Category Archives: Midlands News

Energy, Midlands News, News

UK-first partnership to deliver affordable energy to those most in need

A pioneering Shropshire-based battery and energy storage specialist has teamed up with a national energy supplier to help deliver green power and cut the cost of bills in what is thought to be the first scheme of its kind in the country.

Renewable technology expert AceOn, which is located in Telford, has struck an exclusive deal with challenger OFGEM-regulated energy supplier Rebel Energy to deliver lower bills for social and affordable housing tenants.

The partnership will see the companies offer local authorities and housing associations a green deal, which encourages investment in renewable power to meet carbon reduction targets, while lowering household bills and providing an additional revenue stream for the landlord.

Through the partnership, homes will be fitted with solar panels and battery storage systems to give tenants the means to generate, store and use their own clean electricity.

AceOn will provide and install the renewable technology, while Rebel Energy will provide smart meters and the operating and billing services to customers.

AceOn has been working with Rebel Energy on the innovative business model for 12 months and says it will make renewable energy generation and lower bills accessible to more households.

AceOn Energy managing director Richard Partington said: “Energy costs are rising rapidly and we are all feeling the pinch. But for some households, these price increases are completely unaffordable, and more people than ever will find themselves living in fuel poverty.

“Our partnership with Rebel provides people that are living in or on the cusp of fuel poverty with the means to generate and store their own clean electricity for years to come which is great news for tenants. But it also has lots of benefits for housing association and local authority landlords, who can take another step towards meeting their carbon reduction targets and earn money from the renewable energy generated too. Our model also helps to keep a lot more money within the local community and economy.”

AceOn has a strong track record for delivering renewable-based solutions for the public sector. The company is the Approved Partner for residential energy storage for the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE Energy) and also the approved Sector Supplier for the National Housing Federation. Richard Partington has just been appointed Vice-Chair of Solar Energy UK’s national Local Authority Working Group.

Rebel Energy is the only clean energy company with a social mission to tackle fuel poverty. CEO Dan Bates said: “Our new partnership deal with AceOn is aligned to our vision of being an integrated energy company, making energy more affordable for everyone.

“The link up with AceOn allows us to create clean energy and distribute it to the public at a lower cost. There is much more work to do to transition to renewables completely, and not rely on fossil fuels, but we are now able to offer greener choices to those who will benefit from it the most.”

Richard added: “We recognise the potential to deliver social value in local communities through renewable technology, and it’s a big priority for us. We have previously worked in partnership with public sector organisations to do this, but we are really excited about the model we have developed with Rebel Energy as it takes our work to a new level, bringing benefits for tenants, social and affordable housing providers and the environment. It’s win, win, win.”

A version of the model for private landlords and tenants and home-owners is also in development.

Mental Health, Mental Health at Work, Midlands News, News, Wellbeing

Wellbeing business makes leap into US market

Employee wellbeing platform provider, Lumien, has announced its US launch, as it sets up its first stateside base in Colorado Springs.

The award-winning, Birmingham-based mental health platform was launched in 2019 to empower individuals to take control of their own health and wellbeing, integrating with employers’ processes to help them manage workplace mental health more effectively.

By launching in the US, Lumien is looking to take this one step further, by helping to create a world where employee welfare is the most important attribute.

 

Expanding across the Atlantic

Lumien has established its first US base in Colorado Springs, the up-and-coming US business centre, which is recognised for its positive lifestyle and ranked the 6th best place to live in the US.

The move comes after a huge spike in resignation rates in the US during 2021, nicknamed ‘The Great Resignation’, which has highlighted the need for greater investment into workplace culture to support both employers and employees. By launching in the US, Lumien is leading the way for employers to embed wellness and culture into their business strategy.

Christopher Golby, co-founder and director at Lumien, highlights the background of the company’s decision to establish its first US base in Colorado Springs: “The essence of Colorado Springs aligns with Lumien’s core purpose, to get businesses talking and acting on workplace wellbeing. It’s a place that’s geared up for modern working life, as employees reflect on their priorities and expect a more enlightened employer.

“Colorado Springs is an extremely good place for expanding businesses, as its time zone allows you to communicate with Europe and Asia within the same working day.

“Colorado Springs offers support, not just within the business community, but also across the large veteran community, presenting Lumien with a unique opportunity to support those who dedicate their lives to the US Armed Forces.”

 

Over recent years, the city’s focus on wellbeing and a positive lifestyle has been attracting a growing number of people and businesses, and Lumien hopes to become a central part of this, as it demonstrates the importance of a wellbeing strategy for US business.

 

Workplace mental health

Today’s workplace is completely different to two years ago. The pandemic has had a major, worldwide impact on mental health, and it’s never been more important to take action.

Emphasising the importance of taking a proactive approach in this turbulent workplace environment, Chris says: “Companies need to proactively invest in giving their leaders ‘tools’ to monitor and respond to wellbeing issues. With many businesses struggling to fill posts, the stakes are high. Job vacancies are at record levels, with many businesses struggling to recruit even when offering higher salaries.

“Our launch into the US comes at a critical time in helping to protect and improve workplace mental health in an area that’s prioritising a higher standard of life with a growing entrepreneurial community.”

Lumien’s platform focuses on creating a robust wellbeing strategy for workplaces, helping to get wellbeing and culture on every board meeting agenda in a time where employees need it most.

 

For more information on embedding wellness into your business, visit Lumien or call 0330 120 0835.

 

Image caption: Lumien team (from left to right): Chris Golby – chief executive officer; Simon Mangan – chief revenue officer; Ben Skirth – chief product offier; Gareth Rowe – chief operating officer.  

 

Charity & CSR, Midlands News, News, North of England, Sport

Ramathon is back for 2022 with a brand-new title sponsor

Runners will be back on the streets of Derby on Sunday 19th June, for the newly named Derbion Ramathon and RAM 5 Mile.

Derby’s best-loved retail destination, Derbion, has announced today (01 March) that it will be joining forces with Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All to become the title sponsor of one of the region’s biggest charity road runs.

The Derbion Ramathon and the RAM 5 Mile will see 4,000 people take part across both events, in order to raise tens of thousands of pounds for local good causes.

Working in partnership with Derbion, Run For All is looking to increase community engagement in the event, with the all-new Derbion Ramathon Team Challenge, which will see teams of colleagues, running buddies and friends battle it out to be crowned champions.

The team challenge will be open to teams of four or more to each take on the full half marathon distance, in the hope of being the fastest team of 2022.

Both the half marathon and five-mile course will start and end on Iron Gate, in the shadows of the Cathedral before taking runners through the city centre. The Ramathon will then see runners pass through Elvaston Castle Country Park, Alvaston Park and past Derby County’s Pride Park Stadium and back to the city centre for the big finish.

Adam Tamsett, general manager at Derbion, said: ”We’re extremely proud to support the Ramathon and to be officially announced as the new title sponsor, as the races really do bring the city of Derby together. We’re looking forward to seeing all those taking part at the starting line in June!”

Tristan Batley-Kyle, head of events at Run For All, said: “Having the support of Derbion is a fantastic way to start the year. The centre is at the heart of the city and together we will work to engage and inspire people to pull on their trainers, and take part in one of the events this year.

“It was great to see a team from Derbion take part in the event last year and for their enthusiasm and passion for the event mean they now wish to be intrinsically linked to the Ramathon by becoming our title partners.”

For those wanting to be part of the 5-mile distance, you must be 15 years or over to enter, and for those wanting to tackle the half marathon, you must 17 years or older.

For more information and to enter, please visit www.runforall.com.

Midlands News, News, Recruitment News

Experts join forces in new recruitment company

Three of the region’s leading figures in the recruitment sector have joined forces to launch a new business.

Hariley Solutions – which has its office in Wellington – has been founded by Ryan Wheeler, Stuart Mackintosh and Jay Plant to help firms in the industrial and transport sectors find the best staff.

The trio says demand for recruitment support is already strong across the region as the recruitment crisis continues to have a significant impact on the ability to fill vacancies.

Managing director Ryan said: “All three of us have a huge range of experience in this market and can see the difficulties which firms are having in finding the right people to help them as they recover from the pandemic.

“We had already started offering our services ahead of our official launch on February 21 and the response has been very positive. It’s proving really difficult for companies to recruit on their own, and that’s where our specialist knowledge and understanding of the sector comes in.

“With scores of experience between us, we are confident that we can help companies across the county and beyond, find both the permanent and temporary staff they need to thrive into the future.”

Stuart and Ryan are already colleagues at Q Financial Services – which has offices in Wellington and Shrewsbury.

Ryan has 24 years’ experience in the recruitment industry having previously been a director at Proactive Personnel for 19 years, before forming Unity Resourcing Solutions.

During his time at Proactive, Ryan managed multiple offices and some of the largest contracts within the business. Following a management buyout, Ryan was approached by Culina Logistics to set up Unity to recruit its warehouse and transport workers.

Under Ryan’s leadership, Unity grew to a headcount of more than 70, enjoyed a multi-million pound turnover and helped source staff for more than 50 sites.

Stuart was a founder director at Proactive Personnel and helped the business enjoy consistent growth. He is now commercial director at Q, one of the fastest growing financial services businesses in the region.

Jay has been involved in the recruitment industry for more than 14 years and is managing director of Wentworth James – a specialist engineering, manufacturing and construction agency supplying contract and permanent workers – who are partnering Hariley Solutions in the new venture.

Alongside the three directors will be a team of recruitment specialists to help recruit the best talent around the Telford area.

Midlands News, News, Property

Two new recruits for Belvoir team

A renowned Corby estate agent has recruited two new members of staff in response to the recent property market boom.

Belvoir has appointed Mia Tansur as a new sales negotiator and Alisha Brennan as a lettings consultant after an immensely busy time in the George Street office.

Mia has substantial sales and customer service experience after previously working as a business development manager for a Lutterworth events company and running a livery business, as well as formerly working for a well-known national estate agent firm.

The 22-year-old enjoys liaising with clients and setting up viewings and valuations.

Mia said: “The whole Belvoir team have been really welcoming and I’m thoroughly enjoying my new role. I look forward to meeting more of our fantastic clients and really making a difference in the sales team.”

Alisha was raised in Corby and has fantastic local knowledge. She also has extensive experience in the industry, having previously worked at an estate agency in Melton Mowbray.

The mother-of-one works closely with both landlords and tenants to ensure the lettings side of the business runs smoothly.

Alisha is also a law graduate, boasting a Law and Criminal Justice LLB (Hons) degree, and has just signed up to start studying for her ARLA qualification.

Bobby Singh Braich, Managing Director at Belvoir, said: “We are thrilled to have added two new brilliant members of staff to our team in Mia and Alisha. Their skills and local knowledge will be a great asset to our business and we wish them well in their new roles.”

If you have a question about sales or lettings or would like to contact Belvoir Corby, call 01536 261666.

Midlands News, News, Property News

James on the move after successful decade at Bromwich Hardy

A partner at leading Midlands commercial property agency Bromwich Hardy is on the move after ten successful years with the agency.

James Brookes is taking up a new position as development manager with developer Complex Development Projects (CDP) – with whom he has worked closely at Bromwich Hardy.

CDP is a leading urban regeneration specialist with a reputation for delivering major award-winning projects alongside partners in the public, private and community sectors.  The company has been heavily involved in Coventry’s regeneration for City of Culture and is Warwick District Council’s partner for Leamington’s creative quarter regeneration.

Bromwich Hardy founding partner Tom Bromwich – who established the Coventry-based firm with Richard Hardy in 2008 – said James had played a key part in the agency’s success in recent years.

“We are naturally sad to see James leave after such a successful decade with us, but delighted that he is moving on to a company we know so well and with whom we have such a close working relationship.

“James joined us in 2012 and his work – particularly on development deals – has been an important part of our continued growth and evolution throughout the last ten years.

“He has been instrumental in working with CDP on a series of major projects for us, including the Telegraph Hotel scheme, Abbotts Lane development, Electric Wharf and Fargo Village.

“We will continue to work with CDP as their retained agent and look forward to working alongside James in his new role.”

James said he had enjoyed every minute of his time with Bromwich Hardy but was looking forward to the new challenge.

“It has been wonderful to work alongside Tom, Richard and a host of really exceptional colleagues and to have played my part in helping establish Bromwich Hardy as one of the country’s leading independent agencies.

“I am delighted to be joining CDP at such an exciting time and also looking forward to the opportunity of continuing to work with Bromwich Hardy, albeit from the other side of the fence.”

Ian Harrabin, CDP managing director, said: “We have a growing number of major projects in the West Midlands and James’s local knowledge and contacts will help us to deliver current projects and have the staff resource to look at new opportunities.”

Midlands News, News

Surge in demand for Shropshire as businesses seek to relocate

Shropshire has enjoyed a surge in demand from businesses wanting to relocate to the county, figures show.

The county saw a 118 per cent increase in demand for business space at the start of the pandemic – the largest rise for any county in the country.

The figures were welcomed today by the chief executive of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, who said they revealed the county was increasingly regarded as a national hotspot for business investment.

Rachel Laver said they also showed that work by the LEP and its local authority partners to build the infrastructure, skills and opportunities to drive economic growth and attract inward investment across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin was delivering real success.

The figures, compiled by commercial property specialists EG Property Link, reveal:

  • A 118 per cent increase in inquiries for commercial property in Shropshire between January and July 2020
  • A 75 per cent rise in office inquiries in June 2020 compared to January the same year
  • Continued high demand into the second half of 2020

Rachel said Shropshire and the wider Marches region in general was now seen as a highly-attractive place for doing business.

“One of the consequences of the pandemic has been a shift in focus in the way businesses operate, with much more flexible and remote working, and the adoption of hybrid working patterns now that we are starting to emerge from it.

“The Marches can deliver a fantastic range of office space, the infrastructure needed to support home-working and an increasingly skilled workforce – alongside the added bonus of a superb quality of life in beautiful surroundings. This is proving hugely attractive to businesses looking to relocate.

“We believe that this is a trend which is set to continue, as companies and their workforce put an increased premium on work-life balance and quality of life, away from the concentrated areas of population which have traditionally been more attractive.

“Our local authorities in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire have done some fabulous work alongside us to help drive home the message that the Marches is a really fantastic place to do business and these figures show that we are starting to see the benefits.

“Our focus is on attracting companies which can deliver new, high-value jobs in innovative and sustainable fields, so creating an economic base which can take us into the future, is environmentally responsible and helps retain more of our home-grown talent in the region.”

The EG Property Link report adds: “Of all the counties searched for by occupiers on EG Propertylink, Shropshire saw the biggest increase in enquiries for commercial property between January and June 2020, at 118%, with high demand continuing in July.

“The increase in demand for offices in Shropshire is a sign that businesses are at least considering different office locations.”

Charity & CSR, Midlands News, News

Construction company backs Shrewsbury & Oswestry Crucial Crew

An annual event that delivers important safety and social awareness lessons to primary school children has received financial support from a Shropshire building company.

Pave Aways has donated £1,000 to the charity that runs Crucial Crew a ten-day safety event, which is attended by 1,500 11-year-olds from up to 50 local primary schools each year.

This year’s event will be held at the Nesscliffe Military Training Camp near Pave Aways’ Shropshire headquarters at Knockin in June after an absence of two years due to the covid pandemic. Pave Aways has a strong association with the camp as it is where it carried out its first contract in 1973 and where it built a £4m state-of-the-art kitchen and dining facility in 2019.

Children from more than 50 schools will take part in safety presentations and scenarios delivered by organisations such as the police, fire service and specialists in sectors like rail, road and water safety on subjects ranging from internet safety to drug and alcohol awareness and emergency planning.

Crucial Crew is a registered charity, organised by a team of unpaid volunteers, and Pave Aways’ donation will go towards the event’s substantial running costs

Geof Proffitt, Deputy chairman and trustee fundraiser, said: “While our costs are currently under control, we know that the cost of transporting children from 50 schools to Nesscliffe will increase as will other event costs, so Pave Aways’ contribution is most timely.

“The support of organisations like Pave Aways is, excuse the pun, crucial to the successful operation of the event and we are extremely grateful for its unsolicited support.”

Crucial Crew has been running for 27 years during which time more than 31,100 children have attended.

Pave Aways’ Managing Director Steven Owen said: “Supporting the communities where we live and work is a key pillar of our ethos as a company. As a stand alone event, Crucial Crew reaches so many children with important life lessons, it’s imperative that it continues to run each year.

“Many of our team have had children who attended Crucial Crew and even some of our younger staff will have been themselves, so we are delighted to be able to help with a donation.”

Commercial Property, Midlands News, News

International hygiene company finds new HQ thanks to Bromwich Hardy

A leading hygiene company is on the move to new headquarters thanks to award-winning commercial property specialists Bromwich Hardy.

Citron Hygiene has signed a five-year lease to make Ceva House in Ashby de la Zouch its new UK HQ in a deal concluded by the Coventry-based agency.

Citron has taken more than 3,000 sq ft of space on the ground floor of the Grade A office development, which sits close to junction 13 of the M42.

The company, which provides bespoke managed washroom & hygiene services, has its international headquarters in Canada, and supplies and services more than 30,000 commercial premises across the UK.

Bromwich Hardy’s Michelle Mills negotiated the deal just 12 months after helping the company find six new sites across the UK covering more than 35,000 sq ft of space, to help it meet its strategic growth plans.

“We are delighted to have been able to find this excellent property for Citron and help play a further part in their continuing success,” said Michelle.

“The offices are superbly equipped and well located and are ideal for Citron as the company continues to grow across the UK.”

The deal was tied in with negotiating a surrender of Citron’s current warehouse in Bardon, Leicestershire, from where they are relocating their finance and corporate development team.”

Robert Guice, CEO at Citron Hygiene, said: “In line with our rapid growth strategy and continued expansion, the move to a new headquarters seemed only a natural progression for the business.

“Our new home supports Citron’s ongoing recruitment drive with state-of-the-art facilities available for our staff and customers to reap the benefits as we continue to cement our position as a market leader in the washroom hygiene space.”

Avison Young acted for the landlord over the deal.

It is the latest success for Bromwich Hardy, which consistently features at the top of the rankings for most successful commercial property agencies both in the West Midlands region and further afield.

Midlands News, News

New podcasts tell inspiring stories of Shropshire businesses through the pandemic

A new series of podcasts sharing the experiences of ten Shropshire businesses and their leaders during the pandemic has been launched today.

The Marching On podcasts tell the stories of a range of county businesses which were either born out of Covid or have adapted and grown during the lockdowns.

Produced by The Media Insiders and Sound Rebel, the podcasts offer a unique insight into business life during the Covid crisis.

Marches Growth Hub Shropshire manager Emma Chapman said the series – available to listen to on the Marches Growth Hub website – documented the amazing ways in which the business community and individuals running enterprises had responded to the pandemic.

“The Marches Growth Hub is here to help all businesses in the county make the most of their potential and achieve their ambitions, and we’ve been privileged to hear some incredible stories of how the business community has risen to the challenge that Covid has presented in the past two years.

“We thought it would be a terrific idea to ask some of those businesses which have either grown from, or adapted within, the pandemic to share their stories so that our whole business community could learn from them.

“The result is the new Marching On series which we think makes for some compelling listening.”

Each of the ten businesses has been interviewed by Ed Nell, from The Media Insiders and produced by his colleague Ben Anderson.

Ed has nearly 20 years experience on BBC and commercial radio stations, working on flagship shows in major markets at Free Radio Shropshire, Key 103, Hallam FM, BBC Nottingham, BBC Coventry & Warwickshire, Beacon Radio, Wyvern FM and BRMB.

Ben has managed and coached some of the UK’s best radio talent over the last ten years and is a former managing editor for Capital FM in Liverpool and North Wales. He now runs Sound Rebel, a successful independent podcast production company based in Liverpool which works with brands and personalities across the world.

Businesses featured in the podcasts include Worm Soil, Alexa and Bud, Bright Star Boxing,  Jenna Blair Yoga, Hunkington House Kitchen, Iron and Fire, J A Milton Upholstery, Next Generation Agri, Martin & Jones Marketing and The Shropshire Microfarm.

The podcasts are also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and other providers.

The scheme is funded by the Marches Growth Hub Shropshire through the Shropshire Council-led ARG Economic Recovery programme.

The Recovery Programme is a £3.2million series of projects, utilising Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) funding from Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to fund wider business support activities.