Businesses are being invited to take part in research that will help to identify the impact of Britain’s vote to leave the EU.

In the first real ‘acid test’, East Midlands Chamber has added Brexit-specific questions to its Q3 Quarterly Economic Survey.

The survey, which includes vital set questions through which the Chamber monitors the state of the economy in the East Midlands, is also asking firms:

• What impact has the outcome of the EU referendum on 23 June had on your intentions to do business in overseas markets?
• To what extent, if any, has the EU referendum result on 23 June influenced your business’s recruitment decisions?
• To what extent, if any, has the EU referendum result on 23 June influenced your business’s investment intentions

Chris Hobson, the Chamber’s Director of Policy, said:-

“Since the EU exit vote on 23 June, we have seen many reports and surveys based on national data but nothing meaningful yet that is specific to the East Midlands, or which has the breadth and depth of responses to be truly representative.

“This region is key to the UK economy. We make things in the East Midlands and we send them around the world. We have one of the strongest economies in the country when it comes to job and wealth creation.

“We have the power to influence policy at the highest level, but to do that, to truly represent our members and the wider business community, we have to know what local businesses are doing and how confident they feel about the short- and long-term future.

“Now, more than ever, we need as many businesses as possible to take part in our Quarterly Economic Survey, so that we can build the most accurate picture possible and use that data to ensure the wants and needs of regional businesses are heard and heeded.”

The Chamber’s Q3 post-Brexit Quarterly Economic Survey went live on 23 August. It will close on 12 September.

To take part, click here.

Global Brands is the UK’s leading independent drinks brand development business based in Chesterfield. It owns, markets and distributes a collection of products across the RTD, premium soft drinks, spirits and beer categories internationally. Global Brands’ line up now includes fantastic brands, such as VK, Hooch, Franklin & Sons premium soft drinks and tonics, Hoopers and Amigos Tequila Beer.

Global Brands have recently announced that Amigos Tequila Beer is launching a vibrant new identity alongside plenty of exciting activity planned for the upcoming year.

Amigos Tequila Beer is a golden, easy-drinking beer with the zing of South American limes and the flavour punch of Mexican tequila. Inspired by Mexico’s sense of vibrancy, passion and colour, Amigos have updated their visual identity. The new identity relishes in its Mexican character, by developing the wording on the logo from ‘tequila flavoured beer’ to the Spanish translation ‘con sabor a tequila’. This deepens the association with Amigos’ Tequila flavourings, which derives from the Mexican agave plant.

Alongside the next generation logo, all packaging and brand assets are undergoing an overhaul. By utilising pattern and colour as well as stylised typography, the vibrancy of the brand is really brought to life. The new visual identity will be softly rolled out across the brand from August, with all touch points expected to have made the transition to the new identity by September.

Christian Sarginson, Senior Brand Manager, said:-

‘The new visual identity is a chance for Amigos to really connect with its audience. The change is designed to articulate the vibrant zing of limes and the Mexican taste of Tequila which make Amigos so delicious. With a bright colour palate, and nods to street art and Latin culture, the identity update is a real statement of intent for where we plan to take the brand in 2017 with our #StreetCerveza campaign.”

Throughout the summer, Amigos has been supporting street culture by sponsoring the fantastic Urban Food Fest on Shoreditch High Street; gaining plaudits from publications such as Harper’s Bazaar who said they “loved” Amigos. Beyond this, Amigos has continued involvement with the street art scene in the UK, with plans for bigger and better activations in 2017 as part of the #StreetCerveza campaign.

Amigos is currently planning their biggest event of the year; Dia de los Muertos, a national Mexican holiday which falls on Halloween. A series of late-night parties will be held at the end of October, as well as a limited edition 4-pack in the off-trade, competitions across social media and activations in the on-trade.

Chesterfield based firm Cathelco, will be providing a marine growth prevention system (MGPS) for the latest, in a series of jack-up drilling rigs, to be built by Lamprell – the United Arab Emirates based leading provider of fabrication, engineering and contracting services to the offshore and onshore oil & gas and renewable energy industries.

The order was won by Cathelco Middle East FZC based in Sharjah, which was set up in 2015 to provide sales and engineering support for customers throughout the region.

Cathelco marine growth prevention systems are designed to eliminate blockages caused by barnacles and mussels in seawater lines. The systems consist of copper and aluminium anodes which are wired to a control panel. In operation, the copper anodes produce ions which create an environment where barnacle and mussel larvae do not settle and grow. At the same time the aluminium anode produces ions which suppress corrosion on the internal surfaces of pipes.

Carlo Soddu, who has been closely involved in the project at Cathelco, says:-

“In our experience jack-up rigs benefit from installations where the MGPS anodes are installed in pipe upstands, when a seachest is not available. By using this method the copper ions are drawn directly in the flow of seawater which maximises their effectiveness. The ease of access is another important advantage enabling maintenance time to be reduced to a matter of minutes each year.”

Cathelco are world leading manufacturers of MGPS based in Chesterfield, with a record of more than 50,000 installations on commercial vessels and offshore structures over a period of 50 years.

A Chesterfield headquartered care home group, Hill Care Group, has secured funding from Barclays to consolidate their banking with one provider and refinance for growth with a £26 million term loan.

Established in 2001 and headquartered at St Mary’s Gate, the business provides care to over 1000 residents across 19 care homes throughout the UK, covering Derbyshire, Merseyside, Cheshire, Manchester, West and South Yorkshire and the North East. Hill Care will now move ahead with plans to acquire and build new facilities in communities with a need for first-class care services.

The funding deal with Barclays is the largest the bank has agreed with any care operator in the North of England this year. Chesterfield-based Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers help lead the funding deal.

Mitchells has acted for Hill Care since its incorporation in 2001. As part of the deal with Barclays, it provided assistance in preparing the financial modelling and forecasting on behalf of Hill Care to ensure the refinancing went smoothly.

Wendy Waddicor, Managing Director of Hill Care, said: “We are very excited to be expanding our brand of exceptional, holistic care, catering to all our residents’ needs.

“Our priority is improving the quality of life for those who choose to reside with us, maintaining their privacy, dignity and ability to manage their own lives. Through new builds and acquisitions, we will be able to support more families with the care of their loved ones.”

Wendy added: “Barclays shares our enthusiasm, aspirations and appetite for growth and we are delighted to strengthen our relationship with the bank. The new funding and consolidation of our finances under one umbrella will enable us to realise our ambitions.”

John Anderson, Barclays Relationship Director commented: “We are delighted to work with Wendy and her team and provide a full banking package, including £26 million term debt. This deal demonstrates Barclays understanding and commitment to healthcare businesses. Having a focused industry specialism enables us to understand the current social and economic headwinds experienced by operators.

Tony Hornsby, partner at Mitchells, said: “Hill Care is an ambitious company and needed a finance provider that shared their outlook and growth plans for the future to enable them to realise their growth potential.

“It makes sound financial sense that they have aligned themselves with a progressive bank like Barclays for future developments. It was a true partnership approach between Hill Care, Mitchells, hlw Keeble Hawson Solicitors and Barclays and one that has delivered a great outcome for everyone concerned.”

hlw Keeble Hawson advised on the various facility agreements, dealt with the required security and investigated the title to the various properties owned by the Hill Care Group.

Nick Goulding, Corporate partner, said: “This was an important transaction for the Hill Care Group and enables them to push on with their plans for further growth and success. It was a complex matter due to the number of care homes and parties involved and needed to be completed within a tight timescale. Everyone worked very hard and with a good sense of collaboration in order to deliver the project on time.”