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BUSINESS

network Keep up to date on latest developments at

www.emc-dnl.co.uk/news

NOVEMBER 2026

THE SHOW STARS OF TOP ENTERPRISING WOMEN

CELEBRATING REGION’S

INTERVIEW

DEVOLUTION

THE ROLE THAT GENDER PLAYS FOR A WOMAN AT FOREFRONT OF BUSINESS

LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE POWERS MOVE ONE STEP CLOSER

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THE FIRST WORD

CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2026 LEICESTERSHIRE DEVOLUTION 4

Universities join campaign

MEMBER NEWS 6

Rail headquarters will put Derby on track

APPOINTMENTS

he Autumn Budget might not have been as exciting as many wanted - much of it a case of “this is what might be getting money further down the line... this is what we can just about afford right now”. But it did provide some good news for the region. There was the 10-year agreement, valued at £2.5bn, to help Derby's Rolls-Royce develop cleaner, more efficient jet engines for short and medium-haul jets. That could add billions to the economy, support 3,000 jobs and create thousands more, and help make the UK a powerhouse in the field. Then there was news that the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) was to be among the first wave of new Mayoral Strategic Authority Business Rates Retention Zones, giving it powers to redistribute a 20% share of business rates from 2027. Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) also got a boost. There was news that the Government is in the "final stages" of agreeing 10 new devolution deals – with LLR making the cut. When it happens, it will finally create a devolved mayoral authority with devolved powers – similar to EMCCA – for an area that has missed out on millions. It is something that the Chamber and its partners have been asking for for some time. The Chancellor also offered support for the Trent Sports District in Nottingham – which will be a key part of EMCCA’s Trent Arc plan. Built around one of the UK’s strongest clusters of sports, leisure and waterfront assets, the district will support regeneration and make the area a better place to live, visit and work. You can read about LLR devolution on pages 4&5 and there's Budget reaction on pages 30&31. Elsewhere, this month's Business Network has a women in business theme, with pictures from the recent Enterprising Women Awards and interviews with some of the region's successful females, including Vicky Critchley, founder and chair of Chamber Strategic Partner Truly SMB. See page 23. There’s also the latest on the plans taking shape at Nottingham War Rooms, the proposed STEP Fusion power plan at West Burton and the new HQ of Great British Railways – as well as the winners of the Generation Next Awards. I hope you enjoy the read.

Tom Pegden, Editor, Business Network

20 Michael just the wicket for cricket club

THE BIG INTERVIEW 23 Vicky Critchley, executive chair of Truly SMB

STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS 28 Airport lands national prestigious award

CHAMBER NEWS 30 A round-up of the Chamber's reaction to the Budget

CHAMBER NETWORKS 36 Celebrating the region’s top young talent

TRAINING & EVENTS 40 Business Awards unite at festive lunch

SUSTAINABLE EAST MIDLANDS 42 Community campaign brings back eco facility

INTERNATIONAL TRADE 44 ITOPs graduates on course to succeed

POLITICS 46 Funding can power region’s innovators

FEATURES 48 DIGITAL MEDIA SERVICES The customers you never knew you lost 50 Cyber security isn’t an IT problem. It’s a leadership problem 52 FOCUS Business Network celebrates the women who make the East Midlands what it is 58 BUSINESS BANKING & FINANCE Top tips for a healthy cash flow

Editor Tom Pegden T: 07816 347 451 E: tom.pegden@emc-dnl.co.uk Contributor Tim Smith Chamber Membership E: membership@emc-dnl.co.uk Follow the Chamber W: www.emc-dnl.co.uk X: @EMChamberNews

COVER PHOTO 2026 East Midlands Enterprising Women Awards winners Tania Gerard and Nichol Thompson

See page 52

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60 If your customers aren’t paying you, you’re financing their business

DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY 62 Service will help SMEs adopt AI

BUSINESS SUPPORT 65 LEGAL Record financial results for Freeths 66 FINANCE Funding helps business to cast off 68 SKILLS College to be training hub for FE staff 70 PROPERTY Construction careers in store at former Wilko 72 MOTORING Nick Jones goes off-road in the new 4x4 Aston Martin DBX 707

THE LAST WORD 74 Dr Cham Kang on helping to unlock the potential of the region’s female talent November 2026 business network

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LEICESTERSHIRE DEVOLUTION Business Network rounds up the latest developments as Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland continue to campaign to become a devolved regional authority.

Potential for growth sees universities join campaign

eicester and Leicestershire’s three universities have added their names to the growing campaign to accelerate devolution for the city and county and neighbouring Rutland. Loughborough University, De Montfort University and the University of Leicester have each put their backing behind Devolution Leicestershire. Devolution Leicestershire is a cross-sector coalition calling on Government for the swift implementation of a mayoral strategic authority in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR). It would operate alongside existing councils. The campaign launched in the summer after research found that LLR was falling behind devolved areas in terms of central funding. During his Autumn Budget speech chancellor John Healey said the Government was now in the final stages of agreeing Mayoral Strategic Authorities for 10 more regions, including LLR. Professor Nick Jennings CB, vice-chancellor and president of Loughborough University, said: “Devolution is a major opportunity to strengthen the impact of research and innovation across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. “By giving the region greater powers and investment, we can build stronger partnerships

Professor Katie Normington

business network November 2026

Loughborough University vice-chancellor and president Prof Nick Jennings

between universities, businesses and communities, while also deepening collaboration with neighbouring combined authorities across the East and West Midlands. “Together, this will help accelerate innovation, drive economic growth and ensure world-leading research delivers even greater benefits for the region.” Professor Katie Normington, vice-chancellor of De Montfort University, said: “Ours is a region at the centre of so many established and emerging industries, it has exceptional potential for growth. “But devolved support is vital for realising this, allowing universities like us to deliver young people the skills and experience they need to establish their lives and careers here.” Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, vicechancellor and president of the University of Leicester, said: “Devolution offers a real opportunity to create more inclusive growth across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland by connecting local ambition with the skills, research and innovation needed to deliver it.

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LEICESTERSHIRE DEVOLUTION

A devolution deal for LLR is in the ‘final stages’ The Government said it is close to agreeing a devolution deal for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) in the Red Book – the Treasury’s official Budget document. The Budget paper Breathing Space for Today, Fresh Hope for the Future, states that Government “is now in the final stages of agreeing 10 new devolution agreements” including one for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Referring to devolution in a chapter titled Good Growth In Every Postcode, the paper states: “This new model of government will be

Andy Reed, chair of Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Board University of Leicester president and vicechancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah

“At the University of Leicester, we have seen through initiatives such as Space Park Leicester how universities can partner with local authorities to attract investment into the region and turn world-leading research into jobs, skills and growth opportunities for our communities.

‘It’s fantastic to see the universities coming together and using their influence to help push the agenda forward’ “We have just launched a report with the Graduate Futures Institute focused on improving social mobility and ensuring young people from all backgrounds can access the high-value job opportunities they deserve. "By working constructively with partners across the region, devolution can help turn that shared ambition into lasting opportunity for local people.” East Midlands Chamber is one of the organisations leading the Devolution Leicestershire agenda as part of its Framework For Growth in the region. Chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Speakers at the recent Competing To Win Summit – hosted by the three universities – described repeatedly how important devolution is to positive future economic outcomes for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. “For that reason, it’s fantastic to see the universities coming together and using their influence to help push the agenda forward – enabling LLR to compete on a more level footing with devolved English regions.” www.devoleicestershire.org.uk

structurally embedded for the long term, and local people will be given the power to hold local leaders to account.” It goes on to list the 10 areas which also includes Devon, Plymouth and Torbay; Hertfordshire; Lancashire; Stoke and Staffordshire; Surrey; Thames Valley (Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon); and Wessex. Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “It’s brilliant to see this in the Red Book, now we need to see pace of implementation and the future of investment parity to Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.” Sue Tilley, chair of Leicestershire Business Voice, added: “For too long LLR has been missing out, so a mayor is exactly what we wanted and have been asking for. “Businesses in our region will now get the support that they deserve and this will give them the confidence and capacity to invest, recruit and expand.” Andy Reed, chair of Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Board, said: “I’m really pleased to see that a devolution deal for LLR is included in the Red Book, there will be massive benefits to the area given the direction of travel of government “It’s vital we all work together locally to deliver this quickly.”

Small businesses want their voices to be heard More small businesses across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland have backed Devolution Leicestershire’s call for a faster deal in LLR. Additional members of Leicestershire Business Voice (LBV) have put their names to the campaign – saying devolved powers will help unlock investment and growth. LBV was a founding member of the campaign and its members are adding their voice to the call for a fairer deal. Its chair Sue Tilley said: “LBV is a proud supporter of the Devolution Leicestershire campaign so it's great news to see many members of our network of local businesses stepping up to directly show their support as well. Through our long-term work with members, stakeholders and political leaders, we've been spreading the message about the impacts of reaching a devolution deal on the local business community.” There are more than 43,000 businesses across the region – with more than 98% of them employing fewer than 50 people. Angela Orton, managing director of Leicester-based manufacturer Structural Adhesives added: “Local decision-makers are more likely to understand the issues facing micro and small businesses like ours. “Structural Adhesives has proven products and strong R&D capability, but national funding and procurement criteria impact us. More local control could give capable Leicestershire

Structural Adhesives managing director Angela Orton

businesses, like ours, a fairer route to contribute and grow. We all deserve a level playing field.” Among the latest Leicestershire Business Voice members to back Devolution Leicestershire are: • Duncan & Toplis • Structural Adhesives • Smart Business Recovery • Richardson Partners • Excello Law • Bond Legal • 2XL Commercial Finance SMEs are the backbone of LLR’s economy – and many say they are ready to grow further but need the investment that a devolution deal would bring. Their backing adds to a growing coalition of voices – from across sectors – calling for devolution. November 2026 business network

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MEMBER NEWS

MEMBER NEWS THE LATEST NEWS FROM OUR CHAMBER MEMBERS

Rail headquarters will put Derby on track for growth

ast Midlands Chamber has welcomed a Government decision to create the headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR) in a new building in Derby city centre. The new rail operator will be based in 3 Springwell Square – new offices close to the Vaillant Live venue being delivered by St James Securities as part of the £200m Becketwell regeneration. Derby was picked as the home of GBR in 2023, because of its historic and current rail links and location in the heart of the country. It has been home to a GBR transition team in John Ellis House since 2024. The new rail body will bring together the work of 17 different organisations, including Network Rail, the Rail Delivery Group, the DfT Operator, parts of the Department for Transport and 14 separate train operating companies. It will be responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the railways. 6

business network November 2026

The Department for Transport (DfT) anticipated that construction on the site will start next year with completion scheduled for 2029. It is anticipated that up to 450 GBR staff will be based in the offices while up to 600 17-to-25year-olds are expected to join The Rail Foundation Apprenticeship over four years at the new HQ.

‘We want to make a career in rail accessible to more young people’ The apprenticeships will provide a pathway to jobs such as train drivers, transport schedulers, passenger train and station staff and rail infrastructure workers. Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Derby has been at the centre of rail for nearly two centuries and is looked up to on a worldwide scale for innovation. “With iconic trains, operated the

A train featuring the new Great British Railways livery

world over and across the UK having been built in Derby, there could not be a better place for Great British Railways to make its home. “The significant boost for employment and the overall economic growth potential this decision will bring to Derby, the county, supply chains and the wider East Midlands cannot be understated and I very much welcome the confidence the Department for Transport has placed in Derby.

“This decision will help maintain Derby’s position on the world stage for innovation long into the future and further contribute to the UK economy, while the Rail Foundation Apprenticeship is expected to create opportunities for hundreds of young people, providing the skilled workforce of tomorrow.” Prime minister Andy Burnham hoped GBR would help fix Britain’s fragmented railways. He said: “Great British Railways

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MEMBER NEWS

Wrist-worn device aims to help users manage tics A Nottingham healthcare company has launched a device to help children and adults manage tics associated with tourette syndrome. The wrist-worn Neupulse device is a drug-free way to help people with neurological and mental health conditions take control of their neurological health. Controlled by a mobile app, it delivers gentle stimulation to help manage tics. The company behind it, Neurotherapeutics Ltd, said that in a UK trial, participants experienced reductions in tic frequency of more than 25%, and decreases in tic severity of around 35%.

‘For many children, tics can make school incredibly hard’ The business was founded in 2021 as a spin-out from the University of Nottingham, using the research of Professor Stephen Jackson, Professor Georgina Jackson and Dr Barbara Morera. It has secured millions of pounds of backing, including £3m announced earlier this year to scale sales and accelerate Neupulse’s path to market. Ian Rhodes, who chairs the board at Neupulse, said: “This is a great example of advanced The new rail operator will be based at Springwell Square

will have its home in Derby, a city that has railways in its DNA. “This will bring investment and good jobs, giving young people the chance to build their future in the place they call home. “That’s how we are bringing back hope. By creating opportunity and putting the essentials back in public hands so they work for people again.” Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Great British Railways will bring the railway together around one mission – better services for passengers – with Derby at the heart of its future. “I’m delighted Becketwell will become GBR’s new home, building on Derby’s proud rail heritage and bringing jobs, investment and opportunity to the city." Regional rail operator East Midlands Railway (EMR) will pilot the apprenticeships, working with the Department for Transport Operator and Network Rail.

The device delivers gentle stimulation to manage tics

biomedical research from a leading UK university creating an initial UK market launch during 2026. “This will increasingly benefit the UK economy as the technology scales out globally.” The company’s partners, supporters and families attended the official launch. Neurotherapeutics Ltd chief operating officer Richard Cohen said that for many children, tics can make school incredibly hard. He said: “Many also live with ADHD, OCD, anxiety or functional neurological disorder (FND), and some stop attending school

altogether. What drives us is getting those children back into the classroom with confidence and independence, and giving their families some relief. “One of our users, Ollie, found school so difficult that he stopped attending. Since he started using Neupulse he is back in school and his education is on a positive path again. “Because his mum no longer needs to stay at home to care for him, she is now able to look for work. Seeing how far that reaches into a family, and into the wider community, has been remarkable.”

Fusion power is a STEP closer The company leading the STEP programme to make clean energy from fusion power said it has invested almost £120m progressing its designs – with more than 370 UK suppliers benefiting. UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) said the sum highlighted the ongoing commitment to developing a once-in-ageneration technology that could be critical to the UK’s energy security. It said 49 of the companies supplying the STEP programme are from the area around the power plant it is planning in West Burton, Nottinghamshire – part of the River Trent energy corridor that cuts through the region.

What a STEP fusion energy plant could look like

Scientists involved in STEP Fusion are trying to work out a way of using the same principle that powers the sun and the stars to smash (or fuse) hydrogen atoms together and create power. The UK Government is investing almost £2.5bn into making the process efficient enough to get more energy out than goes in in the first place.

‘This has been the year STEP moved from ambition into delivery’ Key achievements in the past year include the appointment of the ILIOS Consortium as STEP’s construction partner, bringing in Tokamak Energy as its first system partner, and the acquisition of part of the West Burton site that will host the prototype fusion power plant. The £2.5bn of Government funding committed to fusion over five years includes around £1.3bn for the STEP programme. Around 80% of that spending is going back into the UK economy. Paul Methven, chief executive of UK Fusion Energy, said: “This has been the year STEP moved from ambition into delivery. We now have major industrial partners in place, a site secured at West Burton and a growing UK supply chain helping build the technologies needed for future fusion power plants.” November 2026 business network

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MEMBER NEWS

Skills minister stops by for T at college T

Henry Staelens is interim chief executive at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham and the National Ice Centre

New leader takes charge at Arena A new interim chief executive has stepped in at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham and National Ice Centre. Henry Staelens takes over the reins at the site, succeeding Martin Ingham who has stepped down after 24 years with the organisation. Henry will bring senior leadership experience across the sport and leisure sectors to the venue, having held chief executive positions across ice hockey and football. He has a track record in strategic leadership, governance and commercial development.

‘I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across the organisation’ Together, the venues welcome more than a million visitors each year, hosting a diverse programme of live entertainment, sporting events, ice skating activities and international competitions, while playing a significant role in Nottingham’s cultural, sporting and economic landscape. Henry said: “Both venues have an outstanding reputation, not only for the events and experiences they deliver, but for the people and teams behind them. “I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we continue to deliver exceptional experiences for our customers and communities.”

business network November 2026

he skills minister visited Loughborough College during this year’s National T Levels Week, meeting students, alumni and employers, and seeing first-hand how technical education is preparing young people for successful careers. Baroness Smith said the visit showed that extending T Levels was opening up more and more opportunities for young people. She was accompanied on the visit by Stephen Smith, who chairs the board of governors at the college group, its chief executive Corrie Harris, and Loughborough MP Jeevun Sandher. She began the day at the college’s state-of-the-art T Levels centre, then visited the T Level health, education and media departments to meet students and see them at work with industry professionals. The visit coincided with the launch of a new T Level in sport, physical activity and health and allowed her to see the college’s

sector-leading sports facilities. She was able to see training involving a number of elite and community sports programmes in action, including sessions for British Handball, the British American Football Association, Leicester Tigers, girls' rugby and basketball. College alumnus and

Rolls-Royce agrees deal to supply 70 Trent 7000 engines Derby’s Rolls-Royce has struck a deal to supply 70 of its Trent 7000 engines to aircraft leasing company Avolon to power 35 Airbus A330neo aircraft. The engineering giant said the A330neo/Trent 7000 combination delivered a 14% better fuel burn per seat than the previous generation – lowering emissions. The business said that with more than five million flying hours, the Trent 7000 drew on the technology and experience of “the most advanced family of engines in the world”. It is also certified to operate on a 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend and is said to be compatible with up to 100% SAF for the future. SAF comes from sources such as cooking oil, plant oils, municipal waste, waste gases, and agricultural residues and can be mixed with conventional jet fuel without the need for aircraft engines to be adapted. Ewen McDonald, chief customer officer at Rolls-Royce, said: “We welcome Avolon’s continued trust

A Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine

and partnership in the Trent 7000 programme with its latest order of Airbus A330-900s. Avolon is an important customer and long-

standing supporter of this aircraft/engine combination, which forms a large part of its widebody fleet.”

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MEMBER NEWS

‘T Levels are giving young people more high-quality routes to match their talents and ambitions’

MAIN PICTURE: Baroness Smith having a go at handball at Loughborough College INSET OPPOSITE: Baroness Smith and MP Jeevun Sandher meet students at Loughborough College

gold medal-winning para-athlete Thomas Young told the minister how a T Level could have supported his ambition to pursue a career in teaching if it had been available at the time. Baroness Smith said: “T Levels are giving young people more high-quality routes to match their talents and ambitions, while providing a stronger connection to the careers and industries shaping our economy through high-quality technical learning and real workplace experience. “This week is a chance to celebrate that in action, and meeting students at Loughborough is living proof of how technical education prepares young people for life beyond the classroom. “Expanding T Levels into areas including sport, physical activity and health, and social care, will give even more young people the chance to discover and develop their talents, opening doors to further study, apprenticeships and skilled careers.”

University forges key research partnership The University of Derby has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) – a worldleading global university for technology, design and enterprise. The partnership will create opportunities for international collaborations, joint funding bids, and enhanced research impact. Professor Myra Conway, provost – innovation and research at the University of Derby, said: “By bringing together researchers, innovators and practitioners from both institutions, we can build on our collective strengths to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, generate new knowledge and translate research into meaningful outcomes. “Collaboration is at the heart of impactful research, and our closely aligned academic priorities provide a strong foundation for knowledge exchange, innovation and the development of opportunities.” The partnership will provide access to wider research networks, industry partners, facilities and talent in the UK and Australia. It will also support the development of future research leaders through doctoral training, staff exchanges and collaborative research programmes.

November 2026 business network

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MEMBER NEWS

Entrepreneur backs benefits of volunteering A

Derbyshire entrepreneur has outlined his ambition to unlock the volunteering potential of the county’s business community after his firm brought a host of companies together for a civic day of action. Peter Ellse, chief executive of education supplier Cosy Direct, said he wants to make it easier for companies and their staff to give something back by partnering them with local schools and charities. His comments follow the firstever Cosy Community Day, which saw staff from nine organisations across Derbyshire leave the office to carry out a wide range of activities, including gardening, tidying and painting.

‘Derby is full of civicminded companies looking to make a difference’

Companies taking part, including Vaillant, Pennine Healthcare and Lubrizol, were each partnered with a school or charity, which put their employees to work. Cosy, which organised the event through its charitable arm, the Cosy Foundation, has set aside a day each year for volunteering since May 2023. Peter said: “Derby is full of civicminded companies looking to make a difference, so we wanted to draw them together and make it easier for them to partner with schools

Peter Ellse (top left) with fellow volunteers

and charities who are themselves looking for help. “Looking at the hard work everyone put in and the smiles on everyone’s faces at the end of the day, it’s clear that our community day was a real success. “We’ve been supporting communities and children through

our Cosy Foundation for 15 years, and it’s a natural step for us to get other local companies involved too. “When people work in partnership they can achieve great things, and we are looking forward to making the Cosy Community Day an even bigger event next year.”

Book threads together Jackie’s varied career

Tree planting event to support woodland Outdoors lovers can support the National Forest by joining a Plant a Tree event at Brookvale Wood, Groby, Leicestershire, on Saturday, 14 November. This annual community planting day is a chance to spend a few hours outside, meet other local people and make a hands-on contribution to the forest. The National Forest team will be on hand throughout the morning to guide you, from choosing your sapling to planting it safely. All you need is enthusiasm, comfortable outdoor clothing and footwear ready for whatever November weather decides to deliver. The event runs from 10.30am to 1.30pm. The planting area is about a 15-minute walk from the meeting point along grassy paths, which can be muddy at this time of year. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads. A spokeswoman said: “For more than 30 years, local communities have helped the National Forest become the thriving landscape it is today. Events like this are another opportunity to get involved, meet others who care about the forest and help shape what it will look like in the future. “If you’ve ever wandered through a woodland and wondered how it began, this is your chance to help create the next chapter.” nationalforest.org/explore/events/plant-a-tree

business network November 2026

Nottingham entrepreneur Jackie Cunningham has added another title to an already varied career – published author. Jackie’s memoir, Rags to Stitches, tells the story of a life that has taken her from growing up on a council estate in Clifton and leaving school in the 1970s with no qualifications, to gaining three degrees, serving as a Nottinghamshire police officer, teaching A-level psychology for 24 years and eventually becoming the founder of two textile businesses. What began as a sewing hobby has developed into something Jackie could never have imagined. Following her retirement from teaching, she built Sewjackie, creating and selling her own range of textile products. She later established Advanced Textile Solutions, taking her sewing skills into specialist textile design and manufacture. One of her proudest achievements has been designing and manufacturing specialist cap inserts used with wearable brainscanning helmets developed by Nottingham-based Cerca Magnetics. But behind the career changes, qualifications and business successes is a story that has also

included loss, setbacks and plenty of occasions when life did not go according to plan. That is the story Jackie wanted to capture in Rags to Stitches. Originally written as a legacy for her three grandchildren, the book developed into an honest, humorous and sometimes emotional account of the experiences that shaped her – from childhood and family life to policing, education, running businesses and discovering, later in life, just how far a hobby could take her.

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MEMBER NEWS

Recruiting firm goes for growth after acquisition T

he Recruitment Group has strengthened its position in the sector through the acquisition of Ethero, marking a significant milestone in its growth and development following a management buyout last December. The group provides staffing solutions to clients across sectors including industrial, manufacturing, logistics, driving, commercial, catering and public services.

‘I cannot wait to get stuck into the future, strengthen the overall group and expand our service offering’ It works with businesses of varying sizes to understand their individual recruitment needs and deliver tailored staffing solutions. Its services span temporary, permanent and contract recruitment, alongside wider workforce planning and managed recruitment support, helping organisations respond to changing demands and build effective workforces. Established in 2009, Ethero provides temporary, permanent and contract staffing across sectors including industrial, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, engineering, commercial and construction. Through its specialist brands, the company supports businesses with everything from sourcing skilled tradespeople and temporary workers to delivering tailored workforce solutions.

Gareth Hughes, managing director of Ethero, and Paul Hipkiss, managing director of The Recruitment Group

Paul Hipkiss, managing director of The Recruitment Group, said: “I am delighted to have got this deal over the line. I cannot wait to get stuck into the future, strengthen the overall group and expand our service offering. I am looking forward to a very exciting future.”

Showcase event for local artists More than 50 artists, designers, makers and creative businesses will be showcasing work at Banks Mill Studios, in Bridge Street, Derby, this November, as the venue hosts its annual Open Studios event. The free event attracted more than 1,000 attendees last year and this year promises another weekend packed with creativity, inspiration and opportunities to support independent creative businesses. Taking place on from 27-29 November, the event gives guests the chance to meet the people behind the businesses, see where their work is created and discover the variety of creative talent based across five floors at Banks Mill Studios. Work ranges from ceramics, jewellery and glass to fashion, illustration, photography, furniture, fine art and design. Event organiser Karen Holland said: “Open Studios is a fantastic opportunity to come behind the scenes and discover the incredible variety of creative businesses based here at Banks Mill.”

Party celebrates three decades of Headway

Arc Inspirations’ BOX bar

Hospitality business given energy overhaul Energy consultancy Consultus International has completed an 18month energy overhaul for UK hospitality operator Arc Inspirations. The Leicester-based firm brought together 40 fragmented supply contracts into a single, flexible energy management framework across Arc’s nationwide estate. Prior to the partnership, Arc Inspirations – operator of bar brands Banyan, BOX and Manahatta – managed its complicated energy portfolio through multiple suppliers. Adam Skelton, senior client manager at Consultus International, said: “By transitioning Arc Inspirations from a reactive, multi-contract set-up to a cohesive group purchasing strategy, we’ve given them complete control over their energy roadmap and therefore freed up internal resources to support their continued success and expansion.”

Brain injury charity Headway Nottingham marked its 30th anniversary with a garden party, bringing together service users, supporters, volunteers and members of the community to celebrate three decades of lifechanging support. The event was supported by Rothera Bray Solicitors, which worked closely with the charity to help plan and organise the celebrations, ensuring the milestone was marked in style. Founded in 1996, it is the only service in Nottinghamshire providing ongoing support to adults affected by brain injury for as long as they need it. Over the years, it has helped more than 2,000 people rebuild confidence, regain independence and reconnect with their communities. It operates a dedicated day centre that supports around 86 people a week, providing activities including creative writing, pottery, music, arts and crafts. Attendees are also helped to relearn essential

life skills such as budgeting, shopping and social interaction. Headway Nottingham chief executive Charlotte Leask said: “Every 90 seconds, a person is admitted to hospital with a brain injury. We work closely with hospitals and rehabilitation units to provide ongoing support and help people adjust to their ‘new normal’ following injury. “Reaching our 30th anniversary is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the resilience of our service users, the dedication of our team and the generosity of our supporters.” November 2026 business network

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MEMBER NEWS

Work is under way to transform Nottingham War Rooms

Bunker sees the light as work gets under way

he first phase of transforming a former government Cold War bunker into workspaces has seen windows as well as three skylights installed to brighten up the once dark interior. Internal demolition work is also under way to open up the floors of the abandoned Nottingham bunker, while construction work has started on the 104 homes being built on land surrounding it for housing group emh. Nottingham War Rooms was built 70 years ago as one of 13 regional command centres in the event of a nuclear war. The vast Beechdale site, to the west of the city centre, would have provided shelter for 400 people tasked with governing what was left when the Russians attacked. Designed to withstand a “nearmiss” from an H-bomb, the concrete, windowless walls are up to 7ft thick, and were designed to protect against the effects of the intense heat from a nuclear explosion and subsequent fallout –

The original kitchen will be preserved

Nottingham War Rooms and homes plan

and to keep insurrectionists out. East Midlands Chamber is in talks about potentially managing the workspaces. Robyn Hutton, in the land and partnerships team at Langcroft Developments, said: “Progress is sure under way, it already looks like a completely different building on the inside. It’s really exciting to see the War Rooms coming back to life. This is such a unique building, and the scale of work involved in transforming a Cold War bunker is quite something.

Each dorm in the Nottingham War Rooms had 16 beds for 32 people sleeping in shifts

business network November 2026

“We’re making great progress, using modern construction methods to open up the building and bring natural light into spaces that have been hidden away for decades.

‘The scheme embraces modern design inspired by the site’s striking brutalist architecture’ “For us, it’s about respecting the building’s incredible history while creating something with a real purpose for the future. We’re keen to see the War Rooms become a thriving destination for businesses and the wider community, and it’s exciting to see that vision starting to take shape.” The building could include a community health and leisure facility, with flexible workplace and conferencing rooms, rentable recording studio space, and public food and drink facilities. Sara Harraway is a director and interior design lead at CPMG

Architects, which drew up the plans. She said: “The plans for the Nottingham War Rooms and surrounding site demonstrate how the past and the present can come together to create a desirable destination for living, working, wellbeing and leisure. “The scheme embraces modern design inspired by the site's striking brutalist architecture, creating sustainable and meaningful community facilities." Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The economic benefit of returning the historic Nottingham War Rooms to economic use, after nearly 70 years, should not be underestimated. “The multi-use site will ultimately provide a central workspace location in Nottingham for a whole variety of businesses, with a wraparound business support ecosystem to help businesses thrive, grow and create jobs for people in Nottingham and the wider East Midlands.” Meanwhile, Nottingham Trent University is hosting an exhibition called “The War Rooms: A Past Unseen, A Future Revealed” from 4-13 November, which will capture a unique moment in the life of the Grade II-listed structure, documenting its hidden interiors before redevelopment work started.

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November 2026 business network

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MEMBER NEWS

COMMENT By Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL (pictured), founder and chairman of the Randal Charitable Foundation, which was launched in 2017 to directly save a million lives and significantly improve the quality of life for those in need at home and abroad.

s Diwali approaches and our communities are illuminated by the warm glow of countless diyas, families across the world will come together to celebrate the Festival of Lights. There will be vibrant colour, glittering fireworks, wonderful food, dedicated prayer and plenty of celebrations. But beneath all of this sits a message that has endured for generations: light has the power to overcome darkness. That message carries a reverence far beyond the festival time.

Diwali is a time to celebrate prosperity, to renew hope and for new beginnings, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on what we do with the blessings we have received. How can we use our experience and our opportunities to make life better for others? Because, perhaps, the most meaningful way to celebrate light is to help someone as they find theirs. The values of Diwali are not confined to our celebration. They speak to how we choose to live our lives. The principles of generosity

Leicester's main Diwali celebrations take place around the Golden Mile

and service – of Daan, giving, and Seva, selfless service – remind us that prosperity and experience carries a responsibility to look beyond ourselves. When my wife Moni and I founded our Randal Foundation, we set out clear values around which our work would focus.

‘Diwali for me is more important today than ever before’ As I reflect now, these are in fact intertwined with Diwali’s values of Sathya (truth), Dharma (righteousness), Shanti (peace), Prema (love) and Ahimsa (nonviolence). At our foundation, we believe that light is waiting to be found, for those in greatest need. To achieve our mission, we proudly

partner with organisations that make a tangible and lasting difference to people's lives – whether that means saving a life today, significantly improving someone's quality of life, or perhaps creating the opportunity for them to build a better future. Our vision is to directly save and significantly improve one million lives in the UK and around the world. Diwali for me is more important today than ever before, in a world where global needs continue to rise, while humanitarian support is often stretched beyond its limits. In a fast-paced and constantly changing world, instead of despair, we can choose to focus on enduring good. We can find this in the compassion, generosity and kindness of humanity, the strength of community and the care of our neighbours. Diwali reminds us to find and to celebrate these qualities – everyday.

Underground scheme is a shout for tomorrow An ambitious proposal to reopen Derby’s historic underground spaces could generate an estimated £300,000-plus in additional spending for businesses in and around the Cathedral Quarter. Derby Uncovered CIC, which runs Derby's heritage walks, events and publications, wants to turn the underground spaces beneath and around the Guildhall, Market Hall and Lock-Up Yard into a professionally managed visitor attraction.

Derby’s underground spaces could become visitor attractions

business network November 2026

The community interest group believes it could attract an initial 12,000 visitors a year, bringing in people to Derby city centre, to explore its heritage and spend money.

‘Derby has an extraordinary heritage asset sitting right beneath our feet’ Based on VisitEngland’s 2024 tourism figures, the organisation calculates that this could generate £305,280 annually in additional spending on food, drink and speciality shopping. David Turner, who runs Derby Uncovered, said: “Derby has an extraordinary heritage asset sitting right beneath our feet. “This isn’t simply about opening up some fascinating historic spaces; it's about creating something that brings people into the city centre, encourages them to stay longer and supports the businesses that make our Cathedral Quarter so special."

The historic spaces could bring in 12,000 visitors to Derby city centre every year

The organisation wants expressions of support from businesses, creatives, heritage groups and other local organisations before presenting its proposal to Derby City Council. David said: “We’re not asking businesses for money. We’re asking them to get behind an idea that could make a genuine difference to Derby. Other cities have successfully turned their underground heritage into visitor attractions, and we believe Derby deserves the same opportunity.” www.undergroundderby.com

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The property investment that houses the people who need it most Supported living is one of the least understood corners of the property market. Pauline Ross (pictured), founder of Pavale Property Investments, explains how it works, what investors should consider and why so few suitable properties reach the people who need them.

cross the East Midlands, two groups are looking for each other without always knowing how to connect. On one side are housing associations, councils, care providers and charities. They support adults with learning disabilities, veterans, people with mental health needs, women rebuilding their lives after domestic abuse and people moving on from homelessness. Every one of them needs somewhere suitable to live and the organisations supporting them struggle to find enough of the right properties. On the other side are business owners and professionals with money they would like to put into property, often with a quiet wish that it could do some good. Many have never heard of supported living. Those who have rarely know where to begin. I have spent more than 30 years in health and social care, including as a team manager and a department lead for adult safeguarding. Much of that work involved planning what came next in someone’s life, and accommodation was often an essential part of that plan. I have seen firsthand what the right home makes possible and what happens when it isn’t there. That is why I set up Pavale Property: to bring these two groups together.

WHAT SUPPORTED LIVING IS Supported living is accommodation provided together with care or support. The organisation providing the support needs properties for the people it works with, and one common way to secure them is to lease homes from private owners. In practice, an investor buys a suitable property and leases it to a provider, typically on a commercial lease lasting several years. The provider houses and supports the residents, and pays rent to the owner under the terms of the lease.

WHY INVESTORS ARE LOOKING AT IT NOW The Renters’ Rights Act has changed the picture for many landlords. A lease to a provider is typically a commercial agreement with one organisation, not a series of tenancies with individuals, so the owner is not managing individual tenancies under the new rules. The precise legal position depends on the structure

and should be checked with appropriate professional advisers. Depending on the lease, there are other attractions too: • A long lease term, often several years • One organisation as your tenant • Day-to-day management usually handled by the provider • Less exposure to empty periods And there is something a standard let rarely offers: knowing that your property is a stable home for someone who needs one.

WHAT TO BE CAREFUL OF Social housing is not without risk and anyone who tells you otherwise deserves caution. The Regulator of Social Housing has raised concerns about some lease-based arrangements, particularly where providers take on more than they can sustain. So the questions matter. How financially sound is the provider? What does the lease say about repairs, rent reviews and break clauses? Does the property genuinely meet the provider’s requirements, or only on paper? I don't guarantee returns and I would encourage any investor to take independent legal and financial advice before committing. Done carefully, though, this can be a sound arrangement for everyone involved.

purchase price, the rent and the return. Those questions matter, and I ask them too. But I also ask: who is this property for? What does that person actually need? Can they live there safely and independently? The financial model has to work. So does the human one.

A CONNECTED APPROACH I host the Lincoln meeting of the Property Investors Network (PIN), one of the UK’s largest communities of property investors, and I trained through its Property Mastermind programme, where I received the Top Performer Award. Alongside that, I now pursue building relationships with housing associations, councils, care providers and charities across the region.

AN INVITATION I am now looking to work with a small number of investors who share this approach: people who want their property to perform and who care who lives in it. If you have been wondering whether your money could do more than sit in a savings account or a standard buy-to-let, I would welcome the conversation. Pauline Ross Founder, Pavale Property Investments pauline@pavaleproperty.com pavaleproperty.com

WHERE PAVALE PROPERTY FITS Most investors who consider social housing face the same two problems: they don’t know what a provider needs from a property, and they don't know which provider to speak to. Most providers face the reverse: they know exactly what they need, but finding owners who understand it takes time they don't have. That is the gap I work in. I look at properties across the East Midlands through the lens of supported living: their layout, their location and whether they can be adapted, as well as their numbers. Where an investor wants it, I also arrange a suitable provider and guide them through the process until the lease is in place. Lease and legal work stay with the investor’s own solicitor. My background shapes how I look at every property. A traditional investor asks about the November 2026 business network

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MEMBER NEWS

Charities to meet business ‘angels’ A new event is coming to Leicester in the spring bringing together business leaders, philanthropists and some of the East Midlands’ most inspiring grassroots charities. Inspired by the popular Dragons’ Den format, Angels Den will give outstanding local charities the opportunity to “live pitch” directly to a panel of philanthropists, with the chance of securing vital funding to transform lives in their communities. The evening is being organised by the CSJ Foundation – which champions grassroots charities tackling the root causes of social breakdown in the UK. It will be held in partnership with the Leicester-based Randal Foundation, which was launched by Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL and his wife Moni Kotecha to improve the quality of life for people in need at home and abroad. It will make its East Midlands debut from 6pm to 10pm on Wednesday 17 March 2027, at Winstanley House in Leicester. The host will be BBC East Midlands Today presenter Anne Davies.

In the run up, 10 exceptional grassroots charities will be selected from across the East Midlands, each tackling some of the region’s most entrenched social challenges. Following a rigorous selection process, finalists will receive expert coaching before taking to the stage to pitch their work to six philanthropic angels. Confirmed angels include Dr Kotecha, Chris Goodman of the Focus Foundation, Richard Mackay, owner of Kilworth House, and Shoe Zone chief executive Charles Smith. A spokesman for the CSJ Foundation said: “Angels Den is about much more than awarding grants. It’s an opportunity to bring together the region’s business community, celebrate extraordinary local organisations and demonstrate what can be achieved when business and philanthropy work together.” For details contact Annabelle Black at annabelle.black@centreforsocialju stice.org.uk or visit: csjfoundation.org.uk/angels-den

Winstanley House in Leicester will host the event

The interior of Winstanley House

business network November 2026

Event looks at ways to tackle domestic abuse R ural Action Derbyshire’s Domestic Abuse in the Workplace Conference, held in Darley Dale, brought together employers, specialists, professionals and people with lived experience to explore an issue that affects workplaces across every sector. Speakers highlighted the scale of domestic abuse, the additional challenges experienced by victims and survivors in rural communities, and the important role employers can play in providing a safe route to support. According to the Office for National Statistics, an estimated 3.8 million people aged 16 and over experienced domestic abuse in England and ‘Nobody expects Wales in the year ending March 2025. a manager to fix It can affect work attendance and concentration or performance – but domestic abuse. for many people experiencing abuse, What we can expect the workplace could be one of the is for organisations few places where they feel safe or can ask for help. to be prepared’ One message from the conference was that although employers are not expected to be domestic abuse experts – they can adopt the straightforward approach of “Recognise, Respond and Refer”. Rural Action Derbyshire chief executive Emma Simpson said:

Community group marks 15th birthday A network that supports voluntary and community groups, and social enterprise in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has marked its 15th anniversary. Reaching People hosted an event that brought together members, founders, funders, civic leaders and partners to reflect on the past decade-and-a-half. Its member organisations provide vital services to thousands of people, working collectively to tackle poverty, inequality and the root causes of disadvantage. The event, held at The Grove Community Hub in Braunstone, Leicester, included a keynote address from Danny Sriskandarajah,

one of the UK’s leading voices in civil society. It drew on what he has learned from senior positions within Oxfam GB, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation and the New Economics Foundation, and membership of the Independent Inquiry into the Future of Civil Society, chaired by Dame Julia Unwin. Danny helped the audience to consider how civil society can respond to a changing world. He said: “The world is a tough place at the moment for much of civil society but it is always inspiring to meet people and organisations doing wonderful

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MEMBER NEWS

Chris Edwards, partnership development manager at L.E.A.D. IT Services, with Paul McAnulty, CEO of Rebuild East Midlands, and L.E.A.D. IT Services managing director Lee Jepson

MAIN PICTURE: Emma Simpson, chief executive of Rural Action Derbyshire at its 2026 Domestic Abuse in the Workplace Conference, held near Matlock BELOW: Rural Action Derbyshire’s Domestic Abuse in the Workplace Conference

“Domestic abuse is a staff wellbeing issue, an HR issue and a health and safety issue, but fundamentally it is about being a responsible employer. Nobody expects a manager to fix domestic abuse. What we can expect is for organisations to be prepared, so that if somebody asks for help, they know how to respond safely and where to find specialist support.” Practical action can include introducing a workplace domestic abuse policy, training managers, establishing clear referral routes and considering appropriate adjustments to working arrangements or workplace security. Rural Action Derbyshire’s rural domestic abuse initiative, The Willow Project, can help employers develop their workplace response. For more information contact Emma Simpson at e.simpson@ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk, or call 07540 736118.

Tech firm supports anti-slavery charity Education technology company L.E.A.D. IT Services has joined the growing number of businesses helping support people out of modern slavery and human trafficking by partnering with Rebuild East Midlands. The Derby business, which offers managed service IT provision to more than 250 businesses, schools and multi-academy trusts across the UK, is the latest company to become a business ambassador for the charity.

‘We are so inspired by the work that Rebuild East Midlands is doing’ Rebuild East Midlands is the only long-term provider of modern slavery support based in Derbyshire. It helps survivors of modern slavery break the cycle of exploitation and rebuild their lives through tailored support including help into education and training. Its other ambassadors include Vaillant UK, MiHub, Redfern Building Ltd, Embark Federation and the University of Derby. L.E.A.D IT managing director Lee Jepson said: “We are so inspired by the work that Rebuild East

Midlands is doing in helping support people all around us who are being exploited in ways that are rarely seen. “We look forward to exploring with Rebuild East Midlands how we can support their vital work in raising awareness and doing what we can to shine a light on this often unreported topic.” L.E.A.D. IT Services already provides support for local charities, sending a team of volunteers to help children have holidays every year at Derby Kids’ Camp, as well as providing IT and build support. It backs and takes part in the charity Derby 10k, is a sponsor for the Derby County Community Trust awards and the Derbyshire Unstrictly Dance fundraiser. It also employs a team from Kings Award winning Upbeat Clean, which provides Living Wage cleaning work for people who have come to the UK in search of refuge and asylum, through its parent charity Upbeat Communities. As well as that, it provides work for young people through apprenticeships, refurbishing laptops for use in schools, and sponsoring grassroots football teams. Visit: www.rebuildeastmidlands.org

NEW MEMBERS 19 new members joined the Chamber in September:

Danny Sriskandarajah of New Economics Foundation with Reaching People joint CEOs Sarah Richards and Sangeeta Patel (credit Pete Martin Photography)

work, and collective bodies like Reaching People scaling, strengthening and amplifying what local organisations are doing.

“And to spend time in a community-owned hub with a great community cafe was icing on the (15th birthday) cake.”

• • • • • • • • •

The Racing Room Impact People & Change Cave Escape Born Ventures Inspired Coaches Fox Precision Tooling LoveBiz Networking UK Santorini Financial Planning Acentis

• • • • • • • • • •

Prime Years Care Agency Konsileo Willows Sports Centre Holcon Systems Garner Hotel Chesterfield North by IHG Optimax IIM Guidance and Growth AA Compliance Compass Parslow Consulting CRS Nottingham

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MEMBER NEWS

MEMBER PROFILE: SIRM COLLEGE Junaid Elahi (pictured) is the chief executive of SIRM College, which has a campus in Leicester city centre and in Ilford, London. It employs around 50 members of staff across its academic, student support, business development, admissions and operational functions.

IRM College is a UK higher education provider focused on making education relevant to the real world of work. Formally incorporated in 2014, SIRM has grown from a specialist education provider into a wider higher education institution with campuses in London and Leicester. We are registered with the Office for Students and work with established universities, awarding organisations and education partners to provide recognised higher education programmes. Our growth has been driven not simply by increasing student numbers, but by expanding our academic portfolio, strengthening our Leicester presence, developing employer partnerships and creating stronger links between education, employability and enterprise.

‘Students are increasingly asking a very reasonable question: what will this qualification actually help me achieve?’ We provide higher education and careerfocused programmes including university programs, higher national diplomas, higher technical qualifications, professional qualifications and undergraduate degree pathways. Our provision covers areas including business and management, digital technologies, data analytics, construction management, fashion and textiles, hospitality, travel and tourism, and leadership and management. Students also benefit from employability support, employer engagement, workplacement opportunities, mentoring, career development activities and entrepreneurship support through initiatives such as the SIRM Incubation Studio. Our USP is the connection between education, industry and community.

We do not want students simply to complete a qualification and leave with a certificate. We want them to understand how their learning connects with the workplace, meet employers, develop professional networks, gain practical experience and have the confidence to progress into employment or entrepreneurship. Our relatively personalised approach also enables us to build closer relationships with learners and employers than would often be possible within a much larger institution. Higher education is changing very quickly. Students are increasingly asking a very reasonable question: what will this qualification actually help me achieve? At the same time, employers are dealing with skills shortages, rapid technological change and the growing influence of AI and digital transformation. Our response has been to strengthen the relationship between academic learning and employability. We have focused heavily on employer partnerships, work placements, careers support, community engagement and programmes that respond to current and emerging skills requirements. Another challenge for any growing organisation is building awareness within a new region. Our Leicester campus has therefore placed considerable emphasis on becoming part of the local business community rather than operating in isolation. That is one of the reasons our relationship with East Midlands Chamber has been so valuable. SIRM joined the East Midlands Chamber in 2025, and our engagement has developed considerably since then. For us, Chamber membership is not simply about having our name in a directory. We have actively used the network to meet businesses, understand the regional economy, develop relationships and strengthen SIRM’s presence within Leicester and the wider East Midlands business community.

Kidney charity in call for business support The National Kidney Federation (NKF) is on a mission to make the lives of people living with kidney disease, and their families, better – and it needs help from the region’s businesses to make that happen. It is looking for fellow Chamber members to choose it as their charity of the year in 2027.

‘Right now, over 70,000 people in the UK are being treated for kidney failure’ Head of marketing and fundraising Pete Revell said knowing there is someone at the end of the phone can make an enormous difference for someone with kidney 18

business network November 2026

disease. The NKF Helpline, peer support and advocacy mean nobody needs to face kidney disease alone. He said: “We’re a small but ambitious team at the NKF and we’re really looking forward to working closely with businesses across the East Midlands. “Sadly, kidney disease is common, can affect anyone, and often has no cure. Right now, over 70,000 people in the UK are being treated for kidney failure, including around 1,000 children. Your workplace will likely include someone undergoing dialysis, waiting for a transplant, newly transplanted, or caring for someone who is. This is an opportunity to show your solidarity with them.” www.kidney.org.uk

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MEMBER NEWS

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APPOINTMENTS

APPOINTMENTS THE LATEST CAREER UPDATES AS COLLEAGUES MOVE UP OR MOVE ON

MICHAEL IS JUST THE WICKET FOR COUNTY CRICKET CLUB

Freya Tarbit and Preethi Kang

TWO VOLUNTEER AMBASSADORS JOIN HOSPICE Treetops Hospice has welcomed Team GB skeleton athlete Freya Tarbit and Chamber supporter Preethi Kang as new ambassadors – to help it promote its end-oflife care and bereavement support services. By volunteering their time, expertise and influence, both ambassadors will play an important role in championing the work of the Derbyshire charity. Originally from Ockbrook, Derbyshire, Freya is a Team GB skeleton bobsled athlete and Junior World Championship bronze medallist. Growing up just a few miles from Treetops, she was keen to support a charity that makes a meaningful difference in her own community. She will use her sporting experience to support young people through resilience workshops, while also helping to increase awareness of Treetops among audiences who may be less familiar with the hospice’s services. Preethi Kang is commercial manager at business growth company Qinesis and chair of the Chamber’s Generation Next network. She has experience in brand building, relationship management and driving growth, and she has a longstanding connection with Treetops through her father, Chamber president Dr Cham Kang, who serves as a board member of the charity. Preethi said: “Being from the local area and having such a strong connection to the charity, I feel passionately that many more people still need to know about Treetops.”

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ottinghamshire County Cricket Club have appointed Michael Temple (pictured) as its chief executive. He was previously the club’s Interim chief executive and commercial director, and has extensive experience across professional sport and venue management including in cricket. Club chairman Andy Hunt said: “Michael has demonstrated total commitment to Nottinghamshire and has provided assured leadership as interim chief executive. “He understands what this club means to its members and supporters, and combines that understanding with commercial and operational experience, mature judgement and significant ambition for our future. “We look forward to working with Michael to support successful teams, further strengthen the club’s financial position, develop our facilities and ensure Trent Bridge continues to offer an outstanding experience for everyone who visits.” His career has included spells at Glamorgan County Cricket Club and the Olympic Stadium in London, in addition to two spells with Nottinghamshire.

He said: “The support I’ve received over the past few weeks and throughout my 16 seasons at Trent Bridge has been immense and

I’m incredibly proud to lead a group of people that care about this club as deeply as I do and are committed to shaping a prosperous future.”

RACHEL ALL SET TO TRULY DELIVER Truly SMB has appointed Rachel Hill as head of Business Central delivery, strengthening its commitment to helping SMEs across the UK and US with their business software. Rachel brings deep experience in building and leading highperforming Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central delivery teams. She previously headed up the team at Microsoft partner Bam Boom Cloud, playing a key role in scaling successful implementations for SME customers. At Truly SMB, she will lead the delivery function as the business continues to make Business Central simpler, more accessible and more effective for growing organisations. Her appointment also reflects Truly SMB’s people-first approach. She is

Rachel Hill is head of business central delivery at Truly SMB

leading a diverse delivery team, with women representing more than 80% of the Business Central delivery

function – an important point of difference in a traditionally maledominated technology sector. Rachel said: “I’m excited to join Truly SMB at such an important stage of growth. Business Central has huge potential for small and medium businesses when it is delivered in the right way – with clarity, confidence and a team that truly understands their needs.” Vicky Critchley, executive chair at Truly SMB, added: “Rachel’s experience, leadership and proven ability to scale successful Business Central delivery make her a fantastic addition to Truly SMB as we continue to grow across the UK and US.” • Hear from Vicky Critchley in our Big Interview on page 23.

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APPOINTMENTS

IN BRIEF ARTS CENTRE NAMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS Professor Neil Chakraborti, Destiny Oboh, Zoe Partington, Simon Sansome and Steve Williams have joined the advisory board of the University of Leicester Attenborough Arts Centre. Jennifer Francis, who chairs the centre, said: “We are delighted to welcome our new advisory board members, who individually and collectively offer us an impressive breadth and depth of expertise. “With our expanded board, our focus is firmly on the future: delivering on our mission of “Art For All”, raising our national profile and driving financial sustainability. “Together we will ensure that Attenborough Arts Centre remains responsive, resilient and relevant to its many diverse communities.”

L-R: Andrew Timms, managing partner of UHY Hacker Young in Nottingham, audit partner Jayne Fotheringham and accounting and business services manager Colin Radmore

MEDAL-WINNING CANOEIST GETS IN ACCOUNTANCY BOAT Nottingham accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young has strengthened its audit and accounting and business services teams with the appointment of Jayne Fotheringham and Colin Radmore. Having previously worked together in an audit service line, Colin has joined UHY as accounting and business services manager, while Jayne takes up the role of audit partner. Both bring a wealth of experience across business advisory and client relationship management. Colin Radmore previously represented Great Britain in elite canoeing, winning a brace of World and European Championship medals before retiring from competitive sport and moving into coaching. He worked with the Ugandan and Irish Olympic canoeing teams before becoming senior coach of the

British Paralympic canoeing team, which took him to the Rio and Tokyo Paralympics. After becoming a parent, he decided to pursue a career that would allow him to spend more time at home, and saw accountancy as a natural next step. At UHY, he advises a broad portfolio of clients across a range of sectors. Jayne joins UHY after 16 years at Cooper Parry, where she previously worked with UHY Nottingham managing partner Andrew Timms. Earlier this year, UHY’s Nottingham, London and Brighton offices combined with accounting and advisory firm Affinia, creating a £160m group which made the list of the UK’s Top 20 accounting firms. It has 1,600 colleagues operating across 33 offices nationally.

TRUST ADDS INSIGHT EXPERT Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has appointed Richard McManus (pictured) as its new chief insights officer, strengthening its focus on using evidence, insight and data to understand its impact and inform future decisions. Richard joins the trust from mental health charity Rethink Mental Illness, where he was head of performance and impact. He will help the trust build on the foundation of data collection, monitoring, research and evaluation that already exists. As a member of the senior leadership team, he will help ensure that evidence informs the trust’s priorities and decisions. From wildlife recording and monitoring changes in habitats, to evaluating restoration and recovery projects and understanding how people engage with nature, the trust already generates and holds a wealth of information.

IT’S SEVEN UP FOR NATIONAL LAW FIRM Shakespeare Martineau has appointed seven-newly qualified solicitors across its Midlands offices after they completed their training contracts. In Nottingham, Afrin Nanavatti has qualified into the employment team, while Rebecca Sault has joined the commercial real estate team. In Birmingham, Maria Sharpe and Jonah Cooke have qualified into the employment team, Govind Johal and Justin Clegg have joined the restructuring and insolvency team, and Svitlana Harkusha has qualified into the commercial litigation team.

GRAHAM EXPANDS BANK ROLE Lloyds bank has appointed Graham FitzGerald (pictured) as its head of UK manufacturing for SMEs and mid-market businesses, alongside his role as regional director for the Midlands and East. He will lead Lloyds’ manufacturing, aerospace and defence proposition across the UK, helping businesses grow ambitions and navigate the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. Alongside that, he will support regional growth by working with a broader range of businesses across the Midlands and East. Graham spent almost two decades in senior positions across HSBC’s commercial banking business, and more recently, was head of business development at Inspirational Group.

He succeeds Dave Atkinson, who held the role for 38 years. As part of its commitment to UK manufacturing, Lloyds has a partnership with the MTC (Manufacturing Technology Centre), which will see it commit £18.5m to the end of 2029. November 2026 business network

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THE

Forget gender, staying true to yourself is key

BIG INTERVIEW

MEETING THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE REGION’S TOP BUSINESSES

To coincide with this month’s Business Network theme of women in business, Tom Pegden found out from Truly SMB executive chair Vicky Critchley (pictured) what makes her tick.

astle Donington-based Truly SMB helps small and mid-sized businesses use technology to work more efficiently, stay secure and grow. Launched in 2025, the business was formed through a partnership between established IT provider True MSP and the team behind Microsoft partner Bam Boom Cloud. Today, it supports more than 300 small and medium-sized customers across three countries, with a team of more than 50 people. The business holds four Microsoft designations and was named managed services provider of the year at the 2025 CRN Channel Awards in the sub£10m category. It is led by chief executive Tim Rookes, executive chair Vicky Critchley and chairman Brett Critchley. The CEO was the founder of True MSP while husband-and-wife team Vicky and Brett had led Bam Boom Cloud, a Microsoft partner specialising in business management technology for SMEs. Bam Boom Cloud grew into an international business, operating across the UK, Germany, Canada and the US. It was recognised as Microsoft Partner of the Year for four consecutive years before being acquired by cloud marketplace Pax8. That experience now underpins Truly SMB’s proposition, which is built around two core services – Microsoft Business Central and secure managed IT support. Continued on page 24...

November 2026 business network

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

...from page 23 As a Microsoft partner, Truly SMB helps growing firms modernise their finances and business operations, moving away from disconnected systems and manual processes towards a single platform covering areas such as finance, operations, purchasing, inventory and reporting. Its IT support service provides the day-to-day help businesses need, alongside proactive monitoring, patching and cybersecurity services designed to keep systems secure and running smoothly. Through TrulyFIT, the business helps customers assess areas including security, productivity, data, AI, automation and business systems, identifying where technology could make the biggest difference.

‘I hope that, ultimately, I am judged on my contribution rather than my gender’ AI is increasingly part of that work, and the business focuses on practical applications such as automating repetitive tasks, improving productivity and helping businesses get more value from tools they already use, including Microsoft Copilot. The company’s focus remains firmly on SMEs, with its services and expertise designed around the needs of smaller and growing businesses rather than big corporates. The ambition is to make technology simpler and more useful, bringing all IT support together under one partner. Q. What’s it like being a woman in business? A. Honestly, I rarely think about being a woman in business – I simply focus on running the business well. Other people may be more conscious of my gender than I am, but day-today, my attention is firmly on leading the organisation and getting things done. I hope that, ultimately, I am judged on my contribution rather than my gender. I do believe women often face greater pressure when balancing family life with their careers. I certainly experienced that when my daughter was young. That is why I try to create flexible, caring workplaces where people are supported to

Executive chair Vicky Critchley

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succeed professionally without feeling they must compromise their responsibilities at home. Q. Can companies like yours struggle to retain women in mid-to-senior management roles? A. This undoubtedly happens in some organisations, but having experienced those pressures myself, I am determined for my businesses to be different. The women who work with me know that I understand what it is like to want to give your best at work while also raising a family and managing responsibilities beyond the office. People thrive when they work for an organisation that recognises their talent, creates opportunities for it to shine and understands that life does not begin and end at work. When women are given that support, they are far more likely to stay, progress and flourish. Q. What are the benefits of having women in senior roles? A. I firmly believe that gender should not determine who is appointed to any role. However, there are clear benefits to having a genuinely diverse leadership team. Different experiences and perspectives lead to better conversations and more considered decisions, while women in senior positions provide visible role models for junior colleagues who may otherwise struggle to see a pathway into leadership. Q. What is your background? A. I grew up in Mansfield and attended a local comprehensive school. I was always rather studious and genuinely loved learning. After my A-levels, I was unsure which direction to take. My father had read in the newspaper that computers were going to be the next big thing, and he suggested that I consider studying computer science. I had no real idea what to expect, but I decided to give it a try. I was the only woman on my course, although that never particularly bothered me. I remain enormously grateful for my father’s advice, because that decision became the foundation of my career. Q. How do you separate business from home life? A. I separate work and home life far more successfully now than I did earlier in my career. For many years, I struggled to find an “off switch”, particularly while raising a family and working long hours.

Chairman Brett Critchley

Chief executive Tim Rookes

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The breakout area at the company’s Castle Donington offices is a place for staff to relax

Truly SMB operates from modern headquarters in Castle Donington

Truly SMB chairman Brett Critchley (left) with Lewis Varley

Today, I make a conscious effort to create space for adventures around the world – recent trips have included Machu Picchu, Japan and Vietnam. I have also taken on the challenge of running the New York Marathon this November. In my fifties, I have finally found a healthier balance that was much harder to achieve when I was younger.

I am also unapologetically interested in technology, and that curiosity drives me to keep moving the business forward rather than allowing it to stand still. On the other hand, I can be impatient and very direct, which probably makes me demanding at times – sorry, team!

Q. How would you define yourself as a leader? A. I love working with my husband and find it difficult to imagine running a business without him. Our partnership works because we bring very different skills to the table and have clearly defined roles. I am a natural multitasker, which helps me view the business from several angles at once.

Q. You work closely with Microsoft – a huge IT company like might seem faceless and bureaucratic. How do you work around that? A. As I mentioned earlier, technology genuinely fascinates me, so working closely with Microsoft has been one of the highlights of my career. Although it is an enormous organisation, my experience has never felt faceless. I bring enthusiasm, energy and a willingness to get things done, and in return I have received consistent and generous support.

Liberty Alway, director of Business Development

Q. How has Truly SMB helped businesses adopt AI? A. We help small and medium-sized businesses adopt technology in a practical, accessible way, working with clients across the UK and the United States. Our role is to take what can feel complex or overwhelming and break it down into clear, manageable steps, enabling each business to embrace technology confidently and use it to deliver meaningful results. Businesses have been using computers for the best part of 30 years, and the pace of change during that time has been remarkable. AI might prove to be the most significant shift yet. We are determined that ordinary small and medium-sized businesses should not be left behind. Our aim is to give them access to the benefits of AI without the enormous, November 2026 business network

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Truly SMB’s executive chair Vicky Critchley with chairman Brett Critchley

costly transformation programmes that have traditionally been associated with new technology. We support clients with a holistic approach that spans cybersecurity and managed IT services, through to AI-powered process automation, ERP and data reporting. Q. What are your thoughts on the concerns about the “existential dangers” of AI and how can they be addressed? A. There are still many unknowns, not least because the technology landscape is evolving faster than ever. That speed creates opportunities, but it can also expose businesses to new vulnerabilities.

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‘I believe schools often place too much emphasis on academic attainment and not enough on the practical, vocational skills that help young people become confident and effective in the workplace’

If people are already using AI for everyday tasks such as planning dinner, we can be certain that malicious actors are also using it to target businesses and potentially even critical public infrastructure. We therefore need to proceed thoughtfully, implementing secure, governed AI within established security frameworks rather than allowing unapproved “bring your own AI” tools to enter core systems and networks. I also believe stronger regulation of AI companies and their models is necessary. I am not convinced that self-regulation alone will be sufficient, because these are commercial organisations competing in a self-created race

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

Brett Critchley with Poppy the dog

Equally, disappointing GCSE or A-level results do not define your future. Employers are often far more interested in your attitude, initiative and experience, and those qualities can be the first step onto a rewarding career ladder.

towards a destination none of us fully understands. There is a strong case for slowing the pace just enough to allow governments, businesses and society to make more considered decisions about the safeguards we need. Q. What words of wisdom would you give to a young women considering IT as a career, or any career in general? A. Entering the workplace in today’s economy is very different from when I began my first job in technical support at a college in Nottingham. I believe schools often place too much emphasis on academic attainment and not enough on the

practical, vocational skills that help young people become confident and effective in the workplace. My advice, regardless of gender, is to gain as much practical experience as possible. Put yourself forward for volunteering, internships, placements and other opportunities that expose you to real workplaces. Organisations like mine consistently value this experience alongside academic achievement when recruiting. A first-class university degree is impressive, but it is rarely enough on its own without evidence that you can apply your knowledge in the real world.

Q. How do you balance the pressures for immediate quarterly results with your longterm vision for growth? A. Balancing growth, profitability and a longterm vision is one of the most demanding aspects of running a business. A stable organisation can remain profitable for many years, but a rapidly growing company requires constant attention and investment. Its needs evolve quickly, and those investments can reduce short-term profitability because you are making considered bets on future success. We have to run a tight ship, and access to real-time management information is critical so that our decisions are grounded in evidence rather than instinct alone. There are moments when you must back yourself, believe in your services and products, and take calculated risks. Perhaps unusually, I enjoy the constant challenge of balancing risk with reward. Q. Tell me about the work you are doing with East Midlands Chamber? A. When we launched the business, we made a deliberate decision to become a strategic partner of the East Midlands Chamber. Every business I have owned has maintained a close relationship with the Chamber because we have consistently seen the value it brings. Our customers benefit from its support in growing their businesses, and we see enormous value in aligning ourselves with a team that is equally committed to the success of the region. November 2026 business network

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STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS

STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS NEWS AND UPDATES FROM EAST MIDLANDS CHAMBER’S LEADING SUPPORTERS

Praise for Howes Percival lawyers

New Rolls-Royce facility underway

A record 59 Howes Percival lawyers have been recognised in The Legal 500 2027, up from 48 last year. The firm is ranked Tier 1 in 13 practice areas and recommended in 21 overall across its offices in Cambridge, Leicester, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Norwich and Oxford. Those recognised include 35 “leading individuals”, 14 “next generation partners” and nine “hall of fame” lawyers. Rankings are based on independent research and client feedback. The recognition caps a strong run for the firm. Turnover grew 12% in the year to 31 March, its fifth consecutive double-digit rise. Turnover has doubled over that period, and the firm expects to pass £50m this year. It has added 50 partners in five years, recruiting 22 from other firms and promoting 28 internally. Best Companies also named it the UK’s number one law firm to work for. Chair Geraint Davies (pictured) said: “Fifty-nine of our lawyers recognised isn’t a happy accident. We’ve invested heavily in developing our own people, and we’re now attracting lawyers from other firms who want to be part of a business that’s growing.”

Construction work is under way on the new Rolls-Royce civil aerospace facility at in Derby. The groundbreaking ceremony follows McLaughlin & Harvey’s appointment to deliver the construction project. It forms part of a wider McLaughlin & Harvey programme to deliver new facilities for manufacturing services as well as engineering, technology & safety (ET&S), as part of Rolls-Royce’s £140m investment at its Derby site. Rolls-Royce chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic said: “Our manufacturing facilities in the UK are home to the very best of British engineering talent. Rolls-Royce is committed to growing the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector and we are proud to be building infrastructure needed to power Britain’s future. “World-class facilities across the UK will ensure that RollsRoyce remains a global leader in both commercial aviation and sovereign defence, while supporting thousands of highly skilled jobs both directly and through our supply chain.” Meanwhile, the prime minister has said that Derby will be a “major beneficiary of the Government’s drive to reindustrialise Britain”, as he committed to pursuing greater support for British jobs through public procurement.

Pete Lederer, chief operating officer at Manchester Airports Group (centre) being presented the award by Robert Jack, managing editor Passenger Transport (right) with compere Rob Rinder

Airport lands prestigious award

ast Midlands Airport has been declared airport of the year at the National Transport Awards. The win was announced at an awards ceremony in London where transport secretary Heidi Alexander was the keynote speaker. The winning submission was based on a successful year in which: • Passenger numbers were held at around 4 million • The express air cargo operation remained the busiest in the UK, with cargo growth representing a third of all air cargo growth in the UK • Extensive improvements were carried out throughout the terminal and on the airfield as

part of an ongoing £120m investment programme • East Midlands was among the least delayed airports in the UK, with 90.4% of flights departing on time during the busiest early wave • The CAA gave the airport the highest accessibility ranking for the sixth year running • Ongoing training and employment activity included the first-ever aviation careers festival, attracting 500 students. The awards, supported by the Department of Transport, highlight and celebrate the commitment, expertise, and innovation of those working to improve transport networks across the UK.

Grant to preserve legacy of footwear industry The school of art and design at Nottingham Trent University has received a grant of almost £150,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to safeguard the heritage of Leicester’s historic footwear industry. The Shoe & The City: The British Shoe Corporation and Leicester’s Footwear Heritage will document the story of the British Shoe Corporation, the city’s biggest footwear company which operated between 1956 and 1998. The work will engage communities across the city and wider region with the skills to secure 28 business network November 2026

the legacy of this important heritage. The university said it would be the first time the story of Leicester’s important footwear history had been properly told. It once employed thousands of people and was of national and international importance. Although the factories have gone, the stories of those who worked in it remain. Working with former employees, the project gives voice to those stories, presenting a picture of life at ‘The Shoe’, what it meant to those working there and how it became a key contributor to the city’s footwear fortunes.

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STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS

Students gain insight into Chesterfield manufacturers

ore than 70 students from six schools worked with six of Chesterfield’s leading manufacturers to take part in the 2026 National Manufacturing Day as part of the borough’s Made in Chesterfield initiative. Made in Chesterfield brings together manufacturers, education providers and other partners to celebrate the strength, innovation and growth of the local manufacturing sector – and inspire the next generation of talent.

‘Connecting young people with local employers is vital in helping them understand the range of rewarding careers available on their doorstep’ The campaign is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Chesterfield College, alongside a network of employers, education providers and public sector partners. Students from Parkside Community School, Brookfield Community School, Whittington

Students and members of local manufacturers took part in the 2026 National Manufacturing Day event in collaboration with Made in Chesterfield

Green School, Tupton Hall School, The Bolsover School and Aston Academy visited United Cast Bar, Brampton Brewery, Penny Engineering, Heraeus Electro-Nite (UK), NIBE Energy Systems and Weightron Bilanciai, undertaking factory tours and completing an employer-led Innovation Challenge. It allowed students to work directly with businesses on realworld projects to develop practical skills and gain insight into modern manufacturing. Julie Richards OBE is the principal and chief executive of

Chesterfield College Group and a Destination Chesterfield board member. She said: “Connecting young people with local employers is vital in helping them understand the range of rewarding careers available on their doorstep. “National Manufacturing Day gives students the opportunity to experience modern manufacturing environments first-hand, meet employers and work on real-world challenges, helping them gain a better understanding of the skills and opportunities available within the sector.”

Donation boosts HGV apprentices Apprentices studying heavy goods vehicle (HGV) engineering at Stephenson College can now train on an IVECO truck, donated by commercial vehicle supplier LC Vehicle Hire. The vehicle will help apprentices gain hands-on experience of the modern systems and technologies used in today’s transport and logistics industry. Troy Moore, curriculum head for forklift truck and HGV engineering at the Coalville college – which is part of Loughborough College Group – said: “We are incredibly grateful to LC Vehicle Hire for this generous donation. “Having access to a modern IVECO unit will give our apprentices invaluable handson experience and help bridge the gap between classroom learning and the realities of the workplace. “Our students are training for careers in a fast-moving industry, and opportunities to work directly on vehicles of this standard ensure they develop the technical knowledge, confidence and practical skills that employers are looking for.” The donation forms part of the college’s close partnerships with employers.

Vertas careers website is land of opportunity

Vertas colleagues

Vertas Group has launched a careers website designed to make it easier for people to discover opportunities across its diverse range of services. The business provides facilities management, cleaning and transport services, property design and specialist recruitment to public and private sector clients. The new website, built around

the message Find Your Fit, has been designed to help prospective candidates explore the roles and career pathways available across the organisation. Alongside job opportunities, it also offers an insight into life at Vertas Group, showcasing colleague experiences, employee benefits and opportunities for learning and development.

Chief people officer Kate Innes said: “With more than 5,000 colleagues working across such a wide range of services, there are many ways to build a career with Vertas Group. We want to make those opportunities more visible and help people see that, whatever their background, experience or ambitions, there could be a role that suits them.”

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

November 2026 business network

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CHAMBER NEWS

CHAMBER NEWS CONNECTING, CHAMPIONING AND SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES

Scott Knowles addresses a Chamber Budget event at King Power Stadium

Attendees at the Chamber Budget event

Budget 2026: Chamber calls for more support

he chief executive of East Midlands Chamber said the chancellor’s Autumn Budget highlighted the need for greater support to unlock growth. It came after chancellor John Healey announced measures that included £100 energy payments to millions of homes; an extra 3% surcharge on bank profits; keeping the tax free ISA limit at £20,000; raising the rate of small business rate relief for retail hospitality and leisure businesses from £12,000 to £18,000; and a further extension of the 5p fuel duty cut.

Mayor Claire Ward (in green) looks on as John Healey prepares for the 2026 Budget announcement

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Closer to home he said Government was in the final stages of agreeing devolution agreements with areas including Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, while East Midlands Combined County Authority would be allowed to keep a share of business rates from next year to spend locally.

Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Keeping a fairly steady ship seemed to be the overarching theme of this Budget but while business can take some comfort that significant further cost increases were not imposed, greater support is needed to unlock growth.

‘While business can take some comfort that significant further cost increases were not imposed, greater support is needed to unlock growth’

The Budget felt “lukewarm”

“Prioritising AI, backing enterprise and easing some of the burden for startups was encouraging to hear of, as was supporting founders and the British Business Bank, but the Budget felt only lukewarm and underwhelming in its offering, regarding how Government intends to incentivise businesses to drive growth. “To achieve the kind of meaningful, substantial impact business needs to enable growth, I would want to be hearing of wider reaching support around energy costs and business rates, significant skills investment and measures to ease international trade, for example, as outlined among the Five Asks presented in our 2026 Budget submission. “These areas, essential to unlock growth, were notable in their absence.” The Five Asks are: to cut the cost of employing and investing; smarter regulation to unlock growth; building the workforce and skills needed for growth; support for trade, innovation and business growth; and accelerating devolution.

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CHAMBER NEWS

New funding powers welcomed Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward welcomed John Healey’s Autumn Budget announcement giving mayors more control over locally raised money – alongside the major investment into Derby’s aerospace industry and support for the planned Trent Sports District in Nottingham. She said: “This budget is one that recognises the vital contribution that the East Midlands plays in national economic growth. “The £2.5bn investment into RollsRoyce to develop the next generation of jet engines is hugely significant. “With one of its major sites based in Derby and thousands of people from right across the East Midlands working there. “The decision to give mayors a 20% share of business rates income from next year is also an important step towards greater local control and means I can prioritise funding where it matters most to residents.” The Government plans for all business rates to be kept within local areas by the end of the decade. From 2028, mayors could

Mayor Claire Ward (fourth from right) at the 2026 Budget announcement

get a share of income tax on top of that. The Budget statement also highlighted £285m of funding to support mayors and local leaders announced a few days earlier – plus a new £1.5bn loan facility which will give mayors access to the money for growth. Mayor Claire said: “I am also delighted the government is funding £100m nationally into a local apprenticeship service to match young people to employers,

as well as increasing the small business rates thresholds. “At a time when many families are feeling pressure when paying the bills, it is also very encouraging to see additional support for households through the £100 discount on energy bills for council tax bands A-D. “Taken together, these measures have the potential to support people, businesses and jobs across the East Midlands.”

Rolls-Royce agreement to build jet engines in the UK Scott added: “I welcome news of extended relief for retail and hospitality on business rates but the support fell short of the full root and branch review we have been calling for and that is essential to incentivise business to invest to grow. “Allocating revenues to Mayoral Strategic Authorities is something that was good to see and we understand from the Red Book [the Treasury’s official Budget document] that final talks are underway to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. That’s something I very much welcome. “We have been calling for devolution delivered at pace in Leicester and Leicestershire as one of the key asks in our landmark publication The Framework for Growth. “As further detail emerges in the coming days, we will continue to engage with our membership and call on policymakers to ensure the best outcomes are called for that can drive growth.”

Tens of thousands of new jobs could be created under a new Government agreement with Rolls-Royce, including a £2.5bn programme for cleaner, more efficient jet engines – jointly funded over 10 years. The deal announced in the Autum Budget will develop new jet engines for single-aisle aircraft – the planes that take people on short and medium-haul trips. The Derby engineering business estimates that securing a UK engine on those types of planes could lead to billions more being invested in the UK in the coming decades – potentially adding £120bn to the economy over the lifetime of the programme. Single-aisle planes are set to make up the biggest slice of the global civil aerospace market, which is forecast to be worth £220bn a year by 2050.

Identified by the Government’s Industrial Strategy as the UK aerospace sector’s biggest opportunity over the next 50 years, it is hoped the agreement will help Britain lead the way. The Government said investment could support 3,300 existing jobs with the potential for tens of thousands of new roles. The deal is still subject to final agreement, value for money checks and compliance with subsidy rules. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Britain has always been an industrial powerhouse. But that strength isn’t just part of our past, it should be a core part of our future too. “That’s why we’re driving forward reindustrialisation and this agreement shows what that looks like in practice. It gives businesses the certainty to invest, creates jobs people can build a future on, and keeps British industry where it belongs, at the forefront of innovation.”

‘Aerospace is a growing and globally attractive market’

Rolls-Royce chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic

Rolls-Royce chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lay the foundations for decades of sustainable economic growth across the UK, creating high-value jobs and transforming the country’s advanced manufacturing supply chain. “Aerospace is a growing and globally attractive market and this programme with Government is vital to enable the UK to compete. “Working together, we can also sustain the nation’s capability to power military aircraft and secure its position as one of only two countries that can design, develop, make and service the jet engines that power the world’s commercial airliners.” November 2026 business network

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CHAMBER NEWS

University renews QES partnership East Midlands Chamber and the University of Leicester are to renew their strategic partnership. The university is the education partner for the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey – continuous research that measures the performance and sentiment of East Midlands businesses. The findings inform Chamber policy and are shared with political leaders at both regional and national level. The extended partnership enables the university to share insight with the Chamber’s 4,000strong membership across the region and to have a key place at the table when the Chamber engages with policymakers.

‘This collaboration will help us turn research and expertise into practical benefits for businesses’ Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Close collaboration with the University of Leicester brings significant benefit to the East Midlands through the university’s world-renowned academic expertise and leading research coupled with the Chamber’s insight, its engagement with policymakers and its thousands of member businesses across the region. “As education partner of the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey, the university has a front seat at the heart of one of the most effective and established performance indicators of East Midlands business. “Tracking factors like sales and orders in the here and now, investment intention for the

months ahead, as well as measuring levels of concern around factors like inflation or business rates is critical in determining the challenges and opportunities firms across the East Midlands face dayto-day. “That’s why political leaders are presented with the data and why the findings form a key part of shaping Chamber policy. “I look forward to continuing the strategic partnership we have with the University of Leicester, further building on the shared insight between both organisations to identify growth opportunities for the East Midlands.” University of Leicester School of Business associate dean for enterprise Professor Mohamed Shaban said: “We are pleased to continue the University of Leicester’s Strategic Partnership with East Midlands Chamber. “Our longstanding relationship demonstrates our shared commitment to aligning the university’s research, expertise, and talent with the needs and ambitions of businesses and communities across the region. “The renewed partnership offers a strong platform to expand our collaboration in economic research, executive education, knowledge exchange, innovation, enterprise support, skills development and international trade. “The Quarterly Economic Survey will provide new opportunities for research and regional insight. “We will also support university tenant and graduate-led businesses, while strengthening connections with the broader business community. “This collaboration will help us turn research and expertise into practical benefits for businesses and broader economic and societal impact.”

The University of Leicester is the education partner for the Chamber’s QES

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Helping businesses to scale new heights A new Start & Sustain programme is expected to actively engage at least 2,000 aspiring entrepreneurs and start-up businesses each year across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Thousands of people who want to start their own business will be able to access practical support to turn their ideas into successful, sustainable enterprises. The East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA’s) new Start & Sustain programme will provide the tools, expertise and confidence needed to start and grow a business. The programme, funded by EMCCA, is being delivered by East Midlands Chamber. It will provide practical advice, guidance and support for aspiring entrepreneurs, people preparing to become self-employed and businesses in their first two years of trading. Support will be tailored to the needs of each business and will include help with business planning, finance, marketing, digital skills, sales, leadership and building the confidence and skills needed to run a successful business, alongside access to workshops, networking opportunities, online resources and mentoring. The EMCCA programme will be delivered with help available online, in person and through a mix of both, helping to make sure businesses and entrepreneurs can easily access support, through multiple channels, that suit them best. Targeted outreach will help

Diane Beresford

ensure the service reaches people who have traditionally faced additional barriers to starting a business, as well as entrepreneurs in rural and underserved communities.

‘The East Midlands is full of people with the ideas, ambition and determination to build successful businesses’ It will see the Chamber provide entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses with clear, high-quality support that meets their needs. As part of EMCCA’s wider approach to business support, the programme will sit alongside an enhanced East Midlands Growth Hub to make it easier for businesses across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to find trusted advice, understand what help is available, and connect to local, regional and national opportunities for growth. Diane Beresford, Chamber

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CHAMBER NEWS

Report highlights green challenges faced by industry

The new programme will include a focus on helping entrepreneurs in rural and underserved communities

Mayor Claire Ward

deputy chief executive, said: “We’re proud to be working with EMCCA to deliver Start & Sustain helping more people across the region start, grow and sustain successful businesses. “Because no two businesses are the same, the support on offer is personalised, practical and impartial. “Whether you’re considering self-employment, launching a new venture or looking to take an existing business to the next level, our locally based advisers will provide tailored support at every stage of your journey, making use of AI diagnostic tools like Growth Canvas to provide the best service and experience. “I’d encourage anyone with a business idea or ambition to get involved. By connecting with the Growth Hub community, you’ll gain access to the expertise, guidance and networks that can help turn potential into progress.” Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said: “The East Midlands is full of people with the ideas, ambition and determination to build successful businesses. “If we are to grow our economy,

it is these people we need to back and support during those critical early stages. “Everyone who starts a business is taking a risk to achieve more: they deserve our care and attention. This is what the Start & Sustain programme is here to do, delivered by East Midlands Chamber. “It will give aspiring entrepreneurs and young businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire access to practical advice, support and connections: ensuring they are put in a strong position to grow and thrive.” David Williams, chair of EMCCA’s business advisory board and a member of the Chamber board, said: “Backing people at the very start of their business journey is one of the most important ways we can grow the East Midlands economy. “The Start & Sustain programme will help remove some of those early barriers by giving entrepreneurs and new businesses access to practical, trusted support. “By helping more businesses get off the ground and stay on track, this programme can make a real difference to local communities, create jobs and support long-term growth across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.” The Start & Sustain programme aims to create new enterprises and jobs, improving businesses’ readiness for funding and supporting at least 75% of participating start-ups to remain in business a year after launch. tinyurl.com/55eckba6

Almost 4% fewer businesses in the region are investing in decarbonisation, 6% fewer are accessing support, the number of firms deriving sales from green foods and services (GGSs) has fallen 9%, but more are engaging in nature-based solutions. Findings from 2026 joint research published by East Midlands Chamber and the University of Derby present a mixed picture. The 2026 results were revealed in ‘Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands’ which has reported levels of awareness and engagement with green growth, decarbonisation and the uptake of nature-based solutions (NBS) across the region for the last 11 years. Chamber director of external affairs Richard Blackmore said: “With the immense cost pressure on business at the moment, firms must assess the extent to which they can affordably prioritise decarbonisation while being profitable so Green Growth approach is going to look different from one business to another. “What is clear is that having a strategy for some kind for Green Growth is not a ‘yesno’, not a ‘nice to have’ or something to overlook – it must be tailored to operational business needs. “For larger businesses to be leading decarbonisation investment, as shown in the findings of the 2026 report, is not really surprising when the level of resources available to smaller sized businesses may be more limited. “The direction of travel we’ve seen across the 11 years the Chamber and the University of Derby have produced the Green Growth Trends report has been encouraging generally. “Across that time, the findings have shown increasing commitment from East Midlands firms toward reaching sustainability goals, ahead of the slight drop seen in the 2026 data, which suggests tough trading conditions are now causing hesitancy. “Ultimately business will always need to strike the right balance to ensure financial performance is

protected when determining the approach taken to sustainability.” University of Derby associate professor of strategy and sustainability Dr Polina Baranova (pictured) said: “There are two major parameters within Green Growth – first, trading on green market niches, which we know is down, so businesses are selling fewer green goods. “Secondly, businesses are reducing their involvement in decarbonisation, so they do not invest as much as they would like to. We’ve also seen decline in collaborative activities across the region. “The positive is that businesses are becoming more aware about supporting nature and engaging more with naturebased solutions. “In terms of green skills, we know the top five – energy efficiency, resource efficiency, business strategy, digital and waste management – have been consistent over the last three years, which should inspire providers of green skills in the region to hone into the area and provide something for businesses to take off the shelf. “We hope the Green Growth Trends report makes a real difference because you see the picture over time. It’s not isolated and you look at businesses and understand where they’re at. “It’s insightful for policymakers to see what the business community is telling us and hopefully informs evidence-based decision making.” To view the full Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands report for 2026 visit: tinyurl.com/mpb84yhz November 2026 business network

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CHAMBER NEWS

Finding ways to boost region’s overseas trade T

he international trade team at East Midlands Chamber is hosting a series of events to coincide with 2026 International Trade Week. Running from Monday 9 to Friday 13 November, the push to increase overseas trade is aimed at everyone from first-time exporters to established global traders, in every sector. Nationally it will see industry leaders and trade experts providing five days of insight, inspiration and meaningful connections, empowering British businesses to build new partnerships, reach new markets and accelerate growth. The Chamber is supporting a national Export Support Hub, delivered by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in partnership with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST). It connects UK business with experienced trade experts through free, pre-booked one-to-one meetings designed to help business start, grow and succeed in international markets. You can find out more at: www.b2match.com/e/businessadvice-clinics

Breakfast event will look at ways to harness power of AI The Chamber’s Generation Next network is hosting an AI leadership breakfast event this month in partnership with EMA Training. “Lead Next. The AI Advantage” takes place at the EMA Training Hub in Derby from 8-11am on Thursday 26 November. Attendees will join AI professional Michelle Williams, from Meesh Consulting, to explore how future leaders can harness the power of AI. It will give young entrepreneurs and leaders a chance to explore how to approach AI with confidence, understand the opportunities it presents and consider how it can support them in their careers and organisations. Alongside the discussion, there will be plenty of opportunity to connect with fellow Generation Next members over breakfast, share ideas and build relationships with other ambitious professionals from across the region. tinyurl.com/2hecdset 34 business network November 2026

Within the East Midlands, the Chamber international team offers services ranging from general consultancy to help with export documentation, ATA Carnet support and customs declarations and procedures, to training courses and webinars – making it the first choice for support for businesses in the region. Help is open to members and non-members. The Chamber is also providing a webinar programme including

“Exploring Risk and Reward of Trading in New Markets”, “Getting Paid in International Trade”, “Getting Started With Exporting”, and more throughout International Trade Week. The sessions will demystify the key elements of exporting, helping attendees understand what’s required before they ship their first order overseas. For details of that visit: tinyurl.com/5fkne5sh

‘Our support could mean the difference between struggling to survive in the export world and thriving’

The event is open to exporters of all sizes

Have your say on what skills matter the most

Chamber head of international trade Lucy Granger (pictured) said: “For years businesses up and down the region have been making the most of the specialist services we offer to help them grow their trade in overseas markets. But many businesses have never spoken to us or found out about the vast range of services we offer. Our support could mean the difference between struggling to survive in the export world and thriving. “Trading internationally can unlock growth in new markets, but can create issues such as added cost, complexity and risk – our global insights and regulatory expertise equips exporters to navigate those challenges and make the most of the opportunities.” Contact the Internation Trade Department at: www.emcdnl.co.uk/services/international

Businesses are being invited to complete a simple survey to share their demands and expectations when it comes to shaping the region’s skills priorities. The Chamber is leading a new Local Skills Improvement Plan for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland through research, insight and engagement with businesses, education and regional stakeholders. The plan will help strengthen the connection between the skills employers need and the education and training being delivered across the city and two counties. It builds on engagement gathered through the previous LSIP, while responding to how the local economy and labour market have changed. All further and higher education providers in the geographical area covered are contributing to the delivery of the plan – and more businesses are being encouraged to play their part. They can find out more by visiting: tinyurl.com/du6art7d As part of the process of building a picture of what’s needed, we want to hear updated thoughts and insights from business leaders on recruitment, training, pathways and skills. That input will feed anonymously into the plan and play a part in ensuring that local training provision truly reflects employer demand. The survey takes just five minutes to complete at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/lsip-chamber

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CHAMBER NEWS

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CHAMBER NETWORKS

CHAMBER NETWORKS BUILDING CONNECTIONS WITH YOUR PEERS AND BUSINESS LEADERS

Six of the best: Some of this year’s Generation Next award winners, from left: Kyle Hazeldine, Harriet Sheikh, Eve Hunt, Isabelle Torrance, Jessica Johnson and Josh Lindley

Celebrating region’s top young talent Photos by Jakt Photography

he region’s young professionals were recognised at the 2026 Generation Next Awards, which took place at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield. The event was delivered by East Midlands Chamber’s Generation Next network for young professionals, in partnership with headline partner the University of Derby. Seven awards were given out recognising standout apprentices, entrepreneurs and qualities like 36 business network November 2026

excellence in customer experience and impact on the community. The Awards followed Generation Next’s annual conference, which included panel discussions and talks to prepare young professionals for the challenges of tomorrow. Speakers included Roots and Futures founder and co-founder of Citrey CIC Lauren Thompson and LikeMind Media director Paul Ince. Chamber president Cham Kang, who opened the event, said: “My message to today’s business leaders and employers in the East

Midlands is to urge them to not overlook the skills we have in young professionals based here, the importance of nurturing and developing those people to secure a bright future.” Generation Next chair Preethi Kang presented the Awards, alongside network champions

Chamber president Dr Cham Kang opened the event

‘My message to today’s business leaders and employers in the East Midlands is to urge them to not overlook the skills we have in young professionals based here’

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CHAMBER NETWORKS Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles addresses delegates the prestigious annual event

Guests at the 2026 Awards and Conference

GENERATION NEXT AWARDS 2026 WINNERS Blu Hardy and Nicole Perkins. Preethi said: “Generation Next is a perfect place for young professionals to be recognised for the skills they already have, including the ones they may not realise they have, that just need a push, some encouragement and top-level guidance so you can be the best when it comes to employment or leading your own business.” The 2026 Future Leader Award, went to Kyle Hazeldine of Midland Lead, a family-run UK manufacturer dedicated to producing sustainable recycled lead sheet. Speaking afterwards he said: “I’ve been with Midland Lead for 11 years now and I started in telesales, with no experience, just working my way up. “I’ve taken the opportunities that the business has provided me with and just grabbed every opportunity that I could get. “I’m very privileged that I work for a company that has really

• Apprentice of the Year Award Sponsored by Derby College Group Eve Hunt, of LJM Solutions • Community Impact Champion Award Sponsored by Leicester College Jessica Johnson, of Our Dementia Choir • Excellence in Customer Experience Award Sponsored by trentbarton Isabelle Torrance, of Derby College • Emerging Talent Award Sponsored by West Nottinghamshire College Harriet Sheikh, of Bodie Hodges Foundation • Entrepreneur of the Year Award Sponsored by Nottingham Trent University Josh Lindley, LJM Solutions • Talent Development Award Sponsored by Chesterfield College Group Amber Cavan, of Lake Energy • Future Leader Award Sponsored by University of Derby Kyle Hazeldine, of Midland Lead

LikeMind Media director Paul Ince was one of the speakers

invested in me, my personal development and given me the opportunity so I’m very fortunate and thankful to them.” The Community Impact Champion Award went to Jessica Johnson of Our Dementia Choir. Se said: “I was pretty speechless because I never expected in a million years to be even nominated for something like this. “It’s very personal and my heart is in what I do 100% so to be recognised and acknowledged for that was just incredible. “It’s for everyone that’s living with dementia and I continue to fight and be an advocate for those living with dementia, proving that there is life beyond a diagnosis and it isn’t the end.” The 2026 sponsors were Chesterfield College, Derby College Group, Leicester College, Nottingham Trent University, trentbarton and West Nottinghamshire College, with Knights as the drink sponsor. November 2026 business network

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CHAMBER NETWORKS The Chamber launched the East Midlands Manufacturing Network (EMMN) in March 2022. There are six networks – in Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester, Leicestershire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – and each network meets about every eight weeks. Membership is free and open to manufacturers of any size. It also entitles members to complimentary membership of Make UK. For details visit: emmn.co.uk

Newburgh Engineering’s managing director Matt Keeley and Elizabeth Fothergill CBE, Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire

Special visitor for engineering firm A Derbyshire engineering specialist with roots dating back more than 85 years marked the start of a new chapter in its history with a visit from the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill CBE. Nuclear Energy Components welcomed the Lord Lieutenant to its Bradwell facility, where she toured the site alongside managing director Matt Keeley and operations director Paul Wildgoose. The visit celebrated both the company’s long-standing contribution to UK manufacturing and the announcement that the business had returned to the historic name Newburgh Engineering Co Limited. Founded in 1939 in the Peak District village of Bradwell, the company initially expanded to support the wartime effort before establishing itself as a trusted supplier to the British nuclear industry during the 1950s. Over the decades, it diversified into defence, aerospace, oil and gas, and power generation, building an international reputation for precision engineering and specialist manufacturing capabilities.

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EMMN DIARY DATES NOTTINGHAMSHIRE NETWORK DATE: 10 November TIME: 7.30-10.30am VENUE: NTU University Centre, Vision West Nottinghamshire College, Mansfield Agenda • Opening address from EMMN chair Mark Goldby • Chamber update from director of external affairs Richard Blackmore • Roundtable discussion • Support update tinyurl.com/ckh6byjh

Delegates on the EMMN away day at Mackworth Vehicle Conversion Specialists in Derby

Networking events make a difference to members

hen we started planning this year’s summer meetings in early 2026, we certainly couldn’t have predicted quite how much sunshine we would enjoy, writes Chamber head of events and training Vicki Thompson. Following feedback from our members, we decided to create two additional networking opportunities that would bring together businesspeople from across the region, rather than focusing solely on local groups. With wellbeing as well as networking in mind, we organised two summer network meetings – one in Derbyshire and one in Nottinghamshire, both easily accessible for our Leicester members.

The National Tramway Museum at Crich

Our Derbyshire event welcomed more than 40 guests to the National Tramway Museum in Crich, while a further 40-plus members joined us at Brackenhurst College, part of Nottingham Trent University, in Southwell. To better support those with caring responsibilities, both meetings started later than our usual schedule, beginning at 9.30am rather than 7.30am. Instead of our traditional breakfast format, members were invited to enjoy lunch together and spend time networking in the beautiful surroundings of two fantastic venues. Alongside our usual meeting agenda, guests were treated to guided tours at both locations. At Crich, members explored the workshops of the National Tramway Museum, while at Brackenhurst they experienced the impressive new vertical farming facilities. Both meetings provided a fantastic opportunity for EMMN members to connect, build new relationships and network in a relaxed and informal setting. We then welcomed the autumn programme in style with an EMMN away day at Mackworth Vehicle Conversion Specialists in Derby. Members were greeted by a superb food truck serving breakfast before our meeting. Following the session, we enjoyed a tour of the facility, seeing first-hand the remarkable process of transforming vans and HGVs into highly specialised vehicles designed to meet customers’ exact requirements. It was an impressive insight into a thriving manufacturing business and the innovation taking place right here in the East Midlands. As always, our sincere thanks go to everyone who attended, hosted and supported these events.

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BUSINESS NETWORK

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TRAINING & EVENTS

TRAINING & EVENTS BOOST YOUR WORKFORCE AND DEVELOP YOUR BUSINESS

Awards unite at festive lunch T

he finalists for the 2027 East Midlands Chamber Business Awards will be announced at the annual Christmas lunch which takes place in Leicester next month. For the first time the Awards will bring together the Chamber’s traditional three country Awards into one bigger, better, region-wide ceremony. There will be categories for achievements such as Commitment to People Development, Innovation of the Year, Green Business of the Year and Apprentice of the Year. The number one entrant from each of the three counties will receive the 2027 Outstanding Achievement Awards. There will also be an overall East Midlands Business of the Year, picked by the judges. The winners will be announced at a black tie gala ceremony on 11 March 2027, at Vaillant Live, in Derby. The closing date for applications was passing just as Business Network went to press. Eliza Critchley, marketing executive at sponsor Truly SMB, said: “We know that investing in people and developing the right skills is essential for businesses to thrive. “We’re proud to sponsor the Education and Business Partnership Award and celebrate the schools, colleges and training providers working with local businesses to prepare young people for the world of work. “Strong partnerships between education and business help bridge the skills gap, create opportunities for the next generation and build a stronger future for our region.”

‘Strong partnerships between education and business help bridge the skills gap’ All the finalists will be announced at the Chamber’s Christmas lunch which takes place on Friday 4 December, at the Grand Hotel, Leicester. As well as a chance to congratulate businesses that have made it through, the afternoon will be an opportunity to network in a festive atmosphere and there will be entertainment from Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir. The Notts-based choir began as part of a documentary for BBC1 in 2018. The two-part series saw actor Vicky go on a deeply personal journey to discover the true extent of music’s power in combatting dementia. She formed the choir of people all living with dementia in her hometown of Nottingham to see whether music could make a measurable difference in their lives. Joining forces with some of the country’s leading experts, the choir has taken part in scientific studies to measure members’ emotional and physical responses to singing, proving that people living with dementia can still achieve something truly remarkable. www.emc-dnl.co.uk/businessawards 40 business network November 2026

The Grand Hotel in Leicester will host the Chamber’s Christmas Lunch

2027 EAST MIDLANDS CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS CATEGORIES: • Derbyshire Outstanding Achievement Award – on hold

• Excellence in Customer Service – sponsored by Howdens

• Leicestershire Outstanding Achievement Award – sponsored by RandalSun

• Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield College

• Nottinghamshire Outstanding Achievement Award – sponsored by Vertas Group

• Micro Business of the Year (one-to-10 people) – sponsored by Nottingham Trent University

• Innovation of the Year – sponsored by Rolls-Royce • Education and Business Partnership Award – sponsored by Truly SMB • Commitment to People Development – sponsored by DCG • Digital Transformation Award – sponsored by Digital Planning

• Small Business of the Year (11-to-50 people) – sponsored by Your IT • Collaboration of the Year – sponsored by Eversheds Sutherlands • Exporter of the Year – sponsored by DHL

• CSR Leadership Award – sponsored by University of Derby

The 2027 drinks are sponsored by Howes Percival, media partner is Purpose Media and VIP drinks area is sponsored by The Charleston in Bakewell, part of Longbow Venues.

• Green Business of the Year – sponsored by DJH

For further sponsorship opportunities email: sponsorship@emc-dnl.co.uk

Carers’ rights in the spotlight A special webinar will be held to mark Carers Rights Day 2026, from noon-1pm on 19 November. Established by Carers UK, the annual awareness day aims to raise awareness of the support, entitlements and legal protections available to unpaid carers. This Carers Rights Day they want to encourage employers to highlight their support for colleagues that have caring responsibilities – and review their well-being strategies through a carers’ lens. Unpaid carers are a vital but often overlooked part of the workforce. One in five employees (6.7 million people) are currently juggling work with a caring responsibility for a

family member, friend or neighbour. Employers can make a meaningful difference by creating a culture where carers feel confident discussing their caring role and how it may impact them at work. In terms of where to start, flexible working, supportive line managers and paid carers leave are most valued alongside other initiatives such as a carers passports, training carer champions and peer-to-peer support. Derbyshire Carers Association can support organisations on their journey to becoming more carer-friendly. Find out about the webinar at: tinyurl.com/bdkspcnf

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TRAINING & EVENTS

Winter social tops a great year The Enterprising Women Winter Social takes place on Friday 13 November at the beautiful Breadsall Priory, in Derbyshire. Guests will be welcomed with a mocktail to start the afternoon, and further drinks will be available at the bar. The day will celebrate another great year of Enterprising Women, hearing from sponsors and the 2026 winner of its Businesswoman of the Year Award, sharing what it is like to be involved in the Awards, and what it means to win. It will finish with networking over a buffet lunch, freshly prepared by the chefs to include sandwiches, flatbreads, salads and seasonal dishes, all finished off with mini desserts. Delta Hotels’ Breadsall Priory Country Club

tinyurl.com/538x8ejb

Sharing insights on the state of the economy

EVENTS IN BRIEF CLASSIC CAR VENUE HOSTS AGM The Chamber will host its Year in Review – incorporating its 2026 Annual General Meeting – on 8 December at Great Northern Classics, the classic car venue in Derby. The free event, which is open to all Chamber members, will see Dr Cham Kang reflect on his year as Chamber president, while chief executive Scott Knowles will give a business update. There will be speeches by winners of the Chamber’s 2025/26 Business of the Year Awards in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire and representatives of the three charities supported by the Chamber’s Charitable Fund. There will also be a celebration of longstanding Chamber members. The event will include a breakfast expo and networking event from 8.30-9.30am, followed by the AGM from 9.30-11am. A marketplace event will allow member charities, social enterprises and community interest companies to showcase their activities and initiatives and give members an opportunity to get involved. AGM papers, proxy and voting information will be available in the week commencing 9 November. tinyurl.com/mrz5ds8k

The Queen’s Building at De Montfort University

INVESTING IN CHESTERFIELD Business owners and investors are invited to discover how Chesterfield’s regeneration projects are creating significant investment opportunities and driving growth across the region. The Chesterfield Investment Summit will take place on 18 November at Chesterfield College. Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the summit will showcase wider growth and investment opportunities in the area, while celebrating the success of recent local regeneration projects. The summit will also provide updates on the latest East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) investments and the East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ). tinyurl.com/bdcpady3

REGIONAL ENERGY CONFERENCE

e Montfort University Leicester is hosting the East Midlands Chamber State of the Economy Conference on 18 November. Running from 9am-1pm the Chamber event will bring together business leaders, academics, and policymakers to discuss growth, AI, skills, and productivity. The region is at a pivotal moment – with a changing economy, major investment opportunities, technological advances, new powers through devolution and an increasingly important role to play in the UK’s growth story. It means that decisions being made today will shape our economic future for years to come. Through keynote presentations, panel discussion and on-the-day surveying, the conference will cover: • The UK’s economic outlook and the Bank of England’s monetary policy response • The current UK and global economic landscape and financing for growth • The findings from the Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey

• The role of academia in supporting innovation, productivity gains and skills development, including the role of AI on growth in the region • A panel discussion called: One economy. Two devolution stories. Panellists will include Andy Reed OBE, the owner of Saje Impact and chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership; Ioan Reed-Aspley, head of corporate affairs, East Midlands Airport; Kevin Harris, East Midlands Chamber chair and founder of Kevin Harris Consulting • A Big Skills for Growth Panel. Chaired by Gareth Thomas, founding director, Pro Excellence Partnership, panellists will include Jill Cowley, pro-vice chancellor extended education and director of De Montfort University London; Carol Dixon, director of employer partnerships, Derby College; and James Ferraby, co-founder and director, Digital Planning.

The 2026 East Midlands Energy Conference takes place at the Rolls-Royce Learning & Development Centre on 3 November. It will showcase what the region is doing to pioneer future energy provision, storage and distribution. Organised by the Chamber in partnership with the University of Nottingham Energy Institute, the free-to-attend event runs from 9am-1.30pm. Attendees must log in to secure tickets at: tinyurl.com/2ph5ysa2

IMPLICATIONS OF THE BUDGET Specialist advisers from accountants TC Group will be hosting a “Beyond the Autumn Budget: What Matters Now?” event to consider the impact of chancellor John Healey’s recent Budget. The breakfast discussion will explore the practical implications of the Budget and the issues likely to matter most for businesses in the months ahead. It takes place at Winstanley House, in Hinckley Road, Leicester, from 8.3011.30am on 13 November. Register at: tinyurl.com/53uwb9zm

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SUSTAINABLE EAST MIDLANDS

www.emc-dnl.co.uk/sustainability

HELPING BUSINESSES TRANSITION TO A SUSTAINABLE AND LOW-CARBON ECONOMY

College rewarded for net zero efforts Nottingham College has been crowned winner of the International Green Gown sustainability institution of the year award for a small organisation. The college beat finalists from 18 countries, spanning six continents and involving hundreds of contenders to collect the accolade. It was given in recognition of its ambitious approach to sustainability, placing environmental responsibility at the heart of its governance, curriculum, operations and community engagement. It followed the college’s success at the UK and Ireland Green Gown Awards, where it was crowned Small Institution of the Year in 2025, which secured its place in the international finals. The awards celebrate outstanding sustainability initiatives from colleges, universities and other post-16 education providers worldwide. Judges praised Nottingham for its commitment to achieving net zero by 2030, its ambitious programme to remove fossil fuels from its estate, and the way sustainability has been embedded throughout teaching, learning and day-to-day operations. Andrew Comyn, deputy chief executive and sustainability lead at the college, said: “While we’re proud of how far we’ve come, we’re even more excited about the role Nottingham College can play in supporting the transition to a greener, more sustainable future.”

Nottingham College’s City Hub campus

Derbyshire Eco Centre has reopened after a successful community-led campaign

Community campaign brings back eco facility

erbyshire Eco Centre has reopened after a community campaign – bringing sustainability education, community events and skills training back to the region. Residents, backed by supporters across Derbyshire, successfully campaigned to save the Middleton-by-Wirksworth facility, allowing it to become a “centre of excellence” for sharing skills essential for a sustainable future. The centre is located on the outskirts of the village, on the edge of the Peak District National Park. It was built in 2010 to high eco-standards and was run by Derbyshire County Council for 15 years, earning a reputation for its sustainable adult education courses. It was closed by the council in the summer of 2025. Working in partnership with the Institute of Quarrying (IQ), a campaign was initiated so that a community interest company (CIC) could be formed.

The Institute of Quarrying went on to submit a successful bid for the lease to the county council. Centre director Cathy Cooke said: “We couldn’t have achieved this without the enormous support from local people, businesses and organisations.

‘We are extremely grateful to the Institute of Quarrying for its support’ “Hundreds of hours of time have been volunteered by many different people to make things happen, pulling together a viable business plan and getting the Eco Centre ready to start a new life. “We are extremely grateful to the Institute of Quarrying for its support, believing in our mission and providing practical and financial help.”

Assessment gives green light to logistics specialist Nottingham-based B Corp certified logistics specialist Baxter Freight has achieved a “Committed” badge from EcoVadis, a global leader in business sustainability assessments. The EcoVadis assessment covered 21 criteria across four themes – environmental, labour & human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement – providing an independent and evidence-based analysis of environmental performance, and an actionable roadmap for improvement. 42 business network November 2026

Baxter Freight associate director of innovation and sustainability Tom Isler said: “We’re incredibly proud to have achieved the EcoVadis Committed badge which recognises our ongoing commitment to sustainability, responsible business practices, and continuous improvement. “Using the EcoVadis framework as a roadmap, we’ll continue to drive measurable progress across our environmental, social and governance initiatives. Our ambition is to improve year-onyear and work towards achieving the EcoVadis

Platinum medal within the next three years, alongside our B Corp recertification journey. Together, these frameworks will help hold us accountable, drive continuous improvement, and ensure we create meaningful value for our people, customers, suppliers and wider community in line with our mission and future business plans.” He said Baxter Freight was committed to its mission to help make the logistics industry more ethical, people-orientated, and planet-focused.

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BUSINESS NETWORK

November 2026 business network

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

INTERNATIONAL TRADE SUPPORT, STRATEGIES AND RESOURCES FOR EXPORTERS AND IMPORTERS

Exporters being hampered by global disruption A survey of more than 1,800 exporters by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Insights Unit, suggests the balance of overseas export orders remains in negative territory. The survey, carried out in the four weeks to 15 September, found that 21% of exporters reported an increase in export orders, while 23% reported a fall. That was up from a low of 16% reporting increased orders in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026, but still below the 25% reported in Q1. The size of a firm also played a role, with just 16% of micro-exporters (fewer than 10 employees) reporting increased export orders in Q3 (11% in Q2), while 25% reported a fall. In contrast, 31% of large exporters (250 staff or more) saw a boost in overseas orders (26% in Q2) and 13% reported a decrease. The picture is substantially different to the performance before Brexit, Covid, the war in Ukraine, US tariffs and other geopolitical disruption. In the spring of 2018, 31% of all firms saw increased export orders and 14% saw a decrease. William Bain (pictured), head of trade policy at the BCC, said: “It is clear the UK’s exporters are struggling to make any headway as they continue to be buffeted by unpredictable global headwinds. “Uncertainty over how, and when, the conflict in the Middle East will be resolved, alongside its associated pressure on costs, shipping and demand continue to make life difficult. “Every sector is feeling the pinch, but it is worrying that we are consistently seeing services under-perform manufacturing, when they have been the backbone of our export growth since Brexit. “If Andy Burnham is serious about creating a stronger economy, then increasing the UK’s exports must be central to that drive. “The EU Reset is an obvious moment to shift the dynamics around what is possible, but this must also be accompanied by much stronger export support for businesses.” He said the Government needed to help firms expand overseas by restoring export support funding to every region. He added: “There must be a level-playing field for funding if growth in every postcode is to be more than just a campaign slogan.”

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ITOPS graduates and leaders. Back row, from left: Julie Whiting, Karen Mosley, Ryan Marriott, Helen Hodkin, Isabel Hastings, Louisa Copley, Bailey Dickinson and Rachel Wilmot. Front row: Thomas Knighton, Ian Pyper, Amy Sandy, Cathy Carroll and Harvey Chapman

Graduates on course to succeed on global stage

he Chamber has celebrated the latest graduates from its ITOPS international trade course. The latest group of professionals successfully completed the course to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to operate successfully in today’s global marketplace. Delivered by the Chamber in partnership with Fidelitas International Training, the programme brought together professionals from businesses across the region, providing an opportunity to develop practical expertise across a range of key international trade areas.

‘The ITOPS award has built an enviable position within international trade’ Participants explored the essential processes and procedures involved in international commerce, including export documentation, logistics, trade finance and customs rules. The practical nature of the qualification enabled delegates to strengthen their existing knowledge while gaining a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in overseas trade. Programme sponsor Kranlee Logistics has played an important role in enhancing the learning experience, including providing a freight forwarder placement and supporting the programme’s workshops. The Chesterfield freight forwarding business offers export support for clients across the UK. Kranlee director Karen Mosley said: “ITOPS is always a highlight for me – seeing the delegates’

growth and enthusiasm is fantastic. “It’s a privilege to support their journey throughout the qualification and celebrate their achievements with the group.” Steve Townsley of Fidelitas International Training and co-owner of the qualification, said: “Once again. we are pleased to celebrate the success of recent ITOPS candidates. Those who have reached qualification have proven that they have knowledge, commitment and skills to achieve this challenging qualification and offer proof they have transferable skills that apply to their place of work. “The ITOPS award has built an enviable position within international trade – offering constant quality and development for over 21 years. “The standards are rigorously maintained and built upon by all those working with and supporting all candidates. I am sure that all those involved are proud to be a part of it.” Harvey Chapman of Kranlee Logistics and Cathy Caroll of Forbo Flooring achieved the highest overall mark in their respective groups. Each received an award, presented by Kranlee Logistics, in recognition of their outstanding achievement. Gaining the qualification highlights the value of investing in international trade expertise and the importance of continuing professional development for businesses operating across international markets. The Chamber remains committed to supporting businesses across the region with practical training, knowledge and connections that help them develop their international trade capabilities and compete globally. https://tinyurl.com/7ydbrd5s

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Trade team offers services for businesses of all sizes The Chamber’s international trade team helps businesses of all sizes confidently import and export, build capability, and grow successfully in global markets, writes Lucy Granger. With more than 100 years of combined experience, our team provides practical, handson support to help you navigate the complexities of international trade and achieve your global ambitions. We offer a comprehensive range of services designed to support every stage of your international journey, including: • Export documentation • ATA Carnets • A Chamber Customs Declaration Service • Trade webinars • International trade training, including ITOPS

(International Trade Operations and Procedures) • Consultancy support for things such as commodity codes; customs processes; rules of origin; and mock customs audits • Trade updates and regulatory briefings • One-to-one business support workshops • An international trade forum • International membership • A new international business growth service, launching soon Whether you’re new to international trade or looking to refine and grow your global operations, our team is here to support you every step of the way. www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/international/

A DHL cargo flight at East Midlands Airport

Export help is at hand

EAST MIDLANDS CHAMBER INTERNATIONAL TRADE COURSES Rules of Origin – Full Day Date: 26 November Time: 9am-3pm Venue: Online Many companies underestimate the complexity of Rules of Origin until an incorrect assumption results in unexpected duties, delayed shipments or a failure to meet customs requirements. Take the uncertainty out of origin compliance with our practical Rules of Origin course. Learn how to determine whether goods qualify for non-preferential or preferential treatment, apply the correct rules, retain the evidence required by HMRC and avoid costly mistakes in certificates, declarations and duty claims. Delegates consistently report that the course reveals gaps in company-wide understanding of this complex area. It is ideal for anyone involved in importing, exporting or customs compliance. This course will give you the knowledge and confidence needed to assess origin accurately and avoid costly errors. Visit: https://tinyurl.com/2w8bm7k8

Preparing for full PPWR implementation

Airport continues to grow freight operation East Midlands Airport’s position as the UK’s busiest express air cargo hub continues, with further growth in the amount of freight it handles. September saw a 6.3% increase on the previous year, amounting to an extra 36,000 tonnes of goods. That contributed towards a total of 210,807 tonnes handled so far this year – an increase of almost 10,000 tonnes, or 5% higher than this time last year. The latest statistics were recorded before the airport even reached its busiest period for cargo – in the run-up to Black Friday and Christmas as goods are ordered from all over the globe. The airport, anchored by logistics giants DHL, UPS and FedEx, supports special cargo-only aircraft – as opposed to passenger jets which carry cargo in their holds – that connect to 185 cities around the world. Management said that offers unrivalled nextday delivery when coupled with the airport’s strategic central UK location. The strong performance builds on a year when the airport topped 400,000 tonnes for the first time since the pandemic and whose increased

yields represented more than a third of all cargo growth in the UK. The airport’s cargo operation is reported to have driven a £6.2bn economic boost in 2025 – which the airport said equates to 52,000 jobs supported throughout the UK, 42% of them in the Midlands.

‘It’s great to see these figures growing ahead of what is traditionally our busiest period’ Commercial director Adam Andrews said: “Achieving year-on-year growth on top of a record-breaking year for our cargo operation demonstrates how well placed we are to serve the UK’s air cargo needs. “The way our twin operations for passengers and freight operate in parallel, not in conflict with each other, puts us in a unique position to continue to grow our cargo capabilities. It’s great to see these figures growing ahead of what is traditionally our busiest period.”

Date: 3 December Time: 10-11am Venue: Online The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) began applying on 12 August 2026, but for most companies this marks the beginning, not the end, of the compliance journey. With numerous delegated acts, implementing measures, phased requirements and future deadlines stretching to 2040, businesses must look beyond immediate obligations and establish a long-term compliance strategy. Visit: https://tinyurl.com/y4xs6r66

Export Documentation Date: 9 December Time: 9am-4pm Venue: Online This full-day practical programme provides delegates with the necessary skills and knowledge to prepare and process documents encountered when exporting goods overseas. It is fully supported with user-friendly and up-to-date notes (including copies of completed documents) to ensure they can operate effectively back in the workplace. During the programme delegates will study the principles and current industry practices required to ensure that they can process documents thus ensuring they operate both legally and cost-effectively. They will study all of the critical documents – and will know how to complete them, what to do with them and why they are preparing them. Visit: https://tinyurl.com/z3xfypt7 For details of all our international courses, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2wsr32yr

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POLITICS

POLITICS ROUNDING UP LOCAL AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Clean energy funding can power region’s innovators

partnership of academic, political and industry leaders has been awarded £20m to boost innovation in advanced manufacturing and clean energy. It is hoped the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) could boost the regional economy by up to £340m and create up to 1,775 new jobs. The five-year funding programme, focused on the biggest growth sectors for the region, will be matched by at least £36.1m of investment from the private sector. The investment has been granted to a collaboration between East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), industry partners, and the universities of Derby, Nottingham, Nottingham Trent and Loughborough. The partnership is working with UK Research and Innovation to ready the investments for delivery. They will officially launch in the coming months. Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said: “The East Midlands is a region of innovators and has been for hundreds of years: we are the birthplace of the modern factory, an innovation that powered the Industrial Revolution and reshaped the world.

The funding will be invested in a portfolio of four interconnected projects that will: • Help East Midlands businesses unlock opportunities in the nuclear supply chain • Develop world-leading technologies for aircrafts • Help SMEs break into new markets and take advantage of supply chain opportunities (which has also been allocated £3.2m from the East Midlands Investment Zone initiative) • Accelerate the development of innovative clean technology companies.

“Our ambitions for the innovators of today are just as high, but with a different focus: clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and inclusive growth. “This funding will ensure that ambitious businesses with the power to change the world can establish, grow, and thrive here. “They will develop cutting-edge products, design new manufacturing processes, and start new companies: building an economy which is

grounded in what this region needs for the future.” The LIPF is a £500m government programme to strengthen regional innovation economies across the country. It is central to the government's commitment to achieve growth in every postcode, bringing together local leaders, businesses and research organisations to build on regional strengths to create new jobs, drive innovation and productivity, and bring in further public and private investment. Professor Richard Emes, pro vice-chancellor research and international at Nottingham Trent University, said it would build on the region’s strengths in research, innovation and industrial collaboration. He said: “By working together, the region’s universities are helping to accelerate innovation in priority sectors, translating world-leading research into real impact, supporting business growth, and developing the skilled workforce needed to create high-quality jobs and drive long-term economic prosperity." Professor Daniel Parsons, pro-vice-chancellor research and innovation at Loughborough University, said: “The East Midlands has nationally significant strengths in advanced manufacturing, clean energy and engineering, and this investment will help turn those strengths into new capability, stronger supply chains and high-quality jobs.”

Loughborough University is one of the partners involved in the project

Claire Ward, mayor of the East Midlands believes the latest funding will provide a great opportunity for the region

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‘This funding will ensure that ambitious businesses with the power to change the world can establish, grow, and thrive here’

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POLITICS

Partnership aiming to boost visitor economy A new partnership has been launched to grow the East Midlands visitor economy by £1bn by 2035 – by attracting more visitors, encouraging longer stays and increasing spending. Visit East Midlands brings together the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), councils, tourist bodies and businesses to promote the region, bring in new visitors and help tourism and hospitality businesses grow. East Midlands mayor Claire Ward said: "From the Peak District and Sherwood Forest to our cities, market towns, heritage, culture and worldclass sporting venues, we have an incredible story to tell and so much for people to discover.

‘We want visitors to stay longer, spend more and discover brilliant places they might not otherwise have considered’ “By working together, we can tell that story more effectively and make it easier for people to explore more of the East Midlands. “We want visitors to stay longer, spend more and discover brilliant places they might not otherwise have considered. We have set ourselves an ambitious target of growing the visitor economy by an additional £1bn by 2035. “By working together and telling more people what makes the East Midlands special, we can attract new visitors, create opportunities for local businesses and make sure communities across our region benefit.” The Visit East Midlands website provides a hub for the region’s visitor economy, bringing

Curbar Edge is one of many visitor attractions in the Peak District National Park

together research, sector data, investment opportunities, funding programmes and practical resources for businesses. It will also showcase the region’s collective strengths, from its landscapes, heritage and culture to its sporting venues, major events and business tourism offer. Estimates for 2024 suggest the visitor economy across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire generated £5.48bn in direct visitor spending, supported about 55,700 full-time equivalent jobs and led to more than 70 million day trips. Visit: visiteastmidlands.org

IN BRIEF ASHFIELD CAREERS FAIR IS JUST THE JOB More than 800 jobseekers and students attended the annual Ashfield Careers Fair in Kirkby. The Ashfield District Council event at Kirkby Leisure Centre was used to publicise around 900 jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities. More than 60 businesses attended the free event, which was held in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions and supported by Matthews and Tannert and Mansfield Radio. Jobseekers were able to talk to representatives from businesses including East Midlands Rail, GlenAir UK, Boneham and Turner, Amazon, Everyone Active, Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Vaughandale Construction. Councillor Matthew Relf, the council’s executive lead for growth, regeneration and local planning, said: “It was great to see so many businesses come together under one roof to support people across Ashfield to find their dream jobs and get on the career ladder. “We would like to thank everyone who exhibited and attended our fair and we look forward to doing it again next year.”

CHARNWOOD INVESTS IN BUSINESS GROWTH A Business Growth Programme has launched to help businesses in part of north Leicestershire grow, innovate and improve productivity. Funded by Charnwood Borough Council and delivered by Loughborough University in partnership with Horizon360 and Community Enterprise Engine, the programme is open to ambitious businesses based in Charnwood looking to take the next steps.

‘Charnwood is a borough with a strong tradition of innovation and enterprise’

Nottingham is set to get 20 new Community Protection Officers

Nottingham is investing to tackle anti-social behaviour Nottingham City Council is putting £934,000 into 20 new Community Protection Officers (CPOs), to help tackle anti-social behaviour and keep the city cleaner and safer. It is part of a wider programme of £20.4m aimed at improving frontline services in the city. The investment will support the council’s Respect for Nottingham programme, delivering

improvements to streets and neighbourhoods as well as additional frontline officers. The new staff will help tackle issues residents and businesses raise, including anti-social behaviour, littering, fly-tipping and other environmental concerns. It will bring the number of CPOs posts up to 60. They provide a visible and approachable presence, helping people access support and report concerns to the relevant agencies.

The programme focuses on the power of human connection, creating opportunities for business leaders to share experiences, challenge their thinking, gain fresh perspectives and develop the confidence needed to move their business forward. Council economic development spokeswoman Councillor Jennifer Tillotson said: "Charnwood is a borough with a strong tradition of innovation and enterprise, and we are pleased to be funding a programme that will help businesses build confidence, increase productivity and achieve their ambitions." At the heart of the programme is the Business Growth Boardroom, providing regular sessions designed to give business leaders dedicated time away from the day-to-day demands of running a business to focus on strategic priorities and discuss challenges with their peers. Business Growth Boardrooms will take place at The Careers & Enterprise Hub in Loughborough from 9am to 12.30pm on: Thursday 26 November 2026 Thursday 28 January 2027 Thursday 25 February 2027 Visit: luinc.uk/programs/business-growth

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FEATURE CHAMBER NEWS

DIGITAL MEDIA SERVICES

FEATURES TURNING THE SPOTLIGHT ON ISSUES AND SECTORS THAT MATTER TO BUSINESS

The customers you never knew you lost By Tim Glynn (pictured), CEO & founder, Adodo Consultancy Services.

ost businesses know how many enquiries they receive. Far fewer know how many opportunities disappear before anyone picks up the telephone, fills in a form or speaks to their team. A prospective customer searches for a service, visits a website, looks around and leaves. Another sends a question late in the evening and hears nothing until the following day. A third compares several local firms and

chooses the one whose reviews make them feel most confident. None of these moments necessarily appears on a sales report. Yet together they can influence how much business a company wins. For owners reviewing their digital strategy, it helps to consider three linked questions: can people find us, can they engage with us, and do we make it easy for them to take the next step?

‘Try searching for your main services as a potential customer would, including your town or region. Does your business appear? Is the information correct? Does what you see inspire confidence?’

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1. CAN THE RIGHT CUSTOMERS FIND YOU? Search visibility is about more than appearing somewhere on Google. Customers increasingly discover businesses through maps, review platforms, directories and AIpowered search tools. Consistent contact details, an accurate Google Business Profile, useful website content and relevant customer reviews help people understand what you offer and

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DIGITAL MEDIA SERVICES

whether you serve their area. Try searching for your main services as a potential customer would, including your town or region. Does your business appear? Is the information correct? Does what you see inspire confidence? Visibility gets you considered. Credibility helps you get chosen.

2. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE ARRIVES? Websites often measure visits, but visits are not the same as conversations. Some people are simply researching. Others have a genuine need but are not ready to complete a form or wait for a callback. Ask whether visitors can quickly find answers to basic questions about services, coverage, availability and next steps. Is there a clear route to speak to someone? Does the site work properly on a mobile phone? AI-powered website assistants can help here by answering routine questions, guiding visitors and inviting them to make contact. Depending on how a system is configured, it may also capture enquiry details or arrange appointments outside office hours.

That does not mean identifying every anonymous visitor. Any collection of personal information needs a lawful basis, appropriate transparency and sensible data protection controls.

3. HOW QUICKLY DO YOU FOLLOW UP? A valuable enquiry can cool quickly, especially when a customer is comparing several suppliers. Slow responses, unclear ownership and forgotten follow-ups create avoidable friction. Simple improvements can make a difference: acknowledge enquiries promptly, direct them to the right person, record agreed next steps and use reminders where appropriate. Consider a typical customer journey. Someone finds your business on a Tuesday evening, has a straightforward question and wants an appointment. If they receive a useful answer immediately, they can take the next step while their interest is high. If they wait until Thursday, their priorities, or preferred supplier, may already have changed. Automation should support human relationships, not replace them. A quick,

FEATURE

relevant response is useful; a stream of impersonal messages is not. Start with the customer journey, not the software Before investing in another marketing platform, map the route from initial search to confirmed customer. Note where people struggle to find information, where enquiries wait and where follow-up becomes inconsistent. Then establish a few practical measures: qualified enquiries, response times, booked conversations and conversion rates. Compare these over time, rather than assuming more website traffic automatically means more revenue. The most effective digital improvements often come from connecting existing activities rather than adding another disconnected tool. Technology can make a business more responsive and visible. But the principle remains reassuringly traditional: be easy to find, helpful to deal with and reliable in following through. For local businesses, that combination is still a powerful competitive advantage.

November 2026 business network

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CHAMBER FEATURE NEWS

DIGITAL MEDIA SERVICES

Cyber security isn’t an IT problem.

It’s a leadership problem. By Gareth Coleman (pictured), commercial operations director, Apograph.

or years, cyber security has been treated as an IT issue: delegated to an IT manager, outsourced to a provider, or parked on a risk register for annual review. Many business leaders still take comfort in the idea that cyber-attacks are aimed mainly at multinationals, banks and government departments. That is one of the most dangerous misconceptions in business today. Cyber criminals are not targeting organisations because of their size. They are targeting them because of their vulnerability. For many SMEs, that makes them attractive: they hold valuable customer data, use financial systems, rely heavily on technology and often have limited resources to detect or respond to an attack. In conversations with organisations across the East Midlands, I still hear the same response, "We're too small to be a target." The uncomfortable truth is that most SMEs aren't too small to be attacked. They're simply too small for the attack to make the headlines. Modern cybercrime has become commercialised. Ransomware, stolen credentials and attack tools can be bought online much like legitimate businesses subscribe to software services. Attacks are increasingly opportunistic. Criminals are looking for an unlocked door. AI adds another dimension. 50 business network November 2026

It represents one of the biggest productivity opportunities businesses will see this decade, but many organisations are adopting it without first considering security, governance or data protection. Just as "Shadow IT" described unauthorised applications outside company control, we are now witnessing the rise of “Shadow AI”. Employees are uploading contracts, financial information, customer records, pricing models, intellectual property and commercially sensitive data into AI tools that have not been approved, assessed or governed. Usually this isn't malicious. People are simply trying to work faster and smarter. But speed without governance creates risk. The challenge is not AI itself. The challenge is adoption without governance. This is why cyber security has become a leadership issue rather than simply a technology issue.

‘Technology matters, but leadership determines whether these measures are funded, implemented, tested and maintained’ Behind many serious cyber incidents sit broader organisational decisions: whether security was adequately funded, whether employees were trained, whether systems were maintained, whether recovery was tested and whether cyber risk had sufficient visibility at leadership level. When an incident occurs, cyber security rapidly becomes a business issue. Operations stop. Staff cannot work. Customers demand answers. Suppliers need reassurance. Regulators may need to be informed. Revenue is disrupted and reputations are damaged. At that point, the question is rarely whether the business had antivirus software. It becomes whether leadership adequately prepared the

organisation for a foreseeable risk. The good news is that improving cyber resilience is often less complex than many imagine. The starting point is not necessarily expensive technology. Multi-factor authentication, security awareness, resilient backups, vulnerability management and tested incident response plans can significantly reduce risk. Technology matters, but leadership determines whether these measures are funded, implemented, tested and maintained. A board does not need to understand how every security technology works. But it should be able to answer some basic questions: What are our biggest cyber risks? What systems and data are critical to the business? Could we recover if they became unavailable tomorrow? Who makes decisions during an incident? When did we last test that assumption? Cyber security is also becoming a commercial issue. Customers, insurers, supply-chain partners and regulators are asking tougher questions. Organisations that can demonstrate good governance, recognised certifications and a proactive approach to security are not simply reducing risk. They are strengthening their position in the market. Perhaps we need to change the conversation. Instead of asking, "How much does cyber security cost?", leaders should ask, "What would disruption cost our organisation?" Cyber security should be viewed as an investment in continuity, reputation and growth. No business leader would knowingly ignore health and safety obligations, financial controls or legal compliance. Yet cyber risk is still underestimated, despite its ability to bring an otherwise successful organisation to a standstill. The most resilient businesses will not necessarily be those with the largest security budgets. They will be those whose leaders recognise that cyber security is a core business responsibility and act accordingly. Because in 2026, cyber security is no longer simply an IT problem. It is a leadership responsibility. And increasingly, it is becoming a test of leadership itself.

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BUSINESS NETWORK

October 2026 business network

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FOCUS This month’s Focus pages celebrate the women who make the East Midlands what it is.

HONOURING OUR REGION’S VERY BEST Photos: Pete Martin Photography

xceptional leaders, apprentices and entrepreneurs were honoured at the 2026 East Midlands Enterprising Women Awards, which took place at Center Parcs, Sherwood Forest. The annual awards – delivered by the Chamber’s Enterprising Women network and sponsored by headline partner Michael Smith Switchgear – were hosted by ITV presenter Emma Jesson. Awards were presented across 10 categories including Small Business of the Year, Developing Leader and Social Commitment. The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was given to BBC TV presenter Anne Davies, while Lisa Craven, managing director of rainwater harvesting specialist Stormsaver, was named Businesswoman of the Year. Stormsaver was also named Team of the Year.

‘East Midlands women in business always shine that bit brighter’ Anne Davies said: “Receiving this was just amazing – so lovely. It was a wonderful evening. “I have essentially been delivering the news for the people of the East Midlands for 40 years and to be a part of a place like the East Midlands, which I love, is just lovely. People say hello to you and you feel that you belong – it’s one of the nicest feelings. “Now I just want to pass all the things I’ve learned to other people because without communication, we don’t exist. If we can make that the best we can then I think it’s halfway to an important life.” Lisa Craven said: “My team – they’re absolutely amazing – and to my daughter, my family, everyone that supported me along the way, I thank you. I feel really humbled. I don’t want to run a business where we’re not doing the right thing and we’re not upholding values every day and I really want my team to embody that. “So, they come to work every day and we try to make a difference. Women are amazing. They go silently about their work, not wanting to be recognised and often having imposter syndrome but they’re doing amazing things.” The 2026 Social Commitment Award went to Katrice Rodriguez, a competitive swimmer who 52 business network November 2026

Co-chairs Eileen Perry MBE DL and Jean Mountain

The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to BBC TV presenter Anne Davies

launched Unity Swimming in 2022 to help people – particularly from black and Asian communities – feel confident in the water. She said: “It’s not just the people that learn to swim in the sessions that it makes a difference for, it’s their families and their whole communities. I love seeing the journey and being on that journey with them all.” Female Employee of the Year was Nichol Thompson, health and safety manager and assistant operations manager at West Special Fasteners, which makes fasteners for things made from stainless steel, high-performance alloys and other metals. She said: “To be announced on stage was a privilege and I felt really honoured at the fact

Michael Smith Switchgear managing director Sean Smith with Businesswoman of the Year Lisa Craven of Stormsaver

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

FOCUS

WINNERS OF THE ENTERPRISING WOMEN AWARDS 2026 Social Commitment Award – sponsored by Mackworth Vehicle Conversions

Female Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Freeths

WINNER: Katrice Rodriguez – Unity Swimming

WINNER: Tania Gerard – Tania Gerard Digital

Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Datalink Electronics

Small Business of the Year – sponsored by Knights

WINNER: Eve Hunt – LJM Solutions

WINNER: Creative Triangle

Female Employee of the Year – sponsored by Cambridge & Counties Bank

Team of the Year – sponsored by Azets

WINNER: Nichol Thompson – West Special Fasteners

Developing Leader Award – sponsored by Sarah Higgins Corporate Coaching

WINNER: Stormsaver

Businesswoman of the Year – sponsored by Michael Smith Switchgear WINNER: Lisa Craven – Stormsaver

WINNER: Preethi Kang – Qinesis Social Commitment Award winner Katrice Rodriguez

Innovation Award – sponsored by Pick Everard

Lifetime Achievement Award – sponsored by NOCN Group

WINNER: Lynn Johnson – FSG Returnables

WINNER: Anne Davies

Some of the winners and sponsors of this year’s Enterprising Women Awards

Winners Tania Gerard and Nichol Thompson

Lucy Robinson (left) with Innovation winner Lynn Johnson of FSG Returnables

that they recognised the good work that I’d done within the company.” Enterprising Women co-chair Eileen Perry MBE DL said: “East Midlands women in business always shine that bit brighter, setting a sky-high benchmark for innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership the UK can be proud of. 2026 has lifted that bar even higher, with the level of accomplishment of Enterprising Women Awards finalists and award recipients showing the world just what this region is made of.”

Fellow co-chair Jean Mountain said: “The sheer brilliance of East Midlands businesswomen is something I’ve been fortunate to see evolve and develop over the years with 2026 proving once again why every East Midlander should be taking a moment to reflect on what we have right here – women that get on with it. “They start a business. They overcome barriers and they make it to the top. They influence. They lead. One of our jobs at Enterprising Women is to make sure that is noticed – it’s seen, it’s recognised. The East Midlands has female directors driving growth and apprentices that will become those influential leaders tomorrow. “That’s why we must never hold back in celebrating the outstanding achievement of East Midlands businesswomen.”

To find out more about the Enterprising Women network visit: www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/enterprising-women Co-founders Eileen Perry MBE DL and Jean Mountain feature in an episode of East Midlands Chamber’s podcast The One for Business. To listen or download visit https://tinyurl.com/mryr46rp or go to wherever you get podcasts.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

PUTTING THE SPOTLIGHT ON INCLUSION IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Broadcaster Anne Davies receives her Lifetime Achievement Award

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR TV’S ANNE

roadcaster and journalist Anne Davies praised the work of the Chamber’s Enterprising Women network after being honoured with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The Award recognises outstanding women whose work has fundamentally shaped their industry, built and championed organisations at the highest level, and demonstrated excellence across the length their careers. She said: “Enterprising Women is so inclusive. It’s so celebratory – of women everywhere, and men are part of it as well, but it underlines the strengths and the capabilities that women have with all kinds of businesses.” For Anne, who anchors BBC East Midlands Today, the accolade celebrated a milestone – four decades on BBC television. A trusted voice across the region, her career has spanned some of its biggest news stories, earning her a reputation for a distinctive blend of warmth, calm and quiet authority. Anne began her career behind the scenes at BBC Current Affairs, working on flagship programmes including Question Time, Panorama and The Money Programme. Her transition to presenting began after moving to the Midlands to work for Radio Leicester and Radio Derby. Following time on the ITN news trainee scheme, she became a newsreader for Central News East. In 1993 she co-launched and anchored ITV’s breakfast programme GMTV alongside Eamonn Holmes. As well as marking her years in broadcasting, the Lifetime Achievement Award also highlights what Anne calls her

54 business network November 2026

Anne (right) with Eileen Perry

“second act” – a deliberate expansion into entrepreneurship, mentoring and philanthropy. That includes using the skills built in front of the camera to found a successful presentation coaching practice.

‘Enterprising Women is so inclusive. It’s so celebratory’ Through her VALUE framework – Voice, Appearance, Language, USP, and Energy – she holds workshops and offers packages tailored to corporate clients and individuals alike. She also launched the Fashanne Awards to give emerging creative and design talent in the East Midlands a platform for their work which never previously existed. She holds two honorary doctorates, serves as a Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire, and is a long-standing patron of both Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People and LOROS Hospice.

Tania has firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by neurodiverse people

The work of Tania Gerard, who was named Female Entrepreneur of the Year at the Enterprising Women Awards, focuses on neurodiversity in the workplace. She has more than a decade of digital marketing expertise, launching Tania Gerard Digital driven by a desire to improve communication between employees and employers, especially for those with neurodiverse conditions. As an AuDHD – autism and attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder – woman, Tania has a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals in the workplace. Her service offers workshops and resources designed to help businesses create more inclusive environments. She said: “When my name was read out as Female Entrepreneur of the Year I was in a complete state of shock as many could tell from when I spoke on stage. “I founded Tania Gerard Digital in 2024 with one belief – if your marketing, website or workplace shuts people out, it isn’t working the way it should be. “One in four UK adults is disabled, and around one in seven of us is neurodivergent. Yet most brands still design for an imaginary persona that simply doesn't exist. “So that's what we fix. We help companies, charities, governing bodies and educational institutions make their marketing accessible, from websites that meet WCAG standards to content people can actually read, navigate and act on.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Entrepreneur of the Year winner Tania Gerard giving a TED talk

FOCUS

MORE THAN A CELEBRATION Here is what some of the other winners and sponsors said about this year’s Enterprising Women Awards: LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

“We train leaders and teams across the UK and the US in neuroinclusion, so the people they hire can thrive rather than burn out like I did. “The results are commercial as well as ethical – better retention, wider reach and customers who feel seen. Not bad, is it? “To me, this award says accessibility has moved from light conversation into a core business strategy and I’m pretty proud that women are leading that shift. “Women aren’t asking permission to make a difference anymore. We're not waiting for a seat at the table or for someone to decide the time is right.

‘Awards like Enterprising Women make women visible to clients, investors, each other and the next generation’ “We're spotting what's broken, building the businesses that fix it and getting on with it, often around caring responsibilities, health and everything else life throws at us. “What we don't always do is stop and say, "Look what I built”. That's why recognition like this really matters. “Awards like Enterprising Women make women visible to clients, investors, each other and the next generation, who need to see someone who looks, thinks or works like them succeeding. You never know who you are inspiring next with your actions. “So, my ask to anyone reading this – when the next awards come around, nominate the woman in your network who’s quietly changing things. Nominate yourself. And if you lead a business, ask two questions. Who are you celebrating? And who are your website, your content and your workplace still leaving out? “Thank you to East Midlands Chamber, the Enterprising Women network, category sponsor Freeths and every finalist in my category. I’m proud to be in your company. “Now, back to work. There’s a lot more to change and develop.”

Rachel Hobson is director of customer service and operations at Lifetime Achievement Award sponsor NOCN Group, an international charity which delivers skills solutions described as ‘future-fit with social impact’ for colleges, training providers, employers and individuals. In addition to a subsidiary in India – the NOCN India Skills Foundation – the Group operates in Africa, ASEAN countries, Europe, the Gulf, South Asia and other international territories, spanning 32 countries. Rachel said: “We wanted to sponsor the Lifetime Achievement Award to recognise and acknowledge the fantastic work females in the region do. Being able to recognise someone that’s dedicated so much to the business community and to women – giving women the platform to be able to progress in work, in life and business has meant so much to us. “The Enterprising Women Awards are an opportunity to give women a platform to progress themselves, to acknowledge the great work that women are doing. That’s so critical.”

BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD Sean Smith is managing director of Michael Smith Switchgear, which sponsored the Businesswoman of the Year Award and was headline sponsor of this year’s overall Awards. From its base in Leicester it manufactures, installs and maintains low voltage switchgear and control panels. Sean said: “My business partner Emily won this back in 2022 and ever since we wanted to be involved in it. It was such an inspirational process and we love seeing how incredible businesswomen in the region don’t believe they’re doing incredible things day in, day out.”

DEVELOPING LEADER AWARD The Developing Leader Award – sponsored by Sarah Higgins Corporate Coaching went to Preethi Kang of business consultancy Qinesis. She also chairs the Chamber’s Generation Next network. Preethi said: “To be recognised as a developing leader, it just means the world. I

think what makes a good leader is to be selfaware. You’ve just got to be you and be empathetic with other people and just be human and everything else just naturally falls in place. The Enterprising Women Awards are really important because I think we don’t often just stop and recognise how far we’ve come.” Sarah Higgins, of Sarah Higgins Corporate Coaching, sponsored the Award. She said: “We’ve made great advances in society and in the world to help women, help anyone who might be disadvantaged in any way, to be able to succeed. We do still need to help people build their confidence in all walks of the life, especially women.”

SOCIAL COMMITMENT AWARD The Social Commitment Award – which went to Katrice Rodriguez, a competitive swimmer who launched Unity Swimming in 2022 – was sponsored by Derby-based Mackworth Vehicle Conversions, which provides commercial vehicle conversion and bodybuilding services. Sales manager Paul Chambers said: “Social commitment is really important to us as a business. We’ve been on site at our business in Derby for 65 years. Our social commitment to the local community over those 65 years has been massive, so it’s really important to us. “It’s such a fantastic thing that Katrice does with her business. It literally is life-saving.”

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD Lisa Gilligan, Leicester office managing partner at Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award sponsor Freeths, said: “This was an amazing category. We met some really inspirational women who have innovation, drive and sheer resilience. “It’s having that drive, that entrepreneurial drive but wanting to do it authentically and wanting to make a difference for the right reasons. That’s what stood out to me. It’s essential to celebrate women in business. Nights like tonight just prove it.” www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/ enterprising-women/

Some of the sponsors of this year’s Enterprising Women Awards

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

HIRING WOMEN FOR A HIGHER PURPOSE

omen are being hired but not promoted into key UK roles. That was one of the key findings of the 2026 Women in Work Gender Equity Measure report, produced in partnership with LinkedIn. The findings, which combine LinkedIn analysis of 3,855 UK employers with Women in Work’s tracking of 400 of the UK's biggest companies, suggest: • Six in 10 employers fail to promote or retain women in line with their 49% UK workforce representation

The report’s authors said that with new gender pay gap legislation coming in next April, employers will be required to show measurable action, on top of transparency. And things are improving. Data and case studies in the report, including Lush and Octopus Energy, show how some employers are working to put women equally among top earners. Of the 400 companies assessed by WiW this year, the number meeting three gender equity benchmarks – a pay gap below 15%, at least a third women on boards, and a publicly available parental leave policy – rose 13%.

• 65% of senior roles are filled from outside organisations, from male-skewed talent pools, with external hiring widening the gender gap

‘We all benefit when people can see what is possible’

• 43% of new senior leadership appointments go to women

Eleven trailblazers go further, with pay gaps under 1% and boards that are at least 50% female – Aramark, Bunzl, Costco, Diageo, Haleon, H&M, Lush, Octopus Energy, Rolls-Royce, Severn Trent and Spirax Sarco. The report suggests companies closing their pay gaps are not simply hiring more women: they are retaining them, promoting them, and supporting them into senior, betterpaid roles.

• Women account for 49% of manager-level talent but 40% of promotions into senior leadership • At 61% of companies, women are underrepresented in VP-level roles and above. • 90% of chief executive appointments last year went to men.

Eileen Perry MBE DL (pictured) is the founder of East Midlands Chamber strategic partner ER Recruitment in Leicester. She is also a Chamber director and co-chair of its Enterprising Women network. She said the reports show that while gender equity is improving it has a long way to go. She said: “The findings of the 2026 Women in Work Gender Equity Measure are really interesting, particularly the headline that women are getting into the workplace but not necessarily progressing and being retained at the same rate as men. Having worked in recruitment for many

SUSTAINABILITY IS ABOUT STAFF AS WELL AS BUSINESS Ezra’s Confetti supplies biodegradable wedding confetti made from flower petals that is “venue-approved, fully biodegradable and personalised” to match individual wedding colours. The business was founded two years ago by Ezra, then aged six, after he made natural petal confetti over the school summer holidays, ready for his dad and step-mum’s wedding. He sold the left-overs, earning his first pocket money, and became obsessed with the environment and with a desire to be a young entrepreneur. Things grew and in February last year, Ezra’s Confetti opened its first production unit. This February, it opened what is thought to be the world’s first biodegradable petal confetti shop. Ezra’s mum Catherine Burns is a director of the company: When people talk about women in business, the conversations typically turn to leadership, entrepreneurship and representation. All of those things matter, but there is another, much more everyday question businesses need to ask – how easy are we making it for mums, and parents more widely, to stay in or return to meaningful work? At Ezra’s Confetti, this is something we have thought about a lot; not because we set out wanting to create an elaborate employment model, but because many of the things that make working life easier for parents simply seem obvious to us. All of our shop opening hours sit within the school day – we only open after school drop-off and finish before pick-up. If somebody on our team needs to start later because their child has a dentist appointment, 56 business network November 2026

leave early because they are unwell, or disappear for an hour because there is an assembly or sports day, that is fine. In fact, that is not just expected of our team, but encouraged. Sometimes we know weeks in advance of plans, and sometimes we know that morning. Heck, sometimes people simply need to adjust their hours and tell us afterwards. We’ve never found the world to simply ‘fall apart’ with this type of structure. Put simply, we have a huge amount of trust in our team. We employ adults, and so we also treat them like adults. We also pay our normal full wage for sick days (including those where our team are off as their little ones are sick), rather than immediately dropping somebody onto statutory sick-pay arrangements. No one should have to choose

between getting better, and taking a day off (or forcing a little one into school so that they can go and earn money). Our approach to compassionate leave is based upon ‘being a human’ too. Compassionate leave policies that recognise only a narrow list of

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

years, I know that getting the right people through the door is hugely important, but recruitment is only the beginning. “What happens once someone is in the organisation is just as important. Are they being encouraged to put themselves forward? Are they being given opportunities to develop and progress? And can they see people like themselves already succeeding at the levels they aspire to? “When women see other women in senior and influential positions, it can make those roles feel more achievable. We all benefit when people can see what is possible. “There is also the issue of confidence. Imposter syndrome can be a real barrier, and I think women can sometimes look at a senior role and focus on the things they don’t have rather than recognising the experience and skills they do bring. That can mean they don’t put themselves forward in the first place. As businesses and as networks, we have a role to play in helping to change that. “That is something we are trying to do through Enterprising Women, alongside many other fantastic networks and organisations. Creating opportunities to connect, share experiences, encourage one another and provide visible role models. “The figures in this report show that we still have a significant way to go. We shouldn’t sugarcoat that. But they also show where we need to focus, not just on recruiting women, but on retaining them, supporting them and making sure they have the same opportunity to progress. If we can do that, everyone gains, women, businesses and the wider economy.”

Catherine Burns and Ezra, from Ezra’s Confetti

Nicky Astle and Val Vannet of Rayburn Tours while leading geography school groups in Iceland

DIVERSE OPINIONS MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE Derby-based school tours specialist Rayburn Tours has a team of more than 100 people, organising everything from educational trips to school skiing holiday, sports tours and concert tours. Here, managing director Katie Boyden writes about ‘Leading from the Front’ and how female leadership is shaping the future of the travel company: It’s no secret that women have long kept the travel industry moving. Looking at data gathered by the World Travel and Tourism Council, women make up nearly 40% of the total workforce in travel and tourism. But take a look inside most corporate boardrooms, and the picture changes pretty quickly. Across the UK, women still hold just around 30% of executive director roles, and the travel sector has historically struggled to bridge that gap at the top. It’s an interesting topic of conversation. But step inside Rayburn Tours, and things are looking very different. It has a boardroom that reflects the real world.

immediate relatives can completely miss the people who actually have played the biggest role in somebody’s life. We also pay the real Living Wage, provide 30 days’ annual leave pro rata for a full-time employee, all in addition to Bank Holidays and our Christmas shutdown, and try to create what I prefer to think of as a life-work balance, rather than asking life to fit around work. Flexibility should also not mean a job without development. We regularly engage with our team and encourage them to question decisions, suggest improvements, take on different responsibilities and access training. We have regular one-to-ones and wellbeing conversations. None of this feels revolutionary to us, but common sense. A sustainable business also has to be sustainable for the people working within it.

FOCUS

‘Having women at the top isn’t just a win for workplace balance – it directly shapes the experience Rayburn delivers’ At Rayburn, women aren’t just running a significant portion of the business’s operations behind the scenes; they are driving the company’s strategy, growth and vision. With top-level female leadership roles making up 75% of the current directorship, including me as joint managing director, finance director Lucy James and operations and customer relations director Kelly Wigley,

Rayburn boasts a prominent female leadership team. Interestingly, take one step down from director to senior management, and women make up 75% of employees, contributing to the overall business strategy and goals. With its family-run roots, but with twothirds of the current directors brought in from outside the family, the organisation has organically grown, creating an enhanced leadership team that brings diverse perspectives, fresh ideas, and grounded leadership to the forefront. Having women at the top isn’t just a win for workplace balance – it directly shapes the experience Rayburn delivers to schools, groups and staff every day. A huge number of teachers, party leaders, and organisers who book trips with Rayburn are women. It is reported that 76% of teachers in the UK are indeed female. Having strong female leadership means our team naturally understands the diversity of real-world priorities, safety concerns, and support that educators need when taking students abroad. Diverse perspectives mean better problemsolving and a stronger, more resilient workforce. The wider travel industry still has work to do when it comes to true board-level equality, but Rayburn Tours is proving how a growing family-run business can make a real difference in this arena.

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FEATURE

BUSINESS BANKING & FINANCE

Top tips for a healthy cash flow Maintaining a good business cash flow can be challenging at the best of times, but there are ways to make it more manageable and stressfree. Business Network offers its top tips. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAYMENT TERMS

AGREE TS AND CS

For companies selling products, payment terms are usually immediate, such as in advance at the time of the order, or on delivery. For service companies, terms of payment tend to be 30 days, or less (depending on size). It’s worth asking customers for advance payments in certain situations, such as when you’re delivering a large project or working for a new client.

Always have a contract and payment terms agreed in advance of a work order. Otherwise, you could experience delays and even non-payment if a dispute arises. Agree your rates and the goods/service you’re delivering, as well as when you’ll be billing and your payment terms. Also, familiarise yourself with the accounting procedures that your customers have in advance. This is especially relevant when dealing with larger companies with purchase order systems.

TIMELY BILLING Ensure you issue invoices at the right time. This will help reduce ‘lock-up’ – this is the in between when you have paid for the goods/services you’re providing to when you get paid by your customer (i.e. the time that your cash is locked-up). Also, make it easy for customers to pay you. Consider having a credit and debit card payment facility and use click and pay invoicing (this is where invoices are issued electronically with links to online payment providers).

USE CREDIT CONTROL APPS

It’s good practice to send invoices out at the right time

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Consider an automated credit control system or app to chase up debts. These apps work by reading your debtor ledger and emailing out reminders to customers who exceed their credit terms. Notices can be set to send out periodically until a payment has been received and then issue a thank you note. Although apps do not offer a complete solution, they can prove very effective, particularly where individuals prefer not to chase payments themselves.

‘Always have a contract and payment terms agreed in advance of a work order. Otherwise, you could experience delays and even non-payment if a dispute arises’

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FEATURE

CONSIDER OUTSOURCING If employing a credit controller full-time isn’t costeffective, it might be worth outsourcing your credit control to a third party. Providers vary, but most offer access to a qualified credit controller/s, who can manage your debtors and chase payments up on your behalf, for a fixed monthly fee.

CONTROL OVERHEADS Review your overheads regularly to keep costs in check. For example, outgoings for items such as postage, electricity, light and heating tend to increase over time, so it’s worth revisiting your options and providers.

FINANCE OPTIONS Ensure you have the right type of finance in place at the lowest cost; for example, there are a range of asset finance options to fund equipment purchases. Also, look at any existing debt – are you getting the best rates and are debts structured in the best way? It may be better to consolidate several loans, for example.

HAVE CASH RESERVES It’s good practice to give yourself a ‘cash buffer’. Debtor days are still high and although 35-60 days is average, up to 90 days is becoming more common. Putting money aside to cover your costs, including Corporation Tax and VAT, ensures you don’t get caught out if your receipts aren’t as expected.

FORECAST CASH FLOW Annual cash flow forecasts can be very inaccurate. Consider using short-term cash flow forecasts, which should reveal any pinch points more accurately. There are a range of cash flow forecasting apps available, which you may have access to already if you’re using a cloud accounting package. These can help you visualise and monitor cashflow over the coming weeks and months.

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BUSINESS BANKING & FINANCE

If your customers aren’t paying you,

you’re financing their business

By Karl Baker, (pictured) recoveries manager, Taurus Collections & Debtco.

Business owners can avoid financial difficulties by making sure clients pay on time

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BUSINESS BANKING & FINANCE

FEATURE

usiness owners spend a great deal of time thinking about finance. How much cash is in the bank? What facilities are available? Is there enough working capital to fund growth? Should we extend the overdraft, increase invoice finance or look at another form of lending? Yet one of the biggest sources of finance in many businesses is rarely viewed in the same way: money owed by customers. Because if you have completed the work, supplied the goods and issued the invoice, but are still waiting to be paid 60, 90 or 120 days later, there is a simple reality. You are financing your customer’s business. And in most cases, you are doing it interest-free.

TURNOVER IS VANITY. CASH REMAINS KING. A business can look successful on paper and still find itself under enormous pressure because too much of its cash is sitting in its sales ledger. That matters because unpaid invoices do not just affect the bank balance. They restrict recruitment. Delay investment. Put pressure on supplier relationships. Increase borrowing requirements. And, perhaps most frustratingly, consume management time. A £50,000 debtor that remains unpaid for four months is effectively £50,000 of working capital that your business cannot use. The question therefore shouldn’t simply be: Will they eventually pay? A better question is: How much is waiting costing us?

‘External debt recovery should not be regarded as the final act of desperation after six months of unanswered emails. Used properly, it is simply another part of the credit management process’ THE DANGER OF BEING TOO PATIENT Most business owners understandably want to preserve customer relationships. So another reminder goes out. Then another statement. Then somebody promises to pay on Friday. Friday comes and goes, but because the relationship matters, another week is allowed. This is where good credit control can become counterproductive. There is a point at which patience stops protecting the commercial relationship and starts rewarding non-payment. The strongest businesses create clear escalation points before emotion gets involved. That might mean telephone contact immediately after an invoice becomes overdue, formal written reminders at predetermined intervals and external escalation when agreed deadlines are repeatedly missed. The important thing is consistency. Customers quickly learn which suppliers will chase payment and which will tolerate delay.

SEPARATE GENUINE PROBLEMS FROM HABITUAL DELAY Not every unpaid invoice requires aggressive action. Sometimes there is a genuine dispute. Sometimes a customer has experienced temporary cashflow difficulties. In those circumstances, a structured repayment arrangement may produce a better commercial outcome than immediately pursuing legal proceedings. But vague assurances are different. “Payment is being processed.” “The director needs to approve it.” “It should be with you next week.” Businesses should recognise the difference between communication and commitment. If a debtor genuinely intends to resolve an account, it should normally be possible to agree something tangible: a payment date, an immediate part-payment or a documented instalment arrangement. If that repeatedly fails to happen, escalation becomes a commercial decision rather than an emotional one.

MAKE THE SALES LEDGER PART OF YOUR FINANCE STRATEGY Banks and lenders quite rightly analyse cashflow, liabilities and working capital before making funding decisions. Business owners should apply the same discipline internally. Review aged debt regularly. Identify concentrations of risk. Set sensible credit limits. Challenge customers who consistently stretch agreed terms. Most importantly, decide in advance when an overdue account stops being a credit-control issue and becomes a recovery issue. External debt recovery should not be regarded as the final act of desperation after six months of unanswered emails. Used properly, it is simply another part of the credit management process. The objective is not necessarily to threaten court proceedings. In many cases, early professional intervention is enough to change the priority of an invoice and open a sensible conversation about payment. And that brings us back to finance. Before increasing your borrowing to solve a cashflow problem, take a hard look at the money already owed to your business. You may discover that one of your cheapest sources of additional working capital is already sitting on your balance sheet. The only question is how quickly you are prepared to collect it. November 2026 business network

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DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY

DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY THE CUTTING-EDGE SECTOR THAT IMPACTS THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS

Service will help SMEs adopt AI N

ottingham-based Air IT Group has launched a new suite of AI services designed to help SMEs make better decisions about AI adoption and investment. The new offering extends Air IT Group’s capabilities beyond Microsoft Copilot, combining its AI accelerator workshops with its new

Air Agent Marketplace, bespoke agent development and AI managed services. The services will help businesses identify where AI can create the greatest value, build a clear strategy and move from experimentation to implementation. The services have been designed to address what management call

‘SMEs are under pressure to act on AI, but speed alone does not lead to better decisions’

an “AI Decision Gap” – the growing pressure on businesses to adopt AI without always having a clear view of the outcomes or investment needed. The new Air Agent Marketplace is a portfolio of ready-to-deploy AI agents, which can be configured to each organisation’s needs. Air IT Group has spent the last three years on its own automation and AI journey – applying AI across the business so that it is embedded

Members of the team at Air IT Group

into how it “thinks, operates and serves customers”. Chief technology officer Lee Johnson said: “AI has the potential to be a major productivity driver for SMEs, but only if businesses can move from interest and experimentation to focused execution. “Many organisations know AI matters, but they need help deciding where to start, what to prioritise and how to turn the opportunity into measurable business value. “This launch is about giving customers the confidence and capability to invest in AI in a way that is structured, responsible and aligned to the outcomes they want to achieve.” Chief executive Barney Taylor said: “SMEs are under pressure to act on AI, but speed alone does not lead to better decisions. “Too often, businesses start with the technology before defining the problem, the value they expect to create, or how success will be measured. “The next phase of AI adoption will be defined by execution. SMEs need solutions that are practical, secure and ready to use, but also focused on the work that will make the biggest difference to their business.”

...and a new scheme to close AI skills gap East Midlands businesses and students from the University of Leicester will be offered the skills needed to thrive in an AI-enabled economy through a new programme. The East Midlands Pathways to AI Programme (EMPAIP) is a 45-month project to build a regional ecosystem connecting postgraduate talent with employers, helping to close the AI skills gap, while accelerating business innovation across the region.

‘We are creating a practical pathway that brings together education, innovation and employer engagement’ Led by the University of Leicester School of Business, it will combine academic innovation, work-based learning, and employer development through three key pathways – a postgraduate AIfocused business project based on real employer briefs; structured six-week student internships; 62 business network November 2026

The School of Business at the University of Leicester

and an AI for business accelerator programme for local business leaders. It has been funded by Innovate UK, the UK government’s innovation agency. Project lead Professor Paul Baines is head of executive education at the university's School of Business. He said: “AI presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for businesses and individuals. “Through EMPAIP, we are creating a practical

pathway that brings together education, innovation and employer engagement, ensuring that East Midlands businesses have access to both the talent and expertise they need to succeed.” Professor Xue Zhou, dean of AI at the business school, said: “Through an innovative approach to business education, students will work on authentic business challenges, learning how to design, develop and deploy AI agent solutions that address real organisational needs.”

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BUSINESS NETWORK

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BUSINESS NETWORK

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LEGAL

BUSINESS SUPPORT THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES FROM OUR KEY INDUSTRY SECTORS

Record financial results as Freeths continues to grow

reeths has announced record financial results for the year ended 31 March 2026, with turnover up more than 12% to £187.6m and – despite a significant investment programme – profits up 8.2%. It marks Freeths’ fourth consecutive year of double-digit growth, with turnover increasing by 83% over the past five years. Management said momentum was driven by deeper relationships with established clients, an increase in new client instructions, and rising demand for specialist advice as organisations and individuals navigate regulatory change, economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Corporate, employment and planning & environment recorded particularly strong performances, with turnover up 24%, 33% and 27%, respectively. Growth in those areas was driven by demand for advice on private

National managing partner Karl Jansen

equity, mergers and acquisitions and international transactions, as well as workplace reform and big infrastructure and water-related projects.

‘We have continued to invest in our people and technology, while also ensuring that our colleagues share in the success they helped create’

Longstanding clients include Aldi, Mercedes-Benz, Barratt, Redrow and Travis Perkins, and the firm secured instructions from new clients including Holland & Barrett, Finance Earth and ExCeL London. New client wins rose 9% year-onyear, while turnover from the firm’s top 50 clients increased by 11%. High-value work included advising Centrica on its circa£370m acquisition of the Severn Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine power station and helping Gleeds on contractual arrangements linked to the £136bn Sellafield decommissioning programme. The business welcomed 187 new colleagues across its legal and business support teams during the year, made 16 strategic lateral partner hires and promoted 86 people, including 14 partner promotions. It also awarded £4.3m in staff bonuses. National managing partner Karl Jansen said: “As part of our commitment to developing innovative solutions that deliver clear value for our clients, we have continued to invest in our people and technology, while also ensuring that our colleagues share in the success they helped create.”

Accreditation for childcare solicitor Timms childcare solicitor Leonnie Watson has passed the Law Society Children’s law accreditation. Accreditation formally recognises Leonnie’s expert knowledge, skill, experience and practice in family court matters. Leonnie obtained her undergraduate law degree, with honours, at the University of Derby in 2018. In 2020, she went on to complete the Legal Practice Course and master’s degree on a part-time basis from Nottingham Trent University while working at Timms and supporting the care team in Burton and Derby. Now based between the Derby, Swadlincote and Burton offices, she joined Timms in 2018 as a family law paralegal and gained a training contract in 2021. One year later, she qualified as a solicitor and immediately developed a love for family law work. Today, her primary focus is on public law matters, representing parents at the pre-proceedings stage through to court proceedings where there is a local authority involved.

Timms childcare solicitor Leonnie Watson

The University of Leicester

Law School offers free legal advice People struggling to afford legal advice can benefit from strengthened support through the free legal advice clinic at Leicester Law School. The clinic offers help in areas such as immigration, housing, employment, family and consumer law, with trained law students providing advice under the supervision of qualified solicitors. The service has been strengthened after final-year law student Ayesha Emaan became the first University of Leicester student to pass the Level 1 Immigration Advice Authority assessment. Ayesha previously worked for a charity supporting people affected by domestic violence, including immigrants and non-English speakers. She said: “My previous work supporting women affected by domestic violence made me particularly aware of the barriers people can face when trying to access legal advice. “It showed me that legal rights have limited value if people are unable to understand or enforce them. “That experience was a significant reason why I wanted to join the legal advice clinic and contribute to making legal support more accessible. “Preparing for the assessment was challenging because immigration law was a relatively new area for me. I had to develop my understanding independently and become comfortable applying a detailed regulatory framework to practical scenarios.”

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FINANCE

Funding helps business to cast off

n independent shop in the heart of Nottingham is celebrating two years of growth following £60,000 in funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II) through First Enterprise. Since receiving the investment, Knit Nottingham has expanded its product range, strengthened its community offering, and continued building its reputation as a destination for knitting and crochet enthusiasts.

The funding helped Hannah and Daniel Byrne buy the business from its previous owner, investing in stock, and providing working capital. Since taking over, the couple have combined Hannah’s retail expertise with Daniel’s e-commerce and marketing experience to build on the shop’s foundations, introducing new ideas for customers both in-store and online. The business has expanded its range of British yarns to include small-batch knitting kits produced

on the Isle of Colonsay, and Handspun yarn from Melbourne in Derbyshire using Portland breed sheep from Calke Abbey. Average spend was up 6% yearon-year between January and August and the couple have opened workshop space to other independent creatives. Hannah and Daniel said: “The funding helped us achieve our dream of owning a small business that also serves as a community hub for fellow creatives.

“Looking back two years later, we're incredibly proud of how far we've come. The support we received from First Enterprise gave us the confidence and foundation to keep building the business.” First Enterprise is a not-for-profit, FCA-accredited finance provider offering loans to start-ups and established businesses. Over the last 37 years it has helped businesses that struggle to secure funding from high street lenders, particularly those in underserved and underrepresented communities.

‘It’s incredibly rewarding to revisit businesses like Knit Nottingham and see the difference funding can make’ Deputy director Danielle Davis said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to revisit businesses like Knit Nottingham and see the difference funding can make over time. “Hannah and Daniel have taken an already well-loved business and built on its success, creating new opportunities for customers, supporting local makers, and strengthening Nottingham’s creative community. Their progress over the past two years is exactly the kind of long-term impact the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II was designed to achieve.”

Knit Nottingham owners Daniel and Hannah Byrne

HSBC in disaster relief partnership HSBC is partnering with UNICEF, the British Red Cross and Save the Children to launch a Disaster Relief Partnership. The partnership – backed by $4.5m in funding from HSBC – will help the organisations respond and provide rapid relief when natural disasters occur. It will also help at-risk communities by investing in warning systems and firstresponder training. Pam Kaur, the bank’s group chief financial officer, said: “In an emergency, speed saves lives, and funding for disaster response has to keep pace. As an international bank with deep roots around the world, HSBC cares deeply about getting support to communities as quickly as we can.”

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Ian Mattioli joins board of Tigers The co-founder of wealth management specialist Mattioli Woods has joined the board of Leicester Tigers. Ian Mattioli MBE DL Hon LLD has more than 40 years’ experience in the financial services sector, launching Mattioli Woods – current East Stand and Stadium sponsor – with Bob Woods MBE in 1991. He led the company through its 2005 flotation on the London stock market and grew it into a top 10 wealth manager, looking after around 100,000 individual clients. The business sold to private equity firm Pollen Street Capital in 2024 and Ian stepped down as chief executive last year. In 2017, he was awarded an MBE for services to business and the community in Leicestershire. Tigers chairman Tom Scott said: “He has been a staunch supporter of the club over a long period of time and his commitment to the club is unquestionable. “On a personal note, I have known Ian for many years and he has proved his support for Tigers, the city as a whole and the wider area. In his new role I know his experience and passion will shine through and he will be a valuable asset to Leicester Tigers moving forwards.” Ian said: “I’m massively excited. Leicester is where I was brought up and Leicester is my home.

Ian Mattioli MBE DL Hon LLD has joined the board of Leicester Tigers

“I can bring all of my family to Mattioli Woods Welford Road and it’s just brilliant. It has a great atmosphere and is diverse and safe. I just hope and wish for every success on this club because it deserves it. Hearing Olivia and Hugo (two of my seven grandchildren) roar “Tigers” is incredible. They are all asking when we can come back.”

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FINANCE

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November 2026 business network

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SKILLS

Leicester College to be a training hub for FE staff

eicester College has been selected as a training hub for further education staff in the East Midlands – one of just nine in England. As a Technical and Vocational Excellence Hub it will work with colleges, training providers, employers and sector specialists to

Leicester College principal Shabir Islam

help teaching staff prepare for changes to post-16 technical education, including T Levels, V Levels and revised Level 2 pathways. It will also help education professionals across the region learn from one another. College principal and chief executive Shabir Ismail said: “Being selected as the East Midlands Technical and Vocational Excellence Hub is an opportunity for Leicester College to share the expertise that we have developed through our own experience of delivering technical and vocational education, whilst learning from colleagues, employers and providers across the region. “The focus will be on practical professional development that supports teachers to deliver new qualifications with confidence. By bringing learning leads, subject

Leicester College’s Abbey Park Campus

‘The focus will be on practical professional development that supports teachers to deliver new qualifications with confidence’ specialists and industry experts together, we can create a stronger community of practice across the East Midlands and share approaches that can have a wider impact.” Leicester College supports more than 10,000 learners and has more than 1,150 staff, with provision ranging from entry level through to higher education Level 6. It is one of England's top three T Level providers – with 233 T Level students in 2024/25 –and has more

than 1,000 live apprentices training there. Over the years it has built significant experience in supporting professional development beyond its own organisation – leading the East Midlands Maths Centres of Excellence, working with other colleges through the Local Skills Improvement Fund, and participating in the Association of College’s Teacher Mentoring Network with Nottingham College and Moulton College.

The 2025 Nova Education Trust Transformational Awards

Celebrating the power of education Hundreds of pupils, colleagues and business leaders from across the East Midlands will gather at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham this month for the fourth annual Nova Education Trust Transformational Awards. The evening, on 23 November, is dedicated to celebrating all the people who make the trust what it is, shining a light on the difference education can make to young lives. The trust is made up of 19 academies in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire – six primaries, 12 secondaries and one sixth form college – including two partner schools in the Madani Schools Federation in Leicester. 68 business network November 2026

This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Baasit Siddiqui, one of the stars of Channel 4’s BAFTAwinning Gogglebox.

‘These awards are about far more than recognising achievement, they are a celebration of a community’ The awards, now in their fourth year, recognise the commitment, innovation and determination of colleagues, volunteers and partners across Nova’s 19 schools, which support more than

13,000 children and young people throughout the East Midlands. Stories uncovered through previous ceremonies helped inspire the creation of the Transforming Lives Foundation, the trust’s charitable arm, which partners with businesses to ensure every child and young person, regardless of circumstance, can access the experiences, networks and opportunities they need to thrive. The foundation’s founding director Alison Ingram said: “These awards are about far more than recognising achievement, they are a celebration of a community united by a shared belief that education has the power to transform lives.”

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SKILLS

November 2026 business network

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PROPERTY

How Becketwell in Derby could look after regeneration

Summit provides project updates Representatives of more than 200 businesses attended the Derby Property Summit at Vaillant Live, gaining an insight into the city’s development pipeline and big regeneration projects. The 2026 summit, organised by Marketing Derby, was backed by partners Derby College Group and AtkinsRéalis and hosted by journalist Declan Curry.

‘This scheme is absolutely key to unlocking the city centre’ Speaking at the event, city council leader and deputy mayor of the East Midlands Councillor Nadine Peatfield said ‘Team Derby’ was the envy of other parts of the country with projects under way to support its vision of becoming a top city in which to “live, work and play”. She singled out progress made on the regeneration of the Market Place and news that the Assembly Rooms can finally be demolished to make way for ION Developments’ Derby MADE scheme. She said: “This scheme is absolutely key to unlocking the city centre – and finally, it is unlocked.” Other keynote speakers included Amy Harhoff, chief executive of EMCCA, who talked about its role in creating growth for the region. Carol Dixon and Brian Malyan of Derby College Group spoke about the role it is playing in shaping the future of construction skills. Delegates also heard from Paul Morris, director of St James Securities, which is delivering the £200m Becketwell regeneration project.

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West Nottinghamshire College plumbing students (from left) Adam Langton, Bradley Kohut, Adrian Faltynski and Riley Buchanan practise how to bend copper pipe

Construction careers in store at former Wilko

former Wilko store in the centre of Sutton-inAshfield has been transformed into a college campus where hundreds of young people are training for careers in construction. West Nottinghamshire College has officially opened the doors to its new Portland Square construction centre in Outram Street following a £3.1m redevelopment. The three-storey facility is now

open to students and apprentices studying electrical installation and plumbing at levels 1 to 3, providing them with practical workshops to gain essential trade skills, alongside modern classrooms. The campus can accommodate around 280 students a day, rising to as many as 350 at busy times. For many students it will provide the first step towards further training, apprenticeships and employment in electrical and plumbing.

It will also support the college's growing provision in green technologies and the skills required for a changing construction industry, with training zones set to be installed for ground source and air source heat pumps, photovoltaics and wiring up electric vehicle charging points. The prominent town-centre building had stood vacant since Wilko went into administration three years ago. It was bought by Ashfield

Sale indicates scale of demand in Derby Salloway Property Consultants has completed the sale of a substantial commercial property in Derby. Olivetti House, in West Meadows, occupies a one acre site and provides more than 8,500 sq ft of office, industrial and storage accommodation, together with a secure yard and workshop. The detached 1970s building, designed by Edward Cullinan, has a mixture of office and storage accommodation, alongside a separate workshop. Salloway associate director William Speed MRICS said: “We are delighted to have completed the

sale of Olivetti House. “The property offered a really interesting combination of accommodation and land, which is increasingly difficult to find in Derby. “Having over an acre of secure commercial land, together with more than 8,500 sq ft of accommodation, gave the property genuine flexibility and attracted strong interest from the market. “It is another good example of the demand we are seeing for welllocated freehold commercial property across Derby, particularly where occupiers can acquire a

Olivetti House, in Downing Road, West Meadows, Derby

substantial site rather than simply lease accommodation. “We are pleased to have secured a successful sale for our client and

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PROPERTY

Grant will make homes more energy efficient An additional £1m has been secured to make homes in North East Derbyshire warmer and more energy efficient. The grant from the government's Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund is in addition to £3.8m already secured from the scheme. It will be used to retrofit and upgrade 496 homes – supported by an extra £9m from North East Derbyshire District Council. Rykneld Homes is doing the work on behalf of the council. The additional grant funding will see an extra 120 homes benefit from energy efficient measures including solar panels, air source heat pumps, loft insulation and ventilation. Helen Brown, head of regeneration at Rykneld, said: “This money and the money we had already secured means that a further 496 households will be living in warmer and more energy efficient homes by Spring 2028, as part of government’s warm homes

District Council in 2025, using funding from its £62.6m Towns Deal allocation before being leased to the college. Mansfield-based Vaughandale Construction carried out the conversion, creating workshops, classrooms, staff facilities and student breakout areas. College principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley MBE said: “I’m delighted that, with the support of Ashfield District Council, we’ve been able to seize the opportunity to take this landmark building in the middle of the town and transform it into a superb facility. This will offer great opportunities for local people to develop their skills in a critically important sector and forge worthwhile, high-demand and wellpaid careers.”

brought the transaction through to completion.” Details of the buyer have not been disclosed.

The funding includes installing solar panels

scheme and NEDDC commitment and funding to improve their existing housing stock. “The upgrades and retrofit measures are a huge step towards our goal to ensure all of the homes we manage have an EPC rating of C or above by 2030. “But most importantly they are improving the homes of our customers, the look of some of our areas and reducing bills for some households.”

‘This additional funding is fantastic news and means even more of our tenants will benefit from warmer, more energyefficient homes’ Works at 111 homes are already complete, teams are currently working on 133 properties across the district with the additional 120 also due for completion by March 2027. Works on remaining properties will take place in 2027/28. Councillor Nigel Barker, leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, said: “This additional funding is fantastic news and means even more of our tenants will benefit from warmer, more energyefficient homes. “As a council we are investing significantly in improving our housing stock because we know it can make a real difference to residents' wellbeing and household energy costs. “Alongside helping people reduce the energy they use, these improvements support our commitment to tackling climate change and creating more sustainable communities across North East Derbyshire.” Once complete, Rykneld Homes will have managed improvements to more than 1,000 homes in the district.

Rykneld Homes has installed energy saving measures at North East Derbyshire District Council’s social housing stock November 2026 business network

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MOTORING

FACTFILE MODEL Aston Martin DBX 707

PRICE OTR From £205,000

PERFORMANCE Top speed: 194 mph 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds

POWER 707 BHP

ECONOMY Around 18-19 mpg

EMISSIONS 323g/km

‘On the road, the Aston’s performance in a straight line is astounding, how it tackles a series of bends is even more breathtaking’

business network November 2026

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MOTORING

‘Glorious’ 707 comes with a licence to thrill LEFT: The DBX is an animal BOTTOM LEFT: It has a top speed of 194 mph TOP RIGHT: There are swathes of leather on the inside BOTTOM RIGHT: The styling is bold and elegant

Journalist Nick Jones has taken advantage of driving the latest Aston Martin, one that goes off-road thanks to its four-wheel-drive system.

ollowing on from the stint in last month’s Lamborghini, I was fortunate enough to be handed the keys to the Aston Martin DBX 707 which promises to be some companion. Firstly, what an imposing beast it is; big, bold and wholeheartedly inyour-face. It first appeared four-years ago, and visually it still has the same profusion of vents, spats, spoilers, side skirts and visual addenda that mark it out as one of the ultimate Aston Martins. Most of the 2026 changes have been initiated on the inside. Firstly, the infotainment system is now Aston’s own, rather than a hand-me-down from MercedesBenz. It’s quite snug in here, with heavily-bolstered seats and swathes of leather along with the ambience of something very upmarket. Performance-wise, it’s astounding. The V8 twin-turbo

engine develops monstrous power from low-down and just keeps pulling and pulling until the top speed approaches almost 200mph. That’s quite impressive, but factor in it weighs nearly 2.5-tonnes the figures it produces are mindblowing. And you can now off-road with it. On the road, the Aston’s performance in a straight line is astounding, how it tackles a series of bends is even more

breathtaking. I’ve never driven an SUV that comes close to this that drives less like a top-heavy, high riding machine – but I’ve yet to try the Urus from Lamborghini (hint, hint). A whole new raft of super-SUVs have sprung up in the last decade to challenge the Range Rover, which long had the pinnacle of 4x4-dom to itself. Many will try, but for now the Aston is a glorious, glorious thing.

November 2026 business network

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COMMENT

THE LAST WORD Chamber president Dr Cham S Kang says the East Midlands needs to unlock the potential of the wide-ranging female talent that exists across the region.

he East Midlands has an exceptional opportunity to become the national leader in helping women to start, lead and grow successful businesses. Across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire women make an incredible contribution to the regional economy as entrepreneurs, business owners, employees, investors, innovators and leaders. Yet significant barriers remain. The opportunity is not simply to remove those barriers, it is to unlock the enormous economic potential that lies behind them. Persistent challenges remain for women in entrepreneurship – including access to funding, networking, cultural expectations, discrimination and a lack of representation in traditionally male-dominated sectors. For the East Midlands, these challenges should be seen not as obstacles to progress, but as an opportunity to lead. Women continue to encounter barriers when starting and growing businesses. Access to finance remains particularly important with only 2% of UK venture capital funds supporting all-female teams. Women can also have less access to influential networks, mentors and decision-makers. The solution is not to create a separate business ecosystem for women. It is to ensure that women have the same opportunity to access the finance, connections and markets needed to succeed. This is where the Enterprising Women (EW) network from the East Midlands Chamber has an important role. Since 1997, the network has provided opportunities to connect, develop skills, share experience, celebrate and lift female talent across the region.

SECTORS WITH THE GREATEST BARRIERS: Imagine an East Midlands where women are equally visible in engineering boardrooms, manufacturing plants, technology companies, investment firms and construction businesses. 74

business network November 2026

More importantly, imagine the innovation, productivity and new business creation led by women that could and should follow. Our region already has evidence that this transformation is possible. Enterprising Women has highlighted women driving growth across areas including STEM, manufacturing, creative, digital and entrepreneurship.

CHALLENGES IN SECURING FUNDING: Finance is fundamental to business growth. Yet if women-led businesses struggle to access investment, grants and financial networks, the region’s economy loses potential. The opportunity for the East Midlands is therefore to build stronger connections between women entrepreneurs, banks, investors, advisers, mentors, government programmes and other established businesses.

‘The achievements recognised through the recent Enterprising Women Awards demonstrate the breadth of female talent across the East Midlands’ It is not simply a women’s issue. It is an economic growth opportunity for our entire region. The East Midlands Chamber, Enterprising Women, businesses, education providers, investors and public-sector organisations can work together to create a stronger pipeline from aspiration to entrepreneurship, from entrepreneurship to growth and from growth to leadership.

The EW programme demonstrates the value of this collaborative approach through networking, personal development, events and recognition of achievement. Its awards celebrate women across the business journey, from apprentices and developing leaders to entrepreneurs, innovators and established businesswomen. But as EW approaches its 30th birthday in 2027, there is so much more for us to do. The achievements recognised through the recent Enterprising Women Awards demonstrate the breadth of female talent across the East Midlands. The winners’ stories matter because visibility creates possibility. When women see women succeeding in sectors and roles that they might previously have considered inaccessible, ambition becomes more achievable. Local government has an important role to play, too, particularly around funding, childcare, flexible working, data and targeted support. But our regional businesses and communities also have the power to influence change. The East Midlands can lead by bringing government, business and communities together around a simple ambition – to make our region the best place in the UK for women to start, lead and grow a business or not-for-profit entity. The ultimate measure should be through ambitions realised, with more women starting businesses, more female-led businesses scaling, more women progressing into senior leadership and more women influencing the sectors that will shape the region’s future. The East Midlands already has the talent. It has the businesses, institutions, networks and entrepreneurial spirit. The opportunity now is to connect them. Women in business are not simply part of the East Midlands future economic success. They can be one of its greatest drivers. If our region removes barriers, opens doors and champions female talent, the East Midlands has an opportunity to lead the UK in demonstrating what inclusive, ambitious and collaborative business growth can achieve.

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