CHAMBER NEWS
Support needed for mental health
A major initiative aiming to boost economic productivity is calling on businesses across the East Midlands to prioritise their employees’ mental health after Covid-19 has put significant strain on workers’ wellbeing. The Mental Health and
Productivity Pilot (MHPP), a pan-regional pilot being delivered across the Midlands and funded by the Midlands Engine, is urging employers to take steps to support and improve the mental health of their workforce – and boost their bottom line at the same time with no financial cost. MHPP’s research has found
workers have been less likely to talk to managers about experiencing mental health problems since lockdown. To help reduce the stigma
associated with mental health, the three-year MHPP project signposts employers to established initiatives that can help employees’ mental health, while companies can sign up to be pilot sites for trialling new workplace interventions.
Plans submitted for SmartParc food manufacturing campus
SmartParc has submitted planning for its 155-acre, high-tech food manufacturing campus on the former Celanese site in Derby – which could directly create up to 5,000 jobs. Specifically designed to address the challenges
facing the food industry, the planned 1.8 million sq ft collaborative hub will provide state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, start-up incubation units and a potential location for a Food Manufacturing Technology Centre of Excellence. Combining new purpose-built food production units
with a central distribution facility, a technology centre and dedicated energy centres through the industrial park, the company’s “revolutionary” approach will bring food producers together to cluster knowledge and investment. The flagship Spondon site is part of SmartParc’s ambition to provide a new sustainable blueprint for the food manufacturing industry. It will harness the latest developments such as vertical farming and smart technology to improve production and energy
efficiency, reducing costs and increasing competitive advantage for parc tenants. Reduction strategies for food waste, food miles and carbon output will also be implemented. Commenting on the planning milestone, SmartParc
CEO Jackie Wild said: “We are delighted to take another step forward in our plans to put Derby at the heart of the UK’s future in sustainable, efficient food manufacturing.” Subject to receipt of planning permission from the
council, the company’s intention is to start to re- develop the Celanese site in spring 2021, with a planned opening and initial occupation by the end of the year. Councillor Chris Poulter, leader of the council, said:
“We are hugely excited to see the SmartParc scheme progressing so quickly and positively.” Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles added: “SmartParc will put Derby on the map as a food and drink manufacturing hub of national and international significance.”
52 business network February 2021
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