36 minute read
MEMBER NEWS
Leicestershire CCC players and coaches, including club captain Colin Ackermann (right), outside Morningside Medical Centre
Morningside renews cricket deal
Junior cricketers have been invited by Leicestershire County Cricket Club (LCCC) to learn about sports science and medicine – after Morningside Pharmaceuticals renewed the naming rights for its health centre.
Morningside Medical Centre, based at LCCC’s Uptonsteel County Ground in Grace Road, was originally founded in 2016 to treat both players and the public for injuries or other medical issues.
Since then, the facility has become a critical treatment area for the players, who can receive both specialist physiotherapy and urgent medical assistance in an emergency.
As the medical centre has become more established, it has developed into a hub for sports science and medicine, and the cricketers aged 10 to 18 from LCCC’s academy are now being invited to visit and learn more about these key study areas.
Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, chairman of Morningside Pharmaceuticals, said: “At Morningside, we’re immensely proud to continue our support of the Morningside Medical Centre.
“We’re passionate about promoting sports, healthy living and teamwork, as well as education, skills and helping young people into the world of work.
“Developing sports science is an essential part of the club’s longterm plans and, in particular, we are very supportive of their focus on how sports and physical activity promotes good health, mental health, wellbeing and teamwork.”
About 225 young cricketers will benefit from the programme –which is being run through LCCC’s academy of cricket by strength and conditioning coach Edd RileyGibson and physiotherapist Ryan Smith.
Sean Jarvis, chief executive of LCCC, added: “Working with the local community, particularly young people, is very important to us, which is why introducing them to the medical centre’s work is a crucial part of our ambitions to raise awareness of sports science and other sports and medical focused careers.”
Derby Property Summit set to return
Derby is to showcase £1.2bn of investment opportunities when the Derby Property Summit returns.
Featuring a line-up of respected keynote speakers and panellists, the event will take place in Derby city centre on Wednesday 14 July.
Sponsored by Adair, Scenariio and Faithful + Gould, it is expected to attract business leaders, key decision-makers and investors from across the region and beyond.
Once again, the Derby Property Summit will be hosted by business journalist Declan Curry – but for the first time, it will be a hybrid event.
The networking element will take place in Market Place Al Fresco Dining Experience, with the conference held at the QUAD cinema.
John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, which is hosting the summit, said: “The Derby Property Summit has become a landmark event in providing delegates with insight into the investment journey and future pipeline.
“This year, we have an incredibly exciting line-up of speakers and panellists – all of whom are playing critical roles in repurposing Derby for the future.”
Tickets to the live event and face-to-face networking area are limited to event sponsors only.
LRS grants help sports firms stay in business
Support from Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport (LRS) has helped sports businesses across the county keep going during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Open water triathlon venue Race Rapid, based in Mallory Park, was among the recipients of a small grant and support from LRS after 80% of its large multisport events planned in summer 2020 were cancelled.
This left founder Rob Osborn facing the distinct possibility that his fledgling business at the UK’s only private open water triathlon venue would close.
When he received a small hardship grant from LRS it was the last resort to meet the most pressing costs and keep the business going.
The funding bought Rob the time he needed to pivot to a new model for his business.
By introducing a new “walk-up” strategy for local runners, cyclists and swimmers wanting to use the specialist facilities, he broadened the customer base with informal footfall needed to sustain the business across the season.
That model, combined with a promotional campaign supported by LRS, sustained the business and increased its customer base.
It means Rob now plans to invest on an expansion strategy.
Larger facility for Covid19 test manufacturer
A company that has been at the frontline in the fight against Covid19 is to create up to 1,000 new jobs after agreeing to purchase a new manufacturing centre in Nottinghamshire.
Derby-based SureScreen Diagnostics plans a phased increase of its workforce up to 1,300 after moving into the new site at Sherwood Business Park, in Annesley, in June.
The expansion follows an order for tens of millions of antigen tests for Covid-19 from the UK Government.
Director David Campbell said: “This is a huge step to increasing our capacity to meet demand, but also to establish one of the best lateral flow manufacturing facilities for the future.”
Since Covid-19 first emerged in late 2019, SureScreen has developed antibody and antigen tests that have been exported to 53 countries and dependencies in every corner of the world.
Their accuracy was deemed to be excellent, and, as a result, 20 million were ordered by the UK Government for its national rapid testing programme.
Orders for both tests prompted an increase in people from 60 to more than 300 over the course of a year.
But with SureScreen's new site, based near junction 27 of the M1, it believes headcount will grow rapidly given the high levels of demand.
Foundations for sporting success
Derby construction firm Hodgkinson Builders is hoping to build up the nation’s sporting success by becoming the latest sponsor of the Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS).
The property developer, based in Pride Park, has taken out gold sponsorship with the DIS – and the support enables the organisation to extend its work with young talented athletes.
As a gold sponsor, Hodgkinson Builders will receive a raft of benefits for its own employees – all designed to improve physical and mental wellbeing.
Operations director Robert Hodgkinson said: “Sporting success transcends sport in that it inspires people in every walk of life – not just to lead healthier lifestyles and be more active, but to be the best they can be.”
Derby rams set to cause bidding frenzy
A Derby public relations agency says it is looking forward to what promises to be a frantic bidding war for the city’s popular ram trail sculptures after it agreed to sponsor the auction where they will all be sold off.
Penguin PR, based in Ashbourne Road, has given its support to the Derby Ram Trail auction event, which will be held at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery in the Wardwick when the trail comes to an end in September.
Thirty of the fibreglass rams are set to go under the hammer during the auction, which will be conducted by Charles Hanson, who runs Hansons Auctioneers and is a regular face on TV’s Bargain Hunt and Flog It.
Penguin PR director Simon Burch said: “The Derby Ram Trail has already created a huge impact in the city and it’s wonderful to see so many people visiting the rams and having their photos taken.
Penguin PR directors Simon Burch and Sarah Newton with “Rameses”
“What you don’t really appreciate until you get up really close to them is the skill and wonderful attention to detail that the artists have shown while painting them, which reminds you that they are each a work of art.”
Proceeds raised at the auction will go towards the Derby Museums’ Endowment Fund, meaning that every penny raised will be doubled with match funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund supporting the long-term future of Derby Museums.
Simon added: “There is bound to be a huge interest owning the rams so we’re delighted to be sponsoring the auction.”
The Chamber’s young professionals’ network Generation Next is also supporting the Derby Ram Trail – and its ram, “Ramtastic”, is listed number one on the trail map. Read more on page 45.
Safeguarding historic artefacts
Almost a millennium’s worth of heritage and some of Nottingham’s most treasured artefacts have been protected during the £30m redevelopment of the city’s castle – thanks to technological innovation by citybased firm Ramtech.
After three years of closure for extensive refurbishment and conservation works, Nottingham Castle reopened to the public on 21 June.
Castle Marina-headquartered Ramtech, which designs and develops wireless solutions, worked in partnership with Nottingham City Council and Nottingham Castle Trust to provide a tailored fire detection and alert system during the renovation programme.
Lead contractor G F Tomlinson specified Ramtech’s EN54compliant WES3 technology and REACT system, which provided 24/7 fire and emergency monitoring to the construction site – minimising the risk to lives, mitigating site damage and protecting irreplaceable assets.
Andy Hicks, managing director at Ramtech, said: “Being involved in such an important project for Nottingham – and using our expertise and innovative solutions to keep lives safe, and protect the city’s treasures – has been a privilege.
“We were founded in Nottingham, we’re based in Castle Marina and we are currently celebrating our 30th anniversary, so it feels like a birthday gift to be able to showcase how far we have come by working on a major landmark in our home city.”
The extreme likelihood of fire damage occurring on job sites is widely recognised. Latest figures from the Home Office show that between April 2018 and March 2019, fire and rescue services attended 365 fires on construction sites in England – increasing from 333 in 2014/15.
Andy added: “Ensuring the heritage of Nottingham Castle was preserved, as well as protecting the lives of construction workers, was key. However, safeguarding 953 years of history from the risk of fire during a significant refurbishment was a challenging undertaking, especially as the castle site is particularly complex.”
Cushions help home workers
An award-winning cushion developed to help people in wheelchairs is being snapped up by osteopaths across the UK to help deal with an increasing number of back problems caused by working on home furniture.
Derbyshire firm Airospring Medical originally produced the wheelchair cushion specifically for Paralympic cyclist Karen Darke MBE, who used it when she won a gold medal at Rio in 2016.
Now the cushion has been given a new lease of life after an explosion in back problems due to people working from home on kitchen stools and sofas.
Osteopath Sue Morrison, who practices in East Anglia, says she is seeing increasing musculoskeletal problems stemming from workers sitting for long periods of time on unsuitable kitchen or dining chairs.
Sue said: “We are dealing with a lot of spinal problems. During lockdown people’s everyday lives were restricted, so they couldn’t go to the gym or a Pilates class and instead they were spending long hours on their laptops.
Airospring Medical owner Charles Wood
“A laptop is not set up as well for them as their office station would be and these cushions are extremely good as they offer support to stop the back sagging.”
Airospring Medical, which belongs to Baltex, started in 1831 when the Industrial Revolution was in full swing. Today, ever forward-looking, the company has used its award-winning 3D technology to manufacture the special pressure-relieving cushions.
The Airospring cushion won the Innovation Prize for Technical Textiles at a Textile Institute World Conference. Each is made from at least three layers of fabric, which spread the weight between them so that the pressure is not just localised in one area.
And Charles Wood, the eighth-generation owner of the Ilkeston-based technical textiles maker, says a number of employers have also bought the highly supportive cushions to make home workers more comfortable and ward off back problems in the future.
Charles said: “The pandemic has meant millions of people are now working from home and will probably continue to do so for at least part of the week, well into the future.
“Our cushions have proven invaluable for so many people working from home. Long Zoom and Teams calls can be uncomfortable, and our fabric technology is the best way to avoid ‘numb bum’.
“We are also receiving a lot of enquiries from HR heads who know they need to give strong consideration to looking after their staff when they are working from home.”
Ramtech's technology provided 24/7 fire and emergency monitoring to the construction site at Nottingham Castle
WES3 is a wireless fire, evacuation and emergency alarm system that has been engineered to deliver the highest standards of legislative compliance, while meeting the unique fire safety challenges of construction sites.
It links with REACT – Ramtech’s next generation of cloud-based wireless fire safety systems –enabling site management teams to have complete control of communications.
Sara Blair-Manning, chief executive officer at Nottingham Castle Trust, said: “The Ducal Palace and its grounds posed a complex site that had to be considered not only in relation to personnel safety, but ultimately the protection of over 1,000 years of history. The completion of the renovation safely has allowed us to open as soon as Covid-19 restrictions have allowed and to finally unveil unique treasures that will secure Nottingham as a global tourism destination.”
Ceilings secured by partnership
A three-year knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) between SAS International and Loughborough University has developed a new ceiling design to be used in countries at the greatest risk of earthquakes.
The ceiling bracing system has greater performance than existing products, is easy to manufacture and simple to install – and possible patenting options are currently being explored.
In addition, a range of upgrade kits have been created for many of the company’s existing products to ensure suitability in seismic regions.
Matt Harrison, head of technical at SAS International, said: The KTP programme delivers opportunities for truly impactful collaborations between academia and industry while offering unique development opportunities for graduates.”
As a result of the partnership, the markets within which SAS International can now operate has significantly expanded, and the company has opened new offices in the US.
E-learning firm is top place to work
Louise McElvaney
Learning Pool has been recognised as one of the best places to work by a specialist in employee engagement.
The e-learning platform provider was given a three-star accreditation, the highest standard achievable, by Best Companies in its 2021 ranking.
The company, which has an office in Nottingham, received a two-star rating in 2020.
The new rating coincides with a year of growth, including the recent acquisition of Colorado-based learning management specialists Remote Learner.
Louise McElvaney, director of people and performance, said: “Obtaining the top accreditation from Best Companies during a particularly challenging time is a tremendous achievement.
“Our team, which has grown to more than 260 colleagues over the past year, is the engine behind our sustained success and continued growth.”
Working with some of the world’s best-known brands, Best Companies measures, improves and recognises workplace engagement and compiles annual “best companies to work for” lists for organisations such as The Sunday Times and Business Insider.
Learning Pool CEO Ben Betts added: “Accreditations like these reaffirm our commitment to ensuring a positive working environment and provides colleagues with an open channel to offer suggestions on how we can improve.
“Our colleagues throughout the business have astonished us this year with their continued focus and enthusiasm, despite obvious challenges.”
The Chamber also featured in two categories of the Best Companies to Work For lists –ranking 77th in the Midlands’ 100 Best Companies to Work For and 13th in the national Business Services’ 20 Best Companies to Work For.
Finding the right component to weather Covid-19
An Ilkeston filter specialist has come through the pandemic in a healthy state, taking increased orders that has resulted in a move to larger premises and hiring extra staff.
AB Components is a wholesale distributor of quality filters and filtration accessories – from halfinch square items for garden machinery to seven-foot-high units to deal with dust in food preparation.
In 2008, the company relocated its warehousing, sales and accounts to the Manners Industrial Estate, moving round the corner into larger premises in 2014.
Earlier this spring, it moved again to a larger unit on the estate at Mercian Park, doubling its footprint from 6,000 sq ft to more than 12,000 sq ft with purposebuilt offices, conference facilities and storage at a cost of £150,000.
Company director James Edgar said: “While other companies were shutting or furlough staff because of the Covid restrictions, we carried on with full working and actually grew. This is because additional companies needed more filters for their businesses and ordered more supplies. We hope that the health problems caused by viruses will encourage more people – both businesses and individuals - to buy our products for their premises and homes.”
The company sells air purifiers for anything from small rooms to whole buildings – some business premises don't have windows that people can open for fresh air – and filters for motorbikes, cars, trucks, tractors, diggers, fridges and even hot tubs. The filters, which are sourced from 150 suppliers across the world, all have the same purpose – either to stop harmful particles getting into the environment or causing damage to complicated and expensive machinery.
AB Components claims they eliminate at least 99.99% of airborne pollutants, including viruses, bacteria pollen and dust, from the air – which is particularly important for people with allergies and breathing problems.
The company, which is the sole distributor for some brands and has about 9,000 filters in stock at any one time, had a turnover in the last financial year of £2.5m.
The family business includes two brothers-in-law among the 20 employees and James has plans to expand following its recent growth.
“We have plans for three more staff in the next quarter and we expect to take on more,” added James, who is a hands-on boss taking on sales and marketing as well as attending business shows.
James Edgar
SME support service on offer at Uni of Derby
The University of Derby has launched a new programme to support senior managers of small and medium-sized businesses.
The Help to Grow: Management scheme, which is 90% funded by the Government, will support senior managers to boost their SME’s performance, resilience and long-term growth.
Taking place over a 12-week period, the new training programme will combine one-to-one mentoring with a practical curriculum that will be taught by the university’s business experts.
Professor Kamil Omoteso, pro vice-chancellor dean of the college of business, law and social science at the university, said: ‘Our academics have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and are ideally placed to support small businesses to help upskill their workforce, innovate and realise their growth ambitions.”
Healthcare provider acquires capital share
HealthNet Homecare has acquired share capital from its parent company Lexon UK.
The Derbyshire homecare provider, which was supported by Barclays Corporate Banking, said the deal marked a “new era” of future investment in patient care at home and helping the NHS transform the way speciality clinical homecare is delivered across the country.
This comes off the back of fast year-on-year growth for HealthNet, going from a start-up business in 2015 to being the third largest provider of clinical homecare today.
CEO Kerry Hinton said: “We would like to thank Lexon UK for its valuable support and to Barclays for supporting the acquisition of Lexon UK share capital, to ensure that our future business not only continues to grow, but also that ongoing investment will drive even greater focus on innovation and technology.
“We know that by streamlining the way we work with the NHS and pharmaceutical companies, we can help change the landscape of how chronic, acute and rare diseases are managed in the community.”
Its success has stemmed from continued investment in people and premises, alongside using a fully integrated pharmacy supply chain and clinical support model to drive efficiency and clarity for its stakeholders.
Kerry added: “We have focused on making our core services steadfastly reliable and simple to use. This has allowed us to concentrate on ways to create the successful programmes that drive adherence, reduce wastage and gather assessment data or patient reported measures to improve clinical outcomes.”
Innovative savings for Murphy & Son
Murphy & Son – an international professional brewing supplies and consultancy business – says it has saved almost £100,000 over the past three years after making a commitment to product development and innovation.
The Nottingham-based business, which has supported the world’s leading breweries for more than 130 years, is well known for its forward-thinking liquor treatments and has recently made progress towards a number of product advancements.
The laboratory at Murphy & Son
These advancements include testing levels of sensitive proteins and tannic acid when creating a more sustainable cloudy consistency for beverages, working towards the production of vegan beer, and manufacturing its renowned remodelled layer board for transporting stock more efficiently.
Charles Nicholds, managing director at Murphy & Son, said: “Innovation and technical support are incredibly important parts of our business.
“We are constantly striving to develop and bring new products to the market, improve our own manufacturing processes and help the industry with beverage storing methods.
“Now more than ever, it’s essential that we stay ahead of the curve and put time, money and resources into developing our offering as a company.”
R&D tax returns – which were secured by accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young Nottingham – have played a key part in the success of its projects, helping secure funds to continue its innovation.
This corporation tax relief was introduced by Government in 2000 to incentivise SMEs to invest in advancing their overall levels of knowledge and capability by allowing them to claim an enhanced tax deduction for qualifying expenditure incurred, with the ultimate policy aim of increasing cutting-edge research and wealth creation across the UK, by companies in the UK.
Murphy & Son’s projects have benefited from additional tax relief on 130% of all costs attributed to its R&D efforts – including lab equipment and consumables, product trials and testing, and staff costs.
James Simmonds, partner at UHY Nottingham and head of the firm's national drinks sector group, said: “By identifying all aspects of the business’ recent projects that qualified for research and development relief, we’ve been able to supply the company with essential funds to ensure the brewery sector continues to progress and innovate – despite the difficulties that have recently fallen upon the industry following Covid19.”
Charles added: “UHY's services have ensured that we can continue to extend our research by helping us to benefit from the Government’s R&D initiative and save money on key costs across the business. We’ve worked with the UHY team for three years now and look forward to working closely with it for the foreseeable future.”
Tina Brown
Rebrand for CCM Group
Nottinghamshire-based CCM Group has relaunched its B2B creative arm after a rebrand.
The multi-faceted company has experienced substantial employee and financial growth over the past year, which has now enabled the team to rethink the direction of its CCM Creative division – which specialises in multi-channel marketing, graphic design, brand creation, print and product procurement and fulfilment.
The rebrand will align the division more closely with its personality, full-suite marketing offering and the needs of its creative clients.
Tina Brown, managing director of CCM Creative, said: “As we’ve grown over this past year, we have been able to invest in our offering, our technology and our team, which has enabled us to develop this side of the business even further.”
The main purpose of the new brand is to combine the three main services into a full, all-encompassing offer to save clients’ time and money in having to outsource all elements of marketing, including digital marketing, design work and print fulfilment, to multiple agencies.
Tina added: “We’re confident that identifying what it really is that we are able to bring to the table for our clients and more importantly, why that is so valuable to them, is what sets us apart from other marketing agencies, and allows us to deliver on clients’ projects from each and every online and offline angle.
“Being that one point of contact for all of our clients’ creative requirements is something we’re very proud to offer, and the feedback we’ve had so far has been incredible.”
Pasquale Buonanno and Samantha Hall will lead Meet Leicester
Leicester’s new business tourism service takes off
A new initiative to support the recovery and growth of Leicester’s business tourism market has been launched.
Meet Leicester is a public-private sector partnership comprising 40 venues based in and around Leicester and the wider county.
Its aim is to increase business tourism in the area by promoting the portfolio of venues available to the conference and meetings.
Funded by Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, and the Leicester and Leicestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), Meet Leicester is led by business tourism manager Samantha Hall and assistant Pasquale Buonanno.
It offers a free and impartial venue-finding service to conference organisers for any size of meeting from 10 to 1,000 delegates.
Samantha said: “I am so proud to be promoting such an exciting destination and helping to support the recovery of such a diverse range of quality venues.”
The team at Meet Leicester is now raising awareness about the attractions of hosting events in the county –and has launched a new website to make it easier for organisers to find the right venues for their events.
“The vibrant city offers so many options for events –from its countryside venues, to the story of King Richard III found in a city centre car park and the tales of the planets in the National Space Centre, alongside its range of sporting venues and hotels – and our easyto-use website will help organisers find the right fit for their event plans.”
Samantha added: “Leicestershire is situated in an ideal location, home to East Midlands Airport and just 30 miles to Birmingham International Airport – with a mainline station just a 66-minute train journey from London St Pancras, and easy access from the M1.
To view the 40 venues listed on the Meet Leicester website, visit www.meetleicester.co.uk
BookBench trail to drive footfall
Residents and visitors are being encouraged to follow a new “BookBench” sculpture trail that has been unveiled across North Nottinghamshire – with the hope of driving footfall back to town centres.
The trail has been organised by North Notts BID in collaboration with Wild in Art – a producer of public art events – and includes 40 uniquely-designed benches on display in Worksop, Retford, Harworth and Tuxford.
They can be uncovered using a virtual trail map available for download on the North Notts Journeys website, or printed versions that can be picked up in shops and cultural institutions in the area.
Sally Gilborn, chief executive of the BID, said: We're really looking forward to seeing people explore the sculptures with their friends and family – uncovering parts of North Nottinghamshire that they may have never seen before and
North Notts BID chief executive Sally Gillborn and board director George Buchanan with one of the benches
helping to drive footfall back towards the town centres to support local businesses after a difficult year.”
The BookBenches were created by local schools in partnerships with artists and businesses, celebrating the region’s heritage and showcasing its creative talents.
Inspirations include the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower crossing and a tribute to NHS keyworkers.
The trail will run for eight weeks throughout the summer, with people encouraged to post pictures on social media using the hashtag #NorthNottsJourneys.
New market created by firms’ merger
A merger between Derbyshirebased Mercia Image Print and Sheffield-based The Print & Design Factoryhascreatedanewmarket to help springboard the company’s recovery after Covid-19 caused havoc to its hospitality and retail sales.
Managing director Amanda Strong was approached by The Print & Design Factory in October 2020 with an offer to buy Merica Image, and the businesses successfully merged.
The Print & Design Factory group commercial director Craig Ikin said: “The future certainly looks brighter than it did last year for Mercia Image, with the diversification into bespoke packaging and with the retail and hospitality sectors now returning. As those industries get going again, things are certainly looking rosy - endorsing the fact that we are indeed stronger together.”
Dr Kate Godfree
HR views sought on sick leave
HR professionals are being encouraged to share their thoughts on how Covid-19 has affected long-term sick leave in their workplaces, to help inform policy changes in the future.
The Mental Health and Productivity Pilot (MHPP), a Midlands Engine initiative, is seeking to interview 40 HR professionals about how the pandemic has changed their approach to managing longterm sick leave.
Dr Kate Godfree, research associate at Loughborough University, said: “These interviews aim to explore how we can better support those across the Midlands Engine area.”
Any HR professional wishing to be interviewed should get in touch via Prowork@lboro.ac.uk
Bringing sweet treats to Nottingham
Customers visiting Nottingham’s Victoria Centre are in for a treat after a food gifting wholesaler opened a new store.
TTK Confectionery has opened a new Treat Kitchen shop, based in the same unit as the old Thorntons shop at the entrance to the centre.
The store will feature a selection of delicious food gifts including sweets, biscuits, chocolates and toffee – and will be led by customer experience manager Kay Dixon, who has worked in confectionery gifting for 18 years.
She said: “We are pleased to be able to continue offering our in-store personalisation and giftwrapping services but also excited to introduce customers to new products from the Treat Kitchen range. Working closely with local businesses, customers will be able to grab a takeaway coffee provided by local roastery Stewarts, a delicious cake from Jasmin and the team at Homemade, as well as an ice cream from Bluebells Diary.”
TTK Confectionery has not had a Treat Kitchen store in Nottingham since 2017, deciding to build up the wholesale business, which is now selling into 21 countries worldwide.
Brand director Jess Barnett added: “We feel a strong connection to the city, so I am thrilled that we have this opportunity to open a new retail store in Nottingham. We will be using the store to promote our local charity partners Base 51 and Double Impact with the profits of dedicated ranges going to fund amazing projects across the city.”
The Treat Kitchen store features a selection of food gifts
Branding agency wins top award
A Nottinghamshire marketing and branding company has been recognised as one of the leading agencies of its kind in the UK by picking up a top industry award.
Threerooms, based at Strelley Hall, was one of just three UK companies to receive the prestigious brand strategy award in the Drum Recommends Awards for Marketing and Advertising 2021.
It was the only company to receive the award in the under 40 staff category.
The Drum Recommends Awards are the only advertising and marketing awards based on real client ratings. Each year, marketing magazine The Drum collates detailed ratings to identify the teams and agencies that produce the best work and go the extra mile for their clients.
Director Ian Morris said: “Having been nominated for four years, it's amazing to finally bring this accolade home. It formally recognises our expertise and reputation in brand strategy and design.”
The award was announced just days after Threerooms appointed two new members of staff – a new brand strategist and a new creative designer. The company serves clients locally, throughout the UK and in Europe, with an emphasis on the technology, education and charity sectors.
Speaking of the company’s expansion, Ian said: “We have been very fortunate to have been able to grow the business.
“Luckily, many of our clients have thrived during the past year and have realised the importance of investing in their brand.
“We were delighted to welcome Jennie Bennett and Maxim Hill to the team. They are helping us to deliver even more to our clients while fulfilling increasing demand.”
Ian Morris (back) with new hires Maxim Hill and Jennie Bennett
Tech firm rolls out new digital platform
Bloc Digital is supporting the global shift to digital integration and communication with the launch of virtURL – a new virtual events and product showcase platform.
The Derby-based company, which pioneers business use of immersive and creative technologies, has announced the industry roll-out of its new online platform, which combines personto-person communication and networking in a customisable, interactive and virtual environment.
Building on its international reputation for digital visualisation and immersive tech services, virtURL I Powered By Bloc is the first dedicated product to be launched by the business.
Bloc Digital co-founder and director Keith Cox said: “Digital remote communications, networking and interactive experiences are now required to cut across all sectors of a business from operations, product design, marketing, training and skills learning.
“The restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the need to be more immersive, resilient and sustainable, means that our clients are requiring new ways of connecting, collaborating and marketing. virtURL has been developed to meet this need.
“It delivers virtual environments which maximise personal interaction and communication. With no licence fees, and just a one-off start-up and customisation cost, our platform offers businesses the ability to tailor and brand their environments to suit the developing and ongoing needs of their operations.”
By integrating online communication, virtual presentations and 360-degree navigation within one customisable platform, organisations can engage their customers in real-time interactions and 3D product demonstrations, which closely simulate previous in-person live events.
As well as the ability to hold virtual events and create an online presence at conferences and exhibitions, the platform can also be used for operational purposes such as product development, sales demonstrations and training.
Head of sales and solutions development Steve Bentley, who led the design and production of the platform, said: “Bloc Digital’s expertise in 3D modelling, animation and software engineering coupled with our experience in developing industry focused solutions, particularly for our engineering and manufacturing global clients, has put us at the forefront of developing solutions which take businesses to a new level of interaction and communication.”
Bloc Digital directors Chris Hotham and Keith Cox
Recruiter forges pact with Armed Forces
Midlands recruitment agency Encore Personnel has signed a pact with the Armed Forces, which enshrines its commitment to supporting ex-servicemen and women in finding work.
The business is building on its work during the pandemic supporting essential services by signing the Armed Forces Covenant – an agreement that states a business will do all it can to ensure ex-military personnel do not face discrimination.
Encore – which has 10 branches across the region, including its head office in Leicester, and offices in Nottingham and Derby city centres – employs more than 200 staff and specialises in warehousing, manufacturing, logistics, driving and engineering recruitment.
Inspired by the suggestion of business development consultant James Simpson, who joined in 2020 after serving five years with the 26 Regiment Royal Artillery, 159 Battery (Gutersloh, Germany) and 132 Battery (Newcastle), the company’s commitment to supporting ex-servicemen and women is both an internal and external pledge.
James said: “As soon as I was settled at Encore, I knew it was a business that really cared about its employees, their wellbeing and future prospects. Having served in the forces, I know first-hand how it feels to step out of the routine of military life into the working world.
“So, I pitched the idea of signing the Armed Forces Covenant to the board of directors and they were all in positive unison. It basically means that we will do our utmost as a business to give a fair shot to people who’ve left the forces, be that as candidates for our customers or new recruits to our own teams.”
James added that there was likely to be a large uplift in the number of ex-military personnel looking for work in the coming years as the army scales back its numbers as a result of the recent defence review – so now more than ever before it is important other businesses follow suit.
He added: “I was astounded to learn that less than 0.5% of all registered recruitment businesses in the UK have signed the covenant. It would be fantastic to see more agencies follow our lead.”
Managing director Pete Taylor said: “Signing this covenant really was a no-brainer for us, a simple and effective way of both showing gratitude to ex-service men and women for the sacrifices they have made for our country and our collective safety, as well as furthering our commitment to equal opportunities and a level playing field for all candidates and our own teams.”
Encore ex-army employee James Simpson (second left) and his manager Andrew Fletcher (third left) at 159 Regiment RLC in the Midlands
New bill offers benefits for start-ups
Young entrepreneurs and new businesses founded during the pandemic should build on their skills set by taking advantage of a new scheme launched by the Government, says a Derby accountancy firm.
The “lifetime skills guarantee” that forms part of the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill – allowing all adults to get a “flexible loan” for part or full-time higher education and training at a university or college – can help to boost the UK economy, according to DuffieldRoad based Vibrant Accountancy.
Ian Ball and Beverley Wakefield
It was launched in May, around the same time it was revealed by the Office for National Statistics that GDP shrank by 1.5% in the first three months of 2021.
Beverley Wakefield, who set up Vibrant Accountancy with business partner Ian Ball just four months before the first coronavirus lockdown, said: “It is staggering the sheer volume of businesses which have been created during the past 12 months, particularly here in the East Midlands.
“We have seen a wave of young start-ups and also companies reimagining their business model –the likes of Derby doughnut company Project D.
“Because there have been very few jobs for young people out there over the past year, this Generation Next age group, the under-35s, have almost been forced into trying something new and that, I believe, has made them more entrepreneurial.
The Skills and Post-16 Education Bill will benefit hundreds of people in the East Midlands, believes Beverley.
She added: “This second year of business, though, will be more about consolidating their position in the marketplace and, to do that successfully, they may need to gain a whole new skill set to run their business successfully; they may want to learn more about digital marketing and PR – or even have a better understanding of accountancy.
“Experience and seeking out those people with experience who can help and support you is vital in making your business a success.”
The Chamber runs Generation Next – a support network for young professionals aged between 18 and 35. It connects members with likeminded individuals, as well as leading business professionals from across the region, to build their networks and skills. Read the latest news about Generation Next on page 45.
Duo take careers a STEP forward
Two probate specialists in Duncan & Toplis’ legal division have qualified for the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
Amy Codd and Lesley Harrison now qualify as trust estate practitioners (TEPs), which are members of STEP – the international professional body for advisers specialising in trusts, inheritance and succession planning.
Its members exemplify high standards of professionalism and are subject to well-regarded codes of conduct.
Established last year, Duncan & Toplis Legal Services supports families, individuals and businesses with legal matters including probate, company law, deeds, partnership agreements and regulated private client work.
It is part of Duncan & Toplis group, which supports more than 4,500 clients in the East Midlands with a wide range of business advice and accounting services.
Amy is a private client solicitor and associate at the firm, and has previously worked in management roles in the NHS.
She said: “Trust is extremely important when it comes to inheritance and succession planning so having the support, guidance and advice of a professional who’s an expert in the field can make all the difference.
“As qualified TEPs, clients can be assured that the service they receive from our team is of the highest professional standard, giving them peace of mind and confidence.”
Lesley trained as a chartered legal executive at Duncan & Toplis Legal Services after working at a senior management level in the NHS. She specialises in private client practice dealing with wills, powers of attorney and estates.
She added: “STEP is a wellrespected organisation for trust and estate practitioners. Although many aspects of planning aren’t regulated, meaning anyone can write a will, STEP members are rigorously assessed, and all members must be certified so you can be sure you’re in safe hands.”
Amy Codd
Lesley Harrison
BSI to steer CE successor
BSI has confirmed it is now an approved body for the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking.
Informed by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, this new marking is required for placing relevant regulated products on the market in England, Scotland and Wales from 1 January 2021.
The UKCA mark replaces CE marking in the UK post-Brexit, although CE marking will continue to be recognised for products that have been certified by an EU notified body until the end of the year.
As an approved body, the company can work with organisations on the required conformity assessment procedures that will allow them to affix the UKCA marking.
Group product certification director Shahm Barhom said: “We’re committed to helping organisations to be resilient and encourage trust in this new regulatory landscape.”
