THE FIRST WORD
Before putting together this month’s Business Network magazine, my main thoughts about AI were that it posed a threat to tradition ways of working and – should computers finally decide they could do things better than us – a potential threat to us all.
I’m still not sure about the second point, but I do now realise that AI could eventually improve the way many of us work, rather than simply take that work away from us.
Technology has always impacted on our jobs – from early motorcars and telephones to typewriters, laptops, mobile phones, the internet, online shopping and mobile phone apps.
AI is just the latest change to add to that list and it’s fascinating how businesses are adapting to it. East Midlands Chamber, for instance, is looking at how it can be exploited to make the services we offer to our members even better. In fact, we’re working with the subject of this month's Big Interview – NetMonkeys chief executive Nick Gall – to come up with ways that AI can streamline the way we operate. He tells us about the work his firm is doing helping clients get ready for the new age of information technology which, he says, is changing at a faster rate than anything he's experienced before.
On our Focus pages we react to Sir Kier Starmer’s recent announcement to make the UK an AI powerhouse, creating jobs and wealth, pushing the boundaries of scientific research and even using it to reduce the economic strain on our stretched public services. I hope he’s right. We also hear from experts such as Professor Mustabsar Awais of the University of Derby, who tells us that businesses need to adapt to AI right now if they want to stay ahead of the competition.
James Ferraby, from Digital Planning, meanwhile, tells us about the exciting opportunities to use new digital technologies to “unlock time”, freeing us from mundane work struggles to concentrate on the bigger picture, and “enabling people to be human at a time when human instinct and emotion is most needed”.
Coming from a different angle, Tim Lenton from Purpose Media, tells us how a business within the creative sector needs to find a happy medium between technological automation and human nature – too much of the first and there's a danger creativity will be lost. Purely investing in the latter and businesses will be wasting opportunities to be more productive.
Reading the contributions to this magazine proves there are still lots of ways of approaching the subject of AI. What is certain is that it’s here to stay and is set to change our lives in ways many of us might never believe were possible.
Tom Pegden, Editor, Business Network
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FEBRUARY 2025
MEMBER NEWS
4 Everards appoints new managing director
APPOINTMENTS
28 Chamber names new head of membership
THE BIG INTERVIEW
31 IT specialist Nick Gall considers the Government’s ambitious AI plans for the UK
STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS
38 Rolls-Royce reveals site expansion partners
CHAMBER NEWS
40 Local firms say Budget will hit recruitment
CHAMBER NETWORKS
52 Former Vinted boss to speak at conference
TRAINING & EVENTS
60 Energy Summit offers powerful overview
SUSTAINABLE EAST MIDLANDS
64 Trust rewards volunteers for their work
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
66 Optimism over Trans-Pacific deal
POLITICS
68 Regional business leaders to help EMCCA
FEATURES
70 CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
Importance of glazing solutions is clear
72 A practical guide to sustainable design
74 FOCUS
Business Network offers a wide-ranging overview of Artifical Intelligence and its implications for businesses and workers
80 APPRENTICESHIPS, SKILLS & TRAINING Why upskilling is the way forward
84 Bridging the skills gap
87 How Skills and Growth Levy changes could impact businesses
DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY
90 Bringing the infrared future into focus
BUSINESS SUPPORT
92 LEGAL
Rothera Bay team scoop top award
94FINANCE
Setting your goals for success in 2025
97 SKILLS
Launch of regional nuclear skills hub
98 PROPERTY
Green light for student accommodation
100 MOTORING
Nick Jones gets charged up about the new Mazda MX-30 R-EV
THE LAST WORD
102 New Chamber President Dawn Whitemore discusses the pros and cons of AI
COVER PHOTO
Artist’s impression of a future Dreadnought submarine above water
THE LATEST NEWS FROM OUR CHAMBER MEMBERS
New MD raises a glass to future of brewing industry
Andy Wilson has taken over as the managing director of Leicestershire pub operator Everards, replacing Stephen Gould who spent 20 years in the role.
Andy was previously managing director of Green King Destination Pubs, and Stephen – who oversaw the company’s relocation to a new base at Everards Meadows near Fosse Park – has stayed on as a non-executive director.
‘Pubs need a fundamental change to the business rates system and VAT parity with supermarkets’
The change at the top comes as Everards’ owners called for more support for pubs to mitigate some of the effects of the Autumn Budget on the cost of doing business. It also comes as the business announced that turnover for the year to September 30 was up 4% on the previous year at £36.2m.
Operating profit was 21% up at £2.7m – driven by a 12% like-for-like profit growth from the 151-pub estate.
Sales of its beers such as Tiger, Sun Chaser and Old Original, saw like-for-like growth of 9.5%.
The Beer Hall venue at the
Everards Meadows brewery and headquarters also performed strongly with net sales of £3.3m, delivering a 5% growth on the prior year.
During the previous year the business said it put £6.2m into refurbishing and maintaining its pubs, which, alongside a reduction in debt and the de-risking of the pension scheme, had helped the balance sheet.
Chairman Julian Everard said the strong results reflected the hard work and dedication of the team and its pub landlords.
But he said “serious challenges” had arisen following the Budget, where Chancellor Rachel Reeves had
begun the difficult job of plugging a black hole in public finances.
He said: “The impact of employer National Insurance and National Living Wage changes from April 2025, along with the reduction in business rates support, are being evaluated on a pub-by-pub basis, but will have a material impact on both pubs and Everards directly.
“Mitigation will inevitably include price rises to customers, attempts to procure goods and services at better prices and general cost reductions.
“All factors which will negatively impact on the momentum Everards and our business owners have built during 2024. Looking ahead, pubs need a fundamental change to the business rates system and VAT parity with supermarkets.
“Without such action, our Government runs the risk of seriously (and in some cases terminally) damaging thousands of pubs across the country. Many of these pubs are operated as SMEs by independent family business owners – the lifeblood of a strong economy which should be the core to any sensible Government’s growth agenda.”
Referring to the board changes, Julian said: “Stephen has been an exceptional MD for Everards and is respected not only by my family and the Everards team but across the pub and brewing industry.”
Rolls-Royce has struck a £9bn deal with the Government to support to the Royal Navy’s fleet of nuclear submarines – in the hope of boosting national security and economic growth.
The eight-year contract –dubbed ‘Unity’ – will deliver the design, manufacture and support services for the reactors powering the nation’s submarines, creating more than 1,000 UK jobs and safeguarding 4,000 more.
It gives long-term certainty for the Derby-based engineering giant as it plans a major redevelopment of its Raynesway facility, and includes building four
Andy Wilson
How a STEP prototype fusion energy plant in the East Midlands might look
Rolls-Royce signs submarine deal
Furness, Cumbria, maintaining the UK’s continuous “at-sea” nuclear deterrent, and delivering all future upgrades.
Steve Carlier, the president of Rolls-Royce Submarines, said: “This long-term contract enables us to invest in the right skills, equipment, and facilities to play our part in protecting UK interests at home and overseas.”
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “This investment in Britain’s defence will deliver a long-term boost to British business, jobs and national security.
“In line with our Plan for Change, this deal with Rolls-
Work gets underway on major leisure resort
Work has started constructing a vast new leisure resort in the Peak District, which will have 2,000 hotel rooms and 250 holiday lodges as well as its own energy park.
Phase one of the planned 283acre Peak Gateway Resort – at the entrance to the Peak District near Chesterfield – is expected to open to visitors in either 2027 or 2028.
Royce, a historic British successstory, will support high-skilled UK jobs who equip the thousands of submariners that keep us all safe.
“We are showing defence can be an engine for growth, while also driving better value for taxpayer money.
“National security is a foundation of our Government’s plan for change, and this is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the UK’s nuclear deterrent, which is our ultimate insurance policy in a more dangerous world.”
• For more on the Raynesway site see page 38.
Similar to a ski resort, it will include accommodation, food and drinks outlets and shops – with a zero-carbon transport service taking visitors to and from attractions in the 50 square mile National Park, without the need for their car.
Landowner Birchall Properties has invested more than 35 years regenerating the 300-acre Birchall Estate, where the resort will go, following years of open-cast mining, and the total development value has been put at more than £1bn.
Planning permission for the first phase – about a third of the total
site – also includes leisure and educational facilities, a wellness clinic with operating theatres and 2,850 parking spaces.
Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “PEAK’s gateway manifesto provides the opportunity for regional businesses to participate in the construction and operation of a world class ESG (environmental, social and governance) exemplar enterprise celebrating and making available the cultural and natural assets of our region.”
Jo Dilley, managing director of Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, said: “The PEAK Gateway development, is a transformative project that will redefine the visitor experience in the Peak District.
“With the introduction of highquality serviced hotels, we will be able to cater to more groups and international visitors, offering world-class accommodations and amenities.”
Region to get funding for fusion
The East Midlands is set to benefit from a £410m Government investment in fusion energy – which could provide a “safe, low carbon and sustainable” answer to the world’s energy needs.
Fusion power could one day use the same reaction that powers the sun to provide cheap, clean electricity, and the UK is at the forefront of the race to unlock its potential. Five construction and engineering partners have been shortlisted by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) to build a fusion power plant in north Nottinghamshire by 2050, creating thousands of new jobs.
The prototype fusion energy plant will be built on the site of a decommissioned coal power station, and the new funding will help develop the skills needed for scientists, engineers, welders and programme managers to enter the industry.
Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said: “This is fantastic news for Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands, a region that’s ready and willing to lead the way in clean, green energy. I am delighted the Government is committed to this investment in the East Midlands and look forward to working together to kickstart a green industrial revolution, creating skilled jobs in our former coal mining communities.”
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is contributing up to £3m into plans for the Trent Clean Energy Supercluster – which centres on three former coal-fired power stations alongside the River Trent at West Burton, High Marnham and Cottam, all in Bassetlaw.
The West Burton power station site, in north Nottinghamshire, will be home to the ground-breaking STEP prototype fusion energy plant.
Speaking about the £410m investment in fusion, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said after 70 years of theoretical work, Britain was within grasping distance of unlocking the power of the sun for secure, clean, unlimited energy.
Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy said: “Last year Nottinghamshire marked the end of coal in our country after 142 years and today it starts the process to create the energy of the future.
“We are taking a step forward in the global race to commercialise fusion, growing our economy, attracting investment and harnessing the power of the sun to create clean limitless secure energy.
“This is what our clean energy transition is about –creating jobs in our local communities and building the skills that we need on the path to net zero.”
How the Peak Gateway Resort near Chesterfield will look
Law firm reports huge increase in clients and profits
The head of Knights law firm said the business continued to win new clients and take on staff as it reported a 30% jump in half-year profits.
The business said it achieved pre-tax profits of £9m for the six months to October 31, on revenues of £79.4m – up 5.4%.
During the period it hired 23 senior fee earners and grew its higher margin business areas of CL Medilaw, real estate and New Homes. At the same time it cut back on lower margin services such as insolvency.
‘Knights has delivered a strong performance in the first half, with a significant increase in profitability’
discipline.
Good year for supplier of corporate energy
Yü Group chief executive Bobby Kalar said the corporate energy supplier and meter operator delivered a strong 2024 – with Yü Energy, its supply business, seeing a 40% increase in revenue despite lower prices.
It also strengthened its presence in the West Midlands, adding offices in Worcester, Kidderminster, Solihull and Birmingham through the acquisition of Thursfields Legal, while revenues from the acquisitions of Baines Wilson, St. James’ Law and Meade King were ahead of expectations.
Chief executive David Beech said: “Knights has delivered a strong performance in the first half, with a significant increase in profitability, supported by strong recruitment, significant client wins, contributions from prior year
“The second half of the year has started in line with our expectations, with important recent client wins, and continued recruitment momentum, underpinning our confidence in delivering further organic growth in the second half.
“Knights’ growing reputation as a quality UK legal services provider with national scale continues to support our recruitment and acquisition pipeline and we have a good pipeline of further hires for the second half.
“This positive momentum, together with our continued focus on operational excellence positions us well for delivering full year profits in line with our expectations.”
He said the business had entered 2025 with 88,000 meter points on its books, up 65% on a year before.
The Nottingham business said it had revenues of £650m in 2024, up from £460m in 2023.
The CEO said: “[Smart meter operator] Yü Smart continues to deliver incredible advantages to our customers and the group, and we now have national coverage of skilled engineers.
“We have financed 27,200 smart meter assets which provide a growing index-linked annuity income stream alongside other significant benefits to our customers and our own operation.
“I look back with pride on our journey and the hard yards invested, which have seen a quadrupling of revenue in the last four years.
“While our increased scale suggests a lower organic growth rate in the future, our group is well placed to continue to take market share with a significant opportunity remaining.
“Our business is in good shape across Yü Energy and Yü Smart to continue to deliver.
“We have a fantastic and dedicated team in place, and I'd like to thank them for all the work done in delivering yet-another record year.”
Next bucks trend but growth concerns remain
Leicestershire-based Next Plc had a strong Christmas trading period, with full price sales up 5.7% yearon-year, taking its full year guidance for pre-tax profits to £1.046bn.
The high street chain, which has stakes in brands such as Reiss, Joules and Made.com, said it expected sales of £6.5bn for its current financial year, more than 3% up, but warned management felt the economy was not in the best health.
In a Stock Market statement, it said: “We believe that UK growth is likely to slow, as employer tax increases, and their potential
impact on prices and employment, begin to filter through into the economy.”
It added: “Standing back from the numbers there is one important message. We believe that the group can deliver sales growth in the year ahead, and we can grow profits in line with sales.
“We believe that the unusually high £67m increase in wage costs can be offset through a combination of operational efficiencies and other cost savings, and a 1% increase in prices on likefor-like goods, which is unwelcome, but still lower than UK general inflation.”
Yü Group chief executive Bobby Kalar
The Next store at Fosse Park Leicester
Knights CEO David Beech
Fantasy games firm is killing it
Games Workshop has reported its best six-month period yet, with a big jump in sales and profits and a planned Amazon spin-off getting closer.
The fantasy games business, which is based in Lenton, Nottingham, said it has struck a deal with Amazon to adapt its Warhammer 40,000 universe into films and tv shows.
‘Our decisions are focused on long-term success, not shortterm gains’
In December, Superman star Henry Cavill revealed on Instagram that he was working with Amazon and Games Workshop to create the new live-action Warhammer “universe”.
Games Workshop said it saw revenues of almost £300m in the half-year to December 1, more than £50m up on a year before. Pre-tax profit for the period was almost £127m, up from £95m a year earlier.
The business said the success was down to sticking to its core strategy, to “make the best fantasy miniatures in the world, to engage and inspire
our customers, and to sell our products globally at a profit”.
In a trading update chief executive Kevin Rountree said: “We intend to do this forever.
“Our decisions are focused on long-term success, not short-term gains.
“This relentless focus from all in our vertically integrated business continues to deliver record results.
“Our business culture is built on
a few important values. Key among them is humility. So, while we are very proud of our achievements, we remain grounded, pragmatic and ego free.
“We know through experience that, at Games Workshop, speculation is unwise and extrapolation is a fool’s game. We will therefore continue to stay focused on managing the business under all scenarios. So far, so good.
“Cost increases are impacting most businesses in the UK.
“We, however, don’t expect any material impact on our financial performance for the year to May 2025 following the UK’s Autumn Budget 2024 – e.g. increases to the National Living Wage – as we already pay all of our UK staff, as a minimum, close to the new level.
“It may, however, drive third party input cost increases in 2025/2026. At this stage we have not been informed of any significant changes. We await confirmation on any other external tariffs or tax changes and we will manage them accordingly.”
He said there were still huge licensing opportunities, with the business owning some of the best underexploited intellectual property globally. He added: “On 10 December 2024, we announced the conclusion of our negotiations with Amazon for the adaption of Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40,000 universe into films and television series, together with associated merchandising rights. We are now more confident we will bring the worlds of Warhammer to the screen like you have never seen before.”
Artwork from Games Workshop’s Warhammer Kill Team
The Derventio Housing Trust headquarters in Derby
Homelessness trust moves to new Derby HQ
Derby homelessness organisation Derventio Housing Trust has moved its HQ after being based in a former church in the heart of the city for more than 20 years, from where it has provided two million beds to those most in need.
From beginning life as a night shelter at the end of 2002, the trust is now a thriving organisation employing around 75 people around the UK, with 40 based in Derby.
It helps more than a thousand people a year by providing accommodation for them when they would otherwise be at risk of being homeless.
It is currently providing housing for more than 200 people in Derby and more in wider Derbyshire.
Alongside that, the trust provides a wealth of support services to help residents get their lives back on track, including a “Growing Lives” project in Ilkeston that helps with projects like craft, woodworking, walks, gardening and companionship.
It has now moved its main base to purpose-built offices on the Peter Baines Industrial Estate in Woods Lane.
Managing director Sarah Hernandez said: “Our former headquarters at the Glad Tidings Hall in Boyer Street have stood us in great stead since we first opened up as a night shelter in late 2002.
“But after more than 20 years we felt it was time we acquired some more modern offices for our dedicated staff as we continue our work meeting the ever-increasing demand for our services.”
Steel and vehicle firms forge 40-year team-up
Mackworth Vehicle Conversion
Specialists and Eggleston Steel have celebrated a 40year business partnership which they said had helped provide the steel industry with a customised, heavy-duty fleet.
For four decades, Eggleston Steel has relied on Mackworth to design, build, and upgrade its fleet of specialist vehicles to a specification that ensures they can handle frequent, heavy loads.
Richard Hewitt, managing director of Eggleston Steel, said: “If
‘A lorry off the road is lost time and money, and Mackworth understands that’
we have an issue, Mackworth is 20 minutes away and ready to help.
“They know our vehicles inside out, and that quick support keeps our operations running smoothly. A lorry off the road is lost time and money, and Mackworth understands that.”
Located in Derby since the
1960s, Mackworth now has 60 staff while Eggleston Steel, established in 1809, is a major UK steel stockholder, serving a broad range of industries from its headquarters in Derby.
Peter Tomlinson, administration manager at Mackworth, said: “Working with Eggleston is not just about delivering vehicles. It’s about engineering solutions that make a difference to their business. We take on each project knowing our reputation – and theirs – is on the line.”
Powering the energy revolution
The Midlands Engine Partnership has launched a “bold vision and roadmap for delivering secure, low-carbon energy and unlocking economic growth across the region”.
Drawing on the region’s energy innovation ecosystem, manufacturing expertise and research, the Midlands Energy Security White Paper highlights how the Midlands is leading the UK’s journey to energy resilience.
It highlights £20bn of investment potential and the opportunity to create nearly 200,000 green jobs by 2041, making the Midlands central to achieving the Government’s ambition to become a clean energy superpower.
The White Paper underscores the critical role of the Midlands in delivering the clean energy transition, decarbonising its industrial clusters, and leveraging its energy and advanced manufacturing expertise and research excellence to meet national Net Zero objectives.
It sets out the opportunities for investment, job creation and innovation, building on the
The decommissioned Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station site will be used for clean energy initiatives
Midlands’ position as home to 21% of the UK’s electricity generation capacity.
According to the Midlands Engine the region is home to a quarter of the UK’s fossil fuel generation capacity, a high concentration of energy-intensive industries but has England’s highest regional rate of fuel poverty, so epitomises both the challenges and opportunities of the clean energy transition.
Claire Ward, mayor of the East Midlands, said: “The East Midlands is leading the way in the clean energy revolution, from STEP Fusion in West Burton to cuttingedge hydrogen and battery technology.
“This White Paper sets out a bold vision to harness our region’s innovation and industrial strength, creating well-paid green jobs and sustainable growth.”
Time to look for the stars of the next generation
Entries have opened for the 2025 Generation Next Awards which will recognise creatives, apprentices and future business leaders for their outstanding ability, potential or achievement.
Powered by East Midlands Chamber, Generation Next provides learning and development resources, skills workshops and mentoring for professionals and entrepreneurs in the 18-35 age group. The Awards are one of the most important events in the network’s calendar.
Three new categories have been introduced for 2025: Excellence in Professional Services, Excellence in Sales and Marketing and Communicator of the Year, while entry requirements for established categories have been refined.
‘There’s so much young business talent in the East Midlands’
Entry for all 12 categories closes at 5pm on 7 March and submissions can be made by people within the qualifying age group or by colleagues. Following a judging process winners will receive awards at a celebratory event next summer.
Generation Next lead and Chamber director of resources Lucy Robinson said: “The day we hit “go” on the Generation Next Awards is the start of an exciting rollercoaster each year.
“There’s so much young business talent in the East Midlands that deserve to be recognised for hard work, skill or innovative thinking.
Tourette’s sufferer beats odds to succeed at work
A Nottinghamshire man with Tourette’s syndrome said the support of his wife and employer have helped him overcome the difficulties of living with the challenging condition.
Charley Clarke, 31, said thanks to their support his increased confidence had helped him secure a job working directly with customers at an IT support company – something he said was unthinkable a decade ago.
For years Charley did not know what caused his verbal tics, which include uncontrolled swearing – while a general lack of understanding about the condition led to difficult social and workplace situations.
He said: “I knew there was a problem, but I didn’t know what was causing it and nobody ever spoke about it in those days. If people made a joke about it, I would feel even worse.”
It wasn’t until his wife, Emily, encouraged him to seek an official diagnosis that Charley was able to understand how he was affected by Tourette’s syndrome.
Charley joined Your IT Department eight years ago, initially as a first line engineer, dealing with customers’ enquiries over the phone. With the company’s support, he progressed so well that he was promoted to a head of service role and now takes responsibility for all aspects of service delivery, managing a team of 17 staff.
Charley said: “I have grown with the company and they’ve given me opportunities I didn’t have anywhere else. We talk about Tourette’s openly and it doesn’t stop me from doing my job.”
“We’re all used to hearing of people awarded after making millions for a company. Generation Next is that same star quality in people – just much earlier in their journey. I’m really excited we have three new awards for 2025 and we’ve revamped the requirements for our longstanding awards too.”
The 2025 categories are:
• Apprentice of the Year Award
• Creators and Makers Award
• Excellence in Customer Experience Award
• Entrepreneur of the Year Award
• Future Leader Award
• Innovator of the Year Award
• Talent Development Award
• Community Impact Champion Award
• Excellence in Sales or Marketing Award
• Emerging Talent Award
• Communicator of the Year Award
• Excellence in Professional Services Award
To submit an entry visit generationnextemc.co.uk/ 2025-awards
Fundraising is bringing sanctuary a step closer
The creation of a sanctuary for cancer-stricken teens has taken a step closer thanks to the fundraising drive of a brave 21year-old Derbyshire woman.
Determined Hannah Roberts, who is battling her own life-limiting cancer, has dedicated her time to a massive fundraising project.
Her goal is to raise £203,000 to buy a lodge at Mercia Marina, in Findern Lane, near Willington, for use as a respite venue for teenagers and young adults under the care of the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Hannah has now smashed the £150,000 milestone, having raised over three-quarters of her target with funds totalling £160,000.
She was diagnosed with Glioblastoma (GBM4) in 2022, aged 19, and spent 18 months under the care of the teenage cancer ward at Nottingham City Hospital, with surgeries at Nottingham QMC. At the time, she was given 14 months to live.
Mum Gail Iredale said: “It has been a hell of a journey but we are now in month 27 and are pleased to say that Hannah has received a stable scan. Our commitment to this fundraising mission comes from sheer desperation and knowing what other families are going through.”
Hannah's lodge will provide families with the chance to
reconnect amid the natural beauty and tranquillity of the South Derbyshire countryside. A stream of fundraising projects under the charity name ‘Hannah’s Hope’, has resulted in the current total.
Last year Hannah, Gail and Gail’s husband Wayne, opened a boutique at Mercia Marina, selling high-quality, donated, new and nearly new items. It became the charity HQ but will close in February as the space donated by the marina is set for redevelopment. The shop added £50,000 to the fundraising pot.
To support Hannah visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding /gail-iredale-1
Lucy Robinson at the 2024 Generation Next Awards
Charley Clarke
Hannah Roberts (centre), with mum Gail Iredale and her husband Wayne
Home care specialist renews franchise deal
The PerCurra home care franchise has entered its next phase after Grantham & Newark branch owner Andrew White renewed his franchise agreement.
Andrew joined the PerCurra network in January 2019, and having successfully navigated the traumas of the pandemic, has built a thriving business with a dedicated team of professional carers.
‘Much of our new business comes from direct referrals from happy clients’
He said: “People know who we are now. Much of our new business comes from direct referrals from happy clients. I have a wonderful team of care professionals working with me – they are my prize asset! I’m looking forward to continuing to build my business and bringing our exceptional levels of home care support to even more people in our area.”
Gill Heppell, chief executive of Nottingham-based PerCurra Franchising, said: “I am delighted
that Andrew is signing a further agreement with PerCurra.
“It’s been rewarding to see his business grow. I admire his commitment and, in particular, the way he overcame the operational difficulties that arose during Covid.
“This really showed his resilience and ability to overcome hurdles. Andrew truly cares about other people and also comes up with ideas that I can take forward to benefit all our branches.”
Recycling firm expands through acquisition
International mergers and acquisitions advisory firm Marktlink successfully helped with the acquisition of Stanton Recycling by Willshee’s Waste & Recycling.
The transaction was fronted by Marktlink’s Midlands team, supported by Shoosmiths providing legal counsel and Claritas offering tax advice. Stanton Recycling received financial advice from accountants Ashgates and legal support from Gateley.
Willshee’s managing director Dean Willshee said: “Marktlink’s drive and strategic advice enabled our first deal to be a great success and we are now focussed on integration and the continued growth of our business.
“Looking ahead, we’re aiming to further strengthen our business and we look forward to continuing to work with Marktlink. Our goal is to create more local jobs and drive positive environmental change across the region.”
Gill Heppell and Andrew White of PerCurra
Grant
for sensory clothing business
A Derby sensory-friendly clothing company has been selected from more than 17,000 UK-wide applicants as winner of the Simply Business £25,000 Business Boost grant.
The small business insurance provider has given away more than £85,000 in grants to deserving entrepreneurs through the competition, helping them launch their next big idea or provide crucial support to help an existing SME thrive.
Comfa was launched in 2021 by inventor Max Palfrey, now 11, who wanted to find innovative sensory solutions for the challenges faced by neurodivergent children and their families.
The original idea for their signature garment – the ‘Fidget Tee’ – was a range of sensoryfriendly t-shirts complete with built-in fidget toy.
Max and his dad Matt said they are using the grant to expand the current range of clothing into school uniforms –something that has been requested by customers.
Matt said: "Winning this grant is amazing. It gives us a true feeling of legitimacy as a business to receive the recognition for what Max has created, and we're delighted to be able to build on what we have done and help more families."
The winner was carefully selected by an expert panel which included entrepreneur Timothy Armoo, Harpreet Kaur, winner of BBC’s The Apprentice, and last year’s Simply Business’ Business Boost winner Claire Marchais, owner of eco-friendly, lowwaste wholefoods store, Fair-Well.
More businesses open in Cathedral Quarter
Derby Cathedral Quarter BID helped 28 new small business open last year, with the city centre area now boasting more than 300 small businesses.
Martin Langsdale, who chairs the Cathedral Quarter BID, said the growth was testament to the quarter’s enduring appeal as a place to start and grow a business.
Among the established businesses is The Mecca, an independent, family-owned jeweller and clock shop which just celebrated its 100th year of Christmas trading.
New businesses include social media agency Social Moody, café and cake maker Glamberry, tattoo studio Rapture (Andy Radford and Elisha Cunningham pictured top), and Bridge the Gap CIC, a social enterprise promoting emotional
‘Products that help the people and planet rather than harm them’
literacy and mental health support for children and families.
One of the most recent to open was Thrive Mind Village, a new community hub in Iron Gate, selling books, crafts and gifts alongside culinary treats and vegan delights such as stir-fry, steamed buns and aloo pies.
Simon Jones and Liz Le Drew, who run Thrive Mind Village, said: “It's the small businesses of Derby, run by passionate local people, that go the extra mile to do things with real quality and care, bringing unique experiences and ethical products that help the people and planet rather than harm them.”
Conference to put focus on skills
Chesterfield and North Derbyshire businesses are being offered a helping hand to embrace new skills initiatives and create highquality jobs, bridge skills gaps, and ensure the region thrives in high-growth industries.
The Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference takes place at the Winding Wheel Theatre from 8-11am on Thursday, 13 February to outline how businesses can access and bolster local talent to support economic growth.
Among the things the conference will highlight are new and emerging policy, including Government plans to launch foundation and short apprenticeships in key sectors, investing £40m to create a Growth and Skills Levy and a Youth Guarantee Trailblazers initiative.
The East Midlands is one of eight areas in England and Wales set to benefit from additional funding for young people.
Delegates will also gain updates on existing programmes that enable employees to access an apprenticeship or other workrelated training, such as Skills Bootcamps and supported internships.
The Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership delivers the Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Employability & Skills Conference in association with Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield.
Council leader Cllr Tricia Gilby said: “By developing a resilient workforce, we can help local businesses seize new opportunities and drive growth.
“This year’s conference places a strong emphasis on the wide range of support available to local businesses, and I encourage all business leaders to attend and explore the resources on offer.”
To book a free place visit: is.gd/yKYP5K
Max and dad Matt Palfrey of Comfa clothing
Cllr Tricia Gilby speaks at the 2024 Chesterfield skills conference
Liz Le Drew from Thrive Mind Village
From Nottingham to Northampton, Parkway Volkswagen is on hand to offer you friendly and informative advice on all aspects of purchasing and financing your next company car or personal contract hire lease. We can offer support throughout the process, from sourcing one car to helping to manage multiple purchases and supplying larger fleets.
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Jodie Shipley
Fleet business development manager jodie.shipley@parkwayvolkswagen.co.uk Telephone: 07703 830192
HUUB founder receives MBE from future King
Derby businessman Dean Jackson has spoken of his pride at receiving an MBE from the future King of England –admitting his younger self would “not have believed his eyes”.
Dean is the founder and owner of global triathlon and cycling brand HUUB, whose products have been worn by athletes including the Brownlee Brothers, Sir Jason Kenney and David Weir as well as countless amateur competitors.
The former Noel-Baker School pupil was invited to Windsor Castle to collect an MBE for his services to business and innovation, joining celebrities including singers Simon Le Bon and Heather Small and actress Dame Imelda Staunton.
He said: “When I was in the queue waiting to go up to Prince
William, I felt so overwhelmed I almost burst into tears.
“How does a person from NoelBaker, with two O-Levels, one GCSE and a cycling proficiency badge end up in this position?
‘He was particularly interested in the technology behind the wetsuits’
“I just thought that someone had obviously cloned me, because here I was with Simon Le Bon standing two people in front of me in the queue. He was a huge deal when I was a teenager – Duran Duran were the Gods of music in 1985-86 – and here I am collecting the same
Deputy chief executive, East Midlands Chamber, Diane Beresford
Royal seal of approval for water specialists
Derby-based water conservation and washroom services specialists HSG was formally presented with The King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill CBE and Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire Mr Tony Walker CBE.
The team joined civic dignitaries including The High Sheriff of Derbyshire Mr Ian Morgan OBE and the Mayor of Derby Cllr Ged Potter for the presentation at Derby’s Pride Park Stadium.
In attendance were employees from the sales, technical and administration teams at HSG, key customers, representatives from businesses and organisations who have supported the company throughout its 17 years in business, from East Midlands Chamber and from local charity Me & Dee, which the company supports.
The guests were officially welcomed to Pride Park by Derby County FC chief executive Stephen Pearce who thanked the company for its kit sponsorship of the men’s and women’s first teams.
accolade as him. Talk about imposter syndrome.”
The company, which has a Queen’s Award for innovation and two patents for its technology, has collaborated with experts and world-class athletes to create products for sporting participants of all ages and abilities.
Dean said: “Incredibly, Prince
William knew all about us and we also discussed his family members, including his sister-in-law, Pippa Middleton, enjoying swimming and triathlons.
“He was particularly interested in the technology behind the wetsuits and asked me to explain exactly how we helped athletes go faster.”
Recognising county’s community champions
The fifth Leicestershire Community Champions Awards took place at The City Rooms, Leicester, celebrating the hard work of local charities and individuals.
The event, run by Furnley House Foundation, highlights the transformative power of community spirit and the importance of supporting one another and raised more than £1,250 for good causes, taking the grand total since the foundation’s inception to more than £25,000.
The funds raised at the ceremony will be split between the charity of the year finalists. The foundation plans to host its next flagship event, the annual summer ball, on 28 June. This year’s winners were:
• Charity of the Year: PASIC Cancer support for children and young people
• Community Organisation of the Year: Ditch the Knife Value Life
• Fundraiser of the Year: Alice Greaves, IF ANYONE CAN ALICE CAN
• Volunteer of the Year: James Alexander John Punch of James Punch Training, New Parks Social Club Disco and Battle Tested Kickboxing
• Environmental Project of the Year: Tilton on the Hill Electric Car Club
• Trustee of the Year: Tom Young of The Little Theatre
• Young Fundraiser of the Year: Ava Hardy for Falcon
• Charity Employee of the Year: Julie Young of Heartwize
• Charity of the Year: Soft Touch Arts
• Community Organisation of the Year: Elliott Hall for youth and community
Rosemary Conley is presented with flowers at the Champions Awards
From left: Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire Mr Tony Walker CBE; Mayor of Derby Cllr Ged Potter; HSG founder and managing director Simon Rice; The Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill CBE; The High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Mr Ian Morgan OBE;
Dean Jackson receives his MBE from The Prince of Wales
“We
Event will spotlight diversity and bring people together
The 2025 East Midlands Celebration of Culture and Communities should act as an example to the nation, say headline partners RandalSun Capital, emh Group and De Montfort University.
Some 500 people are expected at the Chamber-run celebration, which takes place at Athena in Leicester on 4 April, which will feature delicious food as well as networking, live entertainment, dance and song from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds.
Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, founder and chairman of Leicestershire-based investment company RandalSun Capital, said: “The Celebration of Culture and Communities event is a phenomenal opportunity to bring people together from across our region – which is one of the most diverse areas in the UK.
“This special event genuinely celebrates our diversity and is a showcase of our strong and entrepreneurial businesses, all of which are underpinned by our incredibly diverse communities and cultures.
“Having been involved from the very start, I am delighted that we are a headline sponsor for the event in 2025.
“In fact, I decided we would support the event this way on the evening of the event last year. That’s because this is one of the best gatherings of business leaders and their teams, brilliantly orchestrated by East Midlands Chamber.
“It’s a great night and alongside being an exceptional time for networking, there’s fabulous food, music and more.
“Diversity in our businesses in the East Midlands is about so much more than policies or metrics. It is intrinsically linked to the dynamism, creativity, energy, and the passion which is so evident in our businesses. Our commercial and economic success arises from our people. It is as simple as that.
“We are looking forward to supporting this terrific event – and to a great evening once more with colleagues from every part of our incredible region. Together we’ll be celebrating the importance of, and the strength that is brought through, our remarkable diversity.”
Sarah Thomson, director of engagement at De Montfort University, said: “DMU is proud to partner with East Midlands Chamber for the Celebration of Culture and Communities, an event that perfectly aligns with our mission to champion inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and support the vibrant communities that shape our region.
“As a university rooted in Leicester, one of the most multicultural cities in Britain, we understand the importance of building connections. We look forward to joining this celebration and continuing to support initiatives that bring people together, create opportunities, and celebrate all that is great about the East Midlands.”
‘This special event genuinely celebrates our diversity and is a showcase of our strong and entrepreneurial businesses’
Award a ‘big’ deal for automation specialist
A specialist in automation and temporary/permanent buildings and structures won the innovative robots/automation solution warehouse technology award at the Automate UK Awards 2024.
Big Box Group was honoured with the award for its self-driving XP15 Automation Robot, described as “a unique, very practical, cost-effective, and affordable robot navigation system”.
The XP15 Automation Robot uses the latest warehouse technology to offer a navigation system that is efficient and affordable for a broad range of businesses.
To see it in action, visit: is.gd/Ih3lFd
A spokesman for the business said: “This award highlights Big Box Group’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of automation technology, consistently delivering cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
“Big Box Group is immensely proud of this achievement and remains committed to pioneering advancements in automation, ensuring that their solutions continue to set the standard for the future.”
Chan Kataria OBE, chief executive of affordable homes, care and support provider emh Group, said: “Equality, diversity and inclusion is very close to our heart at emh Group and central to our core values. The Celebration of Culture and Communities event has become so prominent in the calendar, shining a spotlight on the superb achievements the East Midlands has made in its EDI journey and showing the rest of the UK and beyond just what can be accomplished.
“Research we’ve carried out and is being published early this year highlights how businesses, leaders, charities are increasingly prioritising EDI, raising the bar and seeing its benefits. We’ve been a headline partner of the Celebration of Culture and Communities from the outset as it’s such an uplifting event that showcases the blend of cultures that make the East Midlands the vibrant place it is.”
For event details turn to page 50 or visit: https://is.gd/OhGZlU
Dr Nik Kotecha OBE
Greg takes gold at UKCCF awards
Greg Aiello, newly appointed managing director of Leicester music licensing business PPL PRS, won the gold award for head of contact centre/ director of the year at the UK Contact Centre Forum (UKCCF) Annual Awards.
Greg, who has been in the role since August, started with the business as commercial director in 2019, and helped to lead the business through the pandemic to a recordbreaking year in 2023.
In the latest PPL PRS employee engagement survey, 82% of the teams that had Greg as their director scored above the company average for overall engagement.
He is also on the board of the newly formed Leicester Music Board, which aims to raise the profile of the city’s music scene by championing its diverse and vibrant music industry on a national stage.
Milestone for engineers
Bennett Engineering has celebrated 25 years in business which has coincided with new majority shareholders in place, a new director on the board and a relocation from Loughborough to Derby.
John Bennett founded the business in 1999 offering project engineering services to customers, some of whom still consult the business today.
‘I am excited to see what they will achieve’
Over the years John adapted his offering and came up with Bennett Engineering Design Solutions which offers virtual design engineering services. The business has been a Chamber member for 17 years.
Last April John sold his majority stake to Seleena Creedon and team member Craig Harbron, reducing his shareholding to 20%.
Heritage Trail opens up array of historical tales
A hidden gem in the Peak District has launched its first heritage map and walking trails, uncovering the history, landscapes and fascinating secrets of Stoney Middleton and the neighbouring village of Eyam.
The initiative has been created by Colin Hall, owner of The Cupola, a local café, bar, restaurant and visitor centre, which was recently shortlisted for best new tourism business in the 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards.
The maps, priced at £3, can be purchased at The Cupola, in Stoney Middleton and include free entry to The Cupola Visitor Centre, which houses displays and video presentations about the geological and industrial heritage of the region. All proceeds fund the trails, maps, website, and exhibition, which are all privately financed.
Colin said: “The heritage trail is like opening a storybook filled with legends, history, and breathtaking scenery. Every stop on the trail has its tale to tell, from the mysterious to the miraculous.”
He said: “It was time to hand the reins over to the next generation and it was with immense pride that I could do this with two people who I know are competent, capable and want to continue to grow the business.
“Both Craig and Seleena have a real drive to deliver the absolute
best in engineering, business and people related things.
“Craig is the most competent design engineer I have ever worked with while Seleena is one of the best people handlers I have come across. Their strength together is immense and I am excited to see what they will achieve.”
Students highlight charity’s great work
The life-changing work of Nottingham-based homelessness charity Framework Housing Association has been documented in a series of podcasts by students at Nottingham Trent University (NTU).
The Framework Podcast has involved 38 second-year students on the BA Broadcast Journalism undergraduate degree operating in teams to interview people working behind the scenes in many of the 75 services provided by the charity across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.
Students have also conducted
candid interviews with two people facing homelessness who have received help from the charity to turn their lives around.
The project shines a light on the charity's approach to helping people find long-term accommodation, access health care and education and training, to secure a better future.
The charity’s front-line outreach programme, which helps more than 21,000 people who sleep on the streets every year, is facing a £200,000funding shortfall after being hit by budget cuts, a rise in costs and a downturn in donations following the cost-of-living crisis.
St Martin’s church and its octagonal nave in Stoney Middleton
The Nottingham Trent University Journalism students
Craig Harbron and Seleena Creedon of Bennett Engineering
Time to make the workplace more inclusive
By Dr Andri Georgiadou (pictured, inset) is an associate professor and director of equality, diversity and inclusion at Nottingham University Business School. She leads the school’s initiatives in workplace inclusion and is also the founder of the Equality Inclusion Diversity Centre (EQUIDY).
When we think about workplace inclusion, we often focus on visible adaptations – sensory-friendly environments, flexible hours, or remote working options.
However, our research at Nottingham University Business School has uncovered a less obvious barrier – time itself has become a hidden instrument of exclusion in today’s workplaces.
Through studying employees’ experiences, we’ve discovered that traditional approaches to time management and productivity metrics can accidentally exclude talented people.
For East Midlands businesses striving to attract and retain talent in an increasingly competitive market, understanding this concept is crucial.
Consider this scenario. A skilled
‘Creating truly inclusive workplaces requires leaders who understand both the challenge and the opportunity’
professional who processes information differently may take longer to complete certain tasks, but their work is of exceptional quality.
When organisations rigidly prioritise speed over substance, they risk losing these valuable staff.
As one research participant said: "The infrastructure supposedly designed for inclusion often reinforces exclusion."
The pandemic has prompted many regional businesses to reassess their working practices. This presents an unprecedented
chance to rebuild organisational structures in a way that fully embraces the diverse potential of employees. For SMEs in particular, this could be a game-changer in accessing untapped talent and driving sustainable growth.
For East Midlands businesses, embracing diverse working rhythms is about creating a sustainable, innovative, and highperforming workplace that works for everyone. Our studies show that companies that adapt their timebased expectations often report:
• Enhanced problem-solving capabilities through diverse thinking styles
• Improved employee retention
• Stronger innovation driven
• Better customer understanding and service delivery
• Increased access to previously overlooked talent pools
Practical steps for regional businesses should start by examining your organisation’s relationship with time:
• Review how you measure productivity and success
• Question assumptions about when and how work must be done
• Consider whether your current practices might be excluding individuals
• Evaluate how different working rhythms can enhance your team
Creating truly inclusive workplaces requires leaders who understand both the challenge and the opportunity. Our inclusive leadership executive programme helps leaders translate these insights into actionable strategies.
To learn more, email executive education@nottingham.ac.uk
Brokers continue to grow... and improve
Russell Scanlan is based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, and has 36 staff. Managing director Mike Dickinson (pictured) explains what they do.
Russell Scanlan is one of the UK’s leading chartered insurance brokers and risk managers.
For 144 years, we have helped all types of private clients and businesses, from SMEs to large corporations, align their risk with the right insurance policy for their needs. We have a large client portfolio across the UK.
In recent years, we have undergone strong growth and in 2022 were acquired by Acrisure, a leading global fintech and insurance company. Russell Scanlan acquired Leicester-based specialist construction insurance firm Building & Land Guarantees (BLG) in 2024.
The business has continued to grow, generating its most successful year to date in 2024 and growing by 6.4% in the last financial year.
Having based ourselves in Nottingham for more than 140 years – we only recently left the city centre to move to new offices in West Bridgford – we’ve built a strong reputation with businesses across the East Midlands.
We’re particularly skilled in supporting SMEs to find bespoke insurance policies to suit their needs – across sectors including property, manufacturing and the third sector. Our commitment to providing bespoke insurance solutions rather than off-the-shelf options is what sets us apart.
I have been managing director since the summer of 2024, when our now chairman Bryan Banbury stepped down from the role. While my role involves overseeing the company’s operations and long-
term business strategy, I still take a hands-on role within the day-to-day running of the business, meeting with clients and our internal teams.
Like any business, there have been many economic challenges for us, but we’ve been able to adapt and grow at Russell Scanlan over the last 12 months.
It’s essential that we continue to invest in the future, and one of the ways we can do this is by looking at recruiting, training and retaining young talent in the business. We’re incredibly fortunate to have a team with such a wealth and variety of experience and need to consider how we can pass this on to the next generation of brokers, whether this be through a graduate trainee programme or apprentice scheme.
We’re proud to be a longstanding member of the East Midlands Chamber and have built a strong partnership with the organisation and its members for more than 20 years.
The Aspire artwork on the Jubilee Campus of the University of Nottingham
NEW MEMBERS
In November and December 50 new members joined the Chamber:
• Advanced Pipe Inspection (UK)
• Andrew McCulloch Jewellers
• APT Training and Consultancy
• AwareSecureCo
• Barlow Engineering Services
• Berkley Estate & Letting Agents
• Big Box Group
• Coakley Construction
• Comfa
• Derbyshire community Health Services Charitable Trust
• East Midlands Power Washing Plus
• Full Fathom Five
• I’m So Good
• Leyla Kamali Designs
• Mackworth Vehicle Conversions Specialist
• Midlands Care
• Open Eyed Executive Services
• Pepper Dawes Media
• PIPA Ltd
• Rominity Care
• Sherwood Restaurants
• Simbal
• Torr Vale Mills
• UK Management College
• Vision Zero Consult
• Woke Wellbeing
• Wollaton Wedding Cars
• Ibis Budget Leicester
• IBIS Consultancy
• Nimble Legacy
• Catering24
• Zeal Solutions
• Mansfield Town 1861
• Citipost Mail
• Supporting Communities
• FD2i
• The Sustainability Business
• Slack & Parr
• Curry’s Business
• I’m Your Coach
• Stage Systems
• ALLINONE Business Directory
• Academy for Leaders
• Ibis Budget Derby
• Cloud and Telecoms Services
• Slo Drinks
• CAAFM
• Derby Women’s Centre
• Runspire Nottingham
• Soft Innovation
Why a picture will always beat a thousand words
1284
Communications director George Oliver looks at how pictures can add real value to your business.
Take a look at this image.
Back in my days editing newspapers I’d have been asking my sub-editors to start clearing the front-page boost for this one.
I’d be giving this shot by Nathan Green the best possible show. Why? Because it captures a moment. Because it distils emotion. Because it’s balanced. And – most importantly – because it tells a story.
Nathan’s picture shows Leicester Riders captain Conner Washington entering the Mattioli Arena for his club record 304th league appearance.
You may think I chose this image
because 1284 got lucky and got its logo in the frame at the key moment. So, I got a second opinion from an editor of national news titles.
He said: “For me a good picture can convey a story without words. The best pictures make you feel a reaction on a very human level.
“Once paired with the right words or headlines the reader/ viewer/audience is compelled to want to know more.
“You know these pictures when you see them. One of the best recent examples is the image of Donald Trump holding his defiant fist in the air, blood streaking down his face after the assassination
attempt, the star-spangled banner in the background.”
So, what’s all this to do with the Chamber? Well, firstly, it’s in members having the confidence to set a clear brief for their own B2B photo shoots. To shape the narrative contained in your own pictures.
Secondly, it’s about picking out the right shot to send to news desks alongside your press release. Pick a good one and your story’s far more likely to get a good show.
Always consider what your audience wants (which may not be the same as what you want).
Think real people, looking out at the viewer from relevant settings, doing relevant things. And think professional photographers to shoot it (like 1284’s partner Beth Walsh).
Becky gives firms food for thought
A Food Education advocate is launching new offers and services to help businesses improve their workers’ well-being through food.
Becky Brown (pictured) launched SimpliciB in 2020 after receiving encouraging feedback about her posts for simple, good quality meals on social media.
She runs workshops helping individuals and companies improve the quality of the food they serve and eat – and by extension improve their health and mental wellbeing.
In particular she wants to get busy workers and families out of the habit of opting for easy-tomake, ultra-processed fast-foods and turn to sensible, good value meals instead.
She said: “I’ve been working hard to get my name out there and at I’ve done a bit of a relaunch with a new workshop called Food and the Female Body.
“The essence of that is to help
women in the menopause, but I’d always say that whatever someone’s age or gender, the quality of the food they eat is critical to them. I’ve undertaken six months of research for that.
“I’ve also created an annual subscription service so that employers can sign up to a year’s wellbeing strategy in one go. A lot of effort goes into helping companies support their staff wellbeing, so I’m offering them an
entire year of help to take the pressure off.
“When I speak to wellbeing leads in organisations, they describe how a lot of their time is spent trying to come up with new fun, exciting and educational themes. Once they have a view of this, it is extremely timeconsuming trying to source multiple reputable providers – not to mention the time spent aligning availability, setting up approved suppliers, processing invoices leading to many meetings and administrative work.
“At SimpliciB, we want to reduce the time spent and inefficiencies so that those wellbeing leads can spend more time on value-added activities.”
Becky said her website simplicib.co.uk allows employers to pick and choose the services most applicable to them.
She is offering a 10% discount for Chamber members signing up to the Food and the Female Body workshop.
Cathedral to reinforce city’s multiculturalism
Leicester Cathedral is hosting an event next month to discuss the best ways of maintaining the city’s position as a beacon of multiculturalism.
Leicester has a strong recent tradition of engagement between its different cultures, backed by its various political, public sector, religious and cultural leaders.
It is hoped the meeting, taking place on Monday, 3 March, will be used to share best practice, exchange ideas and drive change.
The Revd Dr Tom Wilson, director of the St Philip’s Centre in Leicester, is helping organise the Together in Hope initiative, which he said has the support of the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Leicester City Council, Leicestershire Police, the University of Leicester, De Montfort University, and the Anglican Diocese of Leicester.
He said there was plenty to do and the project would take five years or more. To find out more, contact Revd Dr Wilson at director@stphilipscentre.co.uk
Engineering firm links up with clean water charity
Devtank has become corporate sponsor for AquaBox, a Wirksworth-based charity dedicated to providing life-saving clean water and aid to communities in need around the globe.
As part of the collaboration, its OpenSmartMonitor brand is moving to a monthly subscription model this year, with a portion of profits from each solution sold being donated to AquaBox.
The Devtank team said they were deeply inspired by AquaBox's innovation and humanitarian efforts, with water filters made inhouse for disaster-stricken regions worldwide.
The aid extends beyond clean water – each box includes
essentials such tools, pots, pans and blankets, and in some cases, they provide community boxes equipped with water filters capable of serving entire communities, ensuring sustainable access to clean water while reducing the risks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and polio.
Devtank offers engineering business solutions for tests, measurement and automation.
Chief executive Tim Telford said: “The passion we’ve seen at Aquabox for both innovation and helping others is truly inspiring. Not only are they providing clean water to countless people, but they’re also helping communities rebuild their lives.”
Leicester Cathedral
Roger Cassidy, chair of Aquabox trustees (left) with fellow trustees Rob Barlow and Cheryle Berry
Take care of yourself as well as your business
Leadership mental health advocate Gary Parsons urges leaders to prioritise their own wellbeing.
Leaders are often celebrated for their successes and achievements. They are rewarded for driving business growth, inspiring teams, and achieving milestones that reflect the hard work and determination that comes with running a business.
On the surface, I lived this reality. As the co-founder of Talk Staff, my business saw tremendous success –winning multiple Chamber awards and becoming a respected name in the industry.
Yet, beneath this success, I was silently battling something far more personal – my own mental health challenges. For a long time, I felt the stigma of disclosing these challenges, particularly in leadership. The weight of expectations, both external and internal, made it seem like admitting to struggling mentally
‘Prioritising mental health doesn’t detract from leadership – it enhances it’
would somehow undermine my achievements or cause others to view me as weak.
But the truth is, those cracks were always there. The long hours, the pressure to succeed, the constant drive to prove myself – on paper I was winning, but I was losing within. I felt isolated, unable to share the strain of my own mental health while running a successful business. The stigma I feared wasn't just from others; it was something I wrestled with internally.
According to The Untold Toll report from Startup Snapshot, a
staggering 72% of founders report that managing their mental health is a challenge, and 33% have experienced burnout.
In April 2024, I made the decision to leave Talk Staff and pursue my mission of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and wellbeing in leadership. I now work full-time as a leadership mental health advocate, which includes professional speaking, executive mentoring and facilitating workshops.
I also host the Leaders in Disguise podcast, which aims to normalise the conversation around mental health and wellbeing for leaders.
Featuring guests like Peter Marples and Amanda Solloway, the podcast shares exclusive stories
that have never been told, creating a platform where leaders can openly discuss their struggles and successes.
Prioritising mental health doesn’t detract from leadership – it enhances it. When leaders are well, both physically and mentally, they make better decisions, lead with clarity, and create environments where others can thrive.
To start, leaders need to consider two critical areas – work-life balance and building boundaries: Taking time for oneself isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a strategy for sustainable success while setting clear limits on when and how much to work allows leaders to stay focused and energised in both their personal and professional lives.
Visitor economy is crucial to our area
By Jo Dilley (pictured
inset), managing director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire which is part of a Local Visitor Economy Partnership with Visit Derby.
I’ve always been fascinated by the transformative power of travel. In my 20s, I spent many years travelling and saw first-hand how tourism can breathe life into communities, support local businesses and create opportunities in areas often isolated and lacking other forms of economic activity.
Since joining Visit Peak District and Derbyshire in 2005, I’ve dedicated much of my career to the tourism and hospitality industry, and I’ve come to appreciate the vital role the visitor economy plays.
Our goal is to celebrate our cultural, built and natural assets, driving economic growth by attracting investment, increasing both domestic and international visitors, converting day trips into overnight stays, extending the tourism season, and creating and safeguarding jobs.
The visitor economy is more than just a sector for tourists – it’s a critical driver of economic development and social well-being. While hotels, restaurants and attractions are the most visible elements, the sector also supports an entire ecosystem of suppliers and services – from florists and decorators to taxi drivers and accountants. These businesses, in turn, support jobs and sustain services upon which communities depend.
Across the Peak District, Derbyshire, and Derby, the visitor economy contributes £2.89bn and supports 29,500 direct and indirect jobs. Overnight stays represented 23% of total spend, with 11.5 million overnight stays in 2023.
While I’m pleased to report that tourism has exceeded pre-pandemic levels from 2019, the sector is still in recovery. Businesses continue to face significant challenges, including the ongoing economic crisis, rising supply chain costs and lost bookings due to poor weather and the 2023 floods. As consumer discretionary spending is squeezed by rising living costs, competition for the tourist pound has intensified. Now, more than ever, we must ensure that our destination remains compelling and stands out in an increasingly competitive market.
We are best positioned to connect the dots within a destination, ensuring it stays competitive and attractive to the world. However, for years, destination management organisations (DMOs) across England have been underfunded, limiting our ability to reach our full potential. If this trend continues, it will result in slower growth and missed opportunities.
I encourage everyone to enjoy what’s on their doorstep, go out for dinner, enjoy a drink in a local pub, or take your family to a nearby attraction – each action supports local businesses and contributes to the local visitor economy.
A destination management plan will be available in early 2025, outlining investment and growth opportunities over the next five years to 10 years.
Gary Parsons talking to former MP Amanda Solloway
Bamford Edge in the Peak District
Revolutionising social media with Pattrn Data’s content creation AI agent
Streamline your social media strategy
At Pattrn Data, we know that staying active and relevant on social media is vital for SMEs. But what if you could simplify the process, reduce the time spent planning and posting, and still achieve consistent, on-brand results? Enter our social media content creation AI agent – an innovative tool that automates your content creation and posting, freeing you to focus on what matters most: growing your business.
THE WHY: BORN FROM FRUSTRATION
Social media management was once a labourintensive process. Every week, we’d spend a full day writing tailored content for multiple platforms, sourcing images, and scheduling posts. Tools existed to assist with scheduling, but the task still felt endless. Posting on the go? Forget it. Events and networking moments turned into delayed posts crafted only when time and a workspace were available.
This inefficiency inspired us to build something smarter. We envisioned a solution that didn’t just manage schedules but actively created content, generated platform-specific images, and allowed for real-time posting – all while aligning perfectly with our brand’s voice.
WHAT WE BUILT: A GAME-CHANGING AI AGENT
Our social media content creation AI agent has transformed how we approach social media. Here’s how it works:
Brand-aligned messaging
The AI uses our unique tone and messaging to generate posts automatically.
Image generation for every platform
Whether it’s a LinkedIn professional post or an Instagram carousel, the agent creates visually stunning, platform-specific images.
Service Promotion
It ensures our services are highlighted at least twice a week without manual input.
Easy Customisation
For curated posts, a simple form lets us specify content, time, and accompanying images – or the AI generates them for us.
On-the-go posting
At events or networking? Submit a quick note through the form, and the AI crafts and posts engaging content in real-time.
LESSONS LEARNED ALONG THE WAY
Our journey with the AI agent has been one of discovery. To see the full potential of this technology, we initially avoided human intervention in the process. This allowed us to uncover key areas for improvement:
1. Image generation challenges
Early outputs often featured gibberish-like text within visuals due to prompt issues.
2. Text formatting issues
Occasionally, the posts had odd formatting quirks.
These warts-and-all insights have been invaluable in refining the agent.
NEXT STEPS: REFINING AND OPTIMISING
Using the lessons learned, our next steps include:
Enhanced image prompts
We’re adding an AI step to craft precise imagegeneration prompts tailored to each platform’s needs.
Improved text outputs
By fine-tuning the text generation process, we’ll ensure seamless, professional content formatting.
Optimised workflows
Splitting complex tasks into more manageable steps will further enhance the efficiency of the agent’s operations.
THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
After months of use, our social media content creation AI agent has delivered measurable impact:
100% increase in content impressions
More eyes are on our content, driving greater brand awareness and engagement.
One full day saved weekly
Reclaiming this time has been transformative, letting us focus on strategic growth.
Real-time posting capability
Whether capturing moments at events or sharing business updates, posting is now as simple as a few clicks – anytime, anywhere.
YOUR TURN: SCALE SMARTER WITH PATTRN’S AI AGENT AGENCY
Are you ready to see what AI agents can do for your business? At Pattrn Data, we specialise in building custom AI agents tailored to your needs. From boosting sales and supporting customers to managing data and augmenting your team, our AI solutions scale your business without the need for increased headcount or third-party vendors.
Modern businesses thrive with multi-agent teams running operations 24/7
Whether it’s content creation, lead nurturing, or customer support, our AI-first approach ensures your operations remain efficient and cuttingedge.
LET’S GET STARTED
Book a free consultation to explore how Pattrn Data can help your business scale and grow with AI agents.
Scan the QR code or visit pattrndata.io today. Let Pattrn’s Social Media Content Creation AI Agent revolutionise how you work – leaving you more time to focus on what truly matters.
APPOINTMENTS
THE LATEST CAREER UPDATES AS COLLEAGUES MOVE UP OR MOVE ON
NEW MEMBERSHIP HEAD FOR CHAMBER
Jade Brindley (pictured) has been appointed head of membership at East Midlands Chamber.
Based in Derby, she covers the whole region, working with the membership team to help local businesses to grow, innovate and be sustainable.
She said the Chamber can act as a vital cog in the business plans of its members, providing access to the support, funding, advice and guidance they need to succeed.
She said: “I see a vital part of my role is to review and develop the Chamber membership offer, to ensure it continually meets the needs of business, such as how we might support more around skills, the use of AI or business processes to help them become more efficient and effective.
“I am passionate about supporting businesses to maximise their opportunities and I know the Chamber can help every business to do that.”
For the past three years she has worked at SMB College Group in Leicestershire as director of marketing and business analytics
Bennett
where, she said, it had been fantastic to help “inspire the future workforce to find their chosen career”, while helping businesses to tap into young talent.
She started her career in events at Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber, then moved to Nottingham College, where she eventually oversaw its apprenticeship provision.
She then ran two of her own businesses, a marketing and systems consultancy and another helping start-ups with the tools they needed to launch and grow.
NEW ROLES RIGHT ON TRACK
The appointments will strengthen the museum’s leadership and volunteer programs as it continues its mission to preserve and share the history of light railway systems in the UK.
Graham will oversee the museum’s operations, strategic vision and engagement activities, while Victoria will lead initiatives to recruit, train, and support the volunteers who play a vital role in the museum’s day-to-day operations and special events.
PROMOTION FOR CHARLIE
Eden PR has prompted Charlie Peters to the position of senior social and digital account executive following a positive year of growth.
An experienced content creator and podcaster, Charlie has taken on more responsibility for strategy, paid social media campaigns and podcast delivery.
Since joining the Nottingham-based PR, social media and marketing agency in 2023, he has demonstrated a strong command of skills across the social and digital sectors, with a passion for podcast production, video and graphic design. He has overseen social media schedules for clients on all major platforms.
Emily Winsor-Russell, director and head of new business at Eden, said: “We’re so proud of Charlie’s development since he joined us and it has been a pleasure to see his craft flourish as each month goes by.”
MARTIN MAKES SMART SWITCH TO DEVTANK
Devtank – which is at the forefront of developing test and measurement tools and smart monitoring devices – has brought
Martin Rigley (pictured) as its chief commercial officer.
Martin has been working with the team throughout 2024 as business development manager, and has been a driving force for its Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH) Lighthouse Project.
Chief executive Tim Telford said: “Martin has been a long-time friend of Devtank and our team, working alongside him and his previous business Lindhurst Engineering.
“His requirements as a businessowner led us to collaborate into designing and manufacturing our sensor products, monitoring his electricity cost and usage, as well as environmental health.
“His passion for this technology paired with his mountain of industry knowledge and skills makes him the perfect person for this role at Devtank.”
The National Tramway Museum at Crich, in Derbyshire, has made Graham Bennett its new chief executive, while Victoria Dickerson has taken on the newly created role of volunteer coordinator and mentor.
in
Graham
CEO and Victoria Dickerson, volunteer co-ordinator and mentor at Crich Tramway Village
ENERGY FIRM NAMES COMMUNITY MANAGER
Tomato Energy has appointed Daniel Duggan as its community manager for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Daniel said he was excited to be joining such an energetic and passionate team which, he said: “clearly cares about sustainable energy and being fit for the future, while bringing the best value energy supply to households and businesses across the UK”.
He said: “What attracted me to this position is the obvious and genuine desire that Tomato Energy has to be a different energy provider, having a massive focus on being at the heart of the communities they serve.
“I can't wait to bring Tomato Energy to the communities of Leicester with partnership and stakeholder collaboration and events across the city and county.”
JANE MAKES STEP UP TO PRESIDENT POSITION
Professor Jane Norman (pictured) has been appointed the eighth president and vice-chancellor of the University of Nottingham.
Currently the university’s provost and deputy vicechancellor, she has taken over from Professor Shearer West.
Jane was formerly a clinical academic and professor of maternal and fetal health in Edinburgh and Glasgow and director of the Tommy’s Centre at the University of Edinburgh.
Her award-winning research increased understanding of how labour starts and led to interventions which have made pregnancy and labour safer for women and babies.
She has chaired grant panels nationally and internationally including for the Wellcome Trust and the National Institute for Health Research.
She was a member of the clinical medicine panel for the 2021 REF and is a fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
A strong advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion in higher education, Prof Norman was viceprincipal, equality and diversity/people and culture for five years at the University Edinburgh, leading on the university’s work on race and gender equality in collaboration with students, staff and the city.
LILY READY TO DO THE BUSINESS AT FPA
Derby independent management consultancy FPA Consulting appointed Lily Ormsby as business administrator.
Lily has a background in planning and technical administration at XEIAD, owned by British Engineering Services (BES Group).
Her new role includes supporting FPA’s consultants, its accounts team, facilitating external client training together with general day-to-day administration duties.
She said “I really wanted to join a company that would allow me to progress professionally in a considerate environment.
“FPA is filled with opportunities for me to learn and grow. The team has been incredibly welcoming and I'm excited to now be a part of the company.”
CORPORATE FINANCE TEAM EXPANSION
A new assistant manager has bolstered PKF Smith Cooper’s corporate finance team in the East Midlands.
Joe Anderson has 10 years’ experience working at a top-10 accountancy firm and supporting owner-managed businesses.
His new role at PKF Smith Cooper will see him work closely with clients to understand their M&A needs and formulate plans to execute successful transactions.
SHORTS PLANS FOR THE LONG TERM
Shorts has appointed Craig Walker as tax partner, joining Chris Chambers, Scott Burkinshaw and David Robinson in leading the firm’s tax offering.
Following a decade of sustained growth, the appointment of Shorts’ fourth tax partner supports its continued commitment to growing the department and continued development.
An experienced chartered tax adviser and member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners,
Craig has more than 20 years of tax experience at large regional firms and a top 15 firm, and rejoins Shorts 12 years after previously completing his early tax training at the firm.
An enthusiastic advocate for his hometown of Chesterfield, Craig will be based out of the firm’s offices at Ashgate Road and will advise clients on all areas of UK taxation with a particular focus on private client work. His role will transition progressively towards taking a more active part in the
leadership and strategy of the firm, in particular within the private client team as Chris Chambers moves towards retirement. Meanwhile, Shorts’ managing partner Andy Irvine has been elected to the global governing council and board of Praxity, the world's biggest alliance of independent accounting and consulting firms. Shorts have been members of Praxity since 2018, helping it extend its reach to businesses worldwide.
He said: “The firm has a strong presence in the Midlands market, as well as international capabilities, which is great for client engagements. I am looking forward to joining the team and helping clients achieve their goals, whether they have exit or growth plans.”
ALSTOM APPOINTS MANAGING DIRECTOR
Alstom, which operates the country’s biggest train manufacturing site in Derby, has appointed Rob Whyte as its managing director UK and Ireland.
Rob, who was previously managing director in the Nordics, joined the business more than 30 years ago as an apprentice while studying for an engineering degree at the University of Bath. He said: “From starting my career with Alstom over three decades ago to leading this dynamic and talented team, I am excited to build on the organisation’s proud legacy of innovation and excellence in the rail industry.”
Daniel Duggan
Chris Chambers, Craig Walker and David Robinson from Shorts business advisers
MEETING THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE REGION’S TOP BUSINESSES
Business Network caught up with IT specialist Nick Gall (pictured) just as Sir Kier Starmer finished his big speech on his plans to make the UK an “AI superpower”.
Don’t ignore AI, it has real benefits for your business
In the keynote announcement, the PM called AI the “defining opportunity” for this generation, setting out his ambitions to use it to get Britain, and the economy, back on track.
Three big tech companies – Vantage Data Centres, Nscale and Kyndryl – had, the PM said, already committed to put £14bn into helping build the infrastructure needed to harness the potential of the new technology, with potential to deliver 13,250 jobs – on top of £25bn for AI announced at last October’s International Investment Summit.
The plans include new AI growth zones, making it easier for tech firms to thrive, and a dedicated AI Energy Council to help energy companies understand the energy demands and challenges which will fuel the technology’s development –
MAIN PICTURE: Cass Vranjkovic and Nick Gall of NetMonkeys at the 2024 Chamber Christmas Lunch at Athena Leicester (Pete Martin Photography)
INSET TOP: Rob Mnatacanian, NetMonkeys IT engineer
INSET BOTTOM: Liam Searle, NetMonkeys customer success manager
potentially including the types of micro-nuclear reactors being developed by Rolls-Royce in Derby.
And, the PM said, as public services find themselves increasingly stretched, artificial intelligence will be able to make big advances in healthcare, education and employment.
It was no surprise that Starmer would want to go so big on the plans – because AI is the buzzword of the moment.
But not only could it bring huge advances to the way the world works – at the very same time there are fears that without the right checks and balances, it could take away jobs, undermine privacy, make the rich richer and the poor poorer and expand the spread of misinformation.
These are not points lost on Nick, managing director of IT and software provider – and newly installed Chamber AI partner – NetMonkeys.
He said, if anything, his business had been ahead of the game when it came to AI.
NetMonkeys was launched 15 years ago, and today employs around 30 staff providing managed IT services from offices in Nottingham, Manchester and Derby.
Clients include heavy IT users such as manufacturers, wholesale and distribution companies, big local retailers, as well as the Chamber.
‘We’ve opened up three big areas –data analytics, our Business Central practice, and AI as well’
Through his IT work Nick also acts as IT director for Nottingham music promotion business DHP Family which owns Rock City, and bills itself as the biggest independent music promoter in the UK.
He said: “We now work with two of the biggest music operators in the country. The DHP Family is a bit of a gem really – they have lots of venues and invest a lot in charities and do the Splendour Festival for example.
“We also work with SJM Concerts, which is Manchester-based. They’re doing Oasis, and they do Take That, Peter Kay, the Diversity tour –they’re a big firm.”
He said they were now expanding the software they had developed for the music business for other markets.
He said: “For both clients we do typical breakfix (managed IT support), we have people onsite with clients, and we do anything from ensuring the venues operate night and day to document storage to driving their AI initiatives.”
More typically, NetMonkeys works with traditional SMEs that need help with all their IT support, including cybersecurity – work which has now started to incorporate things such as AI workshops.
Turnover is around £2.5m on the back of strong recent growth – and Nick said the world of technology is about two years into a 10-yearperiod of innovation, supporting further growth.
He said: “We’ve seen quite a bit of growth, which has included a few new people, and we're spending more than we've ever spent as well in terms of structuring that.
AI AGENTS WILL HELP SMES TO COMPETE WITH GIANTS
Cass Vranjkovic (pictured) is lead technology specialist at NetMonkeys.
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how we think about work, particularly regarding work-life balance.
As noted by AI expert Seth Ward of The AI Team, ‘AI isn’t coming for your job, but it is coming for your Fridays’. This observation captures a fundamental shift: AI’s primary impact won’t be job displacement, but rather the creation of more flexible and efficient work arrangements while maintaining income levels.
At the heart of this transformation are AI agents – autonomous software programs designed to perform tasks with minimal human intervention.
These agents represent the next evolution beyond simple chatbots, combining perception, decision-making, memory, and learning capabilities to handle complex tasks independently.
‘Early adopters who successfully integrate AI agents won’t just be keeping pace with larger competitors – they’ll be pioneering new models of business efficiency’
The technology stack has developed into three key layers – agent hosting/serving, agent frameworks, and large language models & storage.
Companies are creating cloud-based operating systems specifically designed for these AI agents, making enterprise-level automation accessible to smaller businesses.
For UK SMEs, this technological advancement represents a revolutionary opportunity. Tasks that previously required large teams and substantial investments –such as 24/7 customer service, market analysis, or complex project management –
can now be handled efficiently by AI agents at a fraction of the cost.
A small marketing agency in Nottingham can now offer the same level of service availability as a London-based multinational corporation.
A local accounting firm can provide enterprise-level services by using AI agents for routine calculations while their certified accountants focus on high-value advisory work.
The real power of this transformation lies in how it allows SMEs to maintain their core strengths while dramatically expanding their capabilities.
Small businesses often excel at providing personalised service and building strong client relationships – qualities that larger competitors struggle to match.
With AI agents handling routine tasks and background operations, SME teams can focus even more intensively on these differentiating factors while operating with the efficiency and scope of a much larger organisation.
In 2025, we’re likely to witness a significant shift in the UK business landscape. SMEs equipped with AI agents will be able to punch well above their weight class, potentially ushering in a golden age for small and medium enterprises.
This technology effectively removes the traditional correlation between business growth and proportional increases in operational complexity and staffing needs.
Early adopters who successfully integrate AI agents won’t just be keeping pace with larger competitors – they’ll be pioneering new models of business efficiency that could give them a decisive advantage in their markets.
By leveraging AI agents, SMEs can achieve higher productivity and broader market reach without sacrificing work-life balance or requiring unsustainable investments in human resources.
The rise of AI agents might well herald a new era where being small no longer means being limited in capability or reach, contributing to a more robust and diverse UK economy, with strong local businesses providing high-quality services across all sectors.
“We’ve opened up three big areas – data analytics, our Business Central practice, and AI as well.
“I’ve found that the questions my clients are asking me have become more challenging because they’re using AI to ask me the questions as well.
“I think from our perspective I fully appreciate that AI is one of the biggest, most complicated topics going.
“It is definitely changing at a faster rate than I’ve ever seen with any technology. I think you'd have to go back pretty darn far for someone to disagree with that comment.
“At the moment we’re doing a lot of workshops – going into businesses to talk to them about AI. The thing that resonates with them the most are chat interfaces – ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft’s Copilot.
“We explain to them the technology and science that is behind what they see on the screen and explain to them what that means for
the future and how that then can translate into their business.
“We do that with a lot of leadership groups and that’s been going fantastically well. People want to talk about it. If you throw in the letters AI at the moment, you could probably sell anything. If could go down the local market, I’m sure there’s someone selling AI-powered bananas.
“AI is so cool but we’re almost finding that we’re talking to people about technology that's existed for a while, simply because they want to talk about it now.
“But we’re not going to try and take on the big boys and girls and create our own large language models – we’re fascinated about what’s happening but our focus is to tell people about what is available.
“So, we pitch for the technologies we can employ, and with the things we don't do, we will happily move them on to other people. That would include those who are interested in
‘If you throw in the letters AI at the moment, you could probably sell anything’
robotics, for instance, because we're not about to start building our own robotics.
“But we are going to help clients that want to invest in those areas. We're going to help guide them on the best way to do it.”
He said that in the broader world the three big, life-defining ways in which AI will shape our lives in the next few years will be agentic AI –info workers that will do complex tasks on our behalf – autonomous vehicles, and humanoid robots, which are arguably the biggest cause of the iRobot ‘doomsday’ concern for many of us.
He said one of the big dilemmas lies in AI that could replace jobs, but believes human nature
will ensure clients will want the new technology to be used alongside their teams, not instead of them.
Nick said: “There’s a quote in one of our white papers, from someone in another AI company, who makes the comment that ‘AI’s not after your job, it’s just after your Friday’.
“I think there are several ways that you could look at that and at the moment these are tools to make us better.
“It's about embracing, understanding it, and empowering what you’re doing. Rather than thinking, ‘oh well, I won't be needed if this is brought in’.”
Wes Parton, NetMonkeys cybersecurity lead
Nick Gall being interviewed at a recent Chamber Awards ceremony
STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS
NEWS AND UPDATES FROM EAST MIDLANDS CHAMBER’S LEADING SUPPORTERS
How the Rolls-Royce Submarines Raynesway site will look after expansion work
Duo set to propel submarine site
Rolls-Royce Submarines has appointed engineering and development consultancies AtkinsRéalis and Mott MacDonald as design partners on the expansion of its Derby Raynesway site.
The engineering giant is planning to double the size of its submarines operation to meet demand from the Royal Navy and from deals signed as part of the new AUKUS security partnership between Australia, the UK, and US.
The redevelopment will see new manufacturing and offices built, adding space for an additional 1,170
skilled roles in areas such as manufacturing and engineering.
Because the site is nuclear licensed, the design and build of the facilities will add a higher level of complexity and rigour than traditional builds.
Working under the title of the PROPEL joint venture, AtkinsRéalis and Mott MacDonald will design the facilities and work with an a fissile construction partner to deliver them. They will be named imminently.
Rolls-Royce Submarines infrastructure director Terry Meighan said: “The expansion work
we have planned is of critical national importance as it enables us to safely increase our speed of manufacture, helping to deliver Dreadnought and the new SSNAUKUS attack submarines at a much faster rate.
“The experience and deep nuclear knowledge, as well as the strong safety ethic, evidenced by the combined AtkinsRéalis and Mott MacDonald team means the design of our crucial new fissile facilities is in capable hands.”
Andy Smart, head of major projects – nuclear at AtkinsRéalis,
said: “This critical project requires expertise and skillsets across nuclear fuel management, defence and complex infrastructure programmes. Collectively, we'll use our experience across these disciplines to support Rolls-Royce Submarines in the successful delivery of this programme.”
Rolls-Royce Submarines employs more than 5,000 people and designs, manufactures and provides in-service support to the pressurised water reactors that power every boat in the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.
IT managed services provider Air
IT business appoints new chief executive College wins accolade
IT has appointed Barney Taylor (pictured) as its new chief executive – to help drive further growth on the back of a 20year track record of working with UK SMEs.
Barney has experience in senior leadership roles within the technology space, supporting growth at private equity-backed businesses.
driven growth, securing new investment and unicorn status with a $1bn valuation earlier this year.
Air IT is backed by August Equity and provides IT and cyber security services to almost 3,000 customers. It employs almost 570 people across 12 offices.
During his most recent tenure as chief executive at Focus Group, the business achieved organic and M&A
Barney also joins the August Equity Technology Panel, made up of leading chief executives and chairs who meet to discuss technology trends and drivers that formulate future investment opportunities. He said: “Air IT has a clear plan to accelerate over the coming years and as we look to realise this ambition, we will build a business that people love to work in, built on high performance, a clear focus on customer service and a great culture.”
Loughborough College has been named as one of the UK’s top 100 inclusive employers by the National Centre for Diversity.
The top 100 list honours organisations across the UK that excel in embedding fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement – or FREDIE – into their day-to-day operations.
The college ranked 57th, and principal and chief executive Corrie Harris said: “This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support and dedication of our staff and students, who work hard to make inclusion a priority.”
Last spring, the college retained its silver ‘Investors in Diversity’ accreditation, and in June celebrated its second annual Pride march, welcoming hundreds of staff and students to an event which shone a light on the LGBTAQIA+ community.
Derbyshire marketing agency
Purpose Media has made a big investment in its video and photography capabilities to meet increased demand.
Management at the South Normanton company said the equipment will help them produce better quality visual content for their customers.
‘This investment allows us to push creative boundaries’
Head of video Alistair Bullock said: “Video has become a powerful tool in marketing. It builds trust with audiences, boosts engagement, and drives positive results for businesses.
“This investment allows us to push creative boundaries and enhance the visual impact of every project we work on, whether that involves captivating brand films, high-impact promotional videos, or engaging social content.”
The new equipment includes Sony Cinema cameras, DZOFilm lenses, Aputure lighting and 4k wireless monitors.
Alistair said: “We’ve already seen growing demand for high-quality video content, and this investment
ensures we can meet that demand while exceeding expectations.”
Purpose Media has produced video content for clients including ConservatoryLand, United Rental Group, True Refrigeration, S O’Brien and WBPS.
Top award for service provider Agency invests to keep focus on video operations
IN BRIEF
TEAMS BENEFIT FROM VENTURE SUPPORT
Teams based in East Midlands universities are on the cusp of bringing their business ideas to market, thanks to a programme of support for regional entrepreneurs.
VentureVersity was set up to bridge the gap between academia and business, breeding an ecosystem where academic expertise could be transformed into commercially viable ventures. It also created a blueprint for universities across the UK to commercialise their intellectual property and drive innovation within their regions.
The University of Leicester recently hosted VentureVersity Live as a testament to the city’s growing status as a hub for innovation and marking the culmination of a year-long collaboration between the university, De Montfort University, Loughborough University and Leicester Start-ups.
TRAINING FIRM ADDS OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Hannah Harwood has joined Access Training as its new operations director, overseeing all aspects of teaching and learning delivery.
IT service provider Air IT was named MSP (managed service provider) of the year at the recent CRN Channel Partners Awards.
The awards, now in their 31st year, celebrate the latest technological innovations and advancements in Britain.
Lee Johnson, Air IT’s chief information officer, who accepted the award from comedian and host Josh Widdicombe, said: “Every individual played a part in this success, and we’re proud to be recognised for our commitment to exceptional managed services.
“To be awarded such an impressive accolade from CRN verifies the strides we’re making within the industry and the results we deliver to our clients.
“Thank you to the team for their dedication and to our clients for their continued trust in us.”
Air IT was highly commended at the UK IT Industry Awards for services company of the year.
Founded in 2005, Air IT has almost 570 staff nationwide, supporting 2,900 SME clients.
Hannah has more than 17 years’ experience in training and management, first in hospitality, then in apprenticeships, training and quality assurance.
Her new role will be pivotal in providing a great learning experience for the 1,000-plus learners Access supports each year, and helping shape the future of the business.
She said: “I am excited to be working collaboratively with the whole team and our learners to support their development and success. My key focus for the first half of 2025 is identifying areas for improvement, ensuring the smooth delivery of all training programmes, and building strong relationships with key stakeholders.”
Purpose Media video team members, from left: Liv Wheatcroft, Alistair Bullock and Michael Strachan Brown
Josh Widdicombe (left) and Lee Johnson, CIO & CISO at Air IT accepting the award
CHAMBER NEWS
CONNECTING, CHAMPIONING AND SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES
Local firms say Budget has hit growth and staffing plans
Half of East Midlands businesses have slimmed down their recruitment intention for the coming months in the wake of the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, writes Tim Smith
Asnap survey carried out by East Midlands Chamber into the impact of the Government’s plans for the economy announced in the Autumn Budget suggested that six out of 10 businesses anticipate a drop in profits and almost half are likely to lower investment plans.
Around eight in 10 respondents to the Chamber survey expressed a negative overall impression of the Budget, citing significant concerns over increased costs and a lack of targeted support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Some 239 businesses across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire took part in the research, which was designed to discover sentiment, growth projections and overall confidence among firms across the East Midlands. Sectors that participated in the survey included manufacturing, construction, retail, hospitality, transport & logistics, professional services, as well as the public sector through health and education.
The findings have been presented to political leaders at both regional and national level.
East Midlands Chamber director of policy and insight Richard Blackmore said: “With increased NI contributions, reduction in the secondary threshold and the national minimum wage increasing, businesses are anticipating significant increases in operational costs – that really shows in this research.
‘What stands out is the sizeable portion of East Midlands businesses ready to consider cutting back on capital investment, staffing levels and recruitment plans’
“For small and medium enterprises, this burden is particularly challenging and could impact their
SOME OF THE KEY FINDINGS
• Eight out of 10 had a negative impression of the Budget
• Half said they plan to cut recruitment
• Four out of 10 expect to cut staff numbers
• Six in 10 expect profitability to fall
• 44% plan to reduce investment over the next 12 months
• Four out of 10 expect sales to increase while two out of 10 expect sales to fall
ability to sustain workforce levels.
“Respondents anticipated reducing their staffing level, particularly in labour-intensive sectors such as hospitality and retail, while a hesitancy to invest in workforce development could impact skills growth and productivity.
“Many businesses feel they need to prioritise immediate financial stability over training.
“Over half of respondents indicated they could pull back on recruitment plans, reflecting the cautious approach businesses are adopting due to cost increases.
“This trend could limit job creation in the East Midlands. Many businesses expect profitability to decline over the next year, with respondents citing the combined pressure of higher wages, tax
burdens and operating costs as barriers to maintaining profit margins.
“While this research shows some optimism with sales – four out of 10 expect sales to increase – what stands out is the sizeable portion of East Midlands businesses ready to consider cutting back on capital investment, staffing levels and recruitment plans, in the light of rising operational costs and economic uncertainty.
“These findings underline the need for supportive policies that address both the social and economic challenges facing East Midlands businesses.
“We have put the results of this survey to political leaders at both regional and national level, urging them to consider the insights and advocate for policy adjustments that will enable East Midlands businesses to thrive amidst the challenges posed by the Autumn Budget.”
To see the full report visit: www.emc-dnl.co.uk
See the results of the Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey, providing more detailed insight from both measurable data as well as business sentiment on page 44.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has had to make some tough decisions
Richard Blackmore
Food Park has recipe for success
Leicester Food Park is celebrating a decade of supporting regional businesses on the road to success.
The 1.5-acre site, just off the outer ring road on the north-east edge of the city, is operated by the Chamber and has nine bespoke production units ranging from 1,000-5,000 sq ft.
Businesses based there range from a halal butchers to an artisan cookie baker, an ice cream and sorbet manufacturer, a tofu producer and a Chinese delicacy producer.
‘It’s a great place to have our base because everything is on our doorstep in this part of the city’
Some of the services provided to them include a business support centre and management hub with conference facilities, as well as technical support and the day-today help of dedicated on-site management.
Sisters Neelam & Nida Atique who run Dollies Cookies, moved into the park following the pandemic in 2020.
They make 2-3,000 Americanstyle artisan cookies each week along with their own brownies, which are sold online and wholesale.
She said: “Business has been good and the benefit of being here rather than in a private unit is that the site management are there to support you.”
Aatin Anadkat BEM is the cofounder of Positive Kitchen with his wife Helen, which makes plantbased, allergen-friendly food, which they supply wholesale and directto-consumer.
The business’s products include savouries, brownies, cakes and treats, along with afternoon teas with vegan clotted cream and scones.
Aatin said clients range from high-end retailers such as Selfridges to big events venues
such as Wimbledon and Ascot as well as e-commerce customers across the UK.
He said: “It’s a great place to have our base because everything is on our doorstep in this part of the city, including many of our suppliers.
“It’s great that Leicester has somewhere like this with foodgrade facilities where you can get on with your work.
“One of the big things for us is whenever we bring people here, they can walk in and see that it is a clean, premium unit rather than, say, an old factory in a railway arch somewhere. That transparency is part of the story.”
The site is run by the chamber on behalf of Leicester City Council. Chamber business solutions manager Anit Karia, who oversees it, said: “It’s a landmark park for supporting food and drink manufacturing, employing 35 people.
“Each unit has a small office, a kitchen and a changing area, with the majority of the space taken up by a production room.
“The park is one-of-a-kind – and over the last 10 years, it has made a real difference to so many businesses in Leicester.
“It has brought so much value to the city, economically for the council and from an employment point-of-view around the Hamilton area.
“Many of the businesses based here have built up real momentum, and post-Covid many have adapted their models and moved into new areas such as e-commerce.
“Along the way I have supported them with advice and sign-posted them to different people to work with. One of the biggest benefits is the amount of business support the Chamber can provide, whether that’s help with legislation or through networking – and we encourage everybody to collaborate. For example, we’ve helped one company here work with The Food Incubator, helping them extend the shelf-life of their products.”
EDI must be a priority if businesses are to succeed
East Midlands Chamber is urging the region’s firms and political leaders to give greater priority to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) after detailed research revealed some of the barriers to progress.
Conducted by East Midlands Chamber in conjunction with strategic partner emh Group –which provides affordable homes, care and support – the research revealed a rise in the number of East Midlands businesses that have adopted an EDI policy to almost seven-in-10, while there was no change in the number of businesses (two-in-10) saying there was “no benefit” in having an EDI structure.
More than 300 East Midlands businesses took part, with data compared to the previous year to track progress and form recommendations for businesses and political leaders.
Key findings included:
• Seven out of 10 businesses have an EDI policy
• The top benefit of an EDI policy was “an inclusive environment”
• EDI policies are more common –up from five out of 10 businesses the previous year
• Fear of “getting it wrong” was the main barrier to an EDI policy, reported by more than a third
• Two out of 10 believe an EDI policy has “no benefits”
Headline recommendations for businesses included bringing EDI learning into leadership training and celebrating best EDI practice.
‘There is more to do around sharing practices that demonstrate the tangible contribution of EDI to the bottom-line’
Headline recommendations for political leaders included more help to develop training programmes for EDI.
Chamber director of policy and insight Richard Blackmore said:
“These findings show that awareness continues to grow in the East Midlands around the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
“Where more work is arguably
needed is around the understanding of what exactly this means, what good practice can look like and the benefits that getting this right can bring to an organisation.
“Taking an EDI-informed approach to business isn’t just the right thing to do from a fair or just perspective, it can also give an organisation a competitive edge, regardless of size or sector.
Quality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace brings a range of benefits
“The Chamber will continue to work with all members to support growth in that understanding and showcase the great practice that already exists in the region, helping cement the East Midlands as the most exciting, innovative and successful place to start and grow your business.”
Chan Kataria OBE, chief executive of emh Group, said: “This is the third year of our joint EDI research and once again I’m delighted with the level of engagement we have seen.
“We’ve seen a positive shift in the number of members with an EDI policy compared to last year. The desire from participants to ‘do the right thing’ around EDI is also reflected in some of the barriers that have been reported – these give us a clear focus for future discussions, collaborations, and support.
“In addition, there is more to do around sharing practices that demonstrate the tangible contribution of EDI to the bottomline success of a business.”
To view the report, visit: is.gd/aJYCgV
Rising costs continue to hamper real growth
Higher costs hitting businesses this year combined with months of slowdown in GDP mean slight growth of 0.1% in the UK economy will not alleviate worries, according to Chamber management.
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics suggested GDP grew less than economists anticipated in November.
East Midlands Chamber director of policy and insight Richard Blackmore said: “While a return to economic growth, albeit slight, is the right direction of travel and not unwelcome, we’re talking about a tiny step forward here and we must remember that toward the end of last year
we saw growth slow and stall.
“With the bitter cocktail of employer National Insurance hikes hurtling down the road onto cost sheets, a higher national minimum wage and a lower threshold at which NI payments need to be made, most businesses will be laserfocused on those things right now.
“I would hope that a slight GDP lift is an encouraging indicator but with the up-down turbulence we’ve seen in the economy this is no comfort yet; we’d need to see a bigger lift or trend of continuous growth for that realistically.
“An interest rate cut could be a possibility, but right now wading through the rough waters
of measures announced in the Autumn Budget are the greater issue for East Midlands businesses, as we know from our own research.
“Corporate taxation, pressure to raise prices and footing the bill of higher staffing costs are currently top of the concerns businesses in the East Midlands have and that came out loud and clear in our recent Quarterly Economic Survey, which is based on both sentiment and measurable data from firms in the region.
“It’s essential that political leaders prioritise growth in the East Midlands with supportive policies that help businesses at this tough time.”
Chan Kataria with Emma Jesson at the 2024 Leicestershire Business Awards
Q4 survey reveals confidence faltering
Falling sales, orders, investment and profit expectation have been reported by the region’s businesses in East Midlands Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey.
Confidence in making a profit has dropped 38% over the last quarter and turnover expectations are down 31%. However, a similar amount of East Midlands businesses (36%) said they expect profit to improve over the current three-month period.
Some 30% of businesses that took part in the Q4 survey said they had seen a drop in UK sales, which was up from 23% in the previous survey. International traders told a similar story, with 27% saying they had experienced a drop in overseas sales – well up on the previous survey.
‘These findings paint a difficult picture for East Midlands businesses right across the board’
On price pressure, some 56% of businesses said they expected to have to increase their prices, with labour costs cited as the main driver. On recruitment, most businesses that attempted to recruit (72%) said they were still struggling to find the right candidate, while there was a 9% drop over the last quarter in those that had attempted to recruit.
Concern over corporate taxation, inflation and business rates have risen to the top of worries reported by the region’s businesses.
The survey, which took place over a four-week period, measures a combination of sentiment and data and is a key indicator of challenges and opportunities faced by businesses across multiple sectors, highlighting their concerns and the level of confidence they have for the months ahead.
Chamber director of policy and insight Richard Blackmore said:
“These findings paint a difficult picture for East Midlands businesses right across the board – from sales to price pressure, recruitment to the level of confidence in profit and turnover, with all key indicators showing notable decline.
“If we break down what’s going on, it’s clear several headwinds are at work, impacting expectations and experience. Weakness in demand is driving a drop in sales and orders in the UK and internationally, while we’re seeing a pattern of protective measures creeping in as businesses seek to contain their cost base.
That’s demonstrated by things like a pullback on intended investment in
plant, machinery and training.
“This stall in investment intention is further underlined by a dip in recruitment. On one hand we have the skills gap making hiring the right candidate difficult, but seeing a 9% drop in businesses attempting to recruit in the first place is a concern. That suggests businesses are, for now, hitting the pause button on hiring as another protective layer, but what we don’t know, at this stage, is whether this will be a sustained trend going forward or is a knee-jerk following the Autumn Budget (see page 40)
“We heard NI contributions for businesses would rise to 15% from April, the threshold for payment drop and the national minimum wage increase. The emerging picture in the East Midlands is a widespread tightening of the belt
and it’s telling that labour costs were reported as the greatest force behind price pressure.
“There are signs of resilience within the findings of the survey, with 60% of businesses expecting to hold steady on investment intentions in plant, machinery and equipment, for example, but with the overarching picture showing the extent of downturn in confidence and experience across so many measures, it’s absolutely essential that political leaders prioritise supportive measures for business in the East Midlands.”
View the full Quarterly Economic Survey for Q4, 2024 here: is.gd/JdTXCz
Chamber responds to Bank’s rate decision
East Midlands Chamber has given its reaction to the most recent Bank of England decision to keep interest rates at 4.75%.
Director of policy and insight Richard Blackmore said: “While few will be surprised there was no cut in interest this time, given factors like rising inflation, it will be a frustration to businesses looking to borrow and subsequently invest – not least when you consider the mountain of other challenges faced by businesses right now, like working out how to find funds to cover higher NI contributions and a higher national minimum wage.
“Our Quarterly Economic Survey indicated a widespread tightening of the belt among businesses, with reduced investment on plant, machinery and training, reduced intention to recruit and a significant drop in turnover and profitability confidence.
“Given the tough conditions faced by firms, I’d urge political leaders to closely examine the findings of our Quarterly Economic Survey, which really underlines the urgency for supportive measures to be prioritised to enable the region to thrive.”
The Bank of England has chosen to maintain the interest rate
Time running out to step on the Accelerator
By Diane Beresford (pictured), deputy chief executive, East Midlands Chamber.
Businesses have only a limited window to access Accelerator support before the project’s expected end date in March.
For well over a year now, the Accelerator project has been supporting businesses in Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester and Nottinghamshire to grow and sustain their businesses.
Support has come in areas such as the adoption of digital or energy efficiency measures, skills training across areas including management and leadership, AI, marketing and finance, and tapping into dedicated networks such as the East Midlands Manufacturing Network and the newly-formed Gedling Business Support Network.
‘The
Accelerator project has been helping businesses in very practical ways to save costs and energy’
The project has also offered fullyfunded business adviser support from pre-start through to growth and diversification, including developing and updating business plans, advice on budgeting, cash flow, and financial forecasting, market research, legal and regulatory compliance, relationship building and referrals to the national Made Smarter programme, Innovate UK Business Growth and other funding sources.
BECOMING A MORE ENERGYEFFICIENT BUSINESS
From bite-sized webinars to accredited training, premises energy audits and consultancy funding, the Accelerator project has been helping businesses in very practical ways to save costs and energy and become greener and more resilient.
To date, almost 1,200 businesses have attended Accelerator’s energy efficiency and carbon reduction events and training courses, with 146 accessing the premises energy audit consultancy service and 132 developing decarbonisation plans.
The following are still on offer to businesses:
• Premises energy audits to help identify energy efficiency improvements and opportunities to reduce costs. Audits typically involve a one-to-three-day site visit (depending on the size or complexity of the business) to review energy usage assets and gas/electric consumption pattern (as well as fuel consumption for businesses with a large fleet of vehicles). Findings are collated into an energy savings report which not only helps reduce energy wastage but is useful supporting evidence for grant applications.
• Growth vouchers towards the cost of specialist consultancy or bespoke training supporting the adoption of energy efficient practices that lead towards the development or implementation of a decarbonisation plan.
• Training, both in-person and online, to help businesses gain green business skills and plan their journey towards carbon neutrality.
• Energy reduction workshops at Toyota Motor Manufacturing offering practical demonstration and shop floor observations with Toyota’s energy specialists, the next of which takes place on Thursday, 13 February.
• Access to online sustainability platform Zellar to help showcase the real-time environmental impact of a business’s activities and to produce a decarbonisation plan.
WHAT
ACCELERATOR’S DECARBONISATION SUPPORT MEANS TO LOCAL BUSINESSES
HOE GRANGE HOLIDAYS, DERBYSHIRE DALES (1)
Hoe Grange Holidays was set up in 2005 by David and Felicity Brown as a diversification development to provide additional income to support their dairy farm. The Brassington site offers sustainable tourism accommodation with four lodges, two glamping pods and a traditional Gypsy caravan.
The business’s diligence in using renewable energy fed back through ground and air source heating systems is helping it progress to its target of a negative carbon footprint (not just Net Zero). To support this further, Chamber business adviser Andy Bunn provided access to a full premises energy audit to help the business identify where and when energy was being used and how best to reduce reliance on the National Grid supply.
Andy also supported them in preparing their application for a decarbonisation grant from the local council, which was approved in the summer, and has led to the installation of extra solar panels and a battery storage system.
The new installations have had a huge impact on the business. The business has already managed to reduce reliance on imported electricity by around 60% and is taking advantage of a cheap rate, night-time tariff. This is leading to savings of £800-£1,000 per month.
Co-owner David Brown said: “The energy audit helped confirm our expectations and the advice from Andy ensured the process of applying was made as simple as possible.
“Without the aid of grant funding, we would have been unlikely to have proceeded with this project for some considerable time, if at all.”
STILL TIME TO GET INVOLVED
Contact the Chamber’s business support team on 0330 053 8639, or email info@emc-dnl.co.uk to arrange an exploratory meeting with a business adviser.
Alternatively, select your district from the dropdown box on the Accelerator landing page: www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/accelerator and complete an Expression of Interest form.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS AND WEBINARS
IN-PERSON
• 13 February: Paid Social Media Masterclass, Worksop
• 18 February: WordPress Masterclass, Leicester
• 20 February: Making the Most of Google Analytics, Chesterfield
• 25 February: Practical Guide to Paid Digital Advertising
• 26 February: HR Essentials, Nottingham
ONLINE
• 12 February: How to Drive Carbon Reduction and Sustainability in Your Business
• 26 February: Navigating Carbon Standards to Support Decarbonisation
• 5 March: Managing Climate Anxiety and Denial
• 13 March: The One-Hour Google Ads Course
Book your place at: bit.ly/AcceleratorEvents.
The Accelerator project is funded by UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
SWADLINCOTE ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES, SOUTH DERBYSHIRE (2)
This independent electrical and renewables supplier provides electrical products, installation and renewable energy systems for a range of customers from trade, commercial, industrial, on-line and retail.
It was founded in 2004 by directors Steve Morley and Andrew Jones (pictured below) and employs seven staff.
Over the past four years electricity costs have almost tripled, presenting a serious barrier to the business’s profitability and operational efficiency.
The Accelerator project’s energy grant readiness workshop helped the business establish its carbon baseline and identify areas of improvement. A decarbonisation plan has enabled the business to adopt new techniques and processes, with access to real-time data of energy usage across the business, as well as an interactive monitor showing production and export information.
The business was also successful in applying for a decarbonation grant from South Derbyshire District Council, with £7,474 awarded to support the installation of solar panels and an electric vehicle charging station at its premises. The business has calculated annual electricity savings of £2,973, representing a 61% reduction in cost.
Director Steve Morley said: “Our business adviser at East Midlands Chamber, Sonny Lakhani, has gone above and beyond for my business. The face-to-face meetings have been very helpful and, overall, I am very pleased with the complete package of support and advice I have received and very grateful for the experience.”
TRANS-SPORT.TV, BASSETLAW (3)
This second-generation family business provides event infrastructure and support services and is the contractor of choice for the BBC events team covering Royal and Parliamentary events. It has grown organically from “a man and a van” to having two sites and a 40-strong workforce. With the increased cost of raw materials, lack of vehicle and equipment stock, rising energy costs and a world postBrexit, entering and exiting global event locations is a daily challenge.
At the start of 2024, Trans-Sport.tv successfully accessed a growth grant from Bassetlaw District Council to purchase 20 steel mesh-sided stillages (a type of pallet) used to store material stock rented to clients.
These brought a reduction in loading time and eliminated damage to material stock to improve efficiencies within the storage offer to clients as well as adding value to the business’s offer.
The implementation of barcoding is new-to-the-firm technology which ensures improved productivity and increased market share, both of which will positively impact profitability.
The equipment purchase supports the rental of goods which is an identified growth area for the business. It also reduces the amount of time spent using a forklift so cuts diesel emissions and ultimately further reduces its carbon footprint.
The anticipated improvements in delivery performance are from 85% to 99% and a 7% increase in turnover is expected as a result of this support.
The business has also taken advantage of a free energy audit and grant which funded improvements to its energy efficiencies. Future energy consumption will depend on the growth of the business, but making the move toward electrification of transport, the impact of implementing just two of the suggestions from the recommendations will save the business 10,500kWh per annum.
Helping mill move with the times
Built in 1771 just outside Matlock, Cromford Mills holds a pivotal place in industrial history. As the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill and the birthplace of the factory system, it was key to the rise of mass production.
The Grade I listed building, situated in the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site (DVMWHS), continues to celebrate Britain’s industrial heritage.
Today it attracts around 200,000 visitors annually and is home to more than 37 business tenants, from architects and web designers to retailers and construction firms.
Despite its rich history, Cromford Mills faces modern challenges. One significant issue emerged in late 2023, when it
Business Peak District
(BPD) is a free membership organisation for businesses in the area covered by the Peak District National Park, High Peak, Staffordshire Moorlands and Derbyshire Dales. Its principal supporter is East Midlands Chamber, and it works closely with councils, the Peak District National Park Authority, Visit Peak District and Derbyshire and the University of Derby. BPD has more than 700 members including Cromford Mills.
became clear that the site’s ageing IT infrastructure was no longer meeting the needs of tenants, staff, and visitors.
In October 2023, the Arkwright Society Charity, which owns and maintains Cromford Mills, sought
expert advice from East Midlands Chamber on a major upgrade, and following its recommendation –and after securing funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – Freeman Clarke IT Consultants were commissioned to
conduct a full audit of the site’s IT infrastructure. This audit also provided the foundation for inviting tenders for the IT upgrade. Thanks to continued support and guidance from the Chamber, Cromford Mills secured further funding and backing which has been vital for completing the first phase of the project – a fibre optic network upgrade and improved IT support for tenants.
A UK SPF grant reflects the urgency and importance of the project in securing the long-term success of Cromford Mills as both a heritage site and a business hub.
The works have been carried out by Peak Support/Dynamic, whose professionalism and expertise have ensured the project has run smoothly and efficiently. Their exceptional support has been integral to the seamless progression of the IT upgrade.
We’re making the most of the AI opportunity
We hear a lot about buzzwords, but AI goes beyond this. We’re seeing it transform and shape industries which is redefining how we work. For businesses and individuals, preparation is crucial. Rather than be afraid of the unknown, it’s important to stay informed. This way, you can leverage AI as a tool for growth rather than being left behind. Generation Next is committed to equipping our members with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate these changes, and we have a whole host of workshops on our website for members to do just that.
Growing up with technology has definitely given many young professionals an intuitive understanding of digital tools, which can be a strong advantage. However, it’s important to recognise that familiarity doesn’t always translate to proficiency. There’s a risk of complacency if we
assume we know everything AI can offer without delving deeper.
That’s where Generation Next comes in. We’re a platform for learning and discussion, encouraging our members to explore emerging trends and challenge themselves. By engaging in our events and leveraging the insights of our experts, members can ensure they stay ahead of the curve, turning their familiarity into real expertise.
Generation Next provides a unique space for young professionals to engage with AI through events, resources, and expert-led sessions. For example, our upcoming cybersecurity event is a fantastic opportunity to explore how AI is transforming data protection and risk management— an area vital to all businesses.
We also collaborate with initiatives like the Accelerator programme to bring cutting-edge insights directly to our members.
By staying connected through our email newsletters, website and events, young professionals can harness AI’s potential while building the skills and knowledge to use it responsibly and effectively.
The sharing of ideas is at the heart of Generation Next. Many members are already exploring innovative ways to integrate AI into their work, and their experiences can be invaluable to others. Our networking events are designed to facilitate these conversations, giving members a chance to learn from peers who are tackling similar challenges. This collaborative approach ensures that as a community, we’re not just adapting to AI but thriving with itlearning from each other and building confidence in how we approach technology.
AI is an incredible tool, but like any tool, it has its limitations. Working in marketing I see this all the time! While it can enhance efficiency and streamline tasks, it’s no substitute for human skills like relationship-building, critical thinking, and creativity.
New Generation Next chair Scarlett Canavan shares her thoughts on how AI can help members of the young leaders network.
Generation Next chair Scarlett Canavan (right) with Eileen Perry MBE DL at the 2024 Chamber AGM
A chance to sing the praises of culture and community
Bthe line-up of performers taking to the stage at East Midlands Chamber’s Celebration of Culture and Communities this spring.
500 business and charity representatives from across the East Midlands are expected to attend the evening, considered to be one of the most prominent events in the Chamber calendar.
The celebration takes place at Athena in Leicester on 4 April and will once again be produced in conjunction with events and marketing company Sanjib8. This year it will be supported by headline partners RandalSun Capital, emh Group and De Montfort University.
The evening will blend dining with networking and live entertainment, with dance and song from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds. Sanjay Foods, PPL PRS and Nelsons Law are associate partners for the event.
Britain’s Got Talent finalist Faryl Smith is a soprano who was described by Simon Cowell as “the most talented youngster I’ve ever heard”.
She has become an established name in opera and classical crossover since appearing on the show, performing for Queen Elizabeth and at both Wimbledon and Wembley Stadium.
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The East Midlands has such a rich and varied cultural background, and the region is well known for that on a worldwide stage. The Celebration of Culture and Communities is all about shining a light on diversity, so the live entertainment spans a variety of musical styles, the cuisine has a truly international feel, prepared by the award-winning Sanjay Foods, and traditional dress is welcome.
“Athena is an iconic venue too, an important part of Leicester’s history, making it the perfect setting for dining and building strong connections with charities and business representatives.
“I’m delighted that opera and
The event will take place at Athena in Leicester (credit: Visit Leicester)
Singer Faryl Smith will be among the stars taking part at this year’s event
Building a career supporting business
Sanjib Sahota (pictured) is the brains behind Leicester-based Sanjib 8, which will help produce the 2025 East Midlands Chamber’s Celebration of Culture and Communities. Here he talks about his background and the story of his business.
Sanjib 8 was founded in May 2023 and is a business consultancy that offers event management, brand marketing, business representation and strategic solutions for businesses and charities in the East Midlands.
With over 20 years of experience, I have worked for regional, national and international brands across many different sectors.
My focus has always been on supporting businesses, people and the community. I have worked on some amazing projects that I am extremely proud of, in particular the Sony Sports Personality of the Year Awards which was broadcast globally to millions of viewers.
It was a great experience and I was delighted to work with some amazing artists and musicians.
I was a director of the Leicester Belgrave Mela, which is one the oldest South Asian Festivals in the UK and has
classical crossover singer Faryl Smith will perform on the evening as part of the varied live entertainment programme.
“I’m certain this will be the best Celebration of Culture and Communities yet, so reserve a table to ensure you don’t miss out on one of the iconic events in the Chamber calendar.”
attracted nearly 100,000 people.
I was also very fortunate to work with Volleyball England and have been responsible for Beach Volleyball and Indoor Volleyball events, both national and international championships.
I have worked with a company formed by a BBC Dragons Den entrant that focuses on technology and innovation in Cambridge.
I’m also very proud of the work that I have done for East Midlands Chamber and in particular the Celebration of Culture and Communities event which brings together nearly 500 people. The event is one of the most popular events in the region and is a celebration of diversity and will be attended by Chamber members from across the East Midlands.
Sanjib8 director Sanjib Sahota said: “We call this fantastic evening a “celebration” because that’s exactly what it is. We’re so blessed to have this wonderful mix of cultures across the East Midlands, and while it’s great that diversity is becoming more and more prominent in the agenda of modern society, I think it’s so important that we take a bit of time to really celebrate it, champion it. That’s what this event does.
“We’ve put together the Celebration of Culture and Communities a number of times now, and what makes me so happy is that it seems to grow and get better and better every time we do it.
“This is not just another corporate event or dinner; it’s a unique event in the East Midlands that focuses on people and organisations, offering a fabulous platform for everyone to connect and make meaningful connections, while celebrating the wonderful cultures and communities that make the East Midlands such a special place. This is not your conventional black-tie event – it’s the opposite.”
To reserve a place and find out more about East Midlands Chamber’s Celebration of Culture and Communities event in 2025 visit: is.gd/OhGZlU
Time to nominate your top PAs
Nominations are open for the East Midlands PA Awards 2025.
Now into their third year, the awards recognise and celebrate the incredible talent and achievements of those working in an executive or business support role, based across the East Midlands region including Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.
The awards are run by Midlands events organiser, sector support body and networking specialist PA Forum with support from the Chamber.
There are various categories to choose from, and individuals can be nominated in as many as they want.
There are nine categories available to enter, inclusive of all experience levels across all sectors:
• Team of the Year
• Business Support Manager of the Year
• Lifetime Achievement
• Project Champion of the Year
• Rising Star
• Administrative Professional of the Year
• Outstanding Achievement
• Virtual Assistant of the Year
• Virtual Assistant Business of the Year
• PA of the Year
For further information on the category criteria and to put forward nominations, go to www.pa-forum.co.uk and click the East Midlands PA Awards tab at the top.
If you would like further information about the work PA Forum does across the Midlands, or are interested in finding out about the partnership packages available, email PA Forum founder Daniel Skermer at Daniel@paforum.co.uk or Lesley Young, executive support manager at East Midlands Chamber at Lesley.Young@emc-dnl.co.uk
PA AWARD DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
• Nominee celebration –11 March, Derbyshire County Cricket Club
• Finalists announced via email and social media –week commencing 31 March
• In-person judging – 12 May
• Finalist celebrations –5 June, National Space Centre, Leicester
• East Midlands PA Awards Night – 2 October, Nottingham Belfry
New booking system will boost online option
East Midlands Chamber has launched its enhanced events and training booking system, which includes a new feature making it easier for people to make online payments.
Following on from the Chamber’s 2022 rebrand and website launch, a decision was made to make the online experience of members better.
Alison Griffiths, director of continuous improvement at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Digital transformation is a key element of the Chamber’s business plan, focused on ensuring accessibility to Chamber services for our members and the businesses we support.
“This exciting development brings new functionality that enhances user experience and the Chamber’s technology portfolio.
“Thank you to our supply partners Ashton Court Group and Think3 for delivering this collaborative project.”
Alison Griffiths (pictured) runs through the changes.
Q. What has happened?
A. Our events programme is a key component of the support offered to members and businesses in our communities. Updating the platform for accessing these services was a key component of the Chamber’s 24/25 business plan.
Working with our partners Think3 and Ashton Court Group we devised and implemented a solution that offers a more streamlined booking experience, as well as introducing online payment options.
The events pages are more accessible with users being drawn to key information without having to hunt for it. In addition, the personalised login allows users to access the various pricing options available to them, based on their Chamber membership status.
For me, the most exciting element of the change is simplification of the whole booking process. You can go onto the site and easily book multiple tickets, for multiple events in one online session, reducing the amount of time spent submitting booking requests. Communications have also
The Chamber delivers an events and training programme of roughly 650 policy-led events, training courses, international trading support, networking events, exhibitions and award dinners – which should all be easier to access with the new system.
been automated, meaning users are kept up-to-date in real time regarding their booking status.
Q. That sounds quite exciting and is clearly going to make life simpler for people. What sort of things can people buy or do with this new addition to the Chamber site?
A. It’s one of the biggest changes I’ve been involved in since joining the Chamber in 2022 and it offers so much for users. Enhanced event and training listings mean a user can find all they need to know about an event – including dates, locations, costs and content – in an easily digestible format.
People can register for an online account, which provides individual access to specific pricing options, as well as an overview of the events and training courses they have booked onto. There are no limits to what can be booked thanks to the introduction of the ecommerce solution.
All events and courses of interest can be added to a visitor’s basket for further review ahead of checkout. The changes offer a familiar online booking service to users while ensuring a personalised, streamlined experience.
Q. What was the thinking behind upgrading the technology?
A. The Chamber launched a refreshed website and brand back in 2022 and, as is true for so many businesses, it needs to always adapt to ensure the service offering meets the needs of the business community.
Technological evolution is a key component in delivering that. Our events and training courses are a key support service for businesses and ensuring individuals can book what they want, when they want,
was an essential service enhancement.
The new booking process saves businesses time, while providing an enhanced user experience.
In addition, enhancements to the events pages give immediate access to all relevant event or course information. The introduction of a “You May Also Like” section also ensures people don’t miss out on other associated support.
Q. So, what does the process look like – say I want to book my business into a conference, what do I do? Where do I find it?
A. Our events can all be found through menu navigation, using the universal search function on the website, clicking a link in a marketing communication or through a good old fashioned Google search. You just select the event you want to book and choose the number and type of tickets you need. It’s worth noting that to access member prices, you need to register and sign in though.
You add what you want to the basket and complete the registration information requested. To mitigate challenges for larger group bookings, or when you simply don’t have the details of all delegates who may attend, that information can be added at a later stage, after you’ve booked.
You just choose your preferred payment method and confirm your booking.
And that’s it. The automated background processes do the rest. The process is standardised across all our event types, meaning the experience is the same whether you’re booking a conference, a training course or one of our celebratory events.
CHAMBER NETWORKS
BUILDING CONNECTIONS WITH YOUR PEERS AND BUSINESS LEADERS
Marketing guru to address our growth event
Former Vinted global director of brand James Peach –known for profile-building work with the likes of Nespresso and Uber – has been announced as keynote speaker for the Generation Next Leadership and Growth Conference 2025.
Aimed at empowering the region’s emerging leaders, the conference is sponsored by Mattioli Woods and hosted by Generation Next, an East Midlands Chamber network for young professionals aged 18 to 35.
Taking place at Cleaver and Wake in Nottingham on 19 March, the conference will feature inspiring talks, networking and panel discussions on trends impacting young leaders today.
As well as marketing major brands, James has cycled 41,000 km
around the world, hiked across Argentina and Norway and completed the first triathlon around the entire UK.
‘It’s a privilege to share ideas with audiences early in their careers’
Chamber director of resources and Generation Next lead Lucy Robinson said: “When it comes to those truly outstanding leaders that are role models for those in business, few are more of a shining light than James Peach.
“As your machine makes that coffee in the morning or you book an Uber on your phone, James has played a part in that brand’s success.
It’s really exciting! The network is a vital platform for future leaders and entrepreneurs in the East Midlands, and stepping into this role feels like both a privilege and a responsibility. Of course, there’s always a little nervous energy when taking on something so significant, but it’s the kind that fuels my drive to make a real impact.
The East Midlands has always been home, and I’m proud to live and work in such a vibrant and innovative region. I graduated from De Montfort University, and I’m deeply passionate about supporting the development of young talent here. Through my role at ER Recruitment, I’ve had the chance to grow professionally while building lasting connections across the region. I’ve been
“As someone that has helped grow such successful brands, who better to inspire young professionals in the East Midlands on their journey to world class leadership as the keynote speaker.
“If you’re an aspiring leader, driven to lead and ready to invest in your professional future, the Generation Next Leadership and Growth Conference is for you and I’d urge you to get your place reserved now, ready to make 2025 a key career milestone.”
James said he was looking forward to sharing some of his own lessons in leadership – and talking about finding the leader in all of us. He said: “It’s a privilege to share ideas with audiences early in their careers and support them to be the resilient, effective and inspiring leaders of the future.”
To reserve a place at the Generation Next Leadership and Growth Conference 2025 visit: is.gd/WKFpbG
Group is a game-changer for young professionals
New Generation Next chair Scarlett Canavan (pictured) shares her thoughts on how it feels to head up the young leaders network.
fortunate to work with incredible people that share my belief in nurturing the next generation and many of those have supported me in my own journey.
Generation Next has played a pivotal role in my career to date, offering opportunities to learn, connect, and thrive. To now serve as chair feels like the perfect way to give back to a network that has been instrumental in my development.
Collaboration and shared learning have always been at the heart of my approach, and these values will guide me as chair. In 2025, I’m focused on continuing to work with our champions board to create a network where young professionals feel empowered to succeed.
With a young and dynamic board leading the way, we truly understand the challenges and aspirations of young professionals, and we’re committed to providing a supportive and inspiring environment for their development.
2025 is set to be a whirlwind year, but I firmly believe that surrounding yourself with the right people makes all the difference. I’m lucky to have a fantastic supportive team at ER Recruitment which enables me to also focus on my role with Generation Next, and vice versa, a brilliant Gen Next team who share the same drive and vision and are always happy to pitch in.
Generation Next is a game-changer for young professionals. What stands out to me is how it combines practical support with real-world connections, empowering members to take control of their careers. Whether it’s through targeted networking, mentorship, or access to inspirational events, the benefits are transformative.
The upcoming conference is shaping up to be an unmissable event. We’re thrilled to have worldwide marketing expert James Peach as our keynote speaker—his insights will undoubtedly inspire and energise everyone in attendance.
Business leader James Peach will be a keynote speaker
Fashion expert heads conference
Aleader in the world of high street fashion will share her experiences at the Chamber’s 2025 Enterprising Women International Women’s Day Conference, which takes place on Friday 7 March at the Leicester Tigers ground.
Keynote speaker is Leicester businesswoman Fiona Lambert (pictured), the former managing director of Jaeger at M&S, who has held senior roles at Next, Asda, Dunelm and River Island. The day will also hear from Andrea Gray, former managing director of PPL PRS and BID Leicester board member, and Enterprising Women's Businesswoman of the Year 2024.
The event will encourage attendees to embrace challenges, adopt innovation and unlock their potential. Highlights will include:
• Inspiring speakers: Industry leaders sharing their journeys, offering practical advice and motivational insights.
•Workshops: Hands-on sessions equipping participants with tools to grow their businesses, develop their skills, and boost their confidence.
•Networking: Attendees can connect with like-minded professionals, forging valuable relationships to support personal and professional growth.
Enterprising Women co-chairs Eileen Perry MBE DL and Jean Mountain said the theme of this year’s conference will be #AccelerateAction – serving to push boundaries, ignite change, and drive meaningful progress for women across all sectors and stages.
Building on the energy, collaboration and inspiration from last year’s event, this year’s day – which runs from 8.30am-1pm – promises to be bigger, bolder, and more impactful.
Eileen said “The 2024 Enterprising Women Conference was a powerful testament to the resilience, ambition, and talent of women across the region. From its dynamic workshops to the incredible panel discussions, the day was a celebration of collective action and a showcase of what women can achieve when given the platform and opportunity to thrive.”
‘It’s about moving beyond conversations and driving tangible change’
Jean said: “We’re really excited and can promise that the 2025 Enterprising Women Conference will take everything we achieved last year and elevate it even further.
“This year we will hear from keynote speaker Fiona Lambert, 2024’s Businesswoman of the Year Andrea Gray and we have a whole host of speakers to still announce. This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, is a perfect fit for our mission. It’s about moving beyond conversations and driving tangible change.”
“Whether you’re looking to scale your business, grow your career, or make a difference in your community, this conference will provide the insights, connections, and inspiration to help you succeed.”
For ticket details visit: is.gd/Qd6kra
Women in business connect at social
Businesswomen from across the East Midlands gathered for the 2024 Enterprising Women Winter Social at Lumbers jewellers in Leicester.
The afternoon tea and networking event was an opportunity for women in business to connect, share ideas and build meaningful business relationships in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
The event included a presentation to Enterprising Women Awards Businesswoman of the Year winner Andrea Gray, who was unable to attend the award ceremony in September. The award, sponsored by Michael Smith Switchgear, goes to a woman identified as exceptional within the East Midlands business community for their leadership, influence, example, experience and skill.
Andrea, who previously headed up Leicester-based music licencing company PPL PRS, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to Enterprising Women and East Midlands Chamber who put on the awards, as well as Michael Smith Switchgear for sponsoring this category.”
Eileen Perry MBE DL, co-founder of the Chamber’s Enterprising Women network, said: “The Winter Social was such a special event, and I believe its success comes down to the incredible sense of connection and community of Enterprising Women.
“Women in business are so often balancing multiple roles –especially at Christmas, so events like this provide a rare opportunity to pause, reflect and celebrate achievements together.”
Fellow co-founder Jean Mountain said: “The mix of inspiration, collaboration and celebration is what makes these events so appealing. Women in business want spaces where they can be themselves, find support, and feel celebrated for their contributions.
“Hearing how our members have taken inspiration or opportunities from our events and turned them into career milestones or business wins is what makes it all worthwhile.”
To find out more about Enterprising Women visit: www.emc-dnl.co.uk
Eileen Perry MBE DL (left) and Jean Mountain at the Enterprising Women Winter Social
Network expands as businesses reap the benefits of support
More and more businesses are recognising the benefits of joining the East Midlands Manufacturing Network.
Almost 500 businesses have joined the six different networking groups covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire and their respective cities.
The Chamber launched the network in March 2022, with membership free and open to manufacturers of any size. As well as regular meetings, it entitles members to complimentary membership of Make UK.
The criteria for joining are:
• You are a senior manager or leader
• Your business is based in the Chamber area of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire
• Your business makes something
Manufacturing Network adviser Deborah Rogers (pictured) said the January Derbyshire meeting in Dronfield had been the biggest since the network began, with 34 attendees, and with a number of members offering to host future meetings.
A recent Nottinghamshire meeting at the NTU Mansfield campus, she said, gave members a chance to look around the facilities there.
She said: “We have new members attending pretty much every meeting now and the case studies that are going up on the EMMN website are testament to the help they have received.
‘The reason the membership continues to grow is because the network offers very real and valuable support’
“We are seeing genuine collaboration going on between members and some businesses see such value in the meetings that they are regularly sending more than one director.”
A dedicated website allows members to better engage with the network as it expands and evolves.
As well as being home for the latest manufacturing events, news and funding opportunities, it provides a members directory,
allowing businesses to find out about and collaborate with other companies. It also offers information for people interested in joining.
Chamber deputy chief executive Diane Beresford said: “The reason the membership continues to grow is because the network offers very real and valuable support, and a safe space to share the concerns of running a manufacturing business in the current climate.
“We’ve already seen several interesting collaborations that have sprung from the network.
“Making it easier for members to connect through the website will only strengthen our region’s partnerships.”
For information email deborah.rogers@emcdnl.co.uk or visit: emmn.co.uk
…as careers event demonstrated
The Chamber network team attended a careers fair held by the Two Counties Trust, made up of nine secondary academies across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, which took place at Manor Academy in Mansfield Woodhouse.
This event brought together more than 1,050 students and more than 70 employers and organisations and provided an opportunity for students to explore potential career pathways and expand their understanding of the world of work.
Exhibitors included Kier, Glenair, the Armed Forces, Nottingham Police, Nestlé, East Midlands Chamber, as well as regional universities and colleges.
EMMN adviser Debbie Rogers was introduced to The Two Counties Trust careers team by Ian Greenaway, vice-chair of the EMMN Derbyshire Group, who is one of its trustees.
Debbie said: “This was a great opportunity to connect with pupils and staff from nine schools in our region, to raise awareness of the vast range of career
options available in manufacturing in our region and to introduce the East Midlands Manufacturing Network as a group through which to connect with local manufacturers and find out more about manufacturing in our region. It was also great to meet some manufacturers exhibiting there too.”
In addition to promoting potential careers, the event highlighted the ongoing work of the trust’s careers team, who support more than 11,000 students by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to find their future pathways.
Trust chief executive Wesley Davies said: “This careers fair reflects the very best of what we stand for at The Two Counties Trust – ambition, teamwork and honesty. I’m incredibly proud of how our students, staff and partner organisations came together to create such a valuable opportunity for exploring future pathways.
“Events like this allow our students to make informed decisions about their futures and prepare them to contribute positively to the world we share.”
YOU CAN FIND OUT ABOUT AND REGISTER FOR THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS ON THE EMMN WEBSITE:
Nottingham Network
Date: 19 March
Time: 7.30am-10.30am
Venue: University of Nottingham, Advanced Manufacturing Building, Nottingham, NG7 2GX
East Midlands Manufacturing and Trade Conference
Date: 13 March
Time: 9-1.30pm
Venue: Loughborough University, Sport Park, Loughborough, LE11 3QF
Derbyshire Network
Date: 14 March
Time: 7.30-10.30am
Venue: East Midlands Chamber, Commerce House, Millennium Way, Dunstan Road, Chesterfield, S41 8ND
Nottinghamshire Network
Date: 25 March
Time: 7.30-10.30am
Venue: Nottingham Trent University, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 5BJ
The January 2025 Derbyshire network meeting
The Two Counties Trust careers fair
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Resilience and Growth in 2025: Technology as Your Edge
As we step into 2025, the business landscape continues to evolve at a breakneck pace. From navigating supply chain disruptions caused by global events to meeting the rising demand for hyper-personalised customer experiences, businesses face challenges that demand both resilience and innovation. For organisations aiming to thrive, the question is no longer whether to embrace digital transformation, but how to implement it strategically to drive measurable outcomes. The answer lies in creating agile systems, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and adopting technologies that future-proof operations.
The role of agility in resilience
Agility is a defining trait of resilient businesses. Just as flexible athletes pivot quickly during a match, agile companies adapt to market changes with speed and confidence.
This comes from adopting modular technologies like microservices— independent components—and cloud platforms that enable scaling at speed. For instance, Uber transitioned from a rigid system to microservices, improving scalability and responsiveness. In contrast, traditional unified systems (all-in-one) can create inefficiencies and risks; a failure in one part can disrupt the entire operation. By embracing decoupled architectures, businesses reduce these risks, respond faster, and seize growth opportunities, ensuring resilience in a rapidly changing market.
Best practice tip: Collaborate with external software experts to challenge existing strategies and introduce new, effective solutions.
Harnessing data for real-time decision-making
In a world where agility and precision drive success, businesses must adopt real-time decision-making capabilities to remain competitive. The ability to gather, analyse, and act on data in the moment can mean the difference between capitalising on an opportunity and missing it altogether.
Real-time data isn’t just for operational efficiency—it’s a strategic enabler. Imagine a retail business using live sales data to adjust pricing or a logistics company rerouting deliveries based on weather patterns. Similarly, a financial institution monitoring transactions in real-time can detect fraud and prevent losses instantly. By integrating systems like data lakes and advanced analytics platforms, organisations can process vast amounts of data instantaneously, empowering them to act with confidence in fast-changing markets.
Additionally, predictive analytics enhances decision-making by identifying patterns and trends before they impact operations. This capability allows companies to mitigate risks, optimise resources, and seize market opportunities ahead of competitors. Businesses that leverage real-time data effectively position themselves as leaders in their industries.
Best practice tip: Invest in tools and systems that provide real-time analytics, ensure your team is trained to interpret and act on the insights effectively, and establish agreed-upon actions for responding to specific data signals.
Cultivating a culture of innovation
Resilience isn’t just about tools—it’s also about mindset. Businesses that foster a culture of innovation position themselves to remain competitive in any environment. Leaders can encourage this by investing in employee upskilling, embedding innovation into processes, and creating spaces where ideas flourish.
For example, innovation labs—dedicated spaces for brainstorming and testing new concepts—allow teams to experiment with emerging technologies before full-scale implementation. Similarly, hackathons can spark creativity, generating ideas that lead to tangible business improvements.
By embedding innovation into your company culture, you stay ahead of the competition and inspire a motivated workforce to drive change.
Best practice tip: Create spaces and opportunities for your team to experiment with new ideas, ensuring that creativity becomes part of your company’s DNA.
The new era of sustainability in growth
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. Resilient organisations understand that growth must be accompanied by environmental and social responsibility.
Technology plays a critical role here. Energy-efficient data centres, green cloud computing, and digital twins (virtual replicas of physical processes) enable businesses to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining operational excellence. Additionally, AI-powered supply chain visibility tools can help organisations track emissions and optimise logistics.
By prioritising sustainable practices, businesses not only meet regulatory expectations but also attract eco-conscious customers and investors.
Best practice tip: Prioritise sustainable technologies and practices to align with regulatory requirements and customer expectations.
Hyper-personalisation: A game-changer in customer experience
In 2025, resilience also means building stronger customer relationships Hyper-personalisation—delivering tailored experiences in real-time—has emerged as a powerful tool for engagement.
Unlike traditional personalisation, which uses demographic data, hyperpersonalisation combines behavioural insights, AI, and predictive analytics to anticipate customer needs before they arise. Imagine a retail platform suggesting products and services that fit a customer’s long-term goals. Or a B2B company customising service packages based on predictive usage trends.
This approach enhances customer satisfaction and creates brand loyalty, giving businesses an edge in competitive markets.
Best practice tip: Craft hyper-personalisation to deliver tailored, real-time experiences that foster loyalty and engagement.
Workforce empowerment through technology
While technology drives resilience, its success depends on the people who use it. Empowering your workforce with tools and training is essential for leveraging technology to its fullest potential.
Resilient organisations provide employees with intuitive systems that reduce complexity and improve productivity. For example, low-code platforms enable non-technical team members to develop solutions independently, reducing reliance on IT teams. Virtual collaboration tools foster connectivity, especially in hybrid work environments, ensuring seamless teamwork across geographies.
Investing in workforce enablement ensures that your team is equipped to innovate and adapt, driving resilience from within.
Best practice tip: Empower your workforce with training and tools, such as low-code platforms and collaborative technologies, to drive productivity and innovation.
Leveraging technology for resilience
Resilience requires proactive preparation, not just reaction. By leveraging tools like predictive analytics and real-time monitoring, businesses can identify risks early and take decisive action. For example, AI-powered supply chain tools can anticipate delays and adjust shipments before disruptions escalate, while data insights help tailor customer offerings to improve retention
These technologies also provide a foundation for agility, enabling organisations to adapt quickly to market changes or unforeseen challenges. Businesses that harness such tools position themselves to not only navigate uncertainty but to thrive in competitive environments.
Best practice tip: Use predictive tools to act on risks and opportunities early, turning uncertainty into a competitive advantage.
Charting your path to resilience
As 2025 unfolds, the businesses that thrive will be those that take action today. Building resilience and achieving growth doesn’t require overhauling everything at once—it starts with identifying small, high-impact areas to transform. Whether it's leveraging real-time data, investing in workforce empowerment, or prioritising sustainable practices, every step brings your organisation closer to lasting success.
The key is to act with intent. Define clear priorities, align your technology roadmap with your goals, and bring your team on board to drive change
The journey to resilience isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Every action you take today strengthens your ability to adapt and grow tomorrow.
Best practice tip: Start small.Identify one area of your business where technology can have the greatest impact and take the first step toward transformation.
Preparing for 2025 and beyond
Resilience and growth don’t happen by accident—they require deliberate planning and action. As we move into 2025, businesses must prioritise three key areas:
• Digital Trust: Building trust through robust cybersecurity, transparent data practices, and ethical AI governance. Customers and stakeholders need confidence in your ability to protect their data and act responsibly.
• Integrated Systems: Ensuring technology ecosystems work harmoniously, minimising silos and unlocking actionable insights. For example, integrating enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems with customer relationship management (CRM) tools allows businesses to deliver better customer experiences.
• Proactive Strategy: Shifting from a reactive approach to a forwardlooking strategy. Use predictive analytics to identify opportunities, potential risks, and emerging trends before they impact your operations.
Email: info@eevolution.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 844 818 2 818
Tim Mahoney, Director
TRAINING & EVENTS
BOOST YOUR WORKFORCE AND DEVELOP YOUR BUSINESS
A powerful overview of energy
Businesses, policy makers and educators gathered in Derby for East Midlands Chamber’s 2024 Midlands Energy Summit.
Held in partnership with the University of Nottingham’s Energy Institute and East Midlands Freeport, and sponsored by HyDEX and Tomato Energy, the summit took place at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Burnaston.
Keynote speakers and panel discussions examined energy storage, provision, distribution and technological developments in areas like fission, fusion and hydrogen.
East Midlands Chamber director of policy and insight Richard Blackmore, who opened the summit, said: “Energy plays a vital role in growing the East Midlands economy and embracing and exploring the storage and production scope we have right on our doorstep is a key part of our Manifesto for Growth – our asks to policy makers that have ensuring the East Midlands thrives at their core.
‘Research is vital in terms of developing the systems, ideas and technologies of the future’
“Fast-evolving technology has brought a range of attractive clean energy opportunities that make the clean growth journey to Net Zero something businesses can really benefit from.
“The summit was about marrying the insight businesses in the East Midlands energy sector have as they embark into new technologies and seize its potential, with the detailed research and analysis that our superb universities and academics bring, so that as a region we can lead the way on future energy provision and distribution.”
Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK senior manager for the environment and carbon neutrality project John Malpas delivered a talk on initiatives to support the company’s goal to become carbon neutral.
He said: “We have 30 years of experience of energy reduction and decarbonisation. It's that experience we can share with others, in what pathways we've taken, what mistakes or hurdles we came across and then what strategies we've adopted, what technologies we've adopted, so we can share that information with others and
He said: “The Freeport can be a catalyst, and in some ways, the glue, to help this region on its journey towards Net Zero, and put ourselves at the forefront of that journey for the nation to become a clean energy superpower.
“We’re working closely with sectors like advanced manufacturing, advanced logistics and energy producers.
“We have three really compelling development sites, which themselves have Net Zero targets, and we're also working with partners on the wider enablers of the transition, from green skills to high-end research to low carbon transport solutions.”
help them along their own pathway.
“As you’re decarbonising, there are opportunities to reduce the cost base through energy cost reduction, utility cost reduction and in all our experiences as we've gone down this pathway we’ve reduced our costs, and we're trying to accelerate that to improve our cash flow in the early years, because in the later years when we transition to new technologies, there'll be investment to make.”
University of Nottingham Professor of Sustainable Building Design Mark Gillott gave a talk on the role of research in the future energy landscape.
He said: “Research is vital in terms of developing the systems, ideas and technologies of the future to address the big issues such as climate change, but more importantly, working collaboratively across disciplines and with industry is essential to get these research ideas developed in the real world.
“From the University of Nottingham perspective, we've focused in on three key themes: communities and the built environment, transport and power and energy storage.”
East Midlands Freeport chief executive Tom Newman-Taylor spoke on how to accelerate the region’s journey to Net Zero.
HyDEX and Energy Research Accelerator marketing and communications manager Nick King gave a talk on an energy toolkit HyDEX has developed to guide local leaders in their decisions around hydrogen.
He said: “Through our HyDEX programme we have been bringing together companies, researchers and the public sector in the Midlands who have an interest in hydrogen, to help develop and kickstart the regional hydrogen economy and support innovation, skills and policy.
“It’s vitally important that businesses and universities work together to share knowledge about the latest developments and technologies in energy.
“The Midlands Energy Summit is an invaluable forum for helping to connect everyone with an interest in energy in the region.”
Tomato Energy partnerships and frameworks manager Iain Wheeler participated in a panel on energy development to meet the changing needs of business and society.
He said: “Getting the energy sector together at events like this is absolutely fundamental, as there are examples of best practice where companies have done something innovative, and they've already worked out their pathways to decarbonisation – they've done it, they've committed time and effort and resources into it.
“Those kinds of companies need to be championed and showcased to show the rest of the business community what they’ve achieved.
“In the panel discussion I was trying to break it down to things we can implement right now, technologies that are commercially available right now, things that are cost effective to do right now.”
Professor Lucelia Rodrigues speaks at the Energy Summit
East Midlands Chamber’s 2024 Midlands Energy Summit was held at Toyota’s manufacturing plant in Burnaston
Local economy in the spotlight
The effect of government policy changes and supporting the needs of the region’s business community were among topics discussed by business leaders and academics at East Midlands Chamber’s State of the Economy Conference, held in partnership with the University of Leicester.
Held at the University of Leicester School of Business, a series of talks and panel discussions sought to reflect on the performance of the East Midlands economy in 2024 and define the levels of support needed to enable growth in 2025.
East Midlands Chamber director of policy and insight Richard Blackmore shared analysis from the Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey (see page 44) and chaired panel discussions.
Speaking afterwards he said: “The East Midlands is uniquely placed as a centre of trading excellence with a wealth of growth potential, yet 2024 saw significant economic events that directly affect considerations businesses must make as they plan ahead.
‘You get lots of voices and stakeholders in the same room so they can understand and learn each other’s perspectives’
“The impact of factors like interest rate changes, regional and national political change and the first Industrial Strategy in years underline the need to identify economic risk but also explore growth opportunities.
“The research we conduct in our Quarterly Economic Survey gives the strongest indication of pressure points experienced first-hand by businesses in the East Midlands, how they react to challenges and secure their future.
“Bringing business leaders and academics together to share their insight at this conference will be really beneficial in shaping how to best support business as we head into 2025.”
East Midlands Chamber 2024 president Stuart Dawkins opened the event. He said: “Conferences like this are important. There’s an intersect between academia and business, yet you get business not quite understanding academia and academia not quite understanding business. Against the current economic pressures and issues, I think there's more feeling of togetherness now.
“What was really interesting was the backdrop; the conference has come at the end of a period of instability locally, nationally and in the world with a lot of headwinds, particularly for businesses. The overall sense was that there’s opportunity in the East Midlands.
“We are underfunded as a region, but we’re extremely positive, and in our use of government funding we have better return on investment than any other region. What we've not been as good at is in pulling together.”
University of Leicester dean of research and enterprise at the Leicester School of Business Mat Hughes participated in a panel discussion on what businesses want in the year ahead.
He said: “The Government needs to give a positive environment and set signals to businesses that will encourage them to feel confident to invest and react.
“Investment is not something that necessarily pays off immediately, but if we're going to grow
and change productivity, then businesses need to invest in human capital, they need to invest in digitalisation, technology and machines, in new opportunities or R&D.
“Conferences like this are critical from many different points of view. You get lots of voices and stakeholders in the same room so they can understand and learn each other’s perspectives. You get to get your finger on the pulse to see what the key priorities are, that we can then form strategies around to communicate with government, with associations and drive investment.”
Bank of England deputy agent for the East Midlands Jamie Jordan, who gave a talk on the Bank’s views on the economy, said: “The insight you get from people on the ground collaborating together at a conference like this is of greater value than just being able to read the data statistically, and for us, it’s being able to answer why trends are emerging or changing and what the key issues are that we need to be thinking about to get to grips with the challenges and opportunities today.
“We’re pleased with how the disinflationary process is going. A gradual approach towards monetary policy restraint is, we think, the most appropriate to ensure that we eradicate remaining inflationary pressure that exists in the economy, and that will help us get back to the 2% target.”
East Midlands Councils executive director Stuart Young gave a presentation on the role of EM Councils and the objectives of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).
He said: “Business is the key. Council leaders and MPs have a direct route into government, but they need to hear from the business community. Growth can be driven out of our proposals and the alliance between businesses, MPs and council leaders is absolute. For our
region, transport infrastructure investment is an enabler. It delivers growth, in terms of construction, but enables growth and longevity of growth. For our region that’s important.
“You shouldn’t work in isolation; you need conferences like this where you get a chance to mix it up and have a candid discussion.”
Turner and Townsend director and chair of the East Midlands Chamber Derbyshire Members Forum Mark Deakin took part in a panel discussion on economic performance and prospects.
He said: “Stability is a big issue because we've had such turmoil through changes, U-turns and an inability, prior to the election in making decisions.
“There's not really been stability now for maybe two years, and that means everyone has had to guess where their plans are and how they will structure their business going forward.
“What we’ve now got has a bottom-line impact but at least people can plan and the stoic behaviour of UK businesses should get us through that. That's the kind of positive of the negative position. Nothing works in isolation.
“Getting people talking at this conference, working together and public sector intervention will drive people talking to try and work through it.”
Murphy and Son managing director Charles Nicholds, who took part in a panel discussion, said: “Stability is what’s needed for growth. We need to make sure that decisions are being made with small sized businesses in mind, and I don't always think they are.
“Some stability and clarity around what rules and regulations are would help, as we can work with most things, providing they listen to us.”
Loates Business Solutions director Sarah Loates, another panel member, said: “It's really interesting to have a mix of businesses and academia because they come at it from two perspectives. The key for me is collaboration.”
1. One of the panel discussions at the conference
2. Mike Crawforth of Rolls-Royce
3. Charles Nicholds, Prof Mat Hughes and Sarah Loates
4. Richard Blackmore addresses the State of the Economy Conference
UPCOMING GENERATION NEXT NETWORK EVENTS
The Generation Next Accelerator Academy
– Using AI for SEO
Date: 13 February
Time: 9.30-11.30am
Speaker: Ian Lockwood Website: is.gd/wyvWNY
Feb Social Panthers Vs Glasgow Clan (Ice Hockey)
Date: 19 February
Time: 6pm-10pm
Location: Ice Arena, Nottingham
Website: is.gd/tvfnqd SOLD OUT
Generation Next Accelerator Academy –Why create videos for social media
Date: 25 February
Time: 9.30am-11.30am
Speaker: Paul Ince
Website:is.gd/OGhxQt
Cybersecurity for Businesses
Date: 25 February
Time: 9.30am-10.30am
Speaker: Xavier Schmoor
Website: is.gd/wsVVx3
Generation Next Accelerator Academy –Understanding your Idea Customer
Date: 4 March
Time: 9.30am-11.30am
Website: is.gd/psKLOL
Networking for Success
Date: 13 March
Time: 9.30am-10.30am
Speaker: Lindsey Newman-Wood –Lindsey@passionmarketingsolutions.co.uk
Website: is.gd/WA2Xdp
Generation Next Accelerator Academy –Getting Started with Leadership and Management
Date: 18 March
Time: 9.30am-11.30am
Speaker: Stuart Ross – stuart@highgrowth.com Website: is.gd/UxQXXm
Generation Next Leadership and Growth Conference 2025
Date: 19 March
Time: 8.30am-1pm
Location: Cleaver and Wake, Nottingham
Speaker: James Peach plus other speakers
Website: is.gd/btPVK8
Effective Communication Skills
Date: 3 April
Time: 9.30am-10.30am
Speaker: TBC
Website: is.gd/qFTaCx
Time Management & Productivity
Date: 8 May
Time: 9.30a-10.30am
Speaker: TBC
Website: is.gd/vgjSo0
For more information and to enter go to is.gd/d4BVt0
AGM looks back and to future
East Midlands Chamber’s Annual General Meeting celebrated the successes of the previous 12 months and was an opportunity for management and the board to share their plans for the future.
The AGM, which took place at Toyota in Burnaston, also saw outgoing Chamber president Stuart Dawkins hand over the chains of office to his successor Dawn Whitemore, chief executive of the SMB College Group.
‘The Chamber’s financial stability provides it with the resources and confidence to do its job well’
Other speakers included Rachael Grime, the chief executive of Foundation Derbyshire – which was one of the three Community Foundations in the East Midlands to benefit from the Chamber’s Charitable fund for the 2024 – and Scarlett Canavan, the new chair of the Chamber’s Generation Next network for young executives. Dawn said one of her key focus areas for 2025 would be skills, and announced that she would
continue to support the same three Community Foundations as her predecessor – Leicestershire & Rutland Community Foundation, Foundation Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Community Foundation.
There were also speeches from representatives of the three 2024 Chamber Businesses of the Year from Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire – Howes Percival chairman Geraint Davies, Murphy and Son managing director Charles Nicholds and Kranlee Logistics director Karen Mosley.
Presenting the accounts for 2023-24 – which saw a turnover of £19.3m on the back of a 4,130plus membership, 30,000-plus business support interactions and £12.7m of contracts won –Stuart Dawkins said the board was continuing with its strategy of “investing for the future”. He said: “The Chamber’s financial stability provides it with the resources and confidence to do its job well.
“Being the biggest and strongest Chamber in the UK is not an objective, but it does provide a solid platform to employ great people and to run a great business. The Chamber remains in excellent financial health.”
Ending the year on a high
Businesses from Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire gathered for one of the biggest events in the calendar – East Midlands Chamber’s Christmas Lunch, which took place at the Athena venue in Leicester.
Comedian Ted Robbins, known for his performances in Phoenix Nights, Benidorm and Little Britain, headed up a programme of live entertainment, which followed a three-course gourmet meal. Content marketing consultancy LikeMind Media sponsored the overall event and Barclays Eagle Labs were the welcome drinks sponsor.
East Midlands Chamber president Stuart Dawkins, who reached the end of a two-year term in post, opened the event.
He said: “This lunch has long signalled the start of the festive season. The Chamber supports thousands of organisations and individuals each year and I want to thank the Chamber team for the work they have done in 2024.”
Incoming East Midlands Chamber president Dawn Whitemore said: “I’m really looking forward to the new year as Chamber President and to playing a part in making a difference for the region.”
LikeMind Media chief executive Paul Ince said: “We’re a big part of the East Midlands business
community and this event is a great, positive celebration at Christmas with a party atmosphere.
“That’s a great opportunity to have conversations with businesses. The relationships people can build at networking events like the Chamber’s Christmas Lunch tend to be on strong foundations. When you’re in a relaxed atmosphere, you get to know people in business better, and that’s when those stronger relationships are built.”
Credit: Pete Martin Photography
SUSTAINABLE EAST MIDLANDS
www.emc-dnl.co.uk/sustainability
HELPING BUSINESSES TRANSITION TO A SUSTAINABLE AND LOW-CARBON ECONOMY
IN BRIEF
SUSTAINABILITY ACCOLADE FOR NOTTINGHAM UNI
The University of Nottingham has been recognised as one of the world’s top universities for environmental sustainability and social impact, according to two sets of rankings.
The university was placed 8th in a list of the world’s most sustainable universities compiled by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings, which judge universities on their environmental commitment, initiatives and green campuses.
The University of Nottingham was also ranked 36th out of more than 1,400 universities around the globe and 13th out of 98 universities in the UK in the 2025 QS World University Rankings: Sustainability, which judges higher education institutions on their commitment and achievements in environmental impact, social impact and governance.
SETTLING ENERGY DISPUTES
Small businesses with up to 50 employees will be eligible to access the Energy Ombudsman’s independent dispute resolution services for the first time.
The Energy Ombudsman, approved by Ofgem, provides a free and impartial service to help resolve disputes between consumers, suppliers and energy brokers.
Ed Dodman, managing director and chief ombudsman for energy, said: “One of our key priorities is ensuring all consumers have full access to our service.
“We also believe businesses should have the same access as domestic consumers, therefore the extension of support for small businesses is very much welcomed.
“This means that more businesses have access to a free, impartial and independent body to help them resolve disputes with their energy supplier or energy broker.”
FREE SOLAR PANEL SKILLS
Leicestershire job-seekers can join a free four-week course in solar panel installation as part of the government’s Skills Bootcamps initiative.
Leicester City Council has teamed up with Moulton College, in Northamptonshire, for the month-long course offering the skills and technical know-how needed to install and maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems as well as skills in health and safety, teamwork, problem-solving, and customer service.
The next SolarPro Bootcamp (Solar PV) course is on 24 February at the Moulton campus near Northampton. To find out more and register your interest, email debbie.scotton@moulton.ac.uk
Trust splashes out on volunteer awards
Volunteers from across the East Midlands have been recognised for helping to keep the region’s historic waterways alive, during an awards ceremony held by the Canal & River Trust.
The awards, given out in partnership between the charity and the Marsh Trust, recognise the vital contribution local communities are playing in helping to improve waterways for people and nature.
With the trust facing the challenge of a significant cut in its future government funding, the support of volunteers, communities and local businesses has never been more important.
The awards ceremony was held at Leicester City Football Club’s King Power Stadium and was sponsored by Aggregate Industries, based near Coalville.
THE WINNERS WERE
Individual award: Rob Westlake
Rob has been volunteering with the trust for a number of years, in several different roles, but won this award for the role he played in coordinating the volunteer involvement in a major project to replace lock gates at Stoke Bruerne in Northamptonshire.
Team award: Beeston Towpath Taskforce
The Beeston Towpath Taskforce meet weekly and have played a pivotal role in helping to clear the invasive weed, floating pennywort, from the
canal as well as supporting corporate volunteering days in Nottingham and getting involved in ongoing maintenance.
Young volunteer award: Cameron Fletcher
Cameron has become an integral member of the Beeston Towpath Taskforce, enthusiastically getting stuck in to all tasks whether it be weeding, painting or clearing fly tipping.
Lead volunteer award: Martin Pearce
Martin is based on the River Trent and has given 3,000 hours in just two years. He’s been instrumental in training up volunteer lock keepers, ensuring everyone has the right qualifications to operate the locks and use mowers and other machinery.
Scott Miller, business and corporate engagement partner for the Canal & River Trust, said: “These volunteers have made a remarkable contribution to protecting and improving our historic waterways and it’s fantastic to give them the recognition they deserve.”
He said the awards demonstrate the invaluable role communities play in helping the trust protect the region’s historic waterways in the face of spiralling costs and the increasing impacts of climate change.
For details on how businesses can get involved, email scott.miller@canalrivertrust.org.uk
Canal Trust volunteers in Leicester
Cost-cutting tips in store
An innovative home energy store has opened in the Derbion shopping centre, giving people a chance to seek face-to-face advice on how to tackle high energy bills.
Tomato Energy has chosen the Derby shopping centre for its first in-person store, where it can share advice and information about different ways to power homes and lower bills, including information on solar panels and battery storage with no upfront cost, as well as guidance on lowering your carbon footprint.
It comes as research by Tomato Energy suggests 75% of Derby residents felt environmental and green credentials were
important to them when choosing an energy supplier.
Chief executive Farouk Alhassan said: “At Tomato Energy, we believe energy is personal, and by having a physical presence in Derby, we want to make sure we are at the very heart of the community, providing a space where people can get the support they need to make informed decisions about their energy supply.
“We want to make energy more affordable, and make renewable technology more accessible.
“Our recent survey of Derby homeowners revealed that where their energy comes from is important to them.”
People who consider themselves champions of sustainability might not be as well-intentioned towards the environment as they claim, new research suggests.
The study found that around 70 per cent of people in the UK and China are happy to buy used items rather than new ones, and share goods and services such as bicycles through hire schemes.
But the research by Nottingham Trent University and Yonsei University, in South Korea, showed the key motivation often lies in saving money rather than being sustainable, despite claims to the latter.
Tomato Energy Derbion store
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
SUPPORT, STRATEGIES AND RESOURCES FOR EXPORTERS AND IMPORTERS
Trans-Pacific deal could provide huge economic benefits
The UK has officially signed up as a fullyfledged member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for TransPacific Partnership (CPTPP) – which the Government said has the potential to boost the economy by £2 billion a year.
It means businesses will now face lower tariffs and fewer barriers when selling to partnership members Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. With the UK added, they account for 15% of global economic output.
East Midlands Chamber is set up to help any companies on the road to overseas trade – and financial services, manufacturing and the food and drink sectors in particular could benefit.
Chamber international trade manager Lucy Granger said: “Joining this global partnership has the potential to impact a lot of businesses within the East Midlands, making it easier to trade with a bloc of countries that has a combined GDP of around £12 trillion. It shows that post-Brexit, the UK is open to business and keen to exploit trade opportunities with partners around the world.
“There’s also the prospect of the partnership growing over the next few years to include countries such as Indonesia – the biggest economy in Southeast Asia, which is home to around 280 million people and which has a GDP of more than £1 trillion. The deal should make it easier for small and medium sized businesses to
import and export manufactured goods, and there are also generous terms for data flows which underpin an increasing part of international trade.
‘Trade rules will be more favourable for manufacturers looking to sell products to
other member countries’
“The Chamber has a whole department dedicated to supporting international trade, whether that is companies new to importing and exporting or who are well established in overseas territories and want to grow their businesses further.”
William Bain, head of trade policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “This is a red-letter day for our traders. It connects us to a fast-growing region of the global economy and will create new opportunities for both inward and outbound investment. Trade rules will be more favourable for manufacturers looking to sell products to other member countries and data transfers for firms in the services sector will also be more straightforward.
“Crucially, it will also give the UK a say in the bloc’s future development, making it a deal that will work for our traders both now and in the future. We look forward to working with the UK
Government, and others, to ensure firms get the best possible access to this thriving market within the global trade system.”
The UK already has bilateral trading agreements with nine of the 11 members, but no prior agreements with Malaysia and Brunei.
David Kelly, executive director of the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore, said: "This development opens new opportunities for businesses across the CPTPP bloc to diversify supply chains, advance trade in services, and embrace digital and green economy initiatives.”
Ticky Fullerton, chief executive of the Australian British Chamber of Commerce, said: "At a time of some uncertainty in global trade, the UK’s reputation and influence is a powerful endorsement of the CPTPP and its aspiration to facilitate prosperity and security through new trade opportunities and increasingly high standards.”
Jennifer Lopez, chief executive of the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, said: “The entry-into-force of the UK’s membership into the CPTPP marks a groundbreaking achievement, transforming trade relationships and unlocking exciting opportunities for businesses in the UK and Malaysia.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about the Chamber’s international support can email Lucy.Granger@emc-dnl.co.uk or go to: www.emc-dnl.co.uk
ITOPS provides skills to do global business
The latest cohorts to complete the Chamber’s international trading course have received their awards.
The International Trade Operations and Procedures (ITOPS) award is an online trade qualification designed to help people and businesses already involved in international trade. It provides background expertise in the key areas of administration, documentation, freight moving, payment methods and customs as well as other official procedures.
The course is co-owned and jointly run by Fidelitas International Training alongside the Chamber – who both also work together to offer it through selected Chambers of Commerce around the UK.
Over the last 21 years some 1,500 international traders – including exporters, importers, freight movers and those in associated industries – have successfully completed it.
‘The ITOPS award has always followed four main principles – it is practical, current, relevant and enjoyable’
Businesses involved in the most recent course include Bakewell control and instrumentation manufacturer CODEL International; Lincoln insulation, ventilation and flooring manufacturer and distributor Boulder Developments; Chesterfield-based customs and international freight forwarding specialist Kranlee Logistics; tableware manufacturer Steelite International, which is based in Stoke; and London AI automation agency Venate.
Julie Whiting, the Chamber’s international trade training and services manager, said the course not only helped participants and their companies learn ways of working that could save money in
the long-run, but also ensures they are legally compliant with their exports and imports and helps them improve their day-to-day processes.
She said: “The ITOPS award has always followed four main principles – it is practical, current, relevant and enjoyable.
“It is regularly updated to meet changing challenges and circumstances and also ensures the company stays compliant and is taught, assessed, and verified by experienced professionals who have wide-ranging and up-todate experience in the industry.
“It offers two nationally recognised international trade qualifications and is flexible so that it can be delivered in-house as a bespoke programme or as one of the popular “open programmes”, with minimum disruption to the workplace. On top of that it is a development programme – with no examination to cram for at the end.”
For further information, email Julie Whiting and Theresa Hewitt at internationaltraining@emc-dnl.co.uk
Businesses want EU trade reset
A British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey of 1,111 businesses shows the urgency for the Government to reset trade relations with the EU is increasing.
The report, compiled by the BCC insights unit, marked the fourth year after Brexit, and identified fresh challenges as regulations continue to diverge, creating further headaches for traders on both sides of the Channel.
Some 92% of the survey respondents were from SMEs. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) was agreed on Christmas Eve, 2020, to allow tariff-free trade with the EU once Brexit took effect.
But services access is limited by rules on business mobility and only 15% of exporters said they think the deal is helping them to grow sales with Europe, while 41% disagreed.
The BCC has sent the Government its report examining the main issues the TCA is causing for firms, with possible solutions to many of the problems.
‘We need to export more, and the EU is still our biggest market’
The survey also found that alongside easier movement of personnel between the UK and EU, just over a third of businesses also wanted to see reduced VAT requirements for exports, and a quarter wanted mutual recognition of professional qualifications. Businesses said the biggest barriers to exporting they faced were customs procedures and documentation (45%), export documentation (39%), regulations and standards (36%) and tariffs (34%).
Awareness of upcoming changes in trade rules and regulations being made by either the UK or the EU was also alarmingly low, with more than three quarters of firms knowing no details of much of the legislation.
This includes knowledge of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), Safety and Security Declaration Requirements and new rules on businessto-business movements of parcels to Northern Ireland.
Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Government has said economic growth is its number one priority but if that is going to happen then we need to export more, and the EU is still our biggest market.”
Some of the 2024 ITOPs participants with Julie Whiting (left), Karen Mosley (second left) and David Pearson (far right)
Karen Mosley of KranLee
POLITICS
ROUNDING UP LOCAL AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Key figures join EMCCAboard
Anumber of regional business leaders and entrepreneurs have joined the new business advisory board to the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA).
The board is chaired by David Williams MBE DL, chairman of Geldards law firm and a nonexecutive director at East Midlands Chamber. He is also the combined county authority’s associate member for business, which will see him provide strategy, advice and guidance to the board.
Some 11 business representatives have been recruited to the board and met for the inaugural meeting of the Business Advisory Board at Bolsover District Council.
The purpose of the board is to strengthen the connection between the new tier of local government and local businesses in
Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire – and ensure local businesses have input to big regional decisions on the economy, skills, transport, housing and the transition to Net Zero.
At the first meeting, members were provided with an overview of authority’s new inclusive growth commission and discussed how the advisory board will inform its work.
Board members also discussed the current investment strategy and pipeline of development underway in the region.
David Williams said: “We had an excellent discussion and heard great contributions from our members, who provide good representation from across our region in terms of sectors, geography, and small, medium and large businesses.”
East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward said she looked forward to hearing the views of board members going forward.
Derbyshire no longer wantstwo-tierstructure
Derbyshire County Council has formally asked the Government to be included in the first wave of councils to move away from two-tier district/ county council structure, saying it could improve efficiency, reduce duplication and drive down costs.
Derbyshire has eight district and borough councils and one county council, each with their own elected councillors.
In December the government announced that all two-tier areas should move into a single tier. If the county council's request receives ministerial support, the formal reorganisation plan could be submitted to Government by May.
Cllr Barry Lewis, leader of Derbyshire County Council said: “This is the biggest reform of local government in over 50 years and on behalf of all our residents we must seize this opportunity to
Other members of the business advisory board:
PRIVATE SECTOR REPRESENTATION
• Scott Knowles DL, chief executive, East Midlands Chamber
• Helen Bailey, vice-chair of the Institute of Quarrying
• Andy Byrne, property development director, Devonshire Group
• Ian Cuddington, economic development director, Rolls-Royce
• Jo Dilley, managing director, Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire
• Malcolm Hall, founder and managing director, Hall-Fast
• Paul Harris, chief executive, Cheesecake Energy
• Natasha Johnson, owner, Global Entrepreneurs UK
• Shaun Lunn, director, Atkins Realis
• Becky Rix, marketing director, Roadgas
• Nora Senior, chair, East Midlands Freeport
EMCCA REPRESENTATION
• Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward
• Cllr Neghat Khan, EMCCA portfolio lead for investment
• Cllr Paul Hezelgrave, EMCCA portfolio lead for skills and employment
improve efficiency and drive down costs. As a county we’ve already shown our commitment to making effective change by successfully creating the first Mayoral Combined County Authority.
‘We simply cannot miss this chance to deliver better value for money for Derbyshire taxpayers’
“I firmly believe that further reorganisation would open up new opportunities by strengthening our current devolution deal, widening public sector reform, and streamlining how we deliver services – leading to greater opportunity for growth and prosperity for our area. Across nine Derbyshire councils we have over 400 councillors, nine chief
Claire Ward
David Williams
Chesterfield Borough Council leader Cllr Tricia Gilby
Progress made on plans for Sinfin waste facility
The leaders of Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council say they have made significant progress on delayed plans to fix and operate their jointly owned waste treatment centre in Sinfin.
Both councils have said they were committed to a decision made in February 2023, to work together to get the incinerator up and running after years of delays.
They said fixing and operating the multimillion-pound facility was the most viable and cost-effective, long-term solution to manage household waste from the city and county.
They said testing throughout 2023 confirmed there was “capability, capacity and appetite” in the market to deliver the project.
The councils are now inviting bids from the waste industry to fix and operate the site.
An exercise to shortlist bidders is expected to take place this month (February) in the expectation a contract can be awarded in December, with commissioning of the facility taking place in June 2028.
If all goes well it could start to accept waste in November 2028.
Derby City Council cabinet member Cllr Ndukwe Onuoha said: “The councils are
confident there is a competitive market for this project and the operators with the skills and experience to successfully deliver the project and its expected benefits.”
Cllr Simon Spencer, Derbyshire’s cabinet member for corporate services and budget, said: “We look forward with confidence to progressing the project to provide both councils with the most viable and costeffective, long-term solution for the management of household waste, to benefit residents in both the city and county.”
executives, several costly headquarter buildings, and many cohorts of senior management. We simply cannot miss this chance to deliver better value for money for Derbyshire taxpayers.”
Under the plans the 1 May county council elections could be postponed.
Chesterfield Borough Council leader Cllr Tricia Gilby warned that local government reorganisation was a “complex issue, and it is right that we take time to fully and carefully understand the proposals”.
Meanwhile, leaders from Rutland County Council and the seven district and borough councils in Leicestershire said they had concerns about proposals to create a single unitary council for their county.
They said: “As local leaders we are closest to our communities, and have a responsibility to ensure local voices are heard and properly considered in any reorganisation of local government. A single unitary council over a wide and diverse geographic area, which is being proposed without proper consultation, has the potential to be too remote, and inaccessible, from the communities we serve.”
IN BRIEF
ANGER AT REFORM DELAYS
The cabinet member responsible for adult social care at Nottinghamshire County Council has expressed frustration at delays to social care reform until at least 2028.
It comes after Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced an independent commission on issues facing social care and recommendations on reform in 2026 – and a second phase by 2028 with longer term plans.
Councillor Jonathan Wheeler has said the delays are unacceptable.
He said: “We are seeing a huge increase in demand for care and, while our teams do a fantastic job day in and day out supporting our residents with their care needs, we need more funding and reform to the entire sector to continue to meet the increased demand we are seeing with an aging population.
"The Government has shown it can accelerate timetables on other projects when it suits, so we need them to listen to the feedback from across the sector and get to grips with this sooner rather than later.”
NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR MANSFIELD COUNCIL
James Biddlestone (pictured) has been confirmed as the new chief executive of Mansfield District Council.
He was most recently strategic director, operations and strategy, and has been a key part of the authority’s corporate leadership team for the past five years.
He studied at Derby University and previously held the role of the head of highways at Derbyshire County Council.
He said: “I understand the challenges and opportunities ahead and I’m confident that together with our communities and partners, we can take Mansfield District Council forward.
“My focus will be on driving our vision forward, building on our successes, and ensuring we continue to deliver meaningful impact for our communities.”
...AND BID WORK RENEWED
Businesses in Mansfield town centre have voted to renew the work of Mansfield Business Improvement District (BID) for another five years.
The council has supported a long-term relationship with the BID which was founded in 2010 to support town centre businesses and their staff.
Among the aspirations of the BID over the next five years are:
• The expansion of street cleaning.
• The development of the night-time economy and supporting licensed venues.
• Supporting initiatives to address homelessness.
• Tackling anti-social behaviour.
• Responding to the challenges of empty premises.
• Raising the town centre’s profile via marketing and events.
• Promoting shops and supporting the growth of independent retailers.
• Promoting the Discover Mansfield app.
• Boosting and supporting cultural venues.
FEATURES
TURNING THE SPOTLIGHT ON ISSUES AND SECTORS THAT MATTER TO BUSINESS
Examples of classic and contemporary glazing solutions
Always take glass action
By Helen Noble (pictured), managing director at Eximia Glazing Systems.
The construction and redevelopment sectors are evolving rapidly, with sustainability and innovative design taking centre stage. Choosing the right glazing solutions is a critical aspect of these projects, and getting it right can elevate both the aesthetics and functionality of a building. Here, we explore expert insights and practical advice to guide your glazing decisions.
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF GLAZING
Glazing is more than just a window to the outside world; it’s a vital component of a building’s performance and design. Well-designed glazing can:
• Improve thermal efficiency, reducing energy consumption and costs.
• Enhance natural light, creating healthier and more inviting spaces.
• Serve as a defining architectural feature, adding value to the property.
As an expert in the field, I recommend treating glazing as a cornerstone of your project rather than an afterthought.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE GLAZING
Sustainability is no longer optional in modern construction. To ensure your project aligns with eco-friendly goals, focus on these aspects of glazing:
1. Energy efficiency: Look for high-performance glazing systems that minimise heat loss in winter and reduce solar gain in summer. Double or triple glazing with lowemissivity coatings is an excellent choice.
2. Material selection: Choose recyclable and long-lasting materials. The longevity of your glazing system can significantly impact its environmental footprint.
3. Lifecycle costs: Invest in systems that balance upfront costs with long-term savings. Durable glazing reduces maintenance and replacement needs, saving resources over time.
OVERCOMING REDEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES
Redevelopment projects often require a delicate balance between modernising and preserving existing structures.
Here are some tips for navigating these challenges:
• Respect heritage: If working on heritage sites, opt for glazing solutions that blend seamlessly with the original architecture while meeting modern standards.
• Retrofitting expertise: Retrofitting older buildings with energy-efficient glass can transform their performance without compromising character.
• Customised solutions: Work with professionals to design glazing systems tailored to your project’s unique needs.
DESIGN TIPS FOR ARCHITECTS AND DEVELOPERS
Glazing isn’t just functional; it’s a powerful design tool. Here are some tips to make the most of it:
• Maximise natural light: Prioritise large, strategically placed windows to flood interiors with daylight.
• Explore frameless options: Frameless glass can create a sleek, modern look that enhances minimalist designs.
• Play with textures and tints: Use frosted, tinted, painted or patterned glass to add depth and visual interest while maintaining privacy.
COLLABORATION IS KEY
The success of a glazing project often depends on collaboration. Engage with experts early in the design process to ensure your vision aligns with practical and technical considerations. Architects, contractors, and glazing specialists should work together to troubleshoot potential issues and refine solutions.
THE FUTURE OF GLAZING
As the industry evolves, innovations in glazing continue to push boundaries. From smart glass that adjusts to light conditions to advanced insulating materials, the possibilities are expanding. Staying informed about these advancements can give your projects a competitive edge. In conclusion, glazing plays a pivotal role in shaping modern and redeveloped buildings. By prioritising sustainability, respecting architectural integrity, and leveraging innovative designs, you can create structures that are functional, beautiful, and future-ready. Make thoughtful glazing choices to ensure your projects stand the test of time and inspire those who experience them.
‘Glazing is more than just a window to the outside world; it’s a vital component of a building’s performance and design’
A practical guide to sustainable design
In light of national net zero targets, the construction industry is increasingly focusing on the concept of sustainable design. Put simply, sustainable design is the purposeful construction of buildings and community spaces that reduce the harmful environmental impacts and high carbon emissions of traditional building practices, while positively increasing the health and well-being of the people who work and reside there. Business Network takes a closer look.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
Designing sustainably ensures that buildings and spaces are not only built to perform in line with national net zero targets, but are also prepared for future climate scenarios.
The World Green Building Council’s Whole Life Carbon Vision states that by 2030 all new buildings should be net zero operational carbon.
With these targets now only five years away, there are a lot of factors to consider when designing and constructing a new building: the efficient use of energy, water and materials, the need to maximise the building’s lifespan, the promotion of health and wellbeing and the impact on local wildlife and biodiversity.
It’s a complex challenge that requires careful planning. Carbon reductions and other green objectives shouldn’t be an afterthought or merely a ‘nice to have’. Your sustainable goals should be imbedded into the design process right from the very start – this will not only keep costs down but also ensure the most optimal outcomes. Treating sustainability as an add-on could result in hidden costs and compromises that threaten the project’s main goals.
WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR SUSTAINABLE DESIGN?
When planning a sustainable building, consider the following:
Optimised site potential: Site selection is incredibly important. Location, orientation, local climate and current and planned landscaping all play their part to influence energy requirements (not just of the finished build but the building process too). Consideration should also be given to accessibility (access to public transportation etc.), the impact on local ecosystems, and whether or not any existing buildings can be utilised.
Energy use: Increasing energy efficiency and maximising renewable energy is one of the highest priorities in sustainable design. Passive design principles, such as airtightness, shading, ventilation and glazing all greatly reduce the need for heating and cooling systems, and should be included early in the design process.
Water conservation: Sustainable building projects should limit water pollution and conserve water though recycling systems. Including permeable surfaces on site in the plans can improve rain water absorption and prevent flooding, which can damage local wildlife habitats.
Sustainable materials: Sustainable materials, such as timber or recycled materials, should be chosen in order to minimise both the over-consumption of non-recyclable materials and pollution. Additionally, sustainable buildings should be designed to be adaptable throughout its life-cycle.
Maintenance: Your sustainable design should consider the building’s operating and maintenance requirements from the offset. How much energy will be required to maintain it? Are you choosing materials that will have a long life span or will need to be repaired or replaced often?
Environmental quality: The quality of the environment in indoors spaces will significantly impact the health, comfort and well-being of its occupiers. A sustainable building should prioritise good levels of natural daylight, internal air quality and humidity, and thermal and acoustic comfort. Keep in mind that ‘sick building syndrome’ is a very real thing, and is often linked to poor air quality, inadequate ventilation and contaminates from indoor materials.
‘The World Green Building Council’s Whole Life Carbon Vision states that by 2030 all new buildings should be net zero operational carbon’
FOCUS
THIS MONTH’S BUSINESS NETWORK THEME IS AI AND ITS APPLICATIONS IN BUSINESS AND SOCIETY.
Artificial Intelligence is set to be a game-changer, providing the processing power to one day steer our cars, planes and trucks, keep our motorways and railways moving, ensure our homes, offices, factories and even cities are as energy efficient as possible, and take many of the mundane tasks out of our day-to-day lives.
But alongside that progress, come threats – fears that the huge processing power needed for the technological industrial revolution will contribute to greenhouse emissions; fears that supercomputers will make it even easier for fraudsters to access our private data; and fears that countries such as Russia and North Korea are exploiting AI to damage our economic and social institutions.
In the following pages we get reaction from Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles to Sir Kier Starmer’s new plans to make the UK an AI powerhouse, and hear from experts in the field, academics and business leaders on how AI will change the way we live and work.
HOW THE EAST MIDLANDS CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS REVOLUTION
The chief executive of East Midlands Chamber said the Government must ensure its policy to make the UK a global leader in Artificial Intelligence puts sustainable energy infrastructure at its heart.
Chamber CEO Scott Knowles said the PM and his Government must not lose sight of the vast resources needed to power the AI revolution –not least when it comes to running the huge data centres needed to help the AI ecosystem grow.
He also said developing the national industrial strategy, along with emerging local growth plans to shape the environment for AI clusters to grow was essential – strategies which could help the East Midlands in particular, which already has exciting emerging AI expertise.
He spoke after Keir Starmer launched his Government’s new AI policy, which stated that there were countless exciting ways in which Britain could exploit the opportunities generated by AI, from reducing the economic strain on public services, to speeding up health care, boosting the economy through new business, and pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery in our universities.
The PM said the Government was ready to support companies developing AI to boost growth and deliver services more efficiently with the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which, he said, has been backed by leading tech firms which have committed billions of pounds to its success.
Sir Keir said the plans included creating AI Growth Zones to support start-ups and established businesses. The first would be at Culham, in Oxfordshire, which is already the headquarters of the UK Atomic Energy Authority
Scott Knowles
(UKAEA). Such zones would have enhanced access to power and support for planning approvals, to accelerate the “build-out of AI infrastructure on UK soil”.
The national AI plans – set out in 50 recommendations – include building “sufficient, secure, and sustainable AI infrastructure” to expand UK computing capacity by at least 20 times by 2030. That would include a new supercomputing facility to double the capacity of the national AI research resource, which would support even more UK researchers and SMEs.
‘This is an opportunity to ask how funding for further education needs to match the ambition of the UK economy’
An AI Energy Council, meanwhile, would pave the way for the clean and renewable energy solutions needed to power the increasing energy demands of AI.
The energy council will be co-chaired by two ministers and made up of industry leaders from the energy and AI sectors, who would be tasked with considering the energy needs of AI, looking at the right investment in green energy to power it, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and even looking at how AI can be used to improve a “modern, efficient and sustainable energy system”.
Some have already called for data centres to be built in parts of the country – such as
Scotland – where they can make use of plentiful, cheap energy from wind power.
Scott Knowles said although there was much to praise in the PM’s plans, committing to a 10year road map felt too short-term, and called for longer-term planning.
He said: “My initial thoughts listening to the PM’s commentary on the radio were “what about the energy infrastructure to support this?”.
“This is addressed in part by the mention of the AI Energy Council, but what we really need is a UK-wide, 50-year energy strategy, one that transcends political cycles.
“The lack of a long-term UK energy strategy (outside of the AI announcement) has the potential to prevent economic growth or make it more protracted.”
Scott also questioned how the AI Growth Zones announced by Sir Keir would complement the Enterprise Zones, Investment Zones and Freeports already in existence, which offer looser planning laws and tax incentives for companies moving there.
He added: “In regard to the skills needed to develop the AI workforce of the future, this is an opportunity to ask how funding for further education needs to match the ambition of the UK economy – the role of Skills England, for instance, needs to be one that rapidly implements policy to ensure that FE is sufficiently resourced in future.
“I think it is also an opportunity to consider the importance of local skills improvement plans, which have the potential to bring employers and educators much closer together. On that point, at least one of the PM’s AI recommendations references the size of the skills gap.”
We can’t escape it, so let’s embrace AI
IT’S TIME TO TREAT AI AS AN OPPORTUNITY, NOT A THREAT
Artificial Intelligence has changed the world and will continue to do so. From the way we shop to the way we bank and communicate, there are very few industries that are not impacted by it in one way or another.
Businesses across a variety of industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing and finance, are already adopting AI to support with predictive maintenance, personalised services and fraud detection, with research suggesting that investment in AI will increase over the next 12
months. According to Mustabsar Awais, a senior lecturer in financial economics at the University of Derby, AI will play a huge part in the competitiveness of UK businesses over the next 12 months.
He said: “Artificial intelligence is rapidly emerging as a key driver of business competitiveness and, in the UK alone, it is expected to transform industries by streamlining operations, reducing costs and unlocking new market opportunities.
‘Generative AI can help businesses innovate faster while process automation improves efficiency’
“The UK government is investing heavily in AI to secure its place as a global tech leader. In 2024, £32m was allocated to 98 AI projects, supporting more than 200 businesses and research organisations. However, AI’s success in boosting competitiveness will depend on businesses adopting it effectively and addressing barriers such as fragmented data and workforce readiness.
“Its benefits are significant. For instance, generative AI can help businesses innovate faster while process automation improves efficiency. With the right policies to encourage ethical use, fair competition and energy efficiency, AI could become a real cornerstone of the UK’s business competitiveness, enabling firms to thrive in a rapidly evolving global market.”
To meet the potential demand for jobs in the future, the University of Derby launched five new applied AI degrees for undergraduate students which started in September 2024.
These programmes cover how artificial intelligence intersects with industries such as criminology, psychology, healthcare, digital marketing and human resources.
The programmes are designed to ensure that students graduate with the skills, knowledge, and expertise to understand, pre-empt and maximise the opportunities that this new technology will provide.
Mustabsar said: “The rise of AI has sparked widespread debate about its impact on the workforce. As industries adopt AI to enhance efficiency, the challenge for policymakers and businesses is to strike a balance between automation and job creation.
“The impact of AI on the workforce, though, is not just about replacement but transformation.
“While some roles may disappear, others –requiring creativity, critical thinking, and technical expertise – will flourish. The real question is not whether AI is a threat or an opportunity but whether the UK can adapt quickly enough to harness its potential.
“With the right policies, investments, and a focus on education, AI could secure the UK's place as a leader in the global economy, ensuring that the technology uplifts rather than undermines its workforce.”
AI is not limited to certain industries or large corporations he said, as SMEs can also use it as an effective tool.
“AI holds immense potential for small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK offering ways to enhance efficiency, cut costs and compete with larger firms.
“For example, one key application is automating repetitive tasks and using chatbots to handle customer queries around the clock, allowing staff to focus on more complex issues.
“AI also offers significant advantages in decision-making. Efficient AI adoption requires clear goals and a phased approach, focusing on areas with the highest potential impact. By integrating AI thoughtfully, UK SMEs can remain competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace, and, with the right support, AI can become a powerful tool to drive growth and innovation.”
Mustabsar Awais
AI CAN HANDLE ROUTINE WORK SO HUMANS CAN BE HUMANS
James Ferraby is director and co-founder of Digital Planning, which he set up with Mark Underwood to help businesses with their automation needs. Here he discusses the role AI can play in our health choices – specifically end-of-life care.
AI might not be the first thing that comes to mind as a potential solution to some of the issues associated with assisted dying and palliative care.
But the recent Parliamentary vote opened the conversation as to how we might improve the way we look after those nearing the end-of-life.
Without getting into the ethics or politics of the central issue under consideration, it’s clear that the provision and delivery of palliative care remains a significant issue.
The current state of palliative care in the UK is – to put it mildly – far from ideal. Last year, for example, a report found the availability of endof-life care to be “variable and inequitable” in England. This was exacerbated by increasing demand and workforce shortages.
Such a situation affects patient care but also puts a significant strain on the UK healthcare system. The financial implications are enormous. The charity Sue Ryder estimated that the total cost of hospice provision of palliative care services would average £947m per year over the 10 years to 2032. If current trends continue, hospital-based palliative care costs could be £4.8bn by 2043.
‘AI can automate
routine tasks, allowing humans to instead spend more time on direct patient care’
It was the provision of end-of-life care in a family setting which part-inspired the development of Digital Planning’s emerging Metis platform. Put simply, my own experience exposed the inefficiency and waste of existing healthcare systems designed to support end-of-life care. There’s a large infrastructure, built with the best intentions. But it’s increasingly creaking.
This is why, for example, the Association for Palliative Medicine (APM) – speaking after the Parliamentary debate – reiterated the need for increased investment. APM president Dr Sarah Cox said more coordination is needed between hospitals, community NHS teams, care homes and hospices. “The UK is often held up as having the best palliative care in the world – but that is not the case any longer,” she said.
AI can clearly play a transformative role. Digital systems can analyse vast amounts of patient data, identify patterns, and provide valuable
insights to healthcare professionals across different settings. They can also allocate limited resources. For instance, research is already showing how machine learning and other tools have significant potential to reduce the workload of palliative healthcare professionals. AI can automate routine tasks, allowing humans to instead spend more time on direct patient care.
There is an inevitable ethical consideration but – administratively – technology can help professionals become more productive. AI systems, for example, can reduce time spent on clinical documentation by up to 45%. This frees up time for direct human patient interaction. Which means more effective management of pain and other symptoms and a better patient experience.
Healthcare is one of three test areas we are planning for our emerging Metis platform. As mentioned above, this decision was based on our personal experience of palliative care and our drive to make a difference.
Metis, which launches this year, uses AI to provide near-instant solutions to complex resource allocation situations. The scale and speed at which it processes data makes it possible to tackle previously intractable challenges stifling productivity in complex organisations.
It’s about using digital technologies to unlock time, enabling people to be human at a time when human instinct and emotion is most needed.
By Tim Lenton, digital innovation and strategy director
at Purpose Media in South Normanton, which provides creative, digital marketing, video and web services.
AI was the phrase on everyone’s lips throughout 2024 and doubtless it will be the same in 2025, with opinion continuing to be split between those who see it as a technological marvel, or another step towards a dystopian future where the Terminators have taken over.
Equally, whatever predictions people have in terms of its impact on business range from salvation to destruction.
There is no doubt companies in every sector have been busy considering its potential. They include BT, which estimated AI will replace 10,000 roles by 2030. Meanwhile, the World Economic Forum, which looks on the bright side, is claiming AI will help create 97 million new roles worldwide.
On a domestic level, the Bank of England says 75% of companies across the UK are now using AI in some shape or form, with a further 10% planning to use it at some point over the next three years.
I would hope that they will bring those plans forward, because AI is certainly here to stay and I’d suggest that any company that hasn’t taken the plunge could be losing out to their competitors.
I certainly can’t imagine anybody in the marketing industry has not looked into it, and we have certainly embraced it at Purpose Media.
But might it present our clients with the opportunity to replace us too, and relying on AI for their marketing needs?
Last year we answered this question by entering it into ChatGPT, which gave the following reply: “Al is a powerful tool that has revolutionised the marketing landscape, offering data-driven insights, automation and efficiency. However, it can never replace the indispensable role of a good marketing agency.”
So, the computer says no, thankfully. And we think we know why, because creative marketing agencies bring a host of often overlooked aspects to bear on a client’s campaign.
James Ferraby
Tim Lenton
A TERRIFIC TOOL TO HELP US DO OUR JOBS BETTER
Principal among these is the human touch. AI is a great tool for analysing data and making recommendations, but it lacks the human innovation you get from creative individuals who can create campaigns that connect with other humans. AI can’t do that.
Nor does it understand a client’s individual business, sector and competitive landscape, and nor can it build the trust and rapport that only comes through human interactions and are essential for long-term relationships.
‘We will continue to provide another quality that AI has so far yet to deliver – that of ethical decision-making’
These aspects are vital to the health of any client relationship, which is so fundamental to doing business that is sustainable and mutually beneficial. And when we widen the scope even further, to how humans can adapt to tailoring solutions to specific needs, or can adjust campaigns in response to real-time changes in the market dynamics, then the failings of our AI digital marketer become even more noticeable.
That said, the advances in AI are coming at lightning speed, so the digital marketing industry can’t afford to rest on our laurels. The coming year is likely to bring innovations that we can’t yet predict, so we need to be ready to respond, moving forward with an integrated approach that balances the automation that AI brings with the intuition that marketers bring to their campaigns.
And we will continue to provide another quality that AI has so far yet to deliver – that of ethical decision-making.
Because if there is one thing that artificial intelligence is poor at, it’s being able to consider the wider implications of what it is being asked to do by looking at the moral contest within which a business is operating and which might shape the decisions around its messaging – an intervention which can protect its reputation and enable it to benefit from a change in public opinion.
I am sure that similar challenges exist in other industries when it comes to introducing AI and I would predict it will be many years before anyone would truly hand over their marketing to AI – there are too many aspects that it cannot handle.
This should not prevent smart companies from seeking to exploit the virtues of both AI and a great marketing agency working in tandem to help them achieve their goals, and this is certainly how we are using it.
We can only wait and see how AI will develop, but having perhaps initially been concerned by the effect of AI on our industry, marketers are understanding the role agencies will play alongside AI in the future.
And who better to predict what this future will look like than Chat GPT itself, which, in addition to its analysis above, stated: “It’s the marriage of technology and human expertise that paves the way for marketing excellence in the 21st Century.
“It’s not a choice between one or the other.”
ADAPTABILITY WILL BE KEY TO MAKING MOST OF THIS OPPORTUNITY
Chamber director Eileen Perry, (pictured) who runs ER Recruitment, considers the best way of preparing for an AI-driven world of work.
Artificial intelligence is transforming the professional landscape, changing the way businesses operate and reshaping the skills sought by employers.
At ER Recruitment, we understand that this evolution can feel both exciting and daunting for jobseekers.
The good news? You don’t need to fear AI – instead, embrace it with confidence and an open mind.
AI is automating routine tasks. But it’s also creating demand for knowledge, skills and behaviours that machines can’t easily replicate. Creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence remain as highly-prized as ever. This means effective jobseekers are focussing on enhancing their unique, human abilities while simultaneously exploring opportunities to learn new technical skills.
Adaptability is key. Employers value candidates who demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt. Staying curious and open to upskilling in areas such as data analysis, digital literacy, or AI tools can set you apart.
Leverage online learning. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, as well as the great courses offered by the Chamber and Generation Next provide an accessible introduction to AI basics, coding, and other tech-forward skills. Even a foundational understanding of these areas can boost your CV.
Should you rewrite your CV for AI? Some jobseekers worry their CVs need a complete overhaul to address AI trends. The reality? There’s no need to panic. Most employers aren’t looking for AI experts unless it’s relevant to the role.
Instead, focus on presenting your experience, achievements, and transferable skills clearly and concisely.
Keep it human. Your CV should reflect your professional story, highlighting your accomplishments and how you’ve made an impact in previous roles. Don’t overcomplicate it with unnecessary text.
Show willingness to learn. Including examples of professional development—whether it’s a course you’ve taken or a project you’ve led— demonstrates your proactive approach to growth.
AI is undoubtedly reshaping the future. But it’s also creating opportunities for those willing to adapt and learn. It’s also highlighting the importance of what it means to be human. With the right mindset and support, you can thrive in this new era of work.
POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS BUT WE NEED TO BE CAUTIOUS
Sergey Saveliev is professor of theoretical physics at Loughborough University where he specialises in the development of AI and cognitive technologies – with applications spanning healthcare, finance and climate adaptation. We asked him to speculate about where AI might be in a decade’s time.
The potential of AI is enormous and growing exponentially. I have seen this in my own work. A decade ago, I would never have believed the things we now achieve – and almost take for granted.
And as we teach AI to be more intelligent and human-like in its cognition and problem-solving, its evolution becomes ever more rapid, its capabilities taking phenomenal leaps forward as it learns how to overcome obstacles.
So, predicting with any certainty how AI will be impacting how we live, work and travel in 10 years’ time is difficult – it could far outstrip our current expectations and certainly exceed human capabilities.
Who would have imagined that AI would ever defeat chess world champions? I was recently amazed that AI can offer flawless solutions to complex mathematical problems that I struggle to solve.
One thing’s for certain, I see an increasing role for AI in addressing many of our most serious challenges. Not replacing us in these endeavours, but rather supporting and working alongside us. In fact, it’s already doing just that across a variety of sectors.
For example, in partnership with Xceptor, my colleagues have developed a data automation platform for financial markets that relies on AI to rapidly analyse and extract information from digital documents in response to customer queries –freeing staff to concentrate on higher value tasks.
This kind of application is just the beginning. Alongside redefining how we manage day-to-
Pepper is helping to enhance human-robot interaction at Loughborough University
day fiscal activity, AI can help us to accelerate fraud checks and deliver pre-emptive insurance services, particularly around disaster management.
In 2023, the university launched the UNESCO chair in informatics and multi-hazard risk reduction to harness emerging computing and data technologies, and develop tools to better manage natural hazard-induced disasters – the result of climate change and intensive human activity, such as rapid urbanisation.
Meanwhile, university spinout Previsico recently launched its AI-driven live flood forecasting solution in Ireland where, by 2025, climate change will put an estimated 70,000 addresses at heightened risk of coastal flooding.
‘The development of social robots could well help save our overloaded health and care services’
I see the emergence of this kind of disaster mitigation system proliferating – saving lives, property and infrastructure worldwide.
The twinning of AI with robotics opens all kinds of possibilities, particularly in sectors that struggle to recruit, including food manufacturing.
Working with Millitec, my colleagues have created a unique sandwich-building robot, iGene Delta.
Combining machine vision and AI paired with a camera, i-Gene’s intelligent vision system allows it to recognise, track and manipulate different ingredients in real-time – producing 750,000 perfect sandwiches a day.
The development of social robots could well help save our overloaded health and care services. The university’s humanoid robot, Pepper, is helping us to enhance human-robot interaction. Its descendants could well fulfil livein care roles – providing companionship, dispensing meds, guiding everyday domestic tasks and helping to perform them.
AI could also help resolve some of the issues faced by the NHS, supporting a range of administrative tasks – appointment scheduling,
joined-up patient record-keeping and sharing as well as estate, personnel and budget management. As a medical tool, it is already proving to be a fantastic support within cancer diagnostics. An early adopter of the tech, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust has reported a 45% improvement in diagnostic accuracy and a 12% increase in efficiency.
One brake on these exciting possibilities is AI’s insatiable appetite for energy. Estimates vary, but suggest that by 2040 computing could be unsustainable, exceeding energy production. This is where one element of my research comes in.
I’m part of a growing number of researchers developing a new generation of hardware – the memristor, which enables the creation of artificial neurons, paving the way for the development of an electronic “brain on a chip”.
These electronic brains will learn more quickly and, crucially, more energy efficiently than current systems. Once we’ve perfected it, we can expect ever-more rapid advances in AI.
I’m passionate about my work and excited about AI’s place in our future – but am mindful that many would consider what I do to be unethical, even dangerous.
However, AI is already present in so many aspects of our lives, helping us in numerous ways. I take my responsibility as a “machine educator” seriously – ensuring that each step forward maximises AI's beneficial impact while minimising potential risks, including working with the Government to establish essential AI legislation.
Sergey Saveliev
From a content marketing perspective, there are great ways organisations can use AI, from creation itself to working in partnership with it, to become more efficient.
I get excited from a technological perspective as it’s new, it’s different and anything new and different has a place in a creative world.
But I'm not overly excited with the idea AI could replace certain aspects of what a human does in the marketing world. Imagine I need a picture for my social post that represents people wearing scientific clothing or lab-wear. You can’t find the image you want on stock image sites so generative AI could create something.
Yes, that’s helpful. The problem is the potential that AI misrepresents what you're trying to convey. While the technology is evolving, sometimes it doesn't reflect what you're trying to show.
There’s a trust issue between the audience, the organisation and the publisher. Can somebody trust what they're seeing is an accurate representation, and what does that say about the organisation?
If I use the example of a lab image, the people in the lab might normally wear a particular type of coat. If that type of lab coat isn’t produced by generative AI, that's a trust issue – it’s an inaccurate representation.
Take the social care sector. Imagine we want to promote a job opportunity so you ask generative AI to produce a picture of an older person being looked after. Generative AI will probably produce a picture of someone very medicalised in scrubs, which is not the look you’d get in real life in the UK.
There’s a misrepresentation issue. If the audience don't believe what they're seeing is real that presents a challenge. Can they trust the organisation that's publishing the content?
Where AI does a good job is what is called generative expand. You might be editing a video
ANYTHING THAT’S NEW AND DIFFERENT – BRING IT
ON!
Tim Smith talks to LikeMind Media CEO Paul Ince about the role of AI as a content creator and helping hand.
and need to time it to a specific length, but the footage is too short. You could use generative expand tools to expand it by 0.7 seconds or what you need.
Then there’s writing. For me, writing with AI is problematic. If you ask AI to create something from scratch – irrespective of how well you prompt AI – how accurate was the interpretation? My concern is how the person looking at the content feels about the author. We want to use great technology to help us achieve the best result for our clients. We might use AI by interacting with a tool like Claude or ChatGPT. Tools can provide more information sources, like an alternative to a search engine. We’d challenge the tool and respond to what it produces. For example, if you ask AI to provide sources of information but it produces something from five or six years ago, before the pandemic, we need to do something as customer behaviour has changed since Covid. Tools can make things up too and produce information that isn’t real. In that sense AI is better as an assistant for a purpose such as research. We’d never ask AI to write a piece of content, not even a social media post. We work directly with clients, we understand people, the product and the client’s challenges. Understanding the uniqueness and nuances of an organisation and its customers is paramount. AI tools tend to use clichés or favour certain words or Americanisms that aren’t always appropriate. You can spot them a mile off. That comes back down to trust so, at this stage I’d never allow AI to create content. All content from LikeMind Media is human. We’d be happy to use tools like generative fill or generative expand in more visual content or to help with voice enhancement, as we do a lot of work with podcasts and audio, for example as long as they are not fundamentally changing the nature of the content or message. We always ask: can an audience member trust this content?
‘People have to feel they trust the information they see or they’ll veer away from that creator, ignoring content from that organisation’
If tools can save time, they can reduce the resources needed. SMEs might only have one or two people looking after marketing so it’s reasonable to look at tools available to see how marketing or content creation can become more efficient, but companies need to be wary of false promises of delivery. You could recruit an additional person, go to a marketing company or get AI and still not get what you want.
People have to feel they trust the information they see or they’ll veer away from that creator, ignoring content from that organisation. There’s ongoing development into how you identify AIgenerated work with Content Credentials –marking work as created by AI or a human. People will accept AI as an efficiency tool but is what they’re seeing the genuine article they trust? When the care worker arrives at my home, will they look like the picture I saw?
Regulation will come, I’m sure – but how? AI is something I welcome but you don't have to use AI in creating content. There's always something new and exciting that a human can come up with. When I talk to my team of creators, we always think “where’s the boundary? Let’s step over it and then pull ourselves back from it”.
Human (left) or AI? Routine tasks can be completed by the latter while real people offer a human touch
Paul Ince
The only way is up!
The world of work is rapidly changing. Many workplaces have switched to home or hybrid working, and technological advancements such as AI mean that the old ways of doing business are becoming redundant. Employers have to get on board quickly or risk losing their competitive edge. With this in mind, you might be identifying skills gaps in your workforce and are looking for a way to future-proof your business. This is where upskilling can help. Upskilling will not only help your staff grow professionally, it can also increase productivity, improve retention and boost your bottom line. Business Network explores how to get started.
IDENTIFY YOUR BUSINESS’ SKILLS GAPS
A strategic place to start is by doing a thorough analysis of your skills gap. What skills do your employees have, and what skills does your business need to grow? Consider the following:
• Review your company objectives and business mission to determine the skills that are critical to your business.
• Review previous targets. Did your team hit their targets, and if not, what prevented them from doing so?
• Conduct staff assessments to test for specific skills and to identify gaps.
This data will not only identify the areas you need to focus on, but it can also help you determine what kind of budget you will need to have in place for upskilling.
CREATE A LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY
Once upon a time, learning and development (L&D) used to be a one-size-fits-all. General training days wouldn’t take into consideration each member of staff’s development needs – and they’d often be mandatory too, meaning at best, your staff might learn something new, but at worst the training session would be a waste of time and money. But this approach isn’t the right way to tackle upskilling. Instead, you should consider tailored L&D programmes and empower your staff members to shape their own development with individual or team learning budgets. This will save money in the long run; you can help your staff choose the training that’s right for them and they’ll be much more engaged with the material, meaning it’s more likely to stick!
START AN EMPLOYEE MENTORSHIP OR KNOWLEDGE SHARING PROGRAMME
Mentorship and skills share programmes can take your upskilling efforts to the next level.
Knowledge sharing is the process of team members openly sharing their expertise, insights, information and experiences with their colleagues. This includes:
• Explicit knowledge: Information that is easily transferable. Examples include manuals, reports and procedures.
• Implicit knowledge: Practical know-how and skills that individuals possess but may find challenging to express explicitly. Shared through hands-on training, mentorship (see below), and direct experience.
• Tacit knowledge: Rooted in an individual’s insight, perspectives and personal experiences, encompassing cultural context, intuition and personalised beliefs. This is best shared through direct interaction and collaboration.
A knowledge sharing culture requires the right tools and technology. Invest in user-friendly knowledge sharing platforms that facilitate information exchange, collaboration and document sharing.
Mentorship will offer on-the-job training and is perfect for staff members who prefer to learn from first-hand experience rather than from books or exams. Senior staff members can be paired with mentees to share their knowledge and skills in a safe environment and provide expert feedback.
RETAIN AND REWARD UPSKILLING
Your staff have put in a lot of hard work to learn new skills, so make sure you give them the opportunities to put their new knowledge to action – otherwise, they might take their new skills to a competitor.
Building upskilling into your career development framework is a great way to retain the skills your business needs for the future. It can also serve as a great employee benefit – if you support and reward employee development, you can be sure of better employee engagement, higher job satisfaction and reduced absenteeism.
‘Upskilling will not only help your staff grow professionally, it can also increase productivity, improve retention and boost your bottom line’
Bridging the skills gap
Why industry and education need to unite in the face of advancing technology.
By Lisa Bingley
(pictured) operations director, MIRA Technology Institute.
In the face of rapid technological advancements, the need for a skilled workforce has become increasingly urgent. The automotive industry, in particular, is undergoing significant changes as it transitions to electrification and hydrogen fuel technologies. To address this challenge, a collaborative effort between industry and educational institutions is essential.
There is a focus on the ever-evolving role for technicians. Traditionally, the roles of electricians and mechanics were distinct, but the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) requires a new hybrid skill set known as 'MechElec.' This role combines mechanical and electrical expertise, enabling technicians to diagnose and repair complex electrical energy storage and propulsion systems.
The urgency for upskilling the workforce is clear. Without timely action, companies may find it challenging to maintain their fleets and infrastructure as they transition to EVs. Recognising this need, educational institutions such as the MIRA Technology Institute (MTI), who bring academia and industry together, are partnering with major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide tailored training programmes. These collaborations aim to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to keep pace with technological advancements.
Government funding through initiatives like the Local Skills Improvement Fund has been instrumental in supporting these efforts. Educational institutions are investing in state-of-the-art equipment, such as hydrogen training rigs and electric vehicle systems trainers. These tools provide students with hands-on experience, preparing them for the future demands of the automotive industry.
Hydrogen fuel is emerging as a promising alternative to traditional fuels, although infrastructure development remains a challenge, the sectors growth is supported by
government initiatives like the Hydrogen Net Zero Investment Roadmap. Training programs that include practical experience with hydrogen-powered vehicles are crucial for developing the skills needed in this area. For example, hydrogen training rigs allow students to practice diagnostic skills on pre-installed faults, de-gas and repair in fully safe modes providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities.
Engaging the future workforce is a huge priority. Educational institutions are working to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Through work experience packages and taster events, students are introduced to emerging technologies and encouraged to develop their skills. Initiatives like building and racing mini hydrogen vehicles help spark interest and enthusiasm for STEM careers.
The concept of a Skills Escalator developed at the MTI, where students can progress through various levels of training within the same institution, is gaining traction. This approach ensures that individuals can continuously develop their skills and advance their careers. By offering a range of accredited and non-accredited qualifications, from entrylevel certificates to advanced degrees, educational institutions are providing a comprehensive pathway for professional development.
In conclusion, the collaboration between industry and education is vital for addressing the skills gap in the automotive and green energy sector. By working together, they can ensure that the workforce is equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape. This partnership is essential for the successful transition to electrification and beyond, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.
‘Educational institutions are working to inspire
young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics’
By Maxine Blake (pictured), Head of Employer Engagement at Nottingham College
How adjustments to the Skills and Growth Levy could impact businesses like yours
Keir Starmer’s announcement back in September 2024 regarding the proposed Skills and Growth Levy was a pivotal moment for employers and the broader educational landscape.
While the details still remain somewhat vague at this stage, one thing is clear: the Labour Government is positioning itself to take a more hands-on role in driving forward skills development, and in doing so, they hope to create a more agile and future-ready workforce – a wave that we, at Nottingham College, are already riding.
Nottingham College knows first-hand how the introduction of new initiatives like this can affect employers. It’s early days in knowing what this will mean specifically for businesses, but there are a few things we can be excited and reassured by.
OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD
The new Skills and Growth Levy, which was once the Apprenticeship Levy, suggests Labour’s ambition to move beyond funding training programmes and apprenticeships, and expand to meet the needs of the industry.
For example, by focusing on developing younger talent, the Government is aiming to align training with its broader industrial strategy. The goal is to ensure that our workforce across the country is prepared for the future with a pipeline of skilled workers in place and that we are shaping this generation of talent from the very earliest opportunity.
The Government’s decision to move quickly on these changes is encouraging.
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MORE APPRENTICESHIP REFORMS
Currently, a review of English and maths functional skills rules in apprenticeships is underway.
Current requirements are set at a level 1 English and maths functional skills for a level 2 apprenticeship, and a level 2 if for a level 3 or higher apprenticeship.
Training providers across the nation are hoping that the Department for Education will relax functional skills rules to allow for growth. At Nottingham College we believe that removing this requirement would open the labour market, allowing previously unreachable talent to progress and bolster the workforce.
There has also been discussion around the inclusion of apprenticeships shorter than 12 months and foundation apprenticeships. This change would be a key factor in overcoming current barriers within apprenticeships. With many organisations unable to use the levy to provide appropriate training to their employees, the inclusion of shortterm and foundation apprenticeships they could upskill where necessary without the previous commitment.
There is concern that short-term apprenticeships may see a drop in the quality of their delivery. However, this is something that Nottingham College is not prepared to sacrifice. Steps are in place to provide high quality training that covers all subject areas, regardless of the course’s timeframe. We have industry experts and experienced skills trainers that dedicate their time to ensuring that every apprentice has the competency to work within their industry.
Clearly there is a need for change and it is clear that Labour is keen to push forward. While there is still limited information available about the specifics of the new Skills and Growth Levy, early indicators are promising.
‘Training providers across the nation are hoping that the Department for Education will relax functional skills rules to allow for growth’
DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY
THE CUTTING-EDGE SECTOR THAT IMPACTS THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS
Bringing infrared future into focus
Researchers are developing state-of-theart camera technology which for the first time will bring high resolution to the entire range of infrared imaging.
The Nottingham Trent University research will also make it possible to detect, view and switch between the full infrared range in one place, something which is not possible with current technology.
‘We aim to generate a new addition to visible cameras’
The work is being made possible through a €3m grant from the European Research Council, awarded to Mohsen Rahmani – professor of engineering in NTU’s School of Science and Technology – and his advanced optics and photonics team.
While visual cameras, such as those we have in our smartphones, offer high resolution and clarity, this is not currently possible with infrared
Agency is giving something back
Digital marketing agency Alphageek Digital, based in Friar Gate, Derby, marked its fifth year in business with a variety of charitable donations and support.
The firm, run by founders Art Lindop, Kieran Flynn and Alex Mills, didn’t just make financial donations – staff have rolled up their sleeves and helped out too.
Last spring the team went head-to-head with other firms in an annual pancake race raising money to support the health and wellbeing of residents at YMCA Derbyshire, and in the summer staff gave a week of their time volunteering at the Derby Kids’ Camp, which provides free holidays in the Peak District to hundreds of children who might not otherwise get a break.
Mohsen Rahmani, Professor of Engineering in NTU’s School of Science and Technology
or thermal imaging cameras where the images appear blurry due to less developed sensors.
The infrared Imaging market size was valued at $7.03bn in 2023 and is projected to reach $12.36bn by 2032. Uses include food quality control, night vision, medical imaging and monitoring for heat or gas leakages.
The NTU research – Universal Platform for Infrared Imaging (UPIRI) – will make it possible to detect all infrared bands simultaneously for the first time and will be fully integrable with existing smartphone and regular camera technology.
Building on Prof Rahmani’s and his team’s existing research, the five-year study will involve developing a layer of engineered arrays of nanoparticles – known as metasurfaces – that can absorb all infrared bands and convert them to visible light.
The metasurfaces can be configured pixels for higher resolutions and switched between infrared bands.
It is hoped it will provide a good quality alternative to current expensive and complex semiconductor technology.
Prof Rahmani said: “We aim to generate a new addition to visible cameras, technology which is not currently compatible with our everyday technologies but can be easily incorporated.”
Making finance tasks simpler
By Jo Duddle Smith (pictured, inset), partner at RSM UK.
With the enhancements of technology in recent years, the importance of incorporating automation into finance systems has rapidly increased, and we should expect this trend to continue in 2025.
In a world of rising costs and tighter deadlines, automation can help increase efficiency, data accuracy and quality in financial reporting. All of this is now pivotal to help businesses make informed strategic decisions.
For tasks such as data entry, invoice processing and real time reporting, there are a range of tools available to reduce manual input and the risk of human error, as well as minimise the time it takes to complete.
Reviewing historical data to make future decisions should be a thing of the past as automatic real-time data integration ensures finance systems are up-to-date. The quality of financial reporting also increases significantly when using digital tools and automation solutions.
Visualisation of key performance indicators – rather than purely just a profit & loss and balance sheet – is a significant upgrade to enable businesses to make informed decisions through deeper insight into their data.
Cloud-based accounting systems offer a variety of packages which can deliver key technology enhancements – including automatic bank feeds and data extraction, tools for invoice processing and sales system integrations.
In addition to this ever-advancing use of technology, specialised bespoke automations can be developed to help solve a business problem, and we at RSM UK are seeing this being explored more and more within businesses.
Overall, integrating digital tools and automation solutions into a finance system will be a non-negotiable for businesses to ensure they can move forward in the right direction with access to the right data, at the right time. With endless efficiencies, more accurate data and better-quality reporting, embracing digital now appears to be a necessity.
Kieran Flynn of Alphageek
BUSINESS SUPPORT
THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES FROM OUR KEY INDUSTRY SECTORS
Freeths watches over investment
Freeths has advised Watchfinder founder Stuart Hennell on becoming lead investor into British secondhand luxury watch dealer Subdial.
The investment will allow Subdial to strengthen its technology platform and open a physical location for its Clubhouse trading platform early this year.
Leading the Freeths team on this transaction was corporate partner Malin Svanberg Larsson and managing associate Edward Chapman.
Malin Svanberg Larsson said: “We are glad to have been able to support Stuart on his strategic investment into Subdial. This partnership underscores Stuart’s commitment to supporting innovative ventures within the luxury watch market.
“We are confident that this collaboration will foster significant growth and mutual success for both parties.
“This transaction exemplifies the expertise and dedication that Freeths brings to facilitating investments both for investors and companies.”
Stuart Hennell said: “I am thrilled to announce my investment in Subdial, a company at the forefront of the luxury watch market.
“This opportunity aligns perfectly with my vision for supporting innovative and dynamic ventures. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Freeths for their exceptional legal advice and support throughout this process.”
Law team scoops key award
The serious injuries team at Rothera Bray, which has offices in Leicester, Nottingham and Derby, received a double victory at the national Personal Injury Awards 2024, in Manchester.
The team was crowned catastrophic injury team of the year, while Consultant Julie Walker was named clinical negligence lawyer of the year.
Partner and head of serious injury Greg Almond said: “These awards are a testament to the dedication, expertise, and passion of our Serious Injury team.
‘This award reflects the collaborative effort of the entire team’
“Winning both awards reflects the tireless efforts of the entire team to secure justice and deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients.
“We are immensely proud of Julie’s individual recognition, which showcases her exceptional contributions to clinical negligence work.”
He said the serious injury team impressed judges with their commitment to achieving successful settlements for claimants, and their excellent work on a number of high-profile cases and public campaigns.
The team was also a finalist in the clinical negligence team of the year and claimant team of the year
categories while Greg Almond, Ian Johnson and Seetal Patel were also up for awards.
Julie Walker’s accolade highlighted her work in expanding the firm’s inquest representation services following clinical incidents, and work with both defendants and claimants.
Experts help get Welsh freeport into operation
Browne Jacobson has helped the biggest freeport in Wales open for business –helping set in motion plans to create thousands of jobs and attract billions of pounds in new investment.
The Nottingham-headquartered law firm advised Celtic Freeport during the establishment of its governing body, and submission of outline and full business cases for special tax sites across more than 1,200 acres of land in South-West Wales.
Businesses setting up new operations in these designated areas will benefit from tax incentives designed to attract inward investment.
The freeport at Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire is supporting the development of clean energy and innovation, and includes fuel terminals, a power station and heavy engineering sites.
Over 25 years it hopes to secure £8.4bn in private and public sector investment, and deliver more than 11,500 jobs primarily in the net zero economy. It has been estimated the freeport will add £8.1bn of economic value to the economy.
Browne Jacobson’s government and infrastructure team acted as the freeport’s sole legal adviser from submission of the initial bid to government, through to submission of the full business case, supporting the project on all its legal matters.
The firm’s head of government, Peter Ware (pictured), said: “This is an exciting initiative that has the potential to accelerate Wales’ net zero economy by leveraging new investment to create green jobs, develop green skills and drive green innovation in manufacturing and energy infrastructure.”
Up until September 2034, businesses investing in Celtic Freeport’s tax sites will be able to access benefits including up to 100% relief from business rates for the first five years; significant reductions in employer’s national insurance contributions on new employees; and enhanced
Malin Svanberg Larsson
The Rothera Bray team with their award
Role sees Kate reunite with former colleague
Internationally experienced employment lawyer Kate Cauldwell-Hunt has joined the specialist law firm Michael Cummins Employment Solicitors as its new senior associate.
The move sees Kate reunite with her new firm’s founder Michael Cummins, more than 20 years after they worked together at Gateley.
She has joined the seven-strong Leicestershire-based firm that provides employers with advice
and representation on all aspects of employment law.
Michael said: “It is wonderful to welcome Kate to our firm more than 20 years after watching her set out on what has become an impressive career of great variety in location and expertise.
“I know she is looking forward to getting back into the thick of employment law here in the UK and in a setting where she is a key player in a focussed team.”
capital allowances – including extended full capital expensing –to support investment.
The Celtic Freeport is a publicprivate consortium including Associated British Ports, Neath Port Talbot Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Port of Milford Haven, alongside renewables developers, energy companies, industrial complexes, innovation assets, academic institutions and
education providers. It covers the ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot.
In other news, Browne Jacobson has been honoured for its innovative approach to diversity, equity and inclusion by a leading employer network.
It won the innovative approach to diversity, equality and inclusion category at the 2024 Inclusivity Excellence Awards, held at the Institute of Physics in London.
Oliver Holmes and Bridget Tatham of Browne Jacobson at the ENEI Inclusivity Excellence Awards
Kate Cauldwell-Hunt
(Credit: Alex Hannam)
Making the most of R&D tax relief
By Darryl Hoy (pictured), technical director of the Radius team, a division of Shorts Chartered Accountants.
With several major tax reforms announced in the 2024 Autumn Budget, innovative companies and R&D tax specialists were understandably apprehensive about the prospect of changes to the R&D Tax Credit scheme – however, no changes were announced.
The raft of recent changes and growing HMRC scrutiny has led to significantly fewer companies making claims, including many genuine claimants who would qualify for valuable relief.
‘We understand the importance of quick, straightforward and informative information’
We expect this is partly due to the uncertainty about what HMRC defines as qualifying R&D. R&D Tax Relief remains an attractive way to reduce Corporation Tax and as Employers NI is a qualifying cost, an R&D claim could potentially be a way of recovering some of this increase. If you are unsure if your R&D project qualifies for the scheme, the Radius team has an innovative solution. Our new AI-guided questionnaire is a user-friendly and efficient way to determine your eligibility. It requires no more than 10-15 minutes to complete, but may offer some much-needed clarity.
We understand the importance of quick, straightforward and informative information, which is why we believe the insights provided by this tool will be so valuable to potential claimants.
Setting goals for a successful business year
By Alison Smith (pictured), director and head of business services at accountants and business advisors Duncan & Toplis.
While the time for New Year’s Resolutions has been and gone, it’s not too late to set goals for your business in 2025:
1. PREPARE FOR RISING COSTS
Operational costs such as utilities and payroll are slowly climbing again, so inflation is still a concern for many businesses. Although inflation is lower than in previous years, there is no harm in being prepared by conducting a cost review. Are there suppliers offering better deals or could energy efficiency measures reduce your bills, for instance?
Creating measurable business objectives will help keep you on track in 2025
2. IMPROVE YOUR EFFICIENCY WITH AI
Owner-managed businesses can save time and money in areas such as accounting, customer support and marketing by utilising AI-powered tools. These tools can help you to produce customer emails, predict cash flow trends and analyse customer data, as well as automate repetitive admin tasks. Although many business owners are hesitant to use AI, be openminded and start exploring how it can help your business this year.
3. MAKE YOUR CASH FLOW STRATEGY ROBUST
A robust cash flow strategy could be the key to weathering uncertainties this year, so consider incentivising early customer payments, improving your invoicing processes and exploring short-term finance options like invoice factoring – these will all help to keep your finances healthy.
4. CONSIDER WORKFORCE TRENDS IN YOUR AREA
If hiring is on your agenda for 2025 then you may need to think creatively about attracting and retaining staff, as labour shortages remain a pressing issue in the East Midlands. To stand out as an employer of choice, you can offer flexible working options, competitive benefits and focus on employee wellbeing. Local colleges and universities can also be useful for finding skilled workers or upskilling staff.
5. SET YOURSELF SOME SMART OBJECTIVES
Finally, take time to review your business performance last year and use this to create some clear, measurable business objectives for 2025. Regularly reviewing your progress throughout the year will keep you on track, whether you’re aiming to increase revenue, expand your customer base or improve efficiency.
Engine fund is a driving force
The British Business Bank’s Midlands Engine Investment Fund II committed more than £17m in the Midlands in its first nine months, leveraging a further £10m from the private sector to help the region’s SMEs to start-up, scale-up or stay ahead.
The £400m fund covers the whole of the Midlands and provides debt finance from £25,000 to £2m and equity investment up to £5m.
A total of 70 businesses had received support through in the first nine months since it launched last February. It is managed by five dedicated fund managers – First Enterprise - Enterprise Loans, BCRS Business Loans, Mercia Ventures,
Frontier Development Capital (FDC), and Maven Capital Partners. University of Nottingham spinout Neupulse secured £500,000 early last year, through Mercia Ventures.
‘...an
exceptional business that has secured funding to bring its vision and purpose to life’
It has developed an innovative, non-invasive and non-medical Tourette’s therapy wristband which has proved effective in trials. The funding will help it go to market.
Neupulse chief executive Paul Cable said: “Working with our fund manager partner over the past few months, they’ve supported us with expertise in product development and paths to new markets and helped us to deploy the funding effectively with great results.” British Business Bank regional director Jody Tableporter said: “Neupulse is an exceptional business that has secured funding to bring its vision and purpose to life. It is just one example of the incredible drive we’ve seen from entrepreneurs across the Midlands – and I look forward to seeing how we can support even more of them in the months to come.”
Hub will make careers go nuclear
AMidlands Regional Hub for Nuclear Skills has been launched at an event hosted by the University of Derby and Rolls Royce.
The new initiative, endorsed by the Nuclear Skills Delivery Board, will play a part in helping develop the future nuclear workforce to help the sector fill 40,000 new jobs by 2030.
It follows on from the National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills (NNSPS), launched last May to address the national nuclear skills shortage and help meet the UK’s nuclear ambitions.
Key to its success will be regional hubs, and there are already two – in the North West and South West.
Derby’s Rolls-Royce is working with the Nuclear Skills Delivery Board to run the Midlands hub, bringing together experts from industry, education and relevant local, regional and national bodies.
Lee Warren, engineering and technology director at Rolls-Royce Submarines, said: “Boosting nuclear capability across the UK is critical to all of the important defence and civil programmes that this country wants to deliver and accessing regional talent is key to this.”
Growing interest in STEM sector courses
More young people are taking up manufacturing and engineering courses in Chesterfield, according to new figures.
Chesterfield College has reported an 80% rise in enrolments for engineering courses among 16-to-18-year-olds in the last three years.
The figure was released during the Made in Chesterfield Festival, which sees businesses invite school pupils to their factories and premises to showcase careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) sectors.
More than 3,500 school pupils have engaged with the town’s manufacturing and engineering businesses since Made in Chesterfield was first launched 10 years ago. It is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership, delivered in association with the Chesterfield College Group and supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, EMCCA Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd and NatWest.
Julie Richards OBE, principal and chief executive of The Chesterfield College Group, said: “We are delighted to see such a significant increase in young people choosing to pursue engineering and manufacturing courses at Chesterfield College. This 80% rise in enrolments reflects both the growing interest in STEM careers and the strength of the partnerships we’ve built with local businesses through initiatives like Made in Chesterfield.”
Helping kids go higher
Staff from a Derby school took a careers event into the community to help teach families – particularly those of Roma children – about the benefits of higher education.
The Bemrose School hosted the careers night at Hardwick Primary School, in Dover Street, Normanton, and the team was particularly pleased to build connections with many of its Roma families. Barriers such as language and travel difficulties, along with traditional values, can limit students' awareness of the diverse career paths available to them.
Claire Amos, careers lead at the school, said: “We believe every student should have the opportunity to explore their future without barriers. By holding this event in Normanton and making adjustments, such as having four interpreters onsite, we aimed to bridge the gap for families who may otherwise find it difficult to attend school-based events and ensure everyone in our community feels supported.”
“I reached out to all the families at the school to encourage their attendance, and I’m thrilled with the turnout”
Staff and pupils at the Bemrose School careers event: Aimee Green from DANCOP, Farina, an English teacher from The Bemrose School, Monica Blount from DANCOP and Claire Amos, careers lead at The Bemrose School, with two pupils who supported the event at the front
MSE Hiller tour during Made in Chesterfield 2024
The launch of the Midlands Regional Hub for Nuclear Skills
Experts boost housing stock
Browne Jacobson is working with Oxford City Council to boost its affordable housing stock in a complex asset transfer deal.
The council has ratified plans to turn 352 properties on the Barton Park development into council homes, adding to the 7,800 socially rented homes on its books. The council’s housing revenue account will be used to buy 168 homes from its OX Place development company for £33.4m, with existing tenancies transferring to council tenancies.
‘Delivering regeneration projects in urban areas that also provide sufficient affordable housing to communities is one of the biggest issues in society right now’
A further 184 homes will be bought directly from developer Vistry Group for £39.7m, using the council’s budget from 2024/25 to 2027/28. These will also be let on secure council tenancies to people on the housing register.
Browne Jacobson’s team of real estate, construction and tax specialist lawyers is acting for the council in the acquisition of the 168 homes –obtaining landlord consent for leasehold properties, interacting with several estate management companies and project management to complete the transaction.
Zo Hoida, a partner specialising in regeneration projects for government clients, said: “Delivering regeneration projects in urban areas that also provide sufficient affordable housing to communities is one of the biggest issues in society right now and a key priority for local authorities across the country.”
Now more students will be living on an Island
Planning for 394 more student places in Nottingham’s The Island Quarter has been approved.
It will be the second lot of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) on the Manvers Road side of the site, next to the 693-bed Winfield Court, which opened in September.
The new scheme will have four blocks ranging from seven to 11 storeys, with 313 beds in cluster flats and 81 in single occupancy studios. There will also be a gym, laundry room, lounges and breakout areas.
‘We can provide a mix that appeals to a variety of domestic and international students seeking high-quality PBSA in the city’
Christopher Ware, property director at Conygar, the developer behind The Island Quarter, said: “Following the completion of Winfield Court, this secondary student phase is the next step to evolve and diversify the opportunities for students to live in The Island Quarter.
“By creating living experiences that are welldesigned and varied in options, including more single occupancy studios, we can provide a mix that appeals to a variety of domestic and international students seeking high-quality PBSA in the city, while preventing depletion of Nottingham’s housing stock.”
The plans have been designed by DAY Architectural with planning, transport and environmental advice from Axis.
As part of the planning permission Conygar must contribute towards affordable housing and nearby public space, and create jobs and training opportunities. It must also operate a student management scheme.
The 36-acre Island Quarter site includes new homes, grade A office space, creative spaces, a hotel, PRS apartments and co-working space, as well as shops, a park and event space.
In 2023 approval was given for a 250,000 sq ft biosciences campus on the northern side of the site.
Homes get energy efficiency help
More than 500 homes are warmer and cheaper to run following energy-saving improvements.
Rykneld Homes worked with Sustainable Business Services (UK) to add external wall insulation and other measures to homes in North East Derbyshire District Council’s social housing stock.
The work should cut the carbon footprint of the homes by almost 1,000 tonnes a year.
The project is part of a two-year programme to deliver energy improvements to 640 non-traditional council homes – properties not built with brick or stone walls or with tile or slate roofs which have poor energy efficiency – supported by £8.2m from the Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.
Niall Clark, deputy managing director at Rykneld Homes, hoped there would be an opportunity to continue work through to 2027 for other homes in the district.
He said: “Improving the homes our customers live in is a priority for us. The feedback we have had from customers so far has been really positive, we are
looking forward to making further progress on this and other schemes that will make our properties the best homes they can be.”
Zo Hoida of Browne Jacobson
Rykneld Homes has installed energy saving measures at North East Derbyshire District Council’s social housing (Credit: Beth Walsh)
The Island Quarter has obtained planning permission for a further 394 students spaces
Journalist Nick Jones tests the new Mazda MX-30 R-EV
In a world where most cars have an interesting feature or two, Mazda has gone one better with an electric vehicle that is as individual as you are.
Mazda MX-30 R-EV
From £31,500
Top speed: 90mph
0-60 mph: 9 seconds
horsepower
Nm
The MX-30 R-EV is different to anything else by the fact it has, under the bonnet alongside the generator and high-output electric motor, an 830cc rotary petrol engine which doesn’t power the car.
‘Charging it takes just 45 minutes to top up the battery, less than half of that with a DC fast-charge’
Instead, it produces energy for the 17.8kWh battery to provide the charge for the electric motor which does drive the wheels. It’s small, light and easily packaged but has enough output for the job.
It’s a unique set-up and the result is around 50 miles of pure electric driving with the charge then topped up by the small petrol engine – removing the fear of running out of battery power miles from a charging point.
The 52-litre fuel tank provides a range of more than 420 miles with super low emissions. And because it’s compatible with both AC and DC charging it takes just 45 minutes to top up the battery, less than half of that with a DC fast-charge.
The rotary engine isn’t the only feature from the RX-7. The rear doors open backwards to make it easier for passengers to get in and out, opening the whole side of the car up to highlight the interior space.
On the inside, it has good quality materials including some cork highlights.
It comes in three grades and has three driving modes: normal, EV and charge so you can hold on to battery power for town driving and low emission zones.
With the R-EV, one really does get something different than anything else on the road.
The EV that’s as individual as you are
THE LAST WORD
In her first column for Business Network, new Chamber president Dawn Whitemore reflects on the benefits and potential barriers to AI adoption for UK businesses.
Artificial Intelligence is without doubt revolutionising the business landscape across the UK and globally, offering transformative benefits that are enabling companies to stay competitive, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
From streamlining their operations to enhancing their customer experiences, AI is proving to be a potential game-changer for businesses of all sizes.
The six key benefits highlighted below are the most obvious.
Enhanced efficiency and productivity: The most obvious benefit is that AI-powered tools can automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, allowing employees to focus on more strategic and creative activities.
For example, machine learning algorithms can optimise supply chain management, reducing costs and increasing operational efficiency and productivity, while AI-driven chatbots – we use a free software chatbot on our college website –can handle routine customer inquiries reducing the need for staff members to monitor online questions and queries.
Improved decision-making: AI has the ability to process and analyse vast amounts of data quickly, and can then provide businesses with actionable insights. Predictive analytics can help companies forecast market trends aiding decision making. In sectors such as finance, AI is already used to enhance risk assessment and fraud detection.
Personalised customer experiences: AI can enable businesses to deliver tailored experiences to customers. By analysing customer preferences and behaviour, AI systems can recommend products, personalise marketing campaigns, and provide real-time support. This level of personalisation can enhance customer satisfaction and increase levels of loyalty.
Time and cost savings: By automating routine tasks and optimising resource allocation, AI can reduce operational costs both in terms of time and revenue. Businesses can save money on labour-intensive processes while maintaining high levels of accuracy and efficiency. There is a
caveat here, in that the cost of both the initial set up and ongoing investments needed to ensure the AI strategy for any business does provide the return in the long term needs to be taken into consideration, this is not a short-term return.
Nurturing innovation: AI implemented and used effectively can drive innovation through releasing resources and enabling new products and services to be brought to market faster. For instance, in healthcare, AI is already aiding new medical practices, while in retail, it transforms inventory management and predictive demand planning. In education we are working on how this can release staff from administrative burdens to enable more time for our teachers to spend delivering innovative teaching and developing interactive, engaging resources.
‘By embracing AI technologies, companies can unlock new opportunities’
Sustainability: AI can help companies achieve sustainability goals by optimising energy consumption, reducing waste, and improving supply chain transparency. This benefits the environment and also enhances a company's reputation among environmentally-conscious customers.
Despite the benefits and transformative potential of AI, many UK businesses face significant challenges when trying to adopt and integrate it. The key barriers are:
High costs of implementation: AI solutions often require considerable upfront investment in software, hardware, and infrastructure. For SMEs, these costs can be prohibitive.
The skills shortage: The shortage of skilled professionals, such as data scientists and AI
engineers, is a major hurdle. Many businesses lack the in-house expertise to design, implement, and then maintain AI systems. Training and upskilling existing staff to use AI effectively also requires understanding, time and resources, further adding to the burden. There is already a Digital Skills Gap, but there are a raft of training courses and apprenticeships to support AI through universities, colleges and private training providers. The Chamber has a range of webinars and workshops to help businesses to take their first step in AI.
Data-related challenges: AI systems rely on high-quality, structured data to function effectively. Many businesses still struggle with getting these basics resolved, facing issues such as fragmented data, poor data quality, and insufficient data storage systems. Additionally, navigating data privacy regulations like GDPR can be complex and resource-intensive.
Regulatory and ethical uncertainty: The evolving regulatory landscape for AI continues to create uncertainty for businesses, with protection laws and ethical concerns, such as bias in AI algorithms, which can add complexity and further delay adoption of AI technology.
Resistance to change: Possibly one of the most difficult elements is cultural resistance within organisations. Employees may fear job displacement, while leadership may be hesitant to embrace AI due to perceived risks or a lack of understanding about its potential benefits.
In summary, AI should not be seen as a futuristic concept but a vital tool for UK businesses seeking growth and competitiveness. By embracing AI technologies, companies can unlock new opportunities, drive efficiency, and deliver exceptional value to their customers.
Addressing the barriers will require collaboration between businesses, government, and education.
By providing funding support, investing in skills development, and clarifying regulations, the UK can create an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive in the age of AI. And don’t forget - the Chamber offers its members access to webinars and workshops to help them take their first steps in AI.
