Coronavirus update: the latest news from East Midlands businesses

Brickmaker Forterra is set to resume manufacturing after shutting down its kilns in March.

The firm said it will also re-start production in Swadlincote, Derbyshire and at its HQ in Northants.

Stephen Harrison, chief executive said: “Since our announcement last month that we would be temporarily halting production at most of our manufacturing sites, we have been planning alternative working practices that enable us to recommence manufacturing while keeping our staff safe and able to socially distance.

“Following guidance from the NHS, Public Health England and the Construction Leadership Council, we have started the process of carrying out risk assessments and are please to announce that we plan to fire up kilns ready to start production at one of our brick manufacturing facilities next week.”

Business confidence in the East Midlands fell 25 points during April to -22%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

Companies in the region reported lower confidence in their business prospects at -13%. When taken alongside their views of the economy overall, this gives a headline confidence reading of -22%.

The Business Barometer questions 1,200 businesses monthly and provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.

The majority of firms reported a significant decrease in demand for their goods and services, with 64% seeing demand fall in April compared to 15% who saw it rise.

Over a third (39%) of businesses in the region report operating below half of their capacity, compared to 43% UK wide, with 31% reported operating at above 50% of capacity in the region. The remaining 30% are not operating at all are unsure on how capacity has been affected.

Of the 59% of businesses reporting disruption to their supply chain during April, 25% expected the situation to improve within three months, while 4% expected it would take more than 12 months to return to normal.

Reshma Sheikh

Locked in with… Reshma Sheikh, Octavian Security

Who are you locked in with?
My husband and two children

How has the lockdown and working from home been for you so far?
Work-wise it’s been fine, as I work remotely often. The business is geared up for this, so we have had no disruption. For Octavian, it is a very busy time, as we provide security officers, nationally. The demand for security has increased, in the current unprecedented times.

However, managing the day with children in the background, has been challenging, but also fun. I have a lot of respect, for teachers! Homeschooling, is hard work. ‘Mummy guilt’ kicks in many times a day.

The children, have been great, when I am, not on a conference call (God forbid, I’m on a video conference call). That is when you will hear screaming, ‘mummy, help me’, ‘mummy, I’m hungry’, and then the fighting will start. If I stay off the phone, they are fine. I wouldn’t have it, any other way and it always makes me smile.

What has been the best thing about staying in?
Catching up with emails. I’m usually on the road a lot, so it’s nice to have been grounded for a while and also having the children around, has been nice.

And what have you missed the most?
My Mum. I have not visited her for several weeks, albeit ‘video called’, but its not the same.

What previously essential thing have you realised is not actually essential?
Two months worth of toilet roll! Joking aside, travelling six hours, to and from, a meeting, when you can do a video call, I’ve realised is not always essential travel or required. Also, I’ve learnt you do not need to spend money to enjoy time with the family. I have really appreciated and enjoyed, my walks and cycle rides with the children during the week.

What are the changes you’ve made that you plan on continuing when restrictions are lifted?
Work-wise, a lot of our internal meetings will continue to be via video conferencing and all non-essential travel will stop. Home wise, we will be spending more time with family/friends.

Have you made progress on any of your bucket list items?
Zero!

What is the first thing you will do when isolation ends?
Work-wise, we will be arranging a team get together. Home-wise: I am going to visit my loved ones.