Coronarivus update: the latest news from East Midlands businesses

A recruitment firm says it is bucking the current economic trend, by signing up with a PR firm – as it looks ahead to life beyond coronavirus.

Derby-based Sky Recruitment Solutions and sister company Capella Professional have signed on the dotted line with Poppy-PR as part of its “green shoots” approach.

The Leicestershire PR company will provide public relations and social media services to the team.

David Torrington

David Torrington is managing director of Sky Recruitment Solutions, said: “We want to raise our profile – both now, and when the lockdown restrictions are lifted.

“Poppy PR is a local business, like us, and we want to support local businesses and work in collaboration. Poppy PR is full of ideas and innovation, which reflects my own ethos.”

Tina Clough set up Poppy PR 10 years ago. She said: “We are delighted that David has chosen to work with us during this challenging time. From the moment we first met, it became clear that we hold the same forward-thinking approach to business and we are very much looking forward to creating some fantastic PR for him.”

Nottingham-based manufacturer and supplier of protective systems, Hardstaff Barriers, has completed the installation of a hostile vehicle mitigation system at the site of the Nightingale Hospital in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

The hospital is one of a series of temporary facilities which have been built around the UK to add additional bed capacity to the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Appointed as part of its role as the designated National Barrier Asset delivery partner, Hardstaff Barriers, which is part of the wider HS Security Group, has installed temporary linear surface-mounted concrete security barriers, as well as a gated access system, across the site.

The system, which was installed overnight, is designed to mitigate against hostile vehicle attack and protect against reckless or accidental damage from vehicles to the site’s workforce and buildings.

Kathryn Cooper, service manager at Hardstaff Barriers, said: “The NHS is doing a fantastic job of caring for and protecting the people of the country at this most extraordinary time.

“Naturally, we are tremendously proud to have been able to play a small part in the delivery and operation of this hospital. This is a time for the whole nation to pull together and do everything they can to protect our collective wellbeing.”

Jane Whitlock

Locked in with… Jane Whitlock, practice senior partner for Deloitte in the Midlands

 Who are you locked in with?
My husband John, daughter Jess (15) and son JJ (12).

How has the lockdown and working from home been for you so far?
For me it has been fine so far as I am fortunate enough to be able to do my job remotely. However, it does mean that the days are very intense. There are numerous video calls and virtual meetings, but without the natural breaks and interruptions of a day physically at work. So I have set a routine and maintain structure to the day with time away from the screen and taking breaks to ensure I am not sat down for long periods of time.

What has been the best thing about staying in?
Daily exercise (within the rules of course!), and having dinner with John and the children every night. Also my daughter has taken up the piano which is lovely to hear.

And what have you missed the most?
The best part of my job is the daily personal interaction with my clients, partners and people. Zoom has enabled that to continue to an extent, but it is the informal ad-hoc interactions that I miss. I also really miss swimming!

What previously essential thing have you realised is not actually essential?
Nothing I can think of – I will never take for granted the basic right to move around freely.

What are the changes you’ve made that you plan on continuing when restrictions are lifted?
In the main, there are two changes. Firstly, we have long said that we should travel less and increase the use of video conference calls. The way we work now should lead to a step change in behaviour, especially when combined with climate change. Secondly, working in large teams remotely has driven a need to be ruthless on project management, so we should retain the discipline.

Have you made progress on any of your bucket list items?
No, but all the drawers and cupboards in the house are now super tidy having been on the “when I get time” list for years!

What is the first thing you will do when isolation ends?
See my friends and go for a swim.