Coronavirus update: the latest news from East Midlands businesses

A Corby concrete specialist has secured a “significant” facility from HSBC UK to provide additional support during the Covid-19 pandemic.

MPB Structures has been providing construction services across education, retail, and transportation sectors for the last 36 years. With numerous construction projects having been on hold during the pandemic and new projects now entering the planning stages, the funding from HSBC UK will provide additional support to the company’s cash flow.

As well as its Corby site, the family-run business has offices in London, Manchester and Birmingham employing 700 people.

Patrick Boyle, director at MPB Structures, said: “We were delighted to receive the support from HSBC UK during what is a very uncertain period. Knowing that we have the additional facility enables us to continue with live projects and to plan for the exciting remainder, enabling us to be in the best possible position to get back to operating ‘business as usual’.”

Nick Broome, relationship director, South Midlands Corporate Centre, HSBC UK, said: “HSBC UK is committed to supporting its customers during this period of uncertainty, and we were delighted to be able to help the team at MPB Structures with an additional facility, enabling the organisation to continue to operate as it prepares to resume usual operations.”

East Midlands based car dealership, Motor Source Group, have released data that it says shows it has saved key workers and military personnel £100m on new cars.

The firm provides discounted new cars to key workers such as NHS staff, members of the armed forces and fire officers, as well as those in the prison and police sector.

Founder of the businesss, Steve Thornton, said: “The response and support the nation is showing to those who are helping us through this pandemic is fantastic. Our mission has always been to recognise and reward our emergency services and other public sector personnel, past and present and we are immensely proud to be able to give back to so many everyday heroes. We need and want this level of recognition and gratitude is continued after the pandemic is over.”

Bev Cook

Locked-in with… Bev Cook, Simple Marketing Consultancy

Who are you locked-in with?
My partner who is a key worker. I’ve only been out to do essential shopping and to ensure my elderly Mum and Dad are okay. Having a phone conversation through a double-glazed front window on Mothers Day and when I deliver their shopping is a surreal experience.

How has the lockdown and working from home been for you so far?
Our office is next to home anyway, so from that point of view it’s not been that different. However I really miss the banter with my business partner, Elliot, who is also my son. Client wise we have never been busier supporting our clients to remain visible with sensitively produced marketing that ensures they will be well placed to resume business when lockdown measures are lifted. Though I think things will be far from business as usual, we will hopefully find a new normal!

What has been the best thing about staying in?
Getting more quality time with my partner. We’ve had some great conversations on our daily walks! It’s also been great not having to rush around to meetings! Initially it was hard to adjust to having the extra time, but it’s been put to good use for more exercise breaks – I’ve got into doing PE with Jo Wicks and set up a little home gym. Then being able to read a book and keep the garden tidy.

And what have you missed the most?
Getting my hair cut every four weeks! Oh, and playing golf. I am the Lady Captain at The Nottinghamshire and pretty much everything has been cancelled which I am gutted about as these plans would have raised over £10,000 for charity! Also, whilst most people have said they will be cutting down and doing more client meetings remotely, I’ve missed this face to face interaction at meetings and networking events.

What previously essential thing have you realised is not actually essential?
Cash! I can’t remember when I last paid for something using cash!

What are the changes you’ve made that you plan on continuing when restrictions are lifted?
I think I will make more of a conscious effort to try to be less driven by deadlines – I’d like to be able to clock watch less and not plan to fill every minute of the waking day. I’ve been far more relaxed and chilled about life. (I think anyway!)

Have you made progress on any of your bucket list items?
Not really as most of my bucket list involves travelling to see things and experiencing different cultures, foods and sites of historic interest. However, I am hoping the exercise will mean I will lose weight, but as I’ve also started baking cakes and scones, this is looking unlikely!