PATRONS


New partnership to boost equality and diversity


Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of a new strategic partnership between East Midlands Chamber and one of the largest providers of affordable housing and care services in the region. The link-up strengthens an


existing relationship between the Chamber and Coalville- headquartered emh group, which owns 20,000 homes and employs 1,100 people. They previously worked together


to promote Black History Month in October last year via a joint social media campaign that celebrated the positive impact of Black history, arts and culture on our society. Chan Kataria OBE, emh group


chief executive, said: “Emh group is proud to join a strategic partnership with East Midlands Chamber. This builds on the strength of our existing partnership and joint commitment to promoting diversity and tackling


inequality across the region. “This partnership will enable us


to explore the regional economic and social landscape in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion in the post-pandemic phase.” Established as East Midlands


Housing Association in 1946, the company’s initial remit was to build a small number of affordable homes for ex-servicemen after the Second World War. It has since evolved to add care


and support services alongside its role as a social housing landlord, working in more than 40 local authority areas across the region. Now known as emh group and


with a turnover of £125m, the business also includes a specialist rural housing arm, apprenticeship academy and offers low-cost home ownership options. East Midlands Chamber director


of resources Lucy Robinson, who is leading her organisation’s own


emh group chief executive Chan Kataria OBE


Hardy Signs joins as Chamber patron


A company that designs and makes signage for brands including Nestle and Müller UK is seeking to establish new partnerships in the East Midlands after becoming the latest Chamber patron. Multi-award-winning company Hardy Signs, based in Burton upon Trent,


has also joined as a partner of Generation Next, the Chamber’s growing network for young professionals and future leaders in the region. It will also sponsor the Community Award at the inaugural Generation


Next Awards, which will be held at a virtual ceremony on 16 July. Managing director Nik Hardy said: “We have been a member of East Midlands Chamber for many years and have formed a great partnership. “We are delighted for the opportunity to become a patron, where we will


not only support the Chamber but Generation Next. In line with our mission, vision and values, our key focus is to form new partnerships with other partners and members, and ultimately enable success for them through our bespoke, high-quality professional and digital signs.” Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Hardy Signs is a fantastic


example of the innovative manufacturing base we have in the East Midlands. We are delighted to cement our relationship further by bringing Nik and his team on board as a patron, and look forward to working closely together.”


THE CHAMBER IS HONOURED BY THE SUPPORT OF ITS STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS


equality, diversity and inclusion drive, said: “Given that the Chamber’s vision is to enhance East Midlands businesses and communities, it’s very important we work with like-minded organisations, and we have been impressed with the work emh group has done regarding diversity, inclusion and equality, alongside other social issues such as tackling homelessness. “This strategic partnership will play


a key role in our bid to demonstrate how business can be a force for good in a post-pandemic world.”


business network June 2021


27


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80