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MEMBER NEWS
Amazon to bring jobs boost to the East Midlands
Amazon will create 700 jobs in the East Midlands after announcing the opening of its fifth large warehouse in the region – as it also unveiled plans to help plug skills gaps in an innovative partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
The e-commerce giant will take its total permanent headcount in the region to 3,400 when it opens the 500,000 sq ft fulfilment centre in Hinckley this summer, adding to existing sites in Chesterfield, Coalville, Kegworth and Sutton-in-Ashfield.
It was included in a wider announcement that the company will create more than 10,000 permanent jobs across the UK by the end of 2021, taking its national workforce to 55,000 – with pay for operations roles in fulfilment centres starting at £9.70 per hour.
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said the Amazon was “fast growing into one of the biggest and most important employers in our region”, adding: “It’s therefore crucial for our region in particular, due to our central location nationally and reputation as a place where goods are made and moved, to embrace the logistics industry as an important part of our present and future economy.”
Meanwhile, Amazon announced it will invest £10m over three years to train up to 5,000 employees in new skills.
This training will be offered through the company’s Career Choice programme, where it pays 95% of course fees – up to £8,000 over four years – for its staff who have expressed an interest in pursuing a career outside of the firm. It believes this will boost the skills and employability of British workers, with available courses including accountancy, HGV driving and software development.
By linking up with the BCC, accredited chambers of commerce such as East Midlands Chamber will have the opportunity to work with Amazon to identify regional skills shortages and ensure training is focused on local needs.
The company will provide classroom-based learning through Amazon Career Choice, as well as exploring opportunities with the BCC network to provide practical work experience and mentoring in employees’ chosen future professions.
Shevaun Haviland, director-general of the BCC, said: “This is a great initiative that will not only help Amazon but also provide a much wider benefit to the community, while showcasing how business can be a force for good.”
Amazon’s UK country manager John Boumphrey added: “We’re delighted to be working with the British Chambers of Commerce on a pioneering approach to our Career Choice programme to provide the training, and skilled workers, needed to boost local economies right across the country.”
University joins Singapore alliance
The University of Nottingham has joined the UK-Singapore Alliance for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (UKSAEI) –the first alliance of its kind to accelerate collaborations in entrepreneurship and innovation between the two countries.
Launched in April, it brings together 11 universities from the UK, and five from Singapore, to share knowledge and facilitate collaboration in commercialisation and innovation.
Professor of materials chemistry and pro-vicechancellor for global engagement Robert Mokaya is leading the project at the University of Nottingham.
He said: “I am pleased that, as a founding member and with the support of both the UK and Singapore governments, the University of Nottingham is able to bring these great universities together in such an alliance.”
IT firm rolls out testing scheme
Derby IT company Neuways is supporting its employees as they return to the office by enrolling on the NHS Covid-19 testing scheme.
The Government-backed programme allows employers to order large quantities of lateral flow testing kits for their employees to use.
By encouraging staff to regularly take lateral flow tests, Neuways has been able to safely increase the number of employees working together in its Chellaston office.
Managing director Martin Roberts said: “The availability of Covid-19 lateral flow tests to businesses is the best way we can protect our staff as we return to the office.
“While the technology to work remotely has been fantastic over the past year, and we will be looking to continue a flexible, hybrid approach to working going forward, to have the ability and capacity to return to the office will be a real strength for us as a business and our customers.”
New export deals with India
A Leicestershire business has been involved in one of 20 export deals signed between the UK and India as part of a new trading relationship.
The export deal involving Morningside Pharmaceuticals, which manufactures and supplies quality generic medicines to the UK and international markets from its base in Loughborough, is connected to researching, developing and licensing new pharmaceutical products.
It is part of an enhanced trade partnership between the countries that will facilitate an extra £1bn in UKIndia trade and investment, set to create 6,500 jobs.
Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, chairman of Morningside Pharmaceuticals, said: “We are immensely proud to be included alongside other UK exporters in the new trading arrangements that have been announced with India. This enhanced trading relationship is a great step forward towards a future free trade agreement, which would bring significant opportunities for exporters, as well as investment, in the UK and the Midlands.
“The Morningside companies have invested in India for many years, particularly in research and development and clinical trials, as well as through our manufacturing investments into developing new formulations of generic medicines for our UK and international markets.
“We are proud that much of the innovation takes place here in Leicestershire and is then ‘technology transferred’ to Indian partners to help bring new formulations of generic and branded medicines to the UK and global markets quicker.”
The package contains more than £533m of new Indian investment into the UK, which is expected to create 6,500 jobs in vital and growing sectors such as health and technology – with £200m of these deals supporting low-carbon growth.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Like every aspect of the UK-India relationship, the economic links between our countries make our people stronger and safer. Each and every one of the more than 6,500 jobs will help communities build back from coronavirus.”
Dr Nik Kotecha, chairman of Morningside Pharmaceuticals
Interflex awarded Government grant
Automotive parts manufacturer Interflex will embark on a new upskilling programme to help it diversify after being awarded a £254,000 Government grant.
The company, based in Langar, Nottinghamshire, will allocate half the award to a £500,000 scheme to train, coach and mentor its team across a range of aspects of the business.
Managing director Jim Griffin said: “This is an exciting time for Interflex. We have risen to some tough challenges over the past 12 months and have emerged a more flexible and efficient operation as a result.
“Covid-19 did delay our planned expansion, but with the valuable cash injection that the award has given us, now is the perfect time to start putting these exciting plans into practice.”
BT secures contract with Avant Homes
BT has been awarded a multimillion-pound contract with Chesterfield-headquartered national housebuilder Avant Homes to support the digital transformation of its business during the pandemic.
The partnership has already seen BT deploy new technology to allow agile working for Avant Homes’ sales and customer service workforce during the past 12 months. The investment also allows the developer to further improve its customer journey for new reservations and viewings.
For the next phase of the partnership, BT is providing a cloudbased solution that simplifies the management and operations across Avant Homes’ five regional offices located in Scotland, North East, Yorkshire, and the Midlands, as well as its group head office operation and all development locations.
Roger Craven, North East, Yorkshire & Humber sales director for BT, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has brought challenges for many businesses, even those in industries which have largely been able to continue to operate throughout lockdown restrictions, such as the housing and construction sector.
“The need to invest in digital technology has never been greater as more work is carried out remotely and teams require secure access to information, contacts and systems from wherever they are.”
BT will support Avant Homes with its digital transformation
Royal recognition for East Midlands businesses
Winners of the Queen's Awards for Enterprise were announced in April, with 15 of the 105 companies recognised hailing from the East Midlands. With entries now open for next year, Business Network talks to two Chamber members among the recipients.
HUUB founder Dean Jackson Team GB triathlon medal hopes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee in HUUB kit
INNOVATION AWARD WINNER: DEAN JACKSON, OWNER OF HUUB, DERBY
What does your company do?
We’re a global leader in the manufacture of triathlon and cycling products, employing 24 people.
What encouraged you to enter the Queen’s Award for Enterprise?
For us, there is no higher accolade. We can win stages of races, our partnered athletes collect medals at the Olympics and we can share in their triumph – but the whole team here having its achievements reflected in attaining The Queen's Award truly reflects commitment.
Why do you think you won this award and how has it been received by your team?
HUUB takes innovation seriously and as a driver to our survival and market leadership. We are the inventors – the playful, the imaginative and the curious. We won't leave gardens unturned, never mind the stones! I believe the judges will have seen how innovation had driven us, and shaped the way we work towards larger goals and aspirations of the business.
How do you plan to use the recognition?
We will use the award with the ultimate respect across all our trading channels and aim to leverage the recognition with our customers, for they truly are trading with an innovative company that has been recognised at the highest level.
We will also use the Queen's Award to showcase Derby and the county. We are proud to come from a city of innovators, creators and makers, and there’s no finer way than to share our success with the city which shaped and inspired us.
How does this fit into any future plans the company already had?
The Queen's Award has further cemented our belief that innovation can and will drive your business.
Looking forward is far more important than looking back. There are days where you think “let's rest up and have a steady year” but we can’t – we are constantly being chased down by our competitors and this is what drives us.
We plan to drive our cycling branch to become the world’s most respected cycling company.
What would your advice be to any East Midlands businesses contemplating whether to enter the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in 2022?
Pretty simple – “get on with it”. It’s a journey of self-evaluation, selfreflection and gives the chance to focus and understand what really makes your organisation shine. It’s also paramount to take your staff and stakeholders on your journey of success, and bring along the whole team.
WHAT IS A QUEEN’S AWARD?
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise have four categories: innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. Established in 1965, the awards are judged by senior Whitehall officials and experts from industry, academia and the third sector.
QUEEN’S AWARDS FACTS
• 205 winners in 2021, including 15 in the East Midlands • 92% of winners are SMEs • 44 companies have fewer than 10 employees • 5 years – the amount of time businesses can use the Queen’s Award crest in promotional materials • 73% of winners in the international trade category (2012-2015) directly attributed increased sales to winning a Queen's Award. • 7,000-plus companies have won a Queen's Award since its inception in 1965
Applications are now open for the Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2022 and close on 9 September 2021. To apply, visit www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise/how-to-apply
INTERNATIONAL TRADE WINNER: ANDY OWEN, PARTNER AT MASTERMOVER, ASHBOURNE
What does your business do?
MasterMover is a global leader in the design and manufacture of electric tugs that allow customers to safely move wheeled loads ranging in weight from 50kg to more than 100,000kg. We employ 80 people.
What encouraged you to enter the Queen’s Award for Enterprise?
The Queen's Awards are internationally recognised and extremely prestigious – the highest honour that can be bestowed on a UK company. We'd seen other businesses receive the award for their work in international trade and it's something we've always admired, not least because we understand first-hand the rewards and challenges that come with exporting.
Why do you think you won this award and how has it been received by your team?
MasterMover started a new export strategy in 2007. The result is we've gone from selling just a handful of machines to experiencing fantastic growth in sectors all around the world.
In the past six years, overseas sales have grown by 227% and the proportion of sales exported has now increased to 59% – with plans for even further growth in the future.
The award has been extremely well received by our staff as everyone has put in so much effort over the years. This recognition makes us all very proud.
How do you plan to use the recognition?
Receiving the royal stamp of approval is a badge of honour we're proud to display. We've already started using the emblem in our marketing and sales materials, and we will continue to roll this out in the coming months.
We anticipate the Queen's Award will allow us to reach an even wider audience, establish new connections and educate potential customers.
How does this fit into any future plans the company already had?
The award has already been a real bonus and something we've been excited to share with our staff, customers and the business community. Over the next five
MasterMover partners Andy Owen and James Jones
years, we intend to add an extra boost to our existing growth plans. It will allow us to further develop our reputation both at home and across our international markets.
What would your advice be to any East Midlands businesses contemplating whether to enter the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in 2022?
Sitting down with the numbers, interrogating your growth plans –what you’ve achieved so far and what you’re going to achieve in the future – is always a good exercise. If you’ve got the drive, ambition and sales success to justify why your business deserves to be honoured with the Queen’s emblem, then go for it.
A1 Comms in sale of Go Mobile
Derby-based A1 Comms has announced the sale of its Go Mobile high street estate to KTM Online, which trades as Fonehouse.
The mobile phone and connectivity solutions provider will continue to own and focus on its digital consumer business – namely its portfolio of online brands Affordable Mobiles, Buymobiles and Phones.co.uk – as well as its nationwide business-tobusiness operation Yappl.
Managing director of digital Bobbie Bhogal said: “We’re delighted to have completed the sale of the Go Mobile business from A1 Comms to KTM Online.
“The agreement will no doubt help further Go Mobile, its franchisees, employees, and partners included. A1 Comms’ primary objective is now focusing on our rapidly growing digital consumer business, having generated a 62% increase in sales year-onyear, resulting in our best year as a business.”
Check out our new website which has just gone live at: www.breedonconsulting.co.uk
Agency wins award for NHS campaign
Anicca Digital has picked up a paid media sector award for its work on an NHS survey – in which 32% of completions were delivered by its paid marketing activity.
The Leicester-based digital marketing agency won the Biddable AgencyLed Campaign of the Year Award at the UK Biddable Media Award for a campaign it delivered for the Leicester Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
Anicca Digital used paid digital marketing tactics to ensure participation from minority and “hard-to-reach” communities for a public consultation about building a new hospital.
Ann Stanley, managing director at Anicca Digital, said: “Leicester is a city with a complex demographic make-up and the CCG was concerned that some communities may not get their say in the consultation process.”
It successfully delivered more than 13 million advert views during the project’s three-month timeframe, with 32% of all digital survey completions driven directly by paid media activities.
Working alongside the in-house NHS team – using a mix of marketing tools and additional paid advertising (online and offline) – the aim for the campaign was to raise awareness of a planned new hospital and to ensure survey completions from groups that had been under-represented.
Ann added: “We’re really pleased that our paid digital marketing approach to target these specific minority or ‘hard-to-reach communities’ within Leicester and Leicestershire has been given industry recognition.
“Due to the successful delivery of the campaign, we have since been approached to undertake an additional project using a similar strategy to encourage vaccine take-up for Covid-19.”
John Pye Auctions' new 3.5-acre site
John Pye opens site in Northern Ireland
John Pye Auctions has expanded into Northern Ireland with the acquisition of a new 3.5-acre site outside Ballymena – which will make it the biggest commercial auction house in the country.
The new site in County Antrim will create 40 jobs and increase the auction house’s network to more than 800,000 sq ft of sale room space, with the family-run firm offering a wide range of consumer products and liquidation stock from leading UK retailers, such as John Lewis, DFS and Halfords.
Managing director Adam Pye said: “We are delighted to be opening in Northern Ireland, offering the country a new type of auction with the same great volume and variety – all under one roof - as we provide across our wider UK network.
“The kind warm welcome we have received is a great testament to the local community. We are looking forward to not only offering weekly value offerings through our auctions, creating employment and opportunities in the area, but also supporting community efforts.
“We are a family business with strong roots and a proud history of championing the local communities our sites are based in.”
Last year the company held more than 1,300 online auctions, selling more than one million lots with customers being able to make savings of up to 80% on retail prices.
Ann Stanley, managing director at Annica Digital
Growth for tech firms in the East Midlands
The number of new technology companies being set up in the East Midlands rose by 3% in 2020, new analysis by audit, tax and consulting firm RSM has found.
In total, 414 technology businesses were incorporated in 2020, according to data held by Companies House, a 3% increase on the 403 total in 2019.
Simon Browning, head of RSM’s technology and media team in the East Midlands, said: “Despite the acute impact of the Covid-19 and lockdown restrictions, it’s encouraging to see such strong growth in the East Midlands tech sector as entrepreneurs seize the opportunities that the pandemic has revealed for technology to support new ways of working and digital entertainment.
“In 2020, the UK attracted $15bn in investment and sits third internationally for tech incubations according to the latest Tech Nation report –demonstrating that the UK continues to stride ahead of other European countries, despite Brexit, and remains the first-choice tech hub after the US and China.
“The UK will always be a target for investment due to the financial and private equity infrastructure; but it’s great to see growth in the East Midlands where thriving media and technology industries are fuelling regional growth.”
Willmott Dixon has a women's leadership development programme
Construction firm supports diversity
Willmott Dixon has been named as one of the UK’s top 50 places to work for women.
The construction firm has been included in The Times’ prestigious Top 50 Employers for Women list for the third consecutive time in recognition of its focus on being an inclusive workplace.
Group chief executive Rick Willmott said: “We are proud to again be recognised for our approach to gender diversity.
“This is an important benchmark, not only for us, but the entire construction industry to promote career opportunities available for people from all parts of our community so that they can enjoy as we say, ‘a career of a lifetime’, while also making long-term impact on society that increases the opportunities for thousands of people.”
The company has recently launched a Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)-based women’s leadership development programme – and the 12month course will be delivered to 17 high-potential female leaders.
Rick added: “We see this as a crucial programme as we seek to increase the number of women within the most senior positions in construction.”
Artist’s impression of the new Derby Business School
University plans for ‘iconic’ city centre business school
The University of Derby has announced its vision to build an “iconic” new business school in the centre of the city.
Set to open in September 2024, the building is projected to be the study base for more than 6,000 students by 2030.
They will benefit from a transformative learning environment delivering teaching, research, innovation and skills aligned to regional, national and global needs.
The landmark building is proposed to be net zero carbon in construction and operation, aligning to the university’s sustainability strategies, and its low-carbon expertise and research agenda.
It will be located in Ford Street, Derby, on a university-owned site opposite One Friar Gate Square –home to the School of Law and Social Sciences.
Professor Kamil Omoteso, pro vice-chancellor dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences at the University of Derby, said: “Our ambitious plans for an iconic new business school, located in the centre of Derby, are part of a broader vision to expand the university’s reach and reputation across the UK and globally.
“To do so, the university must be in a position to offer the best possible learner experience that reflects its values of being bold, brilliant and future focused.
“We intend to build on our already strong reputation to become a leading business school for applied realworld learning – one that creates opportunities for a diverse range of students to attain their full potential and become successful and responsible future leaders.”
Relocating Derby Business School, which is currently based in Kedleston Road, supports the university’s ambition to have a greater physical presence in the city centre, providing a central and attractive destination for students. It also increases the accessibility of the new business school to residents, schools and colleges, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire businesses, and the local entrepreneur and start-up community – opening the door to increased enterprise collaboration to enable business growth and unlock new market opportunities internationally.
Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, vice-chancellor and chief executive of the University of Derby, added: “We are delighted to be moving forward with our plans for the new business school, a reflection of our ambitions and commitment to delivering economic, social, environmental, and cultural prosperity to the city of Derby and the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) region.
“This new city centre building will not only enhance the area’s appeal and vibrancy, but also attract more students to Derby, positively impact the local economy, and provide businesses and organisations with easier access to research, innovation and the business services they need to grow and prosper.”
Purpose Media to deliver growth
Digital marketing agency Purpose Media has been commissioned by a global IT business to help it achieve an ambitious programme of growth.
It will work with Bam Bam Cloud to increase its profile in the UK and internationally as it seeks to expand its footprint beyond current markets in the US, Canada and India.
The Derby-based company –previously known as Cooper Parry IT until a management buyout earlier this year – has already established a reputation as a market-leading supplier of cloudbased technology solutions, winning the prestigious Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Partner of the Year Award last year.
team would provide expertise in paid media, search engine optimisation and digital content to help Bam Boom Cloud achieve its goals, which include trebling turnover to £9m in the next three years.
“It’s great to welcome such a successful, vibrant and high-profile client on board,” he said. “Bam Boom Cloud joins a growing list of companies that are trusting us to grow their digital presence, engage with new audiences and deliver new business opportunities.”
Firms offered access to local talent
East Midlands businesses have been offered easy access to talent coming out of Nottingham Trent University (NTU) via its latest graduate internship scheme.
The fully-funded programme gives businesses the opportunity to hire suitable graduates equipped the latest skills and knowledge in a six-week placement.
Rory Poyzer, a business development consultant in NTU’s employability, professional services team, said: "Via a talent match process, we offer employers the opportunity to engage with one or more of our graduates to undertake an internship to benefit their organisation. "Our graduates will bring extra resources to help grow organisations, bring fresh ideas, and the latest skills and knowledge to your team. "Simultaneously, participating businesses will play a fundamental part in providing experience to
NTU's scheme funds a six-week graduate work placement
some of our unemployed or underemployed graduates."
Diversity, a creative digital marketing agency in Nottingham, has hired five graduates from NTU among its team of 22 people in the past five years.
Its managing director Simon Elliott was particularly impressed with Alexandra Mihut, who joined the company on a graduate internship while completing a master’s degree in 2017.
After graduating, Alex returned to Diversity and has since progressed from a marketing executive to account manager.
Simon said: “We have welcomed students on the internship over several years, and each year are impressed with what they bring to the business – always professional, bringing enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the projects.
“Beyond the internships, these allow us to meet future talent for working in our business, and Alex was a prime example. By relating course content to growth areas in the industry, she helped us develop new services within the business, including voice applications and influencer marketing.”
The deadline to submit roles for the graduate internship scheme is 2 July, with the next programme starting on 2 August.
To learn more about taking part, contact Rory on rory.poyzer@ ntu.ac.uk or 0115 848 3200.
PR agency ranks among the best
Nottingham digital PR agency Cartwright Communications has ranked in the top tier of a definitive listing of leading UK PR firms.
It was one of only two East Midlands-based PR agencies –alongside Nottingham-based Tank – to rank in the PR Week Global Agency Business Report 2021, which is compiled from an estimated 5,000 agencies in the UK.
It ranked in the top 35 of leading agencies outside London, bucking industry trends by experiencing increased revenue in 2020.
Cartwright Communications owner Liz Cartwright has witnessed significant growth from clients seeking to diversify marketing strategies.
She added: “We’ve noticed that businesses are looking to complement PR strategies with new digital channels, but we’ve seen the biggest surge in growth in e-commerce businesses, which have looked to PR as a new avenue to achieve greater market share in extremely competitive times.”
Volunteers working at Chesterfield Canal
Canal restoration plans gain approval
Plans to restore the Chesterfield Canal by 1.6 miles have been approved –extending the navigable section in Derbyshire by a third from Staveley to Renishaw.
The restored canal currently ends at Eckington Road Bridge in Staveley, where the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s volunteer work party has built a new lock and restored a further 300 metres of canal.
The new section will go through a disused railway line and across the Doe Lea Valley on the Staveley Puddlebank.
The towpath will be a 3m-wide, all-user trail alongside the canal –meaning walkers, cyclists and mobility scooter users will be able to join boaters, canoeists and paddleboarders in enjoying the new route.
The planning application was approved by Chesterfield Borough Council and work is now planned to begin by the end of this year or early 2022.
Chesterfield Canal Trust chair Peter Hardy said: “We are delighted that our planning application has been approved.
“This is a substantial step on the path to achieving our ambition of reopening the canal fully by 2027.
“We would like to put on record our thanks to our many supporters and partners who have backed us so far and who we know will stick by us in the exciting years ahead.”
Trio of appointments at Cosy Direct
A Derby company that sells ethical educational supplies to primary schools and nurseries has made a trio of appointments to the board as it looks forward to celebrating a 10th year in business.
Cosy Direct, which recently moved from the city to a new 45,000 sq ft office near Tutbury on the Derbyshire-Staffordshire border, has appointed David Hook as its chief operating officer, Jackie Raven as buying director and Stuart Morgan as e-commerce director.
David will be in charge of the company’s distribution unit, while Jackie will take control of Cosy’s buying team and supply base. Stuart is given an open platform to fuel the rapid digitisation of cosy.
Nick said: “Jackie is a number one buyer in our sector, Stuart is a leading e-commerce specialist and both are a real steal for the Cosy team. These scale investments to the board, alongside our building and new systems, gives us a platform to scale Cosy as we aim to double turnover and expand to 50 countries.”
Peter Ellse also has plans to launch a “Mum’s Army” – 10 parttime jobs that will suit working parents with flexible hours during term time.
Peter added: “During lockdown, women have been responsible for the majority of home schooling and caring for, or supporting, vulnerable relatives. The Government’s recovery funding has been directed towards ‘male-dominated industries’ and opportunities for career development for women has dwindled.”
Cosy Direct, which was set up in 2011 by Peter and his wife Amanda, employs more than 80 people and, last year, the company reported an £8m turnover.
The company supplies schools, councils and nurseries across the UK with thousands of inventions including craft, art and upcycled resources.
The team at Cosy Direct
Restructure for Peak Translations
Peak Translations has announced a restructure that brings together its project management and administrative functions.
Madeline Prusmann will assume responsibility for both tasks after being promoted to lead project manager at the Whaley Bridge-based company.
Iwona Skorbilowicz has joined the company permanently following completion of a three-month contract, joining Emma Morris in a project manager job share. Charlie Blood has also been appointed as assistant project manager following the successful completion of his business administration apprenticeship.
Managing director Helen Provart added: “Being able to count on such a capable and skilled project management team means I can turn my attention to spending more time on our clients’ requirements.”
MBO for Nottingham print firm
Nottingham-based Eight Days A Week Print Solutions (EDWPS) has new owners after a management buyout was completed.
Its managing director Lance Hill led the acquisition alongside his team, also comprising Karen Herbert and Jake Beardsley.
EDWPS specialises in direct and essential mail, digital print, web to print and hybrid mail for a range of sectors including healthcare and pharmaceutical, retail, education, financial services and travel and leisure.
The £5m turnover business employs 20 staff at its Nottingham facility and has experienced a strong period of growth in the past 12 months, despite the pandemic.
Lance said: “We are very excited about the future. We’ve managed to ride through a tough 12 months, partly due to our significant footprint in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector which has been very stable, and we have also seen some growth.”
The company has also taken advantage of the Government’s Kickstart scheme to employ two production operatives.
The Kickstart scheme helps employers by providing funding to create job placements for 16 to 24-year olds. The Government pays 100% of national minimum wages for 25 hours for a total of six months, along with associated employer national insurance contributions.
Lance Hill, Karen Herbert and Jake Beardsley
DNS completes charity challenge
Derby-based Document Network Services (DNS) has completed a 2,500km challenge, raising more than £3,100 for charity me&dee.
Colleagues at DNS pushed themselves to the limit by walking, jogging, running and cycling their way through April as part of the company’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
Derby-based me&dee creates memory holidays for families with children suffering life-changing or limiting illnesses.
DNS managing director Darren Marsh said: “From the second I heard me&dee’s story, I knew it was going to be a charity that DNS passionately supports.
“The £3,172 we raised is a fantastic amount and it was lovely to present that figure to me&dee, knowing what a difference it is going to make.”
A week-long event to showcase the diversity of careers and pathways into health and social care has been launched in Chesterfield.
Careers that Care Week, organised by Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s (DVA) Community Chesterfield project, the University of Derby and Joined Up Careers Derbyshire, involves a series of virtual events held from 21 to 25 June.
Funded by the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Collaborative Outreach Programme (DANCOP), it will feature opportunities for attendees to watch videos from people playing crucial roles in the region’s health and social care sectors, allowing them to find out more about what they do in the role day-to-day and where the career could take you.
Charlotte Repton, project manager at Community Chesterfield, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Joined Up Careers on this event, which will promote the variety of roles available across the NHS and public sector and highlight why people should choose these sectors as a career path.”
The programme is open to anyone from Chesterfield and surrounding areas with an interest in health and social care, but will be of particular interest to young people at the point of making a decision about their career or to individuals who might be considering a career change.
Charlotte added: “Our role at Community Chesterfield is to bring the university and community together to create a resourceful, experienced and knowledgeable health and social care sector in the area, as well as creating learning and personal development opportunities for students. This event should help to do just that.”
Event will showcase options for career in health and care
For more information visit www.careersthatcareweek.org
Water charity calls on support to help Nepal
Aquabox has launched an appeal to support its work in Nepal.
The Derbyshire-based charity –which sends water filters and humanitarian aid to disaster zones around the world – is raising funds to support its aid provision to Nepal.
Nepal lies almost completely within the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which are constantly on the move. Earth tremors are a frequent occurrence, and the country is subject to regular mudslips, landslides, earthquakes and flooding.
Aquabox consultant Colin Petty said: “Our simple and robust handpumped Aquabox filter needs no chemicals, and uses a microfiltration element to eliminate disease pathogens like cholera, polio, typhoid and guinea worm.”
The filter units are assembled by a volunteer team at Aquabox’s depot in Wirksworth and despatched to disaster zones around the world, teaming up with local partners to oversee final distribution.
Colin added: “Aquabox has been working in Nepal since 2013, supplying thousands of filter units to help families left homeless. Together, these filters have provided destitute Nepalese residents with millions of litres of safe water.”
To support the Aquabox Nepal campaign, visit www.justgiving.com/ campaign/AquaboxinNepal
Author in ‘feet’ of endurance for Lamp
Leicestershire author Stewart Bint walked 10km barefoot to raise funds for mental health charity Lamp (Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Project).
He took part in the Lamp5k campaign, held during Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 between 10 and 16 May, which challenged people to walk 5km and promote the positive effects of physical exercise on mental health. Barefoot As a keen walker and advocate of good mental health, Stewart took on walker Stewart Bint a double challenge without shoes or socks, walking two 5km routes across fields, bridleways, gravel paths and urban streets.
He said: “I've been passionate about mental health after suffering a crisis in 1997, which led to me being hospitalised for 10 weeks. When I learned of Lamp’s 5k event, it seemed an ideal opportunity to raise awareness of Lamp and demonstrate how regular exercise helps me.
“As an avid walker, I felt 5km would be too easy for me personally so as I go barefoot as much as possible for both mental and physical health reasons, I set myself the challenge of doing two 5km walks in bare feet during Mental Health Awareness Week.”
Lamp, which helps people access mental health services, has reported an upsurge in demand for its helpline, advocacy services and online resources during the Covid-19 pandemic. The average number of calls per month had doubled by October 2020 and last year’s target for advocacy support was reached months ahead of schedule.
MEMBER FOCUS: TOUCHPOINTS MARKETING
Armed with more than 15 years’ experience in marketing, including stints with chocolate brand Thorntons and former airline BMI, Victoria Prince now balances running her consultancy Touchpoints Marketing with other side businesses. She explains to Business Network how she juggles these entrepreneurial activities, turning it around during the pandemic and the support she’s received from the Chamber.
Tell us what your company does and a brief overview of its history?
Touchpoints Marketing helps entrepreneurs realise ambitious goals through bespoke one-toone support and online courses, with the aim of creating an effective marketing strategy and supporting the accountability of their ongoing plans. I have also run a double award-winning coffee shop in Surrey and taken my idea for the UK’s first vegan healthy snack brand from Kickstarter launch to selling online in Selfridges in under a year.
Who are your main customers and what is your USP to them?
I work with entrepreneurs and innovators in the start-up space but mainly those in a scale-up mode who want to grow as fast as possible. I suppose my biggest USP is that I have been there myself and know the pitfalls to avoid, and know that when there is someone helping to support you it makes the journey easier, more fun and more cost-effective in the long run
How have you fared during the Covid-19 pandemic?
In March 2020, due to Covid I lost 98% of my clients. This was mainly due to production ceasing and brands being nervous about promoting themselves during the pandemic. As this all happened, I was very upset but I had a good stern word with myself, and planned a strategy where I created content and gave it all away to help other businesses during the pandemic.
I also gave away free calls to help people understand how to navigate the choppy waters. This helped to raise my profile and support other businesses in my position to realise the benefits of reassessing their marketing strategy.
As a result of helping others, my business started thriving and the monthly income by December was up six-times compared to January, pre-pandemic.
What are the company's plans for the future?
In 2021, alongside monthly masterplan clients and my accountability sessions, I’m developing my Marketing Mavericks course for business graduates. I currently have six Nottingham Trent University students working with me on a 37hour work placement, who are enabling the research and development phase to be really in depth.
How long have you been a member of East Midlands Chamber, and what encouraged you to join and continue your membership?
I joined East Midlands Chamber a year ago for the networking initially. During lockdown, I found the Chamber to be so supportive. In fact, so much so that after lockdown I made a YouTube video that talks about 10 reasons why it is a good idea to join a chamber of commerce. It was something I was really passionate about sharing as I just wanted to shout about the help it has given to my business.
What do you believe is the most important role of a chamber of commerce?
For me, the biggest word that sums up the role of the Chamber is connecting – connecting with people within my industry; connecting me with the Government when I have concerns about Covid; connecting me with peers within the local area; and connecting me with online events.
It’s also helping me to connect with my own business more – through learning – because there is always more we can do to build our businesses.
Ilkeston’s popular heritage event won’t take place this year
Vehicle show cancelled
Organisers of the Ilkeston Heritage and Classic Vehicle Show have cancelled this year’s event due to Government restrictions regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is the second successive year that Erewash Partnership Events, a sister company of enterprise agency Erewash Partnership, has called off what had become Ilkeston's biggest event.
The partnership’s chief executive Ian Viles said: “We had to consider the impact of any social distancing restrictions, but our resources when the partnership's focus is on providing advice and support to local businesses.
“It is largely funded by local businesses and in light of financial pressures that the virus has caused, we felt it unfair to ask for donations.”
NEW MEMBERS
In April, the Chamber welcomed 33 new members:
• A Mistry Group Ltd • A Mistry Ltd • Abacus Flooring Solutions
Limited • Bradgate Estates Ltd • BRS Accounting Services
Limited • DBC Training Ltd • Eventurous Ltd • Featherbed Tales • Fibre Tec Solutions Ltd • Fireserv UK (Midlands) Limited • Furnley House Limited • Great Business Matters Ltd • Halo Solutions • Hazid Technologies Limited • HDK Events • Hear 4 U and Healthscreen
Limited • Hewitt Sportsturf & Petersfield • Growing Mediums • Kitking Ltd • Logical Property Investments
Ltd • MaryJanes Catering • Plastic Shims & Gaskets Co Ltd (International) • Prime Casual Ltd • Professional Heating Solutions
Ltd • Pukaar Group • Quarry Manufacturing &
Supplies Ltd (International) • St. Modwen Properties PLC • Sunter Studio • The Dimblebee Catering
Company Ltd • The House of Lifestyle
Management • The Peoples Muse • The Portland Training
Company Limited • The QTS Group • Xpedient Advisory Services
