Coronavirus update: the latest news from East Midlands businesses

A Mansfield landscaping firm has landed a £240,000 loan from Lloyds Bank secured through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).

Ulyett Landscapes is responsible for the ground maintenance and landscaping at care homes, schools, public transport locations and at major housebuilding construction sites.

Following the closure of construction sites, schools and businesses, the firm experienced a significant reduction in its work schedule, which impacted cashflow leading to the firm having to furlough around 80% of its workforce.

Financial director Katie Burton said: “When schools and businesses closed, we saw an immediate reduction in our workbook during what is usually a very busy period for us.

“We’ve furloughed more than 50 of our colleagues as a result, with around a dozen staying in work to keep the key jobs at care homes and transport sites ticking over. Thanks to the team it’s meant we’ve been able to keep care homes’ grounds well maintained for residents to enjoy and kept core transport services like Nottingham tram system up and running for key workers to use.”

The loan was agreed and funds released within seven days of Ulyett Landscapes getting in touch with Lloyds Bank.

Burton said: “Lloyds Bank helped unbelievably quickly and were incredibly easy to work with. If this money hadn’t been released so fast, we would have come up against challenges with our cashflow that may have resulted in difficulties paying our suppliers, it could even have led to redundancies.

“The help from the bank has meant that we’re in a strong position to keep operations running smoothly during this time and make sure we’re ready to come back strongly later this year.”

The firm was established in 1967 and currently employs 63 people who maintain more than 300 sites across the UK.

Mike Townroe, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “We’ve been the banking partner of Ulyett Landscapes Limited since 1975 and are proud of our long-term relationship with them.

“Being able to help at this critical time and ensure their cashflow is robust enough to weather the current challenges means a great deal to us. We’re looking forward to working with them as they resume their growth in the coming months and years.”

Nottingham-based web design agency Strafe Creative has announced the launch of its new website and multiple new project wins.

The company, located in Nottingham’s Creative Quarter, has been developing its new site for several months and rather than delay, has chosen to launch the site during the Covid-19 lockdown so that it represents itself accurately and positively online and to ensure that it attracts new clients.

Ross Davies, director at Strafe Creative, said: “We decided to press ahead with the launch of our new site despite the Covid-19 lockdown as we know that, as with all companies, it’s essential that we continue to put ourselves out there online to promote our businesses. It’s vital that your online presence provides the best and most up-to date representation of your company, and as our previous site no longer did that for us, we decided to publish our new one live ASAP.”

Strafe has secured five new projects since the lockdown, meaning the company has been able to retain all its staff on full pay.

Charlie Truman

Locked in with… Charlie Truman, centre executive, The Cornerhouse Nottingham

Who are you locked in with?
My partner, my three year old son and my two grumpy cats, Marty and Lola.

How has the lockdown and working from home been for you so far?
It’s not been all plain sailing, and it has taken some getting used to, but for the majority it’s been a really positive experience. I’m enjoying spending more time in my own home and getting odd jobs done around the house between tackling a three year old and managing my workload.

What has been the best thing about staying in?
Being with my family. I think we all have times where we need a break, but this has definitely helped me overcome some anxieties about juggling every detail of my life. Plus, we’ve been so lucky with the weather, so I’ve enjoyed escaping to my garden with a good book and having a gin and a chat with my neighbour through the hedge – keeping to social distancing rules, of course!

And what have you missed the most?
I’ve really missed not being able to see my family that I don’t live with, and friends that were only ever a short trip away. This has hit home the most. I’m such a social creature, which is also an integral part of my job, so missing out on actual human interaction has come as a big shock.

I also miss the hustle and bustle of working in the city centre and having everything on your doorstep. From a quick browse in Topshop on my lunch break, or a coffee shop visit before work, I’m now realising how much I took this lifestyle for granted!

What previously essential thing have you realised is not actually essential?
Flour, chopped tomatoes and pasta! Only joking. I’d say routine is something that we get drilled into us from the day we first start work, but mine has gone out of the window and I’m living in the moment a lot more – not in as exciting circumstances as I would imagine saying this. But I’ve found that having a rough plan for the day ahead is enough, and if things crop up, then that’s okay too.

What are the changes you’ve made that you plan on continuing when restrictions are lifted?
Working flexibly. It’s something I’ve wanted for a while, and has always been out of reach. However, being able to prove I can complete my work to my usual standards at home (maybe still in my pjs), in a timely and productive manner will hopefully enable me to continue something similar in the future.

I think that a lot of businesses are going to adapt to employees working more flexibly once lockdown is lifted. Who would have thought that so many jobs don’t require everyone to be in an office?!

Have you made progress on any of your bucket list items?
I’ve not set myself too many challenges, as I think working full time and managing a toddler is a challenge in itself! I have given myself some smaller things to complete though; simple things that will make me feel more positive like washing my make-up brushes, decorating my spare room and up-cycling some homeware.

For most people, I think not having the commute means that there are a couple of extra hours in the day where those jobs we’ve all been putting off for so long can be ticked off.

What is the first thing you will do when isolation ends?
Visit my parents and my friends… and probably grab a Big Mac on the way!