Coronavirus update: the latest news from East Midlands businesses

Derby-based residential lettings company Monkey vs Owl (MOVO) is offering “heavily discounted” accommodation that has become available during lockdown.

The company says it has more than 50 en-suite rooms available in multi-occupancy properties – many of which are close to the Royal Derby Hospital – which would usually be rented out to visiting and contract professionals or university students.

The company is offering them discounted rates to NHS staff who need to live closer to work for convenience and to protect their own families, those returning to the profession and other key workers.

Monkey vs Owl director Chris Monk said: “We manage a large portfolio of HMO – which are houses of multiple occupancy – in and around Derby city centre.

“We have spent the last few weeks deep cleaning the rooms and doing extensive refurbishments so that they can be made available for any frontline staff who need them – particularly those who need to live close to the Royal Derby Hospital.

“They are all available on a temporary basis and include all utility bills to help keep life as simple as possible. It’s our small way of saying ‘thank you’ to those fighting on the frontline in these difficult times.”

Seventy jobs have been created by a social care provider which provides community support and residential care for young adults and children with autism and complex needs.

And it believes that people who have found themselves out of work during the Coronavirus crisis could be a perfect fit.

Chartwell Trust Care needs managers and frontline support workers at its new services which have been added to their existing supported living schemes and residential homes in Leicestershire and London.

It is working with Derby-based Oberoi Business Hub to manage all inbound calls during a recruitment campaign which spans across social media, commercial radio and newspaper websites.

Kavita Oberoi, owner of the Oberoi Business Hub said: “I know this has been a hard time for many businesses, so it great to see that companies such as Chartwell are still growing and, more importantly, creating vital job opportunities”.

“As we grow our own headcount, we need to make sure our staff remain safe during the COVID-19 outbreak and recent investment in technology allows our teams to take and manage the calls from home.”

Andrew Parker

Locked-in with… Andrew Parker, managing director and auctioneer at SDL Auctions

Who are you locked in with?

My wife Rachael and my daughter Sophia.

How has the lockdown and working from home been for you so far?
It’s been okay actually. We’ve adapted more quickly than I expected. In fact, the way our whole team has adapted has been really impressive. There were a few members of our team who weren’t that confident with technology but they’ve really embraced it and are now confident with their cloud-based home working environment.

What has been the best thing about staying in?
Our days seem to revolve around food at the moment. We’ve been much better at planning our meals and there’s been next to nothing wasted. I’ve also fallen in love with our house again and have renewed my appreciation for our surroundings. We’re lucky to live surrounded by wonderful countryside and it’s easy to take it for granted.

And what have you missed the most?
I miss the team and my colleagues. We talk every day on Teams chats but seeing someone on a screen doesn’t replace seeing them in person. I also miss our friends in the village and our family.

What previously essential thing have you realised is not actually essential?
Working remotely has made me realise that travel isn’t as important as I thought. Having face-to-face meetings with people now isn’t as crucial when you have video calls. Seeing someone when you’re speaking to them makes your conversation much more engaging and I’d like to think that we’ll do more of it in the future instead of sending a faceless email.

What are the changes you’ve made that you plan on continuing when restrictions are lifted?
I’m going to continue to embrace technology. Using technology and video calls won’t mean the end of social interaction, that will still be important, but I think it will become a larger part of our lives.

Have you made progress on any of your bucket list items?
Not really. The very top of my bucket list is to sail around the Greek Islands! This time in lockdown has made me realise that you can’t take tomorrow for granted and as soon as I’m able to book the trip, I will.

What is the first thing you will do when isolation ends?

To see our family. Usually at the weekends we’ll have at least a dozen of our family members over for Sunday dinner. Rachael and I will be cooking on the Aga in our kitchen while everyone chats and laughs. I miss those times and look forward to enjoying them again.