eileen said: “When I founded ER Recruitment, it was with the belief that business should be a force for

CHAMBER IS HONOURED

“Supporting families through grief, and the unimaginable loss of their loved ones is a cause that resonates so strongly with me and from the very first time I met the team at Bodie Hodges, I was struck by their compassion, strength and drive to make a difference.

“This new chapter as patron is just the beginning. I’m truly excited to stand beside this incredible charity and explore even more ways we can support their mission to give families a voice, create safe spaces for grief, and bring light to even the darkest moments.”

Workplace consultancy Blueprint Interiors has completed a full interior design and fit-out for global medical device provider Argon Medical – which has opened a new distribution & education centre in Castle Donington.

The new-build 20,000 sq ft centre is located on Stud Brook Business Park – currently being developed by Clowes Developments – and Argon Medical is the first tenant.

Key elements of the space include informal work zones, open-plan office space, private video call rooms, meeting rooms, a clinical and education suite, a product demonstration area and staff facilities.

Bodie Hodges Foundation chair Gemma Orton, patron Eileen Perry MBE DL and co-founder Donna Hodges

CHAMBER NEWS

CONNECTING, CHAMPIONING AND SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES

Students need to consider their options

East Midlands Chamber is encouraging students to consider the full scope of paths available when deciding their next steps.

According to the Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey, six-out-of-10 firms in the region struggle to find suitable candidates to fill vacancies.

Chamber director of resources Lucy Robinson said: “Students have a number of opportunities they can pursue after picking up their GCSE results and it’s worth contacting the region’s many excellent further education providers to discover the wide range of choices they can follow for the road ahead.

“Skills shortages are a barrier to growth and with firms facing the

‘It’s wise to get in touch with providers and talk with them before reaching a decision’

persistent frustration of not being able to find suitable candidates to fill a role, as we’ve found in our own research, it’s advisable to carefully consider whether a broad qualification is best suited or whether narrowing in on a skillset needed by a particular profession is the answer.

“Apprenticeships, for example, tend to be built to meet the specific tasks an industry might undertake each day, so on

Lucy

Robinson, Chamber director of

resources

completion a student might be able to approach an employer and say they can already use that machinery or already have experience in the processes needed in a role.

“For those who have just collected GCSE results and considering future plans, I’d underline the importance of looking

into the full extent of offerings open to them to get best prepared for the career path in mind.

“With A levels, T levels, Vocational Technical Qualifications and apprenticeships among the many routes available, it’s wise to get in touch with providers and talk with them before reaching a decision.”

Tariffs linked to slump in exports to USA

A 13.5% fall in the amount of goods exported from the UK to the US over the last year could be a result of recent tariffs.

Figures published by the Office for National Statistics for the second quarter show a drop of £2bn on the same time last year. By comparison, exports of goods to the EU fell 2.1%.

Chamber head of international trade Lucy Granger said: “The on-off and fluctuating tariffs imposed on the UK for export into the US this year were widely anticipated to have some

impact on export to the US and while those tariffs cannot be conclusively proved as the reason, they will have almost certainly disrupted export.

“While trading across the Atlantic stole most of the headlines around tariffs, the headaches exporters go through trading to other countries should not be overlooked. The burden of required paperwork involved in getting goods into EU countries is an obstacle for exporters that takes time and adds unnecessary costs.

“Some welcome interventions to help exporters were announced in the Government's recently published Trade Strategy, like pledged support for SMEs and investment into UK Export Finance but firms will want to see the measures work in practice and detail on the implementation is still needed.

“The Chamber’s International Trade Department stands ready to support firms looking to trade overseas, simplifying the process.”

The Manhattan skyline in New York City

Event is a chance to celebrate

The president of East Midlands Chamber said her annual celebration on Thursday, 9 October, will be a night the region’s business community won’t want to miss.

Dawn Whitemore said the celebration – which in past years was known as the Annual Dinner –will be an opportunity for businesses to network, reflect on their successes and look forward to a prosperous future.

It takes place at The Renaissance at Kelham Hall, in Nottinghamshire, with guest speaker Dr Jo Salter MBE, who was Britain’s first female jet fighter and was voted one of the BBC’s 50 most inspiring women in the world.

‘Everyone who attends the celebration can expect exceptional food and exceptional company’

Rejected twice by the RAF – when women weren’t allowed to fly – she was instrumental in changing the test policies for allowing new recruits into the air force.

She eventually went on to help create a stronger and more modern RAF as the first female leader of an all-male squadron.

Dawn said: “Everyone who attends the celebration can expect exceptional food and exceptional company at an exceptional venue.

“They can also expect an inspirational guest speaker in Dr Jo Salter MBE, who transformed the RAF. She’s now a business leader in her own right and we’re really

looking forward to hearing about her journey.

“We wanted the celebration to be held somewhere special, and Kelham Hall has that extra special something – it had the same architect as London St Pancras, so we know it’s going to wow people. It’s an event not to be missed.”

The evening will include the announcement of the finalists of the three Chamber Business Awards covering Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Each name will go through to the three awards nights set to take place next February and March.

The Renaissance at Kelham Hall is set in 42 acres of gardens. It was built as a private stately home in the 19th century, and today provides the perfect backdrop for weddings and events.

Its architect was Sir George Gilbert Scott who reused many of the design elements to create the facade of the Midland Hotel in London – now the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel.

Headline sponsor of the celebration is Ineedbroadband,

we do is still guided by that familybusiness ethos – personal, dependable, and community-first.

“That’s why this dinner is so important. It’s not just a celebration of individual achievements; it’s a reflection of the strength and resilience of the entire region.

“It brings together people who are building things, employing people, innovating, and making a real difference.

while East Midlands Airport is the speaker sponsor and Browne Jacobson the drinks sponsor.

Adrian Robinson, co-founder of Ineedbroadband, said: “We’re incredibly proud to support this year’s East Midlands Chamber President’s Celebration Dinner.

“As a family-run business with deep local roots, this event speaks to everything we value –community, collaboration, and championing the success of local enterprise.

“Founded more than 18 years ago by my brother Darren and myself, Ineedbroadband began with a simple mission: to bring better, more reliable internet to areas that had been overlooked by the bigger providers.

“What started as a local solution has since grown into a trusted connectivity partner for homes, schools, councils, and businesses across Nottinghamshire and beyond.

“Despite that growth, we’ve never lost sight of where we came from. We remain proudly based in the East Midlands, and everything

“For us, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, form new partnerships, and take time to appreciate the vibrant, thriving business landscape we’re all contributing to.

“As an established East Midlands business, we recognise the value of strong networks – and Chamber membership is one of the most impactful. It offers a platform for connection, insight, and collective progress. We’d encourage any business – large or small – to take advantage of the opportunities it creates.

“The value isn’t just in services; it’s in being part of a community that wants to see you succeed.

“We’re looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic evening – full of energy, ideas, and inspiration.

“Here’s to celebrating local success, and to many more years of growing together.”

To attend the President’s Celebration of Success, visit: is.gd/JP4LPD

For sponsorship opportunities email the Chamber’s head of commercial partnerships Caroline Lucy at caroline.lucy@emc-dnl.co.uk

Jo Salter MBE

Dawn Whitemore

The Renaissance at Kelham Hall

Support to help Nottingham become greener

Making the transition to AI, becoming greener and reducing energy bills are among support the Nottingham Accelerator project can offer to firms across Nottingham.

The project, being delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of Nottingham City Council, has received funding from the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

‘We’re now working to further support those businesses and any others in Nottingham that would like to join the programme’

It will run until 31 March 2026 and workshops are now open for registration, helping firms grow, innovate, go more digital, decarbonise and reach sustainability goals.

A business adviser can provide tailored one-to-one advice for businesses, while sustainability support includes funded energy

audits and help towards becoming greener, reducing energy bills and carbon emissions.

Growth vouchers worth up to £2,000 can be awarded to support the adoption of new technologies.

Chamber deputy chief executive Diane Beresford said: “I’m happy to say a significant number of Nottingham businesses are already engaged with the programme, including 40 delegates who attended the Chamber’s AI & Digital Marketing Conference at the East Midlands Conference Centre in June.

Accelerator scheme nears 5,000 milestone

Some 4,790 Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicester firms have received support from an initiative delivered by East Midlands Chamber to boost innovation, development and sustainability.

Delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of local authority partners in Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester and Nottinghamshire, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)-backed Accelerator Programme launched in 2023.

Accelerator has been extended until March next year with support expanded to include Erewash businesses in 2025, after its borough council joined the programme.

So far, the scheme has been responsible for creating 143 new businesses and 598 new jobs; safeguarding 505 jobs; introducing 401 businesses to new products, technologies and processes; increasing export capability at a large number of firms.

Accelerator Programme services include: business adviser support; access to grants; growth vouchers for new technology; decarbonisation support; sustainability events; and action planning workshops.

Businesses looking to upscale can also get High Growth Accelerator support, while those trading internationally can benefit from the Export Accelerator – initiatives funded by UKSPF and delivered by the Chamber for the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

To find out more visit: www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/ accelerator

“We’re now working to further support those businesses and any others in Nottingham that would like to join the programme, with tailored advice, consultancy and training.”

Nottingham City Council Councillor Linda Woodings, executive member for regional development, growth & transport, said: “We are delighted that East Midlands Chamber will be delivering dedicated support to businesses in the city of Nottingham through this funding,

which will provide valuable insight and tangible impact to businesses in our city to help them thrive.”

To sign up visit: bit.ly/4etxuBL or call the Chamber’s business support helpline on 0330 053 8639.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) supports the UKgovernment’s mission of pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a focus on economic growth and promoting opportunities.

Time to address high cost of doing business

Measures outlined in the Government's Small Business Strategy to address late payment and ease regulation are a positive step forward but supportive policies are still needed to tackle the high cost of doing business, says the Chamber.

Key measures in the Small Business Strategy include addressing late payments through stricter maximum payment terms; mandatory interest payments on late invoices and fines for companies that persistently pay late.

skill in firms; modernisation of the tax and customs system - with AI tools to reduce mistakes; and streamlining planning rules for smaller sites.

Other measures include a £3bn boost to the British Business Bank and 69,000 start-up loans to be given out; UK Export Finance’s capacity expanded by £20bn; support for the Business Growth Service to help firms find support and advice; £1.2bn more to be spent each year and “digital adoption pilots” to increase tech

Chamber director of policy and insight Richard Blackmore (pictured) said: “While there are welcome steps forward in the strategy, there are plenty of other headaches that persist for firms right now like the skills gap, inflation and higher staffing costs.

“To fully enable growth, these should also be addressed. Our research showed six out of 10 businesses in the region have struggled to find suitable staff, while corporate taxation and inflation top concerns.

“Add to that the fact that three out of 10 businesses reported they expect their profitability to fall over the next year, and you get a picture of the sheer scale of challenge.”

Diane Beresford

Nottingham Castle

Make the most of Chamber’s free HR sessions

The Chamber’s free HR Forums continue this autumn, offering members straightforward HR support and updates on the latest changes in the law.

The regular group sessions –mostly in-person, but also online –regularly attract up to 50 people and are open to all members, ranging from business owners and directors through to people interested in moving into HR and HR professionals who want to build on their existing knowledge.

Chamber director of resources

Lucy Robinson, who hosts the meetings, said advice ranges from equipping managers with the skills to lead a productive workforce, to helping manage underperforming staff, an understanding of fair and unfair dismissal, and helping avoid discrimination within the workplace.

‘There have been a lot of recent legislation changes so it’s a particularly good time for members to sign up’

She said: “We have solicitors and specialists in HR topics from our membership running the sessions, offering free updates on best practice. There have been a lot of recent legislation changes so it’s a particularly good time for members to sign up, with the sessions taking place every month or so.

“Each one usually has a couple of speakers, talking about issues such as employment law and recent legal cases, and about how that might impact legislation.

“Organisations we have invited to talk have included the National Autistic Society and other charities and community interest groups, who can share their experiences of best practice when it comes to things such as neurodiversity within a workforce so that companies don’t discriminate.

Energy independence is profit protection – solar for smarter businesses

Take control of rising energy costs with tailored solar and battery systems designed to futureproof your business and protect your bottom line.

At Fusion Solar UK, we help UK businesses cut costs, boost energy security and unlock grant funding – because profit starts with energy independence.

The rising cost of electricity is now one of the biggest threats to business profitability. From manufacturers and farms to offices and workshops, companies of all sizes are feeling the pressure. With no price caps on commercial energy, unpredictability is the new normal – but there is a solution.

“It’s the same with areas such as LBGTQIA-plus – the more you learn the better you can cater to your people’s needs.

“Another way the forums can help is in identifying potential new employees for Chamber members. Feedback from our Quarterly Economic Survey has shown how some businesses are struggling to find staff to fill positions, and the forums have helped them in identifying groups that could fill that gap – such as working-parents – or the benefits of having employment policies that attract people from backgrounds the employer might not have considered tapping into.

“That could include ex-Forces personnel who might have the perfect leadership skills for a company, or ex-offenders.”

The Chamber has an arrangement with Quest HR –provided through the British Chambers of Commerce – to provide legal support to members, including an advice line and HR document library, with legal expenses insurance attached.

Another service is an annual mock employment tribunal run in partnership with Sheffield and Chesterfield law firm BRM each December.

UPCOMING HR FORUMS

• Leading People Well and Parting Ways Effectively

At Shakespeare Martineau in Nottingham, from 9:00 10:30, 24 September. Free – is.gd/ChFNCF

• Employment Law Update and Discrimination in the Workplace

At Central Technology, Chesterfield, from 8:30-10:30, 2 October. Free – is.gd/UKlXSn

At Fusion Solar UK, we believe energy independence is no longer optional. It’s the key to stabilising overheads, protecting profit margins and building a more resilient business for the future.

We’re not your typical solar company. As a family-owned business rooted in the heart of the UK, we understand that no two businesses are the same. That’s why we offer bespoke solar PV, battery storage and EV charging solutions, designed to meet the unique energy needs of your operation.

Whether you're a farm battling rising production costs, a business park owner looking to add longterm value to your property, or a manufacturer concerned about grid reliability, our tailored approach delivers real results.

Solar isn’t just about panels on a roof – it’s about taking control. Our expert team handles the process from initial site surveys and system design to installation, aftercare, and ongoing support. We also work with trusted grant specialists and offer commercial finance options, making it easier than ever to make the switch to renewable energy.

The benefits of energy independence speak for themselves:

• Protect your business from rising energy costs: Generate your own clean electricity on-site and reduce reliance on unpredictable energy markets.

• Unlock grant funding: We partner with grant specialists to help you access available funding, often covering a significant portion of your project costs.

• Boost profitability and ROI: Solar systems typically pay for themselves in just a few years, delivering savings for decades to come.

• Enhance business sustainability: Future customers and stakeholders care about your green credentials. Solar demonstrates your commitment to a cleaner future.

• Battery storage maximises efficiency:

Store surplus energy and use it when needed, reducing grid reliance even further.

At Fusion Solar UK, our experienced team works with businesses across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, property, hospitality, and more. Our recent projects include large-scale rooftop installations, groundmounted systems for farms and integrated solar and battery packages for commercial premises. We know switching to solar is a big decision – but with the right partner, it’s straightforward and hassle-free. From your first consultation to final commissioning, we provide honest advice, transparent pricing and a solution that works for your business.

If you’re ready to reduce costs, take back control, and future-proof your business with solar, now is the time to act. With energy prices climbing and grant schemes available, there’s never been a smarter time to invest in your business energy independence.

Find out more at:

www.fusion-solar.co.uk

Lucy Robinson

Training the workforce of the future

DCG delivers high-quality academic, vocational and technical education that empowers people to achieve their ambitions, while providing employers across the Midlands and beyond with the talented workforce of tomorrow.

Through a dynamic and responsive curriculum, it predicts and serves the needs of its business and civic communities. Students of all ages and backgrounds are prepared for positive destinations in the next stage of their lives, whether that be further study, the world of work, entrepreneurship or independent living. They leave DCG ready to contribute to society as responsible citizens.

The group’s portfolio of educational programmes and skills solutions is underpinned by thriving partnerships with employers, shaped by comprehensive market intelligence and informed by liaison with key stakeholders such as the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.

A truly diverse organisation, the Group is formed of four Colleges – the Roundhouse, the Joseph Wright Centre, Broomfield Hall and the Community College, Ilkeston. Every year it caters for thousands of learners spanning school pupils on pre-16 programmes, post-16 students pursuing academic and technical pathways, apprentices at all levels, higher education students, and adults seeking career progression, upskilling and reskilling.

More opportunities to accelerate your growth

DIARY DATES

In-person Workshops

• 17 Sep: Getting Started with Business Process Automation, Chesterfield

• 18 Sep: Convert More Website Visitors into Sales & Leads, Worksop

• 23 Sep: Selling for NonSalespeople, Matlock

• 24 Sep: Generating and Winning New Sales, Dronfield

• 25 Sep: Paid Social Media Masterclass, Derby

• 25 Sep: Mastering Graphic Design with Canva and Adobe Express, Nottingham

• 30 Sep: WordPress Masterclass, Leicester

Online

East Midlands Chamber has been contracted by East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to deliver the newly launched Export and High Growth Accelerator projects across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

These contracts form part of a wider programme of business support being led by the Chamber which includes the re-branded EMCCA Growth Hub and Accelerator Workshops project.

Hundreds of businesses have already signed up.

A key part of both the Export and High Growth Accelerator projects is bringing together businesses through structured networks, forums and tailored training programmes.

HIGH GROWTH ACCELERATOR

The Chamber’s High Growth Accelerator project is open to businesses that can demonstrate 20% annual growth in revenue, employment or market share over the past three consecutive years.

At the heart of the project is the High Growth Academy, launched in August, to equip scaling businesses with the skills, knowledge and resources they need to innovate, scale and grow.

The academy is being delivered in partnership with the University of Derby, University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University. High growth businesses can take advantage of innovation vouchers up to £5,000 to access support from the universities’ innovation centres as well as up to £2,000 for student placements.

The Help to Grow: Management programme can also be accessed through the universities.

Senior decision-makers seeking to

• 19 Sep: Introduction to Environmental Legislation for Business

• 23 Sep: Introduction to Microsoft Copilot for Business

• 25 Sep: What are the Legal Requirements to Franchise your Business?

through strategic planning and robust systems.

apply for a £750 bursary to attend –covering the 10% one-off upfront fee, with the remaining 90% of the course cost funded by government.

The High Growth Academy will focus on delivering workshops and events until March 2026, which:

• Reflect the needs of businesses at different stages of their growth journeys

• Drive growth for early-stage businesses with sessions including ‘Thinking Like a Strategist’ and ‘Next Level Leadership’

• Build growth for senior leaders in more established businesses, with sessions including ‘Your Personal Leadership DNA’, ‘Leadership Team Dynamics’ and ‘Coaching for High Performance’.

Meanwhile, monthly High Growth forums enable businesses to access support, hear from industry experts and share insight with peers.

The first forum, on Thursday 6 November, will be led by Professor Marvin Cooke OBE DL, former executive vice-president for manufacturing at Toyota Motor Europe. His talk – Big Business, Small Feel: Strategy, Systems, and the Human Touch – will explore how organisations can maintain a personalised, human-centred approach while scaling operations

High Growth businesses can also benefit from training bursaries of up to £2,000 to attend one of the Chamber’s highly regarded commercial training courses, including its director, manager and sustainability development programmes.

EXPORT ACCELERATOR

Elsewhere, businesses in the EMCCA region seeking to undertake initial research or launch a product or service to a new overseas market are being supported under the Export Accelerator project – which includes specialist one-to-one advice from qualified international specialists on changes in legislation when trading overseas.

Along with fully funded workshops and webinars, there is the opportunity to apply for a £2,000 bursary to attend one of the Chamber’s international trade training courses including its flagship BCC-Accredited International Trade Operations and Procedures (ITOPS) programme.

Businesses also have the opportunity to join the new East Midlands International Trade Network, with the chance to take part in bi-monthly forums, access support, hear from industry experts and share insight with peers.

To find out more, contact the business support line on 0330 053 8639 or complete the registration form at www.emc-dnl.co.uk/ services/accelerator.

The Accelerator project is funded by UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

• 25 Sep: The Positive Impact of ‘S’ in ESG – Compliance, Diversity and Inclusion

• 30 Sep: Getting Started with Leadership & Management

• 30 Sep: Carbon Footprinting –the Next Steps

Export

• 18 Sep: East Midlands International Trade Forum, Nottingham

• 30 Sep: East Midlands International Trade Forum, Bolsover

• 09 Oct: Understanding Origin in International Trade, online

High Growth Academy: Growth Drivers

• 17 Sep: Thinking Like a Strategist, University of Nottingham

• 26 Sep: Next Level Leadership, Nottingham Trent University

• 09 Oct: Unlocking Hidden Growth, University of Derby

• 15 Oct: Access to Finance, University of Nottingham

• 05 Nov: Marketing, University of Derby

High Growth Academy: Growth Builders

• 7 Oct: Your Personal Leadership DNA, Nottingham Trent University

• 13 Oct: Leadership Team Dynamics, University of Nottingham

• 10 Nov: Coaching for High Performance, Nottingham Trent University

• 19 Nov: Leadership Team Dynamics, University of Nottingham

Book your place at: bit.ly/AcceleratorTrainingEv

View all events at: www.emc-dnl.co.uk/events

Delegates learn a range of skills

An Export and High Growth Accelerator project being delivered at Cromford Mills

Getting ahead of the curve

By Lewis Howe, cluster director of sales & marketing at Buxton Crescent Hotel, which has 170 staff.

Set within one of England’s most iconic Georgian buildings, the Buxton Crescent Hotel blends historic grandeur with modern luxury in the heart of the Peak District.

Dating back to 1789, the Grade I listed Crescent has been restored and transformed into a five-star wellness and hospitality destination – blending timeless elegance with modern comfort and service.

Today it offers a distinctive venue for meetings, events and corporate retreats.

The Assembly Rooms, with ornate painted ceilings and gilded columns, accommodate up to 120 guests banquet-style or 186 theatre-style. Smaller meeting rooms such as the Blue Room, cater to more intimate gatherings or breakout sessions.

What sets the hotel apart is its Mindful Meetings concept, designed to support productivity, creativity, and wellbeing –including guided walks or cycling, nature-inspired activities, followed by complimentary spa access, helping teams stay focused, energised and engaged.

With 81 bedrooms, a world-class spa featuring natural thermal waters and access to Buxton’s beautiful gardens and countryside, the hotel offers the balance of business and relaxation.

Guests can also enjoy a cocktail or two in Darwin’s Bar before retiring for the night.

Doing business in the Peak District offers a unique and rewarding experience. The natural surroundings, heritage-rich towns such as Buxton, and the appeal of wellness, culture and outdoor

adventure create an exceptional backdrop for hospitality and events.

Our location allows us to offer something truly different from citybased venues space – to breathe, connect and recharge, which has become increasingly important for both leisure and business guests.

‘The networking, advocacy and shared knowledge that BPD facilitates allows us to work more effectively’

However, there are also challenges. Our rural setting, while beautiful, can sometimes create logistical barriers from transport links to supplier access.

Staffing can be another challenge, especially outside peak seasons or in specialist roles.

Additionally, competition from better-connected urban centres means we must continually work to raise awareness and position ourselves as a destination worth the extra journey.

The biggest threat is perhaps complacency – we can’t rely on the natural beauty of our location alone. It’s vital we continue to

Business Peak District (BPD) is a free membership organisation for businesses in the Peak District National Park, High Peak, Staffordshire Moorlands and Derbyshire Dales. Its principal supporter is East Midlands Chamber. To find out more email: members@businesspeakdistrict.com

sustainability, and provides a platform to champion the value of high-quality, experience-led hospitality in the area.

innovate, invest in our product and experience, and build strong relationships with both guests and the wider business community to thrive in a competitive and everchanging market.

Business Peak District plays a valuable role in supporting the ambitions of the Buxton Crescent Hotel by connecting us with likeminded businesses, local stakeholders, and decision-makers who are all committed to promoting the region as a thriving place to live, work and visit.

As a destination hotel, collaboration is essential to our success and the networking, advocacy and shared knowledge that BPD facilitates allows us to work more effectively within the wider local economy.

It helps amplify our voice on key regional issues such as transport, tourism strategy, skills and

For us, this not only enhances our visibility within the business community, but also helps us contribute meaningfully to the wider ambition of positioning the Peak District as a top-tier destination for leisure, wellbeing and corporate travel.

Over the next two years, our focus is on positioning the Buxton Crescent Hotel as one of the UK’s leading heritage spa and wellness destinations. We plan to expand products such as our ‘Mindful Meetings’ concept and strengthen partnerships with local producers, experience providers, and venues.

In addition, we’ll continue to invest in staff development, sustainability initiatives and digital marketing to ensure we remain competitive and visible in a fastmoving market.

Support from Business Peak District and other stakeholders is vital. Promoting Buxton and the Peak District as a premium destination for both leisure and business travellers, through joint marketing and storytelling, is something we’d love to collaborate on further.

The lounge at Buxton Crescent

The hotel’s outdoor pool

CHAMBER NETWORKS

BUILDING CONNECTIONS WITH YOUR PEERS AND BUSINESS LEADERS

Summer festival celebrates the best of the best

The outstanding achievement of young professionals aged 18-35 was recognised at 2025’s Generation Next Summer Festival and Awards.

Handed out at a lively summer celebration, complete with Caribbean band, DJ and street food at Electric Daisy in Derby, the 12 awards recognised abilities across a variety of business areas – from stand-out apprentices to those who excel in professional services.

Powered by East Midlands Chamber’s Generation Next network for young professionals with headline sponsor the University of Derby, the Awards were hosted by Generation Next vice-chair Preethi Kang and board member Benjamin Wileman, while chair Scarlett Canavan opened the ceremony.

The flagship Future Leader Award, sponsored by the University of Derby, went to Sarah Deaves of Turner & Townsend.

New for 2025 were the Communicator of the Year Award, sponsored by Leicester College, which was given to Robyn Burke of Futures Housing Group and the Excellence in Sales or Marketing Award, sponsored by Enterprising Women, which went to Sean Wilson of Bloc Digital.

Generation Next lead and Chamber director of resources Lucy Robinson said: “The ingenuity, fresh thinking and stand-out achievement of young people in the East Midlands is something that must be celebrated. These are the future leaders of the region, the apprentices that have the wow factor and make a huge impact at their workplace, and people who’ve set an exceptionally high bar when it comes to customer experience or creativity.

“While we could follow conventional award ceremony format, Generation Next isn’t that. It’s a network that encourages freethinking, looking at things differently.

“The standard of entries this year was sky-high and having a festivalfeel setting to network with

likeminded professionals, with live entertainment and street food, really adds to the vibe.”

Future Leader Award winner

Sarah Deaves, of real estate, infrastructure and energy consultancy Turner & Townsend, said: “It’s a huge honour to win and it feels fantastic to be recognised, so I’m very grateful to the judging panel. I think I bring a different approach or aspect to the business. It’s great that the business enables me to grow.

“The Generation Next Awards are exceptionally important and winning raises the profile of both the industry in which I work, but also the awards show that everyone’s entitled to grow and develop themselves.”

‘Young

people are the next generation of business leaders. It’s

really important for us to celebrate their success’

Network chair Scarlett Canavan said:

“Along with the summer festival vibe at the Generation Next Awards, we’ve had incredible entries across the board – whether creators or apprentices or the Future Leaders Award, every category has seen some superb finalists.”

Amber Siddall, student and graduate engagement manager at the University of Derby, said: “Young people are the next generation of business leaders. It’s really important for us to celebrate their success, get them recognised for all the great things they’re doing and their achievements.”

West Nottinghamshire College sponsored the Emerging Talent Award. HR director Sian Geeson said: “We recognise young people and the contribution they make to society as a whole and in employment teams and we want to make sure that we support young people to progress and do really well in their careers.”

CAPTIONS

1. L-R: Alison Griffiths, Scott Knowles and Lucy Robinson

2. Eileen Perry with Dean Wilson of Bloc Digital

3. Preethi Kang (left) and Scarlett Canavan

4. Benjamin Wileman with Apprentice of the Year Leah Barratt (Photos by Pete Martin Photography)

GENERATION NEXT AWARDS 2025 WINNERS

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Derby College Group: Leah Barratt of TDP

Communicator of the Year, sponsored by Leicester College: Robyn Burke of Futures Housing Group

Community Impact Champion, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber’s Your Export Office: Sadé Paul-Henry of Women Who Can Creators and Makers, sponsored by Nottingham Trent University: Marco Coltro of Bloc Digital

Excellence in Customer Experience, sponsored by trentbarton: Katie Cooper of Dronfield Heritage Trust

Emerging Talent, sponsored by West Nottinghamshire College: Aliasgar Hassanali of Turner & Townsend

Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by East Midlands Manufacturing Network: Darshan Nandha of Microtech

Excellence in Professional Services, sponsored by Express Recruitment: Sunita Aythen of Ideagen

Excellence in Sales or Marketing, sponsored by Enterprising Women: Sean Wilson of Bloc Digital

Future Leader, sponsored by University of Derby: Sarah Deaves, Turner & Townsend

Innovator of the Year, sponsored by Hardy Signs: Jade Lewin-Patel, Structural Adhesives

Talent Development, sponsored by Futures Housing Group: Ellie-Louise Newton, Ideagen

Get ready for prize night!

This year’s Enterprising Women Awards are shaping up to be another fantastic awards ceremony –and with tickets now almost completely sold out, anticipation is running high for what promises to be an unforgettable evening celebrating the very best of women in business.

Co-chairs of Enterprising Women, Eileen Perry MBE DL and Jean Mountain, say the incredible response reflects both the growing profile of the awards and the huge appetite to champion female talent across the region.

“The pace of ticket sales this year has been remarkable, it really underlines how much people value celebrating women who are achieving amazing things in business,” said Eileen.

“Every year, the bar is raised higher, and 2025 is no exception –the calibre of our finalists is outstanding, and we can’t wait to showcase their achievements.”

‘The calibre of our finalists is outstanding, and we can’t wait to showcase their achievements’

Jean Mountain echoed this enthusiasm, adding: “These awards aren’t just about recognising success – they’re about inspiring others, building confidence, and showing what’s possible when ambition meets opportunity.

“The atmosphere at the ceremony is always electric, and we’re excited to have another full house.”

Taking place at Winstanley House, the event will feature presenter Emma Jesson, fantastic entertainment, and, of course, the all-important announcement of the winners across multiple categories.

The finalists, revealed earlier this summer include a wide range of industries and career stages – from innovative start-ups to established

business leaders, reflecting the depth and diversity of female enterprise in the East Midlands.

With such strong momentum and near-capacity attendance, the Enterprising Women Awards are firmly established as a highlight of the regional business calendar.

Beyond the trophies and celebrations, the event continues to play an important role in encouraging ambition, creating role models, and inspiring the next generation of female entrepreneurs and leaders.

Supported by incredible sponsors, including headline sponsor Michael Smith Switchgear, Breedon Consulting, Cambridge & Counties Bank, Freeths, Futures Housing Group, Paradigm Wills & Legal, Pick Everard, Sarah Higgins Corporate Coaching, Tomato Energy and Unique Windows Systems – all who make the awards such a success.

As the co-chairs put it: “Our sponsors are pivotal to what we do at Enterprising Women. They are genuine advocates for Women in Business and we are incredibly thankful for their support.

“If you’re keen to be a part of it, be quick to get your hands on the last remaining tickets! We can’t wait to celebrate with you.”

Guests at the 2024 Enterprising Women Awards

Some of last year’s winners and hosts

Eileen Perry and Jean Mountain

Emma Jesson

(Photos by Pete Martin Photography)

Who should attend network meetings?

Business owners, directors and senior leaders who take a strategic overall responsibility to grow their business.

The East Midlands Manufacturing Network supports manufacturers to help them to overcome business challenges in a trusted environment. This is a long-term supportive network for manufacturing businesses of all sizes.

WHAT DOES IT OFFER?

It offers fully-funded membership to connect local manufacturing companies. It provides guidance and support to members to enable them to make the best decisions for their businesses. It also helps generate long-term, sustainable, mutually beneficial business opportunities.

OUTCOMES

• To identify common issues and problem solve in a trusted, collaborative environment

• To encourage best practice and the sharing of skills across member companies

• To have specialists from a diverse range of fields share their expertise in the form of presentations, workshops and other networking events

• To create a positive perception of UK manufacturing

• To promote growth in the sector

• To attract manufacturing businesses to the East Midlands.

The guest presenter at the Leicester & Leicestershire network meeting on 9 September will be Professor Mey Goh (pictured), associate director of the Loughborough Intelligent Automation Centre and Loughborough University lead for the Made Smarter Centre for People Led Digitalisation.

The Nottingham meeting on 1 October will be an away day hosted by EMMN member SMS Electronics in Nottingham and will include a factory tour.

The second annual regional meeting in November will bring together EMMN members, stakeholders and partners from all EMMN groups across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

Visit: emmn.co.uk

Delegates pay flying visit to Aero specialist

The East Midlands Manufacturing Network summer meeting took place at ITP Aero in Hucknall.

The meeting included a presentation and factory tour at the aerospace manufacturing site, which was supported by the ITP Aero team.

Lisa Charlesworth, who heads up the fan and combustion systems operating unit, is an EMMN Nottinghamshire group member and regular meeting attendee who kindly offered to host this meeting for us.

‘It reported record revenues of €1.61bn for 2024, a 24% increase on 2023’

ITP Aero is a global leader in the design, development, manufacture and servicing of aero components for both commercial and defence aviation.

Earlier this year it reported record revenues of €1.61bn for 2024 (about £1.38bn), which was a 24% increase on 2023. During the year, the business also expanded its global headcount by more than 730 new employees, to 5,689.

It said this performance was driven by continued demand for its products combined with growth in maintenance, repair and operations and in defence.

Commercial aviation – which makes up more than 75% of ITP Aero’s business – grew 10.4% last year.

The Nottinghamshire Manufacturing Network forms part of the umbrella East Midlands Manufacturing Network which is led by East Midlands Chamber.

It unites local manufacturers, enabling members to harness the cross-industry, business, engineering and manufacturing knowledge necessary to evolve and expand.

UPCOMING EMMN MEETINGS

• Leicester & Leicestershire – 9 September

Loughborough University, STEM Lab – is.gd/nWbZw5

• Derby – 16 September University of Derby – is.gd/v5yLTt

• Nottingham – 1 October Away Day – hosted by EMMN member SMS Electronics – is.gd/fxkoNQ

• Derbyshire – 17 October East Midlands Chamber, Chesterfield – is.gd/LUoKOe

• Nottinghamshire – 28 October NTU Mansfield – is.gd/6UpxJw

• Regional Meeting – 18 November Toyota UK, Derby – is.gd/hvWHXd

Lisa Charlesworth (white top) with EMMN delegates at ITP Aero

Visitors were given a tour of the factory

After a successful international motorcycle racing career, Roger Burnett traded the racetrack for marketing, but his competitive spirit kept the throttle wide open. Leveraging his experience with Rothmans International and Honda Motor Europe, Roger set out to build a marketing agency driven by communication, performance and strong relationships. However, knowing he couldn’t do it alone, he brought in his first apprentice, Gemma, who remains with him to this day.

“RBP was a pioneer in motorcycle marketing”

Founded in 1993 as the UK’s first dedicated motorcycle marketing

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Fuelled by motorsport. Driven by results.

agency, RBP (Roger Burnett Promotions) quickly made its mark with a number of industry firsts, including motorcycle track days, bespoke two-wheel tours and the launch of Cardsave, one of the country’s largest rewards programmes for bike enthusiasts.

But from its early roots in the motorcycle industry, RBP quickly grew in both scale and reputation,

expanding its client base across diverse sectors including care, leisure and spa, construction, engineering, insurance and food and drink.

Publishing became a major focus, with the agency producing 18 magazines in-house, including customer publications for Yamaha and Hitachi, and an in-flight magazine for BMI.

“A measure of our success is not how many clients we have, but how long we’ve retained them for. We must be doing something right!”

While the marketing landscape has shifted toward digital, RBP’s depth of experience continues to drive its success. Today, the agency works

across a number of sectors including automotive, luxury lifestyle and renewables, delivering strategies that cut through the noise with creativity, precision and measurable impact.

RBP’s client portfolio ranges from global brands and household names to national companies and local businesses. For 15 years, the agency has supported HarleyDavidson UK & Ireland, while also helping to establish exciting new local ventures like Edwards Potato Vodka, and leading the marketing for a pioneering renewables education initiative, Renewables Connect. But the thrill of racing is still at RBP’s core and you’ll regularly find the team trackside in the World and British Superbike Championship paddocks.

“People are at the heart of the agency”

Now in its fourth decade, and with its headquarters at the luxury Laceby Manor Resort near Grimsby, RBP offers end-to-end solutions from strategic campaigns, design and digital marketing to social media, PR, media relations and publishing. Driven by experienced marketeer and managing director, Nina Shipley, along with a specialist team of account managers, journalists, creatives and digital experts, the agency prides itself on taking the time to understand their clients’ business from the inside out – working as an extension of their team.

Whether you’re looking to turn heads, spark loyalty or fuel lead generation, RBP can help you to craft a campaign that drives growth and builds long-term value.

L-R: RBP managing director Nina Shipley with CEO Roger Burnett

TRAINING & EVENTS

BOOST YOUR WORKFORCE AND DEVELOP YOUR BUSINESS

Get your entries in for this year’s Chamber Awards

There are just a matter of weeks left to apply for the 2025/26 East Midlands Business Awards. The three awards ceremonies will take place next spring and will celebrate the very best businesses in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.

Past winners include leading law firms, manufacturers, graphic designers, hotel groups, charities and automotive businesses – including well-known names such as AtkinsRéalis, Longbow Venues, Howes Percival, West Nottinghamshire College and Browne Jacobson.

The deadline for entering the 2025/26 awards is 19 September, and application forms can be found at: www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/businessawards

Chamber head of commercial events

Samantha Mellows said the process of applying was incredibly straight-forward and businesses could enter as many categories in their geographical area or areas as they wanted.

To make applying even easier the Chamber has produced a short video explaining how to do it – it can be seen at: is.gd/FR790w

Samantha said: “Our awards have always proved so worthwhile for the businesses that win – so we want to encourage as many businesses as possible to apply for the 25/26 ceremonies.

“It’s hard to put a price on how valuable winning is when it comes to a company’s branding and marketing and their standing in the regional business community – they are a real sign that a business is thriving, has achieved great things is on the road to even greater success.

“It’s understandable that managers might be concerned about the time it takes to apply, but it’s actually incredibly simple. We’re already getting lots of applications in and are looking forward to even more, and to three brilliant awards ceremonies next spring.”

Derby heating technology manufacturer Vaillant is headline sponsor of the Derbyshire Business Awards, and sponsor of the county’s Business of the Year.

‘These awards play a vital role in celebrating the outstanding achievements of businesses across our region’

A spokeswoman for the business said: “At Vaillant, we are incredibly proud to be a Derbybased business and to sponsor the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce Awards.

“These awards play a vital role in celebrating the outstanding achievements of businesses across our region, showcasing their innovation, resilience, and contribution to the local economy.

“Sponsoring this event aligns perfectly with our values of quality, innovation, and sustainability, and it gives us the opportunity to give back to the community that has supported us for so many years.

“We believe in fostering collaboration, inspiring future success, and building strong relationships within the local business ecosystem.

“By sponsoring these awards, we aim to not only celebrate the incredible talent and hard

work in the East Midlands but also to encourage continued growth and excellence in our region.”

The other Derbyshire Awards sponsors are Rolls-Royce, Derby College, University of Derby, Aston Lark (Howden Insurance), Amazon, Juggling Octopus, Ashgates and Purpose Media.

Vertas Group, meanwhile, is headline sponsor and Business of the Year sponsor of the Nottinghamshire Business Awards.

Vertas provides integrated facilities management services, including cleaning, catering, grounds maintenance, security, energy management, waste management, property design consultancy and recruitment services. Its dedication to sustainability is evident in rigorous efforts to decarbonise its operations, to deliver high-quality services while leaving a positive environmental legacy for future generations.

The other Nottingham Awards sponsors are STEP, Vaughandale Construction, Express

CEREMONY DATES AND LOCATIONS

• LEICESTERSHIRE: 26 February 2026 –Leicester City Football Club

• NOTTINGHAMSHIRE: 12 March 2026 –Nottingham Belfry

• DERBYSHIRE: 26 March 2026 –Derby County Football Club

Entries need to be submitted by 19 September. To enter or find out more visit: www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/businessawards

Guests at the 2024 Derbyshire Business Awards

Recruitment, Your IT, Eversheds Sutherland, Purpose Media and Longbow Bars & Restaurants. Confirmed sponsors for the Leicestershire Business Awards are RandalSun (sponsoring the Business of the Year), De Montfort University, emh Group, ER Recruitment Purpose Media and Howes Percival.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available –to find out more contact: caroline.lucy@emcdnl.co.uk

Finalists that make the shortlist will be revealed at the Chamber President’s Celebration of Success on 9 October, which marks the beginning of the judging process.

East Midlands radio hosts Jo and Sparky – long established for waking up hundreds of thousands of people across the region – have been confirmed as hosts at all three award ceremonies.

Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “With entry being a simple process that only takes a few minutes, I’d urge firms to take a look at this year’s categories as there may well be one that perfectly suits.”

EAST MIDLANDS CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 2025/26 CATEGORIES:

• Digital Transformation Award

• CSR Leadership Award

• Collaboration of the Year Award

• Green Business of the Year Award

• Commitment to People Development Award

• Apprenticeship of the Year Award

• Excellence in Customer Service Award

• Education and Business Partnership of the Year Award

• Micro Business of the Year Award

• Small Business of the Year Award

• Innovation of the Year Award

• Business of the Year Award

Latest international trade qualifiers are the ITOPS

The latest cohorts to complete the Chamber’s flagship ITOPS qualification course have received their awards.

The International Trade Operations and Procedures award is an online trade qualification designed to help people and businesses already involved in international trade.

It provides training in the key areas of administration, documentation, freight moving, payment methods and customs as well as other international trade procedures.

The course is co-owned and jointly run by Fidelitas International Training alongside the Chamber – who both also work together to offer it through selected Chambers of Commerce around the UK.

Over the last 21 years some 1,500 international traders – including exporters, importers, freight movers and those in associated industries – have successfully completed it.

Julie Whiting, the Chamber’s international trade training and services manager said: “The ITOPS award is very practical and relevant and is regularly updated to meet changing challenges and circumstances which ensures the company stays compliant and expensive mistakes can therefore be avoided.”

The course is assessed and verified by experienced professionals who have wide-ranging and up-to-date experience in the industry. Successful delegates achieve the BCC Foundation Award in International Trade as well as the ITOPS certificate.

It is a flexible programme so that it can be delivered in-house or as one of the popular “open programmes”, with minimum disruption to the workplace.

Because it is a development programme there is no examination to cram for at the end.

Steve Townsley, from Fidelitas Training, said: “These awards are the culmination of the effort, determination and ability of all the successful candidates.

“It is great to see their efforts rewarded in such a positive way. Well done to those who recently qualified.”

Julie offered special thanks to Karen Mosley, a director of Kranlee Logistics which sponsors ITOPS and puts its staff through it.

Karen presented the certificates at the recent presentation including an additional prize to Ellie Burton from Dronfield-based industrial thermometer business Ametek Land, who achieved the highest mark.

Ellie said: “ITOPS has helped Ametek increase efficiency and expand knowledge of different country requirements which will help open new markets and increase sales.”

For further information, email Julie Whiting and Theresa Hewitt at internationaltraining@emc-dnl.co.uk. is.gd/xNbu63

On course for a good cause

Join us on the fairway at the Chamber’s second annual charity golf event which takes place at Breadsall Priory Country Club, on 16 September.

The event will be a great chance for business teams to come together and raise money for excellent local causes.

Taking place in the pretty Derbyshire countryside, it is also a chance to take advantage of some high-level networking. To find out more, email our events team at:

events@emc-dnl.co.uk

The day starts with registration and breakfast from 8am then 18 holes on the championship priory course.

The day will end with drinks and a two-course meal from 3.30pm.

All profits will go to the Chamber’s Charitable Fund which supports vital projects across the region. For more details visit: www.emc-dnl.co.uk/chamber-charitable-fund

Chamber representatives and graduates of the recent ITOPS course

Nick Megson of Abacus Flooring with Emma Jesson at last year’s Leicestershire Business Awards

Photo by Steve Edwards Photography

SUSTAINABLE EAST MIDLANDS

www.emc-dnl.co.uk/sustainability

HELPING BUSINESSES TRANSITION TO A SUSTAINABLE AND LOW-CARBON ECONOMY

Survey puts focus on energy usage

Businesses are facing urgent questions about how to adapt in the face of rising energy prices and growing pressure to meet net zero targets.

A new survey is calling on companies to share how they are approaching the green energy transition, and where further support is needed.

Launched by Glenfield Electrical, the survey aims to build a clearer picture of how businesses across the region are responding – from energy use and infrastructure to the challenges of funding and implementation.

Glenfield Electrical managing director Phil Houlder (pictured) said:

“Through rising bills and the Government's net zero policies, businesses are under dual pressure to be more energy efficient and sustainable both environmentally and financially.

“We’ve seen an uptick in queries for commercial EV chargers and solar panels this year compared to last.

“We’re putting this survey out to establish where businesses are right now with their green transition, what’s working, what isn’t and what additional help businesses need to be more sustainable.”

Participants will be able to access the findings, which can help benchmark progress and shape future decision-making in the transition to greener energy.

See the survey at: s.surveyplanet.com/nqsp8j1f

Recycled furniture firm is breaking boundaries

AWirksworth company which makes recycled plastic garden furniture has sponsored Derbyshire County Cricket Club after kitting out a new pitch-side hospitality area.

Furniture company TDP, which won a King’s Award for Sustainability, has provided the seating for an enclosure at the club to help hospitality guests relax and enjoy the game.

It has been furnished with a selection of TDP’s armchairs, sofa sets and tables so that guests can enjoy sitting both out in the sunshine and under cover, and was unveiled at the England Women’s v West Indies game earlier this summer. The company has also provided benches at Derby County FC, one in memory of

‘We are seeing more and more sports clubs approaching us for our furniture’

club legend Sid Marson.

Kym Barlow, commercial director of TDP, said: “We are seeing more and more sports clubs approaching us for our furniture because of how well it withstands weather conditions, continuing to look smart year after year with virtually no maintenance required.”

Since its launch, TDP has used the equivalent of more than 3.2 billion plastic bottles in its outdoor furniture products.

Derby conference venue goes even greener

The Derby Conference Centre has moved from bronze to silver in the Green Meetings Accreditation, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.

The recognition highlights the work of the team in embedding sustainability into its operations – and engaging delegates in its green initiatives so that it can deliver events that are impactful and environmentally responsible.

Highlights in the assessment included: prioritising health and wellbeing for both guests and staff; promoting Derby as a destination with a rich cultural heritage; communicating sustainability efforts clearly and consistently; supporting and

encouraging sustainable travel options.

A spokeswoman said: “This achievement marks a significant milestone in our sustainability journey, and we’re excited to keep building on this foundation.”

The Derby Conference Centre is based in a Grade II listed building with conference rooms, meeting rooms, 50 en-suite hotel bedrooms as well as self-catering accommodation at the India House Hotel.

Once home to the British Rail Training College, its elegant exterior, art deco features and distinctive sunken lounge provide a backdrop for corporate events and visits to the city.

TDP Terrace at the County Ground Derbyshire: Leah Barratt and Kym Barlow from TDP (seated), with Jimmy Drew and Charlotte Lee

Derby Conference Centre

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

SUPPORT, STRATEGIES AND RESOURCES FOR EXPORTERS AND IMPORTERS

Forums offer insight into going global

Are you a business based in Nottinghamshire, Nottingham, Derbyshire or Derby looking to import, export or expand internationally?

Join us at the International Trade Forum – a free, in-person event designed to help you trade smarter and more confidently on the global stage.

There is a Nottingham/Nottinghamshire forum on 18 September and a Derby/Derbyshire one on 30 September.

They will include expert talks on compliance, regulation, FTAs and cultural awareness; round table discussions to tackle real-world trade challenges; networking with traders, advisors, and support providers; and access to best practice tools and resources to fuel global growth.

The sessions are aimed at SMEs starting to import or export for the first time; established exporters/importers navigating new markets or regulatory change; manufacturers, retailers, and e-commerce businesses with cross-border operations; and business development teams looking to expand overseas.

Lucy Granger, head of global trade at the Chamber, said: “Whether you’re just starting out or scaling international operations, this forum is your opportunity to gain practical insights, make valuable connections, and strengthen your global trade strategy.”

For details visit: is.gd/gEpCCc

Chamber cheers India trade deal

East Midlands Chamber has welcomed the Government’s free trade deal with India, said to be worth £4.8bn to the UK economy each year, which will cut the average tariff on UK goods to 3%.

Director of policy and insight Richard Blackmore said: “With the significant administrative burden and costs firms have to trawl through to trade internationally, every deal achieved in easing the burden on businesses exporting goods and services is a step forward and can only be good for economic growth, especially if it attracts inward investment too.

“Reducing reams of paperwork and associated costs is something businesses really need and while free trade deals are something I’d like to see more of, it’s also important firms are given guidance on how to use them. The Government's recently published trade strategy included plans to support SMEs that export but the detail on how that might look and the extent was light.

“The Chamber’s International Trade department can advise businesses importing or exporting goods on how best to proceed.”

Visit: www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/international

Businesses sign up for support to aid exports

Support for East Midlands businesses to develop overseas trade plans and explore new markets has seen a strong early take-up. Some 227 businesses have signed up to the Export Accelerator project since its launch in the spring.

Delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) the project helps businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire navigate the complexities of international trade – from undertaking initial research to launching a product or service into a new overseas market.

The project has received £454,000 from the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and provides specialist adviser support, training and grants to businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Grant funding of up to £8,000 is on offer towards the cost of specialist consultancy, overseas trade show visits, salaries and equipment.

Along with fully funded workshops and webinars, there is the opportunity to apply for a £2,000 bursary which can be used to attend one

of the Chamber’s International Trade training courses including its flagship BCC-Accredited International Trade Operations and Procedures (ITOPS) qualification.

‘We’re delighted to offer vital support to East Midlands businesses wishing to trade overseas, through the Export Accelerator

project’

Businesses also have the opportunity to join a new East Midlands International Trade Network, with the chance to take part in bi-monthly chaired forums, access support, hear from industry experts, share insight with peers, and help shape the development and delivery of the programme. The first forum meetings will be held on 18 September and 30 September in Nottingham and Bolsover respectively.

Chamber deputy chief executive Diane Beresford said: “At a time when pressure is

relentlessly heaped on exporters, with overseas trade costly, time-consuming and often requiring reams of paperwork, we’re delighted to offer vital support to East Midlands businesses wishing to trade overseas, through the Export Accelerator project.

“The Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey for the East Midlands revealed a 10% drop in overseas sales and 3% in orders, which really underlines the extent of the challenges when exporting overseas so it’s no surprise that take-up of the Export Accelerator grants and training bursaries has been so high.

“We have some brilliant examples of businesses tapping into consultancy support in areas such as CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) and attending tradeshows as far afield as Japan.

“If they haven’t already, I’d urge businesses to sign up for the forum meetings in September to find out about the wide range of services to boost their overseas trade.”

Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said: “I’m thrilled to see extra investment from the East Midlands Combined County Authority, to be delivered by East Midlands Chamber and funded by this Labour Government. This support will enable more businesses in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to expand into global markets by exporting their products and services.

“Growing our local economy and supporting local businesses in manufacturing, renewable energy, technology, as well as the creative and digital industries, will work towards our shared goal of making the East Midlands the best region to live, work and learn.”

Businesses can register by completing the registration form and an Export Accelerator adviser will respond.

The Chamber’s schedule of international trade training courses, for which eligible businesses can apply for a £2,000 subsidy to attend, can be accessed on the East Midlands Chamber site.

For details of the Export Accelerator visit: www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk

Charity partners aim to help developing world

Randal Foundation founder and chairman

Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL has spoken of his ambition to save and improve the lives of a million people in the developing world.

Dr Kotecha, who made his name through his former business Morningside Pharmaceuticals, has launched a new partnership between the foundation and EMERGENCY UK, a UK charity that supports the work of international humanitarian organisation EMERGENCY.

The three-year partnership is now six months into operation and already delivering vital healthcare and surgical projects.

‘We hope to make greater impact against a backdrop of ever-greater worldwide need’

A grant from the Randal Foundation has brought crucial funding for EMERGENCY’s global healthcare projects, while supporting the growth of the organisation’s UK affiliate, with £500,000 committed so far in year one alone.

In all, around €1.8m (£1.5m) will be invested by the foundation, powering immediate lifesaving work at scale.

The Randal Foundation’s first year of funding is supporting pharmaceuticals, medical consumables and equipment in Afghanistan, Sierra Leone and Uganda. It hopes to save 28,000 lives and improve the lives of a further 65,000-plus in 12 months.

In Afghanistan – which is in the midst of one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises –Randal Foundation funds are supporting EMERGENCY projects such as surgical centres in Kabul and Laskhar-Gah, as well as maternity, paediatric and surgical centres in

the Panjshir Valley. The money is also helping a network of first aid posts and primary healthcare centres.

In Sierra Leone, funding from the Randal Foundation is helping an EMERGENCY hospital for surgery and traumatology. Located just outside the capital Freetown, the surgical centre has performed more than 70,000 operations and more than 460,000 outpatient consultations since opening in 2001.

And, in Uganda, the partnership is helping the Children's Surgical Hospital in Entebbe, which provides paediatric surgery for children from Uganda, and neighbouring African countries.

Dr Kotecha, who is taking on a global advocacy role for EMERGENCY UK, said: “We’re delighted to be working closely with EMERGENCY UK once again, delivering together on our mission to directly save and significantly improve more than a million lives in the UK and globally.

“This partnership reflects our goals –investing in EMERGENCY’s exceptional model of care that combines medical excellence with dignity and equality for all patients.

“Their innovative approach to building local capacity aligns perfectly with our mission to create lasting sustainable impact, which will benefit vulnerable communities for generations to come.”

Rossella Miccio, president of EMERGENCY UK, said: “It is generous support like this that enables EMERGENCY to provide the free, high-quality care that so many people around the world need.”

Rachael McCormack, chief operating officer for the Randal Foundation said, “We’re looking forward to next steps together through this international collaboration – working across Africa, Asia and Europe – in our shared endeavour to save lives and significantly improve lives.”

Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL with Rossella Miccio, president of EMERGENCY UK (Credit: Davide Preti)

ROUNDING UP LOCAL AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Ashfield residents get free financial advice

Ashfield residents can get free support if they need help taking control of their finances.

Ashfield District Council is offering help through the Ashfield Financial Resilience Programme, backed by £1.3m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The programme will help residents stuck in a financial crisis increase their long-term resilience. Support is available in increasing their income, reducing spending, improving budgeting, building a safety net and protecting their assets.

The programme is being delivered by Citizens Advice Central Nottinghamshire on behalf of the council. Sessions are available across Ashfield, including Leamington and Sutton Central, Carsic, Greenwood and Summit, and New Cross.

The programme will also contribute towards employment, training and skills strategies.

www.ca-centralnotts.org.uk/ashfield

Major improvements for Ilkestone town centre

Some £101,000 is being spent upgrading street furniture in Ilkeston town centre under Erewash Borough Council plans to invest £2m improving the town.

An initial £700,000 will go into improving public services and the long-term future of the borough, including more street cleaning staff, a better neighbourhood wardens service – which deals with issues such as fly-tipping and graffiti – as well as the development of an anti-graffiti action plan.

The council will also put £50,000 into teaming up with local artists to commission street art murals, while the Cotmanhay Community Network centre, in the old Bennerley School, will be safeguarded thanks to a £165,000 grant.

Architects to take space at Canopy

The architecture firm helping turn a cluster of old buildings in Leicester into a new home for creative businesses is set to be one of its first tenants.

Project architects rg+p was the first business to sign up for a tenancy at the new £13.3m Canopy workspace in the former Pilot House site in King Street.

Leicester City Council is turning the council-owned former factory buildings into 33,000sqft of accommodation for creative businesses.

It will have workspaces, meeting rooms and conference facilities, as well as a co-working lounge, reception area and outdoor courtyard. There will also be an event and exhibition space and a café.

It is due to open this autumn, and nine of the 25 available workspaces have now been let. It will eventually support around 250 jobs in the city centre.

The designs were drawn up by rg+p which now plans to relocate its Leicester studio there, while maintaining its London and Birmingham studios.

Director Rob Woolston said: “Our connection with the Pilot House buildings is well established, having won the original competition to design its redevelopment in 2022.

“Since then, we’ve worked closely with the city council to develop a design to bring this fascinating cluster of former factory buildings back into productive use while retaining their historic character.

“With the lease on our current studio ending, we quickly realised the space we were looking for was the one that we are incredibly proud to have helped to create.

“This will mark a significant step forward for

our continued growth in Leicester, which has been our home for 45 years.

“Canopy is a great fit for our company and we’re proud to become the anchor tenant.”

Leicester city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “Along with supporting hundreds of highquality jobs in the city’s thriving creative sector, this important redevelopment will contribute to the wider regeneration and prosperity of King Street, Belvoir Street, Market Street and the New Walk area.

“It will also complement recent landmark developments like the Gresham Building.

“The fact that the project’s architects, rg+p, were the first confirmed tenants of Canopy is hugely encouraging. It’s a clear endorsement of what a well-considered and architecturally stunning new workspace they have helped to create.”

Canopy will be run by the team that manages the LCB Depot, Phoenix Square and Makers’ Yard workspaces in Leicester’s cultural quarter.

Hucknall High Street in Ashfield

Leicester’s Canopy development

Ilkeston Market Place

How the interior will look

Reeves hails Cosy ‘success story’

Acompany founder has spoken of his pride after the business was hailed a shining example of the country’s SMEs by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Cosy Direct chief executive Peter Ellse made the comments after the Chancellor visited its headquarters on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border near Tutbury, to launch the recent Government Trade Strategy.

She was given a tour of the premises and met staff including managing director David Hook and co-founders Peter and Amanda Ellse as well as apprentices and former prisoners employed through the Jobs on Release scheme.

‘Medium-sized businesses like ours are vitally important to the economy and to the trade strategy’

During the visit, the Chancellor said: “Cosy is a great success story, and I want more businesses to take that plunge and to export and to grow jobs and to create investment here in Britain.”

Founded in Derby in 2011, Cosy now employs 110 people and sells more than 6,000 products, ranging from wooden toys to eco-friendly furniture. It exports to 45 countries and has seen the value of its overseas business rise to £3.2m a year.

International success earned Cosy a King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade in 2025, adding to its Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development, from 2022.

Peter Ellse said: “It is such an honour to be chosen as the venue for the launch of the Government’s Trade Strategy and a real thrill to have Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, tour our premises and meet our amazing staff.

“We’ve worked extremely hard over the past 15 years to get to this stage, so it’s wonderful to

see something we’re part of everyday held up as a good example when it comes to employment, exports and embracing new technology.

“Medium-sized businesses like ours are vitally important to the economy and to the trade strategy. We’re the ones generating growth and creating jobs, investing in technology and driving exports forward.

“There’s no doubt that businesses need support – and Cosy is an example of what more companies like ours could achieve if they received it.”

Funding will boost regeneration of Derby

Derby is to get £3.2m of government funding to continue its regeneration efforts over the next year.

The funding is part of a national extension of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and will be managed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority.

It follows a previous programme that brought £53m of investment to the economy and supported hundreds of jobs.

Based on levels of deprivation in the city, the new funding will support projects including a scheme to enable entrepreneurs to launch and expand their businesses into empty city-centre units, along with initiatives to revitalise public spaces and enhance employability and skills.

Derby has also been awarded £300,000 to support inward investment, which will be allocated to Marketing Derby to help its work attracting new businesses and securing investment.

The previous programme supported over 25 projects across the city, providing grants and one-on-one advice to 168 local businesses. An employment and skills hub also helped 125 people find jobs or become self-employed and enabled 300 others to gain qualifications.

Council leader Councillor Nadine Peatfield said: “This new funding is fantastic news for Derby. It will enable us to build on our achievements, seize opportunities to bring life to vacant properties in the city centre, champion innovative new businesses and help people get the skills they need for a changing economy. It’s a chance to create lasting change, supporting our ambition to build a city we can all be proud of, that is a prosperous and vibrant place for everyone.”

Above, L-R: Peter Ellse, CEO of Cosy Direct, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and David Hook, managing director of Cosy Direct

Right: Peter joins Rachel Reeves on a tour of the Cosy factory

Derby Cathedral

FEATURES

TURNING THE SPOTLIGHT ON ISSUES AND SECTORS THAT MATTER TO BUSINESS

You can make a difference

By Louise Adams (

of Love4Life

No young person should feel unseen. Together, we can change that. Every day, too many girls wake up feeling invisible, fighting silent battles with anxiety, self-harm or loneliness behind closed doors. In schools and in homes across our communities, girls are under relentless pressure to be perfect, popular and strong, yet far too often, they’re left to cope alone.

Love4Life is here to change that story.

Since 2007, we’ve stood beside girls and those who identify as girls across Leicester, Derby and north Leicestershire who face challenges no child should face alone: poverty, family breakdown, exploitation, abuse and mental health struggles.

Many feel misunderstood, ignored at school and unheard at home until they walk through our doors and find a safe space to talk, trust, laugh and heal.

In small, supportive groups and one-to-one mentoring, girls build friendships, learn what healthy relationships look like and discover they matter. For many, it’s the first time someone listens without judgement and believes in their future.

“If it wasn’t for Love4Life I wouldn’t still be here now,” one girl told us. “I didn’t think I would make it past my 13th birthday. Here I feel safe and listened to. I now know I’m worth something.”

Last year alone, Love4Life supported more than 580 girls but right now, more than 150 are still waiting for help that could mean the difference between coping and crisis. We won’t let them face this alone. And with the power of local businesses behind us, they won’t.

Together, we can all play a part in changing lives.

WHY PARTNER WITH US?

When you partner with Love4Life, you’re doing more than ticking a CSR box, you’re standing up for girls who deserve to feel safe, supported and seen. Your business can play a direct role in transforming young lives and building stronger communities for the future.

There are so many ways you can help:

• Sponsor a youth worker for a year, giving up to 100 girls

a trusted adult who’ll help them build confidence and resilience.

• Fund a girl’s place for a year, so she can break free from isolation, learn to believe in herself and build a safer, brighter future.

• Sponsor an entire Love4Life group, bringing weekly support, friendship and safe spaces to girls in some of the UK’s most deprived communities.

• Sponsor an event, like our Curry Night, Netball Tournament or Golf Day raising vital funds while putting your business at the heart of the community.

• Enter a team into one of our tournaments and rally your colleagues to fundraise together.

• Share your expertise, offer in-kind support or help us spread the word through your networks.

• Partner with us as your Charity of the Year, unite your staff behind a cause that transforms lives locally.

• Host a workshop for your team, learn how to better support the young people in your lives and community. When you support Love4Life, you’re sending a clear message: your company believes every girl should feel safe, supported and free to dream big. Together, we can break cycles of harm and isolation and replace them with community, connection and hope.

YOUR IMPACT REACHES FURTHER

When you stand with Love4Life, we stand with you celebrating your support through our newsletters, social media and website, connecting you with hundreds who care about giving girls a brighter future. Supporting us brings your staff together, lifts morale and shows your customers that your business believes in the power of change.

One girl’s life transformed today shapes stronger, safer communities tomorrow. With your help, we can reach every girl who needs us and make sure no one feels invisible again. Helping them build the confidence and resilience to make positive choices for their health and relationships. Be part of the change. Be part of her story. Let’s build a future where every girl knows her worth and is empowered to shape a life she loves.

‘One girl’s life transformed today shapes stronger, safer communities tomorrow’

pictured right), CEO

Growing greener roots with the National Forest

By The National Forest Company

Thirty years ago, a bold idea took root – to breathe new life into a scarred industrial landscape and create a new forest for the nation. Today, the National Forest spans 200 square miles across Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire, transforming lives and land in equal measure.

Now, as we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’re inviting businesses to help shape the next chapter of this inspiring story. Whatever your size, from large company to growing SME, the pressure to show real action on sustainability has never been greater.

That can feel daunting. But partnering with a UK-based, nationally significant environmental charity like the National Forest offers a credible, transparent and rewarding way to make a difference – right here at home.

WHY CHOOSE THE NATIONAL FOREST?

Overseas planting or offsetting schemes often lack visibility, meaning it’s hard to measure your impact. The National Forest, by contrast, is a UK-grown success story.

Since 1995, more than 9.8 million trees have been planted, increasing woodland cover from just 6% to 25%, with a bold target of reaching 33%.

That growth isn’t just green on a map, it’s ecological and social too. From the return of rare species like the purple emperor butterfly and the dormouse, to creating publicly accessible green space within 500 metres of households, the forest is helping communities thrive.

A BUSINESS CASE ROOTED IN IMPACT

Getting involved doesn’t just support the planet, it also boosts your business.

From planting days with your team to sponsoring a biodiversity project or supporting outdoor education, however you choose to engage, working with the Forest can:

• Strengthen employee morale and wellbeing

• Show values in action

• Build deeper community connections

• Demonstrate environmental leadership.

It’s an easy way to turn corporate purpose into tangible, visible outcomes. Many partners say it’s one of the most authentic sustainability steps they’ve taken.

FLEXIBLE PARTNERSHIPS THAT GROW WITH YOU

There’s no one-size-fits-all. You can make a one-off contribution or explore deeper collaboration, and we’ll help you find the right fit.

Opportunities include:

• Supporting tree planting or habitat restoration

• Sponsoring education and outdoor learning programmes

• Contributing to flagship projects like the redevelopment of our visitor centre, Conkers

• Team volunteering or employee fundraising. Whatever the level, your support becomes part of a shared, living legacy.

GROWING A GREENER ECONOMY

Partnership brings wider benefits too. The Forest now supports a visitor economy worth over £428m annually, up 30% in two decades. More than 250 landowners and farmers are involved in woodland management, and over 70 local volunteer groups help care for the landscape.

Education is also key to our long-term success. 90% of local primary schools now regularly take part in outdoor learning, up from just 9% 10 years ago and we’re rolling out new qualifications to bring forestry into the classroom and provide pathways to greener careers for future generations.

BE PART OF THE FUTURE

With a further national forest announced and two more in development, a Midlands Forest Network underway, and transformative new visitor experiences on the horizon, this is a pivotal moment for businesses to step in and step up.

Your partnership can shape the future of one of the UK’s most ambitious environmental regeneration projects, while delivering benefits for your people, your community and your brand.

Carolyn Sankey, director of development, National Forest, said: “This is a milestone year for the National Forest. As we mark 30 years of transformation, we’re inviting businesses to be part of something with real impact, for nature, for people, and for future generations.

“Whether you’re planting trees, supporting education, or helping us reimagine key sites, your partnership becomes part of a living legacy that’s rooted in the heart of the country.”

‘We’re inviting businesses to be part of something with real impact, for nature, for people, and for future generations’

Carolyn Sankey

Swithland Woods in Leicestershire

All talk and no actions?

By Paul Burrows (pictured, below), headteacher, Royal School for the Deaf

Irecently went to a conference with 200-plus delegates. As the main speaker started, the microphone failed. If the room had been completely silent, then there would have been a chance of making out the odd word.

However, the room wasn’t silent, it was filled with superfluous noise making the job of hearing impossible.

So, what did the well-educated, professional delegates do?

Concentrate harder? Strain to hear every word? No, not at all.

One-by-one they disengaged, looked around at each other with knowing looks, sideways glances and rolled eyes, took out their phones and gave an audible huff and puff.

When the microphone was changed (after only two minutes) there was a collective silent “thank goodness” and a palpable sigh of relief from every delegate. But what if that relief never comes? What if the world is a silent world all day and every day?

Here at the Royal School for the Deaf in Derby we cater for approximately 120 profoundly deaf young people, aged three to 19. They are predominately from the East Midlands, but we serve a nationwide catchment area with our residential provision.

Being deaf doesn’t mean you can disengage with the world, it means you have to work harder at times to be involved. Being deaf doesn’t mean you cannot learn, it means you have to concentrate more sometimes and retain more in your working memory. Being deaf doesn’t mean you cannot socialise, it means you have to find a way to communicate and express yourselves.

One of the things we do at the Royal School for the Deaf is teach our children and young people to be proud of being deaf, to give them a deaf identity and show them deaf role models.

All this is within the context of being a school, in one sense an ordinary school. We have lessons and homework just like every school. We do phonics tests, SATs, and GCSEs.

We are, however, not just ordinary: we are extraordinary. We are a specialist school set up to cater for our deaf young people – staff are BSL trained, rooms are acoustically treated, we have a dedicated onsite speech and language team and audiologist.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

We believe that the best teaching comes first hand. In some schools, a deaf young person would be accompanied by an interpreter all day, going from lesson to lesson as a pair. The interpreter would do a fantastic job of translating the information from the teacher for the young person – this is however, second-hand teaching, through an interpreter.

We believe that our first-hand teaching, direct from the teacher in either

Main picture and below: Some of the pupils at the Royal School for the Deaf in Derby

BSL or spoken English is the better way for the students to access the high-quality language that each curriculum needs.

Apart from academically, it is important socially for the young people to be able to interact with as many other pupils and staff that they can.

This allows them to grow and develop emotionally and socially, and therefore more equipped for the demands of adulthood in later life.

WHAT CAN BUSINESS IN THE EAST MIDLANDS DO TO HELP?

Engage with the school and the deaf community. Derby, in particular has one of the highest proportions of BSL users in the country. Make the time and effort to communicate with a deaf person, make them feel welcomed and important.

On a practical level though, we believe there is a great opportunity to create something special in the East Midlands.

Many deaf babies are born to parents who are hearing and cannot sign themselves. We would like to start a campaign to offer free BSL lessons to parents of deaf newborn babies. Imagine the difference it would make for a deaf baby to have a nursery rhyme signed to it, or a visit to a zoo where the signs for the animals could be shared.

It would be life-changing for that child and their families to be able to communicate with each other.

Currently, most parents (with some exceptions) need to self-fund BSL language lessons.

What we could do together is a step change. We could model this access for every region of the UK and pioneer a programme of every family being able to communicate with their beautiful, precious, and deaf newborn baby.

FOCUS

TO TIE-IN WITH EAST MIDLAND’S CHAMBER’S SUSTAINABILITY AND CSR CONFERENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF DERBY ON 11 SEPTEMBER, THIS MONTH’S BUSINESS NETWORK FOCUS SECTION CONSIDERS THE IMPORTANCE OF ECO-FRIENDLY BUSINESS PRACTICES TO THE BOTTOM LINE, AS WELL AS THE PLANET

CONFERENCE PUTS CLIMATE CONCERNS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Helping business play its part in mitigating the climate emergency will be high on the agenda at the East Midlands Chamber Sustainability and CSR conference, taking place at the University of Derby on 11 September.

The event includes speakers, workshops and panel discussions looking at sustainability, governance and collaboration – all through a business-centric lens.

To tie-in with the conference, this month’s Business Network Focus section addresses some of the issues of sustainability.

The 2025 conference is being delivered in partnership with the University of Derby, and sponsored by Geo Green Power and Flogas, with support from Duncan & Toplis, Samworth Brothers, Viridis Net Zero, Spenbeck, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Loughborough University.

Sally-Anne Hurn, sustainability champion at accountant and business advisor Duncan & Toplis, will deliver a workshop focusing on integrating sustainability into organisations.

She said: “At Duncan & Toplis, we’ve been supporting communities and businesses in the East Midlands for 100 years and, as one of the UK’s largest accountancy groups, we recognise how important it is to support people and the environment. We are recognised as being ‘On the Road to Net Zero’ by sustainability platform Net Zero Now. To achieve this, we have made a series of green commitments to eliminate our overall carbon footprint, and we are aiming to reduce our total carbon emissions to zero by 2032.

“Across our locations in the East Midlands and London, we have implemented CSR measures from recycling IT equipment to installing motionactivated lighting and solar panels.

“In 2022, we also established the Duncan & Toplis Foundation to better serve and support our local communities.

“The foundation primarily supports initiatives that seek to improve the quality of our local communities, giving priority support to causes and initiatives that assist the provision of food and shelter, mental health, palliative care and youth employment.”

Andy Wright is responsible business director at Leicestershire food giant Samworth Brothers.

He said: “It takes a lot of land, energy and water to produce food, and we want to do that in the most sustainable way possible – to support a healthy planet.

“The business has made a commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 with this target approved by the science-based Targets Initiative.

“The group has also set several near-term goals including, for example, a 42% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 – compared to 2022.

“One of its many projects is a one third reduction in carbon input over the last six years by Samworth Brothers Supply Chain (SBSC).

“Unlike many other food manufacturers Samworth Brothers operates its own HGV fleet with 250 HGV trailers operating out of Leicester and outbases in Penrith, Bristol and Cornwall.

“SBSC has now also grown to be a major chill consolidator in the UK also operating extensively for other food manufacturers and its own bakeries.

“In 2019, SBSC benchmarked its carbon to just over 29,000 tonnes. Six years later it has delivered almost one third reduction in its carbon output, saving nearly 9,000 tonnes.

“SBSC also launched its first 100% renewable energy electric HGVs in the summer of 2024,

and now has six fully electric tractor units and nine that run on liquefied natural gas.

“The trailer fleet is now fuelled by hydrogenated vegetable oil and new trailers include a high-efficiency refrigeration unit, which uses less than 50% of the fuel of traditional units.”

Sally-Anne Hurn of Duncan & Topliss

Andy Wright, responsible business director for Samworth Brothers

PROJECT HELPS RESTORE RIVER’S NATURAL HABITAT

Atwo-year project to restore the River Ecclesbourne as a natural habitat and bring back Atlantic salmon after a century-long absence from parts of the river, has been completed.

In 2023, work began to put meanders back into a 400-yard section and open up more than 17 miles of river and tributaries for fish migration near the former Postern Mill in Turnditch, Derbyshire.

The new channel bypasses the last remaining weir on the Ecclesbourne, between Wirksworth and the Derwent near Duffield, restoring the river to its original course, which was diverted in the 18th century.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust led the project, working with partners at the Wild Trout Trust, Chatsworth, and Nestlé Waters and Premium Beverages UK, which owns the Buxton mineral water brand. It came after a Wild Trout Trust survey that found the river had significant potential for fish spawning, but migration was blocked by manmade barriers.

The project has now opened up the way for the endangered Atlantic salmon, as well as the European eel – which is classified as ‘critically endangered’ globally – and species such as grayling, trout, lamprey, minnow, stone loach and bullhead. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust staff and

WHY SUSTAINABILITY SHOULD BE A PRIORITY

Becky Valentine (pictured), sustainability & building health consultant and co-owner of Spenbeck, considers the moves businesses should be taking to go green.

With the constant challenges businesses have faced, from rising inflation to staffing costs, how much of a priority should sustainability be?

It falls into both the nice to have and essential columns. There’s legislation driving requirements but quite a bit of pushback because of rising costs. For larger companies, compliance and regulation mean they have to crack on in a way that SMEs don’t. There’s a demarcation between larger corporations and SMEs, particularly microSMEs, who are just struggling to keep their head above water.

There is definite pushback on net zero too, but it's important not to conflate net zero with wider sustainability. Net zero is only a small part of what we consider true sustainability, which is anything from looking after the environment to sustainable cities, to health and well-being and reducing inequalities.

The first reason to prioritise sustainability is risk management. Climate change across supply chain operations and real estate is a big one and the reputational risk that comes with that.

There are wide-ranging impacts that threaten business continuity if you mishandle it from a

reputational perspective. Your approach to risk will impact the insurance level you get. Then how you report internally and externally is important.

It's a crucial part of governance that many companies are realising they're overlooking.

At Spenbeck, we're spending a lot more time than a year ago helping organisations decarbonise because they’ve suddenly realised.

Some smaller businesses have limited resources and people wearing lots of different hats. What is the best approach for them?

Audit, action plan and prioritise, starting with meaningful actions that have a really strong return on investment for you. Don't get swept up with the wider narrative or what you see other people doing.

Bring it down to what it’s going to impact, what you can afford, your capabilities and do that. Be honest about what you can or can’t achieve. Bring in any support you need to make it happen. Sometimes organisations try to fudge it and are just pushing issues further down the line. Make sure you know how you're impacting the environment and use that as your starting point.

What about getting it wrong? What mistakes are firms making?

volunteers have planted more than 1,100 native trees along the banks to help stabilise the soil, reduce erosion, offer shade to wildlife, and enhance biodiversity.

Meanwhile, invasive Himalayan balsam has been controlled along a four-mile stretch of riverbank, helping native plant and animals.

Throughout the project, some 700 local people have been brought together, raising awareness about the importance of healthy rivers, local biodiversity and the decline of species.

Green washing – trying to cut corners or trying too hard and inadvertently slipping up.

There’s a tendency at executive board level to think we'll find someone internal who's keen on sustainability, we won't buy someone in, we’ll find someone that’s done a course, for example, so it's not implemented properly.

Strategically, that approach is a disaster.

The biggest mistake is not having it as an organisational, strategic, cultural issue. It can't just be left to someone keen and enthusiastic.

As people see it as a cost, rather than a benefit, it's sometimes siloed in that way. You need the whole organisation behind it.

It’s never too late. It's about cumulative impact, not individual impact – doing what you can, when you can.

Crack on, have a starting point that celebrates and recognises what you’re already doing well and use that to start action planning. Having not done anything to date is not an excuse to not bother.

A new channel in the River Ecclesbourne in Derbyshire

CUTTING EMISSIONS REQUIRES NEW SKILLS

Recent data suggests the East Midlands has the largest proportion of UK workers in high emission industries, at almost 20%. Helping the workforce and industry transition to a low carbon future is a priority –and the East Midlands Institute of Technology is helping provide the skills people need to respond.

The institute – one of 21 in England – works with academic and business partners to improve technical skills. Specialisms reflecting regional needs include digital, engineering and professional construction pathways.

Its 50-plus courses, from T-levels to masters degrees include energy skills such as Loughborough University’s masters degree in renewable energy systems technology; the University of Derby’s nuclear skills; and sustainability modules in Derby College’s construction programmes.

Industry partners including Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Alstom and Uniper are also shaping the future of regional energy transition through innovations in their own sectors.

Last September the Institute of Technology received £2m from East Midlands Freeport for its Future Energy Skills Hub, to grow the skills that regional firms will need to seize opportunities from clean energy and industry decarbonisation.

Courses in electrification, renewables, hydrogen, nuclear and fusion skills will be developed as will additional training modules within existing courses.

Rachel Quinn, executive director of the Institute of Technology, said: “Research shows the general quality of technical training in our region is good.

“The Future Energy Skills Hub is about going further – ensuring we “hard wire” skills for energy generation and use across all general technical pathways, and providing energy-

SMALL BUSINESSES FACE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE

By Mark Robinson (pictured), managing director of Leicestershire creative agency Creative62.

Many companies are discussing sustainability in business, but small businesses face unique challenges.

While we all want to do our part for the environment and planet, we also need to keep the lights on, serve our customers, and stay profitable.

Striking a balance between running a successful business and making meaningful progress toward sustainability isn’t always easy.

At Creative62, we’ve approached sustainability as a journey, not a one-time fix. Like many small

businesses, we understand that sweeping changes can be financially and operationally daunting.

Rather than viewing sustainability as an overwhelming goal, we’ve focused on taking simple, achievable steps. These “low-hanging fruit” actions help us make an immediate difference and serve as stepping stones to bigger, more ambitious changes.

The first steps toward sustainability don’t have to be dramatic for any business. It starts with awareness – understanding where we can reduce

specific specialisms where needed. We’re looking to long-term energy needs but understand companies’ need to move quickly.

For example, by developing short, virtual, flexible courses we update a current technician’s knowledge with little disruption to their workday.”

Two new facilities, at Derby College and Loughborough College, have been built on energy-efficient lines.

our environmental impact without compromising our ability to operate effectively.

One of the simplest but most effective changes we made was ensuring our office is

Loughborough College East Midlands Institute of Technology building

Rachel Quinn, executive director of the East Midlands IoT

CREATING GREENER SUPPLY CHAINS

Nottingham-based logistics provider Baxter Freight has launched The Sustainable Freight Network – to help businesses take practical, data-driven steps to reduce their supply chain emissions.

The European Environment Agency has predicted that logistics could account for up to 40% of global CO2 emissions by 2050 –unless action is taken.

Management at Baxter Freight said its new offering addresses the issue, amid growing commercial and regulatory pressure for businesses to act.

Sales director Richard Jeggo said: “We’ve spent the last three years incredibly focussed on putting together a unique and innovative proposition to support the marketplace in addressing the significant challenge of tackling Scope 3 Emissions in their supply chains.

“What we’ve created is that unique proposition – a holistic, consultative carbon management system backed by our own well established logistics expertise.”

He said the network provides specialist consultancy services that help businesses take greater accountability for their emissions – including measuring and reporting cuts, then reducing and removing remaining emissions. Reduction is achieved through route optimisation, intermodal logistics and low carbon fuels, while remaining emissions can be neutralised with carbon reduction certificates.

powered by renewable energy sources. By making this switch, we significantly reduced our reliance on fossil fuels.

We’ve also implemented energy-efficient lighting and smart plug technology. As a digital-first agency, our work relies heavily on technology – so, to help lower our emissions, we’ve invested in energy-efficient equipment and eco-friendly server technology.

We also advocate for clients to go paperless where possible, offering digital PDFs instead of printed materials and reducing unnecessary waste.

Sustainability doesn’t happen overnight. It’s an ongoing journey, and every step forward –no matter how small – is worth celebrating.

While we may not have all the answers yet, we’re committed to keeping the conversation going – it’s about long-term thinking.

At Creative62, we believe that every business – no matter its size – can take steps toward sustainability. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about making progress.

SUSTAINABILITY MUST BE ABOUT PEOPLE TOO

Tania Gerard (pictured), founder of Tania Gerard Digital UK considers why neurodiversity and accessible marketing both belong in ESG and CSR.

When people hear the terms CSR and ESG, their minds often jump to environmental impact, reducing waste, carbon footprints, or switching to green energy.

But ESG isn’t just about being eco-friendly. The ‘S’ – social – is just as critical. And that’s where many companies fall short.

Sustainability is about more than the planet. It’s about the people.

As the founder of the UK’s first accessible marketing consultancy and a neurodiversity trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how overlooked the social side of sustainability can be.

But here’s the real truth: accessibility is sustainability. Inclusion is not just a moral choice; it’s a smart and strategic part of business resilience.

While many organisations focus on recycling policies or emissions reporting, few pause to ask:

• Are our communications accessible to everyone?

• Are our hiring and onboarding processes inclusive for neurodivergent candidates?

• Do our managers understand how to support team members with ADHD, autism, or dyslexia?

If the answer is no, the social pillar of ESG is missing a major piece.

In the UK, it’s estimated that 15–20% of people are neurodivergent. That’s a huge percentage of the population and an even bigger opportunity as according to our last report, the UK’s disability spending power, or the Purple Pound as we call it, is calculated as £274bn. That's a lot of money to lose out on by simply doing nothing.

Supporting neurodivergent employees isn't just about being “nice” but it is about reducing staff turnover, improving productivity, inviting creativity, and creating psychological safety.

When companies build accessibility into their culture through training, adjusted recruitment, or flexible communication for instance, they reduce workplace barriers.

‘Accessible marketing means designing your message so that everyone, no matter how they think, read, or focus can engage with it’

This is a sustainability strategy in itself. Fewer HR issues. Less burnout. Stronger teams. Long-term retention. You can’t build a sustainable company without sustainable people systems.

Often overlooked in ESG plans is how a business communicates. Marketing that excludes is marketing that fails. Many websites, campaigns, and sales funnels are full of visual clutter, confusing language, and inaccessible formats. This leads to disengagement, especially from neurodivergent audiences or those with anxiety, ADHD, or sensory processing differences.

Accessible marketing means designing your message so that everyone, no matter how they think, read, or focus can engage with it. It’s clear, inclusive, and built with different minds in mind. And that’s good business (remember the Purple Pound?). In fact, it’s a natural part of any ESGaligned strategy:

• It supports the social goal of inclusivity

• It aligns with governance through ethical communication

• It even has environmental benefits – more efficient user experienced and reduced digital waste.

I’ve had the privilege of working with companies of all shapes and sizes to help them embed neuro-inclusion and accessibility into their operations and communication.

What sets them apart? They’re not just talking about diversity; they’re acting on it and shouting about it proudly. They’re:

• Training managers to support neurodivergent employees

• Auditing internal and external messaging for accessibility

• Involving disabled and neurodivergent voices in strategic decisions.

This is where ESG becomes a real movement. As ESG reporting becomes more central to investor decisions and public trust, companies can no longer afford to treat accessibility as an afterthought.

Baxter Freight sales director Richard Jeggo (left) and innovation & sustainability manager Thomas Isler

THIS ISN’T THE TIME TO SLOW OUR EFFORTS

Stephen Lankfer (pictured), associate director at energy and net zero consultancy Consultus Sustainability asks “Is the world going luke-warm on net zero?”

There is a growing sentiment, perpetuated in mainstream media and by influential figures, that the global push for net zero is slowing. This is evidenced by the latest report from the British Standards Institute, revealing business confidence in meeting net zero has fallen, with 71% of leaders believing that reaching net zero is at odds with UK growth.

However, framing sustainability initiatives as economically burdensome, unnecessary, or “nice-to-have” is a viewpoint that risks organisations moving backwards, fostering a dangerous complacency that overlooks the undeniable need for action.

The core issue lies in conflating the “need for change” with “how we change”. While the transition to a sustainable future poses

The University of Nottingham, East Midlands Freeport, Research England and Loughborough University have teamed up to open the Zero Carbon Innovation Centre (ZCIC), which will deliver innovation in transport technology and green hydrogen production, driving zero carbon advances and creating high-value jobs.

The centre – which opened in March – provides the region access to innovation including electrical machine manufacturing, robotics, digital twinning and green hydrogen generation.

Its launch comes amid major developments in the region, including the formation of the East Midlands Combined County Authority and the East Midlands Investment Zone which will create jobs and drive growth in advanced manufacturing and clean energy.

As part of the centre’s activity, the East Midlands Freeport is supporting Loughborough’s work to scale-up its multi-award-winning hydrogen technology by using low-cost automation to manufacture lead-acid batteryelectrolyser cells.

The battery-electrolysers developed at the university offer a unique and economical way to use spare solar energy to generate green hydrogen. The cells will be integrated into a new hydrogen production demonstrator based on Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park where there is already a sizeable cluster of CleanTech organisations.

The demonstrator, part of the Hydrogen Works Initiative, will promote research, innovation and scale-up efforts – key steps towards creating a Hydrogen Superpower in the East Midlands.

The university has ramped up its capabilities in cutting-edge hydrogen research and innovation in recent years, aligning its academic experts with a variety of industry partners to

challenges that warrant constructive discussion, the underlying scientific evidence for climate change is unequivocally clear.

‘The accelerated rate of climate change is undeniably driven by emissions from human activities’

Extreme weather events across the globe are well documented, showing the planet is experiencing rapid and significant shifts. Forgetting this fundamental truth, and

MEET THE HEROES AIMING FOR ZEROES

accelerate the affordability, scalability and sustainability of this emerging technology.

It is home to one of Europe’s biggest green hydrogen research groups, and hosts several internationally respected centres that pursue net zero research – including the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology, Caterpillar Innovation and Research Centre, and National Centre for Combustion and Aerothermal Technology.

It also supports future leaders of the hydrogen economy via EnerHy – the UK’s only Centre for Doctoral Training focused on Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero – and is integral to the UK hydrogen training and skills ecosystem.

All of this activity is supported by the university’s world-class facilities which support ongoing research – spanning sustainable green hydrogen production from water and seawater

electrolysis, using renewable energy; advances in electrolyser and fuel cell technologies; and the conversion of biomass to hydrogen.

Professor Dan Parsons, the university’s pro vice-chancellor for research and innovation, said:

“The university’s leading role in the East Midlands Zero Carbon Innovation Centre reflects the significant progress we’ve made in hydrogen technologies and clean energy research.

“This partnership brings together regional strengths to tackle critical challenges spanning the decarbonisation of heavy transport, advancing electrification and accelerating the hydrogen economy.

“We’re proud to help position the East Midlands as a global leader in hydrogen and zero-carbon technologies, supporting a just and inclusive transition to net zero.”

The ZCIC opening event in Nottingham

The rising rate of climate change is being driven by emissions from human activities

dismissing net zero as too costly or inconvenient, is misleading and irresponsible.

The discourse around climate change often splits into two camps – those who believe it's primarily a natural cycle, and those who attribute it to human activities. This distinction is crucial because it dictates the decisions around the solution.

Camp one, believing in natural cycles that cannot be stopped, focuses on adaptation –trying to survive alongside climate change.

Camp two, acknowledging the human impact, focuses on mitigation – changing behaviour to reduce emissions and slow or reverse the warming trend.

Within the scientific community, the consensus is overwhelming – while natural cycles play a role, the accelerated rate of climate change is undeniably driven by emissions from human activities. Despite this, many individuals, including some business and political leaders, align with the “natural cycle” camp. This isn't necessarily a conscious decision, but often a default from not putting themselves in the “human activities” camp.

The danger here is profound; a focus solely on adaptation, without robust mitigation efforts, could push us past critical climate tipping points, making reversal or even slowing the pace of change impossible.

Businesses acknowledge the importance of sustainability

SUSTAINABILITY REMAINS A KEY BUSINESS CONCERN

More than 80% of organisations say that sustainability remains important to them, according to research from the University of Nottingham, supported by law firm Browne Jacobson.

The research, completed in the spring, captures the views of 250 organisations following the election of Donald Trump and the recent gains of Reform in UK local government elections – both of which have questioned the impact of climate change.

The findings reveal that issues associated with ESG, DEI or sustainability are not being sidelined, despite global political rhetoric.

The ESG and Sustainability: Rethinking Communications and Credibility report suggests the growing importance of environmental, social and governance responsibility to a majority of private and public sector bodies in the UK.

More than 80% of respondents advocated that sustainability was important to them, with nearly three-quarters willing to risk income or profits to meet their ESG goals.

It suggests there is significant impetus to reassess supply chain contracts, and even customer relationships.

And while some organisations are careful to take legal advice on DEI and related HR issues, organisations are currently less alive to the legal risks in addressing other ESG issues.

The research demonstrates how more effective language use around sustainability could make for greater credibility in discussing ESG objectives.

Jeremy Irving, partner and head of the financial services regulatory team at Browne Jacobson, said: “The findings on appropriate language make for more effective management of the reputational, legal, and other risks associated with sustainability strategies. These risks are increasing as regulators, investors and third parties take a more active approach to their own ESG-related priorities, such as a greater willingness to pursue allegations of ‘greenwashing’.”

Dr Victoria Howard, project lead at Browne

The moral need for change is clear and should require no more debate. Constructive discussion and action around “how we change” is very much needed. The assumption that net zero initiatives are not financially viable or not legally required is largely false.

There is overwhelming evidence to show that transitioning to sustainable practices can, in fact, improve financial performance and enhance long-term resilience for businesses.

Directors have a legal obligation to act in a way that would be most likely to promote the success of the company, which includes identifying and mitigating foreseeable risks.

Considering the above, businesses face operational risks due to climate change, but also revenue risks as clients look to place work with sustainable companies, and talent risks as people seek employment with companies that are aligned to their values.

People need to wholeheartedly believe that their actions to tackle climate change will have a tangible, positive impact on themselves, their loved ones, and the wider world.

This shift in belief will naturally accelerate as the impacts of climate change become more apparent. However, waiting for this organic realisation has the potential for irreversible damage.

Now is the time to consciously step into camp two. The time for lukewarm commitment is over – the climate demands decisive action.

Jacobson and the University of Nottingham, said: “Our research shows how UK organisations are standing firm in their drive to operate responsibly.

“However, there are so many terms, with inconsistent meanings, used to talk about ESG, sustainability, DEI and “green” initiatives, that key messages get lost or misinterpreted.

“Our recommendations support organisations to communicate more effectively about their current social and environmental impact, as well as the steps they are taking to achieve future sustainability goals.

“The steps we propose will ensure that accurate messaging reflects organisational values and demonstrates credibility.”

See the report at: is.gd/Trn8UU

Choosing the perfect corporate gift

Christmas offers the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation to those who you care about and value. And while it is probably a given that you’ll lavish gifts on your nearest and dearest, have you considered the positive impact of giving gifts to your clients?

A corporate gift can help nurture long-standing and valued client relationships and will certainly make a better impression than a generic Christmas card or email. But how do you pick the perfect gift?

PLANNING AND BUDGETING

If you do plan on giving gifts to your customers and clients this year, don’t leave it until the last minute. You will need ample time to compare and choose a supplier, and factor in the time it will take for branded gifts to be produced and distributed.

Corporate giving should be seen as a business investment. Implement and stick to a budget, as you would for any other investment, and keep the value of the gift in proportion to what your client spends with you. While you’re hardly likely to make a lasting impression or prove your appreciation with a cheap bottle of wine or a generic box of chocolates, it’s also important to make sure you don’t overdo it. Gifts that are seen as too expensive and lavish can imply that you’re trying to buy business from your customer. It’s important to strike the right balance, as there is a fine line between a thoughtful gift and a bribe.

MAKE THE GIFT USEFUL

A quality gift is more likely to be used and kept for longer than a cheaper item – think of how many cheap corporate gifts you may have discarded or lost over the years. With that in mind, it’s important to put some thought into the gift to make sure it won’t just end up in the bin by New Year’s Day.

What are your client’s likes and hobbies? Would they value a Christmas hamper over a new sports bottle? People make deeper connections with a brand that speaks to them

on a personal level so try to choose a gift that will suit your clients’ needs, demonstrating that you care about them as an individual and value your partnership.

CREATE A CLEAR MARKETING MESSAGE

Many options for corporate gifts will have a dual purpose –a useful item that the recipient will appreciate that also serves as a practical marketing tool for your business. Branded gifts are a popular option, especially around the holidays; by simply adding your logo, icon or a subtle brand message to the gift or its packaging – or even by implementing your brand colours – you are raising brand awareness.

But don’t go overboard, or your effort at self-promotion could distract from the gift itself. There is also the option to personalise gifts with the recipients’ logo – a thoughtful gesture that is sure to impress. Finally, adding a call to action, such as a phone number, website or even a social media hashtag is a great way to reach people and make sure you’re remembered.

CONSIDER HOW YOU SEND THE GIFT

If you are sending your gifts via the post or a delivery service, make sure you factor delivery time in your initial planning, as Christmas is a very busy time for the postal service. For your most important clients, do you have the option to deliver their gift in person to make it really special? No matter the delivery method, you’ll find that including a handwritten, personalised note will go a long way in helping strengthen personal relationships.

YEAR-ROUND APPRECIATION

While it’s natural to think of sending gifts during the holiday season, is there anything that is stopping your business from appreciating your clients all year round? Other cultural holidays can also be celebrated with tasteful tokens of your appreciation, and if you send gifts when your clients least expect it, you’ll certainly stand out from the crowd.

‘A corporate gift can help nurture long-standing and valued client relationships’

Keeping Christmas inclusive

Tcelebrating Christmas is commonplace in the workplace, and many workers look forward to the chance to let their hair down every December. However, there are also many members of the workforce that either do not celebrate Christmas, or wish to do so in their own way. With this in mind, Business Network explores how you can create an inclusive environment for all to enjoy during the festive period.

LISTEN TO YOUR EMPLOYEES

It is critical for employees to avoid making assumptions about how people celebrate the festive period. Some may celebrate it as a religious holiday and some as a cultural tradition, while others might not observe it at all.

With this in mind, it is important to remember that inclusivity begins with open conversation. Before planning your festive celebration, take the opportunity to discuss the different ways people might mark the holiday, as this will allow you to shape the proceedings in a way that is culturally sensitive to all staff.

Listening actively and responding thoughtfully will ensure that all your staff feel heard. This will prevent assumptions about how the team wants to celebrate – or whether they wish to celebrate at all.

CELEBRATING ALL FAITHS

Christmas is often regarded as the ‘default’ religious celebration in the UK, and many workplaces close down from Christmas to New Year to allow employees to relax and celebrate with their families and loved ones. However, it’s important for employers to acknowledge that not all of their staff will recognise Christmas as a significant holiday.

An inclusive employer should observe the calendar of religious celebrations and festivals all year long, and ensure

their employees feel their faith is represented, acknowledged and respected. You could consider giving employees the chance to decide whether they work across the Christmas period or use that time at a different point in the year to mark an occasion that is important to their beliefs.

You can also celebrate other religious holidays throughout the year. Not only is it a great way to make employees of other faiths feel included, it is also an opportunity for the rest of your staff to learn about other faiths and cultures.

However, this is not to say that employees of other faiths should not be permitted to join in your Christmas celebrations. They may appreciate and look forward to your workplace Christmas rituals, such as decorating the office or going out for a team meal, and should be made to feel welcome if they choose to take part.

THE QUESTION OF ALCOHOL

It’s common for Christmas parties to include alcohol (sometimes in large quantities!) but it’s vitally important to cater for those who don’t drink for religious or personal reasons.

While all pubs and venues will offer non-alcoholic options such as soft drinks, it’s important to keep in mind the overall atmosphere of the Christmas party, as a setting where the focus is on drinking might make people uncomfortable.

Instead of the classic booze-fuelled party, consider hosting an event that will cater for non-drinkers that will still be fun and enjoyable for all. An afternoon festive lunch can be a classy affair, but you could also do something completely out of the box and organise an activity, such as an escape room, crazy golf or go-karting.

Here, the emphasis will be on having a good time and enjoying each other’s company, and not on who’s going to be hauled in front of HR on Monday morning…

‘Listening actively and responding thoughtfully will ensure that all your staff feel heard’

DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY

THE CUTTING-EDGE SECTOR THAT IMPACTS THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS

Staying safe just by asking ‘What if?’

By Rob Cooke, founder of Beacon Resilience & Continuity, which offers operational resilience, business continuity, disaster recovery, crisis management and risk management.

In business, there’s one question that can truly challenge your approach to resilience and continuity: What if?

What if your office flooded or your technology solution failed? What if a cyber-attack shut down your operations? What if your supply chain was suddenly disrupted?

These are not hypothetical scenarios – they’re real risks businesses face every day. Consider the M&S cyber-attack that disrupted their operations for six weeks, the London Heathrow fire that grounded more than 1,000 flights and delayed operations, or the Co-op cyber incident, which affected customer data. These events didn't just disrupt business –

they left companies scrambling to recover.

If you haven’t yet asked yourself the “What If?” question, it’s time to start. Not asking it could cost your business more than you realise. Operational resilience is about preparing for the unexpected and having a plan in place to respond to and recover from disruptions.

The “What If?” question challenges you to evaluate how prepared your business really is.

Think about it – what if your office was destroyed in a fire or flood? Would you be able to continue operations, or would you be scrambling to find new premises? Would your team be able to work remotely? This isn’t

just about backup servers – it’s about ensuring the ongoing delivery of your services, no matter what the future holds.

Or, what if your technology systems went down due to a cyberattack? How would your business cope if your systems went offline for days, or worse, months? Being proactive with cyber resilience can mean the difference between survival and failure.

In situations like this, your reputation can take a severe hit, and trust can be difficult, if not impossible, to rebuild. A lack of preparation can lead to loss of business, hefty fines if regulated, and long-term damage to customer relationships.

Resilience isn’t just about reacting – it’s about anticipating disruptions and being able to adapt quickly. Businesses that have integrated operational resilience into their culture don’t just survive, they thrive and manage to continue delivering services even when disaster strikes.

The businesses that are the most resilient are those who continuously ask themselves what if? They plan for the worst while striving for the best. They adapt their business models to ensure they can continue to serve their customers, no matter what happens.

BUSINESS SUPPORT

THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES FROM OUR KEY INDUSTRY SECTORS

Law firm scores new Stags sponsorship deal

Banner Jones is backing the Stags this season, having renewed its sponsorship of Mansfield Town FC.

The law firm has a long-standing presence in Mansfield and a growing team of 19 people in Union Street –and was recently crowned Mansfield business of the year at the Mansfield and Ashfield Business Awards.

Director and lifelong Stags supporter Matthew Maiden said: “We’re proud to be part of the Mansfield Town family again this season.

‘It’s about showing up for the town and helping it thrive’

“The club sits at the heart of our community, and the work it does –both on the pitch and through the Community Trust – makes a real difference.

“For us, the partnership is about more than just branding. It’s about showing up for the town and helping it thrive – and we’re excited to be continuing that journey together.”

The law firm first partnered with the club in 2023 and has used the partnership to forge relationships with local businesses through the club’s networking programme.

Club commercial manager Michael Bradley said: “They’re a great example of a local business that truly backs Mansfield, and we’re looking forward to building on that relationship this season.”

Banner Jones employs more than 130 people across its offices in Mansfield, Chesterfield, Dronfield, and Sheffield.

Private equity team backs LDC deal

The private equity team at Freeths has advised LDC, part of Lloyds Banking Group, on its backing of Harper James.

Midlands-based Harper James delivers tailored legal support to SMEs across the UK using a subscription model that scales according to clients’ needs.

LDC’s investment, led by Chris Handy, Karen Mann and Matt Newbold, will support further growth at the firm. The transaction is subject to approval by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

The Freeths team was led by partner and head of private equity Lee Clifford and private equity partner Mohammed Abbas. They were supported by a multidisciplinary team including Olivia Johnson and Kate Rogers, James Dyson, Amy McVey, Rebecca Banner, Alex Angelides and Sarah Bogues.

Meanwhile, Freeths was named outstanding law firm of the year in the national and mid-sized firms category at the Property Week Awards 2025.

FAMILY FIRMS URGED TO LOOK AT STRUCTURE

Family-owned businesses in the East Midlands are being encouraged to get the right legal structures in place to ensure they thrive – and prepare for changes in property relief, which come in next spring.

With family-owned firms making up more than nine-in-every-10 businesses in the region, law firm Buckles is urging owners and management teams to act now to ensure they are not weakened by things such as business structures that are too informal.

They are warning that when personal and professional roles overlap between family members within a firm, it can create confusion and conflicts, as well as accusations of nepotism or favouritism.

The Buckles team said succession planning remained a big challenge for family businesses – particularly ahead of new rates for Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR) which some in next April. Currently, the rules allow family businesses to pass down assets tax-free, but from April, only the first £1m of qualifying assets will receive 100% relief.

A Buckles spokesman said: “Family businesses may need to restructure ownership, place assets in trusts, or make lifetime gifts, all of which require complex and time-consuming planning.”

LAW FIRM REVEALS CHARITY DONATIONS

Browne Jacobson donated almost £37,000 to 20 charities across its office network in 2024/25 – split between charities near its six UK offices in Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, London, Manchester and Nottingham.

The law firm supported causes across health, education, youth support and social inclusion via its charitable trust, in each case backing god causes that its staff are connected to.

Since 2018 the firm has provided more than £170,000 to 129 good causes. Charities helped include the Child Brain Injury Trust, the Velindre Cancer Centre, Dementia Disco and Jay’s Aim: Helping Young Hearts.

L-R: Michael Bradley, head of commercial at Mansfield Town with Matthew Maiden and Lynne Pope of Banner Jones

Freeths partner and head of private equity Lee Clifford

Bank support set to boost region

Figures suggest that 1,700 East Midlands SMEs will create around 1,200 jobs and generate around £600m in additional turnover over the lifetime of their finance thanks to the support of the British Business Bank in 2024/25.

The bank’s second annual Impact Report suggests a key driver is the bank’s £400m Midlands Engine Investment Fund II which, since its launch last year, has unlocked more than £37m of funding and private sector investment for smaller businesses.

June’s Spending Review saw the business bank’s financial capacity increased to £25.6bn, enabling it to increase annual investments to around £2.5bn a year and encourage more third-party capital.

Vicky Mears, who is UK network director for the Midlands and North at the British Business Bank said:

“Understanding the distinct needs of our regions is vital if we are to design support that works.

“Our programmes, including the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II and Start Up Loans, understand the unique needs of entrepreneurs here in the Midlands as well as our sectoral strengths, wider ecosystems and networks.

“The tailoring of our support to regional needs allied with our funding capacity is what helps us to deliver for the region’s entrepreneurs. I look forward to building on these results seeing more ambitious firms thrive.”

Meanwhile, more than £170m of lending has been delivered to smaller businesses in the East Midlands under the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme over the last 12 months – enabling 918 guaranteed facilities in the region.

Leicester accountant Torr Waterfield has joined the Duncan & Toplis accountancy and business advisory group.

All 65 team members, including founders Mark Torr and Mike Waterfield, have stayed on, supporting clients from the Clarence Street office. It is the first time that Duncan & Toplis has had a dedicated office in Leicester.

Its chief executive Damon Brain said: “We’re delighted to officially welcome Torr Waterfield into the Duncan & Toplis group.

“This is an exciting step in our continued growth and reflects our long-term ambition to strengthen our presence across the Midlands. Importantly, as we expand into new

Teams get to Core of acquisition Accountants team up to offer wider service

‘This partnership allows us to continue providing the personal service our clients value’

locations, our focus remains firmly on supporting all our clients – new and existing – with the personal, trusted advice they value.

“With Mark, Mike and their talented team now part of the group, we’re even better placed to invest in our people, enhance our services and build for the future.”

Mike Waterfield said: “This partnership allows us to continue providing the personal service our

clients value, while gaining access to new expertise, wider resources and greater opportunities for our team.

“It’s a hugely positive step for everyone involved.”

Mark Torr said: “Becoming part of Duncan & Toplis gives us the ability to enhance and expand the services we offer, while staying true to the culture and values we’ve built over the past 25 years.

Founded in 1925, Duncan & Toplis now operates from 14 locations across the Midlands and London, including Boston, Derby, Grantham, Leicester, Lincoln, Loughborough, Louth, Melton Mowbray, Newark, Skegness, Sleaford, Spalding and Stamford.

The corporate finance and tax teams at Dains Accountants have advised Derbyshire-based Core Control Solutions on its sale to specialist engineering services provider Ipsum Group.

Core Controls work includes installing and maintaining control systems for the safe and efficient operation of renewable energy projects, tunnels, and airports.

Roy Farmer, corporate finance partner at Dains, who led the team supporting Core Controls, said: “It’s been a pleasure working with the team and helping them find a strategic partner in Ipsum that shares their ambition and values.

“The deal represents an exciting new chapter for the business and its people.”

Ipsum was advised by Squire Patton Boggs and Grant Thornton.

Vicky Mears

L-R: Mark Torr, Damon Brain and Mike Waterfield

Dains corporate finance partner Roy Farmer

A successful HGV driving apprentice HGV apprenticeship offers road to career

Jobseekers and school-leavers are being offered the chance to sign up for a new HGV driving apprenticeship, run by Ashfield District Council.

The council has teamed up with West Nottinghamshire College for the 15-month programme which will see three people taken on initially, who will be trained to drive lorries and other large vehicles before hopefully moving onto jobs at the council.

The Urban Delivery Driver Level 2 apprenticeship programme starts this September, and will cover driving experience in things such as street cleaning, grounds maintenance and refuse collections. Apprentices will drive a variety of different vehicles working up to the council’s 32-tonne waste trucks.

‘We hope the scheme will create a continuous pool of high-quality candidates that can join the council’

They will also get training, experience and qualifications in related areas such as warehouse management, logistics, customer services and essential digital skills.

Other components include vehicle operation and safety, safe and efficient urban driving, customer service and professionalism, safety regulation and compliance, and environmental responsibility.

On successful completion, they will gain a category C (class 2) driving licence.

Councillor Helen-Ann Smith, executive lead for parks and environmental services at Ashfield, said: “We hope the scheme will create a continuous pool of highquality candidates that can join the council, filling HGV driver positions as well as other available roles in the organisation. The advantage is they will have benefited from training and experience with us.”

Candidates must be 18 or over, hold a clean standard driving licence and meet qualifying criteria.

Report shows LSIP is making good progress

East Midlands Chamber has released a progress report into the Leicester and Leicestershire’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), highlighting areas of success and where further work is required.

Launched in 2023, the plan is funded by the Department for Education and produced by East Midlands Chamber.

It was created with the aim of making the city and county ‘the best place in the country for developing the skills needed for businesses to thrive, the economy to grow and individuals to succeed’.

Recommendations outlined in the report prioritised three areas:

1. To partner with further education colleges and others to develop an education and skills offering matching the needs of businesses

2. To help businesses find out more about the local skills available

3. To ensure local structures are fit for purpose to support collaborative working.

Achievements over the past year include:

• Making use of investment. Leicester and Leicestershire colleges used 99.25% of £1.5m of capital-only Local Skills Improvement Funding (LSIF), leading to investment in facilities and development of industry-informed courses

• Decarbonised transportation at Leicester College – training facilities now have EV charging stations, solar panels and battery storage systems

• 11 LSIF short courses developed by the end of March 2025, with 148 learners completing training

• Loughborough College has refurbished training facilities and invested in electric vehicle training facilities

• Industry targeted English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) STEM courses developed by Leicester College in partnership with others to cover ESOL for engineering and manufacturing and ESOL for maths

• Skills bootcamps commissioned by Leicester city and county councils to address the need for additional provision in the south of the county.

Recommendations include:

• Create a new local continuing professional development framework for Leicester and Leicestershire educators

• Develop an SME-targeted programme for strategic leadership and green growth

• Increase provision of highquality English language training

• Deliver a localised campaign to raise awareness and understanding of T-Levels

• Grow the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network locally, seeking partnerships with other bodies, including those representing independent providers

• Create an employer-led Local Skills Accountability Framework and Board for Leicester and Leicestershire.

Chamber director of policy and insight Richard Blackmore said: “At a time when six-out-of-10

College celebrates interns’ success

Resilience, strong progress, confidence and professionalism were among attributes applauded by this year’s supported internship team at West Nottinghamshire College.

Interns, their coaches, employers and peers enjoyed an afternoon of celebrations at the college’s Refined restaurant to mark the occasion.

The supported internship programme is an employment project for young people with educational needs who also hold an Education Health Care Plan.

It gives them two days of work experience with local businesses with one day a week studying at college.

This year’s group worked a collective total of 2,402 hours on their workplace internships.

Coaches also help with students’ communication needs, training with travelling to work, breaking down the various tasks in their jobs and helping them become more independent.

Employability and SEND manager Louise Dakin said: “Our interns change from the shy individuals who join us in September to confident, skilled people by the end of the programme. Through the supported internships they grow in confidence, learn new skills and prepare for life after college in employment.”

Celebrating the 2025 supported internship team at West Nottinghamshire College

businesses have found filling roles with suitable candidates a struggle – evidenced in the Quarterly Economic Survey we conduct for the wider East Midlands, including Leicester and Leicestershire –initiatives that put skills front and centre are much needed.

“From the launch of the Local Skills Improvement Plan two years back now, plenty of ground has been covered, with implementation happening at pace. Examples highlighted in the report, whether improved training facilities in colleges or skills bootcamps, underline how the work of partners has paid off in delivering the plan so far, giving great foundations to build on.

“There are areas where more work is needed and it’s important

that each recommendation outlined in the report is addressed to get closer to the goal, which means filling vacancies with people whose skills match those required and ultimately boosting the economy.”

Skills minister Jacqui Smith said progress was being made to bring Local Skills Improvement Plans to life. She said: “We remain committed to the LSIP model as part of our Plan for Change, and have strengthened the role that mayors and strategic authorities will play in identifying and addressing the local skills issues in the plans.”

The Local Skills Improvement Plan Progress Report 2025 can be viewed at: is.gd/6mbtU2

Pupils really check out at chess tournament!

The chess team at Fairfield Prep School, in Loughborough, won first place at the Primary Team Chess Challenge at the University of Nottingham.

It was the first time the team –which included pupils as young as Year 3 and Year 4 – had brought home the national trophy.

They were up against the top primary school chess teams from across England and Wales, including St Paul’s School, Kings College Juniors, Westminster Under School and Redhill Prep.

The Fairfield players were mentored by chess coach Alan Agnew, with training focusing on logical, tactical and strategic thinking. School head Andrew Earnshaw said: “We are incredibly proud of what the team has achieved.

“To win a national final against such strong opposition is

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• Improved staff morale and stronger internal culture

extraordinary and to do so with such young players in the team is truly special. It’s a fantastic moment for Fairfield. Competing against some of the country’s most established chess-playing schools, Fairfield’s success is a testament to the talent and dedication of its young chess players.”

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Skills minister Jacqui Smith

Fairfield Prep chess winners

Green light to transform historic site

Design Studio Architects has won full planning to transform the historic Grey Friars site, near King Richard III’s grave in Leicester, into flats and commercial space.

The approval will allow for the “sensitive restoration” and conversion of two Grade II listed buildings and a third building into 62 apartments and a commercial space.

This 0.6-acre site sits within the Greyfriars Conservation Area, near Leicester Cathedral and the King Richard III Visitor Centre.

It will have a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments aimed at young professionals, families, and those looking to downsize.

Tim Rodgers, the design director at Design Studio Architects, said: “Our goal was to create something unmistakably contemporary yet deeply respectful of the building’s character.

“It’s about enhancing the urban fabric without overpowering it.”

Keshiv Sudera, the firm’s managing director, said: “This is more than a housing project – it’s a legacy scheme for Leicester.

“Grey Friars holds immense historic value, but like many heritage sites, it’s been under pressure from vacancy and neglect.

“We’re honoured to breathe new life into this location, delivering thoughtfully designed homes and restoring its relevance in our modern city.”

Construction is expected to begin later this year.

New lease of life for Wilko store

National retail chain Boyes has opened its doors in the former Wilko unit in Newarkon-Trent.

It is hoped the relocation will help breathe new life into the shopping centre and bring back pre-pandemic levels of footfall.

Boyes director Robert Van De Heijden said: “We had a fantastic opening morning – it was brilliant to see so many people in the store, and we’re delighted with the warm welcome from the people of Newark. The new store has been really well received.”

The letting was brokered by Jack Shakespeare of FHP Property Consultants, acting on behalf of the landlord.

He said: “It’s great to see Boyes open and trading in such a prominent unit. This is a massive win for the people of Newark and an important step in strengthening the retail offer in the town centre.”

Now the only way is Pilates!

A reality TV star from Derby has opened a new Pilates studio in Mickleover.

Maria Fowler, who appeared on The Only Way Is Essex, is now a body confidence and empowerment influencer and has launched Bloom Reformer Studio in Warner Street, with her husband Kelvin Batey.

The couple, who live in South Derbyshire, said the new business will offer a “fresh, inclusive approach to fitness that celebrates body confidence, strength and movement.”

Commercial property consultancy OMEETO completed the letting after the Mickleover site was acquired by Derby’s MHL Commercial from Cameron Godfrey at BBJ Commercial.

MHL Commercial is refurbishing the former furniture shop to create a hub for the community. Alongside Maria’s business, it will include a new deli and wine bar, with serviced offices on the first floor.

OMEETO director Chris Wright said: “Maria and her husband Kelvin are well known in Derby, and we are

very excited for them. From what we are already hearing, Bloom

attended.”

Reformer Studio is going to be very well

Maria Fowler and Chris Wright at Bloom

Mike Denby, director of inward investment at Invest In Leicester, with Keshiv Sudera, managing director of Design Studio Architects

Together in electric dreams

Journalist Nick Jones tests China’s latest offering in the car market, called the Seal.

So that you know if you were wondering, BYD stands for ‘Build Your Dreams’ and is a new addition to electric vehicle manufacturing from China.

While the name might seem unusual, it reflects the company’s ambition to provide innovative and sustainable transport solutions.

Globally it is already one of the biggest car brands, building more than two million EVs – and looks set to expand even further.

BYD burst onto the scene in the

UK last year, producing the Atto and Dolphin, and here a stylish sports saloon called the Seal which, one would think, will target Tesla and similar performance electric models from other manufacturers. It comes with a premium price, however. The two-wheel-drive Design version costs well over £40,000, and you can add another three grand for the four-wheeldrive variety – but you do get more power (almost double), startling performance and the stability of all wheels driving forward.

‘The Seal looks great with flowing lines and easy-on-the-eye styling’

Aside from the sure-footedness of the car performing on the road and with eye-watering statistics, the Seal looks great with flowing lines and easy-on-the-eye styling and has a larger battery than its forebears.

OPPOSITE: Flowing lines make the

The interior is plush, superbly comfortable with quilted leather seats and it’s spacious, helped by the narrow central tunnel and a flat

POWER

523bhp (dual electric motor)

RANGE around 320 miles on full charge

rear floor giving plenty of room in the back.

Coming from China yes, you’ve guessed it, it’s packed to the rafters with all the latest tech that’ll keep you amused for hours.

It’s different, everyone wants to know what it is and what BYD stands for and it’s a welcome addition to the road. It certainly gets my Seal of approval.

ABOVE: The Seal’s spacious interior is plush and comfortable – and packed with tech

MAIN PICTURE: The stylish saloon is set to provide competition for Tesla and similar EVs

Seal are a good-looking vehicle

THE LAST WORD

Chamber president Dawn Whitemore on why the Government needs to listen to business more and make good on cutting, not tightening, red tape.

The Industrial Strategy lays out the Government’s ambitions for supporting business growth. It states what their priorities are (for those who don’t want to read all 158 pages, the issues they are tackling are listed in the executive summary) and in short there is nothing new.

Successive Governments have talked about the same challenges facing our nation, our people and our businesses, they have all made policy changes and investment strategies, many of which are often short-term and provide no sustainability.

The difference now is that the world we are operating in is far more volatile and unstable, making the global marketplace even more challenging.

‘Common sense would say that if our employment rights are not being broken, they don’t need enhancing or fixing’

The cost of doing business continues to increase on all fronts. We are seeing less jobs being created, few vacancies overall quarter-onquarter, and with reducing profit margins and confidence it is inevitably leading to less investment being made, or at the very least, investment decisions becoming more protracted and sometimes, waiting for the latest crisis to pass.

None of which will help deliver the growth that the UK needs to ensure the economy thrives.

As the president of the Chamber, I hear the many concerns that our members are facing and voicing. What is interesting is the sheer frustration around the assertion that business is not being listened to.

I also appreciate that running a country with the many complexities and challenges it faces takes more than most of us could or would want to undertake.

But, what if all political leaders took a common-sense approach where they could? And what do we mean when we talk of common sense?

A topical issue which provides a great example to demonstrate this is the Employment Rights Bill, which will without a doubt further increase the cost to every business whether, private, public or third sector.

Government has already asked so much of business, so why would we want to put even greater burdens on already over-stretched businesses with more regulation (which is an area that was promised to be cut) and more legislation? The UK already has some of the most stringent employment rights in the world. So common sense would say that if our

employment rights are not being broken, they don’t need enhancing or fixing at this time.

It would therefore be a big win if this bill was stopped before it gets Royal Assent. Businesses would be relieved and would be able to return to doing what they do best – creating wealth, investing and creating jobs – and it would start to build some confidence that Government was listening.

Just as importantly it would release resource to focus on more pressing priorities and what is broken and fix them first.

The Chamber’s purpose continues to be to help our members thrive and flourish, to ensure we are providing the right services that aid their growth and to lobby and ensure our businesses voices are heard.

Is the Employment Rights Bill more red tape that businesses don’t need?