44 minute read
MEMBER NEWS
New book explores wellbeing in the workplace
A Leicester businesswoman has authored a new e-book on workplace wellbeing – and is urging workplaces in the East Midlands to implement robust wellness and mental health programmes.
Business wellbeing consultant Sue Grogan wrote her latest book, Wellbeing: Healthy Staff, Healthy Business – Lessons Learned in Lockdown, following interviews with 15 business leaders discussing how they had responded to the pandemic, what worked well and key learnings.
Among the participants includes East Midlands Chamber chief
Sue Grogan
executive Scott Knowles and president Eileen Richards MBE, the managing director of ER Recruitment, as well as Nelsons head of family law Glynis Wright MBE, Blueprint Interiors CEO Rob Day and Anicca Digital director Ann Stanley.
During the discussions, Sue – who founded Leicester-based wellbeing strategy business Joined-Up Working in 2011 – discovered that when businesses moved operations online, leaders communicated with staff through regular virtual events and “catch-ups”, trusting staff to manage their time around home life responsibilities.
Those businesses that supported staff health and wellbeing, and actively involved departments in discussions about new working methods, were rewarded with loyalty and maintained productivity.
Sue, who is donating half the proceeds of her fourth book to Loughborough charity Alex’s Wish, said: “I saw many businesses struggling during lockdown and, at the same time, so many supporting each other. As the UK starts to emerge from another lockdown, I wanted to capitalise on this and share my learnings with other businesses in the region.”
Sue is also a partner at Wellonomics, a happiness and wellbeing assessment tool that provides HR teams with an overview of how departments are faring, and makes recommendations for training and support.Despite investment in health and wellbeing benefits, Sue’s e-book also explains the lack of strategic focus on health and wellness programmes.
She said 70% of the interviewees did not have a budget for health and wellness, and only 9% were actively measuring their ROI from wellbeing programmes.
Sue added: “Employee wellbeing is key to a business’ success.
“Worryingly, a recent research poll found less than half of UK employers have an overarching wellbeing strategy in place.
“There is a potential storm brewing around the mental health and wellbeing of the workforce. Businesses who ignore this do so at their peril.”
Hope Health in partnership with Dudes & Dogs
Hope Health has announced a partnership with national men’s mental health community interest group Dudes & Dogs.
The partnership will see both teams working together to support mental health awareness in workplaces and communities nationwide.
While the core mission at Dudes & Dogs is focused on men, like Hope Health – which provides mental health first aid training and wellbeing services – it believes mental health is important to all.
Hope Health founder Nicole O’Callaghan said: “I’m so excited to support and work alongside Dudes & Dogs. Having supported the team recently with its mental health first aid qualifications, I know first-hand the passion and hard work it puts into this voluntary-led initiative.”
The partnership’s initial focus is to create new training workshops and a consultancy service for organisations to train and enable them to support their employees' wellbeing needs.
Dudes & Dogs founder Rob Osman said: “Here at Dudes, our vision is for men in every corner of the world to know it's not just okay to talk, it's vitally important. "Collaborating with Hope Health has allowed us to accelerate and grow the support we can offer to businesses and organisations. We can't wait to see where this partnership leads.”
Alternating vaccine dose study begins
The world’s first study into alternating doses and intervals of approved Covid-19 vaccines is underway after participants received their jabs at a University of Nottingham health practice.
Some 111 people visited Cripps Health Centre in the last week of February to receive their initial vaccine doses as part of a research project supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
The aim of the trial is to determine the effects of using a different vaccine for the second dose to the first dose, in addition to two different intervals between doses.
Dame Professor Jessica Corner (pictured), pro-vice chancellor for research and knowledge exchange at the University of Nottingham, was one of the participants.
She said: “I am so pleased to be involved in a study which is asking crucial questions about the efficacy of combining different vaccines and the important question of the timing of the booster injection. From a personal perspective, it is great to be able to contribute in a very small way to the efforts scientists and medics across the globe have been making towards vaccine development.
“In my professional role, I am very proud to see such worldleading work being done from the University of Nottingham Health Service. This is just one of numerous studies that have already been carried out here, and it is a real team effort.”
Classified as an “urgent public health” study by the NIHR, it is being undertaken by the National Immunisation Schedule Evaluation Consortium and the Oxford Vaccine Group, and is backed by £7m of Government funding from the Vaccines Taskforce.
The volunteers, aged 50 and above, have been recruited to take part in the trial, referred to as the Covid-19 Heterologous Prime Boost study – or “Com-Cov”.
It will gather immunological evidence on different intervals between the first and second dose for a mixed-vaccine regimen against control groups when the same vaccine is used for both doses.
Should the study show promising results, then the Government may consider reviewing the vaccine regimen approach if needed, but only if proven to be safe and recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
The study’s principle investigator Professor David Turner, who alongside his academic role at the university is an honorary consultant in clinical microbiology at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We are delighted to be taking this study forward.
“Having been one of the centres that has was involved in the development of the OxfordAstraZeneca vaccine, it is now exciting to take development further and to see if by alternating both vaccines, their effectiveness is the same.
“This could have huge implications in terms of easing demand.”
Bouquets boost mental health
Morrisons’ flower supplier Flowerworld has placed wellbeing at the forefront of its strategy by donating bouquets to each of its isolating employees during lockdown – and has created a new B2B offer for the wider business community.
The family-run business - which has been established in Derby for more than 40 years and was bought by the supermarket chain in 2011 - reached out to staff feeling anxious, stressed and isolated during lockdown. Its community champions personally delivered bouquets to 67 isolating colleagues.
With one in four people affected by mental health problems in their lifetime, Flowerworld administrator and community champion Tracey Mason (pictured) believes that staff wellbeing has never been higher on the agenda.
“We found that many of our colleagues were feeling stressed, worried and isolated,” said Tracey. “Even though they work with flowers every day, their reactions to receiving a bouquet of flowers was so positive - it showed them that they were not forgotten and made them feel valued.”
This experience has inspired Tracey and the team at Flowerworld to develop a new B2B product range of bouquets for businesses to boost the wellbeing of home-workers. She added: “Now more than ever, we need to look after our mental health and I would encourage everyone to take a moment to remember how even small gestures can have a huge impact for someone who is finding everyday life more difficult.”
Air IT announces its third pair of acquisitions
Air IT has continued its rapid expansion across the UK by making it six acquisitions in six months.
The Sandiacre-based IT managed service provider (MSP) continued its merger and acquisition growth strategy by taking over Kent-based InfoTech Solutions (UK) Limited and Cheshire-based Concise Technologies Limited for undisclosed amounts last month.
The investments, backed by August Equity, marked the third time it has acquired two businesses simultaneously – the first pair in October 2020 and the second in December 2020.
CEO John Whitty, who has led the expansion since joining in January last year, said: “Both InfoTech and Concise Technologies have outstanding reputations, and we are thrilled to have them on board. We know they will be a great fit for the Air IT group, considering their track record when it comes to customer service and satisfaction.”
As a result of these acquisitions, Air IT has now established itself in the North West, while also boosting its existing presence in the South East.
The addition of InfoTech and Concise Technologies is part of Air IT’s plans to expand across the UK and will see the group’s 175-strong workforce increase by 50 with an additional 250 customers.
John added: “We want to be regarded as the de facto MSP of choice for SMEs across the UK and these acquisitions allow us to expand our footprint and gain skilful, like-minded team members.
“Entering the North West has always been one of our strategic goals, along with future growth in the North East, and we now have the capability to deliver a national offering, serviced locally - which is so important to SMEs.”
Concise Technologies and InfoTech share the same client-centric approach, and each has reported impressive organic year-on-year growth.
David Southern, managing director of Concise Technologies, said: “Becoming part of the Air IT group will allow us to offer even more strategic and business-enhancing services to our clients.”
InfoTech managing director Jason Ford added: “Being part of this select group will allow us to expand our service offering while we bring to the table our expertise in the financial, construction and manufacturing sectors.”
Air IT CEO John Whitty
Budget will cause property market to soar
Nottingham estate agent Gascoines expects the property market to soar following the spring budget.
Rishi Sunak’s spending plans, announced on 3 March, included an extension to the stamp duty holiday until 30 June 2021.
A Government-backed 95% mortgage scheme will also be reintroduced to help current homeowners, as well as first-time buyers, purchase a house for up to £600,000 with a 5% deposit.
Gascoines office manager Jess Mitchell believes that the initiative will help “generation rent” become “generation buy”.
“Following the initial Government announcement to introduce a stamp duty holiday, the market saw house hunters relieved of costs and induced a mini housing boom as sellers were eager to take advantage and complete transactions in time,” said Jess.
“We’re expecting to see a high number of properties listed over the coming weeks and offers placed in very short time periods, from now until September, to really make the most of the extension.”
The family-run estate agent has more than 65 years of experience in the Nottinghamshire property market.
In the past 12 months, the firm witnessed lenders withdrawing 95% mortgage offerings and demanding deposits of between 10% and 15% –along with much higher interest rates.
Jess added: “We’re starting to see these rates dropping back to normal levels again and with the new Government scheme, we hope to see more first-time buyers coming through the door and getting their foot onto the property ladder.
“My advice would be to always aim for higher than your deposit and if possible, have this ready –along with a mortgage in principle – before you start looking for a house and seek advice from your local estate agent or mortgage adviser.”
Plan to help students start careers
A unique new programme has launched to help talented De Montfort University (DMU) students begin careers in Leicester.
ER Recruitment, in partnership with DMU, has created BrightER Futures, a nine-month programme in which 20 final-year students will be introduced into the city’s vibrant business community.
They will be matched with employers to learn key skills, enhance their talents, and inject new and creative ideas.
The employers, including PPL PRS, Everards and Freeths, will mentor and guide the students to gain professional skills and learn about the commercial heart of the city.
ER Recruitment managing director Eileen Richards MBE, who is also president of the Chamber, said: “Graduates offer huge potential talent for our city and I’m very excited to announce that ER is taking this new focus on supporting graduates’ early careers.
“I had the huge pleasure of meeting a group of highly talented students at DMU’s Leicester’s Future Leaders conference in February last year and believe that many businesses can benefit from the energy and vision of our graduates.
“Our marketing executive Scarlett Tinsley will work with Zul Muhammed from DMU’s employability team to give 20 students an exclusive programme of insights and experience.
“Above all, I want the students to find out that business can be great fun.”
The 20 students will participate in a programme that includes insight visits to their employer partner, invite-only events in the business calendar, and interview practice and masterclasses from local recruiters.
Adele Browne, head of graduate success at DMU, the Chamber’s AI and cyber partner, said: “We know that our students want to build their careers in Leicester, but they can struggle to cross that first bridge into graduate work.
“I’m really excited to be working with Eileen Richards on this new programme that will see DMU students gain such exclusive access and opportunities at the heart of the local business community.”
Sean Smith, managing director of Michael Smith Switchgear, which is taking part in the scheme, said: “It is a fantastic opportunity to support the development of the next generation of business leaders that are currently studying with DMU. Leicester is in the heart of the Midlands and has a fantastic manufacturing background, of which we are very proud to be a part of.”
DMU is working with Leicester City Council to increase the numbers of graduates who go on to work in Leicester after leaving university. In 2017, figures showed that 28% of graduates from DMU and University of Leicester stayed to live and work locally, compared to a national average of 48%.
DMU wants to improve Leicester's graduate retention rate
MEMBER FOCUS: ROADGAS
Roadgas, based in Colwick, works with businesses across the transport industry to bring renewable infrastructure into day-to-day operations. Marketing director Becky Rix (pictured) tells Business Network about how the business is committed to driving the low-carbon agenda, via the decarbonisation of transport, to support the Government’s 10-point plan for net zero by 2050.
Tell us what your company does and a brief overview of its history?
Roadgas is a leading supplier of renewable gas refuelling station infrastructure, delivering solutions with biomethane, bio-compressed natural gas (bio-CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Based in Colwick since 2007, we work with both the public and private sectors to provide a complete refuelling solution that meets the bespoke needs of fleet, haulage and logistics operations throughout the UK.
Who are your main customers and what is your USP to them?
Our customers are in the transport industry across both the public and private sectors. Our flagship project remains the development of our biomethane refuelling infrastructure to support Nottingham City Transport’s fleet of 120 doubledecker buses, which run daily on biogas.
New customers are emerging now in the HGV market, especially among those businesses that operate back-to-base fleets.
What is your role in the business and what does your day-to-day role involve?
As marketing director, I’m responsible for all communications relating to the business, both internal and external. My days are varied and full of requests for information relating to our refuelling infrastructure, but more recently relating to the benefits of renewable gas in logistics fleets.
How have you fared during the Covid-19 pandemic?
The first lockdown in March 2020 led to a very difficult time in the business. While we were able to respond to the Covid-19 guidance to keep our team safe, we also had to look at new ways of operating both remotely and onsite.
When I look back now, I am very proud of the way in which everyone at Roadgas raised to the challenges we faced and I’m pleased to say that 2021 has got off to a good start with the team now working on a number of projects.
What are the company’s plans for the future?
We continue to drive for continuous improvement in everything we do, which has led to a number of new products and services being offered. Our focus remains on working with the haulage and logistics sector to help them decarbonise on behalf of their clients. We are also excited about the prospect of being able to offer product solutions using hydrogen, but this will come later in the year.
How long have you been a member of East Midlands Chamber, and what encouraged you to join and continue your membership?
Roadgas has been a member of the Chamber since 2018. The services the Chamber provides and the support we have had, especially during the past 12 months, has been invaluable.
Which membership products have you used and how did they help your business?
Networking events, workshops, training and peer-to-peer support helps us to keep up to date with developments in our region.
The most exciting development for me has been the creation of Sustainable East Midlands, which has raised the profile of the lowcarbon agenda for all businesses.
What do you believe is the most important role of a chamber of commerce?
To connect local, like-minded businesses and drive the economic prosperity of the region for the benefit of all.
North Notts BID offers end of lockdown support
Businesses in North Nottinghamshire can get ready for the easing of lockdown restrictions with support from the region’s business improvement district.
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the North Notts BID has worked with firms to support them through a range of member benefits, the sharing of information and guidance, and supporting Bassetlaw District Council to reopen the region’s high streets safely last year.
Now, with the Government announcing its roadmap to normality, alongside its popular maintenance service, the BID is offering free training courses via a new online platform.
Chief executive Sally Gillborn (pictured) said: “Whether we’re providing immediate help through the maintenance service, or long-term support though initiatives like the savings service and online training, our role is to provide local businesses with the opportunities to develop to make sure they are as prepared as possible when lockdown lifts.”
NEW MEMBERS
In February, the Chamber welcomed 39 members.
• ADR UK Tyremart Ltd (International) • ai accounts • ASG Group (International) • Begbies Traynor (Patron) • Bhayani Law Limited • Birch Print • Blake Emergency Services (International) • Breedon Consulting • Canopy Tree Services • Catena Inspection &
Engineering Ltd • Chocolate Lovers Limited • Flogas Britain Ltd • Food Connections Ltd (International) • FSG Tableware Ltd • Gascoines Auctions @ Newark
Auction Centre • Ikon Solutions Ltd • International Biomedical
Limited • Invise Limited • Janice Rose Lingerie • MKKF LTD • MT13 Ltd • Derbyshire Voluntary Action • Overdue Invoices • Planet-mi.com • Radon Security Ltd • Raw Power Ltd • Safe and Sound Group • Shortlist Marketing Ltd • Smart Energy Projects Limited • Stowe Family Law Nottingham • TecLive Limited • Tranquil Plants • The Travers Foundation • John Mcdonald T/A UK4BSL • Voldi Ltd • Worldwide Express (UK) Ltd (International) • Youth Enterprise &
Employability Academy • Zaza Lewis
Qinesis launches pilot counselling support service
Business growth consultancy Qinesis is piloting a new counselling and psychotherapy support service to address the mental health stigma in sectors with low engagement.
The new programme, titled Qi Therapy, will be run by qualified psychotherapists to assess the engagement of sectors such as aerospace, rail, automotive and steel fabrication, where take-up of therapy support services are low compared to the public and service sectors.
The Derbyshire-based firm works with businesses across the UK on a range of growth support services, including consultancy, coaching and training. In the past three months, it has noticed a significant increase in mental health discussions with clients.
Dr Cham King
Qinesis chief visionary officer Dr Cham Kang said: “Even in 2021, there is a stigma attached to psychotherapy in the UK.
“Therapy can still be seen as a sign of weakness, when the reality is very different with much of the UK PLC coming to terms with the impact of mental health on its people and business performance – and we’ve seen many of our clients investing to support employees.
“The take-up of such support in industry remains low and we hope this pilot can address that.”
Lindhurst Engineering managing director Martin Rigley, who is also a coaching and mentoring director at Qinesis, believes the Qi Theory pilot will help workers in industry address the root causes of their challenges.
He said: “If you’re not getting to the cause of the challenge, you are essentially shackled to the challenge and all its manifestations. Psychotherapy gets to the root cause and that’s something we engineers should appreciate when solving work problems.”
Should the pilot prove successful, Qi Therapy will be rolled out as a service from Qinesis to support people in industry across the East Midlands.
White Rose Beauty Colleges offers free training courses
A Derby-based beauty therapy training provider has been working with organisations in the area by offering free online workplace mental health and wellbeing training.
Staff at White Rose Beauty Colleges are hoping the programme will help alleviate stress and build positive mindsets by inviting employers to complete a “light-touch” course on complementary therapies.
The course explores the basics of holistic massage including techniques for providing body massage, reflexology and pre-blended aromatherapy massage - as well as general relaxation and stress reduction techniques, healthy eating and wellbeing.
White Rose Beauty Colleges corporate ambassador Jules Slack said: “This is an amazing course to help to develop the learner’s understanding of mental health problems.”
Five ways businesses can remain efficient following redundancies
The pandemic has caused a surge in redundancies, with a record 395,000 UK workers losing their jobs between September and November last year. To mitigate the potential risks for businesses as a result of a reduction in headcount and continue developing the remaining team, Breedon Consulting managing director Nicki Robson (pictured) has advises employers on how to ensure they remain efficient following a loss of staff.
1. DEVELOP MANAGEMENT
The increase in redundancies, and a shift to home working for an extended period of time, has highlighted the need for businesses to develop management leadership skills. Skilling up managers will ensure they get the very best out of staff members when they are working remotely, and employers should explore management and leadership course options to provide employees with the opportunity to develop themselves. This allows staff who may have had their roles altered the opportunity to develop and even re-train.
2. REGULAR COMMUNICATION
Maintaining frequent communication with staff is imperative in remaining efficient following redundancies. Staff members may be feeling alone after a reduction in team size and with so many currently working from home, this distance can feel even bigger. Regular calls can be a great way for teams to maintain creativity and bounce ideas off each other, in the absence of ideation meetings.
3. IMPROVING TIME MANAGEMENT
With teams reducing in size, individual workloads can increase significantly and it is important current staff members understand how to manage their new workload. Teach staff the importance of prioritisation to ensure that tasks of higher importance are accomplished before tasks of lower importance. Employers should speak to staff about organisation skills and introduce steps such as planning ahead for the next day and goal setting. These measures can really encourage staff to create a routine, improving their time management.
4. REGULAR FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGS
It can be extremely beneficial to get in face time with team members, so where possible schedule in regular face-to-face meetings that observe Government guidelines. Meeting can be a better way to gauge exactly how they are feeling and it is a good way of ensuring that tasks are running to schedule and everyone understands their roles fully.
5. IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH
The mental health of staff members is of paramount importance. The stress of redundancy periods can have a negative effect on staff members and can lower morale, especially if staff have lost a colleague they worked closely with. Working from home during the pandemic can also negatively affect mental health and employers should encourage staff members to implement a work-life balance. Taking regular breaks and getting fresh air outside is also very important when staff are limited to spending lots of time indoors.
Employment advice on offer for SMEs
To help SMEs better manage HR and employment issues, Derbyshirebased Timms Solicitors has launched a free advice clinic – offering an initial 30-minute telephone or video conferencing appointment.
Employment law specialist Emma Spandrzyk (pictured) believes the UK is in the midst of a “rising redundancy tsunami” with employers in danger of facing dramatic increases in disputes and tribunal claims.
Her team at Timms Solicitors is now running a free advice clinic so employers get the right support before proceeding with redundancy, absence management or dismissals, as well as for planning future workforce requirements ahead of the Job Retention Scheme’s end date on 30 September.
Emma said: “This is a pivotal time for many businesses, and we are at the brink of what will be a stressful and painful time for both employers and employees alike – particularly once the furlough arrangements end.
“Most employers want to avoid redundancies and taking legal advice now on the different measures that can be explored with their workforce may not only save jobs but also maintain morale. If redundancies cannot be avoided, it is important that the process is handled correctly to avoid litigation.
“Similarly, we are also seeing an increase in disputes and claims from employees around unfair misconduct hearings, absence management and discrimination issues, but early planning can often lead to a mutually agreed resolution.”
The firm will also launch a new employment law hub subscription service, which will give businesses access to a wide range of online employment law and HR resources, as well as ongoing legal advice.
Get up to speed with immigration rules
Employers have been urged to carry out necessary checks to ensure they are compliant with new postBrexit immigration rules – and not be left with staff departures at the end of an upcoming deadline.
A six-month grace period since the end of the UK-EU transition period, in which businesses aren’t expected to differentiate between EU nationals who have managed to secure British residency and those who haven’t, ends on 30 June.
From this date, businesses would need to sponsor those workers – specifically citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland – for them to remain in the country and continue employment in the UK.
Thal Vashista (pictured), founder of Nottingham-based corporate immigration law specialist Paragon Law, said: “Current Home Office guidance has the potential to create an employment cliff edge after 30 June.
“Employers need to act now to ensure their HR strategy can overcome the departure of EEA and Swiss members of staff.”
Under the Home Office guidance, EEA and Swiss citizens who lived in the UK prior to 31 December can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme to continue as a British resident.
Individuals who arrived in the UK after 1 January 2021, and are unable to establish residency before 30 June, can only remain employed if the business is able to sponsor them. They would require a skilled worker licence and must meet points-based criteria.
Thal said EEA and Swiss nationals who have not applied under the EU Settlement Scheme and continue to remain after 30 June are liable to enforcement and removal at any time.
“This is where the current guidance is sloppy and does not foresee potential consequences to businesses or those EEA and Swiss nationals who decide to remain and work with a business despite not having the legal status to do so after 30 June,” Thal added.
“Businesses employing EU nationals who have not applied for, or secured, settled status can’t dismiss them prior to 1 July 2021.
“This presents a risk to the employer as, if they wish to continue to operate legally, they could be in a position where on 1 July 2021, several employees leave voluntarily or they have to begin the dismissal process. Both scenarios make businesses vulnerable.”
The current guidance puts the emphasis on businesses to carry out the necessary checks and act as Home Office outposts.
Thal said this will be a “complex period” for businesses and HR managers and advised them to balance the Government’s position on right to work checks against certainty in their workforce, employment rights and duty of care to staff.
He added: “I advise all businesses to seek advice to avoid discrimination claims during the recruitment process.”
Mentoring for entrepreneurs
The Youth Enterprise and Employability Academy is offering a new business mentoring service for entrepreneurs under 25 who intend to start or grow a business.
The charity, which supports schools and youth centres across Nottinghamshire, has seen first-hand the impact the pandemic has had on young people, stemming from the cancellation of exams and reduction of job prospects.
It hopes the mentoring service will ignite new ideas and help equip young people with the knowledge to start their own business.
Academy chair Kurtis-Jay Castle said: “We need to create a supportive environment to promote young people’s abilities and aid them in achieving their entrepreneurial ambition. We also support those who are about to start their journey into the world of work by ensuring they are prepared for the challenges that come their way.”
Hundreds attend digital conference
The team at Anicca Digital is toasting the success of its Leicester Digital Live conference, which was attended by more than 600 people.
The one-day event featured international guest speakers and software suppliers, alongside Anicca’s own programme “Ask Anicca” – which consisted of 10 sessions on digital marketing channels and techniques.
Anicca Digital is a digital marketing agency based in Leicester, which specialises in driving leads and sales through integrated multi-channel campaigns.
Founder and managing director Ann Stanley said: “Despite being virtual, there was a great buzz around Leicester Digital Live and our registrations were up by more than 150% since 2019.
“I was also able to share preliminary results from our 2021 marketing survey, which enables businesses to benchmark their marketing activity.”
Pennine Healthcare, the Derby-based medical devices company, has been taken into employee ownership in a move that safeguards its UK manufacturing operation.
The outgoing shareholders, led by chief executive Luke Fryer, chair Liz Fothergill CBE and technical director David Shaw, worked alongside advisers Dains Accountants and Geldards Solicitors to create the Pennine Employee Ownership Trust. The trust will run the business for the current and future benefit of its employees, in a change that is consistent with the long-held values of the company.
Luke said: “The benefits of employee ownership fit perfectly with the future of Pennine. We are delighted with the outcome for everyone involved.”
Geldards partner Debra Martin added: “Dains and Geldards have independently completed six employee ownership transactions in the past month, which confirms the level of activity in the market for this type of transaction. Through early engagement, more businesses can consider employee ownership as an alternative to management buyout or trade sale.”
Adrenalin World will be the centrepiece of the Gateway at PEAK scheme's first phase
Adventure resort is one step closer to completion
A £100m adventure resort planned for the Peak District has taken a step forward after the developer signed agreements with several new partners.
Milligan has appointed Chamber patron RDS Global, a technology specialist, alongside architect Stanton Williams, operations consultant DN Consultancy and landscape architect Gillespies to work on its planned Gateway at PEAK scheme.
The site, due to open this autumn, will be built on the 300-acre Birchall Estate in Chesterfield, which will feature an Adrenalin World indoor adventure park in its first phase including zip lines, climbing walls, adventure golf, ninja courses, caving, trampolining and go-karting.
There will also be an outdoor activity lake, amphitheatre, cycle trails, up to 2,000 hotel rooms and 250 lodges. Further phases will be added in the coming years, with other leisure, education and entertainment facilities planned.
Melanie Taylor, director of leasing and commerce at Milligan, said: “The Gateway is going to be an exciting destination for all types of visitors, each looking for something different from their visit to the Peaks.”
In July 2020, Milligan formed a working group of local stakeholders on the Gateway at PEAK scheme, which will be the UK's first fully-serviced national park gateway.
RDS Global has been appointed as the technology partner for the development. The Derby-based company is set to plan and manage the project’s integrated IT platform by deploying its management information system, BlackBox, to create a smart and sustainable technological infrastructure.
RDS Global CEO Andy Flinn said: “When we were introduced to the vision of Peak Resort, we immediately got a sense of how special this project was going to be. It is driven by innovation and sustainability, from its core to its most outer layers, and that is something that really excites us at RDS Global. To be appointed as technology partner for the Gateway at PEAK project is an honour and we’re thoroughly looking forward to the journey.”
Melanie added: “We’re confident that by having our partners RDS Global, Stanton Williams, David Norris and Gillespies around the table, we’ll push boundaries and deliver ground-breaking and creative ideas that surprise and delight visitors.”
Employees take ownership of firm
How will the region recover from Covid-19?
Analysis in the latest Good Growth for Cities Index by accountancy giant PwC and think-tank Demos shows the UK cities and towns hardest hit by the economic fallout from Covid-19 are likely to make the fastest recovery – but they’re also expected to be worse off than at the beginning of the pandemic compared to more resilient places. PwC’s East Midlands market senior partner Alison Breadon (pictured) picks out the key details from the report in our region.
In the report, we see Leicester has been among the worst-hit places after finding itself in a local lockdown for much of 2020. Along with Nottingham and Derby, it is predicted to start its recovery sooner – despite still being worse off at the end of the pandemic than more resilient places.
Nottingham and Derby both saw their economies contract by more than 11% during 2020 but are expected to have the best levels of growth in 2021 – at around 5% and higher.
Despite the economic decreases in the economies in Derby and Nottingham, other key findings show Derby has one of the lowest rates of workers on the Job Retention Scheme, placing only 6.4% of its workforce on furlough during 2020.
Nottingham has the lowest increase in the take-up rate of Universal Credit, at 2.6% between January and November 2020 –compared with Birmingham, which has the third highest increase since January 2020 at 4%.
Leicester is expected to suffer more economically in comparison to other cities in the Midlands, with a growth rate of -12.2% in 2020,
compared with other cities such as Derby (11.7%). The high infection rate in the early parts of the summer has contributed to Leicester’s economic activity stagnating over this period.
As a whole, cities in the East Midlands have performed well on the environment, owner occupation and income distribution measures on the index. However, this positive performance is also coupled with lower scores in skills, health and work-life balance.
High unemployment rates, especially for young people entering the labour force in one of the toughest economic environments, will make jobs even more competitive and potentially undermine social mobility efforts in the region.
‘LIVEABILITY’ IS THE EAST MIDLANDS’ BIGGEST POSTCOVID OPPORTUNITY
In terms of trends, we see the pandemic has led to people living their life much closer to home and the likelihood is some of these lifestyle changes will stay for the medium term.
Those living in the region will no doubt value different things and those places that meet those needs will be the ones that bounce back quicker. This opens up opportunities for places that have advantages in terms of liveability and community, and where “price of success” factors, such as housing affordability, are less of an issue.
Our report sets out a series of recommendations for leaders from across the region and local government, as well as the private and third sectors, as they plan their recovery strategies. Taking a broad approach to economic wellbeing and building resilience will be essential to create liveable, vibrant places where people want to live, work and visit.
The wider regions’ significant growth over the past five years and long-term growth ambitions and investments in HS2, Coventry City of Culture and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will also encourage the right conditions for a recovery.
REINFORCING IMPORTANCE OF LEVELLING UP
However, the pandemic has made us all more acutely aware of existing economic and social inequalities, and why it is so important to “level up” across the UK.
It reinforces our view in Good Growth for Cities of the necessity to look beyond GDP and headlines about the North-South divide to focus efforts on tackling the issues that really matter to the public –and local economies – such as skills, sustainable income, and health and wellbeing.
A broad brush approach to levelling up will not address the challenges facing the places that have been hardest hit.
We need a precise approach which considers the strengths and needs of individual towns and cities to build more resilience and drive a fair recovery across the UK.
Given continued uncertainties, particularly with the post-EU trading environment and unknowns around pandemic recovery, action is required so that levelling up is a reality – not an unattainable aspiration.
STARK FIGURES OF STORE CLOSURES
More than twice the number of chain stores closed in the East Midlands than those that opened last year, according to new PwC data.
Some 1,298 shops closed in 2020, compared to 611 openings – with a net decline of 687 – the research compiled by the Local Data Company found.
This contrasts starkly compared to 2015, when there were 750 chain store openings against 887 closures.
Retail parks witnessed the smallest number of net closures of any location (77) in the East Midlands last year, compared to shopping centres (159) and, faring worst of all, high streets (490).
Nationally, there was a net decline of 9,877 shop closures – with an average of 48 closing every day versus 21 openings in 2020.
The long-term effects of being on furlough or doing their jobs at home means staff returning to the workplace could need “unprecedented levels of support” to get them back up and running, a Derby firm warns.
With the lockdown set to lift and the likelihood of some companies being able to bring staff back off furlough, firms should now be planning to make whatever arrangements they need with regards to their workforce, according to Loates Management Training.
Employees may be facing a number of issues including a lack of updated training, feelings of isolation, concerns over mental health and issues connected with being placed on furlough, including “furlough guilt” and “furlough fatigue” – both of which have had a marked effect on employees’ levels of work satisfaction and productivity.
Sarah Loates (pictured), managing director of the Darley Abbey-based company, said: “I’ve seen plenty of examples of these issues during the past few months, especially for those who have been furloughed from the beginning of the first lockdown.
“For many, the reality of being paid to not work for months on end while colleagues were left to pick up their workload led to feelings of guilt, while others may be nursing fears over their perceived worth to their employees as the weeks of inactivity go by.
“Meanwhile, those still working may have struggled to take on their colleagues’ work, along with struggling to juggle home working with home schooling.”
In response to the issue, Loates, which is a sister brand to Loates HR Consultancy, has created a programme of convenient bite-sized training webinars called “Back to Business” designed to give managers a helping hand.
Among the topics covered is advice on how to manage remote workers, how to deal with wellbeing for teams and developing emotional intelligence.
Recruiter tackles HGV driver shortage head on
Recruitment agency Encore Personnel is addressing the shortage of lorry drivers by offering a range of flexible jobs to attract the best talent.
Encore, which operates 10 branches across the Midlands with its HQ in Leicester, has been sourcing drivers for UK businesses for more than 15 years.
However, Brexit and Covid19 have caused major problems for the driving recruitment sector as many skilled and experienced drivers chose to return to mainland Europe with no promise of returning.
Managing director Pete Taylor said: “We’ve been dealing with a lack of drivers for several years now and Brexit is certainly not the only reason for this. We pride ourselves on offering a range of flexible, temporary or permanent driving jobs across a broad spectrum of sectors to ensure the best fit for workers and clients alike.”
A sweeter way to offer support
Staff at a Nottingham-based sweets wholesaler are feeling happier, healthier and more productive after the company joined a free mental health support programme.
TTK Confectionery signed up to mental health charity Mind’s Mental Health at Work Commitment. It consists of six mental health “standards” it must uphold to help improve staff wellbeing, which has been placed under strain during the pandemic. The commitment is one of many free mental health programmes offered by the Mental Health and Productivity Pilot (MHPP) - an initiative run by Midlands Engine that aims to support employers across the region to improve the mental health of their workforce and boost their bottom line at the same time, with no financial cost.
After signing up to the commitment, TTK Confectionery has reported a significant improvement to attitudes towards mental health, with employees feeling more confident in talking openly about the subject.
Absences have dropped as a result, and the changes have made the workforce happier and healthier.
TTK Confectionery director Jess Barnett said: “Taking care of our employees’ needs and finding the right support for them came down to guesswork really – it was hard to know when to step in. When Covid19 was thrown into the mix, we realised it was time to implement something new.”
Before signing up to the commitment, TTK Confectionery had always tried to intervene whenever an employee showed signs of poor mental health, but felt it was being reactive rather than proactive.
After hearing about MHPP through the University of Derby, one of the programme's partners, Jess got in touch with project manager Kate Wood and discussed the challenges facing the business.
She she was advised to sign up to the Mind Mental Health at Work Commitment and the company has since made several changes in its work environment.
These included training staff to become “mental health champions” and spot signs of workers who need help, pairing up staff to talk about anything that might be troubling them, having regular mental health briefings, and using Public Health England’s free “Every Mind Matters” resource.
Jess added: “Signing up to the Mental Health at Work Commitment has made us more confident as a business in speaking up about mental health.
“I would tell other businesses unsure about signing up to a mental health scheme to go for it –it’s definitely worth a firm’s time to make a difference in its workplace.”
Western Union puts mental health needs first
Mental health first aiders, regular drop-in sessions and a “walking for wellbeing” challenge are some of the activities Western Union has adopted during the pandemic to promote mental health.
After an employee engagement survey showed staff wanted the company to train up mental health first aiders, the international money transfer services firm funded 10 people across the UK to attend a two-day accredited course.
Since completing the training, the team has delivered a range of activities to support colleagues throughout lockdown, including mental health presentations, the walking challenge, and signposting people to additional support and resources where needed.
Vice president of payment products Karen Penney is one of Western Union’s mental health first aiders.
She said: “The mental health first aider training has given us the knowledge and confidence to support our colleagues and regular catch ups within the mental health first aider group have enabled us to identify developing mental health and wellbeing themes and quickly address them.”
Western Union, which helps its global client base move money internationally, also focused on activities to boost staff engagement to help its workforce transition to remote working.
Each day, the company starts with a virtual, UK-wide morning briefing to make sure staff are aware of key updates and achievements from colleagues in other departments.
CCM Group goes online to support charity of the year
Nottinghamshire-based creative agency CCM Group has joined forces with its chosen charity of the year, Nottinghamshire Mind, to organise an online fundraising event.
The Big Notts Raffle will take place on Thursday 13 May, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021. This support is in addition to the pro-bono services the creative agency is offering to the charity, including creative design and website development.
Trent Peek, group director at CCM Group, said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Nottinghamshire Mind throughout 2021. We’re hoping that by organising this virtual event during Mental Health Awareness Week, we will be able to raise awareness and vital funds for such a worthwhile cause in our local community.”
Claire Twells, Sara Ferdinando, Jo Andrew and Sophie Shapcott, members of Derby's Finest, with the birthday box for a nine-year-old Derby County fan
Helping spread birthday cheer
Businesswomen in Derby have joined forces to make sure underprivileged and vulnerable children will be able to celebrate their birthdays.
Birthday boxes containing cake, candles, balloons, gifts, socks, pants, pyjamas, colouring pens and colouring books were created by Derby’s Finest, a group that celebrates the city’s women in business.
The idea was the brainchild of board member Claire Twells, a partner at Smith Partnership Solicitors, who was told through her charitable work about cases of children who do not receive gifts because of difficulties in their home life.
She said: “Some children are living with guardians or carers and all their resources go to putting food on the table.
“This means children – who have already had really tough, often violent, lives – are having to miss out on birthday celebrations. I thought it would be a good idea to try to get a box of small gifts to a boy and girl from needy families every month.”
Among the Derby-based companies joining Smith Partnership on this project are Project D, Evad and EMA Training.
Claire is now reaching out to the wider business community for support as the demand for the boxes increases as lockdown continues.
She said: “The project has grown well beyond my expectations - we have a request for over 30 boxes with that number rising daily. It would be great if we could garner help from other business leaders.”
New website highlights child exploitation dangers
Creationz Marketing and Little Black Dog Design have joined forces to help Derby-based charity Safe and Sound raise awareness of the dangers facing children and young people of child exploitation through a new website.
The site includes information and resources for professionals working with young people and parents, and incorporates a new live chat facility to enable easier access to the charity’s specialist support team.
Safe and Sound supports children and young people across Derbyshire who are victims of or at risk of child exploitation including sexual exploitation, county lines, modern slavery, trafficking and radicalisation.
Safe and Sound chief executive Tracy Harrison said: “Our caseload increased by over 50% in 2020, largely since the start of the pandemic – brought about by young people being socially isolated and therefore particularly vulnerable to online grooming.
“It was therefore important to have a well-designed and userfriendly website with a wealth of resources that can be easily accessed to raise awareness of the dangers facing young people in our local communities.”
Claire Taylor is the founder and managing director of Creationz Marketing, which is providing ongoing digital marketing and social media support for Safe and Sound.
She said: “Having achieved our objectives to increase engagement and raise greater awareness of child exploitation across Safe and Sound’s social media channels – we identified the urgent need for a new website to enable it to share important information and resources with stakeholders and the wider general public.”
Financial support for B2B salespeople
A charity that supports B2B salespeople who are facing financial hardship has awarded more than 240 grants, with a total value of £115,780, since the start of the year – after donating £680,000 in 2020.
The Salespeople’s Charity offers a variety of support – including the supply of white goods, assistance with utility debts, rent arrears, dayto-day living costs, household repairs - directly to the salesperson and their families.
The national charity was established as The Commercial Travellers Benevolent Institute in 1849 by five commercial travellers to help one of their colleagues who was unable to continue working.
Each grant awarded is designed to support applicants’ most pressing need and does not have to be repaid.
Charity manager Brian Riddell said: “Despite operating for over 170 years, the financial support we are currently making available to B2B salespeople is proving more than ever necessary.”
