News
Freeths launches in Scotland with strategic senior hires
National law firm Freeths has announced expansion into Scotland, with two key appointments and the opening of a new office in Glasgow, its first base outside of England.
Freeths has launched in Scotland with the appointments of Partners Paul Ockrim and Nick Taylor who join from Addleshaw Goddard. They will open the new Glasgow office at Atlantic Quay, Robertson Street with plans to establish a full-service offering in the region.
This comes as the firm announced another year of outstanding growth, increasing revenues by 15% taking turnover to £129m, up 220% from £40.2m in 2014 all through organic growth.
National Managing Partner of Freeths Karl Jansen said: “As a firm, we have ambitious plans for further growth in the coming years. Scotland is an important part of the UK’s economy and therefore integral to our core strategy.
“There is real opportunity for us to build our business in Scotland, delivering an innovative and progressive service for clients in the region. Aligned with our culture and values, both Paul and Nick bring a skill set that will add more breadth and depth to our national offering.”
Paul specialises in all areas of commercial real estate and regularly advises developers, tenants, investors and funding institutions in retail, leisure, banking, investment and development deals. He acts for high profile clients on deals right through from inception to conclusion.
Nick has a focus on investment and development finance matters. Advising investors, developers and lenders, he has assisted clients on a wide variety of different real estate resource-based projects such as renewable energy developments.
The Glasgow site will be Freeths 13th office in the UK, with the entrepreneurial firm having a well-known reputation for establishing successful operations across its regions.
This includes having built its London base from a team of two in 2013, led by Senior Partner Philippa Dempster, who won The Lawyer’s Hot 100 award for her development of the office, to a 100-strong multi-disciplinary team in 2023.
In just three years, Freeths’ Bristol office has also rapidly expanded from a team of two in April 2019 to a team of more than 50 lawyers as the office continues its recruitment drive in all legal service areas. In addition, the office’s revenue has increased by 51% over the last 12 months.
Paul Ockrim continued: “Nick and I have worked with Freeths over a number of years, so we know them well and share their values and ambitions, and the opportunity to join their exciting journey and open the new office in Scotland was too good to miss.”
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Staffordshire-based Top Online Partners Group makes multi-million investment in Highlands Rewilding project
Staffordshire based Top Online Partners Group (TOPG), which owns the UK’s leading cashback site TopCashback, has invested £6million in Highlands Rewilding.
Highlands Rewilding is a project which seeks to rewild and re-people the Scottish Highlands by increasing carbon sequestration, growing biodiversity, creating green new jobs and generating sustainable profit for purpose.
The funds from Top Online Partners Group will be invested into the recent purchase of Highlands Rewilding’s third estate Tayvallich, a 1,300-hectare estate in Argyll, Scotland.
The investment will enable the restoration of temperate rainforest on the estate, which should absorb carbon dioxide thus removing it from the atmosphere.
The project also hopes to gain new understanding and data while restoring Scotland’s natural ecosystems. These new insights are expected to inform more effective land management for biodiversity.
Olly Ragg, chief executive and co-founder of Top Online Partners Group, said: “We are delighted to have provided the Highlands Rewilding Limited with financial support. The work Highlands Rewilding is hoping to achieve with the funding has exciting implications for climate and biodiversity.
“As a company we have always tried to have a positive impact in our local community as well as the rest of the UK. This investment is the latest in a series of sustainability initiatives we are supporting, alongside our commitment to impact investing and our pledge to the Race To Zero Campaign.”
Dr Jeremy Leggett, chief executive and founder of Highlands Rewilding, said: “Top Online Partners Group’s investments have been vital in establishing Highlands Rewilding as one of the leading pioneers on the frontier of the embryonic nature-recovery industry. This is essential in an emerging market, if our children are to have a viable future, and full of potential for ethical profitability and job creation.”
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Rodgers Leask partners up to reduce carbon footprint on construction sites
Engineering consultancy Rodgers Leask is working with PowerCem Technologies to improve sustainability on construction sites by converting unsuitable soil into an engineering material called RoadCem, drastically reducing a project’s carbon footprint by 80% to 90%.
Using RoadCem and expert design techniques, Rodgers Leask can support contractors in creating temporary roads, permanent roads, working platforms, piling mats and car parks. Manufactured in Holland, RoadCem is a product designed and sold for building stabilised soil road base, used as a sustainable replacement for unbound stone and binder course.
The innovative soil stabilisation material works well with topsoil, while other ground improvement methods cannot deal with greater than five per cent organic content, and is capable of binding in contaminants so they do not leach out into the environment. Additionally, it can be installed in wet weather while alternative methods only work in dry conditions.
Andy Leask, director at Rodgers Leask, said: “It is crucial that we are thinking of new ways to reduce the environmental impact of construction projects and our collaboration with PowerCem is an innovative example of this. With the introduction of RoadCem into designs, the risks of environmental pollution and use of a finite resource are reduced. And any reduction of concrete, which is responsible for around seven percent of the world’s carbon emissions, is a progressive step towards a net zero future.”
This eco-friendly method has been used in Burton at Claymills sewage works. Rodgers Leask came up with the solution that allowed a piling mat to be constructed in only seven days using the very soft silty soils present on site. Using the soil that already existed on site avoided significant HGV transport taking unsuitable soil to landfill and bringing in freshly quarried stone. The traditional method of constructing a piling mat for a structure of this size would have needed an excess of 2000 truckloads of stone delivered to site.
RoadCem was adopted at Claymills after desktop studies and on-site trials with industry experts confirmed that it would be most suitable method for stabilising the silty organic soils.
For more information on civil, structural, geo-environmental and transport engineering consultancy Rodgers Leask, please visit rodgersleask.com.
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Declan’s Blog: Key priorities for Stafford
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is the voice of the local business community. We’re here to represent the views of our member businesses, on a range of topics. We give our members the chance to come together and meet political leaders and key decision-makers. Last Friday, we invited the MP for Stafford (Theo Clarke, MP), to meet a group of member businesses at our office in the heart of Stafford, at Shire Hall Business Centre.
We know that Staffordshire is a great place to do business and this is epitomised by Stafford, which enjoys exceptional transport connectivity (particularly by rail) and a highly skilled workforce. The local population is growing and there is a need to strike the right balance in building new homes but also making sure that there is a sufficient supply of employment land across the area.
You’ve probably noticed the expansion of both residential and commercial developments across the area. A good example of this is the new housing development at Marston Gate on the A34, north edge of Stafford, sitting over the way from the new Pets at Home distribution centre.
Ms Clarke’s constituency centres on the urban area of Stafford but spans a wide area, from parts of Shropshire in the west, across to Great Haywood and Hixon in the east. The businesses who joined us at last week’s meeting came from different parts of the constituency.
Our Stafford Chamber Local Area Advisory Board (LAAB) is a representative group of member businesses from across Stafford Borough and in recent months, the LAAB has developed a list of key priorities for Stafford. These included a call for a focus on developing the centre of Stafford.
Boarded up commercial premises can become such an eyesore in any town and we support action or legislation, to ensure property owners cannot simply board up premises. Bringing health service provision into the centre of town would boost footfall for retailers and hospitality businesses.
Thriving town centres need easy access in and out and this aspiration is supported by improved public transport and secure cycle storage. A mix of commercial premises will bring employees into town and they’ll also spend their money at local retailers and hospitality venues.
Stafford Station Gateway and the Institute of Technology (IoT) are exciting developments which will help to grow our County Town but we’re keen to play our part in pushing for town centre improvements. Work to transform Market Square is taking shape and once completed in the autumn, it should create a space for a real mix of vibrant events.
Other topics discussed, included electric vehicle charging and the transfer of surplus energy generated by a business, with infrastructure not in place to allow this to be transferred to the Grid.
Ms Clarke listened carefully and spoke with all present, before opening up a wider discussion and agreed to take away some of the key points that were raised. We’ll look forward to getting an update.
Ms Clarke was joined by Nigel Huddleston, – Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade. Some of our members have experienced frustrations with exporting to the EU and we took the chance to raise these with the Minister. He agreed to personally look into what has happened and will also get back to us with an update.
If you would like to learn more about the key business priorities for Stafford, please contact me:declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in Influence & Network, News
Sara’s Blog: Glittering array of winners at our Business Awards
Last night I was at the fantastic gala presentation evening for the 2023 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards at Double Tree by Hilton on Festival Park, hosted by Dave Bryon and Kirsty Hulse.
Our Chamber Awards night is a real highlight in Chambers’ event calendar and last night did not disappoint with a remarkable gathering of the region’s top businesses and industry leaders.
The high number of entries for this year’s awards reflects the unwavering entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence within our region. reflecting the thriving business ecosystem in Staffordshire and its enviable reputation as a hub for innovation and success
As always, our hard-working judges faced the toughest of tasks to narrow entries down to three nominees for each of the 15 categories from such high-quality entries.
The evening shone the spotlight on the rising stars, hidden gems, brilliant employers, and the great talent that helps businesses to innovate and grow.
A huge congratulations to all our winners, especially waste management experts, Willshee’s Waste who won ‘Business of the Year Award’. They were chosen from the category award winners ranging from young employee or apprentice of the year right up to the large business of the year.
Each of the winners was presented with an individual award plate made by Duchess China 1888 in Longton. You can see them being made here: (5) Post | Feed | LinkedIn
A big thank you our generous awards sponsors HSBC and all the category sponsors, the judges, the team at the Chambers, the entrants, and the many businesses in Staffordshire for doing what you do by being positive, innovative, and forward thinking.
Congratulations also to Philip Carter of Ornua Foods UK Ltd who won the special Staffordshire Ambassador of the Year Award, presented by This is Staffordshire, shortlisted from the 170+ strong Ambassador Network in recognition of their ongoing passion, commitment, and dedication to promoting Staffordshire both inside the county and beyond our borders.
You can see a full list of winners and find a link to the streaming of the ceremony here: Awards – Staffordshire Chambers
If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222, call the Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in News
Celebrating excellence: Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce announces winners of 2023 Business Awards
Staffordshire’s leading businesses enjoyed an evening of celebrations on Thursday night at the 2023 Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Business Awards.
Held at the prestigious DoubleTree by Hilton, Festival Park the sold-out event witnessed a remarkable gathering of the region’s top businesses and industry leaders, marking a momentous occasion for the local business community.
Taking home the top gong of Business of the Year was waste management experts, Willshee’s.
Category | Sponsor | Winner |
Employer of the Year | West Midlands | Leek Building Society |
Employee of the Year | Ornua | Dr Mark Nash |
Young Employee / Apprentice of the Year | SPES | Kate Douthwaite – Mondrem Group |
Most Promising Start-Up Business | Staffordshire County Council | Great British Jigsaws |
Small Business of the Year (1-50) | Sempar | Best of British Beer Trentham Foods |
Medium / Large Business of the Year (50+ FTEs) | Dains | Reliance Medical |
Sustainability and Environment | KPI Recruiting | GivEnergy |
Online Business of the Year | Lila Connect | Nomadic Leisure |
Science, Technology and Innovation | Lesters Group | PFE Medical |
Entrepreneur of the Year | Staffs University | Adam Whitehouse – TMT First |
Professional Services of the Year | NSCG | Dukes Bailiffs Ltd |
Manufacturer of the Year | AIR IT | Hardy Signs |
International Trade | Ginho Group | Langley Alloys |
Digital Transformation | Synectics | Eden Holistic Pet Foods |
Student of Year | Rydale Roofing | Emilia Olasupo |
Sara Williams OBE, Staffordshire Chambers CEO, said: “This year’s Business Awards proved to be the most fiercely contested to date, with over 300 applications flooding in from enterprises across Staffordshire.
“The unprecedented response highlighted the unwavering entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence within our region. The record-breaking number of applications truly reflects the thriving business ecosystem in Staffordshire and its enviable reputation as a hub for innovation and success.”
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce would like to extend its deepest appreciation to all the sponsors, partners, judges, and attendees whose invaluable support contributed to the resounding success of the 2023 Business Awards.
For more information about Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and its initiatives, please visit StaffordshireChambers.co.uk/awards
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Staffordshire Chambers awarded share of UKSPF funding to help support local businesses
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a portion of funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). This allocation aims to bolster local businesses within the city, and it reflects the Chambers’ commitment to supporting economic growth and prosperity in Stoke-on-Trent.
Under the Supporting Local Business priority, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has been granted £347,427 for the Promoting Innovation Pathways (PIP) project. PIP will play a pivotal role in fostering and stimulating innovation across Stoke-on-Trent, providing invaluable assistance to businesses in their pursuit of developing new products, processes, and services.
Furthermore, Staffordshire Chambers has also received £47,335 for the Responsible Business Scheme, a pioneering pilot project designed to enable businesses of all sizes to adopt sustainable business practices. This scheme will create a framework for companies to integrate environmental and social responsibility into their operations, driving positive impact within the local community while ensuring long-term viability.
Sara Williams OBE, Staffordshire Chambers CEO, said: “Funding the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will help us continue in our efforts to support local businesses in Stoke-on-Trent.
“The Promoting Innovation Pathways project and the Responsible Business Scheme will play a crucial role in fostering innovation and sustainability in the region, driving positive impact within the local community while ensuring long-term viability.
“These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to supporting economic growth and prosperity in Stoke-on-Trent, and we look forward to commencing these projects in September 2023.”
The projects are set to commence in September 2023, marking an exciting new phase in the economic development of Stoke-on-Trent. These initiatives, funded by the UKSPF, demonstrate the city’s dedication to creating a prosperous business environment and improving the quality of life for its residents.
Cllr Jane Ashworth, leader of the city council said: “We’re really pleased to have been able to award this funding to support local businesses and projects in Stoke-on-Trent.
“I know that the Cost of Living Crisis is a huge concern for local people and businesses and we are working to ensure that we make the best use of the resources we have available to deliver help, advice and support. The UKSPF funding will fund these three interventions that support local businesses to thrive, innovate and grow.”
To learn more about the recipients of the Communities category, which were announced last week, please visit www.stoke.gov.uk/news. The People and Skills category recipients will be announced in the coming week.
- Published in News
Free music and culture festival returns to Stoke-on-Trent City Centre
The Better World Festival has revealed its line-up of world music acts, set to run across the city centre at its free, family-friendly festival on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July.
Returning for its third year, the weekend-long festival celebrates a fusion of music, mindfulness and community engagement, all focussed around creating a brighter future for our world. It’s completely free to attend, too!
Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) is behind the returning Better World Festival. BID CEO Richard Buxton said: “I am so pleased to be having The Better World Festival in our City Centre again. Through this event we are able to focus on our environment locally, nationally and internationally. Visitors will be able to listen to inspiring and educational talks, enjoy the best in World Music and enjoy the various workshops for families of all ages.”
The World Music Stage located on Piccadilly, is set to showcase acclaimed artists specialising in global music including Royal Bollywood Music Strings, Kotu Drummers and Los Gitanos Kings, with headline spots secured by award-winning DJ Kavita and World folk rap band Mobius Loop, following their successful 2022 slot. Further to this, previous Better World Festival favourites to return include Jon Walklate, July Julay and Julia Mosley.
Complimenting the musical line-up, Better World Festival will bring together speakers, activists, pioneers, charities, community groups and artisan market vendors with an interest in creating positive change during this weekend event.
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce are lead sponsors for this year’s festival. Sara Williams OBE, Chief Executive said: “I am thrilled to announce our involvement in this year’s Better World Festival.
“Together with our President, Kate Beardmore, we are especially delighted to extend a warm invitation to the dedicated members of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce’s charity community to exhibit at the festival.
“This unique opportunity allows the public of Staffordshire to gain a profound understanding of the invaluable work these charities do and discover ways in which they can contribute and support these vital causes. I hope to see our Members and their families join us for this very special event.”
Other zones at Better World Festival include:
SPEAKERS’ SQUARE & ACOUSTIC MUSIC STAGE – Tontine Square
Take time to listen and reflect at Speaker’s Square with a programme packed full of captivating performances and thought-provoking talks about many of the world’s issues, and how we can fight back collectively for the good of our future.
KIDZONE – Parliament Square
Kidzone is an adventure for all but is a particularly perfect stop for little ones of pre-school and primary school age. With lots of activities and workshops throughout the weekend to inspire the next generation into loving the planet, caring for each other and adopting healthy lifestyles the whole family can enjoy.
HEALTH & MINDFULNESS RETREAT – Fountain Square
The Health & Mindfulness Retreat offers a central hub to the festival, consisting of mindful exercise workshops, inspiring talks, scrumptious food offerings and chillout DJ sets.
CHARITY STREET – Across the City Centre
A major focus for The Better World Festival is giving a helping hand to our community groups and charities, who in turn dedicate themselves to supporting our less-advantaged societies and helping them to thrive. We’re welcoming local and UK-wide organisations to chat and engage with the public about their all-important work.
ARTISAN MARKET – Across the City Centre
Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, working in partnership with the team at Potteries Artisan Market will bring a striking selection of stalls selling all things sustainable, vintage, handmade
and ethically sourced.
The line-up for the Better World Festival World Music Stage can be found at www.stokeontrentcitycentre.co.uk, with further details being released soon.
People are encouraged to follow the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID’s Facebook page (/stokeontrentcitycentrebid) Twitter and Instagram pages (@stokeontrentbid) for the latest updates relating to Better World Festival 2023 and other initiatives
- Published in News
Student showcase attracts more than 200 industry professionals
Staffordshire University’s industry pioneers got to show off their final year projects last week at the GradEX23 showcase.
Taking part alongside the annual Degree Show, the event gave students from across the university the opportunity to showcase their projects, research and inventions to more than 200 industry professionals.
Among them was Amin Ruprecht, a lorry driver from Stoke-on-Trent, whose final year project involved the development of a sustainable composite brick using plastic waste in a bid to help tackle environmental pollution.
The Mechanical Engineering student used shredded and chopped plastic with traditional materials of sand, cement and water which were cast in a 3D printed square mould before being compression tested.
Amin, 48, said: “The tests showed it was stronger than standard. I’ve not seen anyone doing this and think it could be of particular use in low and middle income countries where plastic pollutions is an increasing problem.”
For her final year project, Psychology and Child Development student Heather Cassidy researched crystal therapy as an intervention for low level anxiety. Heather, who worked as a holistic therapist before Covid hit, worked with nine people who kept a mood diary and were interviewed about their experiences.
She found that seven out of the nine experienced improved sleep and all participants reported having positive cognitive change as a result of the crystal therapy which involves a deep state of relaxation.
She said: “I am looking for a psychology role where I can continue to grow my skills whilst helping people with their mental health. I’m passionate about research and applying evidence-based research in practice.”
Mo Trundel, Chair of the Design Forum at Staffordshire Chambers, said: “The standard of the Transport and Product design degree show was outstanding this year.
“Judging alongside JCB and Bentley it was a privilege to spend all day speaking to students whose briefs ranged from intelligent heating, to toys and cars all pushing the boundaries of innovation. Designers are the life blood of industry pushing boundaries and certainly feeding our manufacturers with the next generation of sustainable products.”
Engineering Design student Morgan Simmons competes as an elite cyclist alongside his studies and has designed a downhill mountain bike. Influenced by world cup level bikes, he has built a full-sized prototype featuring a steel frame and specialist suspension link using 3D printed parts made out of Onyx and carbon fibre.
Morgan is part of Staffordshire University’s High Performance Academy and will be competing in the Crankworx World Tour in Austria later this month.
The 21-year-old from Telford said: “I’ve wanted to make a bike since the first year because it’s something I’m really passionate about. It has been pretty cool getting to use cutting edge processes and equipment at the uni to enhance design characteristics like the suspension link.”
Carolina Salinas, Head of Student and Employability said: “GradEX 23 has been a wonderful event and we thank our students for demonstrating just how work and world-ready they are. We also thank our industry guests and partners who have come to view the projects, recruit students and to act as judges.
“We’re delighted to say that our portal, which includes links to students’ profiles, porfolios and CVs remains open and accessible throughout the summer, presenting employers with the opportunity to browse the incredible talent we have at Staffordshire University.”
All student projects can viewed via the online GradEX Portal.
Staffordshire University’s ambition is to become the UK’s best modern university. An institution with a strong civic mission, it has committed to being a ‘catalyst for change’ for students and businesses, positively impacting wider society and the regional economy.
Staffordshire University was named a Top 5 university in the UK and ranked Top 10 for job prospects in the StudentCrowd University Awards 2022 – based entirely on student reviews. It also ranked Top 10 for Social Inclusion in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
The 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) classed 68% of the University’s research as world leading or internationally excellent and 87% of its ‘research impact’ was judged to be outstanding or very outstanding.
Substantial investment in innovative technologies and teaching environments ensure next generation courses and education are delivered across all three campuses in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and London.
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Celebrating Student Success at Stoke on Trent College
Student progression to good careers and jobs and higher education was showcased in style at Stoke on Trent College’s annual student awards event, Celebrating Success.
From a budding games designer, a committed healthcare professional, a culinary expert and those seeking to further develop their Maths and English skills, the experience and impact of studying at the College was very much on show.
Award-winning students and their families along with College staff, partners, employers and civic dignitaries, including the Deputy Lord Mayor, Deputy Lieutenant, local and national sponsors, enjoyed a night of celebration hosted within the College’s impressive Lifestyle Building at Cauldon Campus.
The event commenced with a drink’s reception and entertainment in the form of a string quartet kindly provided by the acclaimed British Police Symphony Orchestra. Level 2 & 3 Catering and Hospitality students prepared and served a Gala Dinner to 120 guests for which they received high praise. This ‘hands-on’ experience is one of many industry-related opportunities the College offers to students.
The event was co-hosted by Level 3 sports student Leah Rigby and Assistant Principal for Student Experience, Dave Hopley, who said: “The students who won awards tonight have shone throughout their journey with us. They have all grown in confidence as well as developing their industry and academic skills. We actively encourage all of our students to participate in enrichment and extracurricular activities which contribute to a key-skills that sets them apart and enable them to stand out to employers and universities alike. .”
The highly-prized Student of The Year Award went to Construction student, Lewis Hindmarsh. Lewis was recognised for his outstanding achievement, embracing opportunities and building relationships with organisations including the national aspirational construction academy ‘Regeneration Brainery’. The award also recognised Lewis’s ability to overcome personal challenges during his time at the College.
Staffordshire Chambers was one of the proud sponsors of the awards evening, which also included:
Sponsors of the awards included: Alton Towers Resort, Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, Staffordshire University, Steelite International, North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, Carson Powell Construction Ltd, Learning Curve Group, Freshview Foods Ltd, Perrys of Eccleshall.
- Published in News