CHAMBER NEWS


Employment figures are ‘heading in right direction’


More people in the East Midlands are now in jobs than at the tail end of last year – but the unemployment rate remains above the national average, according to the latest Government figures. Between December 2020 and


February 2021, the region’s unemployment rate was 5.1%, down from 5.6% in the three months to November 2020, the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) labour market statistics show. Only three regions had a higher unemployment rate during the most recent reported period, with the UK average at 4.9%. But the Chamber’s chief


executive Scott Knowles (pictured) pointed out that the figures are heading in the right direction. He said: “While the East Midlands


has clearly been disproportionately affected during the pandemic in terms of unemployment – largely due to the fact our economy is well represented by many of the industries that have been shut


while a net 2% of firms decreased headcount over the previous three months, a net 26% expected to increase their workforce over the next three months. “With the Government


down, including hospitality, tourism and retail – these latest labour market statistics should give us confidence about what the future holds. “The falling unemployment rate


may be a result of the successful vaccine rollout programme giving businesses the assurance they need to begin employing people again. “Our latest Quarterly Economic


Survey for Q1 2021, which received a record 539 responses from East Midlands businesses between 15 February and 8 March, showed that


presenting its roadmap out of lockdown in late February and the vaccine rollout continuing strongly, we can expect to see recruitment intentions speed up over the coming months – with the unemployment rate falling further as a result.” In March, the Office for Budget


Responsibility revised downwards its forecast for peak UK unemployment later this year from 7.5% to 6.5%. But with the projection still 1.6%


above the current national unemployment rate, Scott warned further action – such as a temporary cut in employer national insurance contributions – will be needed to support the labour marked once the Job Retention Scheme is wound down.


Chamber in tribute to Duke


Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles has paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh after his death on 9 April, aged 99. He said: “Prince Philip was a


fantastic public servant and will be remembered fondly for his great commitment and devotion to our country, while the business community will recognise him as a strong advocate for UK enterprise. “We offer our deepest


sympathies to Her Majesty the Queen and all members of the Royal Family at this time.”


Full occupancy for Chamber workspaces


Spring marked an important milestone for the Chamber’s managed workspaces portfolio as full occupancy was achieved in its 55 units across three sites. There are now zero vacancies at Brian Clough Business Centre in Derby,


Leicester Food Park and Friars Mill in Leicester – which have remained open and Covid-secure throughout the pandemic – despite the significant challenges affecting businesses and working habits since the first lockdown. Brian Clough Business Centre, which has been managed by the Chamber


since 2005 and incorporates the John Smith Enterprise Hub, has attracted a number of new tenants to its offices, workshops and light industrial spaces in recent months. One of these was estate and letting agent Your Choice Property, a new


business seeking a centrally-located, high-quality and cost-effective workspace.


‘Business support remains a cornerstone of Chamber activity’


Director Ashley Hancock said: “The John Smith Enterprise Hub offers everything we need to effectively manage property, has client parking, and is a great place for connections, as well as offering flexible contracts.” Centre manager Ed Sims said: “Covid-19 has had a significant impact


upon every business, so being on site to provide practical help and support has been essential.” Friars Mill, at the heart of Leicester’s Waterside regeneration area, is managed by the Chamber on behalf of Leicester City Council and offers 15 “follow-on” office spaces. Workspace manager Tom Munro said: “Offices on site are larger than in


other managed workspaces across the city, so provide opportunities for businesses to graduate to something bigger without losing the raft of benefits that serviced office space and city centre life brings. Business support remains a cornerstone of Chamber activity, so being able to advise and support tenant businesses while providing staff with welcoming and safe workspaces has been critical to achieving this milestone.” Chris Tandy, business development director at Dynamic Personnel Ltd, which has recently moved to Friars Mill, added: “As a recruitment agency


specialising in the industrial and warehousing sector, we wanted our East Midlands office to reflect historically the industrial heritage of Leicester and its workers. “Friars Mill being Leicester’s oldest surviving factory, combining history


with modern facilities and on-site business support fit the bill perfectly.” Leicester Food Park, in Hamilton, is managed in partnership with The


Food & Drink Forum, also on behalf of the city council. The campus provides nine food-grade manufacturing spaces with office


and break-out facilities, ranging in sizes to allow progression on site. In addition to business support offered by the Chamber, tenant


businesses benefit from technical advice and guidance from qualified staff on site.


business networkMay 2021 29 Brian Clough Business Centre Friars Mill


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