Category Archives: Regional News

Construction, Construction News, News, North of England

Turf cutting marks start on site for new eco Tri Station in Tyne and Wear

Work has commenced on a sustainable tri-service station which will become home to officers from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), Northumbria Police and North East Ambulance Service.

The new station, which will be built by North of England contractor Esh Construction, is set to be the first of its kind in the country to be carbon neutral.

A breaking ground ceremony officially marked the start on site for the emergency services hub which is set to drive forward blue light services’ commitments to minimise carbon footprint.

The hub is located on a vacant site between Marine Drive and Campbell Park Road in Hebburn and is expected to be operational by Spring 2024. It will include staff accommodation and appliance bays for emergency vehicles, as well as a free-standing training building. Externally, the site will feature charging ports, with a view to all three services having a fleet of electric vehicles.

Modern sustainable technologies will be utilised throughout the hub, including solar photo voltaic roof panels, ground source heat pumps and a rainwater harvesting and re-use system. A wildflower meadow will feature among the landscaping of the grounds to help promote local biodiversity.

Andy Radcliffe, Chief Executive of Esh Group, said: “It was a pleasure to be part of the breaking ground ceremony and to experience how significant this development is for the local area. As we all work towards a carbon neutral future, this is a pioneering scheme which can lead the way for sustainable blue light buildings.

“At Esh we pride ourselves on creating a legacy in the communities surrounding our construction sites. As such, we will harness the benefits of our strong regional presence to deliver a wealth of social value initiatives which includes re-investing more than 65% of the project spend within Tyne and Wear by procuring local labour and supply.”

Esh Construction will engage with local schools to deliver employability workshops, arrange presentations to promote safety around a live construction site, and provide volunteers and donations to support worthy causes throughout the project

Chris Lowther, Chief Fire Officer of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It was a proud moment to play my part in the beginning stages of Hebburn Tri Station’s community journey. This is an important building for not only the residents of Hebburn and Jarrow but also the wider regions of Tyne and Wear.

“The building represents the unification of blue light colleagues being based under the one roof, and it also shows our commitment towards promoting the values of carbon neutral facilities.

“This is a very significant project for the Fire Authority as the new Tri Station is being funded as part of its Capital Programme scheme showing crucial investment for emergency service provisions that will be beneficial for generations to come.”

Procured via the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO), Esh will work in partnership with TWFRS, Sunderland City Council’s Capital Projects Team, Desco and Todd Milburn to deliver the scheme.

Careers, Healthcare, News, Northamptonshire

Rhys Walden doesn’t let disability hold him back from his dream career as an occupational therapist

People who thought a disability would ruin one man’s shot at education have been proven wrong now he’s achieved a top class allied health degree.

Rhys Walden, 30 years old, who comes from Northampton, graduated with a first class degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Northampton (UON) last year. He is now six months into his role as an occupational therapist with North Northamptonshire Council’s Community Occupational Therapy team.

Rhys has cerebral palsy, a lifelong condition that affects movement and coordination. He first encountered occupational therapy after his Mum had a brain haemorrhage. When she was discharged from hospital, the friendly occupational therapy team helped her adapt to getting the most out of life until she fully recovered.

This is when the seed to become an occupational therapist was first planted, but when Rhys left school at 18 he wasn’t ready academically. At the time going to university wasn’t even a consideration so he went to college to do an accountancy qualification. After this though he realised that he wanted to work with people rather than numbers.

He left college and did various admin jobs, including an admin role at St Andrew’s Healthcare. It was here that he learnt more about what being an occupational therapist (OT) entails and he decided it was what he was going to do.

Although Rhys was a late bloomer for university, having had a knock-back after being told his disability meant he’d never be able to go into higher education, he is someone who is up for a challenge – and tackling it – after being bitten by the ‘OT bug’.

He said: “I’ve known of the UON course for some time as friends of mine are graduates, but academia was never my strong point. I was never predicted good grades; in fact, I was told at school and college to just do as well as I could.

“I have cerebral palsy hydrocephalus (a blockage in the brain) which means I have irregularities in my cerebral spinal fluid. Because of this, I had some brain damage as a child that left me with a mild learning disability, but I’ve never let that hold me back.

“My parents have been the driving force behind me my entire life. They taught me that, if things are a challenge, that it is really an opportunity in disguise with the potential for personal growth. University was always going to be on the table if I wanted it. And I wanted to become an occupational therapist with University of Northampton.”

At 26 years old Rhys applied and got onto the OT degree course at UON. Before starting he spoke to the university about his disability and they reassured him he would be fine. He said: “Their whole approach and willingness to support me told me it was the right place for me. As they said it wouldn’t be a very good OT course if they couldn’t adapt to my disabilities.

“Before starting the course, I had an assessment with the University’s ASSIST team. They helped sort out lots of things that would support my learning, such as installing specialist software on my laptop to record, transcribe and read out my classes. I’m an auditory learner and this way I could digest large chunks of information within half the time if I had tried to read it.

“I had unwavering, unparalleled support from UON staff and other students. Even when the pandemic came about and I had to ‘shield’ for almost the whole of those two years, the teams here helped. If I phoned up and asked for book chapters to be scanned and sent to me, the library staff were more than happy to do that. My peers were understanding and supportive and were there if I needed to talk though something being taught. I’ve never experienced that level of dedication to my progression. I feel like I’m an entirely different adult to the one who started the degree.”

In recognition of his incredible work and progress, Rhys received the Sara Simons Award when he graduated with a First Class honours degree. Sara was practice lead for occupational therapy at the University of Northampton before her retirement in 2018 and the award recognises practice excellence and students who have overcome adversity.

He is now enjoying his first job in the role he’s dreamt of doing for so long. He adds: “I wanted to work in community physical health (the team that supports people like me and my mum to live at home) before I started at the University so perhaps there’s some fate in my working in my field of choice. The Council’s service is hugely supportive of me and very open-minded about the benefits of having a practitioner who also happens to have a disability.

“I love the variety of the job, there’s never a dull day and no two people I support are ever the same. I feel privileged to work with people who are going through a difficult time. I’ve achieved more than I – or others – ever thought possible and hope to go on exceeding expectations, but now for my service users as well as myself and my family.”

Find out more about Occupational Therapy (BSc) and the Advanced MSc course at the University of Northampton.

News, South East

Gloomy economic forecasts fail to dampen mood for East of England businesses

Despite gloomy economic forecasts, business leaders in the East of England are optimistic about their growth opportunities for the year ahead.

According to data from Grant Thornton UK LLP’s latest Business Outlook Tracker*, mid-market optimism in the East of England has rebounded across all indicators monitored:

Revenue growth expectations have risen +37 percentage points (pp) since October

Economic optimism has risen +35pp since October

Profit growth expectations are rising – increasing +17pp since October

The results indicate that businesses are confident they can weather this economic downturn. Optimism regarding their funding position has risen +39pp since October. Over half (62%) are also confident that they have sufficient working capital to manage the impact of a recession for six months or more.

The top concerns for the region’s mid-market heading into 2023 are winter blackouts, geopolitical tensions and the rising tax burden, all of which they feel sufficiently prepared to manage.

The mid-market continues to struggle to attract and retain talent, with 65% of respondents experiencing unusually high attrition rates. Over half (60%) are also struggling to recruit for open roles.

But employers are pulling out all the stops in a bid to remain competitive. Just under three quarters of respondents (73%) are planning to offer their people a pay rise in line with, or above, inflation, while 90% are also reviewing their employee benefits package to make it more competitive. Almost half (46%) are planning to invest more in skills development over the next six months.

The research also finds that the mid-market is starting to look for ways to reduce its reliance on people, with over two thirds (67%) agree that they are increasing their use of automation and digital.

James Brown, Partner and Practice Leader at Grant Thornton UK LLP in the East of England, said: “It is surprising that the market’s positivity levels are at odds with the forecasts from the Bank of England and the government. Optimism levels have rebounded significantly since October, when the shock and uncertainty from the mini-Budget plummeted mid-market optimism to some of the lowest recorded in our Tracker. The certainty provided since seems to have reassured the market.

“Even though we know the economy and operating conditions are not likely to improve much in the short term, it is perhaps better to have bad news over uncertainty. Certainty over the future allows businesses to work this into their forecasts and take action to soften the impact.

“While a potential recession is often in the headlines, our survey shows that the labour market remains a concern. Employers are trying to improve efficiency and productivity, while also managing cost levels, which is demonstrated by high investments in technology and people. It is interesting to note the focus on skills development, which shows a commitment to making staff more efficient as well as a desire to manage retention levels and costs.

“Having seen first-hand how our region responded to the challenges of recent years with determination, flexibility, enterprise and innovation, I am confident that businesses in the East of England will find a way to survive and thrive during the months ahead. Given the encouragingly high optimism levels, it would seem that the local market shares this confidence.”

Midlands News, News

West Midlands ready to ride the storm amid gloomy financial forecast

Despite gloomy economic forecasts, business leaders in the West Midlands are optimistic about their growth opportunities for the year ahead.

According to data from Grant Thornton UK LLP’s latest Business Outlook Tracker*, mid-market optimism in the West Midlands has rebounded across all indicators monitored:

Profit growth expectations have grown +47 percentage points (pp) since October

Revenue growth expectations have risen +33pp since October

Economic optimism has risen +29pp since October

The results indicate that businesses are confident they can weather this economic downturn. Optimism regarding their funding position has risen +37pp since October. Over half (60%) are also confident that they have sufficient working capital to manage the impact of a recession for six months or more.

The top concerns for the region’s mid-market heading into 2023 are industrial action and the rising tax burden, both of which they feel sufficiently prepared to manage.

The mid-market continues to struggle to attract and retain talent, with 56% of respondents experiencing unusually high attrition rates. Over half (56%) are also struggling to recruit for open roles.

But employers are pulling out all the stops in a bid to remain competitive. Over three quarters of respondents (78%) are planning to offer their people a pay rise in line with, or above, inflation, while 92% are also reviewing their employee benefits package to make it more competitive. Over a third (44%) are also planning to invest more in skills development over the next six months.

The research also finds that the mid-market is starting to look for ways to reduce its reliance on people, with over three quarters (88%) agreeing that they are increasing their use of automation and digital.

James Brown, Partner and Practice Leader at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: “The market’s positivity levels are surprisingly at odds with the forecasts from the Bank of England and the government. Optimism levels have rebounded significantly since the shock and uncertainty from October’s mini-Budget plummeted mid-market optimism to some of the lowest recorded in our Tracker.

“The certainty provided since last October seems to have reassured the market. Even though we know the economy is not likely to significantly improve in the short term, it is perhaps better to know what is happening even if the news is bad rather than grappling with surprises that can’t be planned for.

“While a potential recession seems to be looming, our survey shows that the labour market remains a concern. Employers are trying to improve efficiency and productivity, while also managing cost levels, which is demonstrated by high investments in technology and people.

“Having seen first-hand how our region responded to the challenges of recent years with determination, agility, enterprise and innovation, I am confident that businesses in the West Midlands will find a way to survive and thrive during the months ahead. Given the encouragingly high optimism levels, it would seem that the local market shares this confidence in its prospects for 2023.”

Midlands News, News

Gloomy economic forecasts fail to dampen mood for East Midlands businesses

Despite gloomy economic forecasts, business leaders in the East Midlands are optimistic about their growth opportunities for the year ahead.

According to data from Grant Thornton UK LLP’s latest Business Outlook Tracker*, mid-market optimism in the East Midlands has rebounded across all indicators monitored:

Revenue growth expectations have risen +36 percentage points (pp) since October

Profit growth expectations are rising – increasing +24pp since October

Economic optimism has risen +22pp since October

The results indicate that businesses are confident they can weather this economic downturn. Optimism regarding their funding position has risen +20pp since October. Almost three quarters (74%) are also confident that they have sufficient working capital to manage the impact of a recession for six months or more.

The top concerns for the region’s mid-market heading into 2023 are the rising tax burden and wage increases, both of which they feel sufficiently prepared to manage.

The mid-market continues to struggle to attract and retain talent, with 64% of respondents experiencing unusually high attrition rates. Over half (62%) are also struggling to recruit for open roles.

Employers are pulling out all the stops in a bid to remain competitive. Over three quarters of respondents (84%) are planning to offer their people a pay rise in line with, or above, inflation, while 76% are also reviewing their employee benefits package to make it more competitive. Almost half (44%) are also planning to invest more in skills development over the next six months.

The research also finds that the mid-market is starting to look for ways to reduce its reliance on people. Over three quarters (76%) agree that they are increasing their use of automation and digital.

James Brown, Partner and Practice Leader at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: “The market’s positivity levels are surprisingly at odds with the forecasts from the Bank of England and the government. Optimism levels have rebounded significantly since the shock and uncertainty from October’s mini-Budget plummeted mid-market optimism to some of the lowest recorded in our Tracker.

“The certainty provided since last October seems to have reassured the market. Even though we know the economy is not likely to significantly improve anytime soon, it is perhaps better to know what is happening even if the news is bad rather than grappling with surprises that can’t be planned for.

“While a potential recession seems to be looming, our survey shows that the labour market remains a concern. Employers are trying to improve efficiency and productivity, while also managing cost levels, which is demonstrated by high investments in technology and people.

“Having seen first-hand how our region responded to the challenges of recent years with determination, agility, enterprise and innovation, I am confident that businesses in the East Midlands will find a way to survive and thrive during the months ahead. Given the encouragingly high optimism levels, it would seem that the local market shares this confidence in its prospects for 2023.”

Health, South East

Learn Myofascial Release & The Benefits with Vicki Askew

Why should we listen to Vicki Askew?

Vicki Askew has been a qualified massage therapist for over 5-years, and has studied sports massage, myofascial release and trigger therapy since the start. She runs an independent massage business called Enhance Massage in Wymondham, Norfolk, and has a multitude of clients in the area including the public but also sports people who compete at a high level. Her knowledge of this area is fantastic, so without further ado, let’s delve into what myofascial release is, and the benefits thereof.

What is Myofascial Release?

It seems like the obvious place to start with something like myofascial release, because it’s not necessarily widely known about, is to explain what it is. So, the physical therapy known as myofascial release is frequently used to treat myofascial pain syndrome, most seen in businesspeople who sit down too much, and sports men and women. A condition known as myofascial pain syndrome, that typically produces persistent pain, is brought on by sensitivity and tension in your myofascial tissues, thus it is ideal to remove this tension. All the muscles in your body are surrounded by and supported by these tissues. The “trigger points” (otherwise known as “knots”) in your myofascial tissues are typically where the pain first appears.

By releasing the tension and tightness in the trigger points, myofascial release aims to lessen discomfort. Understanding which trigger point is causing the discomfort is not always simple. It is quite challenging to pinpoint a single trigger point for pain. Because of this, myofascial release is frequently applied to several locations rather than a single muscle or piece of tissue.

How Does it Work?

By releasing limitations and releasing tension, myofascial release relieves painful areas. Myofascial release raises the temperature and blood flow to soft tissues, which also lessens discomfort.

Myofascial release aids in the removal of scar tissue and other constrictive tissues. Scar tissue can develop as part of the body’s natural healing process after an accident. Scar tissue can limit fascia’s range of motion and hurt. Myofascial release works to break up scar tissue and return the tissue to its pre-injury state.

Myofascial release is frequently employed as a method of relaxation. Slow and exact movements are used when performing myofascial release. Myofascial release can activate the parasympathetic nervous system by moving slowly across the skin. The nervous system generates sensations of serenity and regulates emotions.

What are the Physiological Effects?

Tissue elasticity is increased during myofascial release. Important connective tissue called fascia can suffer damage or scarring from trauma, overuse injuries, inflammation, or immobility. Damage will cause myofascial release to become shorter and tighter. Myofascial release therapy helps to activate neuronal receptors that are found in skeletal muscle tissue. By applying pressure and raising the fascia’s temperature, myofascial release alters the fibre length. Greater tissue flexibility promotes fascia tissue movement while reducing limitations and adhesions.

The soft tissues receive more blood flow thanks to myofascial release. More nutrients can enter tissues and waste can be eliminated when blood flow is increased. Fascial adhesions can be lessened, and the fascia system can avoid malfunctioning with improved circulation.

What are the Benefits?

Long-lasting relief is not possible with only one myofascial release treatment. However, regular myofascial release therapy, on the other hand, can give you all sorts of benefits, including:

  • Improved range of motion
  • Increased relaxation
  • Improved circulation
  • Helps your body to naturally recover
  • Reduces pain and soreness
  • Reduce stress

Reduced fascia tissue tension is one advantage of myofascial release. Tightness and discomfort may result from tissue tension that creates a constricting barrier, particularly for those with back pain. Myofascial adhesions and blockages are relieved with direct myofascial release. Myofascial release helps mobilise adhesion tissue while stretching and lengthening fascia.

Myofascial release aids in boosting motion. Fascia tissue and muscles may shorten after an injury and start to impede joint movement and blood flow. Myofascial release treatments assist restores range of motion around a joint by releasing muscle tension and rupturing fascial adhesions.

Conclusion

Myofascial release is a very effective treatment if it is done regularly, as part of your normal health regime. Having treatment once isn’t really very useful. This is particularly true if you’ve had an injury, because of the improvements it can give you in range of motion, circulation, and the help it gives your body to naturally recover.

News, North of England, Outdoors

Live For Today Launches Discount for Archery in York

Live For Today, a leading provider of outdoor adventure activities, is excited to announce a new special offer for quad biking in York. The offer, which is available to both individuals and groups, includes a thrilling quad biking experience through the beautiful woodland surrounding York, as well as all necessary equipment and instruction. Additionally, as a special add-on, customers can now book either axe throwing, archery, rifles or crossbows for just £15pp when booked with quad biking.

Marc Wise, the owner of Live For Today, said, “We are thrilled to offer this unique opportunity for individuals and groups to experience the thrill of quad biking in one of the most beautiful areas of the UK. Our quad biking excursions are perfect for those looking for an adrenaline rush, as well as for those looking to explore the beautiful woodland surrounding York. And now, with the added option of axe throwing, archery, rifles or crossbows for just £15pp, customers can make their experience even more exciting and memorable.”

The quad biking special offer is available for a limited time and can be booked by visiting the Live For Today website or by calling the company directly. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to experience quad biking in York like never before!

For more information on Live For Today and their quad biking special offer in York, please visit Live For Today’s York Archery page.

News, South West

Bronze award for veterinary hospital’s sustainability efforts

An eco-friendly campaign launched by a leading Wiltshire small animal hospital has earned it a prestigious national honour.

Linnaeus-owned Eastcott Vets, in Swindon, has received a bronze award from Investors in the Environment (iiE), a national accreditation scheme designed to help organisations reduce their impact on the environment.

The accreditation was awarded following a sustainability initiative that has seen the practice set targets to reduce waste, emissions and costs.

Niki Burton, hospital director at Eastcott Vets, said: “The whole team is so pleased to have earned this recognition for our collective efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our practice.

“The bronze award from iiE reflects the hard work of our Green Team for championing this cause and developing a new eco-friendly policy, along with the entire team’s ongoing commitment to reducing our environmental impact.

“As part of the changes we have implemented, we have introduced reusable alternatives to commonly-used items like scrub hats and ‘Bair Hugger’ blankets where possible.

“We are all committed to continuing this good work and plan to introduce more positive measures in the future in order to build on our sustainability efforts.”

The iiE annual audit consists of an assessment of five key areas of an organisation’s Environmental Management Systems (EMS). These include:
• Environmental policy
• Resource management and monitoring
• Progress against targets
• Action planning including social/environmental projects
• Communication

Ellie West, environmental sustainability lead at Linnaeus, is pleased to see Eastcott’s sustainability efforts being recognised.
She said: “At Linnaeus, we focus strongly on quality of care and this translates to becoming a sustainable business and upholding our responsibilities to our clients, associates and communities.

“That’s why I am so excited to be leading our ambitious sustainability agenda, which strives to deliver a better future for everyone. I’m thrilled to see another of our Linnaeus partners recognised for their efforts.”

Accountancy & Accounts, Appointments, News, Wales News

Azets South Wales strengthens senior team

Azets, the UK Top 10 accounting firm, has demonstrated its commitment to nurturing its network with three senior promotions in the South Wales region.

 

Ashley Bryan has been appointed as Partner in the Accounts and Business Advisory Services team, whilst Ellen Price and Susan Phillips have been promoted to Associate Director in the audit department.

Ashley has been with the company for over 15 years, having started his career as a Trainee Accountant with its predecessor firm (KTS Owens Thomas) in 2007. He has significant experience of working with SMEs, in particular start-ups and entrepreneurs to help them grow. Within his new role, Ashley will continue to assist clients with practices such as budgeting, business funding, general strategy, systems improvement and general financial and commercial advice. Based in Azets’ Cardiff office, Ashley will also join the senior management team.

 

Ellen joined Azets Cardiff in 2018 and has since worked her way up from Manager within the audit department. Ellen has several years’ experience offering advice and services to a portfolio of small and medium sized companies across a broad range of sectors, ranging from local owner managed businesses to international group entities.

 

With over 20 years’ experience, Susan has been with Azets since 2021 and is a qualified chartered accountant, based in the Swansea office. Having previously worked within a Big Four and a smaller firm, Susan is recognised as a ‘Responsible Individual’, a regulated employee responsible for audit work. Susan’s specialisms sit within SMEs in the manufacturing, retail and construction industries.

 

On the promotions, Jonathan Rees, Partner at Azets South Wales said: “It’s an exciting time for us as we continue to support our teams to match business demand across a variety of departments.  These promotions are incredibly well deserved and reflect the talent and expertise within the region.  Alongside the above, 12 other promotions have been made from Associate level to Senior Manager – we’re committed to growing and developing our team and are looking forward to continuing this strategy in 2023.”

 

All vacancies can be found at www.azets.co.uk/careers where applications from those who are looking to work flexibly or part-time, reduced hours or term-time are encouraged.

News, Pets, South East

Ghost Fishing Nets – The Portsmouth-based brand making a real difference

British sustainable pet brand, Tangle, launched in 2022 with a mission to stop ghost fishing nets (fishing nets which have been discarded, lost, abandoned or dumped) from entering the precious marine environment. It’s estimated that 640,000 tonnes of ghost fishing nets end up in our oceans every year, accounting for nearly 50% of all plastics in the ocean. Born of the founders’ desire to make a real difference, Tangle’s range of premium dog products made from recycled fishing nets is expanding in 2023 and helps to prevent discarded fishing nets from entering the marine ecosystem and killing millions of turtles, dolphins, whales and other ocean life.

The Tangle Dog Lead – A strong, lightweight 4 ft dog lead made from discarded fishing nets featuring a padded brown cork handle and label, chrome plated clip and O-ring that allows for clipping the lead over your shoulder when your dog’s running free. The Tangle Dog Lead is durable, waterproof, chew proof and rinseable under the tap, available in two sizes 10mm for small and medium dogs and 12mm for larger dogs in Ocean Green online at www.tanglemission.com, RRP £39 including P&P.
Coming soon in 2023:
Tangle Dog Bowl, green marble-effect bowl made from recycled fishing nets, RRP £35
Tangle Throw Toy, strong, durable, lightweight and buoyant, RRP £14
Every Tangle product sold also supports Ghost Fishing UK, a charity dedicated to removing abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear from UK waters.

Tangle Co-founder Sam Cartwright explains: “For 2023, we’re aiming to stop 526 tennis courts (137,800 sqm) worth of fishing nets becoming ghost nets. We’re all already aware of the impact of plastic bottles and straws, but in reality ghost nets make up nearly half of all ocean plastics and they’re far more deadly. By creating our beautifully-made dog products from recycled nets, we’re helping animal lovers save the oceans without compromising on quality, function or design.”

Co-founder Xavier Warburton adds: “We’re extremely proud of the products that we’re creating at Tangle, by creating a process where fishers are incentivised to donate their old nets, we’ve been able to stop ghost nets at their source and recycle them into something useful and beautiful. We want to continue to actively remove ghost net material from the oceans, recycling these into products, as well as educating communities about the ghost net problem and how they can help.”