Category Archives: Regional News

Awards, London News, News

Smart certified as a Great Place to Work® for 2023

Smart, the London-headquartered fintech disrupting the $62 trillion global retirement savings market, has received a series of awards for its workplace culture across the globe.

Launched in 2015, the business has now been named an overall leader in workplace practices in the US, UK and Poland by Great Place to Work®, a leading authority for workplace culture.

Globally, Smart received survey results of 90% and above for ten different categories in Great Place to Work’s Trust IndexTM, significantly higher than the minimum of 65% needed to be certified. Employees consistently praised the company for making them feel welcome, for being honest and ethical, and for valuing work-life balance. Smart was also lauded for being a friendly place to work, for treating employees with respect, and for treating people fairly regardless of their gender, sexuality, race or ethnic origin.

Acclaimed as one of the top 50 large employers in the UK, Smart received recognition of its excellence across multiple areas. It was ranked as 15th best workplace among tech employers, 19th best company for promoting employee wellbeing, and 38th best employer for women in the workplace.

Smart was highly commended for its building facilities. In 2021, Smart signed a 15-year lease on a new London headquarters at 136 George Street. The building is one of the first all-electric powered office buildings in central London, operationally carbon-zero and using electricity from renewable sources. WiredScore Gold Certified, Smart’s headquarters has best-in-class digital connectivity.

Smart, which has 85 people working in its Polish office, also ranked on the Great Place to Work Trust IndexTM for Poland, where it was named 13th best employer in the Small & Medium category.

Smart also achieved additional recognition for employee satisfaction in the US. Stadion Money Management – acquired by Smart in 2022 – was recently named a Best Place to Work by Pensions & Investments. Employee feedback emphasised the company’s family-like atmosphere, positive work culture, and sense of purpose.

Martin Warner, Director of Talent at Smart, added:

“We’re thrilled to receive recognition for a third consecutive year from Great Place to Work®, and this time to be awarded certification in three of our locations around the world. Having happy and good people in our team is one of our Smart Principles, so this means adapting to different challenges and listening to our staff as we grow.

“Our people matter, and we are passionate about investing in the wellbeing of our teams. Amongst a variety of benefits, we provide 24/7 access to mental health support and offer multiple physical wellbeing support resources. We also offer mindfulness sessions and ‘lunch and learns’.

“We’re a diverse team, made up of people from different backgrounds, experiences and skills. We’ve increased our headcount significantly over the last few years, rising from around 150 people in 2019 to over 800 today, which included onboarding over 200 colleagues during the pandemic.”

About Smart
Smart is a global savings and investments technology platform provider. Its mission is to transform retirement, savings and financial wellbeing, across all generations, around the world.

Smart partners with governments and financial institutions (including insurers, asset managers, banks and financial advisers) to deliver retirement savings and income solutions that are digital, bespoke and cost efficient. In addition to the UK, Smart is operating in the US, Europe, Australia and the Middle East with more than a million savers entrusting over £4 billion in assets on the platform.

Smart supports its clients with a 800+ strong global team.

Legal & General Investment Management, J.P. Morgan, the Link Group, Barclays, Natixis Investment Managers, Chrysalis Investments, DWS Group, and Fidelity International Strategic Ventures are all investors in Smart.

For more information, please visit Smart.co

 

London News, News, Property, Property Buyer News

Bellway London invites Watford homebuyers to meet managing agents

Homebuyers at Bellway London’s Waterside at Riverwell development, in Watford, were invited to attend a ‘Meet the Managing Agents’ mixer, as part of the housebuilders initiative to deliver award winning customer service, even after the customers have moved in.

All customers who have purchased a new home at Waterside at Riverwell had the unique opportunity to meet staff from PBM Property Management, about the aftercare they will receive, now construction has finished and Bellway’s sales and site team will be moving off site.

The session, which was attended by over 50 residents, was held in the development’s sales and marketing suite, where light refreshments and canapes were provided.

Waterside at Riverwell is a development of 143 Bellway London homes off Thomas Sawyer Way, comprising 110 apartments for private sale and 33 affordable properties available for local people through rent or shared ownership.

PBM Property Management has now taken charge of the upkeep of the apartment buildings, the concierge service, the residents private gym and the communal and landscaped areas, including the podium gardens.

Greg Allsop, Sales Director for Bellway London, said: “We wanted to take the opportunity to host an event where the new residents of Waterside at Riverwell, could meet the managing agents in an informal environment.

“The aftercare to those who have bought a Bellway property, is really important to us and doesn’t stop once the team have moved off site. We look after our customers from enquiry through to completion and onwards. The event was clearly a well-received idea because a significant proportion of our customers turned up on the day.

“As a responsible housebuilder, we felt it was important for us to use our links with both the residents and the managing agents to bring them together and give an opportunity for people to ask any questions they might have. There are often lots of queries surrounding apartment block and estate management, service charges and living in a leasehold property, so this three-hour session enabled those questions to be answered.

“Bellway has achieved five-star builder status with the Home Builders Federation (HBF) for six years in a row because nine out of ten of our customers would recommend us to a friend. We are proud of this coveted status which comes as a result of always putting our customers first.

“This event is a perfect example of how we are trying to ensure that our buyers experience the very best level of customer care we can provide.”

Waterside at Riverwell is part of the wider Riverwell regeneration project. The scheme is a joint venture between Watford Borough Council and Kier Property to develop 70 acres of land to the south of Watford General Hospital and Watford Football Club.

In addition to providing new homes, the project includes plans for a new two-form entry primary school, community centre, flexible workspaces and more than 4.5 acres of green open space.

There’s currently only a handful of apartments left for sale at the development, with a selection of one and two-bedroom apartments available to reserve, with prices starting at £269,995 and £380,000 respectively.

For more information about the development visit https://www.bellwaylondon.co.uk/new-homes/north-london/waterside-at-riverwell or call the sales team on 01923 700486.

Appointments, Construction, Construction News, News, North of England

Leeds College of Building Appoints New Assistant Principal

Chris Tunningley has been appointed as Leeds College of Building Assistant Principal for Adult Learning and Higher Education.

Chris, formerly the Head of University Centre for Architecture, Engineering & Construction at Leeds College of Building, succeeds retiring Assistant Principal Brian Duffy.

Speaking of his appointment, Chris said:

“I am thrilled to start in this post at Leeds College of Building. I’m passionate about how education can raise prospects and know that gaining a sought-after trade or profession while attaining maths, English, and digital skills can be life changing. Studying part-time or following a vocational higher-education pathway like a degree apprenticeship is a hands-on and economical route that ultimately leads to the same successful career destination as traditional academic routes.”

Leeds College of Building Principal & CEO Nikki Davis, said:

“Huge congratulations to Chris after a competitive selection process against a high calibre of candidate. Chris succeeds outgoing Assistant Principal Brian Duffy, who worked at the College for many years before retiring in December. Brian was critical in the growth of our higher education provision, and I know that Chris will be instrumental in building on this success. May I join others in wishing Chris well as he moves into this role.”

Chris has over 33 years of experience in the Building Services Engineering industry and Further and Higher Education sectors, initially qualifying as a gas engineer. After 19 years in engineering, Chris transitioned to teaching in 2008 when he became a lecturer in Building Services Engineering & Construction at Leeds College of Building.

Following this, Chris was appointed Curriculum Manager for Building Services & Civil Engineering and then Assistant Faculty Director for HE, Construction Design & Management at the College.

Chris will oversee adult learning and funding to combat regional skills shortages, plan for future skills needs (such as sustainable construction), and widening participation in education. Chris will also lead on higher education strategy, which incorporates the new Leeds College of Building University Centre, and work closely with employer partners and other professional bodies.

Chris continued:

“I came from a working-class background when university wasn’t an option, so I started my career as an Apprentice with British Gas. I progressed to a qualified gas engineer, technical engineer, quality assurance engineer, and then technical support manager. I am also a professionally registered Incorporated Engineer (IEng) with the Engineering Council through membership of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). I always took any opportunity to better myself and gain extra qualifications through work.

“I have first-hand experience of learning on the job as an adult and understand the challenges of studying part-time while balancing life and family commitments. Through the Open University, I progressed to a BSc in Engineering, Science & Design before gaining a master’s degree in Building Services Engineering – all while working. I hope these experiences will help me in my new role, having walked in our students’ shoes and lived it myself.”

Appointments, Care, Care Home News, Midlands News, News

Lindsey takes the helm at Woodcroft

A new manager has taken over the reins at a care home run by Shropshire’s leading care company.

Lindsey Arnold, 48, has joined Coverage Care Services as manager at Woodcroft in Market Drayton.

She has brought with her more than 30 years’ experience in the caring profession and is committed to continuing the high standards established at the home.

Lindsey said: “My mindset is very person-centred and I set very high standards when it comes to treating each person as an individual, with dignity and respect at all times.
“I am very much hands-on with the care when needed, and I like to coach and work alongside the staff.”

Lindsey previously worked as a carer, senior carer, nursing assistant and training officer with another Shropshire-based company before taking over as manager.

Coverage Care Chief Executive Debbie Price said: “We are delighted to have appointed Lindsey as our manager at Woodcroft. She brings a wealth of professional experience to the role which will enable us to continue to deliver a high-quality standard of care for our residents in the Market Drayton community.”

After a successful recruitment drive at the home, one of Lindsey’s first big tasks will be to ensure that all new staff get to know the residents at Woodcroft and their families.

Woodcroft has 50 bedrooms and offers small group living as well as respite and short-stay care. It also includes specialist care for people living with dementia.
Coverage Care Services operates 12 homes across Shropshire and employs in the region of 1,000 people.

Awards, News, North of England

Founder of PRYA Jewellery Wins Award for Best Entrepreneur at Sheffield Business Awards 2022

PRYA Jewellery was founded in 2019 by Royale Johnson and Arwa Hassan, it has since become one of the most successful online jewellery businesses in the UK. The success and growth of the business were recently recognised at the Sheffield Business Awards ceremony, where Royale was announced as the winner of the award for best Entrepreneur.

This prestigious award celebrates trailblazers and innovators who are making a significant impact in their respective industries, as well as demonstrating remarkable leadership by setting an example of excellence through commercial success.

PRYA Jewellery is a flourishing online jewellery business that began simply as an idea three years ago. Their commitment to delivering quality jewellery at affordable prices, paired with their exemplary customer service has been a major factor in the success they have achieved thus far.

Royale Johnson, Founder of PRYA Jewellery, commented: “I am delighted and humbled to have won The Best Entrepreneur Award at The Sheffield Business Awards. It’s been a crazy three years for me personally. It’s taken a lot of hard work, sleepless nights and early mornings, but without the entire team at PRYA, none of this would be achievable. Thank you for your continued support!”

The recent recognition at the Sheffield Business Awards shows the business’s continuing growth as they look forward to 2023. The Awards ceremony serves to recognise and celebrate the very best of business in the Sheffield region, making it a proud moment for both PRYA and the wider community.

The commitment to continuously improving the customer experience, as well as looking into introducing new products for customers to enjoy has seen them go from strength.

Accountancy & Accounts, Awards, Bristol, Finance and Banking, News

University of Bristol Duo Awarded Quantum Advisory Prize for Excellence in Mathematics

Two Accounting and Finance graduates at the University of Bristol have secured the Quantum Advisory Prize for stand out achievements in their courses. Along with the notable accolade, Anna Wolstenholme and James (Jim) Robb will also split the prize to help further their careers in the fields of accounting and finance.

The Quantum Advisory Prize was established in 2018 at the University of Bristol and is awarded to the highest achieving accounting and finance students each year. Normally awarded by independent financial services consultancy Quantum Advisory at the end of each academic year, delays caused by the Covid pandemic mean James and Anna have now taken up roles within their chosen field and begun their careers.

 

Anna, from London, secured the Quantum Advisory Prize for the Best Overall Performance on the University of Bristol undergraduate accounting degrees at intermediate level. Enrolled on BSc Accounting and Finance, Anna was completing her second year when she received the prize and has recently graduated with first-class honours. She is now working within an audit team and completing her ACA exams. Anna said: “I feel very honoured to receive this prize which has provided the chance to explore career options in financial services which are very interesting.”

 

The Quantum Advisory Prize for Exceptional Degree Performance was won by Jim, from Cheltenham, who is currently completing his ACA exams while working as an insurance auditor. Jim graduated in 2021 with a first-class honours in BSc Accounting and Finance and was in his final year when he received the prize.

Jim said: “I feel incredibly grateful to receive an award to recognise my hard work and dedication during my time at Bristol. It marks a great achievement to be so highly regarded alongside my undergraduate degree.

“I hope to qualify as a chartered accountant in 2024 and explore my options into the various branches of corporate finance, with the long term aim to hopefully become a valuations specialist. Having the potential opportunity to link up with Quantum Advisory at some point in the future and explore potential career opportunities with them is very exciting.”

 

Partner at Quantum Advisory, Stuart Price, said: “While it was disappointing not to be able to hold a ceremony and meet Jim and Anna in person, it was a pleasure to once again to award the Quantum Prize and hear about all the inspiring work being done by the students at the University of Bristol.

“Jim and Anna are two exemplary individuals that stood out among their peers during their time at university. The work they put in, particularly throughout the disruption caused by the pandemic, has not gone unnoticed and I’ve no doubt their academic success will pave the way for a very prosperous career. We look forward to seeing their progression and will stay in touch and support them along the way.”

 

Mark Clatworthy, Professor of Accounting at University of Bristol Business School, said: “The aim of the Quantum Advisory Prize is to recognise high performing students’ achievements and this year was no exception in terms of the calibre of work we had to consider. We at the University of Bristol Business School are very proud of our students’ success and we are extremely grateful to Quantum Advisory for their generous sponsorship of these prizes.”

 

Quantum Advisory has offices in Cardiff, Amersham, Birmingham and London and provides pension and employee benefits services to employers, scheme trustees and members.

For more information about Quantum Advisory, please visit: https://quantumadvisory.co.uk.

 

 

Food & Drink, Midlands News, News

UK music venue to offer West African street food in latest collab

Swingin’ soul and retro music venue, The Night Owl has partnered with West African food suppliers Plantain to offer high quality street food for when the dancing demands a break.

The venue has won many fans in recent years with its packed programme of events and is now adding fresh dining options to its Finsbury Park HQ.

Plantain Kitchen offers the perfect partnership. Founded in 2019 by Toby Oladokun, the street food brand finds a gap in the market for West African cuisine which was previously under-represented around the area. This fits with The Night Owl’s ethos of spinning original vinyl featuring racially diverse and eclectic musical genres at its weekly club nights.

The vendor offers a pop-up service on-site around the nightclub’s events and offers visitors the chance to enjoy some quality food whilst soaking up the atmosphere. Its menu is primarily a takeaway format with some seating available.

Plantain Kitchen aims to capture the energy of West Africa, presenting simple, deeply flavourful dishes with style and panache. The cuisine places an emphasis on fresh, nutritious dishes with a signature selection of jollof rice bowls, burgers and desserts including traditional West African hot doughnuts.

Another standout dish is the Suya honey fried chicken. Suya is a classic west African rub made from from peanuts, ginger and chillies which is mixed with honey to give the chicken a sweet and spicy finish.

Vegan diners are also well accommodated for with dedicated variations of their trademark dishes. Plantain Kitchen was recently labelled “Vegan Food at its Best” by the Vegan Review.

The plantain – a tropical fruit variety of the banana – from which the kitchen derives its name, features heavily in the cooking, offering an exotic, totally unique twist on the now ubiquitous street food experience.

The venture started out as a joint effort between Toby and his mother Sika in marketplaces across London before finding wider acclaim on online food delivery company, Deliveroo. The kitchen was nominated for the ‘Best Newcomer’ award in 2020.

The Night Owl’s endorsement now offers the company exposure to an even broader audience. Arith Liyange, CEO and founder of The Night Owl said: “Since opening for us in early December, Toby and his team have cooked up a storm with his winning mix of Western African fayre.

“This new dining option brings something completely different to the area and slots in seamlessly around our current drinking and dancing offering.”

Commercial Property, Commercial Property News, Midlands News, News

Jewellery Quarter welcomes new flexible workspace following £5m investment

The Jewellery Quarter has welcomed a brand-new flexible workspace following a £5million investment. Formerly known as the ‘Big Peg’, the newly launched JQ Modern offers a range of private offices, both fully serviced and managed, for businesses from 1 to 50 people.

The impressive 100,000 sq ftt landmark sits on Golden Square in the centre of the Jewellery Quarter and provides stylish affordable and versatile private office space. Designed to provide everything a business needs, JQ Modern’s occupiers benefit from one monthly payment and flexible contract options.

Private offices have been paired with break out and collaborative spaces, stunning facilities across seven floors, on-site yoga classes, and much more. It also boasts spectacular panoramic views of the city skyline, boutique communal lounges, two boardrooms for up to 15 people, and six meeting rooms for smaller groups.

Sales and Marketing Manager, Tara Elwell, comments: “We have put a healthy work environment at the heart of JQ Modern; with abundant natural daylight, opening windows, and stunning private workspaces. The Jewellery Quarter is the original creative hub of Birmingham, and JQ Modern now provides a fantastic opportunity for creators and entrepreneurs to work in a re-imagined space in the historic heart of our brilliant city.

“As well as the fantastic physical attributes of JQ Modern, we also provide businesses with contractual flexibility and high speed internet, which makes joining our entrepreneurial working community an easy decision!”

Tara adds: “We’ve grown our team from three to 10 people, with a great focus on providing five-star customer service and are looking forward to bolstering the existing community of digital and creative businesses in the area as exciting new businesses join us.”

JQ Modern sits in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, with a tram stop and train stop a few yards from the front door, and a 600-space car park immediately adjacent. The area boasts some of the best independent coffee shops, cafés, bars and pubs in the city, and the newly renovated building offers businesses space to foster their individual identity rather than be lost in a big brand shared workspace.

Construction News, News, North of England

Esh Construction to build UK’s first carbon neutral tri-service station

Plans to build a sustainable tri-service station in Hebburn have taken a step forward as North East-based Esh Construction is named as contractor. The new station is set to be the first station of its kind in the country to be carbon neutral.

The plan is that Hebburn Tri Station will become home to Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) alongside teams from Northumbria Police and North East Ambulance Service.

Esh Construction will commence work in the new year on the state-of-the-art hub which will feature staff accommodation, appliance bays for emergency vehicles and 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.

To drive forward blue light services’ commitments to minimise carbon footprint, the station will boast carbon neutral status through the use modern sustainable technologies. A rainwater harvesting and re-use system combined with solar photo voltaic roof panels and ground source heat pumps will be used to meet the energy requirements of the facility. A wildflower meadow will feature among the landscaping of the grounds to help promote local biodiversity.

Esh’s Pre-Construction Director, Chris Hale, said: “This is a really exciting project to be involved with, not least due to its significance within the local area as a development which demonstrates the continued commitment of TWFRS to improving services and safety for the community, but also as a pioneering scheme which can lead the way for future sustainable blue light buildings.”

Chief Fire Officer, Chris Lowther of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service – who are leading on the station build, said:

“The Hebburn Tri Station is a landmark building for Tyne and Wear as it symbolises the bringing together of three of the region’s emergency service organisations under one roof.

“The exemplar eco project will be a major asset for the residents and community of Hebburn, Jarrow and beyond. Over the coming months we look forward to working closely with Esh Construction to create a building that everyone can be proud of and will help to keep people safe from harm for generations to come.”

Procured via the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO), the appointment of a Queens Award-winning local contractor to deliver the development will provide a boost to the community through Esh’s commitment to delivering a raft of social value initiatives. More than 65% of the project spend will be re-invested within Tyne and Wear though procurement of local labour and supply.

Local schools are set to benefit from employability workshops and Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers sessions, as well as site safety presentations to promote safety around a live construction site. Esh has also committed to donations and volunteering within the local area to support worthy causes.

Hale added: “At Esh we pride ourselves on delivering more than just a construction project. We are passionate about leaving a legacy in our communities and we will harness the benefits of a strong regional presence and supply chain to deliver quality social and economic value for Tyne and Wear throughout this project.”

The eco-friendly station will be based on land between Hebburn’s Marine Drive and Campbell Park Road and will replace Hebburn Community Fire Station which was built in 1965.

Esh will work in partnership with Sunderland City Council’s Capital Projects Team, Desco and Todd Milburn to deliver the project in collaboration with TWFRS.

Awards, Diversity & Inclusion, News, Northamptonshire

This Is Us Conference announces sponsors in the lead-up to the much-anticipated Diversity & Inclusion Event and Awards

Innovative Diversity and Inclusion conference, This Is Us, has released its latest list of sponsors for its up and coming event and awards ceremony, including North Northamptonshire Council.
Now in its fourth year, ‘This is Us’ is dedicated to helping business leaders to facilitate and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace through a series of talks, workshops, and panel discussions.

Taking place on Thursday 12th January 2023 at the leading Northamptonshire conference venue, Kettering Conference and Exhibition Centre, the event has announced a spectacular line-up of speakers and leading sponsors of the awards, including North Northamptonshire Council, VTCT, Compass Group UK & I, Change The Balance CIC, Venues Collection Group and MKEBC.

The event will showcase best practices, offer training materials, and address and facilitate important conversations around Diversity & Inclusion, enabling companies to support and improve corporate cohesion and productivity within their teams.

In the evening, there is an awards ceremony to recognise the D & I initiatives of businesses across the regions and highlight companies’ commitment to equality and their positive impact on the workplace experience.

The awards comprise of 12 categories including Education, Women Empowerment, D, E & I Company, Training & Development, Recruitment Policy and Implementation, Community Upliftment / Community Engagement, Organisational Champion Awards, Employee Resource Group, Apprenticeship, Changemaker, Icon/Lifetime Achievement and Tomorrow’s Leader/youth.

Meena Chander, founder of the This Is Us Conference and Awards, stated: “We are delighted to have such a fantastic collection of sponsors from prominent organisations, businesses and associations which are supporting and helping to facilitate a more inclusive future.

For D&I to take precedence in our society, leaders within business, politics, and social groups play an integral role in creating real change, and we are thrilled to see these key leaders within our sponsors.

With the media partnerships, speakers, sponsors and award entry participants that we have obtained, we are ecstatic by the interest and awareness that This Is Us Conference and Awards is gaining.”

Cllr David Brackenbury, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration said: “We are proud to be exhibiting at the upcoming This is Us Conference and Awards. This is Us provides a clear and strong message, helping to create and celebrate all things diversity and inclusion which we strongly admire and support.

“Our team are looking forward to meeting all the attendees and discussing the services we offer at NNC to local businesses, as well as our work as a Disability Confident employer.”

For more information, visit: https://www.thisisusconference.co.uk