Business Network July August 24

REGION

THE FIRST WORD

This edition of Business Network is dedicated to giving back. CSR – corporate social responsibility – is something that sits closely with the principles of East Midlands Chamber.

The Chamber is no longer just there to support its members and promote and grow the region’s economy. More and more of its work is dedicated to working with the communities in which it operates – from environmental awareness and the push to Net Zero, to building equality in industry and overcoming historical barriers based on things such as colour, age or background.

Our Generation Next and Enterprising Women networks are obvious examples of that as was the hugely popular culture and communities celebration which was held in Leicester back in the spring.

The principles of CSR are also a big part of Chamber President Stuart Dawkins’ two years in office.

Stuart recently hosted his second, successful black tie President’s Dinner in Nottingham, at which he summed up the issue as an “essential part of a sound, thriving society and economy”. You’ll find a selection of pictures from the dinner in the following pages.

It is also key, he said, to ensuring that we build a society worthy of future generations.

Continuing the CSR theme, this month’s Big Interview looks at the work one of the region’s biggest law firms is doing to give something back.

Browne Jacobson senior partner Caroline Green tells us that inclusivity, supporting charity, pro bono work and giving future lawyers a step up are now central planks of the firm’s operations.

And part of that, she says, is constantly educating themselves to what’s needed, by listening to what their workforce, clients and community wants.

It’s an interesting and insightful read.

In our Focus pages we hear about the CSR work being done at other leading businesses –such as Cambridge and Counties Bank, Cartwright Communications and Alstom as well as the region’s leading football teams.

It’s reaffirming to hear about the work they do and – hopefully – will act as inspiration to members to give even more back to the area in which we live and work.

Tom Pegden, Editor, Business Network

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JULY/AUGUST 2024

NEWS UPDATE

4 MEMBER NEWS

Major order secures train factory’s future

24 APPOINTMENTS

Helpdesk role for tech expert and games fan

THE BIG INTERVIEW

27 Caroline Green, senior partner at Nottingham law firm Browne Jacobson

32 STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS

University showcase for emerging artists

36 CHAMBER NEWS

Summit reinforces message of growth

EVENTS

48 Rounding up the Chamber’s upcoming training options

SUSTAINABLE EAST MIDLANDS

52 Charity launches sustainable fashion store

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

54 UK’s strong trade links with Switzerland

POLITICS

56 What local business leaders want from the next Government

FEATURES

58 REGENERATING THE EAST MIDLANDS

Investing in our green spaces

62 A guide to urban regeneration

64 FOCUS

An overview of the region’s Corporate Social Responsibility activities and attitudes, as the East Midlands CSR Summit approaches

70 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Building the workforces of the future

74 The benefits of a virtual life admin PA

DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY

78 Using analytics to boost SME performance

BUSINESS SUPPORT

80 LEGAL

Lawyers launch property and planning firm

82 FINANCE Pension rules a priority for new Government

College celebrates its top apprentices

86 PROPERTY

Opportunities showcased at key event

88 MOTORING

Nick Jones test drives Kia’s flagship new EV9 GT Line electric

THE LAST WORD

90 Chamber President Stuart Dawkins discusses CSR activity and the General Election

Record revenues for Nottingham law firm

Browne Jacobson increased turnover by 12% in the year ending 30 April 2024, leading to record revenues of more than £118m.

The Nottingham-headquartered law firm has more than doubled its turnover in the past decade, from £50m in 2014, following highprofile client wins, strategic partner hires and new office openings.

Last year saw the firm launch a Cardiff office – Browne Jacobson’s first in Wales and its seventh in total – alongside the continued growth of its Irish office in Dublin, which opened in 2022.

In May 2024 the firm announced its recruitment of a technology and commercial law team from EY Law, and continued to be a legal market leader in diversity, equity and inclusion, being ranked as the UK’s top law firm employer by the Social Mobility Foundation – second overall across all industries. It also launched its REACH mentoring scheme for aspiring black lawyers. Its public and private sector client portfolio, meanwhile, has been bolstered by instructions from organisations such as Siemens, Sanctuary Housing Group, the Department for Transport and St John Ambulance.

and rewards our continued commitment to our balanced practice supporting business and society. It also allows us to invest even more in our people, technology and processes to ensure we can continue to delight clients and support them in their biggest challenges.

“The past year has been another exciting chapter, ranking in The Lawyer Top 50 and receiving our best-ever Legal 500 and Chambers rankings with a combined 37 Tier 1 ratings. Our geographic footprint also continues to expand with a new office in Cardiff and the first full year of trading for our Dublin office, which extends our reach into the EU. We also have plans to significantly increase our headcount in key growth markets across the UK and Ireland office network over the next few years, and will continue to explore options to grow our talent base and client offer.

“Since becoming managing partner four years ago, I have seen the firm go from strength-tostrength during an unprecedented period of change.

Order keeps train factory on right track

Managing partner Richard Medd (pictured) said: “I’m so proud to announce yet another set of impressive financial results for the firm, which show us continuing a powerful growth trajectory.

“That success is built on progress across all of our offices and sectors,

“Completing another exciting year with further growth puts us in an even stronger position to deliver for our clients, provide great opportunities to our people and ensure we remain at the forefront of society’s biggest issues.”

• Read our Big Interview with Browne Jacobson senior partner Caroline Green on page 27.

TMidlands Chamber has welcomed news that Alstom has secured a £370m order that secures the future of its factory in Litchurch Lane, Derby.

Around 1,300 jobs had been threatened following a drop in orders at the site – the country’s biggest train factory and Alstom’s biggest globally. It is the only UK site where trains are designed, developed, built and tested and has a history going back 185 years.

After months of negotiations,

Alstom has now signed a deal to build 10 new Aventra trains for Transport for London’s Elizabeth Line.

Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The base at Litchurch Lane has been a powerhouse of UK train manufacture for decades and is a key driver of both Derby’s economy and the country when you consider the wider supply chain.

“With the continued uncertainty the factory has been facing for so long, due to a gap in orders, news

Freeport expansion plans are announced

Plans have been submitted to turn land south of East Midlands Airport into a hi-tech logistics and manufacturing park within the East Midlands Freeport area.

Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which owns and operates the airport, has submitted an application to North West Leicestershire District Council detailing for fields south of the A453. If approved, airport management say the 102 acre development could result in more than 2,000 new jobs and employ up to 174 people during the two-year construction.

They said the development could contribute up to £132m year in GVA (Gross Value Added), to the East Midlands economy along with almost £9m in additional annual business rates contributions.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “This development will be a huge

step forward in the East Midlands Freeport plans, supporting the airport’s further development as an important import/export hub of even greater national significance in the freeport’s long-term strategy.

“It will further embed the role of the airport as a lynchpin in the region’s economy as a whole, attracting investment from major companies, bringing increased employment opportunities.

“The airport already has the biggest share of the UK’s freight-only aircraft market – dedicated flights rather than passenger planes carrying freight in their bellies – handling around half a million tonnes of goods a year.

“About a third of the airport income now comes from freight, and a new logistics hub right on its doorstep will only benefit that.

“Now it is a case of allowing the formal planning process to take its course.”

The land has been designated a tax site as part of East Midlands Freeport to help attract investment and jobs. The draft local plan also identifies it as a potential location for strategic distribution – close to the M1, other major roads, the airport and the East Midlands Gateway rail freight hub and logistics park.

It sits at the heart of the UK’s logistics ‘Golden Triangle.’

MAG wants to build seven or eight units up to 25m tall, providing up to 1.45 milllion sq m of floorspace for industrial and storage or distribution, along with offices.

The largest units would be located closest to the A453, with smaller units along the southern end of the site – which the airport said would meet a need identified by North West Leicestershire District Council for around 27 million sq ft of additional warehousing by 2041.

‘We are delighted to now have a confirmed workload for Derby Litchurch Lane’

of this multi-million pound order for the Elizabeth Line is welcome, especially as the new trains will be built at the site itself.”

The Elizabeth Line, which only opened in 2022, has experienced demand ahead of predictions and its 70-strong fleet of Alstom-built Aventra Class 345 trains (including

those pictured) now needs to grow.

Nick Crossfield, managing director UK and Ireland at Alstom, said: “We are delighted to now have a confirmed workload for Derby Litchurch Lane and our supply chain across the UK. The UK remains one of Alstom’s most important global markets.”

The contract includes new trains which are funded by £220.5m from the Department for Transport, with Transport for London also contracting for the provision of train maintenance on the units until 2046.

Isaac Fisher

Promotion is part of a Pukka plan for growth

Pukka Pies has promoted Isaac Fisher to the role of chief executive as part of a five-year plan to “supercharge” sales.

Isaac Fisher, who has been with the family-owned Leicestershire company for 11 years, including the last four as managing director, said he was confident the “ambitious and achievable” plan would be delivered by Pukka’s “highly talented team”.

It follows a review into the company’s next phase, which he said had made it “unequivocally clear” that the interests of the business, its customers and more than 400 workers would be best served under the continued ownership of Pukka’s founding Storer family and its team.

He said: “Without Pukka the savoury pastry category lacks personality. We are the brand driving incremental growth by making savoury pastry relevant and interesting with our mission to deliver full-on-flavour to the category.

“We’re the brand reinvigorating the category, we’re fun and our brand is the one recruiting new consumers, where we’re shaking up the category and really resonating

with younger shoppers, while never forgetting our loyal fans.

“In the last year, our comprehensive range of chilled and frozen savoury pastry – from pies to on-the-go snacking – has added sales of more than £13m in retail alone, helping us to grow more than 23% and twice as fast as the category, to take our retail sales to in excess of £70m.

“No other savoury pastry brand has achieved so much in such a short space of time, and now our ambitious plans will supercharge our growth.”

Pukka has invested £15m in its site and bakery facilities in the last five years and will continue to develop new products.

He said: “There is plenty more growth for us to go after within both chilled and frozen across retail and out of home.

“And there are a load of other places where the Pukka name can add a stamp of assurance and inspiration. In short, we have a clear strategy to increase our presence across markets.”

Former CEO Deborah Ewan moves into a new role as nonexecutive director following six years with the business.

MAG representatives have held consultation meetings with representatives from the closest village of Diseworth, including a site visit earlier this year.

A spokesman said: “The proposals take the proximity of the village into account, maximizing green space near Diseworth, limiting building height, ensuring service yards face away from the village and choosing appropriate lighting options. The closest building would be more than 320 metres away.”

Airport managing director Steve Griffiths said: “Given its status as a freeport tax site, we are confident that if approved, we will have little difficulty in attracting businesses, bringing much-needed jobs to the region during its construction and operation.”

Tom Newman-Taylor, chief executive of East Midlands Freeport, said: “We support moves by our key partners to develop the freeport’s strategically important sites which offer unparalleled connectivity to the rest of the UK.”

How the new logistics park at East Midlands Freeport could look

Region’s businesses celebrated as the heart of the nation

Pictures by Matthew Jones Photography

East Midlands Chamber president Stuart Dawkins said the region is the ‘heart of the nation’ during his opening speech to hundreds of business people and other guests at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner.

The prestigious three-course dinner took place at Goosedale, Nottingham, and is a key event in the Chamber calendar.

This year the evening included talks from author and AI expert Katie King on how businesses can ready themselves to embrace AI, while Professor David Rae of De Montfort University launched the East Midlands Top 500 Business index ( see page 39 .)

In a wide-ranging speech, marking his second year as Chamber president, Stuart talked of the need for “a sense of belonging” during times of change.

He also spoke of the importance of addressing climate change and reaffirmed his support for his chosen charities: Foundation Derbyshire, the Nottinghamshire Community Foundation and the Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation.

He said: “In the last year the Chamber has interacted with over 12,000 businesses.

“From what I have witnessed as president, that interaction will have been almost universally constructive and helpful.

Katie King discusses why businesses should embrace AI technology

Professor David Rae launches the East Midlands Top 500 Business Index

Delegates watch proceedings at Goosedale in Nottingham

“The Chamber performs a vital role as a voice for the East Midlands.”

Concluding his speech, he said: “We, in the East Midlands are the heart of the nation and at the heart of so much that the nation does.

“Let the continuity be that we remain proud of that.

“Let the change be that we all do it even better and better.”

Guest speaker Katie King said: “My message to the audience was that we shouldn’t fear AI – we must not leave it and let it go over our heads, that we need to embrace it across all the different business functions, whether that’s the way

we do sales, our marketing or customer experience.

“To speak at the annual dinner and events like this is so important because in one evening we can reach a whole raft of businesses, spanning all different industry sectors and sizes.”

Prof Rae said: “East Midlands Chamber has been a supporter of the East Midlands Top 500 Companies since its inception, so we were delighted to be able to present the first findings of 2024 at the President’s Annual Dinner in front of leaders of major companies in the region.”

Chamber president Stuart Dawkins talked about a need for belonging

The event also provided a number of networking opportunities

Bank reports record annual lending figure

Leicester-headquartered Cambridge & Counties Bank registered its highest level of gross new lending in 2023 at £328m –up 6%.

Management said the rise highlighted the level of support they continued to give to SMEs, entrepreneurs and professional property investors in the UK.

They said the business bank’s asset finance business, which helps firms acquire assets such as machinery and vehicles, experienced record customer drawdowns and net book growth, with exposures up 17% to £83m.

Dedicated finance for the purchase of classic, vintage and sports cars increased 18% to £51m.

Overall, total customer loan balances increased 5% to £1.106bn, while customer deposits rose to £1.155bn, also up 5%.

The balance sheet strength resulted in the bank recording pretax profits of £40.9m, up 44% on 2022. During the year staff numbers increased almost 10% to 225 while a combination of good cost control and growth in income resulted in its cost-income ratio reducing to 37%.

Chief executive Donald Kerr said: “Our relentless focus on service and product excellence as well as a dedicated relationship-based market approach to both customers and commercial finance brokers will, we firmly believe, result in continued growth as business confidence begins to recover.”

Recruiters aim to take ‘fresh approach’

Recruitment specialists Dom Syalon and Jo Eaton are setting up their own company Eaton Syalon.

The duo, who have worked in the sector for four decades, say they will bring a “fresh approach” to professional services recruitment with their long experience in accountancy and finance, human resources and professional services.

The pair were at SF Recruitment before setting up on their own, and say they are ready to take the challenge of steering their own business – and creating a brand they can be proud of.

Dom said: “We have been fuelled by passion in the recruitment industry for two decades and we are motivated by a shared passion for connecting individuals with their dream careers.

“We are excited to embark on our own journey.”

Jo added: “Over the coming months, we are looking forward to reconnecting with our network and sharing the exciting journey that lies ahead.”

Awards celebrate local legal profession

The region’s diverse and vibrant legal scene was celebrated at the Leicestershire Law Society Awards 2024 at Athena.

Eleven awards were handed out at the the event which was organised and hosted annually by the society’s president, Bhumika Parmar.

She said: “The night was a resounding success. It was an absolute joy to celebrate with the winners and I am overwhelmed by

the talent and dedication displayed by everyone.

“It was a fantastic evening of networking and connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passion for law.

“One of my main aims during my post was to build relationships with local businesses and that’s because small businesses have this amazing ability to empower others. With them on board, our finalists, judges and guests have benefitted from new networks, industry visibility,

Turnover milestone for growing agency

Three friends who launched their own business during lockdown are celebrating after doubling their turnover in the last 12 months –surpassing £1m for the first time.

Marketing agency Alphageek Digital reached the milestone after less than five years in business during which it has picked up more than 50 clients across four continents.

Despite negotiating a global pandemic and worldwide recession the firm’s annual turnover passed £1.2m in the last financial year – more than a 50% up on the previous year, with further progress this year.

The Derby agency was founded by friends Art Lindop, Alex Mills and Kieran Flynn and now employs more than 20 people.

Managing director Art Lindop said: “When we launched Alphageek Digital back in 2020 it was an exciting time for the industry – everyone was moving online and so we were in our absolute element.

“The true test was when business returned to normal, but by then we had begun making a name for ourselves and were working with some high-profile clients, so we’ve never looked back.”

community engagement, crossreferrals and access to resources and expertise.”

The winners were Thaliwal & Veja Solicitors, Zainab Girach (Crystal Law Solicitors), The 36 Group, Josiah Hincks Solicitors, Naomi Bond (Nelsons), Mandy Bradbury (Hollingsworths), Asema Natha (Weightmans), Sue Roberts (Affinity Law), Miss Alexandra Scott (2 New Street Chambers), Christl Hughes MBE, Steve Morris (Dodds Solicitors).

Printing specialist continues expansion

A Nottingham print and direct mail specialist has formed a strategic partnership to acquire a digital marketing agency in London.

Eight Days a Week Print Solutions (EDWPS) – currently in the process of becoming Eight Group encompassing Eight Plus –has teamed up with Crawford Technology Consulting (CTC) to buy Marketlayer for an undisclosed sum. EDWPS has taken a majority stake with the remainder taken by CTC. Marketlayer offers digital communications across a range of sectors and founder and managing director Gabe Cooney will retain his role and continue to oversee dayto-day operations.

Eight Group managing director Lance Hill and CTC director Darren Crawford have a history of collaboration, having worked together for 10 years at 4DM.

Lance said: “This was a great opportunity to broaden our strategic and digital communications offering which will appeal to our existing customer base, plus a pipeline of new developments that are underway.”

L-R: Darren Crawford, Gabe Cooney and Lance Hill

Society president Bhumika Parmar and her team from BP Legal

Alphageek founders (L-R): Art Lindop, Alex Mills and Kieran Flynn

Tech provider moves offices to Ashbourne

Workplace technology provider

TecInteractive has moved to new premises in Ashbourne.

The company, which creates tailored workspaces, has enjoyed a period of unprecedented growth following a surge in the adoption of video conferencing during the pandemic and a shift towards hybrid working. It has more than doubled its workforce over the last year, prompting the move to new premises on the Airfield Industrial Estate.

Commercial director Tom Bamford said: “After a busy couple of years, the rapid growth of customer base and subsequently our team, we are delighted to have relocated to our new premises here in Ashbourne.”

Staff get profit share from gaming firm

Management at Nottingham-based Games Workshop say revenues grew by around £45m in the year to June, up to around £490m.

They said they were expecting pre-tax profits at the fantasy games maker and retailer to rise to around £200m for the year – up from £171m in 2023.

The company, which is behind the Warhammar battle games, said it had given staff profit share cash payments of £18m over the year –up from £11m in 2023.

It will post its detailed annual results on 30 July.

Organisers urge businesses to sign up for 10th festival

Aquarter of the slots for this autumn’s 10th Leicester Business Festival (LBF) have already been taken.

Festival management now want businesses from all sectors to sign up to the remaining slots to host events that engage audiences and boost business strategies.

The festival runs from 4-15 November and events can take any form, from workshops, product launch showcases and seminars to business awards, conferences and debates. In past years there has even been a smattering of comedy.

This year’s East Midlands Chamber Leicestershire Business Awards fall within the fortnight and will be a significant highlight in the programme. Taking place on 8 November, the annual awards recognise achievements in categories such as Excellence in Innovation, Outstanding Growth, and Business Improvement Through Technology.

The Chamber is a key partner of the festival and entries for the awards are open until 19 July at www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/ business-awards

Richard Osborn, regional director at Excello Law and chair of the LBF Community Interest Company (CIC), said: “This festival is the most

unique way for Leicester and Leicestershire to collaboratively show the rest of the business world what we are made of.”

Businesses interested in hosting an event can apply easily through an online form at www.leicester business festival.com.

LBF2024 is supported by partners including East Midlands Chamber, IoD, DE Montfort University, University of Leicester, Everards of Leicestershire, The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity, Leicester Hospitals Charity, Highcross Leicester, and TheMusicLicence by PPL PRS Ltd.

A new approach for recruiters

by

Founded in 2009, SNA supplies construction professionals, skilled trades, and labour to clients across the UK.

Founder Simon Pearce said: “I am excited about the future and the opportunities this acquisition brings.

“We are buying into the vision that Approach Personnel’s directors have for their business, and I am eager to become a part of it.

“The professionalism and ease with which this acquisition was handled have been remarkable, and I am confident that this partnership will drive further

success for myself at Approach Personnel.” Approach, headquartered at Chase Park, Nottingham, places temporary and permanent staff nationwide across sectors including construction, civil engineering, shopfitting, interiors, industrial and food production.

The acquisition follows its 2019 acquisition of local recruitment agency Elizabeth Michael Associates.

Alan Spalding, group managing director at Approach, said they were planning to triple revenues at the group, with more acquisitions planned.

Solicitors Shakespeare Martineau advised Approach Personnel on the transaction, while SNA was advised by Chattertons.

Partners have the energy to succeed

A new partnership between East Midlands Chamber and Toyota Motor Manufacturing aims to bring to life energy efficiency for small businesses.

The fully funded Energy Reduction workshop, part of the Accelerator project funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, provides a chance to experience a practical demonstration on the shop floor with Toyota energy specialists.

Chamber deputy chief executive Diane Beresford said: “Any decision-maker in a business that meets the eligibility criteria of the Accelerator project is welcome to express their interest in joining us on the day although larger-sized SMEs with a particularly high energy consumption will take priority and we expect manufacturing and logistics businesses to derive the most value.

“While participation is fully funded, the workshop is valued at around £600 per person so I’ve no doubt it will be a highly popular offer.”

The five-hour sessions are limited to 15 places and businesses can choose from three dates – 30 July, 24 September and 29 October.

For details contact Ian Bates, policy and representation manager at East Midlands Chamber, at ian.bates@emcdnl.co.uk

Nottingham construction sector recruitment business Simon Nicholas Associates (SNA) has been acquired

Approach Personnel.

L-R: Carla Dawson, Samual Booth, Adam Charlesworth, Simon Pearce, Alan Spalding and Ross Thompson

Richard Osborn

Training facility will raise game for army cadets

East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) has broken ground on a new army cadet training facility at Beckingham Camp, Lincolnshire.

The sustainable new-build will be a big improvement on the current facilities, which are housed in an open-plan structure from the 1940s that is no longer fit-for-purpose.

The multi-million pound expansion will include two sleeping blocks, storage space, more external training space and stateof-the-art ancillary buildings – and create a dedicated training space to help Lincolnshire Army Cadet Force (ACF) grow.

The facilities, due for completion next spring, will also be available to other cadets from around the country, and follow other major

new builds at Sobraon Barracks in Lincoln and Kingsway Army Reserve Centre in Derby, all funded by the British Army.

‘It will be a real game-changer and will help to inspire other children’

Stuart Williams, chief executive of East Midlands RFCA, said: “I am delighted that this project is coming to fruition as it will transform the experience for our amazing cadets.

“This major new build at Beckingham will significantly improve the training of cadets across Lincolnshire, and nationally too, providing modern, purposebuilt facilities.

Matlock tourist attraction celebrates 50th anniversary

The team at The Heights of Abraham presented owners Andrew and Vanessa Pugh with a commemorative cake, bubbly and flowers to mark the 50th anniversary of their taking on the 60-acre Matlock Bath tourist attraction.

The land was in a poor state when the couple took it on in 1974, with no proper paths, an electricity supply precariously fastened across the trees, a dilapidated Victoria Prospect Tower and just the front part of the Great Masson Cavern open to the public.

For the first few months, Andrew would push a wheelbarrow up the hill to bring paraffin to light the cavern passages for guests to safely navigate.

The restoration lasted 10 years, culminating in the installation of the UK’s first cable car gondola system in 1984.

Andrew said: “We are delighted at how popular the Heights has become, attracting visitors from all over the world.

“It’s very satisfying to see the potential we saw in Matlock Bath all those years ago has been rewarded.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today were it not for the support of local residents and the authorities, we’ve had a wonderful life – so far.”

“It will be a real game-changer and will help to inspire other children and young people to join a youth organisation that provides opportunity and life skills.

“At a time when the Ministry of Defence is experiencing fiscal pressures, I am heartened by the pragmatic and most supportive approach taken by senior decision makers to continue with this significant investment in our Army

forces.”

Colonel Ian Sackree, Commandant of Lincolnshire ACF, said: “It yet again illustrates the value that the Ministry of Defence, and army places on our cadets, some of whom will go on to serve our nation’s armed forces. We cannot wait to see the project completed."

Architects Maber and contractors Triton Construction have been appointed to the project.

Pregnancies prompt launch of new service

A flurry of pregnancies at a HR Consultancy has inspired a new service for East Midlands-based SMEs.

Loates HR Consultancy has launched Loates HR Interim for businesses that require temporary cover for their human resource teams. The idea was born from a recent spate of pregnancies among its team, which has seen new arrivals in March and April and another due in August.

Director Sarah Loates said:

“Although exciting times for the team, as a business owner, I realised that finding quality interim resources can be challenging, especially for HR roles.

“This led me to develop an offer

that provides a speedy, thorough, and seamless process for businesses requiring interim HR.

“We understand the stress and uncertainty that can come with temporary HR cover needs, and our service is designed to alleviate that, providing a reliable solution when you need it most.”

An early beneficiary of this new service has been Abi Bramley, HR manager at Riverside Medical Packaging in Derby, who is also expecting her first baby.

She said: "As a standalone HR manager, it has been a relief to secure my replacement, and the whole process has been handled efficiently and quickly with minimal input from me.”

cadet

How the new army cadet training facility at Beckingham Camp will look

Fashioning a way forward for patients

Afashion student who survived cancer in her teens has designed a range of clothing to support women going through the same experience.

Olivia Hodson, 25, has created clothes to help female cancer patients manage some of the physical and psychological impacts of the disease and its treatment.

Oliva – who had blood cancer when she was 16 and received four months of chemotherapy – has designed four outfits and a coat and dress. They have been created for patients who have to wear medical equipment beneath their clothes in order to receive chemotherapy or to have treatment without having to undress.

They are also made with bamboo fabric which avoids irritating the patient’s skin if it has become sensitive.

Olivia, who is studying BA fashion design at the Nottingham School of Art & Design, said: “Ordinary clothes can cause cancer patients physical pain. They can pull

on medical devices that patients have to wear, such as PICC lines or chest ports, so wearing normal clothes is impractical. They also can’t accommodate fluctuations in a person’s temperature.

“The clothes that are out there for cancer patients are meant for older people, so wearing them as a young person can make the whole ordeal unnecessarily worse as you can lose your sense of personal identity. No one wants to have these issues while they’re going through cancer. As well as the functionality, there’s the stigma.

“It’s unpleasant to have people looking at you and just identifying you as a cancer patient. The best way to address this is to make these clothes completely normal looking.”

She said the aesthetic of the range is inspired by coral jewellery which was used historically to ward

off illness and evil. She chose not to design garments for mastectomy patients as she felt that part of the market was already well served.

Her coat is oversized to give space at the arms and shoulders for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines to be worn underneath which deliver chemotherapy directly to the heart.

It also helps disguise any possible changes in a patient’s weight which they may feel conscious of. The sides expand as the wearer lifts his or her arms for ease of movement.

The lining of the coat is made from bamboo fabric which is soothing to the skin as a common side effect of chemotherapy can be sore, dry and more sensitive skin.

Olivia said: “I was so affected by my clothing, but many people have had much worse experiences than me. If you’re restricted in your

‘It’s unpleasant to have people looking at you and just identifying you as a cancer patient. The best way to address this is to make these clothes completely normal looking’

clothing choices you can only show yourself as an unwell person.

“There needs to be a choice –that’s the best way to help people not lose their sense of identity.

“I didn’t want to meet people as the person with cancer. I was bald and everything else you expect a cancer patient to be, but sometimes you don’t want everyone to know the problems you’re facing in your life. Being seen as a normal person was really important for me – because you still are a normal person.”

Emma Prince, senior lecturer in fashion design at Nottingham Trent University, said: “Oliva has taken her personal experience of surviving cancer and used it to inform how clothing can be created to help other women. When you consider that one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in our lifetimes, these designs have the potential to improve the experience for thousands of women who will unfortunately face the same physical and psychological challenges of this awful disease.”

Fashion designer Olivia Hodson (right) with a model wearing some of her work

Charities team up to beat clothing poverty

A partnership between an East Midlands clothing charity and a charitable foundation could save tens of thousands of people from clothing poverty – and provide sustainable employment and volunteering opportunities.

The team-up between the Nottingham-based Sharewear Clothing Scheme and Leicestershire-based Randal Foundation will support the growth of the charity, which provides free clothes to adults struggling with their income.

The partnership will also allow franchisees to set up their own enterprises and create jobs.

The charity will also be able to grow its “ReLived” clothing scheme, bringing companies together with community organisations to collect clothing for people in need and stem the flow of textiles to landfill.

Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, is chairman of the Randal Foundation which has offered several years of support.

He said: “It’s estimated that 5.5 million adults in the UK cannot afford the cost of clothing, while 10,000 items of clothing go into UK landfill every 5 minutes.

“This is at a time when inflation and the well-publicised cost of living crisis has lowered living standards and widened the gap for the poorest and more disadvantaged in society.

“We’re delighted to be supporting Sharewear, which is looking to grow its entrepreneurial, charitable initiatives, including developing services and creating jobs into new regions throughout the UK.”

Get on your marks for the Transplant Games

Final preparations are under way for the Westfield Health British Transplant Games, which take place in Nottingham from 1-4 August.

The games, being backed by East Midlands Chamber, are expected to attract more than 1,000 transplant recipients and a further 2,000 participants – including donors, donor families and official supporters – of all ages and abilities, to enjoy the celebrations and raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.

The four-day event will see athletes compete in more than 24 events in venues across Nottingham, kicking off with an opening ceremony at Nottingham Castle from 6.30pm-8pm on 1 August. The parade will be led by members of the Nottingham Children’s and Nottingham Adults teams.

Games highlights will include cycling and a children’s obstacle

course at Harvey Hadden Sports Village and six-a-side football at Nottingham Trent University Clifton Sports Hub. Each day, events will start at 8am and finish around 5pm.

An annual Donor Run, which is already at capacity, will take place on Saturday, 3 August, at Wollaton Hall, and the games will come to a close with the track and field events at Harvey Hadden Sports Village on Sunday, 4 August.

Jackie finds a new vocation that’s sew good

Aformer psychology teacher has turned hew passion for sewing into a business supplying caps that are used to study the human brain.

Jackie Cunningham, from Nottingham, launched SewJackie in the wake of the 2020 pandemic, sewing face masks to raise money for charity.

As the need for masks dropped, she started making other fabric gifts and accessories, and caught the eye of a company looking for expertise in bespoke headwear with technology in-built to scan the brain.

SewJackie’s caps are now being used to support medical research at institutions such as Great Ormond Street Hospital and universities worldwide.

The caps are used with neuroimaging technology and diagnostic equipment to measure brain function and are being used to study conditions such as epilepsy in children and dementia in older patients.

Jackie said it was great to have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking work.

She said: “What began as a humble endeavour to give back and

support the charity that I volunteer for, as well as a local homeless charity, has evolved into something beyond my wildest dreams.

“It's incredibly fulfilling to know that my creations are playing a role in advancing medical research and improving patient care.

“For 24 years until the end of 2023 I taught A-level psychology, including brain scanning techniques. I cannot believe that I am now a part of that area of research.

“The company SewJackie collaborates with is diligently working towards obtaining medical approval for these caps to be used in hospitals within the next three years.”

Cheers! Digital specialists raise a mug to first 30 years

A Beeston company that provides live and digital services is celebrating 30 years in business.

Mediamaker operates in the UK and globally in sectors including fashion, retail, finance, pharmaceuticals, automotive and construction, hosting hybrid and virtual events.

It also creates and manages websites which, management said, attract more than 150,000 visitors each day.

It has recently delivered its first significant AI project, extracting usable data directly from older PowerPoint files.

Co-founder and managing director Alison Glaves said: “I am extremely proud of the Mediamaker team and what has been achieved in 30 years. It’s a great time to be celebrating and sharing some great memories with colleagues, clients and partners, old and new.”

Jackie Cunningham

Last year’s event in Coventry

About Minakshee Patel Consultancy

Have you ever wondered how to recruit the right person or wished your team could understand and adapt to one another better?

Perhaps you’re feeling that what started out as workplace banter no longer has its place.

By providing collaborative consulting, bespoke solutions and impartial support, Minakshee Patel Consultancy nurtures a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion, resulting in increased employee engagement, communication and productivity, thereby inspiring a harmonious and efficient workplace.

I’m Minakshee Patel (Alol)

A qualified Mindsonar© coach and expert on leading teams to understand Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. I’ve helped all kinds of local businesses, councils, NHS and even the fire service to see that when you get relationships right, teams thrive.

As a young Asian girl growing up in the 60s, I saw that the world wasn’t always fair. Supported by my family, I was encouraged to challenge, but gently. Others have called this “soft but strong”, an approach that has helped me to engage others, open conversations and bring people together with incredible effect.

Networking event puts achievements on the table

The finalists in the 2024 Enterprising Women Awards were revealed at a summer networking event at Leicestershire’s Kilworth House Hotel.

Awards entrants were treated to an afternoon tea accompanied by pianist Christopher Langdown as the names of the finalists were unveiled.

The awards recognise outstanding achievements of women in the East Midlands business community and will be announced at a prize-giving ceremony at Winstanley House in Leicester, on 20 September.

Enterprising Women co-chair Eileen Perry said: “On International Women’s Day the theme was ‘Inspire Inclusion’ and these awards are part of embracing and celebrating our differences.

“The theme of promoting, growing and succeeding is something that we see year-onyear with the people that apply for the awards.

“There are people who, for example, have applied for a category like Apprentice of the

Year and then gone on to win Female Entrepreneur of the Year.

“It’s not about the fall of men –it’s about the rise of women and believing in themselves more.”

Fellow co-chair Jean Mountain said: “Year in, year out, over the years these awards have been phenomenal.

“We’ve been doing these awards

Lindsey Williams, chief executive of Futures Housing Group

for around 15 years now and the standard of entries gets higher and higher each year.

“We set the bar really high and you see it with the fabulous names of finalists that come through and the companies they represent.”

Michelle Williams, from Meesh Consulting, was revealed as a finalist in three categories – Female Entrepreneur of the Year, Small Business of the Year and Businesswoman of the Year.

She said: “I feel a bit overwhelmed. I wasn’t expecting it and it’s a real privilege.

“These awards really make a difference. We should be celebrating women and female leaders are exceptional.”

Blu Hardy, marketing manager at Hardy Signs, was shortlisted for the Social Commitment Award and said: “When I heard the other names in my category, I thought there would be no chance of being shortlisted, so I’m quite overwhelmed.

“To win would reaffirm the hard work I’ve done over the last year, stand me in good stead for my career and give me a massive confidence boost.”

Sarah Higgins, owner of Sarah Higgins Corporate Coaching, sponsor of the Emerging Leader Award, said: “What we’re looking at is probably someone who hasn’t necessarily risen to the top because there are leaders at all levels of an organisation.

“Quite often they don’t get all the credit and are perhaps less

Women co-chairs

visible than the most senior leaders.”

Bhavin Gandhi, director and coowner of Paradigm Wills and Legal Services, sponsor of the Lifetime Achievement Award, said: “We’ve seen the world has been dominated by male leaders and it’s great to see that’s now changing and these awards allow women to fulfil their potential.”

Lindsey Williams, chief executive of Futures Housing Group, sponsor of the Apprentice of the Year Award, said: “The standard was so high that we wanted to see that little bit extra from the entries, where they’d put themselves forward or perhaps

overcome something.”

This year’s headline sponsor is Michael John Switchgear, music sponsor is PPL PRS, media sponsor is Avit Media. The awards are also sponsored by Breedon Consulting, Futures Housing Group, Tomato Energy, Unique Window Systems, Fraser Stretton Property Group, Sarah Higgins Corporate Coaching, Nelsons Solicitors, Pick Everard and Paradigm Wills and Legal Services.

Hastings Direct sponsored the Enterprising Women Awards finalist announcement.

For tickets to the awards night visit: is.gd/GXquI0

ENTERPRISING WOMEN AWARDS 2024 – FINALISTS

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY MICHAEL SMITH SWITCHGEAR

• Bhumika Parmar, BP Legal

• Lai-Yee Cheung, Sanjay Foods

• Andrea Grey, PPL PRS

• Jo Jepson, Base 51

• Michelle Williams, Meesh Consulting

SMALL BUSINESS, SPONSORED BY UNIQUE WINDOW SYSTEMS

• Jo Bekis, Medilink Midlands

• Michelle Williams, Meesh Consulting

• Sabrina Sudera, Design Studio Architects

• Laura Holland, Ecotech Engineers

• Rachel Biddles, Blueprint Interiors

SHE WHO INNOVATES, SPONSORED BY PICK EVERARD

• Kate Allan, ExpHand

• Jo Bekis, Medilink Midlands

• Preethi Kang, Qinesis

• Deborah Chester, RimPro Tech

• Elena Richards, Rolls Royce PLC

FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY FRASER STRETTON PROPERTY GROUP

• Katy Upton, Fortitude Nicsa

• Laura Holland, EcoTech Engineers

• Jo Bekis, Medilink Midlands

• Michelle Williams, Meesh Consulting

• Poonam Sharma, Barclays

FEMALE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY NELSONS

• Jay Dodson, Base 51

• Sarah Spray, Menphys

• Anne-Marie Hunt, NatWest

• Charlotte Barker, The Maynard

• Lai-Yee Cheung, Sanjay Foods

• Hannah O’Brien, Colleague Box

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY FUTURES HOUSING GROUP

• Elena Richards, Rolls-Royce PLC

• Amber Whitby, Pentaxia

• Sarah Illsley, Pentaxia

• Lillie Jeffries- Williams, RollsRoyce PLC

• Manhoor Akhter, Rolls-Royce PLC

SOCIAL COMMITMENT AWARD, SPONSORED BY TOMATO ENERGY

• Jessica Popplewell-Barker, Rykneld Homes

• Emma Sharpe, Menphys

• Sally-Anne Hurn, Duncan & Toplis

• Natalie Dunbar, Consultus

• Blu Hardy, Hardy Signs

• Bodie Hodges Foundation

TEAM OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY BREEDON CONSULTING

• Base 51

• The Family Law & Care Team, Timms Solicitors

• Olivia Beesley, Jodie Pringle, Purpose Media

• Summit Creative

• The Maynard

• Bodie Hodges Foundation

EMERGING LEADER, SPONSORED BY SARAH HIGGINS CORPORATE COACHING

• Lai-Yee Cheung, Sanjay Foods

• Alice Houghton, The George, Hathersage

• Bethany Grundy, PPL PRS

• Ruby Birks, Purpose Media

• Kamila Rorzkowska, M&E Accident Repair Centre Ltd

THERE IS ALSO A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, SPONSORED BY PARADIGM WILLS

Enterprising

Eileen Perry and Jean Mountain

Sarah Higgins

Charity to create safe space in Derby

Acharity set up to combat child exploitation is progressing with its plans to create a safe place in Derby city centre for young people and families.

Safe and Sound is investing in a new base for people to access an expanded range of support services and activities and help re-build their lives.

The charity is renovating 8 Bold Lane, a former restaurant in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, which will also have space for other charities and organisations – including YMCA, Derby County Community Trust and Umbrella.

Safe and Sound works with children, young people and their families across Derbyshire whose lives have been affected by problems such as online grooming, sexual exploitation, “county lines”, trafficking, modern slavery and radicalisation.

The charity is currently based in rented offices in Darley Abbey and rents further space for its activity and therapy work.

It is now redeveloping the threestorey Bold Lane building with the help of £250,000 of funding from the Department of Levelling Up,

‘The Bold Lane premises will be an amazing community asset that will increase our impact’

Housing and Communities’ Community Ownership Fund.

The work should take around six months and will see the ground floor turned into a community hub with shared facilities, giving the charity space to grow its activities such as arts and crafts, music, drama and sport.

The two upstairs floors will have space for one-to-one and group

support, meetings and workshops as well as offices for its team and volunteers.

Fundraising will continue under the charity’s Butterfly Appeal banner with the first donations secured including office equipment from Geldards solicitors and a £4,299 grant from Toyota Manufacturing UK.

Last year, Safe and Sound

Metal Forming, Metal Fabrication & Welding Specialists

supported a record 343 children and young people who had been victims of or at risk of child exploitation.

The charity largely works with seven-to-18-year-olds but also helps young people up to the age of 25 if there are special educational needs and or disability issues, or children leaving care.

Charity chief executive Tracy Harrison said: “Referrals for our services have doubled since the pandemic – reflecting the reality that any child, anywhere, regardless of their age, sex or family background – is at risk of child exploitation.

“However, we have been constricted by having to rent premises not only for our team but to provide an expanding programme of activities, support and therapies which are so vital to help young people and their families affected by exploitation to move forward with their lives.

“The Bold Lane premises will be an amazing community asset that will increase our impact by providing a centrally located safe and welcoming space for children and young people who are at risk of exploitation as well as their families.”

We are renowned for our superb customer service and while working with you on your metal forming project, our expertise and experience leads you all the way through from the initial metal working process, to the successful delivery of your project.

Safe and Sound CEO Tracy Harrison

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.

There has never been a better time to consider Volkswagen for your fleet with our fantastic range of models offering something for everyone from our iconic Golf to hybrid and fully electric ID Range - all available in the new enhanced Match specification!

I would love the chance to talk to you in more detail. Please contact me on the details below or pop in for a chat and please check out my linkedin page at: www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-smith-8aa9642ab

“Why aren’t more people doing this?”

By Richard Williams (pictured), founder of Connect With Impact

The other week, I introduced a client to some radically different ways of thinking about organisational structure and culture. I’ve seen this particular approach implemented with incredible results, but the elements are very different from the corporate norm!

Afterwards two people asked me separately “OK if this is so great, why isn’t everyone doing it?”. An excellent question. I believe that the answer is twofold...

THE OLD PARADIGM IS BROKEN

Firstly, many larger companies structure themselves for order and compliance. It feels safe and it’s worked adequately for years, why fix something that isn’t broken, right?

But it is broken. Very broken.

Companies like this fight tooth and nail with one another in a finite competition for work. Each tries to appear somehow different from the others, but very rarely are. They try to deliver safe, predictable performance while struggling to respond to the rapidly-changing world around them. It’s no coincidence that employee engagement is often terribly low too.

However, radical cultural change in a big organisation is hard, so they don’t bother.

BRINGING BAD HABITS WITH US

Secondly, people who start businesses have often worked in such organisations and carry the old paradigms into their new ventures. Most people feel safer with what they already know. Fear of change holds them back and they anchor themselves to the supposed certainty of old ways of working. This represents a huge opportunity lost.

Innovative and agile small businesses really can respond quickly to the shifting sands of fortune, but only if they set themselves up to do so. If every decision still goes to the MD to be considered, diluted and approved then they become little more than smaller representations of corporate behemoths.

agenda rather than following the crowd. Finding out what’s up there in that big, blue sky.

They will trust people to make the right decisions and accept that this means mistakes will be made. They will allow their teams to show up wholly and not as another version of the corporate norm. And they will build all of this on the foundation of a deeper purpose. These are the behaviours that will mark out the greatest organisations in the future.

‘Are you stuck in old ways of working and relating to the world?’

WHO WILL SUCCEED IN THE FUTURE?

The truly transformational businesses of the future, the ones who really succeed, with be those that take a different path. Shaking off the shackles of their pasts and seeking to work in newer and more innovative ways. Setting the

So, what about your company? Are you stuck in old ways of working and relating to the world? Or could you take the “road less travelled” into something altogether better?

If you’d like some support to get started, I’d love to talk. Call me on 07580 183985, email richard@connectwithimpact.net or visit my website at www.connectwithimpact.net

•

•

“We now have a clear understanding of the way forward and have laid the foundations for a successful future. Without Richard and his skills and expertise, we would not be in this position.”

Familiar face joins management team

A well-known and highly regarded lawyer has joined a nationwide business consultancy.

Chris Greewell (pictured) has joined the senior management team at Champions (UK) plc in the role of solicitor/head of legal.

Chris is an ambassador and part time partner at Gateley Legal and a non-executive director at Earl Shilton Building Society.

Champions UK is based in Costock, north Leicestershire, and helps businesses by focussing on four key areas – sales growth, people and HR, AI and technology, and mergers and acquisitions.

Chris said: “I am delighted to join with long-standing friends and look forward to being part of the Champions (UK) plc management team.”

Champions managing director Matthew Hayes said: “I am really pleased to confirm Chris to our team. We have worked closely for over 20 years and he remains a highly trusted expert who is very well regarded across the region.”

Teacher and cricket coach put to the Test

A PE teacher and cricket coach at Loughborough Grammar School joined the England team taking on Australia in the Over50s this summer.

Martyn Gidley, (pictured) who attended Loughborough Grammar School himself 40 years ago, is now a PE Teacher and cricket coach for girls and boys across the Loughborough Schools Foundation. He previously played professionally for Leicestershire County Cricket Club and for Free State and Griqualand West in South African provincial cricket.

He was part of the England Over-50s team that won the World Cup last year, and recently captained the England side in their match against Ireland, in which England won by nine wickets.

Martyn said it was an honour to represent his country. He said: “Loughborough Grammar School has been really supportive in enabling this opportunity, and I’ve had lots of support from the boys and staff, who no doubt will be watching!”

Gaming fan earns his LEADing role

Afootball fan with a love of 90s video games has joined the growing team at a Derby IT company.

Jamie Quinn, whose love of tech started when he was given a Nintendo 64 as a child, has been taken on by Pride Park-based L.E.A.D. IT Services as a helpdesk technician.

Jamie, who makes the move from Inspire Culture Learning and Libraries – part of Nottinghamshire County Council – will be handling technical queries from L.E.A.D. IT clients across the country.

The company specialises in working with education establishments and currently supports 70% of schools in Derby city. It also has business clients, and offers services including ondemand IT support, remote support, broadband and telephony.

Jamie said: “My job is to deal with queries from clients needing IT support, so I could be speaking to CEOs, headteachers or library staff about printer queries or maybe network faults.

“It could also be a question about hardware or something as simple as setting up a new starter. It’s a challenge and one that I’m thoroughly enjoying so far.”

Jamie, whose love of tech began when he was 12, said: “I am a 1990s kid and so I can recall playing on a Sega Megadrive and enjoying playing on the Nintendo 64 I had as a child.

“I’m old enough to remember the old AOL dial-up internet connection and I think my first foray into tech came when mum changed internet service providers and I volunteered to set up the new router.”

PR firm targets region with key appointment

A PR, communications and public affairs agency has made a key appointment in its bid to grow in the East Midlands.

PLMR Advent, part of the Westminster-based PLMR Group, is based in Coventry and has been operating for 25 years, growing to become one of the most successful agencies in the region. It has a number of clients in the East Midlands and wants to expand that.

It has now appointed Leicestershire-based Paul Suart as an account manager. He has 20 years’ experience in the industry as a reporter, copy writer and content editor, most recently working for Reach plc.

Lee Corden, a PLMR board director who heads the Coventry office, said: “We work with clients locally, nationally, and internationally but have a strong focus in the Midlands as we are based in Coventry and Birmingham.

“In recent years, that scope has widened and we work with clients both based in the East Midlands or with projects in the area.

“We are delighted to have attracted Paul to join us. He has great experience in the media and his presence in the East Midlands will prove very useful as part of our ongoing push to attract more clients from that part of the region.”

Business manager for Jaguar dealership

Laura Dandy has taken on the role of local business manager at Marshall Jaguar Land Rover, in Leicester.

She will help build relationships between the dealership and businesses, providing the highest levels of company care.

A spokesman for Marshall Jaguar Land Rover said: “With a keen eye for detail and a passion for exceeding expectations, Laura assumes the role of local business manager with finesse and flair.

“Her dedication to providing tailored solutions for business clientele sets her apart in the realm of luxury automotive service.

“At Marshall Jaguar Land Rover Leicester, we understand the importance of making a statement with your vehicle choice.

“Whether you're seeking a Jaguar's refined elegance or the rugged versatility of a Land Rover, our showroom boasts a stunning selection of luxury vehicles to elevate your professional image.”

Paul Suart (left) with Lee Corden

Jamie Quinn

Liz aims to drive consultancy growth

Kraft HR Consulting has appointed Liz Willett as a new company director.

Liz brings a wealth of experience and strategic vision to the role, and it is hoped her leadership will help drive Kraft HR Consulting’s growth and innovation in the coming years.

Liz joined Kraft HR in 2016 and her expertise spans areas such as service development and delivery, employee relations and helping organisations to grow and thrive. She will help lead Kraft HR alongside director and company founder John Krafts.

Liz said: “I am honoured to lead such a talented team at Kraft HR Consulting.

Recruiter names two new directors

Heanor-based jobs specialist Recruit 2 You has appointed Dylan Renshaw as its new commercial director to help the business grow.

Managing director and founder Anita Jackson said: “This is a really exciting time for our business, which is celebrating six years, and this new addition to our senior management team coincides with the promotion of JennaLeigh Bates to operations director.”

Jenna has been with the company since its incorporation in May 2018 and progressed through the ranks from consultant and has been managing the Heanor office and its team of consultants for the last couple of years.

Anita said: “Turnover for the business has increased yearon-year and with demand for services increasing, the next year is set to be record breaking for the family-run business.”

“Our commitment to HR good practice, customer satisfaction and service quality will remain unwavering.

“Together, we will continue to provide a service that we are proud of and our customers are happy to recommend, creating value for our clients and stakeholders.”

John Krafts said: “I am thrilled to welcome Liz to ownership of the business.

“She represents a new chapter in the evolution of Kraft HR and her leadership will undoubtedly propel us toward new heights, and we look forward to achieving remarkable milestones under her guidance.”

Trust adds two stars to its board

Two regional businesswomen have joined the board of East Midlands charity Star Trust – The Charitable Entrepreneurs.

Derbyshire-based Rachel Hayward, managing director of multiple award-winning procurement consultancy Ask the Chameleon, and Anna WoosterMann, the founder and managing director of Greenio in Newark which is a leading national renewable energy hub, are both giving their support to the charity.

Over the past decade the Star Trust has organised fundraising events raising £852,642 for 114 charities – benefiting more than 71,000 people across the East Midlands.

Rachel Hayward specialises in producing funding and commercial procurement applications and business award submissions for ambitious East Midlands micro and small businesses, and third sector organisations – securing a total of £117m for her clients.

She is an FSB East Midlands selfemployed/freelancer of the year and has also reached the national finals of The Small Awards 2024

which are a nationwide search for the smallest and greatest firms in the UK, across all sectors.

Anna Wooster-Mann founded Greenio in 2013 with a vision to educate and help homeowners and businesses reduce their carbon footprint with electrical and heating alternatives including solar panels, EV chargers, air source and ground source heat pumps, LED lighting and biomass boiler service and maintenance.

Agency appoints marketing expert

Loughborough-based LikeMind Media has appointed Hema Sisteedhur as a marketing consultant.

Hema has a track record in marketing and media in a career that has spanned almost 20 years.

Her background has seen her work in high-level roles for companies such as Disney Star, Framen, ITW Playworx and Only Red Marketing.

She will be responsible for leading LikeMind Media’s new signature service

‘JourneyWeb’, a new methodology that maps a customer’s marketing content journey based on an understanding of the behaviours of the target audience.

LikeMind Media chief executive Paul Ince said: “We are thrilled Hema has joined us, she has quickly settled in and is already proving to be a valuable addition to the team.

“She has so much experience that is perfectly suited to our JourneyWeb service, and her appointment will really help drive this unique offering to our existing customers and beyond.”

Liz Willett and John Krafts of Kraft HR Consulting

Dylan Renshaw and JennaLeigh Bates from Recruit 2 You

Hema Sisteedhur

Top: Rachel Hayward Above: Anna Wooster-Mann

Businesses should always be ‘responsible’

Browne Jacobson, which has its head office in Nottingham, is fast becoming a major UK law firmbut its growth has gone hand-inhand with being a responsible business. Tom Pegden hears from senior partner Caroline Green about initiatives ranging from enhancing social mobility in the profession to supporting local charities.

Last year, Browne Jacobson was recognised by industry publication The Lawyer as a top 50 law firm for the first time, having surpassed the £100m turnover barrier. But it was in another league table where the impact it has made was perhaps more noticeable.

It ranked as the top law firm, and second employer across all sectors, in the Social Mobility Employer Index, run by Social Mobility Foundation, cementing its reputation as the modern face of the legal industry with a string of initiatives aimed at increasing diversity within the profession.

Senior partner Caroline Green has been with the firm for almost 40 years, becoming its first female partner in 1989 and the first female senior partner in 2019.

Along that journey, she has witnessed huge changes within the profession – not least its growing commitment to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing, and its support for social and community causes.

She said: “When I first joined the legal profession, women solicitors were rare, and diversity and inclusion were never thought about, let alone discussed.

When I became a partner, I would attend events as the only woman among 50 or more men.

“Fast forward to 2019, a time when more women than men were – and still are – entering the profession and I stood successfully for election as Browne Jacobson’s first female senior partner; I stood on a diversity and inclusion platform.

CHARITABLE TRUST SUPPORTS A WIDE RANGE OF INITIATIVES

Supporting the communities in which Browne Jacobson operates is, alongside DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), another important plank of its wider mission to make business a force for good.

The firm aims to award £25,000 in grants every year, via its Browne Jacobson Charitable Trust, to a range of small community projects nominated by its 1,000-plus employees.

The total comprises amounts fundraised by members of its community action groups, matched by the business.

Between 2018 and 2023, more than £131,000 was donated to good causes, with recent beneficiaries in Nottingham including Pasic, a charity that supports more than 450 families who have a child with cancer; Canine Partners, which trains and provides assistance dogs to give adults with disabilities greater independence; and Read Easy Nottingham, a literacy charity with a team of volunteers

delivering one-to-one tuition to adults who struggle with reading. Each of the firm’s seven offices also has a local charity partner for further fundraising activities, while staff are regularly offered volunteering opportunities such as mentoring and interview support for young people, supporting breakfast projects for the homeless and running ‘introduction to law’ workshops.

On top of that the firm is one of more than 100 corporate signatories of the Vision for Literacy Business Pledge, which commits to supporting childhood literacy in order to enhance life outcomes.

Caroline said: “A strong community props up a strong business, and vice-versa, so our fundraising and volunteering activities are hugely important to us.

“We look to work with organisations and services that, like us, are pushing for positive societal change.”

“My message was simple – we should give everyone the opportunity and the tools they need to thrive and succeed. This message is now embedded in the firm’s strategy, and inclusion is a key pillar alongside our work at the forefront of society’s biggest issues.

“I strongly believe in ‘thinking differently’. If you simply adopt what everyone else is doing, you risk being out of date, but more importantly, you lose the opportunity to innovate.”

One of the first measures taken by the firm was to remove the barriers of entry to the profession. Recognising that not everyone has the same opportunities in life, it changed young lawyer recruitment processes by anonymising CVs, as well as removing A-level grades and university degrees. Candidates were no longer assessed with pre-conceived ideas.

She said: “For too long, access to the law has been on a ‘who you know’ basis.

“We felt that this was unfair and decided to level the playing field by offering at least 50% of our work experience placements to students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, who had no connection to the firm.”

The onset of the pandemic disrupted plans for face-to-face work experience but, undeterred,

Staff are offered volunteering opportunities

The firm wants to make law accessible to all

Browne Jacobson was top law firm in the Social Mobility Employer Index

head of resourcing Tom Lyas designed a virtual work experience programme in partnership with the Young Professionals careers network.

Browne Jacobson lawyers were joined by speakers from the Crown Prosecution Service and criminal barristers Stephanie Boyce – who as president of the Law Society of England and Wales was the first black office holder, and first person of colour in the role – and Shaun Wallace, a barrister best known for appearing in The Chase

‘We had started to host what would prove to be the UK’s biggest work experience event’

Caroline said: “We had no idea whether the idea would take off, so it was with some trepidation that I logged onto the platform streaming the event, ready to introduce it, only to find that we had 7,200 students already signed in.

“We had started to host what would prove to be the UK’s biggest work experience event.”

The seeds were sown for the Fairer Access into Real Experience (FAIRE) initiative, which launched in 2021.

It offers in-person and virtual work experience for candidates specifically from lower socioeconomic backgrounds – removing some of the barriers for those who may not otherwise get the opportunity to go into law, and making sure the playing field is equal for all, regardless of background or connections.

Since its launch, more than 30,500 students have been engaged from over 2,000 schools and academies, as well as 90-plus universities.

Following the success of FAIRE, the firm turned its attention to addressing the disproportionate under-representation of black lawyers working in UK law firms, which stands at just 3%.

Caroline said: “We encourage everyone in the firm to come forward with suggestions as to how we can improve inclusion, and our REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) community came up with the idea of a black mentoring scheme that would allow us to grow, nurture and create a sustainable pipeline of future black talent.”

An initial two-year pilot supported 25 students, with 16 going on to secure employment within the business.

PRO BONO WORK IS A CHANCE TO GIVE BACK

In January, Browne Jacobson joined the not-for-profit programme run by LawWorks, the largest solicitors’ pro bono group in England and Wales, and supported by the Law Society.

LawWorks brokers free legal advice from its member law firms to small and mediumsized not-for-profit organisations that meet certain eligibility criteria.

Caroline said: “Pro bono work is hugely important to many lawyers as it offers them the opportunity to give back, but we didn’t have a dedicated strategy until this year when we found a worthy partner in this area.

“Joining the LawWorks programme means we can ensure our pro bono activities are targeted where our professional expertise can best be deployed on a voluntary basis, measurable so we can review and improve, and align with both our practice areas and core values.”

Senior partner Caroline Green supports CSR

In March, the programme was formally launched with the enrolment of another 20 individuals of African and Caribbean heritage, aged 16 and above.

Running for six months, REACH mentoring pairs each student with a mentor from Browne Jacobson or one of its industry partners. The mentor shares their skills, knowledge and insights and the person they help gains an understanding of what it is like to work in the legal profession.

The scheme also involves a two-week work experience placement at one of the firm’s seven offices. As a result of this work, it has grown the proportion of black trainees from none in 2016 to 29% in 2024.

SIMULATION IMPROVES ACCESS

A free UK Law job simulation was launched by Browne Jacobson on the Forage platform to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds learn about life as a member of its barrister team.

The idea was engineered by associate barrister Kiera Riddy. When thinking back to the work experience available to her while studying to get a foot in the door, she realised it was somewhat limited to in-person roles requiring extensive travel and also scaled back

the ability to work part-time, which is essential to many people in funding their studies.

With the firm exploring how to build on the success of FAIRE to increase accessibility to the profession, the simulator – which can be completed within four hours using prerecorded videos and worksheets – was designed to give people the opportunity to experience tasks a typical junior barrister might be instructed on.

Caroline said: “The legal profession should be accessible to everyone regardless of their race, gender or background, but the reality is there are still many barriers preventing individuals from under-represented communities in pursuing a career in law. A variety of skills also strengthens the industry. If everyone comes from the same background, with the same experiences and skillset, we won’t be representative of society and we won’t be able to provide the best service to our clients.

“Diversity also means diversity of ideas, which needs diversity of people. If you don’t have this in your team, you lose valuable perspectives.” FAIRE and REACH are just the tip of the iceberg for Browne Jacobson, which has supported numerous external schemes. By signing up to the Race at Work Charter and Women in Law pledge, it has made public

Bridget Tathum addresses students on the REACH mentoring programme

Law should be “accessible to everyone regardless of their race, gender or background”

PROFESSION MUST BE MORE EQUITABLE

Voluntary reporting on pay gaps related to race, disability and social mobility – in addition to mandatory annual gender pay gap reporting – are a key part of Browne Jacobson’s commitment to making the legal profession more equitable.

Mobility Foundation’s Employer Index, with an overall second place ranking for all UK employers in 2023.

Caroline said: “As a result of these awards, we now have a platform to talk more broadly about the work we have been doing around inclusion.

“Advocacy is an important aspect of my role, and both I and other members of the team are keen to share our experience and demonstrate the practical steps that every business can take to provide fairer opportunities for all.

“We do not pretend to have all the answers and we are still on a journey, but we can learn so much from each other by discussing the challenges we all face.

Caroline said the introduction of gender pay gap reporting in 2017 has led to many employers supplementing reports with detailed explanations of their data and action plans showing steps they will take to reduce the gender pay gap.

She said: “By choosing to go beyond the regulatory requirements to collect anonymised data about our people covering all the characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010 and social mobility, we hope this accountability will lead to a concerted push from across our firm to make meaningful change in this respect.”

commitments to improving equality of opportunity in the workplace.

An internal sustainable leadership programme has been developed to help it meet a target of women occupying half of senior leadership roles by 2025.

Caroline said: “Gender balance continues to be an issue in the legal profession with too few women reaching the highest level of equity partnership.”

“We hear so many stories, for example, of men applying for jobs if they meet some of the criteria, while female candidates won’t apply unless they meet all the listed requirements.

“What we’re trying to do is help women to overcome this lack of confidence to put themselves forward. It’s about making changes and recognising that not everybody starts from the same place.

“We have to make sure young female lawyers develop the skills and understanding that is needed to progress.”

The work carried out by Browne Jacobson in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and social mobility in particular, has led to it winning a number of awards.

‘Why would we not want to be representative of the society we serve, to provide opportunities for all our people to thrive and succeed, and to see true diversity of thought?’

These include the Social Mobility Initiative of the Year at the European Diversity Awards 2023 and the Equality Trailblazer award at the British Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Business Awards 2023. For the past three years, it has been the highest-ranked law firm in the Social

“Why would we not want to be representative of the society we serve, to provide opportunities for all our people to thrive and succeed, and to see true diversity of thought?”

Things that might seem small can go a long way to creating an inclusive culture.

The firm’s sports and social committee is encouraged to organise social events that are genuinely inclusive, such as not always involving alcohol to avoid excluding members of the workforce.

Since 2019, dedicated communities have been created for Pride, disability and long-term conditions, social mobility, gender, and parents and working families, as well as REACH, giving members a safe space to share stories and discuss specific issues that affect them.

In June, Browne Jacobson published its latest set of accounts. It showed another year of double-digit growth, reporting a 12% increase in revenue to £118m. In the same month, it was a finalist in the Best Talent and Inclusion Initiative at the industry’s highest profile awards ceremony, The Lawyer Awards, for the REACH mentoring scheme.

Inclusive growth remains at the heart of an ambitious business plan.

Caroline said: “Becoming a top 50 law firm for the first time comes with greater recognition in our industry but also more responsibility to ensure our business success is felt as a force for good.

“We’ve made progress, but we have more to do. Browne Jacobson’s culture has always been brilliant, but we don’t want to be complacent.

“There’s always room for improvement – we have to keep educating ourselves and the best way to do this is to listen.”

The proportion of black trainees has grown to 29%

Caroline with Browne Jacobson’s managing partner Richard Medd

Blueprint drafts in a new manager

Claire Lacey has joined workplace consultants and commercial interior design specialists Blueprint Interiors as workplace experience manager.

Claire brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously worked as a personnel manager, kitchen and bathroom showroom manager and having run her own interior design business for six years.

In the newly created post, Claire will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the company’s busy office and showroom, Worklife Central in Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

She will also help Blueprint’s design, furniture, finance and contracts teams with customer service during the workplace design and fitout process.

Blueprint Interiors supports its clients to achieve accreditations including the WELL Building Standard, which Claire will also be involved with to ensure requirements are met at Blueprint Interiors’ own office, as well as at client workplaces.

Blueprint creative director Chloe Sproston said: “Claire’s experience and enthusiasm for workplace design will be a valuable asset to our team.

“Our work often involves guiding our clients at a time of wider business and cultural transformation, and we are committed to providing exceptional support throughout the entire process and beyond. Claire’s appointment underlines this commitment.”

Claire is one of several new team members to join Blueprint Interiors so far this year, as well as a raft of internal promotions.

Emerging artists given university showcase

Ashowcase of emerging art and design talent - which has previously featured award-winning pieces of work –has opened at Nottingham Trent University (NTU).

Nottingham School of Art & Design’s Graduate Festival 24 and the Student Showcase in the School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment are taking place at NTU’s City Campus and venues across Nottingham and London this summer. All the shows are free and open to the public.

Subjects span fashion, knitwear and textile design; fashion management, marketing and communication; fine art, photography, filmmaking and animation; graphic design and illustration; design for stage and screen; product and furniture design; architecture, interior architecture and architectural technology.

Work by Nottingham students is also being featured in national competitions, including fashion and

‘Design and creativity serve as the architects of the world around us’

knitwear design at Graduate Fashion Week, officially the world’s largest graduate fashion event, which took place in June.

A range of courses were also invited to exhibit at London’s prestigious New Designers shows, including product and furniture design, textiles, graphic design, illustration and animation, and at the D&AD New Blood festival for graphic design.

This year NTU has collaborated with several leading creative Nottingham spaces, including the Nottingham Contemporary, Broadway, Nottingham Playhouse, Backlit and Surface galleries, to showcase new creative talent across the city.

In July, a showcase of masters student works from the Nottingham

School of Art & Design is taking place at the NTU City campus and external venues in Nottingham.

MA fashion, knitwear and textiles courses will debut their work in a new London exhibition being held at London’s Swiss Church Gallery in Covent Garden.

Michael Marsden, executive dean of the Nottingham School of Art & Design, said: “Design and creativity serve as the architects of the world around us, and our Graduate Festival offers the opportunity for the public to get a glimpse of how the creative world may look tomorrow.

“Our events and exhibitions represent the culmination of our final year students' endeavours, offering an insight into their incredibly creative and forwardthinking minds.

“It provides a unique opportunity for members of the public to engage with our students in direct conversation, learn about their creations and gain an insight into their visions of the future.”

Expansion signals ‘new chapter’

An office supplies, IT, print, document management and communications specialist has announced additions to its finance and admin team.

Laura Eatherington Langley has been appointed as finance manager at DNS, in Pride Park, Derby, while Louise Temple has become the firm’s new order process co-ordinator.

Over the last six months DNS have also welcomed Katrina Jones into the role of support desk call handler and Gurmeet Singh Banga who has stepped into the role of IT support technician as DNS expand its IT offerings.

Managing director Darren Marsh said: “I am thrilled to announce the expansion of the DNS Team.

“This strategic move reflects our commitment to enhancing our operations and ensuring sustained growth.

“With the addition of talented professionals like Laura, Louise, Katrina and Gurmeet, we aim to elevate our capabilities and deliver even greater value to our customers.

“This expansion signals a new chapter of opportunity and innovation for DNS and I couldn't be more excited about the journey ahead.”

Blueprint workplace experience manager Claire Lacey

DNS Team Members, clockwise from top left: Louise Temple, Gurmeet Singh Banga, Laura EatheringtonLangley and Katrina Jones

BA Fashion Design work by Imogen Garricks

New website is just what venue specialist ordered

Amarketing agency has built a new website for a firm which supplies hospitality technology to some of the UK’s most iconic venues.

Purpose Media, which is based in South Normanton, created the website for fellow Derbyshire firm Kappture, whose services are used by millions of people at hospitality outlets in stadiums, concert halls, universities and big companies.

Its products enable operators to receive orders and take payments via mobile apps, terminals and touchscreens.

Venues using its technology include Celtic Park, home of Celtic FC in Glasgow, Croke Park in Dublin, the OVO Arena in Wembley and the AO Arena in Manchester.

Kappture is based in Little Eaton, near Derby, and had worked with Purpose before, so approached the company to overhaul its online presence. Kappture’s tech ensures that sports fans and gig-goers can

order using phones while in their seats to avoid missing the action while queuing for a pint or food.

The technology also helps operators by using individual users’ data to personalise their experience and uses existing data to enable operators to forecast cash flow and staffing requirements for their next event, helping them to reduce waiting times and increase revenue.

Matt Bonser, account director at

Purpose Media, said: “We’d been through a brand profiling exercise with Kappture before and we knew the business inside and out, so when it came to building their new website, we knew the direction we wanted to go in. Their solutions make a huge difference in helping operators increase people’s spend and reduce queuing times and we brought that to the fore through the copy and the imagery.”

Uni scientists join the space race

A technique that could help build large structures in space and give ‘space junk’ a new lease of life is being trialled by scientists led by the University of Derby.

The team, led by Professor Angelo Maligno, a research chair in composite materials at the university’s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering, have been awarded £150,000 by the UK Space Agency as part of the final round of its Enabling Technologies programme, which is supporting the UK’s space capabilities.

Working with The Welding Institute, LukiasiewiczPoznan Institute of Technology in Poland, and Goodfellow Advanced Materials, the team will be using computer engineering tools to develop and test a material bonding method for use in space.

A spokesman said: “With more and more companies exploring the opportunities to set up manufacturing in space, the race is on to create a habitable base on the moon. The structures required for this would be too large to launch already assembled, so a technique for putting them together is needed.”

Raft of promotions at national law firm

Freeths has announced almost 100 promotions as it continues to bolster its offering in the UK.

A total of 95 colleagues have been promoted across all legal and business support service areas within the firm’s 13 offices including four partner and 73 lawyer promotions. More than half the promotions are women, demonstrating the firm’s commitment to gender equality.

Within the senior promotions, alongside 13 legal director promotions, there are four partner promotions. The real estate team has seen Sarah Rowe made partner, the environmental and planning team has welcomed Ben Derrington to partner level, Henry Clappinson has become partner in the restructuring and insolvency team – which was recently named as the most active in the High Court Review 2023 – and the firm’s family practice promotions have included Mark Heppinstall to partner.

Following another year of double-digit growth, Freeths has also made a number of hires over the past 12 months, including within the last three months alone clean energy partner Deborah Harvey from Osborne Clarke, patents director Richard Ellis from Murgitroyd, tax partner Stephen Jones from DLA Piper, corporate partner Martin Smith and insolvency partner Su Garner, both from Knights Plc.

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

L-R: Luke Boldock (UK Space Agency), Professor Angelo Maligno, David Gonzalez and Dr Stefano Valvano (University of Derby)

Purpose Media has created a new website for Kappture

Freeths national managing partner Karl Jansen

Summit puts focus on our Manifesto for Growth

East Midlands Chamber’s annual People and Skills summit took place at Nottingham Trent University, bringing together 200 delegates from the business community and education sector, writes Tim Smith

Through a series of talks, panel discussions and workshops, the summit built upon the Chamber’s Manifesto for Growth 2024 – which outlines a set of policy asks for the next Government to consider.

Speakers at the summit included Professor Baback Yazdani, executive dean of Nottingham Business School; Kate Lee, talent and resourcing manager at foodto-go giant Samworth Brothers and Craig Brothers, vice president of East Midlands Chamber.

Partners for the 2024 conference were Samworth Brothers, Freeths and Nottingham Business School at Nottingham Trent University.

Chamber director of policy and insight Richard Blackmore said: “Reforming skills is an essential ingredient to economic growth and all the research we conduct with businesses in the East Midlands –like our latest Quarterly Economic Survey where 66% of respondents in the region reported difficulties recruiting staff – has underlined the

‘Businesses need to ready themselves for emerging technology like AI and what that might mean for the skills candidates might need in the future’

need to address the issue.

“The East Midlands People and Skills summit is one of the ways the Chamber can get right into the heart of the issues faced by businesses, breaking them down and finding solutions to overcome each hurdle.

“Candidate needs are evolving, while factors like technology advance just as quickly.

“Businesses need to ready themselves for emerging technology like AI and what that might mean for the skills candidates might need in the future.

“Workplaces need to be attractive to new recruits and be open-minded to finding ways to

match their needs with those of prospective employees.

“That can mean consideration of things like having a strong Corporate and Social Responsibility policy, offering employees the opportunity to engage with communities and charities, for example.

“If we can pinpoint the sticking blocks in skills, recruitment and retention, we can fix them and that’s why it’s so important that businesses and educators engage with each other, to solve staffing issues both now and in the future.”

Dr Gareth Thomas is managing director of Leicestershire-based Skills and Employment Support Ltd, which helps its clients understand and implement effective skills and employment strategies. He chaired a panel discussion on engagement

between businesses and educators.

He said of the summit: “It drives relationships, gets more businesses talking to the training organisations and the educators, and supports innovation.

“There’s a lot that the education sector can learn from industry and if some of that expertise can be shared on the back of the summit that’s great.

“The summit helps to raise awareness of the great offer of training and funded training that is available here in the East Midlands that most employers probably aren’t aware of.”

Laura Shepherd, Loughborough College director of strategic partnerships and external relationships, said: “It’s been great to be able to engage with businesses at the summit.

“It’s absolutely fantastic that businesses are interested in engaging with how they can develop themselves and fill some of the skills gaps. Every educator that was at the summit seemed keen to have a conversation.”

ER Recruitment owner Eileen Perry, who co-chairs the Chamber’s Enterprising Women network, joined a talk on engagement between educators and employers.

She said: “There’s an innocent disconnect between employers and educators because people don’t often see the mutual value.

“There’s so much in it for businesses to engage with educators, in terms of supporting their students, getting them workready, but then also there are the opportunities for ongoing learning for your own workforce.

“It comes back to mutual benefit and realising that it’s there, then taking advantage of it.”

Loates HR founder and co-owner Sarah Loates also joined one of the panel discussions.

She said: “We’ve got five generations in work – Gen Z’s and millennials that want different things from work, for example.

“Employers are going to have to start thinking about how they can provide what that generation want from the world of work.

“There’s a bit of a disconnect between what employers think people want and what that generation actually want.”

CAPTIONS

1. L-R: Laura Shephard, Loughborough College; Dr Gareth Thomas, Skills and Employment Support; Paul Wilson, Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth 1 College; Andrew Copley, West Notts College; Eileen Perry, ER Recruitment; Julie Rosborough, Nottingham Trent University Business School; and Chris Hobson, East Midlands Chamber

2. Vicki Thomspon and Elina Strautmane from East Midlands Chamber

3. Ian Bates and Rachael Edmondson-Clarke

4. L-R: Chris Hobson, East Midlands Chamber; Emma Kwiatkowski a director at Hays; Kate Lee, talent and resourcing manager, Samworth Brothers; Nimisha Pancholi, All About Soft Skills; and Sarah Loates, director at Loates HR Consultancy

5. Laura Shephard, director of strategic partnerships and external engagement at Loughborough College

6. Chamber advisor Diane Nicholls

7. Paul Stuart, head of enterprise at East Midlands Chamber

8. Beth Choo and Jayne Davies of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Carers Association

9. Careers and work experience co-ordinators Elly Lambert and Lottie Wright

Report shows strength of region

Turnover at the biggest 500 companies in the East Midlands rose by more than 18% to almost £100bn, according to a new report. However, it also suggests the number of people working for those companies was down 1.4% to a little over 440,000.

The annual East Midlands Top 500 Companies list looks at the turnovers of the biggest public and private companies registered in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.

The fifth annual list – revealed at East Midlands Chamber’s summer President’s Dinner in Nottingham –is based on data for the 12 months to 30 June 2022.

It was meticulously compiled by Professor David Rae, of De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), in partnership with colleagues from the University of Derby and Nottingham Trent University. It is supported by the Chamber and Cross Productions.

‘We are eager to utilise this information to guide the future growth of the East Midlands economy’

Top of the list for the fifth-year running was Boots PLC, the Nottingham-based health and beauty company, with a turnover of £7.47bn, down from the previous year’s £7.8bn. It employed almost 37,800 people. The figures include all companies carrying the brand name Boots, owned by Walgreens Boots Alliance, USA.

The other highest places on the list remained steady, with prestige car dealer Sytner in second place with a turnover of almost £5.8bn.

Derbyshire car supermarket Motorpoint entered the top 10 for the first time after seeing an 83% rise in turnover to £1.3bn.

There were 84 new entrants on the list, compared to 97 who made the list for the first-time last year.

Top new entrants were employability firm Maximus UK, of Leicestershire, which entered at number 78 and Atten Group, an IT company based in Derby, which was placed at number 135.

Highest climber was housebuilder Stonewater Developments which rose 295 places from 411 last year to 116.

Richard Blackmore, the Chamber’s director of policy and insight, said it was reassuring to see East Midlands industry continuing to drive growth in the

THE TOP 10 COMPANIES

UK economy. He said: “The region has been through a tough few years so it is good to see businesses on the list thriving.

“Their success creates employment and growth for the regional and national economy and continues to highlight the East Midlands as a place to do business.

“Many of the businesses on the list are Chamber members, playing their role in supporting and raising the profile of the region we work and live in.

“I would like to thank De Montfort University, the University of Derby and Nottingham Trent University for the huge amount of effort which goes into compiling this valuable resource.”

Prof Rae said: “The East

Midlands Chamber has been a supporter of the EM Top 500 since its inception, so we were delighted to be able to present the first findings of 2024 at its President’s Dinner in front of leaders of major companies in the region.

“With five years of data capturing substantial shifts in the regional economy and an in-depth sectoral analysis, we are eager to utilise this information to guide the future growth of the East Midlands economy. The advent of the new East Midlands Mayor and Combined Authority, the East Midlands Freeport, the election of a new group of MPs representing the East Midlands, and other strategic initiatives signal a promising outlook for the region’s prosperity.”

The index is compiled using Companies House data filed for the period between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022 – which includes part of the Covid and recovery period.

While revenue at the top 10 companies grew 12.7% year-onyear, staffing levels were down 11%.

The full top 500 report will be published in July by Cross Productions,

of

NEW MEMBERS

In May 2024 the Chamber welcomed 28 new members:

• A & C Law

• Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

• Alway Loughborough

• Asphalt Plant Solutions

• Beacon Resilience & Continuity

• DICE Healthcare Limited

• dotwall Web Design

• East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association

• Eximia Glazing Systems

• Goosedale

• Improve Online

• Inception Events

• Jensten Insurance Brokers

• Mayfair Executive Estates

• MB Coaching Ltd

• Methodology Man

• Mint Manufacturing

• Ormotive Limited

• People Unlimited

• PFR Recruitment

• Positively Empowered Kids CIC

• Pro IT

• Rainbow Restoration

• Road to Success Coaching

• Rosie Yates

• SF Recruitment

• Sounds Commercial

• Trent Business Process Management

I’m proud to be the new voice for local businesses

Richard Blackmore (pictured), the Chamber’s new director of policy and insight, shares his thoughts on his new role.

I’m writing this as I sit on the plane heading back from Germany having spent three days indulging in Euro 2024 and watching England ‘roar’ to a 1-0 win.

And I’m thinking how do I start to introduce myself as I take up the role of director of policy and insight to those who I have not yet met.

Well, I thought I’d start with the basic information: I’m 47, married with two daughters and have been living in the East Midlands for nine years. I was born and raised not too far away in Grimsby and my dad had his own small business as a fish merchant.

From an early age I spent my holidays working in the factory packing fish to earn some pennies – at the time I never really appreciated the hours he worked and the challenges he faced as a small business owner.

‘As I take on my new role I know I have some big shoes to fill’

In the subsequent years I have worked for big organisations supported by global finance, small independents, the not-for-profits sectors, trade associations and business representative organisations. Feel free to link in with me for the full list!

I’ve been fortunate to meet, listen and learn from business leaders across the Midlands and be responsible for representing their views to regional stakeholders and Government.

As I take on my new role I know I have some big shoes to fill.

It’s been such a pleasure to have worked with Chris Hobson over the last eight years, both in my previous role and more recently as part of his team here at the Chamber. Chris certainly leaves a strong legacy which I intend to preserve and build upon.

It is an interesting time to be taking the reins of the policy team and shaping the voice of business in the region. Topics include AI and the transition to green energy

where the Chamber can support regional business and lead on a national platform.

There is also the recently elected East Midlands Combined Authority mayor and, by the time you read this or shortly after, we will know who will be leading Government for the next five years.

The Chamber’s relationship with both regional and national stakeholders will continue to play a pivotal role in how we represent members and the policies we campaign for to create the best environment for economic growth.

Already we have been speaking to Claire Ward and her team at the East Midlands Combined Authority about future business support in the region.

On a national level we started earlier in the year meeting parliamentary candidates to share the Chamber’s manifesto asks and will be following up with those elected to understand how they will be delivering their manifesto pledges in the East Midlands. I hope over the coming months I will meet many more members through our conferences, member forums or please just reach out to me directly.

I feel privileged to be taking this role at the Chamber, to be supporting business and to be championing everything that makes the East Midlands a great place to work and live.

Membership helps us to communicate

The Chamber’s Joining the Dots campaign follows a rebrand and new website launch just over a year ago and revolves around seven key themes covering the Chamber’s full offering. We are inviting members to share their thoughts on what the Chamber has to offer – this month it’s the turn of Louise Bellwood (pictured), director of Paperclip Ltd.

Paperclip provides call answering, reception desk and admin support services for organisations across the UK. Our client mix is eclectic –from private businesses through to the public sector and charities; from sole traders through to businesses with multiple offices.

Paperclip’s Communications Centre is based in Dronfield, on the northern edge of the Chamber’s territory. During Covid, we completely revamped and upgraded our communications centre.

The Paperclip team currently numbers 17 FTE (full time equivalents).

Healthcare is a sector in which Paperclip is particularly strong.

For many of our healthcare clients we manage their appointment diaries and provide medical admin support. The Paperclip business model is based on outsourcing all non-core activities so we have a tight control of overheads.

‘The way people and businesses communicate is changing all the time’

The way people and businesses communicate is changing all the time. It is important that Paperclip’s technology and services keep pace with these changes. For example, there is now a myriad of communication channels used by businesses – for businesses wanting to keep on top of communications with their clients and prospects, Paperclip’s services are becoming ever more important.

Paperclip is now in its third year of East Midlands Chamber membership. While we have clients across the United Kingdom, the greatest density, unsurprisingly, is in South Yorkshire and the north Midlands. By joining EMC, Paperclip was looking to engage with business communities in areas such as Leicester, Derby and Nottingham. Furthermore, our perception was that Chamber members would be looking to grow and have a focus on customer service, traits that are shared by many of our clients.

One of the benefits of Chamber membership is that it encourages you make the effort to get out and about and meet fellow Chamber members. I would argue that the Chamber has an unrivalled database of business contacts across the region, and that you meet a richer, more diverse portfolio of organisations at its events.

Perhaps the most obvious contact has been the Chamber itself, which has used Paperclip’s outbound call services to encourage and remind members that have booked on to events to attend. The membership team, most notably Diane Nicholls and her colleagues, is excellent. The quality of networking events has been very good, and the variety of locations and hosts has made it enjoyable.

joiningthedots.emc-dnl.co.uk

Special area with real stories to tell

Feather & Fern Public Relations is based in Bakewell and has two staff. Managing director

Jen Bell (pictured) explains how Business Peak District has helped it.

Feather & Fern PR is a public relations consultancy that I founded after 20-plus years working as a consultant in the UK, Asia, New Zealand and Australia.

Prior to Feather & Fern, I also held a senior position at a Government agency, helping businesses grow and tell their stories internationally.

‘Networking is invaluable as it enables us to meet likeminded people’

Feather & Fern specialises primarily in hospitality, food, entertainment, and tourism PR. However, we have worked with a broad range of businesses over the years, from rehab clinics and scaffolding providers to superyacht builders.

Specific brands we’ve worked with include Longbow Venues and The Bakewell Tart Shop here in the Peak District. Further afield, we’ve supported businesses such as Marriott International, Dole, Nairn’s, Merlin Entertainments, Air New Zealand, Westfield, and The Scottish Bee Company.

We help businesses increase awareness, understanding and sales. This is often achieved through writing and placing articles

in different media outlets (we never pay for media coverage).

We also organise product placement opportunities, sponsorship, media visits, events and awards entries. We often get involved in brand messaging, SEO and copywriting as well.

We have had some great PR successes recently, through organic media coverage. This includes pieces on the BBC and ITV, as well as features in The Times, The Guardian, Good Housekeeping, Metro News, Great British Food Magazine, The Derbyshire Times, and Forbes

Our location certainly helps us look after local clients, as it means we can pop over to their offices whenever we need to – whether it’s

Increased sales and orders, a growing confidence in future profitability and reduced pressure to increase prices were among the findings in the latest Chamber survey of more than 300 businesses.

Six in 10 respondents to East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey (Q2, 2024) said they anticipated their turnover to improve this year, with half expecting gains in profitability to follow.

An increasing number of businesses said they planned to boost investment in new equipment and training and there was a drop in those reporting difficulties with cashflow.

Chamber head of special projects Richard Blackmore said: “It’s fantastic to see so many measures in our Quarterly Economic Survey pointing to growth for East Midlands businesses, with the data suggesting this will continue over the remainder of the year.

“What everyone in business wants to see is their turnover and profit going up and price pressures falling and that’s exactly the picture being painted by this data.

“For fewer respondents than in the last quarter to say they feel a compulsion to raise prices and for that data to coincide with a drop in inflation this week to 2% is a good combination.

“Orders are up, both in the UK and overseas, and businesses are increasingly talking up their intentions to invest, especially in plant and machinery.

“These are all signs that businesses are moving away from the drawn-out days of just ‘getting by’ in the face of tough times and are now looking to push ahead.

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 also 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 and its aim is to deliver its vision of a Peak District with a distinctive, high quality, rural environment and an enterprising, growing and sustainable economy, in which businesses act with a social and environmental conscience. Here we continue our regular series featuring businesses that have benefitted from the support BPD offers. To find out more, email: members@businesspeakdistrict.com

for a brainstorming session or a quick catch-up about an upcoming interview.

I love being based in the Peak District – it’s a natural home for a consultant that has extensive experience in food, hospitality, and tourism PR, as we excel in those industries here. There are endless opportunities in terms of taking Peak District brands to a regional, national and even international audience, which is exciting.

The Peak District is unique and we have some very special stories to tell about our place, people, and the things we produce. I’m looking forward to helping more businesses

share those stories over the coming years.

Networking is invaluable as it enables us to meet likeminded people, introduce ourselves to those that might require PR, and educate business owners about what PR can actually do.

My aim is to continue developing Feather & Fern and hopefully expanding the team. BPD and other stakeholders can support us by bearing Feather & Fern in mind if you have any PR needs, or know of anyone that would like to spread the word about their business. I’m always up for a coffee and a chat, so please reach out.

Chamber survey results point to growth

“It’s worthy of note that just as many East Midlands businesses are saying ‘competition’ is up there with inflation in their list of growing concerns.

“A healthy economy requires healthy competition between businesses, so this finding again suggests brighter times lie ahead for the rest of 2024.”

Firms in Leicester and the rest of the East Midlands are feeling more confident

Making the most of academic support

By Diane Beresford (pictured), deputy chief executive of East Midlands Chamber.

key way in which the Chamber is able to help businesses gain access to the expert skills, knowledge, resources and facilities they need is through its partnership with our region’s universities.

There is a host of fully-funded academic support available through the Accelerator project, from reducing operational costs through carbon management training to tapping into the technical support available through Nottingham Trent University’s (NTU’s) Digital Skills Coach initiative, or honing management and leadership skills.

REDUCING COSTS AND WASTE THROUGH CARBON MANAGEMENT

Carbon management is becoming increasingly important. Not only does it help reduce operational costs, improve energy efficiency and reduces waste, it helps to comply with environmental legislation and improves competitiveness including through the tendering process.

Businesses looking for the skills and resources needed to reduce carbon use in their business are invited to join a full-day Carbon Management in Business workshop where academics and sustainability experts from NTU’s Nottingham Business School are on hand with their practice-based expertise and knowledge.

The workshop will show you how to seize opportunities to reduce your carbon emissions; calculate your baseline (the moment you want to start measuring your carbon usage); identify appropriate data from sources such as your gas and electricity bills

and convert them to greenhouse gas stats; create a decarbonisation plan and strategy for implementation; and communicate on your carbon management performance and reporting.

The support includes a 30-minute one-to-one session with the workshop trainer.

The next Carbon Management workshop takes place on 11 September at Newark Showground.

ADDRESSING THE GAP IN DIGITAL SKILLS

The Chamber is partnering with NTU on a Digital Skills Coach project offering businesses free support for an agreed number of hours either in person or online.

The initiative is designed to boost skills within businesses where there are gaps in digital knowledge.

There are countless areas of application including data management and analysis through Excel, developing e-mail marketing skills, SEO, engaging with customers through SurveyMonkey and Mailchimp, AI tools for research, data analysis and content writing, project management tools such as Teams and Trello, and better presentations through Prezi, Canva and PowerPoint.

More specialised support is also available in areas including accountancy packages, basic coding, photography, CAD and the ADOBE design suite.

Businesses can find out more by contacting the NTU JobShop by email at JobShop@ntu.ac.uk

Dancewear firm takes next step

Images Costumes is a designer, manufacturer and retailer of bespoke dancewear and logo uniforms.

Based in Chesterfield, the company began in 2005, and today has 10 employees making costume designs in any fabric combination for customers throughout the UK and overseas.

Managing director Michelle Webb is working with Chamber business adviser Peter Lawrence on the Accelerator project to support business growth and future sustainability.

Some of the company’s systems needed updating and it identified that a new CAD system and software would improve pattern efficiency and development.

Michelle was referred to the Made Smarter East Midlands digital adaption programme, and with guidance from Peter and Made Smarter digital transformation specialist Prashant Gandabhai on the application process, the business was successfully awarded an £8,300 grant to purchase the CAD system.

The new system will allow the

business to be more competitive and offer a larger range of designs and sizes. With this advantage, it will safeguard and create new jobs.

Images Costumes’ website and e-commerce platforms also needed a revamp enabling the team to make content changes themselves, save on costs and enhance global sales. They are working with Chesterfield Borough Council towards funding for this.

Michelle said: “The support we received from the advisers on the grant project was key to the success of the funding application.

“Small businesses like ours don’t have dedicated procurement departments so such expert knowledge and experience was invaluable.”

Pilot your business to success: Join Pattrn Data's AI-powered Beta!

Imagine your business is a high-speed fighter jet, navigating a competitive landscape. Without the right instruments, you're essentially flying blind. You might try to slow down to assess your surroundings, but the more you slow down, the greater the risk of crashing and burning. You can't see the optimal approach to your target, nor can you spot threats in time. This is the challenge many SMEs face without comprehensive insights.

Rohit Parmar-Mistry, the visionary owner of Pattrn Data, has announced an innovative project set to transform how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) leverage their data to spur growth and profitability. This project revolves around a groundbreaking Beta for an insights platform specifically designed for SMEs, aimed at enhancing their operational efficiencies and marketing effectiveness.

A cockpit full of instruments

Our new platform is like equipping your fighter jet with a full suite of advanced instruments. It

consolidates all your data into a single, userfriendly interface. This integration allows businesses to access, analyse, and interpret their data with unprecedented ease and accuracy, fostering better decision-making processes.

Rohit said: "Pattrn Data is dedicated to demystifying data analytics for SMEs, making it more accessible and actionable. Our new platform will provide SMEs with the tools they need to turn data into a strategic asset, driving enhanced decision-making and sharpening competitive edges in real-time."

Navigating with precision

Without this platform, business owners are left guessing. They have to slow down, risking inefficiencies and missed opportunities:

No radar: Competitors might launch new products or strategies, and you'd only notice too late.

No altimeter: You wouldn't know if your operations are optimally efficient or if you're heading for turbulence.

No GPS: Your path to growth is unclear, wasting resources on trial and error.

With Pattrn Data, your cockpit is fully equipped. The platform provides sophisticated tools to visualise data, helping business owners quickly grasp complex insights. This makes it easier to identify trends, pinpoint efficiency gaps, and adjust strategies swiftly.

AI-driven insights

A significant component of Pattrn Data's new offering is its use the power of artificial

intelligence (AI). This technology helps to optimise marketing spends and improve lead conversion rates. The AI models analyse lead sources and revenue generation, helping SMEs allocate their marketing budgets more effectively.

"These AI-driven insights will allow SMEs to not just chase leads but to chase the right leads," Rohit added. "Moreover, our platform will guide SMEs on the optimal times and methods to engage potential customers, thereby increasing the likelihood of conversion and boosting revenue growth."

Join the Beta phase

Pattrn Data is currently inviting SMEs to participate in the Beta phase of this exciting project. This collaboration provides businesses with a unique opportunity to influence the development of a platform tailor-made to meet their needs.

SMEs interested in joining this pioneering initiative are encouraged to learn more and sign up by visiting Pattrn Data's website. This partnership represents a chance for SMEs to not only benefit from cutting-edge technology but also to actively engage in shaping a tool that could define the future of SME operations.

Join us in shaping the future of SME technology. For more information and to participate, visit www.pattrndata.io. Let’s ensure your business isn't flying blind but navigating with precision and confidence towards success.

Plan ahead to meet your training needs

Vicki Thompson (pictured), head of leadership and training programmes at East Midlands Chamber, highlights some of the offerings for the autumn.

Writing this on a very cold and wet summer’s day, as we wait for the sun to make a proper appearance, I’ve realised that we need to start talking to you about the training available as we approach September and into the autumn months. Am I the only one who feels that the months are chasing by?

The summer months are a great time to start thinking about yours and your team’s development and we have some great courses planned to meet the needs of most organisations – these include:

SEPTEMBER

3 Advanced Excel (bit.ly/3yZMVkp)

ILM Level 3 certificate in leadership and management (bit.ly/3yY2hG9)

10 Customer service excellence 9 (bit.ly/3VH3Lxo)

17 Understanding business finance (bit.ly/4elM9ys)

20 Selling for the non-sales person (bit.ly/3z1X3ZZ)

25 Foundation Excel (bit.ly/4eAInBB)

26 Advanced sales (bit.ly/3VCXvqp)

ILM Level 5 certificate in leadership and management (bit.ly/4cg61kC) Time management (bit.ly/3XnXFTP)

27 Handling difficult people and situations (bit.ly/45lYezD)

We also have a range of first aid and mental health First Aid courses running during September (bit.ly/3VHebNy)

For a full list of courses, running throughout the autumn, please check out – bit.ly/3Iqs78v

We also have our five-day Director Development Programme commencing in September. The Director Development Programme is designed to support directors or senior managers within businesses to grow their business or the department they lead.

The objective is to equip you as a director or senior manager with the skills and confidence you need to drive your business forward and achieve your objectives.

This modular programme covers the following topic headings:

– Developing vision, values & strategy leadership – Planning, direction & priorities

– Finance for non-financial directors

– People management approaches

– Driving performance & leading change

Each section is delivered roughly two weeks apart to give you a chance to apply the principles covered, back in your workplace, before the next session.

These main areas are all interconnected as part of one process, which is primarily the setting and achieving of an agreed culture within the business context.

Find out more about the course, which commences on 17 September by checking out bit.ly/3T9bemg.

Places are limited to eight per course, so book early.

BESPOKE TRAINING

Have you got a training or development requirement in your company and not sure where to start?

Reach out to the business training team, with over 30 years’ experience of supporting businesses across the East Midlands to develop and grow their businesses and teams, you will be with a safe pair of hands.

We will ensure we guide you in the right direction and find the right consultant/trainer to work with you.

Contact Vicki Thompson for more information – email: vicki.thompson@emc-dnl.co.uk

Summit will focus on eco-friendly business

Net zero and the wider ESG agenda are quickly rising up the priority list for many organisations.

Research undertaken with the University of Derby shows the number of East Midlands businesses selling environmentally-friendly goods and services is on the rise, with a growing trend of diversification into green markets and a doubling of those organisations integrating lowcarbon growth into their strategic business plans.

Underlying activity and tackling climate change and nature’s decline remains one of the most pressing issues of our generation, which if left unchecked will bring with it the potential for

extensive business disruption in the future. These and other issues will be under discussion at the 2024 East Midlands Sustainability Summit takes place at the University of Derby, on 12 September. It will focus on how we share knowledge, explore opportunities and understand the challenges – while helping the East Midlands economy play its part in meeting the UK’s net zero targets.

Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are available at the event, which is open to all businesses and free to attend. For details visit: is.gd/b2LHPn

Finalists unveiled for region’s PA Awards

The East Midlands PA Awards committee has revealed this year’s finalists. The team said they wanted to give a huge thank you to all of the businesses across the region who put forward a nomination, and for helping celebrate the achievements of the executive and business support sector.

The awards are run by Midlands events organiser, sector support body and networking specialist PA Forum with support from the Chamber, and the evening itself is being held on Thursday, 12 September, at Athena in Leicester.

The committee is made up of Catherine Harrison, virtual assistant at Bee Assisted; Claire

THE FINALISTS

PA OF THE YEAR

Alison Dowsett, Motorsport UK

Amber Honarmand, OpSec Security

Amy Lockwood, David Ross Education Trust

Claire Ralphs, Topps Tiles

Jo Sedgwick, De Courcey

Jodie Greenwood, FloGas

Julie Diamond, Pick Everard

Laura Nevay, University of Leicester

Lisa Barrett, Vistry Group

Lisa Clinch, Mercedes

Rachel Beeby, De Montfort University

Rebecca Whetton, Mattioli Woods

Ruth Dyer, CB Tax

Tara Tate, University of Leicester

Vanessa Tate, Gateley Smithers Purslow

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Becky Booth, Gateley

Bethan Farrant, University of Leicester

Emma Spence, Loughborough University

Ingrid Dyson, University of Leicester

Laura Branson, University of Nottingham

Melissa Pacey, ARUP

Philip North, University of Leicester

Rachel Dawes, University of Leicester

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Adam Thuraisingam Robbins, University of Leicester

Fleur Adshead, University of Nottingham

Laura Nevay, University of Leicester

Leigh Kirkpatrick, University of Leicester

Ruth Dyer, CB TAX

Sara Parkin, De Montfort University

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Annie Jones, A J Mills Master Mason Ltd

Clare Stanga, University of Leicester

Diane Lazzari, Gateley

Jennifer Hollis, University of Leicester

Jules Skelly, PwC

Kerry Marriott, De Montfort University

Lesley Franks, De Montfort University

Sue Mawby, Shoosmiths

TEAM OF THE YEAR

Academic Support Team, De Montfort University

Business Support Team, Uniper Technologies

Hay, assistant to the general manager at Amazon UK; Jacqui Harley, executive assistant at the University of Leicester; Ruth Hubbard, practice group support manager at Eversheds Sutherland; and Sara Fritz, executive assistant and office manager at RVL Aviation.

If you would like to attend, support or find out more about PA Forum events across the East Midlands please contact forum founder Daniel Skermer at daniel@pa-forum.co.uk or Lesley Young, co-founder East Midlands PA Forum, at lesley.young@emc-dnl.co.uk

Executive PA Team, West Nottingham College

Facilities Team, Eversheds Sutherland

School of Criminology, University of Leicester

School of Engineering, University of Leicester

SRM Team, Holland & Barrett

Team B7, PwC

Victoria Maynard & Co, Victoria Maynard & Co

RISING STAR AWARD

Amy Watkins, University of Nottingham

Begum Karacaoglu, University of Nottingham

Daniel Barton, Eversheds Sutherland

Ellesha Garner, Eversheds Sutherland

Fatema Gaffer, University of Leicester

Hann Alexyz Leonardo-Cruz, Nottingham Trent

University

Michaella Kissane, HAYS

Roanne Woodward, NIHR Leicester

Victoria Linthwaite, David Ross Education Trust

BUSINESS SUPPORT MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Alexandra Summers, Northampton College

Charlotte Ratcliffe, University of Leicester

Gary Wydell, University of Loughborough

Linda Marshall, Uniper

Louise Whaley, University of Leicester

Maria Maltby, David Ross Education Trust

Megan Shrive, University of Leicester

Rachel Trinder, PwC

Rebecca Waycott, Gateley

PROJECT CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

Charlotte King, University of Leicester

Claire Ralphs, Topps Tiles

Debra Farmer, Druck

Jackie Corbett, Shoosmiths

Kay Caldwell, Galliford Try

Maria Maltby, David Ross Education Trust

Sebastian Rotaru, Amazon

VIRTUAL ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR

Helen Martin, Aggrandise VA

Isabelle Pearcy, Izzz Whizz

Katie Peggs, Bloom VA

Lisa Jackson, Calm VA

Lucy Hicks, Lucy Hicks VA

Natalie Cook, NC29

Sarah Ingleby, Small Biz Bod

Sarah Szekir-Papasavva, Apt Virtual Assistance

Sarah Vincent, Admin Guru

Victoria Maynard, VM&CO Ltd

Generation Next members take part in regular gettogethers including a recent paddle board session

Employers urged to back next generation

Employers are being encouraged to sign up younger team members to the Chamber’s Generation Next network, to help them develop their talent.

For many businesses, it is high on the agenda to ensure their young professionals are fully equipped with the confidence and skills to excel in their work lives. One report has suggested 91% of talent professionals agree that soft skills are important to the future of recruitment, and Generation Next gives employers a hand enabling younger workers to grow their skills and knowledge in a supportive, fun environment alongside likeminded peers.

Each month, Generation Next focuses its events programme on a particular skill which fosters career development. These are the types of transferable skills often not covered in school, from leadership and problem-solving, to being responsible for time management and wellbeing.

‘Helps members build professional relationships with likeminded people’

Through a variety of socials, conferences and large-scale awards events, Generation Next offers a way for young professionals to gain exposure to the East Midlands business community.

Through its events and socials, it also helps members build professional relationships with likeminded people – in comfortable environments where members can work through common issues within their jobs, and bounce new ideas off each other.

The network is backed by a young board of ‘champions’ and ‘ambassadors’ that support new members by introducing them to others within the group and promoting the services on offer. The network also offers members access to a mentoring portal, where they can connect with business leaders across the East Midlands.

By investing in the tools and experiences to enable young professionals to succeed, employers can boost their motivation and productivity.

Generation Next also runs an annual awards programme for employers to nominate staff members aged between 18 and 35 to recognise their positive contribution to the workplace.

Powered by East Midlands Chamber, Generation Next is a membership network for young professionals working in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, which costs £150 per year, per individual. For a company, each membership will cost a maximum of £150 with further discounts and packages available for two or more memberships.

For details visit: www.generationnextemc.co.uk

Get your entries in for Business Awards

The deadline for entries to the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards is 19 July.

The annual awards – which are held separately in Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire – showcase the achievement and resilience of businesses across the three cities and counties. Businesses can apply for the 13 category awards which include Excellence in Innovation, Outstanding Growth and Business Improvement Through Technology.

A Business of the Year is chosen from the winners in each county and selected firms will go through to the regional and national British Chambers of Commerce Awards.

Finalists will be revealed in an announcement at the President’s Summer Celebration event on 21 August, followed by a virtual judging process. TV presenter Emma Jesson will host the awards which take place later in the year.

Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The Chamber Business Awards recognise the remarkable achievements of the region’s business community, its strength in challenging times and the innovation that the East Midlands is so proud of.”

The dates for the three award ceremonies are: Derbyshire, 25 October; Nottinghamshire, 1 November; Leicestershire, 8 November. Sponsorship opportunities can be discussed by emailing trace.voss@emc-dnl.co.uk

For more information and to enter go to www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/business-awards

Celebrate summer with the President

The 2024 President’s Summer Celebration is set to be one of the Chamber’s standout social events of the year.

This year, the celebration will take place on 21 August at the Delta by Marriott Hotel, Nottingham Belfry. As well as networking with regional business leaders, attendees will find out this year’s finalists for our prestigious Business Awards.

After welcoming formalities from Chamber president Stuart Dawkins, there will be opportunities to meet other professionals, as well as Business Awards entrants, sponsors and members of the Chamber team.

The Awards attract applications from businesses that have achieved incredible successes, and this celebration brings them all together into one room. For those who have entered the Business Awards it is a chance to find out if they have been shortlisted as finalists.

Book places at: is.gd/mxaxOh

Energy Summit aims to power green growth

East Midlands Chamber’s Midlands Energy Summit 2024 takes place at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing factory in Burnaston, Derbyshire on 28 November. The event is being held in partnership with the University of Nottingham’s Energy Institute and will explore how businesses, academia and policy-makers can come together to ensure that clean growth underpins our future economic landscape.

Identified in the Chamber’s a Manifesto for Growth 2024 as ‘The Big Opportunity’ in developing the future of energy production, storage and provision in the East Midlands, the summit will explore the strengths of the region and the role of regional businesses in this space.

The summit is open to all businesses and free to attend. Further details as well as information about exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are available at is.gd/JKcIL2

New network will offer tailored support to local manufacturers

Leicestershire manufacturers are to benefit from tailored support following the formal launch of the new Leicestershire Manufacturing Network.

The new group forms part of the wider East Midlands Manufacturing Network which was set up in 2022 by the Chamber to help manufacturers build the support, resources and funding needed to grow. It has since attracted more than 350 members from across the region.

The insight and experience the network has taken from its Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire groups show that rural manufacturers have subtly different requirements and challenges to deal with when compared to their more citycentric peers.

Leicestershire is no exception and the establishment of a new group in Loughborough ensures local manufacturers are not only being heard but can also shape and influence the business support needed to address their business priorities.

Leicestershire Manufacturing Network vice chair Sandra Wiggins said: “I’m delighted to step into the role of vice chair for the newly established Leicestershire network of the East Midlands Manufacturing Network. It’s a fantastic opportunity to highlight the dynamic and often overlooked rural areas of Leicestershire.

“Being hosted by Loughborough University, allows us to elevate local manufacturing and spotlight the substantial potential and innovation within these communities.

“It’s a chance for us to unite, sharing best practices and learning from each other in a supportive environment where collaboration is key. I’m excited about the potential for growth and the recognition this can bring to our local industry, celebrating the vital role manufacturing plays in strengthening our regional economy.”

East Midlands Chamber deputy chief executive Diane Beresford said: “Joining the East Midlands Manufacturing Network brings so many benefits.

“It raises awareness of the great work of manufacturers in our region and helps attract investment. It enables manufacturers to learn from industry experts and stay informed about the financial support and specialist advice on offer from programmes such as Made Smarter.

“Most importantly perhaps, it provides manufacturers with a forum to discuss their challenges and explore collaborations.”

For details visit www.emmn.co.uk

Some of last year’s winners

www.emc-dnl.co.uk/sustainability

Software will help cut carbon emissions

Ideagen, a Nottingham-based specialist in regulatory and compliance software, has teamed up with an environmental specialist to create Ideagen Carbon Accounting – which it hopes will be a disruptor in the complex world of measuring greenhouse gas emissions.

The business hopes the new software will make it easier for businesses to meet their CSR commitments, using generative artificial intelligence to streamline the complex requirements of carbon accounting, to help deliver on emissions reporting to the highest regulatory standards.

Ideagen has more than 16,000 customers globally, many of whom already use its environmental, health and safety and financial reporting services.

Many clients have said their biggest challenges include the accuracy and intricacy of reporting to the various global ESG standards.

It has teamed up with envirotech disruptor Emizio to create the platform which guides users through the carbon accounting process from start to finish using corporate activity data –such as energy or vehicle usage records.

Ideagen Carbon Accounting then automatically extracts the right data and generates audit-ready emissions results.

Ideagen said the in-built AI also helps fix any gaps in the data, a common issue in carbon reporting, helping businesses report more accurately.

Emma Hayes, chief financial officer at Ideagen, said: “Carbon accounting is complicated and meticulous. Meeting the regulations for greenhouse gas emissions requires many datasets from many different sources across a business.

“If you’re a multi-site organisation that's even more challenging. It increases the risk of misreporting and greenwashing accusations.

“It became clear that if our purpose is to provide clarity and confidence to regulated industries, then we needed to find a solution that helps businesses navigate the complexities of ESG compliance.

“But it needed to be innovative, efficient and easy for organisations to execute.”

The fashionable way to beat homlessness

Ahomelessness charity has launched an online sustainable fashion store to help raise money to keep people off the streets of the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.

To support its work with homeless and vulnerable people the Framework charity has launched Framework Fashion – a new online fashion store selling a bespoke range of Tshirts, hoodies, jumpers and bags.

Profits generated will directly support the charity’s work to end homelessness and tackle disadvantage across the East Midlands and in Sheffield.

‘We empower people to achieve financial stability, social inclusion and independence’

Framework delivers housing, health, employment, support and care services to people with diverse needs in Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and in Sheffield – supporting around 18,000 people each year.

A spokesman said: “Working to end homelessness and tackle disadvantage, we aim to empower people to build better, more independent futures: during our first two decades we’ve helped around 200,000 people change their lives and overcome homelessness, addiction, mental ill-health and unemployment.

“Regardless of their past, or the challenges they face, we empower people to achieve financial stability, social inclusion and independence, because we believe that everyone has the right and potential to achieve a better future.”

The product range, comprising more than 30 items of high-quality sustainable clothing and accessories, has been designed by Framework’s graphic designer Iryna Fryer, and Framework chose World Environment Day in June for the launch.

Everything in the collection is produced by Teemill in its UK factory powered by renewables using certified organic cotton and water-based inks free from toxic or harmful chemicals.

Shipping is in plastic-free packaging which is designed to be reused or coloured in.

In addition there is no over-production, waste or unsold stock as each item is individually printed on demand and the products are designed to be sent back and remade into something new when they are worn out.

Claire Eden, Framework’s head of fundraising and communications, said: “The launch of Framework’s online shop with a dedicated fashion range is a big step in our mission to support people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.

“The designs raise awareness of Framework’s mission and values, inspiring more people to join our efforts in making a difference, and profits from sales directly support our work.

“With a wide range of products, several different designs and all at reasonable prices we are confident there will be something for everyone.

“It is also important that these products are produced with minimal environmental impact and promote care for the planet, sustainability and ethical consumerism.”

Framework’s online fashion store can be found at frameworkfashion.co.uk

Emma Hayes

Examples of sustainable clothing from homeless charity Framework Fashion

Recycling firm earns royal seal of approval

ADerbyshire company which has recycled enough plastic bottles to fill the Albert Hall 16 times over has picked up a King’s Award for Sustainable Development.

Wirksworth-based TDP, which makes outdoor furniture from recycled plastic, was is one of only a select few companies in the UK to be awarded the country’s highest business accolade for sustainability. The firm was officially honoured for its achievement with a presentation by His Majesty’s representative in the county, The LordLieutenant for Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill CBE, and one of Derbyshire’s Deputy LordLieutenants, Peter Ellse.

‘Any business with a King’s Award is guaranteed to receive a warm welcome at home and abroad’

Mrs Fothergill said: “Quite genuinely, it is my absolute honour and privilege, as His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the county of Derbyshire, to present on behalf of His Majesty, King Charles III, the King’s Award for Enterprise, Sustainable Development, to TDP.

“The King’s Awards for Enterprise are considered to be the highest accolade to be bestowed upon a UK business – the most prestigious award. Increasingly relevant, and with a higher profile than ever before, any business with a King’s Award is guaranteed to receive a warm welcome at home and abroad.

“It says so much, and this is so much true in this company’s case, about the calibre and the standing of the company, its dealings with its staff, its customers, its stakeholders and its community engagement.

“It is only awarded to companies that have shown outstanding achievement and it showcases their innovations, ideas and achievements to a global audience.”

TDP founder and managing director Rob Barlow said sustainability was at the heart of the company’s ethos and that he and his wife Anne had taken part in several citizen science trips to parts of the world acutely affected by climate change, including the Indian Ocean – scene of devastating coral bleaching – and Antarctica where they witnessed rare rainfall, glacial carving and micro plastics in the sea.

He said witnessing the circularity of nature had inspired the business to continue driving forward its own sustainability measures and reduce its carbon footprint.

He said that over the years TDP has saved more than 4,500 tonnes of plastic waste from going into landfill, rivers and oceans, saving 11,250 trees from having to be felled, and more than 27,000 tonnes of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere.

In order to prepare its entry for the King’s Award for Sustainable Development, TDP was advised by business sustainability consultants Wylde Connections, whose consultant Denise Taylor was on hand to witness the award being presented. Guests included Derbyshire High Sheriff Ian Morgan, Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, Paul Wilson, chief executive of Derbyshire Dales District Council, and Derbyshire Dales District Council leader Steve Flitter.

Rob and Anne Barlow were presented with their award while their children Luke and Kym –both directors of the company – received an engraved King’s Award crystal bowl.

Rob said: “This was a very proud day for TDP. I could not be more delighted to have received this accolade. We could not have achieved what we have without the hard work of all our team and I was very happy that they all had the opportunity to be pictured with The Lord-Lieutenant for Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill. We will continue to make every effort to put sustainability front and centre of everything we do.”

Alpha constructs a greener future

A Derbyshire construction firm is building a reputation for its work in the renewables and energy sector.

Alpha Construction, which is based in Hilton, off the A50 west of Derby, is a civil engineering and building contractor which was launched in 1982. Over the decades it has grown to work in sectors ranging from retail and commercial to energy, flood defence and water as well as sewerage, waste management and industrial. Its growing body of work in the energy sector now takes in battery energy storage, wind turbines, high voltage substations, energyfrom-waste and liquid air energy storage.

Managing director Anthony Bamford said: “Much of our work is civil engineering in the energy sector and we work throughout the UK. We previously did a lot in the water industry but they changed their tender strategy and we ended up doing more and more in the electricity industry with big companies such as National Grid and Central Networks.

“From there we went on to work with other companies such as Western Power Distribution and other network operators, helping them construct their substations and replacing their existing assets.

“On top of that we work for private companies involved in things like battery storage and biomass plants – people such as Hitachi and Siemens.

“We’re on site on a number of battery storage projects which are about 50 megawatts, but capacity is slowly increasing and some companies are talking about 400600 megawatts and up to 1 gigawatt.

“Using our knowledge of the grid we do the civil engineering and building work, and lay foundations. Standards are incredibly high. We employ about 60 people directly, supplemented by specialist sub-contractors, and have a turnover of £12m and we’re growing slowly and strategically.

“The whole electricity network needs improving, right down to what people see going into their homes. There will be a lot more battery storage work as we move along the road to net zero.

“We can no longer rely on coal and gas –energy resources have to be about what we can obtain here in the UK rather than continuing to import fossil fuels.

“Solar, wind and battery will help us maintain the security of energy supplies.”

Alpha Construction worked on the Widmerpool Biomass Plant in Nottinghamshire

Export of UK services continues to grow

The UK trade deficit dropped slightly in April –from £10.4bn to £10.1bn.

The amount of goods imported that month was up £3.7bn (8.2%) while the value of goods exported remained stable – with a fall in exports to the EU offset by a rise in exports to non-EU countries.

For the three-month period to April, the trade in goods deficit widened by £1.6bn to £48.5bn, while the trade in services surplus is estimated to have widened by £1.8bn to £38.4bn.

Responding to the latest trade data published by the ONS, William Bain, head of trade policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Services continue to perform particularly well among UK exports, with solid increases in the past three months. Goods exports performed less well in April, as in recent months.”

Goods import volumes (excluding inflation) rose by 7.8% in April, with similar increases for both the EU and the rest of the world.

Imports from the EU rose by 7.7% (£1.6bn), led by rises in machinery and transport equipment, and food. Non-EU imports volumes rose by 7.9% (£1.3bn) driven by higher general manufactured goods and fuels.

Goods export volumes fell by 2.8%. For the EU, they fell by 1.4% (£200m), after adjustment for inflation – the main decline being in crude oil sales to Germany.

Non-EU goods exports volumes fell by 4% (£500m), driven by chemicals exports. This was offset to some degree by higher fuel, machinery and transport equipment exports.

UK services trade showed another month of consistent growth in both imports (up 0.9% or £200m) and exports (up 0.6% or £200m).

Olympics shows the importance of carnets Swiss play a key role in our trading

More than 10,000 athletes from all corners of the globe will travel to Paris for the 2024 Olympics this summer.

And with them comes the logistical challenge of shipping not just their kit and equipment but all the crowd and hospitality equipment, catering gear, multimedia gear and all the other bits and pieces that come with such a huge global event.

East Midlands Chamber can help with the process by supplying ATA Carnets – the documents needed to move expensive bits of kit across borders and back again.

The customs document helps streamline the customs process by offering a dedicated declaration form with a predetermined cost.

According to the International Chamber of Commerce the system’s efficiency was highlighted during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, when more than 118,000 pieces of equipment valued at $94m –around £74m – were imported using ATA Carnets.

Lucy Granger is international trade manager at East Midlands Chamber which has been issuing carnets for well over a decade, which means her team is expert in all the practicalities.

The number being processed has grown since

The BCC’s Head of Trade Policy, William Bain, recently spent three days in Switzerland, looking at its trade with the UK and relationship with the rest of Europe. This is what he learnt.

Switzerland is one of the UK’s strongest trading partners with a depth to its finance and services trade that mirrors our own. It is also at the heart of Europe’s life sciences and pharmaceutical industries. As a member of the European Free Trade Area, while sitting outside the European Economic Area, it can set its own course on many regulatory issues.

But it retains close links with the EU Single Market, particularly in goods. These have been developed through bilateral agreements with Brussels over the past half a century, though Switzerland is also a full participant in the Schengen Zone, allowing friction free movement through Swiss territory for qualifying citizens.

As such, thousands of workers in France and

Germany commute across the border into Switzerland every day, working in its fastgrowing sectors like pharmaceuticals.

During the BCC’s visit, with UK and Swiss business representatives and officials, the key focus was digital trade, customs facilitations and the future of UK-Swiss economic relations.

This dialogue comes at a timely moment, with negotiations between London and Bern well under way on an upgraded set of trading terms –prospectively covering digital trade and services.

The current continuity agreement, dating from before the UK’s EU exit, covers only trade in goods. The ambition of both sides is to go further. They want to produce a future-proofed modern agreement, fit for the trade

the UK left the EU – for the simple reason that they weren’t needed for travel into and out of Europe when we still held membership.

‘We are probably issuing 450 carnets a year and 80-90%

of that would be for the EU’

Lucy said: “Basically they allow goods to be temporarily taken out of the UK, imported into another customs territory, then re-exported back into the UK. Think of things like equipment for exhibitions and trade fairs, people taking equipment over to do work or samples of work.

“It allows that temporary movement of goods without incurring any duty or VAT.

“We issue a lot, for instance, for exhibitions in Italy and Germany – Germany being one of the exhibition capitals of the world. We also issue a lot for sports equipment, for people going to do racing or canoeing or kayaking which all needs to be covered from a customs perspective. An ATA Carnet is the best way to do it.

“We have seen the number we have been issuing more than double. Before Brexit we were

probably issuing about 100 a year for the US, India, China, Morocco, Turkey… whereas now, we are probably issuing 450 carnets a year and 8090% of that would be for the EU.”

Lucy said customers make their application online, which is then assessed to ensure that the goods comply and the country they are going to will accept them. She said the US, as an example, will accept carnets for commercial samples or professional equipment, but not for trade fairs or exhibitions. By comparison the EU

opportunities of the second quarter of the 21st century, where services are more prominent.

And our co-operation has already yielded much in the last three years – with the adoption of the Bern Agreement providing a boost to growth, through mutual recognition of financial services regulations.

During this visit I also saw the very best of Swiss technical and policy ingenuity in improving the customs journey of lorries and goods moving in and out of Switzerland.

It is reforming these at pace, as the roll-out of new customs processes speeds up the movement of goods through the Swiss border.

accepts them for many more things.

She said: “We make sure all those things for that carnet are coming back into the UK, that there’s nothing that’s consumable and nothing that’s going to be used as a fitting or fixture that’s not coming back.

“Once we’re happy with that we start the ball rolling, get all the paperwork sorted then invoice the customer. We require payment up front as there is an insurance element which covers against things such as customs claims.

This is vital to its long-term commercial success as a key supply and transit route, linking southern Europe with ports and consumers in the north.

It was impressive to see how it works in practice, and European customs co-operation should scale up this system. Eventually, it should become a part of both UK and EU customs processes within the New Computerised Transit System.

If our negotiations for a new free trade agreement succeed in the coming months and years, an even more prosperous chapter in Swiss-UK relations can begin to be written.

Online session will get you on track

East Midlands Chamber is hosting a webinar outlining the practicalities of applying for and using ATA Carnets for the temporary export of items from the UK.

Since leaving the EU, the movement of temporary goods out of the UK requires additional paperwork. If you are travelling to the EU (or anywhere else in the world) for a trade fair or exhibition, taking professional goods, or samples to customers, an ATA Carnet can help in reducing the amount of admin, and cost, associated with temporary exports.

This bitesize session will help you understand what an ATA Carnet is and the benefits to using one.

It takes place online from 10am to noon on 25 July and costs £20 for Chamber members and £40 for non-members (plus VAT).

You can also redeem the cost of the webinar against your next ATA Carnet issued by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire).

For further information, contact Lucy Granger on 0333 320 0333 or email: lucy.granger@emc-dnl.co.uk

Paddle UK is the parent body for British canoeing, located at the National Water Sports Centre, Nottingham, and employs around 100 people. DAWN KEALL is the canoe sprint and paracanoe logistics and fleet manager.

What does the organisation do?

We are the national governing body for paddle sport in the UK, which includes several canoeing and kayaking disciplines. My role involves the movement of people and equipment to international camps and competitions.

What does your international operation involve?

Movement of people, racing boats and equipment to international camps and competitions.

How important has this been to your business and your customers?

Vital for our competing athletes, they would be unable to compete without the movement of their boats and equipment as temporary exports.

How did you find the experience of applying for an ATA carnet and what kind of support did you receive?

The support received from the ATA Carnet department at the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce is highly valuable. Especially since Brexit, we have needed to treat our boats and equipment as temporary exports, whereas previously there was free movement within the EU. The specialists at the Chamber are very knowledgeable and extremely helpful.

“Once it’s been paid for it’s a physical document which the customer comes and collects from us or we post it out to them.”

Costs vary depending on the goods, where they are going and for how long but it tends to be a lot cheaper than if the client was paying typical export and import fees. Lucy said they can turn ATA Carnets around in 24-to-48 hours, but the team generally asks for three-to-fivedays to complete the processing because of all the toing-and-froing that is sometimes needed.

She said: “It is predominantly Chambers who issue them and they are all governed by the UK National ATA Carnet Organisation (UKNATACO), which is the issuing authority.”

The Paris Olympics will provide the perfect opportunity for the Chamber to support the region’s sports bodies.

She said: “If you think of any athletes that are going, for instance, a tennis player is going to have to take 25 rackets, while others will need canoes, javelins, shot-puts… if there’s a catering company going from the UK they might be taking a catering truck while events companies might be taking seating.

“We want them to know that we can help with the paperwork and make it as seamless as possible. We already work with people such as Paddle UK in Nottinghamshire, and there are going to be others out there we could help too.”

For information visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/ services/international/ata-carnets or email Lucy.Granger@emc-dnl.co.uk

What we want from our next Government

Business Network asked four Chamber members to set out their priorities for the new Government following the July General Election. This is what they said:

NAME: AMY ORTON, ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

BUSINESS: PR SPECIALIST 1284

LOCATION: LUSEP, LOUGHBOROUGH NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: FOUR

Faster payment for small businesses. Government agreed in the Autumn Statement to introduce a prompt payment policy to help SMEs get paid sooner by larger companies and the public sector. Cash flow is fundamental to small business growth – helping those SMEs get paid in a timely manner will boost an economy in which companies with fewer than 50 employees make up 99% of the total business population.

Strategic approach to business support. An uneven national support landscape for small businesses has long existed but the introduction of UKSPF seems to have fragmented it further. It’s a bit of a postcode lottery as to whether local businesses will be eligible or not for programmes, training, and match-funding. Such national inconsistency makes it harder for businesses to decipher what’s available to them, with opportunities missed.

Encouraging innovation. All parties agree that effective innovation increases productivity and boosts the economy. It has the potential to underpin economic growth and stability by doing more with less.

Providing easy access to small amounts of match-funding for targeted investment (say £5,000) will enable small businesses to invest in kickstarting innovation projects. They are often unable to devote huge amounts of time and resource to complex funding applications that are often oversubscribed and come with no guarantee of success.

Regional investment. A notable figure in the Chamber’s Manifesto for Growth is that our region receives only 64.7% of the UK average for transport infrastructure spending – lowest of all regions.

Yet we deliver the greatest return on investment. Our location at the centre of England (as well as the only inland freeport) presents a huge opportunity for Government in coming years.

Fair funding for public services. Budgets across the public sector are under pressure and will continue to be so. Finding new ways to collaborate across local authorities and organisations will help boost productivity and save money. But upfront investment in new technology, and development of new processes comes at a cost.

Government must reward local authorities which take an innovative approach to managing public services. It’s currently inconsistent – for years County Hall has been pointing out that Leicestershire is the lowest-funded county in the country. If Leicestershire were funded like Surrey, our region would be £104m per year better off.

NAME: EMILY SMITH, FINANCE AND OPERATIONS DIRECTOR OF MSSL AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF AVW

BUSINESS:

MICHAEL SMITH SWITCHGEAR AND AVW FABRICATIONS

LOCATION: ELLAND ROAD, LEICESTER NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 55

An Industrial strategy for manufacturers. What is the long-term plan for manufacturing in the UK? The manufacturing industry has faced well-

documented challenges in recent years. Our country has huge potential to make and supply across the globe. National economic growth could be boosted. But it requires stability. Policies making it easier for companies to export, win contracts, and be paid in a timely manner can all underpin industrial strategy.

Apprenticeships need to be appealing to young people. There is still so much pressure to go to university, both from education providers and parents who don’t fully understand modern apprenticeships.

We should be talking about alternatives to university earlier in young people’s education. Mapping out practical workplace-based routes into careers will help change this narrative, strengthen the labour market, and see more young people in training or employment at 18.

Upskilling of current workers. It’s so important to ensure everyone has the skills required for a successful workplace. Offering businesses incentives and providing financial support to upskill employees will improve the labour market. It will contribute towards the higher skilled workforce all political parties are looking for. Practical opportunities to support employers in allocating resources will increase impact.

Renewing focus on sustainability. The focus on original Net Zero goals is drifting. Yet stricter targets move the UK forward as a leader in sustainability. This is something that we at MSSL/AVW have been putting in place for a decade. Others are now also making changes, but finding that more support is required. Programmes that help businesses achieve sustainability targets will benefit the economy and the environment. Financial support and practical programmes could help the UK become a sustainability example on an international level.

Support for investment in evolving technology. AI and other technologies are developing at such speed that businesses just can’t keep up. This is particularly true of the financial cost.

The possibilities for innovation and efficiencies that AI presents are almost limitless. But to achieve the potential, businesses need to be supported in learning and training their workforces. This would mean practical application that is industry specific.

There are plenty of funded courses available teaching people about AI but many people cannot visualise the practical application. There needs to be more outcome-linked opportunities – showing businesses how to apply the capabilities of AI would translate to much wider benefits.

NAME: TOM MORGAN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, TRENTBARTON AND KINCHBUS

BUSINESS: TRENTBARTON

LOCATION: HEANOR

EMPLOYEES: 1,200

Getting sustainable growth going will make a big difference to our East Midlands economy. Every day we witness a handbrake that’s holding back our local businesses, impacting productivity and wasting time and money. Congestion on our roads is strangling our towns and cities.

We have a vested interest in running popular, frequent and reliable bus services. But all businesses need the traffic to flow so that people can move and travel freely.

Booming towns and cities have excellent active and public transport. Places easy to get to by public transport thrive; places where public transport is hindered in favour of cars wither.

We want the new Government taking bold decisions to tackle congestion, prioritising those who choose efficient transport modes that quickly move more people. For us, that means more bus priority measures so those making efficient use of our highways are rewarded with faster, more reliable journeys.

The air quality in our congested towns and city centres is a national disgrace and the new Government needs a plan to make significant improvements.

There is an achievable win, which also cuts the carbon our region emits – attract more car users to make modal switches to active transport (walking, cycling) or public transport (bus, train, tram).

If everyone swapped one in 25 of their car journeys to bus, we would save over two million

tonnes of CO2 a year. It would eliminate more than one billion car journeys, 98% of which are horrifyingly inefficient in single occupancy vehicles. Buses reduce congestion, reduce time lost in queues with engines idling, and reduce emissions.

Public transport, the most popular form of transport amongst poorest demographics, is proven to aid social mobility. Many households don’t have a car. This is also true of many young people. They are limited by the transport options available to them.

Investing in our public transport widens the reach of opportunities for young people and the poorest in society, improving access to work and education.

Our new Government needs to invest in and enable public transport to equalise aspirations and create opportunities not available to the carless. It is also an issue of equality for older people, many of whom rely on the bus for everyday activities.

We need bold and brave people in power to make the decision to free our towns and cities from congestion, to facilitate economic growth, social mobility and a cleaner environment for all.

INTERVIEWEE: LEE MARSHALL, MANAGING DIRECTOR

BUSINESS: VIRIDIS

BUILDING SERVICES

LOCATION: COLLINGHAM, NEAR NEWARK, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: NINE

I’d like to see a more business-friendly Government, particularly one that is sensible about corporation tax. Reducing the burden of corporation tax will help business owners be

more motivated to encourage employment and growth.

Around 95% of businesses in the UK employ 10 people or fewer and they contribute to 3540% of GDP. We are basically the ‘Dunkirk’ of UK business – we keep it sailing – and without us, UK Plc would be in big trouble.

The Government should either reduce corporation tax or provide corporation tax relief linked to job creation.

Accelerate environmental initiatives. Firstly, we need to recognise the progress that has been made in the UK energy regulations over the past 20-25 years. But we need to accelerate that trajectory.

There’s a misnomer that sustainability is expensive – instead it is a perfect vehicle for bringing economic benefits to UK Plc. Increasing our decarbonisation targets will enable the UK business community to benefit from accelerated growth. It will allow them to export the knowledge to developing countries, especially coal and oil-based economies.

Bringing forward EPC legislation for the construction industry will also accelerate the improvement of the existing building stock.

Encourage social mobility through education. We must encourage more young people into engineering disciplines and skilled trades such as plumbing, electrics and bricklaying to support our transition to a low-carbon economy. Social prejudices and outdated education frameworks discourage youngsters from filling these skills gaps.

The Government needs to get youngsters into vocational courses early. It needs to establish foundation courses where multiple skilled trades are taught, allowing the students to try all disciplines before they specialise. This could also help create a generation of multi-skilled people who can be deployed on, say, construction sites, more efficiently.

Reduce red tape on international employees. The Government should revise the policy surrounding the employment of international students who have graduated in the UK. If I wanted to employ a graduate from overseas, I’d have to pay them £38,000, which is not viable.

International graduates are given a limited period after graduation where they can work in the UK, but the timescales are too restricted, meaning their skill sets will still be relatively underdeveloped to command the prescribed salary level.

These graduates are often unsupported in their home countries, where the jobs may not exist. Meanwhile, the UK is losing out on valuable future economic assets.

Investing in green spaces - tree planting and rewilding

By Patea Morgant, marketing officer, Christeyns Professional Hygiene.

Acollaborative effort between Christeyns Professional Hygiene and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is making a significant impact on the landscape in the High Peak area.

Their ambitious green space and nature recovery initiatives include a successful tree planting project.

With the assistance of the local scouts, more than 350 trees were planted on a previously unused 1.5-acre plot of land owned by the company, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability over development.

The success of the project has inspired plans for further tree planting on other company-owned green spaces.

Christeyns Professional Hygiene’s tree planting and rewilding efforts are having a multifaceted positive impact.

They are not only enhancing local biodiversity but also act as carbon sequestrants, helping to mitigate climate change.

The trees planted are expected to provide habitat for various wildlife species, thus contributing to a richer and more diverse local ecosystem.

Continued on page 60...

The initiative serves as a powerful example of how corporate responsibility and environmental management can go hand in hand, benefiting both nature and people.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, the leading conservation charity in Derbyshire, manages more than 50 nature reserves and works to promote and care for the natural environment.

Ruth Pilbeam, rewilding projects officer, said the trust is a growing charity committed to achieving its vision of a Wilder Derbyshire, with more space for nature and landscapes rich in wildlife, valued by everyone.

Extending its efforts beyond the reserves, the trust has developed a programme that works closely with landowners, local communities and project leaders to inspire and implement a landscape-scale, nature-led approach to nature’s recovery, employing nature-based solutions and rewilding principles wherever possible.

Despite the natural beauty and popularity of the area surrounding Christeyns Professional Hygiene’s factory, much of the landscape is in poor ecological health with key habitats missing.

In a series of pioneering projects, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust aims to create nature corridors, expand spaces for nature, and reintroduce lost habitats to halt and reverse the decline of native species.

The ultimate goal is to transform the Peak District into a ‘Wild Peak’, ensuring a healthier and more vibrant ecosystem for future generations. ...from page 58

INVESTING IN PEOPLE: THE HEART OF REGENERATION

At the core of Christeyns Professional Hygiene’s strategy lies a commitment to investing in its people.

By prioritising the hiring of local talent, the company not only creates jobs but also nurtures a strong sense of community. This inclusive approach ensures that the High Peak area remains attractive to the younger generation for building or starting their careers.

Christeyns Professional Hygiene’s dedication to its employees extends beyond recruitment.

The company actively invests in employee development through comprehensive training and upskilling programmes.

Sarah Buckley, stock and training manager, emphasised this commitment, saying: “As a company, it is our responsibility to make sure that our workforce receives the right training to meet future challenges.”

This focus on continual learning and development equips employees with the skills needed to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving market.

The company’s investment in human capital highlights the importance of its workforce in sustaining long-term business success.

This strategy not only benefits the employees but also enhances the company's overall performance and competitiveness.

‘The initiative serves as a powerful example of how corporate responsibility and environmental management can go hand in hand’

A guide to urban regeneration

decline and seeks to create not only a better environment for residents and the public, but also investment opportunities for local businesses.

urban regeneration project can breathe new life into an area and improve the quality of life for those that call it home.

THE IMPORTANCE OF REGENERATION

Regeneration is so much more than redevelopment. A true urban regeneration project will have at its heart sustainability, diversity and innovation, while stimulating the local economy and creating jobs.

A mixed-use development will incorporate retail opportunities and commercial uses, bars and restaurants, workplaces and community spaces. Larger projects may also include affordable homes and public services such as schools and medical centres – but no matter the size, the needs of the local people will always be the driving force behind regeneration.

Local heritage and the environment are also important factors; historic buildings and façades will be protected and retained, while eco-friendly initiatives such as green travel routes (bike and bus lanes, etc) and natural spaces will be implemented. With investment, social, cultural and environmental change can be exacted.

POSITIVE IMPACTS

By improving the economy and liveability of a deprived area, urban regeneration can have a positive and lasting impact on health and wellbeing.

Firstly, new businesses moving into an area will mean lower unemployment rates. As businesses invest in a local

ARE THERE ANY RISKS?

While urban regeneration is largely seen as a positive, there are many things to consider to ensure the project is a success. Firstly, it’s vital that the local community is treated as an equal partner in the process and have opportunities to have their say on the proceedings. Few would relish feeling like a silent bystander while their community is changed around them. A lack of support from local leaders and the community can prove fatal, which is why accountability and transparency are vital at every stage in the process. Open dialogue and community engagement are also important in order to manage expectations about what is realistically achievable.

Another potential risk is the creation of new borders between areas that have been targeted for regeneration and those that have not. This can lead to gentrification –when social and economic problems are pushed out of one ‘up and coming’ area and into the surrounding neighbourhoods. Gentrification can also be seen as stripping away the existing community to make way for new, more affluent families. Urban regeneration projects must therefore be handled with sensitivity to ensure that new socio-economic borders aren’t unwittingly created. The project aims must also be kept in mind at all times. To reiterate – urban regeneration is much more than redeveloping an area and constructing new buildings. If the right combination of social, cultural, commercial and community factors are not maintained, the scheme will inevitably fail.

‘Urban regeneration project can breathe new life into an area and improve the quality of life for those that call it home’

OUR SERVICES

From documents, small samples, parcels, pallets to containers - with dedicated vehicles to overnight small parcels and pallets.

Responsibility goes beyond shareholders

As the Chamber-hosted East Midlands CSR Summit approaches, Business Network looks at the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility and how it manifests itself locally

The theme of this month’s Business Network is CSR – Corporate Social Responsibility – the principle that business should not be just about profit for profit’s sake, but that it should benefit society, its workforce and the broader environment.

At its core is the idea of giving back, and it is something that is gaining more and more traction within economic planning.

It ties in with the Chamber’s 2024 CSR Summit which takes place at the University of Derby on the morning of 11 July – details for places are at the bottom of this story.

The summit is part of our #EMComingtogether campaign, to help strengthen the relationship between local commerce and our communities.

It sits under two Chamber business plan goals – for us to be an architect of change within the local business community and for us to champion responsible business across the East Midlands.

There will be panels, workshops and an opportunity to network and the event is being held in partnership with the University of Derby, with thanks to Ideagen, Futures Housing Group and Foundation Derbyshire. It is being supported by the UK Government and Levelling Up funding.

The summit will bring together many of the region’s charities with business and feature motivational speakers detailing how their CSR strategies have generated benefits for their businesses.

Regional charities exhibiting on the day will help delegates explore the support they can provide, to help with their own CSR journey.

Items on the agenda include the role of community foundations, ideas for building social

impact within business and even how one Premier League football club is helping thousands of young people to “Think Big”.

Richard Blackmore, the Chamber’s new director of policy and insight, said CSR was becoming an important part of the strategy of many businesses and organisations.

He said: “In recent years our Chamber has been putting a greater emphasis on the work it does within our community – not at the expense

of the overall business support that we offer, but as an added value. That is exactly the same thing that we are seeing with the businesses we work with and support – that CSR is becoming ever more central to their aims and objectives.

“It comes down to the fact that helping society, community and the environment ultimately benefits the economy and makes our region a better place to live and work in. The annual summit will be an excellent way of finding out more about how your business can build its CSR profile and hear from some of the charities and networks which are looking for help.”

The University of Derby recently published a report into corporate social responsibility in the East Midlands – supported by the Chamber and put together by the university’s Dr Barbara Tomasella and by Dr Elaine Conway from Loughborough University. It took into account the key findings from the CSR questions within East Midlands Chamber’s Economic Survey in late 2022.

Those findings, it said, suggested that businesses and organisations had continued to engage in CSR despite the impacts of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. They also suggested that service sector businesses were more likely to engage in CSR than manufacturers and that bigger organisations committed a higher proportion of resources than SMEs.

‘Organisations in the East Midlands are good advocates for engaging in CSR activities’

Of all the outside activities companies commit to, the report said that charity work came out top followed by environmental support.

One finding was that the biggest barrier to taking part in CSR was lack of resources, followed by it being off an organisation’s radar, not being part of a strategic plan, not being the right time, not having enough time and not being sure how to get involved.

In their conclusion Dr Tomasella and Dr Conway said: “Organisations in the East Midlands are good advocates for engaging in CSR activities to support their communities.

“Despite barriers of resource availability, many organisations do find the opportunity to invest in CSR and have a strong sense of wanting to give back and develop their local communities.”

To book attendance at the 2024 East Midlands CSR Summit visit: www.emc-dnl.co.uk/events

GET INSPIRED TO BE A VOLUNTEER

Elina Strautmane CMktr ACIM (pictured), is East Midlands Chamber’s social media executive. Here she talks about the work she does as a Chamber employee in the community.

Looking for volunteering opportunities that match my interests was a challenge until I raised it with two of my close colleagues when I was looking for inspiration or an opportunity that they knew about.

I do social media for the Chamber which encourages staff to utilise their CSR days and promote all the amazing work Chamber employees do outside of work –only to realise that I haven’t taken part in any myself.

Suddenly an area that I should improve was as clear as day.

That’s when I gathered my courage, and submitted my application on the Inspiring Governance website, which connects skilled volunteers who are interested in becoming school governors.

interview and joined the board of Berry Hill Primary School in Mansfield, and I have never looked back.

Jointly with other business professionals, the head teacher and a parent governor, we have made some great improvements that help the pupils and their families while ensuring that we follow strict safeguarding rules.

A local primary school, which was in need of governors, reached out. They were looking for professionals that could share their knowledge to drive school vision and strategy towards growth. It’s been 10 months since I passed the

Knowing that my efforts have supported in achieving this has been extremely rewarding but most importantly it has improved the school lives of the pupils who are just at the start of their life, looking to explore and still learning about the world.

I am proud to be a governor and looking back I am very grateful for having that original conversation with my colleague who was able to guide me in the right direction.

So, if you are looking to volunteer, I encourage you to visit the Inspiring Governance website as schools nationwide are in need of professionals on their boards.

WE OWE IT TO OUR COMMUNITIES

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles (pictured) gives his thoughts on the value of CSR when it comes to doing business the right way.

CSR, or Corporate Social Responsibility – not sure I like the full title and specifically the word ‘Corporate’. ‘Community’ would feel more appropriate in this context.

This certainly fits the Chamber’s vision to ‘enhance East Midlands businesses and communities’.

While larger employers meet the ‘corporate’ definition, many of whom have well developed and mature community support initiatives and projects, working closely with charitable organisations, social enterprises and community interest companies, SMEs also strive to support the communities in which they operate to a much greater degree.

Why am I sharing this? Well, during the pandemic years (and it’s still the same today), the most common enquiry received from members and the wider business community was ‘we know we need to do more CSR, but where do we start?’.

One of the things many won’t know about the Chamber, is that as an accredited Chamber in the British Chambers of Commerce network (one of 52 accredited Chambers and the largest by membership), the Chamber has to have an information helpline service. Any member can call and ask anything – where to access funding, identifying international suppliers of a particular product or raw material or to identify local partners for their supply chain. In the last 12 months, the Chamber’s information team handled more than 30,000 enquiries. Some take a few minutes; some take several hours to provide the support needed.

Despite the economic pressures resulting from the pandemic and the crisis in the cost of doing business, we know that the appetite from business is to do more to support individual communities, to support worthy causes and for business success to be measured beyond simply the best return for the shareholder or shareholders.

The appetite by business to undertake ever greater volumes of CSR work is there by a genuine need to be a responsible business. It also creates a competitive edge for businesses, particularly when recruiting and demonstrating a set of values sought by new employees.

The Chamber’s role is to be a conduit for the business community, to help members navigate what CSR activities are taking place and to provide a platform for partnership. This will be evident at the Chamber’s CSR Summit on 11 July delivered in partnership with The University of Derby and Futures Housing Group, Ideagen and Foundation Derbyshire. It’s free to attend so grab your tickets online. I hope to see you there.

BANK IS COMMITTED TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Cambridge & Counties business bank has its headquarters in New Walk, Leicester. It recently registered its highest ever level of gross new lending at £328m, up 6% year-on-year. At the same time as reporting growth it has also continued to invest in its social and environmental commitments. Here the bank’s general counsel Richard Bryan (pictured) talks about the actions it takes.

Q. How important is CSR to the way the bank operates and what are the main areas in which it tries to give back to the community?

A. CSR is core to the purpose of the bank and embedded in our strategy and focus. We give back to the community directly through a combination of charitable donations and volunteering. We also give back indirectly through recruitment, support of SMEs and local suppliers.

Q. Can you give some specific ways in which C&C has helped local good causes?

A. We support a number of local charities and charitable partnerships including Leicestershire Cares, where we have recently been awarded for our ‘Business Contribution to Education’); LEBC (Leicester Education Business Company) where members of staff help by volunteering in local schools; and the Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation. We are also really proud of the very worthy local charities that we support, which includes Soft Touch Arts, TCV (The Conservation Volunteers), Falcon Services, Warning zone, and LOROS to name a few.

Q. The bank was awarded green iiE accreditation for ninth year in a row. What does that mean?

A. It means recognition of our commitment to a sustainable business operation. We achieve it through dedication of colleagues by creation of the Green Team and also a commitment to continuously trying to improve our waste and energy usage. It also recognises a long term commitment to sustainability. The bank achieved the green level accreditation with a score of 76% in the official auditing process, which is based on eight separate sub-categories including leadership and governance, carbon management, waste management, and environmental and social projects.

Q. You work with Sustainable X to strengthen your sustainability credentials. Can you tell us who they are and how they have helped you?

A. Sustainable X is a consultancy which specialises in helping and accelerating firms with regards to their sustainability goals. It has helped us evolve our approach to ESG, think outside of our own strategy and create a framework that will take us into our next chapter. On a more granular level, the team have helped us assess the materiality of ESG – environmental, social and governance –impacts, understand the risk and opportunities and covert those into actions and strategy.

Q. You have achieved B Corp Certification, which I understand if rare for a UK bank. What did you have had to do to achieve that?

A. We went through a rigorous assessment process, measured against an impact assessment considering the environment, governance, workers, community and customer. The process

took about 18 months. In order to be certified, a company must demonstrate high social and environmental performance by achieving a B Impact Assessment score of 80 or above and passing an in-depth risk review. Cambridge & Counties Bank itself scored 92.8, outperforming the banking sector on its impact on the environment, customers and its people.

We’re proud that we did not have to change who we were to become a B Corp, instead it was a recognition of what we had achieved over the first decade of Cambridge & Counties Bank.

We view accreditation as a recognition that the bank has, through supporting SMEs and local communities, made business a force for good. It benefits business as a whole by providing SMEs with access to finance through a sustainable organisation.

Q. How many people do you have at your head office in Leicester, and what do you do to help them give back to the community?

A. We now have around 230 staff. This has continued to grow year-on-year – staff numbers increased almost 10% in 2023 alone. We support staff to have two days a year volunteering in communities.

Q. Do you think that the banking sector could be socially more responsible?

A. The banking sector as a whole has undertaken a significant amount of activity over the past decade with regards to social responsibility. This is to be commended and continued, and Cambridge & Counties Bank has played what we hope to be a role in this positive development. Generally, the industry does recognise the need to become more sustainable, but like all industries, there is a wide variety in where each individual bank is at on that journey.

Nottingham-based marketing agency Cartwright Communications has built on its strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments by supporting Nottingham College’s latest project.

Director Fran Prince joined the judging panel for a business studies project, alongside Andrew Comyn, deputy chief executive and chief financial officer and Matthew Bunn, sustainability lead for Nottingham College. The project encouraged students to come up with a campaign or business venture that addressed a real-world ESG issue, with a prize of a £500 budget to implement the winning idea.

‘This project has been a fantastic opportunity for students to meet with professionals’

There were five shortlisted teams and the winners, Courtney Lewin and Lilyanne Dodds, presented a PR stunt project that highlighted the importance of recycling within the college community.

Fran said: “At the start of 2024, we set ourselves some very ambitious targets for supporting causes that matter to us and to our clients, be that through volunteering our time or our services to charities, or working with organisations such as Nottingham College to encourage and educate the next generation.

AGENCY SUPPORT HELPS COLLEGE’S VENTURE PROJECT

“It was excellent to witness the passion and dedication to ESG and entrepreneurship from the students. There was an array of outstanding creative ideas, these included: technological apps designed for young women, marketing stunt innovations which raised awareness of climate impact, as well as hospitality based not-for-profit business ventures designed to improve student skills regionally. It’s been a wonderful experience to sit on the judging panel and offer our input to their recent pitches which will hopefully go on to educate their wider community.”

Matthew said: “This project has been a fantastic opportunity for students to meet with professionals, learn important aspects of setting up a business with a sustainable future, and then pitching their ideas in front of a panel.

“Being able to invest in the students’ ideas is a really good way for them to feel supported and to encourage them to think of how the future can look for them.”

Cartwright Communications is helping the winning team carry out the stunt over the summer.

Children’s therapy is a cause that Alstom supports

ALSTOM PUTS CAUSES ON THE RIGHT TRACK

Derby train manufacturing giant Alstom is showing its CSR credentials by funding 11 good causes including a charity which supports victims of sexual abuse.

The engineering firm is backing Derbyshirebased SV2, providing enough funding for it to recruit a new children’s therapist.

The charity is one of the 11 recipients of the Alstom UK and Ireland Community Project Fund – sharing almost £160,000 between them.

The fund helps projects that deliver social and environmental value for the local communities in which the company operates.

Alstom also encourages staff to use their annual volunteering day to support beneficiaries in their local areas.

Staff nominate the good causes as part of the annual funding cycle, then work with a charity or community group to complete an application for up to £30,000.

A senior panel then reviews applications against a robust criteria and, if successful, the project sponsor continues to support the individual scheme through delivery.

SV2’s funding will support its Children’s RASSO (Rape and Serious Sexual Offences) Therapy project which is available to children and young people across Derbyshire.

‘Demand for our children’s therapy services is sadly high’

The charity, which has bases in Ripley, Derby and Buxton, provides a range of services to support victims and survivors of sexual abuse regardless of their age, gender, when the offence took place or whether they have reported the crime to police or not.

It supported 1,536 children, young people and adults in the year to March, through services including a helpline, support through the criminal justice system, counselling and therapy.

It also supports families and works to prevent and raise awareness of rape and sexual abuse through training and education programmes across the UK.

Its chief executive Rachel Morris said: “We are extremely grateful to be receiving support from Alstom which will make a real difference to the lives of children and their families across Derbyshire whose lives have been devastated by sexual violence.

“Demand for our children’s therapy services is sadly high and we have a waiting list which includes children as young as three-years-old.

“This financial support will enable us to put in the resources so badly needed to reduce the waiting list.”

Courtney Lewin and Lilyanne Dodds presented a PR stunt project that highlighted the importance of recycling within the college

Andrew Comyn, Fran Prince and Matthew Bunn

CLUBS AIM TO GIVE EVERYONE A SPORTING CHANCE

For the region’s sports clubs, achievement on the pitch goes hand-in-hand with all the hard work they do in their communities.

Derby County Community Trust, for instance, worked with 40 projects in the year to June 2023, improving the lives of more than 30,000 people through sport, physical activity, health and education.

Those projects included a new Female Talent Pathway, working with Derby County Women to ensure 750 trialists joined the team at Moor Farm Training Centre last summer.

More recently the trust was awarded a £10,000 grant from the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund to increase access to disability football provision.

Nottingham Forest Community Trust, meanwhile, helped arrange for students from Carrington Primary School – one of its partner schools – to visit England’s St George’s Park training ground, in Burton, for the official sendoff of the national team ahead of the Euros. The experience was made even more special by an appearance of Prince William, President of the Football Association.

Megan Haynes, Nottingham Forest Community Trust Premier League Primary Stars co-ordinator, said: “It was an incredible experience for the pupils to be part of such a significant moment for the England team.

“Meeting Prince William and the players has not only inspired the children but also instilled a sense of pride and excitement… this kind of exposure to top-level football and the positive role models within the sport can have a lasting impact on our young students, encouraging

TECH FIRM BECOMES CHARITY SUPPORTER

A tech business has joined forces with a charity improving the lives of people through sport, health and education.

Barron McCann, which provides IT services in the UK and Europe from its headquarters in Derby, is the latest business to become a partner of Derby County Community Trust.

Lucy Laughton, its business support and CSR coordinator, said: “The work of Derby County Community Trust is a vital lifeline to so many people and changes their life for the better. We’re looking forward to working closely together to see how we can continue to support people and help them further.”

Earlier this year, Barron McCann worked with British homeware and gifting company Milly Green to distribute 1,600 eco-friendly, reusable cups to charities including the trust.

It has supported the Belper Christmas Shoebox Appeal and welcomed school pupils to its Derby headquarters as part of the Spondon school’s careers programme.

HR & Employment Law firm Precept – part of the Barron McCann group of companies – is also a trust partner. Pete Collins, business development manager at the trust, said: “We are extremely grateful to Barron McCann for agreeing to become trust partners and look forward to working more closely with them in the future.”

them to pursue their dreams both on and off the pitch.”

In the south of the region, Premier League Leicester City’s charitable arm Leicester City in the Community has just announced an updated strategy to grow its commitment to the neighbourhoods it serves.

It wants to foster an even stronger sense of belonging for everyone taking part in its activities, while expanding its community hubs and links to the club through player engagement and matchday experiences.

Barron McCann’s Lucy Laughton with Simon Carnall, head of community at Derby County Community Trust

Leicester City supports Amnesty’s Football Welcomes Community Project, helping refugees and new arrivals to the UK through the power of football

Pupils of Carrington Primary School interacting with Harry Kane and Prince William

MAGPIES BUILD NEST HUB FOR COMMUNITY

Notts County chief executive Joe Palmer has joined the board of the Notts County Foundation, to help build collaboration between the two.

The foundation was set up to raise aspirations and support some of the most disadvantaged, marginalised and undervalued people across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – using the power of football and the profile of the Magpies to boost its impact.

Joe said he was delighted to join the foundation as a trustee, saying it was a testament to the club’s commitment to fostering links between the club and community.

He said: “I look forward to developing initiatives that will have a lasting, positive impact on both our supporters and the wider community.

“One of the exciting opportunities I am particularly looking forward to is using The Nest, our brand-new fanzone and events space at Meadow Lane.

“This space will not only serve as a vibrant hub for our fans on matchday, but also as a venue for community events and activities.

“As part of my new role at the foundation, I aim to create inclusive and engaging experiences that strengthen the bond between Notts County and our charitable arm for years to come.”

Central to its revised engagement strategy for 2024 to 2027 is the principle that “there’s a place for everyone at Leicester City in the Community”. It launched its first community hub, in partnership with Team Hub, New Parks, in 2021. Allison Tripney, the club’s head of community said: “Leicester City Football Club are passionate and dedicated partners of ours, integral to our success. We couldn’t do what we do without them, and we are committed to working together to deliver the outcomes of this strategy and raise awareness of our cub within its communities. Our brilliant people engage, inspire and empower every day and I’m proud to lead this charity into our next phase of development together.”

LCFC Women defender Sophie Howard has attended multiple community events over the years. She said: “Giving back to our community is crucial to us as a team. Leicester, as a community, has taken us all in, so for us, it’s giving back to people that have welcomed us.”

WEAVING RESPONSIBLE ACTIONS INTO BUSINESS

Textile workers and the companies they work for have signed up to a new research project to promote more responsible business practices.

The project, Transforming Responsive and Relational Autonomy in the Garment Sector of the UK and Bangladesh – or THRREADS –wants to build economic, social and environmental sustainability in the garment and fashion sector in Leicester and Bangladesh – a global centre of textiles manufacturing.

‘The accord is an important step in the process and is a good example of what we could achieve in Leicester’

The work is being done by researchers at the University of Derby, University of Essex, Manchester Metropolitan University and Universal College Bangladesh, backed by £645,000 of funding from the Economic and Social Research Council.

It is the latest piece of work to help improve Leicester’s textiles sector which over the years has gained a reputation – rightly or wrongly –for exploiting some of its workers.

At a launch event in Leicester, employees met with the researchers and representatives of employers and organisations supporting garment workers in the city to discuss the objectives.

Over the next three years, the team will develop a Leicester Accord to ensure economic, social and environmental justice in the industry for the workers, employers and other stakeholders.

They will work with organisations including the Fashion-workers Advice Bureau Leicester and Hope for Justice.

The accord will be modelled on the Bangladesh Accord, which was developed following a factory building collapse in Bangladesh in 2013.

Professor Samsul Alam, a specialist in sustainability and accounting at the University of Derby, is co-ordinating the university’s involvement.

He said: “Although there is still much to be done in Bangladesh to introduce more responsible business practices and to build its reputation, the accord is an important step in the process and is a good example of what we could achieve in Leicester.”

Leicester once had a flourishing garment industry, making it one of the richest cities in the UK, but cheaper imports impacted heavily on the sector.

In recent years it has attracted negative media reports, particularly since the pandemic, on workers’ conditions and pay. In Bangladesh, while conditions have improved to some extent, workers still receive one of the lowest monthly minimum wages in the world.

Both in Bangladesh and the UK, the demands of cheap, fast-fashion have increased the pressure placed on workers.

Prof Alam said: “The pandemic has presented various challenges in the global garment industry.

“Given their pivotal role in global garment production, retailers should adopt a more proactive approach in addressing these challenges and promoting responsible business practices.”

Project team members at the launch event at the Highfields Centre in Leicester

Trustee: Joe Palmer

Building the workforces of the future

By Derby College Group

Educational organisations play a large part in helping employers invest in a more professional, skilled and sustainable workforce for the future and currently work with around 2,000 employers of all sizes and industries. They can offer effective skills solutions for employers and wealth of expertise in helping to recruit and train apprentices for vital roles across diverse industry sectors.

Training the workforce of the future

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

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

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

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

The Roundhouse Technical and Professional Skills College on Pride Park is home to Derby College Group’s technical and vocational studies as well as its Higher Education Centre and Innovation Hub

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMMES

Apprenticeship programmes offer significant benefits for businesses by providing a cost-effective way to recruit and train new talent tailored to their specific needs.

These programmes can enhance productivity as apprentices bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas while learning practical skills on the job. Investing in apprenticeships also boosts employee retention, as participants are likely to feel more loyal and committed to a company that invests in their development.

Additionally, apprenticeships help address skills gaps, foster a culture of continuous learning, and build a diverse and adaptable workforce, ultimately strengthening the company's long-term success and competitiveness.

UP-TO-DATE INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE

Keeping pace with industry trends and technological advancements is essential for effective workforce development. Any colleges need to maintain strong links with local and national employers, ensuring that its courses and training programmes are always aligned with the latest industry standards and innovations.

This proactive approach helps businesses stay ahead of the curve, equipping their workforce with cutting-edge skills and knowledge.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS

Understanding that businesses operate in a fast-paced environment, Derby College offers flexible learning options to accommodate the varying schedules and commitments of employees. Such flexibility ensures that employees can continue to develop their skills without disrupting their work responsibilities, making continuous professional development a feasible and attractive option.

SUPPORTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Further education organisations can provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment. This is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to invest in the development of their employees. To compliment this there is a need for access to state-of-the-art facilities, experienced tutors, and comprehensive support services, employees can thrive in their learning journey.

TAILORED TRAINING SOLUTIONS

One of the standout features of Derby College Group is its ability to customise training programmes to fit the specific needs of businesses. This bespoke approach ensures that employees receive relevant and practical training, directly applicable to their roles.

By working closely with industry experts, the college develops curriculum that addresses current market demands, technological advancements, and sector-specific challenges.

ENHANCING LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Effective leadership is a cornerstone of any successful business. Derby College Group offers a range of leadership and management training programmes designed to develop the skills of current and future leaders.

These programmes cover essential topics such as strategic planning, team management, and decisionmaking. By enhancing these skills, businesses can ensure that their leaders are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern business environment and drive organisational success.

PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION

To help develop a workforce there is an essential need for collaboration and actively seeking partnerships with businesses to foster mutual growth. By working together, colleges and their business partners can identify skills gaps, develop relevant training programmes, and create opportunities for practical, hands-on experience. These partnerships also facilitate knowledge exchange and innovation, benefiting both the college and the businesses involved.

POSITIVE IMPACT ON EMPLOYEE RETENTION

Investing in employee development is a proven strategy for improving retention rates. Employees who feel valued and supported in their professional growth are more likely to stay with their employer long-term. Comprehensive training and development programmes not only enhance employees’ skills but also increase their job satisfaction and loyalty. For businesses, this means reduced turnover rates and the retention of valuable talent.

‘Apprenticeships help address skills gaps, foster a culture of continuous learning, and build a diverse and adaptable workforce’

Why busy executives need a virtual life admin PA

By Cath Harrison (pictured, inset), virtual lifestyle PA, Bee-Assisted Ltd

In today’s relentless business world, executives wear multiple hats. They’re strategic visionaries, operational leaders and often client relationship champions. This demanding schedule leaves little room for the personal admin tasks that keep life running smoothly. Enter the virtual life admin personal assistant (VA) – a secret weapon for overwhelmed executives seeking to reclaim time, conquer personal to-do lists and achieve peak performance in all aspects of life. VAs offer advantages over traditional employed assistants. Here’s why:

• Cost savings: No office space, equipment, or employee benefits mean significant savings. Plus, you only pay for the hours worked with a VA, allowing you to scale support up or down as needed.

• Global talent pool: Hire VAs with specialised skills that perfectly match your needs, regardless of location.

• Reduced risk: Onboarding a VA is less administrative hassle compared to an employee, the VA takes care of all that.

A VIRTUAL LIFE ADMIN PA: YOUR PRODUCTIVITY POWERHOUSE

• Time management: Imagine waking up to a cleared calendar, appointments scheduled and travel arrangements seamlessly handled. A skilled VA tackles these time-consuming tasks, freeing you to focus on core business activities. But it doesn't stop there. They can also manage your personal calendar, schedule doctor's appointments, arrange childcare, organise that car service or research a local gardener for you… whatever admin tasks will save you time, a VA will do for you –ensuring a seamless flow between your professional and personal commitments.

• Streamlined operations at home: Beyond running errands, virtual life admin PAs are organisational wizards. They can implement systems for managing household tasks, paying bills, and organising digital files and documents. Think of them as your personal operations consultant, ensuring your home life runs like a well-oiled machine.

• Stress slayer and well-being booster: The constant pressure to ‘do it all’ can lead to burnout. A VA acts as your trusted partner. This alleviates the mental burden, allowing you to approach your day with renewed focus and energy. Imagine the relief of knowing birthday gifts are purchased, car service is scheduled, and that weekend getaway is planned – all without lifting a finger.

• Unlocking work-life balance: With a VA handling personal errands and to-do lists, you regain the time to invest in the things you enjoy, helping your overall wellbeing. Whether it’s pursuing a cherished hobby, attending your child's school play, or simply enjoying a guilt-free evening with loved ones, a virtual life admin PA empowers you to prioritise a healthy work-life balance. A well-rested and rejuvenated leader translates to a more effective leader in the boardroom and a more present parent or partner at home.

• Expert errand management: Negotiating with contractors, finding the best deals on electronics or researching the perfect holiday destination – these tasks can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Virtual life admin PAs can handle everything from sourcing the best deals on home repairs to comparing prices on travel packages – ensuring you maximise your time and money.

A VIRTUAL LIFE ADMIN PA: AN INVESTMENT IN PEAK PERFORMANCE

A virtual life admin PA is more than just an assistant; they're a strategic partner in achieving peak performance across all aspects of your life. They reclaim valuable time, reduce stress, improve operational efficiency, and allow YOU to focus on what truly matters – both at work and at home.

Imagine the freedom of knowing your professional and personal lives are running smoothly, allowing you to approach each day with renewed focus and energy. A virtual life admin PA is an investment in your well-being, productivity, and ultimately, your ability to dominate life on your terms. Consider it a power move for the modern executive, allowing you to win at work, win at home, and win at life.

‘A secret weapon for overwhelmed executives seeking to reclaim time, conquer personal to-do lists and achieve peak performance in all aspects of life’

Top 10 tips for sustaining good mental health

By Martin Russell Hughes (pictured), founder, Executive Insight Exchange.

Entrepreneurs and SME business owners often face overwhelming workloads, which can be mentally and emotionally taxing. Here are some strategies to help you to stay positive during challenging times.

1. PRACTICE SELF-CARE

Prioritise physical and mental well-being. This includes getting enough sleep, eating healthily, exercising regularly, and taking breaks when needed.

2. SET REALISTIC GOALS

Break down your workload into smaller, manageable tasks. Setting realistic goals can prevent feeling overwhelmed and provide a sense of accomplishment as you make progress.

3. DELEGATE AND OUTSOURCE

Delegate tasks that can be handled by others or outsource certain responsibilities to free up time and focus on high-priority tasks.

4. SEEK SUPPORT

You don't have to go through challenges alone. Seek support from mentors, peers, or business support groups. Sharing experiences and seeking advice from others can provide valuable insights and reassurance.

5. FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS

Instead of dwelling on problems, focus on finding solutions. Adopting a solution-oriented mindset can help you stay proactive and maintain a sense of control over circumstances.

6. CELEBRATE SMALL WINS

Celebrate even the smallest accomplishments along the way. Recognising progress, no matter how small, can boost morale and motivation.

7. MAINTAIN PERSPECTIVE

keep things in perspective and not to let temporary setbacks overshadow your overall progress. Reflect on past successes and challenges you’ve overcome to remind yourself of your resilience.

8. PRACTICE GRATITUDE

Cultivate a sense of gratitude by focusing on

what you’re grateful for in your business and personal life. Gratitude can help shift your mindset from focusing on what's lacking to appreciating what you have.

9. TAKE BREAKS AND REST

consider the importance of taking regular breaks and allowing yourself time to rest and recharge. Stepping away from work, even for a short time, can help prevent burnout and improve productivity in the long run.

10. STAY FLEXIBLE

Remain flexible and adaptable in your approach to challenges. Being open to adjusting plans and strategies as needed can help you navigate unexpected obstacles more effectively.

By implementing these strategies, entrepreneurs and SME business owners can better manage their workload and maintain a positive outlook, even during challenging times.

Analytics can boost performance of SMEs

Steven Lowe (pictured) is founder of Lucid Data, which helps SMEs take advantage of the data available to them. Here he outlines the opportunities – from understanding purchasing trends to which marketing really works.

In today’s data-driven world, SMEs are increasingly recognising the critical role that analytics plays in their success. While large businesses have been utilising sophisticated analysis to drive their decisionmaking for decades, SMEs are waking up to the possibilities analytics provide. From improving efficiency to enhancing customer experiences, analytics offers many benefits that can help SMEs compete and thrive in their field. So, how can SMEs use analytics? Let’s take a look:

DECISIONS DRIVEN BY DATA AND NOT FEELINGS

One of the most significant advantages of analytics for SMEs is its ability to enhance decision-making. In the past, decisions were often based on intuition or limited information, however, with analytics, SMEs can now base their decisions on concrete data and insights. This shift from 'gut-feel' to data-driven decision-making enables businesses to make better choices, reducing risks and improving performance.

OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY DRIVEN BY ANALYTICS

By analysing various data points such as sales, stock levels, and supply chain metrics, businesses can identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks. For instance, funnel analysis can show drop-off points in customer journeys (such as web traffic, or sales

IT provider really setting standards

A Nottingham-based provider of intranet and document management solutions has successfully attained ISO 27001 certification, underscoring its dedication to ensuring the highest standards of information security for its clients.

Intelligent Decisioning has gained the accreditation which is an internationally recognised standard setting out the requirements for implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS).

The certification shows Intelligent Decisioning's ability to effectively manage and protect sensitive information, demonstrating compliance with rigorous security protocols and best practices.

journeys) enabling SMEs to target areas for improvement. Predictive analytics can forecast demand (and stock levels) more accurately. Furthermore, optimising processes will lead to cost savings and increased productivity.

ENHANCING THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Understanding customer behaviour is crucial for any business, and analytics provides invaluable insights into customer preferences and trends. SMEs can leverage customer data to tailor their products and services to meet the specific needs of their target audience. By analysing customer feedback and purchase patterns, businesses can enhance their customer service and build stronger relationships with their clients. Personalisation, made possible through analytics, can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

DRIVING MARKETING STRATEGIES THROUGH ANALYSIS

Marketing is an area where analytics plays a vital role. SMEs often operate with limited budgets, making it essential to allocate resources efficiently. Analytics can help understand which marketing channels are most effective, what content audiences engage with, and how to optimise campaigns for maximum impact.

OVERCOMING BUSINESS CHALLENGES

While the benefits of analytics are clear, SMEs often face challenges in implementing and utilising analytics effectively. Limited spare cash, lack of expertise, and managing data issues can be barriers. However, with the availability of affordable and user-friendly analytics solutions, these challenges are manageable. SMEs can start small, focusing on key areas that will have the most immediate impact, and gradually expand.

CONCLUSION

By leveraging data to inform decisions, optimise operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive marketing strategies, SMEs can achieve greater efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness. Embracing analytics is not just an option but a necessity for SMEs aiming to thrive in today's dynamic business environment. You might not be using analytics but your competitors probably are.

Data tool help for hospice

A Leicestershire hospice is trialing an ethical data gathering tool developed by researchers at the University of Leicester.

LOROS, which provides care for more than 2,500 people a year in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, has partnered with the university on the tool called LeicSurvey, which it is using to help gauge the impact of its services.

The partnership was underpinned by seed funding from the Centenary Community Engagement Fund – a University of Leicester funding mechanism that helps researchers tackle local community challenges, while School of Engineering graduates Alagu Arunachalam and Sai Kumar Mattireddy played a critical role in engineering the tool.

A spokeswoman said: “Understanding user experience is mission critical for hospices and social enterprises to demonstrate their impact and value.

“However, gathering user feedback can be challenging as they often serve communities who find existing survey tools unsuitable, due to accessibility issues or language barriers for example.

“Many of these tools are also costly, non-inclusive, and have limited customisability.”

LeicSurvey combines a simple user interface with powerful software for collating and presenting complex

data, including changes in user engagement and satisfaction over time.

The software will soon be rolled out at a number of hospices, enabling them to collect richer data from their users, and help them understand their roles in supporting community cohesion, wellbeing, and social and economic regeneration.

The LeicSurvey team, L-R: Himanshu Kaul, Sarah Scott, Professor Nishan Canagarajah, president and vicechancellor of the University of Leicester, Sai Kumar Mattireddy and Bo Chen

Lawyers support key DfT projects

Browne Jacobson is providing expert advice to lawyers at the Department for Transport (DfT) on major infrastructure projects such as the National Parking Platform.

The law firm has been appointed as sole legal adviser to the Department for Transport Legal Advisers (DfTLA), which provides legal services to the DfT and its executive agencies.

Under the three-year contract Browne Jacobson has already advised on procurement, commercial contracting, competition and data transfer elements of the National Parking Platform, a DfT-funded pilot scheme to help drivers find and pay for parking using an app.

The firm has also advised on the future provision of smart motorways and aspects relating to Flight100, the world’s first commercial longhaul flight powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel that was operated by Virgin Atlantic as part of a DfT competition.

New venture has been 40 years in the planning

Two experienced lawyers have launched a new East Midlands property and planning law firm.

Experienced lawyers Iain Hibbert and Shruti Trivedi have launched a new, niche practice called Devello Group, based out of offices in Nottingham and Lincoln.

The pair, who have more than 40 years of legal experience between them, have previously led large teams in one of the region’s biggest law firms.

Managing director Shruti, an experienced specialist planning solicitor in the public and private sectors, said: “It just felt the right time to strike out on our own and create a new kind of law firm – we want to do things differently in a holistic way and saw a gap for a niche service in the market.

“I have worked with Iain for almost a decade and we thought the time was right to pursue our shared vision of developing a new working model in our own practice.

“Our costs structure is very flexible to suit the needs of the client and the project, rather than simply billing time on an hourly rate basis.

“Every case will be priced according to the specialist knowledge and value we can deliver following a discussion with the client about their and the case’s needs. Of course, time recording cannot be avoided in situations such as court hearings, but our ethos is to always work efficiently and effectively, focusing on the quality of our work and creating long-term relationships.”

Law firm Knights said it achieved revenues of around £150m for the year to 30 April 2024, up 6% on the previous year.

The business said it expected its underlying profit before tax to be at least £25m – a 16% increase on the previous year and within the range of market expectations.

‘Our people have delivered a good performance during the year’

The group said it continued to show “excellent working capital discipline”, with a strong balance sheet.

It said net debt as of 30 April was expected to be £35.2m – up from £29.2m – after more than £11m in cash was paid in relation to acquisitions,

will also offer a strategic advisory service to developers, landowners, promoters, investors and others in the planning and development sectors.

The company has ambitious growth plans and wants to create jobs over the next two years, at its head office in Regent Street, Nottingham, and in Lincoln, where it has an initial base at the Chamber of Commerce.

Iain, a property expert and Devello’s chief executive, said: “We know there are long-held traditional practices that people adhere to but it was important to us to free our team from the pressure of timesheets.

“We want to look after our people and create a genuinely close-knit team that works together to achieve the best results with our bespoke offering.”

Great days as Knights goes for growth

including £2.5m in relation to the Convex Corporate Finance Limited joint venture.

The business was quoted as saying: “As such, the group retains significant headroom within its £70m revolving credit facility.”

It also said recruitment momentum had been strong, with the number of senior fee earners joining the business up on the prior year, while in the first half of the financial year the group strengthened its presence in the north, with acquisitions in Newcastle and Carlisle.

Further acquisitions are also being considered.

Chief executive David Beech said: “Our people have delivered a good performance during the year. We continued to execute our growth strategy, recruiting high quality talent and driving operational improvements across the business, positioning us well to deliver further growth in FY25.”

Devello

Tim Edds, partner in the public law team at Browne Jacobson

Knights CEO David Beech

Iain Hibbert and Shruti Trivedi

New Government must look at pension rules

Future Life Wealth Management’s divisional director Jillian Thomas (pictured) calls on the next Government to consider redesigning when and how people access their state pension…

If you get your pension provision right, you'll enjoy the longest holiday of your life – but if you've not got sufficient funds in place then your final years could prove one long financial struggle.

With planned changes to the state pension forthcoming, I’m calling on the Government to consider every option when it comes to the evolution of pension legislation.

The current situation will see the state pension age rise from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028 before rising again to 68 after 2044.

In my opinion, there’s every possibility that this could change again. For example, a recent report from the International Longevity Centre (ILC) stated that the state pension age might need to reach 71 by 2050. In short, this is to keep up with longer life expectancy and ensure that there are sufficient workers per retiree.

According to the ILC, the

Government’s planned rate of change to the state pension age is likely to be too slow if the UK wants to maintain its current ratio of workers to state pensioners.

In my opinion, the time is now right to have some frank discussions about reducing – rather than increasing – the state pension age.

While it’s currently possible to defer your state pension in return for a higher monthly payment, you have to wait until you reach the state pension age to draw it.

To be clear, I’m not advocating that people should be able to receive their state pension in their 50s – that simply feels too young. But it might, in some instances, be appropriate for them to have the ability to access a reduced state pension once they reach their 60s.

I’m well aware that the state pension forms the foundation on which most people’s retirement provision is based.

Nonetheless, as auto enrolment

FINANCE APPOINTMENTS

Jack Bonehill

and Sam Parker-Hully of PKF Smith Cooper Midlands-based accounting and advisory firm PKF Smith Cooper has hired two new specialist tax directors, strengthening its expertise in both capital allowances and employment tax.

Jack Bonehill steps into the role of employment tax director, while Sam Parker-Hully is the new capital allowances director.

Jack has spent nine years specialising in employment tax, including seven years working at a leading Midlands accounting firm.

Jack is experienced in helping businesses across the Midlands and surrounding areas manage their employment tax obligations and has specialist experience in the recruitment, logistics and construction sectors.

Sam joins the Midlands firm with over 10 years of capital allowances experience from two Big Four companies.

continues to gain momentum nationally, millions of workers are building up workplace pensions which will help them attain the income they need in retirement. Countless more have separate private pensions in place which will serve the same purpose. Consequently, the likelihood of these individuals being solely reliant on the state pension for their income in retirement is diminishing. It seems highly likely that these proposed changes could help mitigate the economically crippling

repercussions of the triple lock policy, which commits the Government to increase state pensions by a minimum of 2.5% each year.

In addition, reducing the age at which the state pension can be drawn could also encourage people to plan for their own retirement more proactively. This change would put them in control by enabling them to make their own, fully-informed decisions about what’s right for them when it comes to their state pension.

Holistic approach to selling your business

A financial advisor has offered his thoughts on the practicalities of selling a business and the various tax, legal and financial implications to consider.

Gurdeep Lall (pictured), chartered financial adviser at Rhodes Wealth Management, said after all the hard work an entrepreneur will have put into building a valuable asset, it is only natural that they would want to reap the rewards.

He said getting the right sale price for a business requires diligent planning, while calculating the value should also include taking into account the seller’s own future financial requirements.

Cashflow modelling can be used to identify the cost of your current lifestyle, as well as any goals or objectives that you have for the future.

Once you have established this,

with the help of a financial adviser, you can calculate what you need to exit your business to support your desired future – the so-called “magic number” – to help you see if you are on track to achieve your lifestyle and retirement goals, how much money you need to save, or how long you need to work for.

He said it can also help answer the allimportant question –“is now the right time to sell my business?”

He said knowing your “magic number” before you start speaking to potential buyers, will put you in a stronger negotiating position and can help you prepare for life after exit.

Gurdeep said: “Selling a business should always be looked at holistically, considering all potential options for funding your retirement along with any other plans you may have.”

(left)

Outsourcing: The competitive edge in financial services

Competition means everything in today’s financial landscape. For wealth management and mortgage advisory firms, outsourcing offers a competitive advantage by allowing access to specialised expertise, advanced technology, and scalable solutions.

Suja Shyamsundar (pictured), founder and managing director of 4S Business Support, explains how outsourcing can offer that competitive advantage for these specific financial services sectors.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Customer support:

Outsourcing customer support for quarterly and annual portfolio reports and other client servicing tasks to skilled analysts enhances satisfaction and retention, enabling wealth management firms to prioritise core strategic initiatives and maintain a competitive edge.

IFA (independent financial advisor) administration:

Tasks such as processing Letters of Authority, pension and ISA transfers, and income reconciliation tasks can be outsourced to data analysts. This allows wealth management firms to improve client turnaround times and service quality, without overburdening in-house staff.

Risk management and regulatory compliance: It’s very crucial to upkeep client databases for accurate performance predictions and deeper management insights. Utilising outsourced expertise in data integrity not only helps firms mitigate risks effectively but also facilitates timely regulatory submissions to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

INVESTMENT AND ASSET MANAGEMENT

Asset management tasks:

Fund administration, reconciliation, and reporting can be outsourced to skilled analysts to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance, freeing companies to focus on client relationship management and business development.

Portfolio management and investment research:

Skilled analysts in portfolio management and investment research optimise asset allocation, rebalancing, and performance monitoring, while conducting deep market research. Their analysis on portfolio performances enable firms on faster investment decisions helping them gain a competitive advantage.

TESTIMONIAL

“4S Business Support has been crucial in streamlining Airborne Mortgage Solutions' operations.

They developed training plans, refined policies in alignment with the Primus network for compliance with consumer duty legislation and enhanced our advisors' expertise through detailed training sessions.

Their support has empowered our team to achieve Competent Advisor Status (CAS) and fostered a culture of continuous learning.

We are grateful for their exceptional support and look forward to continued growth and innovation with them.”

K LODHIA, DIRECTOR, AIRBORNE MORTGAGE

MORTGAGE ADVISORY

Client data management and document processing:

Outsourcing client data management and document processing streamlines operations for mortgage advisory firms. It accelerates the initial sales process by ensuring accurate CRM input, timely case submissions to regulatory networks, and thorough mortgage documentation. This approach minimises errors, and effectively supports advisors in assessing mortgage affordability and mitigating risks.

Client support – navigating the emotional journey of mortgages:

Outsourcing customer support to specialists ensures continuous communication throughout the mortgage process, from application to completion. They liaise with lenders and solicitors, providing regular updates crucial for clients' peace of mind. This proactive approach

prevents financial losses due to rate increases and ensures clients transition into their new homes with confidence and satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Outsourcing offers wealth management, investment and asset management and mortgage advisory firms significant benefits, including cost savings, access to expertise, and operational efficiency. By partnering with reliable providers, allows them to focus on core competencies, strengthen client relationships, and maintain a competitive edge in today’s financial landscape.

4S Business Support, a leading UK provider of offshore outsourcing services, specialises in supporting financial services firms with a track record spanning over seven years. We offer a varied range of skilled resources, including data analysts, CRM administrators, investment analysts, mortgage administrators, and client support specialists.

For a personalised consultation with Suja on optimising your operations with 4S Business Support, visit our website or reach out to us today.

T: 0116 303 2324

E: suja@4sbusiness-support.co.uk

W: 4sbusiness-support.co.uk

SOLUTIONS

College celebrates top apprentices

More than 150 businesses, apprentices, assessors and their guests gathered for a black-tie event at Nottingham’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, to mark Nottingham College’s third annual Apprenticeship Awards.

The awards are held to recognise and celebrate the accomplishments of apprentices and businesses, highlighting the impact in-work training programmes have on individuals, employers and the wider community.

The evening shone a spotlight on apprentices in sectors including health and science, engineering, construction, hospitality, and retail, as well as professional services and digital sectors.

It also acknowledged the role of tutors, mentors, managers and

employers for the significant contribution they make throughout the apprenticeship journey.

Some 10 category winners were honoured on the night, with a number of highly commended awardees recognised for their efforts too. Each was invited to the stage and presented with a trophy or certificate by the award sponsor.

Charlotte Bingham, 18, from Mansfield, was named construction apprentice of the year and was also crowned overall apprentice of the year. The college said she has shown outstanding dedication throughout her apprenticeship, playing a big role in the delivery of a £6m Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund scheme.

She said: “I’m really grateful to have won the two awards. I’ve had

Venues group commits to supporting hotel careers

‘We are incredibly proud of all our winners and shortlisted nominees’

a really positive apprenticeship experience and I’d 100% recommend it to others. It’s given me a taste of what’s to come in my future career, and I’ve been able to earn a wage alongside my training, which is a huge plus.”

Daryl Cardy, training manager at Landermeads nursing home, named large employer of the year, said: “It feels good to be recognised for this award – it tells me we must be doing something right. I’m so invested in our apprentices and it’s very rewarding to watch their confidence grow and see them develop.”

Landermeads apprentice Emma Carr was named health, science and care apprentice of the year. She started as a support worker studying a level 2 apprenticeship and is now a team leader, about to start a level 4 apprenticeship.

She said: “Both my employer and the college have been so supportive. My college tutor has adapted her teaching to suit my learning style which I’ve found really helpful, and my team at Landermeads are like my second family.”

Nottingham College principal and chief executive Janet Smith, said: “We are incredibly proud of all our winners and shortlisted nominees, and we hope this accomplishment is just the beginning of many successes in their future careers.”

Management at Nottingham Venues have signed the Hoteliers’ Charter, a national standard that champions the hospitality industry and advocates hotel work as a long-term career choice.

They said that in becoming a charter hotelier they were demonstrating their commitment to the 270 employees and to providing a workplace environment built on the foundations of respect, fairness, equality, diversity and opportunity. The charter also shows commitment to career development, staff wellbeing and to ending low pay.

Nottingham Venues general manager Tom Waldron-Lynch (pictured) said: “We take the wellbeing of our employees seriously and have worked hard to ensure that we are a leading employer within our sector. In 2022, we became a living wage employer, and we offer some of the most competitive salaries and pension packages in the hospitality industry.

“We support our colleague’s wellness with a range of initiatives, including a team of mental health first aiders, and offer the opportunity for all our employees to request flexible working.

“The ambitions of the Hoteliers’ Charter to raise standards and demonstrate that working in hospitality is a viable long-term career choice reflect our own.”

Kai has the craft to scoop carpentry prize

Derby College Group architectural joinery apprentice Kai Kryger has taken top spot in an East Midlands carpentry competition.

The 18-year-old beat apprentices and students from across the region to win the Institute of Carpenters’ Merlane Craft Competition 2024 hosted by The Sheffield College.

Kai, who moved from Canada to Wirksworth three years ago, has always wanted to go into the construction trades.

Studying on day release with Derby College, he is now seven months into a level 3 advanced architectural joinery apprenticeship with bespoke woodwork company Water Lane Joinery, in Wirksworth.

As well as being presented with the winner’s cup, he also won a new set of carpentry tools.

The one-day practical competition is designed to showcase skills and knowledge and is judged by industry experts who are committed to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship.

Kai Kryger

Kai enrolled in Derby College’s level 1 full-time joinery course within months of arriving in Derbyshire. He secured his apprenticeship after initially approaching his employer about work experience.

“At first, I did jobs like sweeping up and many hours of sanding for an oak panelled room,” he said. “But quite quickly – within two months of me starting there – I was offered a carpentry apprenticeship. I think I was hired because I already had quite a bit of practical experience.”

Award winners on stage with Nottingham College Principal and CEO Janet Smith

Extra-curricular activities help pupils to get ahead

Agrammar school is helping pupils get ahead by combining its STEM –science, technology, engineering and mathematics – subjects with clubs, competitions and other activities.

Pupils at Loughborough Grammar School take part in extra-curricular activities ranging from racing drones to computer games sessions to boost their learning.

‘We have to make STEM an integral part of the school’

The STEM Club takes place on Wednesday and Thursday lunchtimes, and pupils have recently been making use of a new 3D printer, to come up with models of bionic fingers, model car engines and mathematical shapes.

The 3D printer was funded using a donation from Loughborough Schools Foundation alumnus Professor Hubert Lacey and Sue Lacey who are both passionate about science and learning.

Pupils from Loughborough Grammar School at their STEM Club sessions

STEM Club also recently took a trip to the National Space Centre, where students learned about natural and artificial satellites, experienced an IMAX planetarium show and had a chance to see the exhibits.

STEM learning has also extended through arts subject too, with the Classics Club using the 3D printer to produce ancient artefacts and a model of the colosseum.

As well as taking part in clubs and in-school activities, pupils are also encouraged to apply for external STEP competitions, such

as the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, the Royal Society of Chemistry Schools Analyst Challenge, the Royal Society of Biology Olympiad and Biology Challenge and the UK Bebras Computing Competition. Older boys are also encouraged to help younger boys with their studies.

Physics teacher and STEM outreach co-ordinator Dhruv Joshi said: “With the always changing and advancing world we live in, we have to make STEM an integral part of the school to prepare pupils for life outside of LGS.”

Initiative looks at life beyond school

Fairfield Prep School recently launched Fairfield Futures – a week-long learning initiative encouraging Year 6 pupils to begin considering life beyond the school.

Led by Sarra Jenkins, director of future pathways at Loughborough Grammar School, and Rachel Ferraby, director of clinical applications, also at the grammar, the project was developed in response to research showing that pupils start thinking about, and even discounting certain universities and courses, from as early as Year 6. It included presentations, skills workshops, interactive research sessions and games which all considered the various post-18 options available.

Midlands Engine helps drive property event

Midlands property opportunities totalling billions of pounds with potential to create tens of thousands of jobs have been showcased at an annual UK property event.

The Midlands Engine Partnership took the portfolio of opportunities to the UK Real Estate Infrastructure Investment Forum, in Leeds, which was aimed at UK and global investors.

A charity helping people with disabilities is redeveloping a run-down site just outside Leicester.

Mosaic 1898 is creating a new charity and community hub in the village of Whetstone, renovating three buildings – a former chapel; an accessible community building which will have sensory, holistic therapy, and health check rooms; and an old church office which will be used to provide short breaks for disabled people with complex needs, while offering much needed respite to families and caregivers.

Charity chief executive Zoheb Shariff said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating this moment, a milestone that is a testament to our team, partners, supporters, and community.

‘It’s wonderful to see the redevelopment work commence on this project’

“This is another feat in our charity’s long history that will no doubt be a catalyst to further our work to enrich the lives of disabled people by creating spaces where communities can thrive.”

The charity recently appointed Scope Construction as principal contractor and work is now under way.

Mosaic 1898 chairperson Steve Smith said: "It’s a very exciting time for Mosaic 1898. It hasn’t been easy to get to this point, but taking on the challenges was always going to be worth it.

“It’s wonderful to see the redevelopment work commence on this project, that will benefit and enrich the lives of disabled people in Whetstone, Blaby, and beyond for many years to come.”

The partnership said the combined value of the 90 significant capital projects included, from across the East and West Midlands, is more than £48bn with the potential to create an estimated 380,000 jobs – more than doubling the current number of jobs in this part of Britain.

Newly added propositions in the Midlands Investment Portfolio include Nottingham Studios, home to a recently launched research and innovation hub, and Sandwell’s Grove Lane Masterplan – a key regeneration area delivering more than 800 new homes in Smethwick.

For the first time, the partnership hosted its own pavilion, offering a base for representatives from councils, businesses and universities.

Panel discussions covered topics such as the part multiple developments will play in rejuvenating Derby city centre while a Midlands Investment reception included a welcome from Midlands Engine chairman Sir John Peace and the newly elected combined authority mayors – Claire Ward from the East Midlands and Richard Parker from the West.

Sir John said: “The potential for the Midlands to lead the way in driving national economic growth is hugely significant. UKREiiF continues to provide the Midlands Engine Partnership with the platform it needs to demonstrate to global investors that investing in the

Artist’s impression of how the Rolls-Royce Submarines Raynesway site will look after expansion work

Midlands and its exceptional development opportunities is a sound business decision.”

The event also saw the launch of a campaign demonstrating how university research and development can be the catalyst for investment in the region.

The campaign, co-led by Midlands Innovation and the Midlands Engine, presents five investment prospectuses – each with a focus on a sector where the Midlands leads the world in R&D: agri-tech, creative and digital, health and life sciences, transport technology and zero carbon energy.

Sir John said: “Our universities continue to be drivers of innovation with huge potential to attract investment from across the world.

“This campaign – the first of its kind – puts Midlands universities at the forefront of driving growth in the regional and wider UK economy.”

Duo dive into site expansion

Rolls-Royce has signed international infrastructure group Balfour Beatty as construction partner on the expansion of its Derby Raynesway site.

It follows an announcement last year that it wanted to double the size of its submarines site in Derby to meet demand from the Royal Navy and the multi-billion-pound AUKUS – Australia, UK, US –submarine deal.

The expansion will see new manufacturing and office facilities built and 1,170 new skilled roles created in areas such as

manufacturing and engineering.

Rolls-Royce Submarines infrastructure director Terry Meighan said: “We cannot deliver against our commitments to the

MOD and the AUKUS programme on our own.

“It will require a strong and reliable supply chain bringing their expertise to enhance and enable the critical work we do.

“The selection of Balfour Beatty as our expansion construction partner is a prime example of that.”

Rolls-Royce Submarines currently employs more than 4,500 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.

The charity site in Whetstone New hub under way for charity

Sir John Peace addresses delegates at the property event

One of the AUKUS submarines

Giant electric Kia is a real power trip

Undeniably, the electric car revolution is well under way with the cars getting better, with quicker charging times and greater range. But one thing always remains – limitations in the public charging infrastructure.

Ideally, if you do go down the EV route, you should have a charging point at home so you can leave it plugged in at night, on low rates, or any time the car is lying idle.

The Kia EV9 is the brand’s flagship having been launched last year. And it’s big. Very big. At nearly 5m long and weighing more than 2.5 tonnes, size really does matter with it.

Mine here is the seven-seat version and has three rows of seats to make it practical and luxurious transport for even a larger family.

It’s aimed at premium customers who won’t be deterred by the price (more later) and I loved the experience behind the wheel. Unlike many EV’s the whole set-up felt natural and instinctive with everything at hand and simple to use and navigate. And the driving position is so high and commanding it makes you feel pilot-like.

From the driver’s seat, the interior feels huge with acres of space but what really sticks in my mind is just how agile it is on the road, even on my towns’ streets.

And I love the fact I have double 12.3-inch digital touchscreen displays with a separate 5.3-inch screen for the climate control.

Visually, it presents a bold, blunt front end with vertical LED headlights and the seamless side view is helped by flush door handles which pop-out automatically.

It comes with a choice of two powertrain variants (76 kWh battery or a more powerful 99.8 kWh) six or seven

Nick Jones tests the latest offering from Kia – the humongous

seats and three trim levels but they all come with a fully-stacked list of features.

Four-wheel-drive starts with the GT-Line and the top versions come with terrain mode with mud, snow and sand settings.

If you would have said to me back in 1991 when Kia started trading in the UK that one day one would cost more than £70,000, I would have never believed you –but, more than 30 years later here we have it, and I loved it.

THE LAST WORD

Chamber president Stuart Dawkins on why businesses should commit to improving their communities as well as the future of society – and so should the Government

The General Election will take place as this magazine is published, so I had to choose whether to base my theme on the main topic of the magazine – CSR – or instead talk about what business needs from politicians. How about I try both?

Having a second term as Chamber president has caused pleasures and challenges. One pleasure is writing these Last Word articles for two years. One challenge is that I wrote my 900or-so words on CSR 12 months ago. Why should my thoughts now be any different to what I wrote then?

Last year I mused roughly as follows: the market economy is generally a pretty good generator of wealth; the market economy has a habit of going through long phases when it is a pretty poor distributor of wealth; technological change and other matters mean that we are going through a period of poor distribution currently; this has resulted in significant increases in inequality in much of the advanced world including here in the UK; too much inequality leads to many people feeling marginalised and powerless both economically and politically; that marginalisation can lead to disengagement which in turn can lead to instability as trust in mainstream politics and structures declines; instability is bad for business.

THE ULTIMATE WIN-WIN

I concluded that the argument for business and individuals to engage in CSR has two elements. Supporting your local communities is valuable and is also a way of doing your bit to push back against the growing instabilities. It is a pragmatic choice not just an ethical one.

I have not changed that view 12 months on. Indeed, events over the past year have added to my conviction. But ending this article now would leave our editor with a blank half-page to fill, so let me continue for a bit.

The Chamber takes seriously its mission to support the businesses and communities of the East Midlands. It explicitly recognises that business is part of a wider set of interests. One of these interests is, of course, politics.

The Chamber does a lot of political lobbying and yet is an apolitical organisation. Indeed, the Chamber is a members’ organisation and as such will have members with a variety of different political views. We try to seek consensus and have summarised our members’ priorities for whichever party forms the next Government in the Chamber’s Manifesto for Growth 2024, which we launched earlier this year. Do have a look at that document if you have not done so already. Business likes stability and some degree of predictability. This is logical, as investment decisions take time and involve risk. Prior to the calling of the General Election, it was sad to see much UK political discussion descend into being performative rather than substantive – policies being announced and renounced more as a signal to a tribe than as a serious attempt to make things better.

‘My amended challenge to you is to reflect on how much you will have achieved for your communities and for future generations’

I doubt whether an election campaign will improve that trend much, but I hope the next Government, whoever it may be, can stop the trend.

It's all linked really. As a society we decide how much risk we are prepared to face, how much inequality we are prepared to have, how much we attempt to mitigate the effects of that inequality, how much we expect the state to do the mitigation and how much we expect the private sector. It is not easy stuff, yet it happens implicitly whether we view it that way or not.

When I started as president, I set out two themes and challenges. Theme One was taking seriously our role in supporting our communities. Theme Two was taking seriously our role as the current custodians of the world, about looking out for what I dubbed Generation-Next-but-One

– those who will inherit the society, the economy and the planet after us.

By the time I finish as president in December, two years will have passed. In most businesses, two years would count as medium-term, rather than short-term. So, my amended challenge to you is to reflect on how much you will have achieved for your communities and for future generations over those two years. If you are comfortable with what you will have achieved, then great! If, however, you have doubts about whether you have really done all you can… you have another six months to do something about it before my second term ends. I urge you to do so.

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITIES

In the meantime, I also urge you again to check out my chosen Charities of the Year and to see how they can help with the mitigation of inequalities in your local area. They are the three community foundations that cover our patch: Foundation Derbyshire, the Nottinghamshire Community Foundation and the Leicestershire & Rutland Community Foundation.

Charitable giving is overwhelmed by bigger, brasher charities and those with the best marketing. Some 95% of charitable donations go to London-based, national charities, which often are already well-funded and have high overhead costs. And yet, here on our own patch there are organisations doing vital work forced to close for the lack of a few thousand pounds to keep them going. That really makes no sense.

The three community foundations between them support more than 400 local charities and causes each year. Furthermore, there is no-one better qualified to know who these local organisations are, and few if any who provide as much assistance to them, helping them with vital funding – well over £2m per year on average –and expertise too. This is all funded by donations and endowments from businesses, from wealthy individuals, from families, from trusts, from wills.

If you have the means to provide financial support for your community, and if you want to ensure that support is truly local, then please check out your local community foundation.