Search Results

Eight hardy colleagues from JCT600 have once again donned their hiking boots in the name of charity, completing the 80-mile Dales Way to raise funds for automotive charity partner BEN. Earlier this autumn, the team took on the challenge of walking from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, to Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria – a five-and-a-half day hike, requiring a total of 200,000 steps and burning an average of 17,000 calories. The intrepid team comprised: John Tordoff, chief executive; Nigel Shaw, financial director; Richard Hargraves, managing director; Tracey Newton, people director; Graham Thacker, operations director; Andy Bateman, customer experience director; James Parker, chief information officer; and Ben Creswick, managing director of the group’s vehicles leasing division, JCT600 VLS. The walk was part of the BEN’s Benathlon Challenge which encouraged automotive businesses to exercise for a whole month, and was also an opportunity to fundraise for the charity which supports anyone in need who has worked in the industry. The JCT600 team has succeeded in raising £8,500 for BEN so far and donations can still be made here Richard Hargraves said: “BEN plays a vital role in the automotive industry, helping individuals from our sector when they need it most, and it’s vital that businesses like ours do all we can to support their work." “With many colleagues having previously taken part in fundraising activities, from hiking the Yorkshire Three Peaks to a 500-mile walking, running, cycling, swimming and rowing challenge to tour all of our 50-plus dealerships, we felt the rigours of the Dales Way should be added to the list. Passing through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, it is a truly spectacular walk – even in torrential rain! Thanks to everyone for their support in helping us raise £8,500 for this fantastic charity.” BEN is dedicated to supporting anyone who works or has worked in the UK automotive industry, plus their family dependents. As well as supporting individuals in crisis, for example, by providing free life coaching, the charity also works with companies in the sector, helping them to promote the health and wellbeing of their people. JCT600 has grown from a single dealership into one of the largest privately owned businesses in Yorkshire. With over 50 dealerships from Yorkshire and the North East to Derbyshire and Lincolnshire, the group represents 23 of the world’s leading car marques and has a team of 2,300 colleagues.

A leading local care provider in the Solihull and Birmingham areas, has warned of a ‘looming full blown crisis’ in adult care. Owner and Managing Director of Bluebird Care Solihull & Birmingham West, has appealed directly to Victoria Atkins following her recent appointment as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in the Cabinet reshuffle last week, urging her to adopt live-in care services in response to the ‘critical situation.’ The plea comes as The National Audit Office (NAO) report reveals a social care system under significant financial strain, with over half of the reform funding redirected and waiting lists increasing by 37%. “We could be on the brink of a full-blown crisis in adult social care,” Indy said. “Innovative strategies like expanding live-in care services are crucial for averting this crisis and securing a sustainable future for our elderly. It's imperative that the new minister engages with service providers and seizes the opportunity to rethink care delivery in the UK.” Live-in care offers a comprehensive and adaptable service where carers reside with individuals in their homes, providing bespoke care, including personal care, medication management, and companionship. He added: “The broader adoption of live-in care could revolutionise our overstretched social care system. It's a cost-effective, dignified solution that supports the independence of our elderly and vulnerable populations,” Indy emphasises. In 2022, the closure of 247 care homes in the UK led to a significant decrease in available care beds, escalating the need for alternative forms of care. Indy said: “The growth in live-in care services is in part a reaction to these closures. Economic pressures, including high interest rates and surging energy costs, are likely factors behind these shutdowns. As a result, live-in care is emerging as a crucial solution within the social care sector.” - An observation which underscores the sector's shifting dynamics and the growing importance of live-in care. Drawing on his extensive experience in finance and business, Indy, along with his wife Kam Goraya, has been a leading advocate for high-quality, person-centred care in the region. By prioritising customer-centred services, Indy and Kam Goraya have demonstrated a dedication to excellence and a profound impact on the community, consistently delivering superior quality care. Indy concludes with a direct appeal to individuals and families exploring care options: “For those in need of full-time care, live-in care services provide a viable, comfortable alternative to traditional care homes. We encourage you to consider this option as a means to maintain quality of life and independence in the comfort of your own home.”

With the continual fight against climate change, businesses are expected to make differences in their management to improve their sustainability. One route many are taking is to go zero-waste. In fact, companies such as Morrisons are even attempting to shift to a fully zero-waste store by 2025. But what does zero-waste actually mean and what steps can your business take to keep in line with this goal too? What Does Zero-Waste Really Mean? When it comes to waste, you might be thinking of everything your business typically gets rid of during a week. And if all your waste is going to a landfill or incinerator, then you’d be right. However, you probably have a recycling bin somewhere in the business right now that isn’t actually producing waste. As long as you’re segregating and making a conscious effort to reduce what you send to landfills, you’re already on your way to reducing your waste. It is important to note that zero-waste doesn’t happen overnight as it can involve shifts in processes throughout a business that produce waste. Take, for example, your hotel kitchen. It would take time to transition from using ingredients which rely on wasteful packaging to recyclable materials. Allow your company the time to adjust to the new ways of working, and research how you too can start dropping your waste numbers. Ways To Achieve Zero-Waste 1 - Work With A Waste Management Company Working with a waste management company is one of the best ways you can achieve a zero-waste goal, especially if you don’t have the resources or understanding in-house to achieve all you want to. A total waste management system can ensure you’re firstly minimising any waste you produce, and only then ensuring you are disposing of it correctly. They then can even offer strategic advice when it comes to planning and designing out your waste. Nathan Gray, Head of Sustainability at Reconomy , experts in waste management, says: “Achieving zero-waste doesn’t have to be a difficult task when you have all the facts – ‘You can’t manage what you don’t measure’. By taking on a waste management system, you can get the technology, data, insights and initiatives you need to achieve your sustainability goals." “Making sure you’re keeping up with legislation or industry standards for sustainability, whether you’re in hospitality, construction, facilities or another sector, is crucial. With a heightened focus on climate change, making sure your business is making the vital steps to reduce your carbon footprint is more important than ever.” 2 - Recycle And Reuse Where possible, make sure you’re recycling and reusing equipment or waste products that can have multiple uses. Carry out a waste audit to analyse how much waste you are producing, which service lines are producing the most, and what types of waste you are producing. This will help you better understand your wastage and where it can be improved. This will give you an indication of how much your waste is costing you too, as wasted products can be costing your business money. Analysing your waste, redesigning products and implementing sustainable changes, can help you reduce your waste. For example, if your customers are using single-use hand towels, you might want to swap to recyclable or reusable hand towels. While the initial purchase price might be higher for sustainable items which are easily reused, they pay off over time. You just need to put in place a circular solution. Other considerations could be, if you’re buying in products which come in single-use plastic wrapping, you might consider discussing this with your supplier or swapping for one with similar sustainability goals and who use recyclable packaging. This is where the partnerships you make are crucial. Your carbon footprint isn’t wholly reliant on what you produce, but also on what you buy into your venues and how you handle them. 3 - Donate Another way to reduce your waste, especially if you’re going through a renovation, is to donate usable equipment and furniture to charities, local authorities, schools, libraries, or other companies in need of a start-up boost. This will also connect your business closer to the community, as you donate your belongings to those in need. This can be a rewarding way of removing unnecessary items, giving them another life without putting them into a landfill. 4 - Educate Your Staff Education is crucial when it comes to any transition in business, but even more so when it comes to sustainability. This is a whole company shift, and so it is a whole team effort to make sure that the necessary actions are in place, whether this is ensuring recycled items are being placed in the right bin or that your staff are educated around what zero-waste actually means for them. This also ensures that all venues are aligned. If you’re a hotel chain with multiple locations, ensuring each is following procedure and contributing to the zero-waste goals is essential, and this comes from adequate training for your management. Try an away day or collective company meeting to instill these values into your employees. We can also share best practice learning from one site to another to help share that knowledge. A good sustainability strategy involves everyone. This could be within the company as an employee training day, finding good partnerships with companies with similar sustainability goals, or working with a waste management team to truly understand and correct your waste procedures. Whichever way you go about reducing your waste, if you’re reducing your landfill and incineration waste, the impact on the environment and climate will be positive.

Tate & Lyle PLC (Tate & Lyle), a world leader in ingredient solutions for healthier food and beverages, has been named one of the world’s 1,000 most trustworthy companies by weekly news magazine Newsweek and Statista, a leading market research and insights business1. Within the 1,000 most trustworthy companies, Tate & Lyle was ranked in the top half of companies in the global food and beverage category2. The inaugural ranking for 2023 was based on an independent survey involving 70,000 participants in 21 countries, and an online and social media assessment including 269,000 evaluations of companies across 23 industries on the subject of trust, from how they service their customers, to how they are viewed by investors, to their treatment of employees. Survey participants evaluated companies on statements such as, "I trust in this company to treat me fairly as its customer," "I trust that this company is competently led" and "I believe this company treats its employees fairly." Nick Hampton, CEO at Tate & Lyle PLC, said: “We are delighted to be recognised as one of the most trustworthy companies globally and within our industry. In an uncertain world, trust is a precious commodity, perhaps nowhere more so than in the industry responsible for providing safe, affordable and nutritious food to billions of people worldwide." “Alongside stronger ESG3 rankings, this recognition comes at a time of increasingly positive customer perception of Tate & Lyle as shown by a recent customer survey that scored us highly for ingredient innovation and sustainability, as well as loyalty, satisfaction and enthusiasm. This progress reflects the integrity, professionalism and dedication of colleagues across Tate & Lyle who live our purpose of Transforming Lives through the Science of Food every day.”

More than 40 businesses from across Warwickshire were represented at Kenilworth Chamber of Trade’s Business Expo, returning after four years. The event, hosted by main sponsor The Holiday Inn, Kenilworth, also offered visitors the chance to sit in on three seminars involving speakers from the world of business marketing: Amanda Chalmers, of Chalmers News PR; Ian O’Donnell MBE, of Real Point Video for Business, and Gus Bhandal of MGuru, who presented on ‘How To Be Awesome on Linked In.’ The half-hour sessions, brought an enthusiastic response from attendees and offered a valuable learning element to the day. Lunchtime saw a Tai Chi session with My Healthy Steps, and the day finished on a high with a fast-moving, speed networking activity hosted by Action Coach Warwick. Chair of Kenilworth Chamber of Trade, Nadine Hummert and Sir Jeremy Wright, MP for Kenilworth and Southam, welcomed exhibitors and visitors, commenting on the importance of the unique and valuable business community in Kenilworth. Sir Jeremy then took the opportunity to visit exhibitors to discuss local business issues. Later in the day, Kenilworth’s Mayor, Councillor Alix Dearing, opened the afternoon session, also spending time visiting the different exhibitor stands and making connections. Headline Sponsor, Roisin Ni’Chonghaile of True Potential Wealth Management, said it had been a privilege to sponsor the event, not only an opportunity to support and celebrate the diverse local business community but a great opportunity for all to promote their business services face to face. Nadine Hummert said: “The small team on the Chamber Committee are very proud of what has been achieved at the Expo; there was a huge buzz in the room all day – people making valuable contacts, engaging with each other, learning and connecting." “We were excited by the variety of businesses who were so keen to be a part of the event and use it as an opportunity to promote their business. Solicitors, Ward and Rider, took the opportunity to showcase their new office in Kenilworth, having recently merged with David Lee Solicitors. “Kenilworth Town Council launched their Business Forum Survey; there was a huge variety of different businesses- service providers, retailers and health and wellbeing – Chamber members Mander Hadley Solicitors, Kenilworth Footcare, ARHR, East Chase Distillers, Spot On, BNI Kenilworth, Time for Me, Super-Being, Socially Shared and Primrose Bespoke, Pragmatic Consulting, Karen Massey Photography, Financial Design, FSB, Alsters Kelley, Audley Villages, Shelley Wilson Author and Cube Accounting – were among them.” The event also raised £120 for the charity for the day, was the Kenilworth Centre, who were keen to showcase the many support services and community activities that they provide. Guest Speaker, Ian O’Donnell MBE commented: “Thank you Kenilworth Chamber for hosting such a dynamic and enriching Expo. We’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to be a part of this vibrant business community.”

A highly-respected nuclear decommissioning and engineering business which delivers sustainable solutions for industry is celebrating winning a prestigious award. React Engineering has developed a reputation across the UK and beyond for delivering pioneering, high quality, engineering and project management solutions in nuclear decommissioning and environmental clean-up, and achieving those outcomes in the most sustainable way possible. At the Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) Awards on Thursday night, surrounded by peers of engineering and manufacturing specialists, many in the nuclear supply chain, React took the honours with the top accolade on the night when crowned ‘Business of The Year’. Phil Redfern, React’s Managing Director, said: “I am proud of every member of the team at React who have all contributed to this amazing success and this award is thanks to each and every one of them." “We believe in empowering our people, encouraging entrepreneurial spirit, giving our team responsibility and opportunities to grow and develop their skills and capabilities to be the best they can be. We also believe if something is worth doing it’s worth doing to the very best of all our abilities." “That focus on innovative thinking and quality delivery has paid dividends over almost 30 years as it has enabled us to develop relationships built on trust. Our customers value our approach, ethos and our capability to deliver sustainable solutions to complex industry challenges" “We have established a long-term valued relationship with our key-client Sellafield Ltd and it seemed fitting that they handed over the award after so many years of working with them." “Winning an award like this and celebrating together, along with our peers made up of so many innovative, high quality, high-performing businesses and organisations across the region, is both humbling and inspiring." “From our learning and experience over the last three decades, we are always happy to share best practice with others on how to make decommissioning happen through technical capability and how we maintain a pipeline of fresh thinking coming into the industry." “Any organisation which wants to find out more, or is interested in collaborating with us, our door is always open.” React is also passionate about raising aspirations for young people by providing educational opportunities in science and engineering not usually accessible to school students, in addition to running a series of fun events and workshops promoting STEM subjects. Last year, the company relaunched its React Futures scheme which provides financial and professional support for young people to kickstart their careers within the engineering sector. Phil said: “We have always been passionate about giving back to our communities and making a positive difference to those who might not otherwise have access to further education or career opportunities, especially in science and engineering. It’s part of our DNA at React and we will continue to try to inspire the next generation.” React enjoyed double success on the night as its team also took to the stage as part of a collaboration of Cumbrian SMEs who have established Resolve Engineered Solutions. Resolve, which brings together the expertise of four companies: React Engineering, Forth, PAR Systems and COMS, to deliver end-to-end engineering services to mark a significant step forward in the nuclear industry's capabilities, scooped the Collaboration Award. Earlier this year React, which is based at Cleator Moor, in Cumbria, opened a new office in Warrington to further embed its working relationships with the wider Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) Group in Risley, and create new partnerships with the NDA supply chain whilst providing a platform for further growth throughout the UK.

Wakefield Council is excited to unveil a new visual identity which has been created to modernise the look and feel of the district’s six markets with a nod to their rich history, as part of a £6.47m programme of repair and improvement. Following an extensive consultation with residents and traders, the new look is being rolled out across the markets, starting with gazebos at Wakefield Market. The new gazebo design incorporates feedback from market traders, local retailers and key stakeholders. The remaining five markets, Castleford, Ossett, Normanton, Pontefract and South Elmsall will also start to see fresh new signage and stall sheeting as improvement works continue. Councillor Michael Graham, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “It’s great to see the new visual identity that’s been created for our markets come to life and I think it looks brilliant. I can’t wait for it to be rolled out across the rest of the district." “We have an important programme of work underway to make our markets an even more attractive place for people to visit and for people to trade from and the new visual identity is another step in the right direction." “If you are starting out with a new business or want to expand your current business, why not consider becoming a market stall trader? It’s a great low risk, low-cost way to test your business in a friendly, supportive environment.” Work is also continuing to improve and repair the markets, with works in Pontefract due to finish in the coming months and Castleford in Spring 2024. The work will enhance their quality and look, to attract new traders and ensure they continue to play a significant role in bringing more shoppers to the town centres and contributing to the local economy. Whilst the work continues, the markets are welcoming new traders with fresh business ideas. New and existing traders are offered a range of support from the markets team including the newly updated Business Start-Up scheme, which includes a substantial 50% reduction in rent over the first 12 weeks of trading. This means new traders will pay six weeks full rent and then receive six weeks free.

History was made this week as education business Coracle was presented on Monday with its King’s Award for Enterprise for promoting opportunity at a special ceremony at HMP Warren Hill prison in Suffolk. Founder and CEO James Tweed received the award from His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston. “We could have done this ceremony in a swanky hotel in London but that wouldn’t have been right. We absolutely had to receive this award in a prison in front of the people who actually use our devices for learning and education,” said Tweed. When Tweed organised the event, with the support of Warren Hill governor Dave Nicholson, he didn’t know it would be a world first. However, this was confirmed by the Lord Lieutenant. “This is the first time an award like this has been presented inside a prison since the Queen’s Awards were first introduced,” said the Lord Lieutenant. “We are all very excited to be making an important piece of history today and where better to do that than here at Warren Hill in Suffolk, and in celebration of the huge success of James Tweed, and his exceptional team at Coracle.” The Lord Lieutenant hailed the ‘pioneering work’ of Coracle, which now operates in 86 prisons in the UK, roughly 75 percent of the prison estate. Coracle has 2500 devices in use but founder James Tweed wants to significantly increase this number. “Everyone who leaves prison should do so equipped with the right digital skills,” said the Lord Lieutenant, “Along with the self belief that they can reconnect with supportive communities and be in control of their lives. This offers hope and opportunity to ex offenders and makes such a positive impact on society as a whole." “The potential benefits of this technology reach far beyond prison to all those who are isolated from learning, often deprived communities that can be helped to thrive and to flourish. As you often say, James, digital literacy is a right for everyone. This is ultimately about second chances and the belief that every person counts.” Among those in attendance were men currently serving sentences at the jail who are also using Coracle’s laptops to study and complete courses from providers such as the Open University and the Prisoners' Education Trust. James Tweed thanked the learners and the support his company receives from across the prison service and from those in government. “Coracle works, and can only work, when it is in collaboration with the people who are before me right now,” said Tweed, “The prison education teams, prison staff Governors, our supporters in government, in particular those from HMPPS, the Ministry of Justice and, of course, the men and women who use Coracle and see it as a way to change their lives for the better.”

Pictured: Principal and Chief Executive Sam Wright and Chair of Governors Andrew McConnell OBE at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has been praised by Ofsted for its ‘Strong’ contribution to meeting regional and national skills needs, with the Group receiving a ‘Good’ grade for every aspect and overall. 16 Ofsted inspectors carried out a full inspection of the Group’s three Colleges – Castleford College, Selby College and Wakefield College – in early October, following Ofsted’s latest ‘enhanced inspection framework’, which was launched in September 2022. This includes the introduction of a new skills rating, with the Group receiving the highest grade of ‘Strong’ for its efforts in developing a responsive curriculum which addresses skills gaps in the local, regional and national economy. Following consultation with local employers and civic and education partners of the Group, Ofsted praised the Group for the highly effective relationships it has built with a variety of stakeholders - enabling it to have an excellent understanding of skills needs across a wide range of industries. The Group was rated ‘Good’ across all four provision types and all four key judgements, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes of students, effectiveness of leadership and management and personal development. Teachers across the Group were acknowledged for how they used their expertise to plan learning which enables learners and apprentices to continuously build on their knowledge and skills. The report also concluded that: Teachers use a range of effective assessment strategies in lessons to check learners’ and apprentices’ understanding and to identify gaps in their knowledge. Learners benefit from teachers who are well qualified and have expertise in the subjects that they teach, with many teachers continuing to practise in their specialist fields. The Group delivers effective specialist provision and vocational courses for learners with high needs, providing these learners with helpful opportunities to become more independent, develop work-related skills and follow routes into employment. Effective processes are in place at the Group to ensure that learners with high needs receive the right level of personal and medical care as outlined in their education, health and care plans. Learners feel safe at all three colleges and comfortable in voicing concerns to tutors as part of the safeguarding process. Leaders and managers are proactive participants in developing the skills strategy for the region and play an active role in collaborative research into innovative responses to skills needs. The Group supports staff well to ensure that their occupational and teaching skills are current, providing staff with a wide range of relevant training to develop their teaching expertise and industry knowledge. The Group promotes a culture that is supportive and inclusive and encourages collaborative working across the Group and the pooling of resources. There is a carefully structured and effective governance model, with Governors providing strong oversight, challenge and support to ensure that leaders make good progress. Andrew McConnell OBE, Chair of Governors at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “Our Board of Governors, Executive Team and colleagues across the Group are delighted with the result and are incredibly proud of our staff, students and the quality of provision delivered here at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group" "To receive a ‘Strong’ skills rating is a testament to the collaborative relationships our staff have built with a range of stakeholders, and how we embed this into everything that we do. The report confirms the vital role the Group plays in developing the skills strategy for the region and beyond, which is preparing our learners with the knowledge and behaviours to successfully progress into prosperous careers.” Sam Wright, Principal and Chief Executive at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “After merging and aligning our colleges over the past two years, alongside dealing with the disruption of a global pandemic and the economic downturn, this is a fantastic result and is thanks to the hard work and resilience of our staff and students." "Creating an ambitious, skills-led curriculum is high on our agenda at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, so I’m thrilled that our intent and commitment to address regional and national skills gaps has been acknowledged." “It is also clear from the report that our students feel safe, supported and motivated as they carry out their learning journey with us, one which encourages them to continuously expand their knowledge, skillset and their horizons. I am truly grateful to all colleagues across the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group for their dedication and drive in making a difference to people’s lives across the communities we serve,” added Sam.

Entrepreneur and winner of The Apprentice, Tim Campbell MBE, has received an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University in recognition of his distinguished contribution to business and enterprise. Tim is one of a number of honorary graduates who embody the University’s values of inclusivity, social mobility and transforming lives and have been honoured during Sheffield Hallam’s graduation fortnight. Tim appeared as a contestant in series one of The Apprentice in February 2005 and was hired by Sir Alan Sugar. He is the founder of his own social enterprise, Bright Ideas Trust, and co-author of one of Amazon’s Top 10 business books for 2010, What’s Your Bright Idea? Tim was awarded the MBE for Enterprise Culture in the 2012 New Year’s Honours List. On receiving his award, Tim said: “It’s an honour to be recognised by Sheffield Hallam, a university that works hard to promote social mobility by improving access to higher education for people from all backgrounds." "I passionately believe that where you start in life should not determine your future and as one of the country’s most diverse universities, Sheffield Hallam is helping thousands of students each year to shape their futures. Congratulations to all this year’s graduates – don’t hold back, keep pushing forward and use your education as a platform to realise your full potential.” After his ceremony, Tim attended an event hosted at the Hallam iLab attended by enterprise placement students, iLab tenants and graduates and students who engage with the Enterprise team. The Hallam i-Lab is a dynamic co-working business incubation space located within Sheffield Hallam University, open to students, graduates and external businesses. During the event, Tim discussed the ‘transformational impact The Apprentice had on his life’, overcoming imposter syndrome and issues with confidence and how to start out in business with limited resources and knowledge. On imposter syndrome, Tim said: “You just have to remember, if you don’t do it, somebody else will. So why shouldn't it be you?” Tim joined Zishi Cornerstone as Marketing Director in 2021 and has supported the company’s link with Sheffield Business School since then. Zishi Cornerstone are an approved partner for the purposes of delivering financial markets teaching on two courses at Sheffield Business School. Professor Conor Moss, Dean of the College of Business, Technology and Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University said: “Tim's journey has been anything but simple and straightforward - he has navigated challenges and obstacles along the way. But Tim persevered and now stands as an inspirational role model for our graduates." “His life shows that you can find success if you take the knowledge and skills from your degree and go solve real problems. If you love what you do, spot issues you can fix, and seize opportunities when they come your way - you too can thrive just like Tim. He grasped every chance to grow and make a difference. And that drive and perseverance are what our graduates need to move forward in today's world.” Last week also saw Dr Sara Hornby receive an Honorary Doctor of Engineering award in recognition of her distinguished contribution to engineering and innovation through research and development. Sara undertook her degree and PhD at Sheffield Hallam and was the first female graduate in metallurgy. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the banking sector and his continued advocacy for Sheffield as a hub for finance in the North of England, Ian Stuart received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters at a ceremony on 16 November. Ian said he was proud of the ‘innovative collaboration’ formed with Hallam and HSBC’s Global Tech Centre based here in Sheffield. Sathnam Sanghera also received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters at a ceremony, in recognition of his distinguished contribution to the social sciences through his writing on race, identity and shared British history. Sathnam said: “It's the stuff of dreams to be honoured like this, especially when you were a kid who couldn't speak English when you started at school, when you grew up in a home without books, and when no one in your family had ever attended university.” Honorary doctorates are awarded by universities to recognise outstanding achievement in a particular field or service to the broader community. Sheffield Hallam University has been awarding the accolades since gaining status as a university in 1993.

Family-owned and operated, Maldon-based Osea Leisure Park celebrates a Five Star rating from VisitEngland, making it the first park in Essex to receive this level of recognition for two on-site facilities, The Park and The Meadows. Osea Leisure Park has been scored by VisitEngland, as part of its quality assurance scheme, out of five levels of quality, exceeding each category, from cleanliness and services provided to physical facilities, by over 90%. Having successfully grown its offering, including its iconic pastel beach huts located on the Blackwater Estuary, quadrupling the number of staff, doubling the size of the Deckhouse bar and restaurant and building up the Meadows glamping site, Osea Leisure Park is at the forefront of tourism and hospitality. The park, which began its story pre-WW2 in 1933, was opened by Mabel Speakman to pea and fruit pickers for camping and to enjoy spending time with their families. Now, having recently celebrated its 90th birthday, it has been transformed into a leading, innovative, and community-focused business run by Mabel’s great-granddaughter Janie Robinson. The VisitEngland assessor commented: "Osea Leisure Park never stands still. A number of ideas and plans are in place for the future, and it is most encouraging to see the continual development and enhancement of the park and facilities with the management team and Owners being very much aware of the ever changing market and increasing guest expectations.” Janie Robinson, Managing Director of Osea Leisure Park says: "Since I took over Osea Leisure Park 20 years ago, it has been our mission to turn our resort into 'the best holiday park' using traditional values in a modern world." "Our team has always gone above and beyond to ensure every visitor who comes to our park makes memories that will last a lifetime. We are very proud of what we have achieved, and we can’t thank our team enough for the contribution each and every one of them has made in helping us achieve Five Star status.” Osea Leisure Park is an award-winning independent family park, built from traditional, community values and owned by four generations of the same family since inception. Its recent Five Star award highlights its efforts to push boundaries, having developed an additional 33 acres of the park to offer luxury camping facilities on the Meadows, including the Glass Houses, Emperor Pods, Royal Pods, Malvern Pods, Safari Tents, Stargazer Tents and luxury Shepherd’s Huts. The park enables holidaymakers to enjoy the perfect getaway, providing access to a range of outdoor activities including sea and freshwater fishing, the use of the beach, swimming, cycling, boating, kayaking and more. In addition, Osea Leisure Park also offers ownership opportunities for both new and used holiday homes, lodges, static caravans and beach huts, as well as Saltmarsh Point - an exclusive development of luxury lodges. Saltmarsh Point has 33 privately owned luxury holiday lodges within an exclusive enclave. A quiet and natural setting rich in wildlife, it is set alongside the unspoilt Essex coastline. A spokesperson for the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, the UK park industry’s representative body, said that Osea Leisure Park could take a real pride in its achievement: “Five stars is the highest possible grade awarded by Visit England and is a valuable indicator to guests and holiday caravan buyers of the high standards they can expect to enjoy." “Visit England assessors look not just at the quality of the park’s facilities and accommodation, but also at the friendliness, hospitality, and warmth of welcome extended to visitors." “In all these respects, Osea Leisure Park is clearly at the top of the game, and the five-star grading is a credit both to the business owners and their team." “The park’s participation in the David Bellamy Blooming Marvellous Pledge for Nature Scheme, organised by the Association, also suggests that nature and wildlife benefit from the same VIP treatment as their guests. Keep up the great work!” With plans to further extend its restaurant, develop new lodges and continue to update the menu at the Deckhouse Bar to reflect seasonal and local produce, Osea Leisure Park is proud to be at the forefront of the hospitality and tourism industry, creating an environment for holidaymakers where they can make lasting memories.

Insufficient support against a backdrop of rising levels of stress and mental health in the workplace is costing UK employers billions of pounds, according to a new study commissioned by a Blackpool businessman. It is estimated that around 15% of people experience mental health problems in the workplace while more than 15% have a neurodiverse condition such as ADHD or autism. The results of the report, which was recently conducted by Lancaster University for Joe Best of Perfect Support, come, he says, as no surprise. Perfect Support, based in the town, works to improve workplace wellbeing at companies across the UK. Changing corporate attitudes around awareness has become a personal mission for the 51-year-old, whose own story also continues to inspire those he helps. Despite leaving school with no qualifications and being diagnosed with dyslexia while at university, Joe went on to pass his Law degree at the age of 35 – followed by a Masters - and now plans to go on and do a PhD in Occupational Health and Wellbeing. “If you give me a chapter to read, I know it's going to take me three or four times longer than someone else. And my university tutors kept saying to me ‘have you bothered checking your spelling?’ and they eventually advised me to go and get tested. That’s when I got the diagnosis. All this time it seems I had just hidden it really well. I became good at just verbalising." “One of the best workplace comments I can remember, was when my manager said: ‘You don't look dyslexic!’ That sort of summed it up.” He added: “With any neurodiverse condition you can take two routes - You can wear it as a label and let it tie you down or you can adopt the attitude of ‘so what, I’m dyslexic.’ “I think, the reason I went in for my solicitor's exams and my Masters degree, is because of that. My mentality is such that no one tells me I can't do it. I like to prove them wrong. I feel really proud of what I’ve achieved." “I have real empathy. When people say to me ‘I can't do this because I'm dyslexic, I say ‘but look, I’ve got a Masters degree. I had to work my backside off to get it, but I did it!’ “If the managers take the time to figure out why a person is struggling in the workplace and give them the support, they can do their job. And it does frustrate me that managers sometimes just don't take that time and effort. I’m very passionate about that.” It's this passion that tempted Joe out of semi-retirement five years ago to establish Perfect Support, growing his network of 14 coaches. Each of them brings qualifications and experience across of wealth of specialisms including ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, autism, Bipolar Disorder, Tourette’s, stress, anxiety, depression and grief. He said: “The majority of people don't want the coach coming into their workplace and sitting next to them. Or them having to find a spare room somewhere or having to leave their desk. With virtual support no one has to know except them and their line manager. And they don’t even have to do it in work hours. We're really flexible with our clients.” With more than 15% of people in the UK neurodivergent, any organisation of a fair size is likely to have neurodiversity within their workforce. It is estimated that around 50% of those don’t even know they are neurodiverse. Lancaster University’s report states: “Ensuring neurodiversity among a workforce can bring significant benefits for organisations. Dyslexic individuals, for example, are inherently creative, think ‘outside the box’ and are great at seeing patterns in ‘big data’, all valuable skills for any workplace. For this reason, people with dyslexia are increasingly being sought by employers. Companies are having recruitment drives aimed specifically at people with dyslexia." “In 2020, the number of people living with anxiety and depressive disorders rose significantly because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting an increase of 26% and 28% respectively in just one year. It is estimated that 15% of working-age adults live with a mental disorder." The report continues: “Without effective support, mental disorders and other mental health conditions can affect a person’s confidence and identity at work, capacity to work productively, absences and the ease to retain or gain work." “Workplace stress can result in demoralised workforces, low morale, more absence, and higher staff turnover.” After exploring career paths in Law and IT, Joe has never felt more rewarded than in his current role. “People are struggling in the workplace, and it's not their fault,” he said. “If they've got a neurodiverse condition, they can still do that job, they just need a bit of guidance. It’s the same with mental health." “Some companies embrace it, and other companies just don't want to know. There’s still that stigma and mentality among employers. Even if the company is really good at putting the support in place, sometimes the managers just don't understand it." “Everyone always dumbs you down - Oh, you're dyslexic, you can't read or you’re autistic so you won't talk to someone or socialise. Rather than looking at all the negatives, why aren’t they spinning that and saying what's the positives? What does it mean to our workforce?" “By turning the focus to mental wellbeing, employers can do their part to make the world a better place to work. The report showed that only 39% of UK employees said their workplace provided good mental wellbeing support, suggesting that, sadly, more work needs to be done.”