Vodka is the single biggest sub-category of premium spirits in the on trade which is growing by a staggering 7.6%, a greater increase than Brandy, Whiskey, and White Rum.  Franklin & Sons, a brand manufactured by Chesterfield firm Global Brands, has focused on being a solid foundation for the best of spirits and is supporting this demand by presenting a full range of natural mixers.

This offering has been bolstered by the introduction of the latest flavour “Original Lemonade”.

This fresh new addition provides a clear and zesty flavour that holds a complex sweetness on the palate, making it delectable as a mixer with vodka and other premium spirits, or as a standalone drink.

Recognisable by its balanced taste and uplifting finish, Original Lemonade contains one of the highest percentages of natural lemon juice on the market, specifically sourced from Argentinian lemons to achieve its impressive citrus hit in a beautifully clear liquid. As with the rest of the Franklin & Sons range it is blended with Staffordshire spring water and natural British sugar, with no artificial colours or flavours and absolutely no preservatives or sweeteners.

Franklin & Sons is passionate about supporting the best of spirits and therefore the entire mixer range has been developed with guidance from Shaker Bar School, designed to meet the exacting standards of today’s mixologists, as well as the expectations of an increasingly discerning consumer.

Franklin & Sons have seen unprecedented success since the launch of their premium tonics and mixers in December 2015. Winning 6 stars in the recent Great Taste Awards has seen the demand continue to soar. The range is now available in 20 International Markets and has secured reputable listings such as; The Great Northern Hotel, Grosvenor House Hotel as well as distribution iconic locations such as in Harrods and Selfridges.

Justin Horsman, Marketing Controller at Global Brands, said:-

“Franklin & Sons is a brand rooted in its Victorian heritage and has a passion for original, great tasting drinks. We strive to use the best quality ingredients, specially procured from around the world in order to deliver a high quality taste. We wanted to create a lemonade that stands out as a great serve alone yet is also brought to life when used as a mixer with premium spirits.”

The Original Lemonade flavour is produced in single serve 200ml recyclable embossed glass bottles along with the rest of the family of flavours.  The high carbonation helps to reinforce the fresh taste and releases the subtle botanical aromas.  The new packaging consists of a powder blue colour to match the award winning range yet to stand out in its own right.

Towards an Active Derbyshire, the new strategy for physical activity and sport in Derbyshire, has been launched by Derbyshire Sport.

The ambition to get 50,000 more people active by 2021 was outlined on Wednesday (October 5) as partners from across sport, health, leisure, education, business and voluntary sectors gathered to pledge their support at Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

Prof Kathryn Mitchell, Chair of Derbyshire Sport and University of Derby Vice Chancellor, Andy Reed OBE, Director of Sport Think Tank and Hayley Lever and Ilana Freestone, Directors of Derbyshire Sport, presented the key headlines from the new strategy.

They were united in saying it would require new ways of working to get people who are not currently taking part in physical activity and sport to get active.

Prof Kathryn Mitchell, Chair of Derbyshire Sport and University of Derby Vice Chancellor, said:-

“In Derbyshire we have a greater proportion of inactive people than nationally… nearly 30% of adults are sedentary, and only 56% are active enough to benefit their health. 42% of 15-year-olds are sedentary for more than 10 hours a day.

“A growing number of people are living increasingly inactive lives and for a healthier, happier more prosperous Derbyshire, we have so much more to do.

“Towards an Active Derbyshire seeks to achieve a vision of a physical activity and sport revolution in the county and central to the strategy are calls for a commitment to change.”

In Derbyshire, only 55.9% of the adult population in Derbyshire are meeting Chief Medical Officer (CMO) recommended levels of physical activity to benefit their health.

The new strategy will bid to engage 50,000 more people by supporting the inactive to become active, ensuring people are supported and encouraged to engage in sport, and enjoy lifelong participation in physical activity and sport.

It will also strive to address inequalities by focusing on three priority groups – women and girls, people from lower socio-economic groups, and young people aged five to 18.

Throughout the strategy delivery, disabled people will be supported to become engaged in physical activity and sport.

Hayley Lever, Director of Derbyshire Sport, said:-

“We’ve all been working really hard in Derbyshire to engage people in physical activity and sport, but we haven’t achieved what we set out to do and we need to do something differently.

“Over the past year, we have taken time to understand the trends, talk to partners, learn from national and international examples and policy direction, which has helped us collectively arrive at what we believe is a new, more focused vision.”

Following the launch guests had the chance to ‘practice what they preach’ by taking part in Kwik Cricket or a led walk.

Andy Reed, Director of Sport Think Tank, said:-

“It’s really important to bring a range of partners from across Derbyshire together because the success of this community-based strategy is not just down to one person or organisation, but everyone working together.

“We want to get a little bit of fresh thinking into it because the old adage of ‘build it and they will come’ is no longer relevant.

“There are hundreds of people who get the importance of this across Derbyshire and if we all push together in the same direction we can achieve a lot more.”

A Government commitment to honour funding for projects due to receive European Union investment – worth millions of pounds to Derbyshire economy – has been warmly welcomed by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.

D2N2 – the private sector-led partnership of business, local authorities, education providers, and community and voluntary services – has been allocated € 251million in European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF); to promote economic growth and employment in its area of Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire up to 2020.

Following the UK’s June 23 vote to leave the European Union, the Government had agreed to honour funding already earmarked for ESIF projects, if their contracts had been signed off by the time of next month’s Autumn Statement (on November 23).

Now Chancellor Philip Hammond has made a longer commitment; that ESIF projects approved and signed after the Autumn Statement, and which are due to continue beyond the time the UK leaves the EU – currently expected to happen around summer 2019 – will also be honoured by the Government.

ESIF funding includes various EU funding streams, such as:

• European Regional Development Fund
• European Social Fund
• European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Mr Hammond said projects would need to seen as good value for money and in line with UK economic aims, to have their funding honoured.

D2N2’s €251m in ESIF funding is currently supporting projects which help small and medium-sized businesses innovate, be more competitive and reduce their environmental impact; funding also supports a wide range of employment and skills programmes, often helping those in the most deprived areas or with fewer qualifications.

Over the 2014-2020 period of D2N2’s current ESIF funding allocation – one of the largest amounts allocated to any of the UK’s 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships – its targets include:

• supporting 5,000 businesses, particularly in sectors such as information communication technology (ICT), and low carbon and ‘green’ energy;
• helping 400 start-up businesses;
• enabling 15,000 people to find employment;
• helping 8,000 people overcome social exclusion;
• assisting 2,500 business in improving their employees’ skills levels.

Welcoming the Government’s new commitment David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said:-

“This clearly shows the Government’s recognition that the ESIF programmes run by D2N2 and its fellow LEPs in the UK are a significant component of its economic strategy.

“Projects submitted for ESIF funding go through a robust assessment by ourselves and the Department for Communities and Local Government, with whom we work. Regular checks will be made throughout the life of the projects, to ensure they meet their promises to make a difference to the local economy and our communities.

“This commitment from Government will mean Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire can benefit fully from millions of pounds allocated to help their economy.”

A quest to find the most successful and inspirational local businesswomen will launch next week.

The hunt is on for nominations for the 2017 East Midlands Chamber Enterprising Women Awards.

And the ‘little black dress’ dinner that will start the hunt for outstanding women in business in the region will also mark 20 years of the annual celebration.

Chamber President Jean Mountain launched the Enterprising Women Awards in 1997 to recognise the achievements of women in business, particularly those juggling careers and home life.

The ‘little black dress’ dinner will be held at The Priest House Hotel, Castle Donington on 12 October and will be hosted by the co-chairs of Enterprising Women, Jean Mountain and Eileen Richards.

The awards will be presented at Colwick Hall Hotel, Nottingham, at a men-invited black-tie, little-black-dress dinner on the evening of Friday 3 March next year to coincide with International Women’s Day.

There are six awards to be won this year: Inspirational Woman of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to Business, Enterprising New Businesswoman of the Year, Enterprising Women Team of the Year, Enterprising Woman in the Community and Rising Star.

Entries have to be in by Friday 6 January 2017. Entry is by nomination, but can be self-nominated.

A host of organisations are supporting the awards, including headline sponsor Cambridge and Counties Bank, Qdos, The Money Shop, Derby College, Leicester Tigers and Leicester Racecourse.

Jean Mountain, President of East Midlands Chamber, said:-

“There are some very talented and hard-working businesswomen in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire who make an important contribution to the local economy. All too often, their contribution does not get the recognition it deserves.

“By highlighting their contribution and telling their stories, hopefully we can inspire other women to pursue their business dream, which is why I would urge as many people as possible to send in nominations for this year’s awards.”

Chamber membership is a requirement for nomination. For a nomination application pack email ew@emc-dnl.co.uk or call the Chamber’s events team on 0333 320 0333 and select ‘option 2’ when prompted.

Chesterfield based drinks brand developer Global Brands recently revealed a new look and feel to the Corky’s brand by releasing sleeved bottles. The new sleeve covers the entire body of the bottle, using vibrant eye catching colours that stand out and make a real impact when displayed on the back bar. The entire range is coated with the metallic new look, which also features a partition through the label allowing consumers to see the sparkly liquid and bring the glitter to life.

Corky’s Schnapps are a range of 15% ABV schnapps driven by innovation, quality and range. The collection of 5 flavours includes; Sour Apple, Sour Cherry, and the glitter collection which includes Blueberry, Mango and Raspberry Glitter, and are the only glitter schnapps available on the market. Designed to be enjoyed as a single shot or incorporated into a fruity cocktail, the Corky’s flavours are diverse and packed full of flavour.

Created to stand out on the bar, the new sleeve will be slowly released into trade subject to forthcoming sales, with the newly fashioned 70cl SKUS beginning to sell to trade in October. The new visual identity will be supported alongside a point of sale kit. The kit consists of posters, screen media, bar runners and back bar displays to further showcase the new look and feel of Corky’s.

Corky’s has had an incredibly exciting year in 2016 and has been involved with a number of exciting events including sponsoring Manchester Fashion Week as well as law solicitors BMD’s Law, Beauty and Fashion Awards. Corky’s Schnapps will also be the proud sponsors of Liverpool fashion week in October. Over the last month, Corky’s has also been showcasing its beautiful glitter feature by hosting a number of glitter events around the UK in Wakefield, Skipton and Doncaster. Party-goers had the chance to enjoy glitter makeover areas, glitter-cannons, sparkle dancers and amazing disco balls.

The flavoured schnapps has also teamed up with leading girl gang of creatives “The Confetti Crowd”, for a cocktail making collaboration on social media which has been filled with sparkles and received a great interaction rate.

The new visual identity will be heavily supported through trade press, national sampling campaigns and customer activity. Corky’s has highly engaging activity plans running alongside a big growth strategy for social media.

Despite the uncertainties that business has faced since the vote to the leave the EU and the subsequent changes in the Government, the economy in the East Midlands has remained robust.

Domestic sales have held up and – despite a dip in the months immediately following the referendum – overseas orders have grown, particularly for manufacturers looking to benefit from favourable exchange rates and keen to be on the front foot for any opportunities arising from negotiations to leave the EU.

However, uncertainties remain for both immediate and long-term operating conditions, according to the results of East Midlands Chamber’s Q3 Quarterly economic Survey (QES) – the first real acid-test of the impact of the vote to leave the EU.

In the immediate future, the survey revealed, businesses have concerns over stability in exchange rates, interest and inflation and the difficulties these create for planning and investment.

While many were encouraged by the moves taken by the Bank of England over the summer to shore-up confidence, there were concerns that the levers held by the bank have now been pulled and there is little scope for further activity.

In the longer-term, there is still little clarity over what the main features of a successful UK economy outside of the EU will be.

Not only is there still a complete lack of time-scale, there has been very little communication from Government in areas such as the types of trade deals the UK will negotiate and what leaving the EU will mean for businesses that employ staff from EU countries or follow processes and regulations set or informed by EU directives.

Government Ministers have, to date, put this lack of information down to supporting their negotiating positions with EU counterparts. However, businesses said they felt that, while they may not be able to get all of the answers, more could be done to demonstrate a road map and direction of travel.

Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at East Midlands Chamber, said:-

“It must also be stressed that defining a vision for a successful UK economy outside of the EU is about much more than Brexit negotiations. There are also domestic policies and measures that can be introduced now to demonstrate the type of economy business wants to create.

“In the forthcoming Autumn Statement, the Chancellor has an opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to providing the right conditions at home for businesses to thrive.

“Business requires first class road and rail infrastructure to move goods and people. It needs reliable, fast broadband to operate and to promote activity across global markets. They need policy that will support firms that want to invest or grow overseas.

“Businesses want their employees to have housing at affordable prices close to their places of work. And they need policy that supports an environment conducive to day-to-day operations – this includes realistic regulations, fair and transparent business rates and, importantly, an education system that prepares and equips young people to succeed.

“The broad sectoral spread, presence of world-leading businesses, their supply chains and support infrastructure in terms of universities and other partners, makes the East Midlands the ideal location for the development of, and proving ground for, Government policy.

“Businesses in the East Midlands stand ready to support the shaping of that vision, the development of the right policy and its implementation on the ground.

“A snapshot survey carried out in the month immediately after the exit vote suggested that confidence in the region was still high. But the Q3 QES data proves that there is still considerable concern among businesses about Britain’s economy post-Brexit, with some firms putting investment in training and machinery on hold for the time being.

“There is also a continuation in the underlying trend of firms finding it difficult to recruit skilled staff. Half our members employ workers from the EU and have concerns about the status of those workers post-Brexit. This is something the Government should address without delay.

“Although the State of the Economy Index has shown a second successive drop, it is important to note from this quarter’s data that all the measures still indicate growth in the economy, albeit it at a slower rate than since Q3 2013 and reaffirm other reports published since the referendum that have said we should avoid the recession predicted by some before the vote.”

Chesterfield Champion Recon Electrical Ltd have once again been recognised as one of the ‘UK’s Best Electrical Wholesalers” in the ‘2016 Construction & Engineering awards’.

The Sheepbridge based, local independent electrical wholesaler, beat off competition from national and international chains to win this prestigious award. Judging was carried out by a team of 8 highly experienced industry professionals, and the decision making process handled by the Construction & Engineering awards dedicated in-house judging panel.

This is another addition to the portfolio of awards already under this champions belt. In the last three years, Recon Electrical Ltd have secured six trophies from the “Electrical Wholesaler Awards”, “Electrical Industry Awards” and the “Build and Construction Awards” as well as two Highly Commended awards for being the best in the UK.

Russ Gratton, Director of Recon Electrical Ltd, said:-

“This award has topped off another brilliant year for the business. The awards pay tribute to the hard work and effort every member of our team put in to ensure first class customer service to our ever growing customer base.

“For us it’s all about customer service and ensuring we employ the right staff with the right mindset, aimed at serving our customers needs in full. ”