July 2007
25/07/2007 - Firms Pick up Palace Awards
Workers from two successful Northamptonshire companies have collected business accolades at a Buckingham Palace reception. A presentation of the Queen's Award for Enterprise in International Trade was made last week to Cummins, an engine manufacturer in Daventry, for success overseas. Enterprise Control Systems, of Wappenham near Towcester, was given a Queen's Award in the Innovation category. The firm, which employs 36 people, creates complex digital video equipment. A spokesman for the Queen's Award scheme said: "The Queen's Awards for Enterprise differ from personal honours because they recognise the achievement of the successful business unit as a whole, and management and employees working as a team. The International Trade category relates to outstanding or continuous achievement in overseas earnings and innovation is for commercially successful and new products and services. Both reward the work of outstanding individuals from both the private and public sector, who have promoted the growth of enterprise and entrepreneurial skills and attitudes in others. Enterprise Control Systems were nominated for continuous innovation and development, while Cummins were recognised for very significant growth overseas. Three members of each winning company, representing both management and staff, were invited to the Buckingham Palace reception." Cummins, which manufactures high hirsepower diesel and gas engines, has seen export sales grow by 103 per cent in three eyars and 70 per cent of its products are sold abroad. It has won the award on five previous occasions since setting up in 1973. Enterprise Control Systems is a small, independent firm which make the only UK-accredited microwave video link system for transmitting highly sensitive video information. Both winners were at the Palace last week to receive engraved crystal chalices and Grants of Appointment from the Queen.
24/07/2007 - Top Firms Flock to Park
Developers building a leisure village in Corby have announced the scheme will be home to three UK firsts. The £10m Rockingham Park leisure project in Princewood Road will house Hilton's first UK Hampton Inn, a budget brand aimed at business travellers. Wetherspoons has chosen the site to launch its first pub and restaurant venture aimed specifically at the family market, which will be named after a founder of the town's steelworks, and Dominos pizza will also bring its new European format to the area. Owner Off Developments was this week given the go-ahead for the scheme from council planners, meaning building can begin shortly. Off Developments owner Mike Foster said: "Attracting a major hotel operator like Hilton is a big significant coup. But Hampton Inn is not the only first. Wetherspoons has chosen the 4.5 acre scheme to launch a new family pub and resturant format which will trade as The Samuel Lloyd, and Dominos will also premier its new European format at Rockingham." The 75,000 sq ft scheme, funded by Dunbar Bank, will form a key gateway site on the northern outskirts of the town. The three-star Hampton Inn will have 86 bedrooms and will be the first of 50 mass market Hiltons being built in the UK in the next five years. The move follows a series of other big investments in the town, including a £5m rail station providing a direct link to London while negotiations with a group of Chinese investors are at an advanced stage to bring a £50m cultural and trading village to the area. Leader of Corby Borough Council Councillor Pat Fawcett said: "This is fantastic news for Corby. It's wonderful to that Hilton has chosen Corby to launch its first Hampton Inn hotel. The development will provide great facilities for both visitors and residents, and I'm delighted that the family pub has a name that reflects Corby's history, which we are all proud of." Off Developments has appointed local agent Marriott Hardcastle to secure tenants for the remaining 12,000 sq ft health and fitness club, a 5,000 sq ft day nursery and a 7,000 sq ft children's activity centre. Mr Foster addedd: "Recent corporate activity in the health and fitness market has flushed out a flurry of inquiries. Subway has taken space and we are close to signing up a final tenant for the last remaining 1,150 sq ft food unit." Director of investment and marketing for the North Northants Development Company Nick Bolton said: "This scheme represents a major boost to Corby's hotel and leisure offer and we are delighted at its success in attracting major operators and prospective employers."
24/07/2007 - Crreative Businesses Flourish in County
New research confirms that creative industry businesses are growing in rural parts of Northamptonshire. Fifty delegates from local authorities, the business sector and support agencies gathered at the University of Northampton recently to hear about new research commissioned by emda, the regional development agency. Across rural district of Northamptonshire, employment in the creative industries is higher as a share of the local economy that across the rural areas of the East Midlands as a whole. Across the region employment in the creative industries in rural areas grew by 20% between 2001-2005, but this was topped in South Northamptonshire where there were 51% more jobs in the sector and in Kettering where there were 25% more. "We have long suspected that the creative industries act as important drivers for the wider knowledge economy", Nick Bolton, Director of Investment and Marketing at the North Northants Development Company. "This research confirms it also has a significant part to play in achieving the balanced growth of North Northamptonshire that we're aspiring to". Creative Connections, an initiative of the local authorities supported by Arts Council England, will be using these findings to help target further growth in creative businesses across Northamptonshire. "We are pleased that independent research shows that the creative sector is a regional success story for Northamptonshire. We will build on this success and encourage further development of creative businesses by looking at issues such as training and advice, marketing and availability of workspaces", said John Devereux of Corby Borough Council, who chairs the steering group. Wendy Nikolaidis, Manager at the University of Northampton's Portfolio Innovation Centre added: "This research confirms our own success as a centre providing a stimulating and supportive working environment in which creative businesses can develop and grow. Our occupancy for creative companiesis currently full and we have several businesses on our waiting list for tenancy."
24/07/2007 - Government Review of Economic Regeneration Announced
The Government last week launched the review of sub national economic development and regeneration, setting out bold plans to ensure that every area of the county has the opportunity to benefit from rising prosperity. Since 1997, the Government has made substantial changes to devolve decision making, and local authorities and regional agencies have been empowered to support the Government's objectives to encourage economic growth and tackle deprivation at every level. However the Government is clear that more can be done. Reducing the disparities between the poorest six performing regions and the rest, bringing the poorest up to the national average, would be worth approximately an extra £60bn to the UK economy. Today's review outlines plans to refocus both powers and responsibilties to support this, giving local authorities a greater role in ensuring economic opportunity for all. Alongside this responsibility local authorities will have strengthened powers and incentives to support presperity, reinvigorate the economic performance of our towns and cities, and make changes to work more effectively with business to better support businesses and business growth. This will help to spread the strong economic renaissance in city-centres and towns up and down the country. Key changes include: Concentrating neighbourhood renewal funding more closely on our most deprived areas; A proposed new duty for local authorities to analyse the economic circumstances and challenges of their local economy. This will help them to provide clear economic vision and leadership; Supporting groups of local authorities in city regions to work effectively and accountably together through new Multi-Area Agreements (MAAs), and pool economic responsibility on a more permanent basis; Greater devolution to regions of powers to influence investment priorities, through a new extended tound of Regional Funding Allocations to give regions a greater say on how spending is prioritised including for transport and regeneration investment; Sharpening the role of RDAs with a clear focus on increasing economic growth, with increased scrutiny by local auhtorities and simplified and strengthened performance management by central government. RDAs will also be expected to delegate funding to local authorities where possible; Funding for schools sixth forms, sixth form colleges and the contribution of FE colleges to the 14-19 phase will transfer from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to local authorities' ring-fenced education budgets; and Giving Regional Development Agencies a greater role in meeting business support needs to help simplify the number of schemes down to no more that 100 by 2010. For the first time each region will have a single strategy co-ordinating jobs, economic growth, housing, planning and environmental objectives, replacing the current myriad of overlapping strategies. RDAs will take on a new strategic role to develop the single strategy on behalf of the region consulting widely with businesses, local authorities, trade unions, the education sector, environmental and voluntary groups and others. As the first step local authorities will draw up proposals setting out a vision for the development od their area. Local authority leaders in the region will ne asked to approve the draft strategy before it is submitted to independent examination. Local authorities will also have a stronger role in the public scrutiny of RDA performance, as will the new regional select committees currently being considered by Parliament. And from 2010, as individual councils gain far stronger responsibilities in shaping priorities in their wider region, Regional Assemblies will be phased out. Communities and Local Government will consult on the new arrangements by the end of the year. Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Angela Eagle, said: "We know that ther are still areas of the UK where pepole lack the economic opportunities open to many and we are determined to tackle that situation. We have to reduce the disparities in economic performance between and within the regions and nations in the UK to draw on the full potential of our country. Devolving authority from Whitehall to regions and localities gives them more power over their economic situations but also gives them the responsibility to ensure that all areas of the UK benefit from our prosperity." Local Government Minister John Healey said: "We want to give local authorities who know their communities best a greater role leading jobs, housing, regeneration and sustainable growth to ensure that no-one is disadvantaged by where they live. We want a new relationship between central Government and local councils and the regions. We want to give greater freedom and powers for good local leaders to innovate, extending their role in promoting jobs, transport and economic growth in the region. Devolving more decisions from the centre to the regional and local level goes hand in hand with our reforms for local councils to involve, consult and give a more direct say too." Competitiveness Minister Stephen Timms said: "The review puts businesses at the heart of our policy by setting regions just one over-arching goal - to improve the rate of growth in the region. Everyone will need to rise to the challenge of working more effectively together to deliver the economic success we want. They will also need to make sure they remain accountable to businesses and local communities. These reforms also boost Government's work to simplify business support: RDAs will find it easier to offer a single gateway for support. Funders of business support across the public sector will find it easier to work together in coordinating their offers of support. Business will find it easier to understand where they can go for support." Overall this provides a package of change that will be followed up across government in response to the Lyons Inquiry into Local Government; the Barker Review of Land Use Planning; the Eddington Transport Study; and the Leitch Review of Skills. It will provide the local and regional flexibility and responsiveness to respond to economic change and give all areas and neighbourhoods in the country the power to build on comparative advantages and deliver rising prosperity for all.
12/07/2007 - A Healthy Future for Oundle
Results of the recent Oundle healthcheck are in and you can see what residents think if their town. This healthcheck, carried out by East Northamptonshire Council, provides a snapshot of the town and the local area in 2006. It identifies the challenges and opportunities the town faces in terms of economic, environmental and social wellbeing. The study was lead by the OUndle Partnership Steering Group which includes representatives from the local community, the Oundle and District Trade and Commerce Association, Oundle Town Council, East Northamptonshire Council, Prince William School, Oundle School, Oundle Churches, Oundle Church of England Primary School, Volunteer Action, youth representatives and the local Police. Four public events and two surveys were held to gather views and opinions of local residents, organisations, businesses and groups active in the town. Tom Grozdoski, East Northamptonshire Council's District Development Manager, said: "The report explores the issues facing the town now and in the future and has allowed the communit yto created a vision of how they would like to see the town develop. The study clearly indicates that local people wish to maintain the essential character of the town and the surrounding countryside. On the whole, the services and facilities to be found in Oundle serve the needs of residents of the town and villages well." The report can be viewd at the Oundle Library, the Town Council offices, the Tourist Information Centre and via the East Northamptonshire Council website at: www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/oundlehealthcheck. To comment on the report write to: Economic Development, East Northamptonshire Council, Cedar Drive, Thrapston, NN14 4LZ, or email: econdev@east-northamptonshire.gov.uk
12/07/2007 - International Investment in the East Midlands
Figures published recently for the East Midlands by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) highlight 84 international investment project successes which, in total , have led to a record 5,733 new or safeguarded jobs for 2006-7. This means that the region has exceeded its inward investment targets for the third year running. Emda was directly involved in securing 44 out of the total of 84 investment project successes recorded in the East Midlands. For those 44 projects, 4.410 jobs were created or safeguarded - a 27% increase compared to the previous year for projects in which emda was also directly involved. In securing the 44 project successes in the East Midlands, emda's International Investment team, alongside the Inward Investment teams in each Sub-Regional Strategic Partnership (SSP), provided specialist advice to each prospective investor. This included arranging regional visits, supplying labour market research or sector-based research and introducing companies to key intermediaries (e.g. banks) to ensure each received professional support from experts who really understood their businesses. By working in partnership, emda and the SSPs helped each company receive the most appropriate guidance around their move, making sure the region continued to benefit from every aspect of a new investment. In Northamptonshire alone there was a total of 16 international successes for 2006-07, leading to 416 new or safeguarded jobs. Nine of these were secured with support from emda, which generated a total of 316 new or safeguarded jobs in the county. Kettering-based Bomac Engineering Ltd, an Australian company specialising in the manufacturing of safety tested rail systems and products for applications involving safety fencing or distance guards for machines, was one such success. Emda, when working in partnership with Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd (NEL) and Invest Northamptonshire, played a crucial role in helping the company set up its UK manufacturing base. Emda's International Investment team carried out location searches for the company and introduced Bomac staff to key intermediaries. As a result, they are set to create 5 new jobs over the next three years. David Wallace, International & Innovation Director for emda, the lead English Regional Development Agency (RDA) for International activities, said: "This has been another great year for inward investment activities in the East Midlands, with emda helping to secure 77% of the total number of jobs created or safeguarded for 2006-7. We're extremely pleased to have once again exceeded our regional targets which, year on year, are becoming ever more challenging. "The East Midlands has a globally competitive offer in transport technologies, with world class companies and strong research and innovation capabilities. Emda is committed to building on this international reputation, and in other priority sectors such as frug development, medical services, food and drink technologies and alternative or renewable energies. "Inward investment plays a vital role in bringing high-quality, well-paid and interesting jobs to the region. So it is essential to those living and working in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghashire that such activities continue to ensure economic prosperity and exciting caeer opportunities for all." For the whole of the UK nearly 80,000 jobs were created or safeguarded in the last financial year as a result of inward investment projects. The Rt. Hon. John Hutton MP, Secretary of State for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, said: "For the fourth consecutive year, the UK has attracted a record number of investment successes, maintaining its position as the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in Europe and second only to the US world-wide. "The UK has won projects from world-class overseas companies - proving we can compete on the international stage, despite increasing competition and the challenges and globalisation." David Wallace added: "The national results are testament to the proactive role RDAa take in successfully attracting foreign-owned businesses to our regions. We will continue to work closely alongside UKTI and key partners to target companies in prioiruty growth sectors so they can make an informed choice to invest in the region that will offer them the best opportunity for business success." For more information on investment opportunities in Northamptonshire, please contact Michael Folkard on 01604 609399, email: michael.folkard@northamptonshireenterprise.ltd.uk
12/07/2007 - Festival of Engineering: For Teens!
Asimo, the world's most advanced humanoid robot, and more than 40 racing cars from CO2 fuelled table-top flyers to full scale Formula Student cars were just some of the highlights of the East Midlands Development Agency (Emda)-supported Learning Grid Rockingham Festival, the UK's first Festival of Engineering, which took place from 3 to 5 July at Rockingham Motor Speedway. More than 2,500 pupils aged 8 - 16 froms chools across England attended this exciting celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities, ranging from motorsports to medieval catapult design. The world-renowned Shell Eco-marathon was just one of the activities in which teams put their designs through their paces on the Rockingham circuit. After nine months of designing, building and perfecting their cars, race teams from across the globe including the UK, Japan, and France, finally battled against each other in this annual fuel economy competition. Teams from four fuel categories also completed seven laps of the 1.5 miles Rockingham track in theur self-built, single-seater, Eco-marathon racing cars, all aiming for first place or even to beat the current world record of 11,000mpg. Trackside, trades tents in The Royal Engineers Skills Village put visitor's talents to teh test in a series of hands-on building challenges. Top mathemetician Rob Eastaway revealed the maths mysteries behind Bart Simpson adn falling cats in his interactive theatre based show called Maths Inspiration. TV's comic duo Punk Science also made an appearane with their anarchich 'experiements' shoe that saw plenty of audience participation. Asimo appeared at the Youth Engineering Summit (YES), a 90 minute show that highlighted the exciting career opportunities in engineering from robots to mountain bikes and satellites. YES is supported by emda, E:ON and the Science, Engineering, Manufacturing Technologies Alliance (SEMTA). Dr Bryan Jackson OBE, Chairman of emda, said: "We're really pleased to support this year's Youth Engineering Summit, and recognise how rewarding a potential career in the world-class UK motorsport industry can be. This festival will open up a wealth of opportunities for young people and lead them to amazing careers in the East Midlands." Rockingham Festival was organised by the Learning Grid. Chief Executive Francis Evans said: "There is so much great work being done in schools to promote engineering and the achievements of school teams in the Learning Grid competitions are superb. The Festival is an opportunity for us to celebrate those achievements and showcase event more teachers the wide range of exciting activities available in their schools. All the initiatives provide a positive vehicle for industry to take an active role within schools, and we hope more companies will get involved with the Festival and the initiatived as we begin to grow this new and exciting event." The Learning Grid is a not-for-profit organisation backed by the Government and industry that supports science, engineering, design anf technology activities and competitions in schools. All activities are designed to provide a challenging and inspiring experience for teachers and pupils alike and to encourage young people to consider engineering as a career. The Learning Grid Quality Standard operates a rigorous quality assurance procedure to ensure that approved activities are not only safe, fun and rewarding for the pupils, but they have proven educational value and links to the school curriculum. Since opening in May 2001, Rockingham Motor Speedway has set new standards for the British Motorsport industry. The £70 million international venue is the first purpose built race track in the UK since Brooklands in 1907. Its unique stadium environment means everyone can see every inch of the circuit - and every second of the action. Rockingham has helped to boost the local economy in North Northamptonshire, as a result of the circuits evolution into leading corporate event provider and vehicle testing facility. For more information, visit www.learninggrid.co.uk or www.rockingham.co.uk
06/07/2007 - Expansion to Bring Homes & Jobs
Up to 700 homes could be built to the north of Rothwell and 1,500 jobs created after plans were subnmitted for the town's urban extension. Persimmon Homes has submitted outline plans for the development, which would include shops, 11 hectares of employment land and an extension to Montsaye Community College and the A6. The development, earmarked for the north of the town, could run alongside the football and cricket ground and on the other side of Desborough Road, on land between Montsaye Community College and the A6. With plans for business units to the west of the development, it is estimated 1,500 jobs could be created. A link road between the A6 and Desborough Road is proposed, which could pave the way for a link between Desborough Road and Rushden Road. Also included are plans for a pub, play areas and sports pavilion. It comes after the development company held consultations in Rothwell last year and in April. It is hoped the developmetn would take eight years to complete, with 140 houses available as affordable housing through rental and low-cost ownership schemes. No large warehouses are proposed and the plans include six retail units, which could be used for a shop, restaurant or creche. There will be a mix of housing, from one to five bedrooms, with two additional sports pitches for the north of the development. As part of the application, Persimmon Homes would contribute towards the refurbishment of the existing community centre. Parking restrictions would be imposed on Bridge Street to east congestion and a drop-off point to the north of the infants and junior school would be provided to cut traffic. Source: Evening Telegraph, Northants News
05/07/2007 - Closing in on £50m Deal
Chinese investors are on the verge of finalising a deal to create a pioneering £50m cultural village in the county. The team behind the initiative belive the scheme is very close to becoming a reality after a string of successful meetings between Chinese businessmen and interestes parties here. The Chinese investors had originally looked at locations including Nottingham, Leicester, Derby & Corby. At that stage Corby was considered as having an outside chance of hosting the project, but since a successfulthree-week visit to the town last month, the Oriental delegation including businessmen and government officials has been leen to press ahead with the plans. The £50m Chinese Cultural and Trading Village is to be created to increase trade between the East Midlands and Chinese region of Shanxi. It would include a 100-bed, four star hotel with a casino, a Chinese theatre, restaurants and bars, an exhibition hall, shopping centre and an office block for English and Chinese companies. The scheme, which is being supported by the East Midlands Development Agency, could create 500 jobs in Corby. Project co-ordinator Harry Brice said: "I think the scheme is becoming more and more inevitable. The Chinese looked at 10 sites around Corby and have now narrowed it down to two, owned by two different organisations. "We now have to tell them how much it is going to cost and then it;s a case of waiting for a decision from them on whether it will go ahead. This is just the tip of the iceberg for Corby - it will bring in lots of investment and we also hope th Chinese will choose to launch products here, including cars at Rockingham Speedway." Although the exact locations of the potential sites are being kept under wraps, one is believed to be at an out-of-town industrial site, while the other is close to Corby town centre. Corby Council leader Pat Fawcett was cautiously optimistic. She said: "I am really pleases theu have found two potential sites and it does look as though they have decided they want to be in Corby. But at the moment we are still being cautious about the plans, which are intheir early stages, and we do not want to raise expectations too much." Meanwhile, the Evening Telegraph's coverage of the plans is set to be reproduced by a Chinese newspaper in Mandarin. Media in Shanxi are keen to promote the cultural and trading village in their region and are translating the newspapers' stories for loca people to read. Source: Evening Telegraph.
05/07/2007 - Mackintosh Project puts Town on the Map
A nine-year project to save and restore a masterpiece designed by innovative artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh has been completed, placing Northampton firmly on the cultural map. National press, businessmen and supporters piled into the grand opening of 78 Derngate House and Galleries in June to see the final fruition of a £2.5 million project. A modest Georgian terrace, 78 Derngate was remodelled by Mackintosh in 1917 who was commissioned by owner and train model maker Wenman Bassett-Lowke. The project, Mackintosh's final commission and the only house he designed outside Scotland, first opened to the public three years ago, with a museum in next door 80 Derngate. But it had limited opening hours, restricted numbers and operated for eight months a year. Now, almost a decade after work started, the property is to be open year-round, with the addition of 82 Derngate, which has provided space for a gift shop, restaurant, educational area, galleries and atrium. Les Patterson, the secretary of the 78 Derngate Trust, said: "It has been a long haul, but we have had lots of support. "If you had said we would spend £2.5 million in 10 years, I wouldn't have believed it. Our bid was rejected the first time because we included 82 Derngate; it was seen as a step too far. Now it is the last piece of the puzzle." One of the crucial parts of the new space is a gallery, with a rolling schedule of exhibits. There is an exhibition of paintings by Thurston Laidlaw Shoosmith and his sister Fanny Violet, inthe gallery space, an established water-colourist and member of the family firm of solicitors. Thurston Shoosmith lived at 82 Derngate in 1921, giving the propert another piece of history. Alongside these works are contemporary sculptures by Rebecca Newnham. Mr. Patterson said: "We have had a lots of encouragement from the Arts Council for a pilot project ro have regional and national exhibitions. We want it to be nationally renowned and it needs some cutting edge contemporary artists and that is what we are going to build up over the next tow years." The restaurant is also tipped for success with a diverse breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea menu. Most of the dishes can be served gluten-free and, where possible, the food is seasonal and locally sourced. It is decorated in a black and white minimalist style, to complement the adjacent Mackintosh designed house. All the Derngate properties (78-80) were owned by Northampton High School until 1996 when Norhtampton Borough Council bought a 999-year lease on 78 and 80, with financial support from Northampton Saints owner Keith Barwell and his wife. Two years later, the 78 Derngate Northampton Trust was formed, taking a 90 year sub lease and embarking on a £1.5 million restoration on the house, using the adjoining house at number 80 as an exhibition and museum space. The 78 Derngate restoration went on to recieve several national awards. Keith Barwell bought 82 Derngate in 1998 for £225,000. The 78 Derngate Trust bought it from him in 2001. He said: "About 11 years ago, Maggie said to me, 'stop wasting your money on those rugby players; we must make sure 78 Derngate is not pulled down'. We have started things off, it's about people trying to raise the bar and trying to improve things, but it's not going to happen overnight. 78 Derngate has made a proft since it opened and that's how we want it to continue, and there are all sorts of opportunities. We have people coming to Northampton to visit here, flying in from Japan and America." Eric Knowles, host of BBC One's The Antiques Roadshow and a leading authority on 19th and 20th century decorative arts, was involved in the original valuation and subsequent restoration of 78 Derngate. Returning to the finished house and gallery at the launch, he said: "I feel a real sense of joy here. When I look back to that very grey day in November 1997 when I was first called in to value the fixtures and fittings of 78 Derngate - I came through the doors and the entire floor was covered by dead leaved and the brown and yellow wallpaper was peeling off. The one thing about Northampton is that you are blessed with some great architecture. I would visit Northampton just to look at your Guildhall. This is a gem of a building in a jewel of a town." Source: Northamton Chronicle & Echo
04/07/2007 - Deadline for £5m Challenge Extended
Businesses in the East Midlands have been given an extra fortnight to submit their entry into the Connect East Midlands £5m Investment Challenge, which offers a reserved pot of up to £5m in equity funding to successful candidates. The Connect Midlands £5m Investment Challenge has experienced a high volume of traffic to its website and as a result has extended its deadline to the 18th July to give interested parties more time to complete their online applications. The Coonect Midlands £5m Investment Challenge is sponsored by BT Business, backed by Catapult Venture Managers and East Midlands Early Growth Fund (managed by E-Synergy) and supported by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and GINEM. Paul Bimson, BT Business Regional Manager said: "BT Business is proud to be partners in the Connect Midlands Investment Challenge as we're dedicated to helping start-up businesses grow and prosper. The Investment Challenge is a superb initiative, and a great opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to acquire the funding they need to establish themselves, and get that all important foothold in the marketplace." To enter the Connnect Investment Challenge, entrants complete the online assessment tool, The Gauntlet, on The Challenge's website at www.connectchallenge.org. The Gauntlet was developed by Doug Richard, founder and executive chairman of Library House, in partnership with the London School of Economics and Political Science. Acting like a virtual investor, The Gauntlet asks the critical questions that investors ask, explains the rationale behind the questions and effectively tests businesses to see if theu are ready for investment. Mike Carr, Executive Director of Business Services at emda said: "The Regional Economic Strategy highights the need to improve access to finance as a priority action in creating a flourishing region, so we're very pleased to support this Connect Midlands initiative. The Investment Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for the many growing businesses in the East Midlands to attract investment finance and so I would urge any company looking for financial backing to take up the challenge of 'The Gauntlet'. You can't put a price on your time - but 30 minutes could be all it takes to put your business in the running to boost its bank balance and improve its growth potential." Last year the inaugural Connect Midlands Investment Challenge saw over 360 businesses enter with six lucky winners receiving investment from the then £1m jackpot. Three of 2006's winners came from the East Midlands and were 4energy Ltd, Service Alert Ltd, and active8 Intelligence. Terms and Conditions apply - Catapult Venture Managers Limited, Esynergy (fund manager to the East Midlands Early Growth Fund), WM Enterprise Ltd (fund manager to the Mercia Technology Seed Fund) and Midven Limited are authorised ad regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Any investment made from the Investment Funds will be in the form of a commercial venture capital structure investment on which the Funds managed by Catapult Venture Managers Ltd, Esynergy, WM Enterprise Limited & Midven Limited will be expecting a return. For further information please contact: Chrissie Walker or Greg Simpson at BCS Public Relations on 0115 9486901
chrissie@@bcspr.co.uk / greg@bcspr.co.uk; Rachel Taylor at Connect Midlands on: r.taylor@lboro.ac.uk
02/07/2007 - Emda Welcomes new Rail Franchise
East Midlands Development Agency (emda) has welcomed the announcement by the Department for Transport (DfT)that Stagecoach Midland Rail Limited (a subsidiary of Stagecoach Group plc) has been awarded the new East Midlands franchise contract from 11th November 2007. The new franchise, which last seven years and four months, will be a combination fo the existing Midlands Mainline services (Sheffield to London St Pancras) and the new eastern section of the current Central Trains area. In addition to existing services, the new franchise also contains some changes and improvements which will further improve the region's connectivity and accessibility. Anthony Payne, emda's Land and Development Director, said: "This announcement is great news for the East Midlands. We have worked with a range of partners to help secure a new station at Corby and in calling for direct services from Lincoln to London. Services calling at the new East Midlands Parkway will provide better connectivity for the Three Cities of Derby, Leicester and Nottingham as well as providing further improvements to public transport serving East Midlands airport." Passengers in the region will benefit from a number of elements of the new rail franchise including: A new hourly service between Kettering and London, increasing the number of off-peak services on the Midlands main line to five trainse per hour; It has been agreed in principle to extend the Kettering to London service to a new station at Corby from December 2008. This removes the need to split and join trains at Leicester; A daily direct service between Lincoln and London; A 9% increase in peak capacity into and out of London St Pancras by 2010, and more carriages on the businest trains between Nottingham and Liverpool; The new station at East Midlands Parkway will be served by two trains an hour from December 2008; Journey times between Sheffield, Derby and London will be reduced, saving up to 12 minutes on an average journey between London and Sheffield; Improved performance, with a firecast 90.4% of trains on time by the end of the franchise; The Community Rail service between Matlock and Derby will be increased to every hour and extended directly to Nottingham; More investment including more than £5 million on improvements to stations, at least 1250 extra car parking spaces and the introduction of smart card technology by 2010.
For more information visit: www.dft.gov.uk/pg/rail/passenger/franchises/emfranchise
02/07/2006 - ESP on Agenda at East Midlands Event
Over 100 delegates recently attended an Employment, Skills and Productivity (esp) 'Partnership in Action' event held at the Peepul Centre in Leicester, where representatives from major strategic bodies and public, private and voluntary sector organisations, came together to find new ways of working to get more people into better jobs in better businesses. Employment, skills and productivity are inthe spotlight at the moment with the Government recently urging employers to sign up to a pledge to help improve the skills of Britain's workforce. In the East Midlands, the esp Partnership - which was launched in 2005 with the assistance of emda - aims to align funding of public sector strategic bodies involved in empoyment and skills activities. Its key objectives is to deliver greater impact and added value to employers and individuals, and to increase the competitiveness of the region as a whole. The esp Partnership is also responsible for addressing the challenges set out in the Government's 'National Skills Strategy'. At this event, the second esp Partnership plan was unveiled, which has four main priority areas that support the vision of the Regional Economic Strategy. These include: improving the productivity of businesses across the region; raising employer demand for skills; improving sub-regional employment and skills levels; reducing economic exclusion; and increasing the participation and attainment amongst 14-19 year olds. During the event Jeff Moore, emda's Chief Executive and Chair of the esp Partnership, highlighted some of the achievements to date. He said: "We need to develop skills that will meet the needs of the future economy, so I am pleased to report that the percentage of employment in knowledge intensive sectors has risen from a baseline of 22.9% to our target of 25%. Also, the East Midlands' skills shortage vacancies fell from 7 per 1,000 employees - one of the highest in England - to 3 per 1,000 employees - the lowest out of all regions. Plus, the number of employees reporting skills gaps is down to 15% from 25% in 2003. We are already starting to realise the benefits that this esp Partnership brings to the region - not only in terms of reducing duplication and preventing gaps in the provision of products and services, but also by achieving the best value for that £1 billion the partnership spends on employment, skills and productivity each year." He added: "One of our top priorities was to tackle the confusion caused by different public sector organisations approaching employers to offer their services. We have now mainstreamed the business support pilot projects outlined in the first esp action plan into the simplified offer of business services accessed through the Business Link brand. These programmes have all become standard services within the East Midlands and are continuing to provide great opportunities and support for businesses and entrepreneurs." There were lively discussions around key actions such as tackling economic exclusion and worklessness through skills; linking the business support and skills agendae; and improved partnership working. Sarah Bentley, esp Director for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) East Midlands, identified the future challenges for the region in improving employment, skills anf productivity. She said: "We have an ageing population in the East Midlands and the biggest groups of the population in need of up-skilling are adults who are already in work. To put this into perspective - demographic changes meant that the East Midlands is forecast to experience the most significant increase in its pensionable age group of all of the 9 English regions by 2028. By 2028, that age group will make up one quarter of the region's total population. That, combined with the expected later retirement age means that older people will have to make up an increasing share of the workforce - one that is significantly higher than the national average." To download copies of the latest esp Partnership plan, or to find out more about the work of the esp, visit www.esppartnership.org.uk