Rhys Taylor-Brown

In the September of 2019, Skender Perpepa, founder of building and contracting firm SA Builders and Contractors, spoke of his concerns about the impact of Brexit on the import of materials for the construction sector and how the supply chain may be affected. Following reports already this year that post-Brexit red tape has hit the haulage industry, with supply trucks stranded across the continent, Perpepa’s fears and those of many other business leaders who rely on free trade with Europe may well be realised without the appropriate intervention.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic in the UK, London based online market research agency FlyResearch had been issuing weekly polls to its research panel of over 3000 people, in order to project how the outbreak and the implementing of social distancing and various other restrictions has impacted the daily life of UK citizens.

Public health and safety organisation NSF International has recently announced the acquisition of Global Trust Certification Ltd, an Irish company specialising in seafood certification, in an undisclosed deal.

While many businesses will be relieved by chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement of further financial support this week, the hospitality industry has warned that more action is needed to ensure longer-term viability.

Our latest leadership round-up brings news of an OBE for a BAME business leader, a string of organisational changes at Medical Engineering Technologies to improve customer service, and a financial planner disgruntled by the government’s decision to implement a third national lockdown in England.

In a week where England’s third national lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic came into force, it should not be forgotten that, while blighting society as a whole, the virus has adversely affected some communities more than others and revealed deep-rooted inequalities within British society.

London Seamless Flat Roofing Ltd is a company known for using the latest in technological developments within the roofing industry. Operating mostly in London and the southeast of England, the business waterproofs new builds and refurbished builds in the commercial sector using a non-flame method, which is more appealing to clients due to the reduced risk of fires. The firm was one of the first to use the non-flame method and has since accumulated a wealth of experience in applying it, consolidating its success in a period of over ten years in the sector, during which it has won numerous awards in recognition of its work.

Established in the year 1995, project and construction management, architecture, and M&E design firm AMS Ltd began as a small team of people in an Edinburgh office on a mission to create innovative design and build practices that were more client-focused than those that dominated the market at the time. To date, the AMS team remains a small one and is still based in the Scottish capital, yet its approach has helped accomplish numerous large-scale projects which have benefited clients across the globe. Much of this success is owed to the leadership of its managing director, Stephen Martin, who combined his personal experience with consultancy in order to craft better and more client-centric solutions.

Wendy Richards is a businesswoman who has enjoyed much success during her stint as managing director of The Nappy Lady Ltd. She first joined the nappy specialist and retailer in 2006, after 11 years working as a store manager with WH Smith Ltd. Since working her way up the corporate ladder of the company to become managing director in 2010, the business has secured multiple awards including being named the Best Independent Retailer at the Nursery Industry Awards in 2013. However, it would be the year 2020 that would bring about the greatest test of her tenure so far.

Castleford-based LED lighting provider Sensio Lighting has recently become a registered partner for Lutron’s Homeworks QS phase adaptive system.

Alba Power and Sulzer have recently announced a ground-breaking partnership with Orbital Energy Limited, which will enable Alba and Sulzer to offer an entirely comprehensive and independent SGT-A35 engine support service.

Fire protection specialists Pyrotect have recently assisted national contractor Wates Construction on the completion of works at Nottingham College City Hub, a landmark new campus for the institution in the heart of the East Midlands city.

While the Covid-19 crisis has left numerous industries fighting an uphill battle, few have been left more stricken by the pandemic than the culture, leisure and hospitality sectors which have been blighted by the longest periods of intermittent closure.

As we enter the thick of the festive season, New Year’s resolutions are once more beginning to come into the forefront of people’s minds and after a testing 2020, many are looking to ensure that the year 2021 will be a year that is lived out to the full.

So often it is said that Christmas is a time of giving and sharing with those around us, but that spirit of sharing should not be limited to those that we love and care for, nor merely be restricted to the latter weeks of the year.