The Met Office forecast that any lingering fog patches will soon clear. Some bright and sunny spells in the early morning but soon clouding over, with outbreaks of patchy rain arriving from the east. Drier in the west but with a risk of showers. Maximum temperature 18 °C.
Cloudy with rain continuing through the evening, perhaps heavy at times. Briefly drier during the early hours, before further rain arrives from the south by dawn. Mild. Minimum temperature 11 °C.
Tomorrow is expected to be cloudy initially with outbreaks of heavy rain moving north. Becoming brighter by midday, with sunny intervals and scattered heavy thundery showers in the afternoon. Showers fading into the evening. Warm. Maximum temperature 18 °C.
When you’re starting your own business, the list of tasks and equipment you need to invest in can seem overwhelming. To help reduce the stress and the cost of purchasing equipment for your business, we’ve listed some of the most common essentials for most businesses to help you get started.
Office Equipment
Computers and Software
No matter the nature of your business, computers are indispensable. Depending on your needs, you might opt for desktops, laptops, or a combination of both. For basic models, expect to spend around £500-£1,000 per unit. Additionally, you’ll need essential software like Microsoft Office, accounting software, and any industry-specific programs, which could add another £200-£500 per computer.
Printers and Scanners
Good quality thermal inkjet printing and scanning are crucial for handling paperwork. A multifunction printer/scanner can cost between £100-£300. For businesses with higher printing demands, a more robust commercial printer might be necessary, costing upwards of £500.
Communication Tools
Phones and Internet
Reliable communication tools are vital. Business phone systems range from simple landlines costing around £50 per handset to VoIP systems that might cost £20-£50 per month per line. High-speed internet is another necessity, typically costing between £30-£100 per month, depending on the speed and provider.
Mobile Phones
If your business requires mobility, investing in business mobile phones is wise. Basic smartphones can start at £200, but higher-end models could cost £800 or more. Consider monthly plans for calls, texts, and data, which might cost £20-£60 per month per phone.
Furniture and Fixtures
Desks and Chairs
Comfortable and ergonomic office furniture is essential for productivity. Expect to pay around £100-£300 for a good quality desk and £50-£200 for an ergonomic office chair. For a standard office setup for four people, you might spend between £600-£2,000.
Storage Solutions
Proper storage is crucial for organisation. Filing cabinets, shelves, and storage boxes can collectively cost around £200-£500, depending on your office size and storage needs.
Marketing Materials
Business Cards and Stationery
Creating a professional image requires quality business cards and stationery. Business cards can cost between £20-£100 for 500 cards, depending on the design and quality. Customised stationery, including letterheads and envelopes, might add another £50-£200.
Website Development
A professional website is often the first point of contact for potential customers. Basic website development can cost between £500-£1,000, while more complex sites with custom features might range from £2,000 to £5,000 or more. Don’t forget about ongoing costs like hosting and domain renewal, which could be around £50-£200 per year.
Specialised Equipment
Industry-Specific Tools
Depending on your business type, you might need specialised equipment. For example, a café would require coffee machines, ovens, and refrigerators, while a photography business would need cameras, lighting, and editing software. Costs can vary widely; for instance, a commercial coffee machine might cost £1,000-£5,000, while professional camera equipment could set you back £2,000-£10,000.
Budgeting for Contingencies
Miscellaneous Expenses
Always budget for unexpected costs. This might include repairs, additional supplies, or unforeseen upgrades. A contingency fund of 10-20% of your total budget is a good rule of thumb. For a starting budget of £10,000, set aside an extra £1,000-£2,000 for contingencies.
Conclusion
Starting a new business involves significant investment in various types of equipment. By planning carefully and budgeting appropriately, you can ensure that you have the tools you need to succeed. From office essentials to specialised industry equipment, understanding the costs involved will help you make informed decisions and set your business on the path to success.
Fri 24 May – Sun 2 Jun, Various Times £6.80pp £5.00pp on Tuesdays
From writer and director John Krasinski, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends — and what she does with that superpower — as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids.
IF stars Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. and Steve Carell alongside many more as the wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of a child’s imagination.
Times ★★★★ Telegraph ★★★★
Directed by John Krasinski With Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski 1hr 44 mins // US 2024
EVENT CINEMA Macbeth: Ralph Fiennes & Indira Varma (12A) – Bonington Cinema, Arnold
Fri 24 – Wed 29 May, Various Times £12.50pp
Directed by Simon Godwin, Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington D.C, Macbeth will be filmed live at a custom-built theatre space at Dock X in London, giving audiences the chance to be even closer to the action.
Starring Tony and BAFTA Award-winning Ralph Fiennes (Schindler’s List, Harry Potter and James Bond) as Macbeth and Olivier Award-winning Indira Varma (Luther, Game of Thrones and The Seagull) as Lady Macbeth, this is a brand new and critically acclaimed interpretation of one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies
★★★★ ‘A full-voltage, visceral Macbeth. Ralph Fiennes is pure poetry’ Daily Telegraph ★★★★ ‘A Macbeth that quickens the pulse, then goes for the jugular.’ Financial Times ★★★★ ‘Beautifully staged. Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma are a killer couple. Spectacular.’ WhatsOnStage
2hrs 30 mins
‘Macbeth contains sequences of flashing lights which might affect customers who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.’
EVENT CINEMA NT Live: The Motive & the Cue (15) – Extra Screenings – Bonington Cinema, Arnold
Fri 24 – Tue 28 May, Various Times £12.50pp
Sam Mendes (The Lehman Trilogy) directs Mark Gatiss as John Gielgud and Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton in this fierce and funny new play.
1964: Richard Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to play the title role in an experimental new Broadway production of Hamlet under John Gielgud’s exacting direction. But as rehearsals progress, two ages of theatre collide and the collaboration between actor and director soon threatens to unravel.
Written by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and designed by Es Devlin (The Crucible), the Evening Standard award-winning best new play was filmed live during a sold-out run at the National Theatre.
“Mark Gatiss gives the performance of his career in this shiver-making drama” Telegraph ★★★★★
The Motive and the Cue a new play by Jack Thorne directed by Sam Mendes
Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman *Rescheduled- Bonington Theatre, Arnold
Sat 25 May, 7:30pm £12.50pp
Join one of the UK’s favourite folk duos, husband and wife Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman for an evening of intimate and friendly songs and stories, based in tradition.
With a simple setup of guitar, piano and vocals, they present an evening of pure emotion, shared experience, and sheer joy in what they do. The duo has entwined their professional and personal relationship over two decades – delivering assured, distinctive performances that are always bold and innovative, mixing traditional song arrangements with their self-penned material which ranges from bitter to sweet, wry to sad, political to passive.
Together they are an enviable class act of imaginative song writing and musicianship, twice winning the coveted ‘Best Duo’ at the BBC Folk Awards (2013 & 2016).
Jazz Steps: Art Themen Organ Trio – Bonington, Arnold
Thu 30 May, 7:30pm £15.00pp
Groove-led re-imaginings of the jazz canon from legendary sax maestro Art Themen, who famously combined being a consultant orthopaedic surgeon and playing with the likes of Alexis Korner & Stan Tracey. Pete Whittaker (organ) & George Double (drums) make for a tight trio.
Presented by Jazz Steps
*Please note, seating for Jazz Steps shows is unallocated
Thursday Quiz Night – The Gleaners, Calverton, 8.30pm
George Michael & 80’s Tribute Afternoon Tea – Planters Brookfield, Mapperley
We’ll greet you at the restaurant at 2:30pm and serve you your afternoon tea. Our entertainment starts shortly after and will finish at approximately 4:30pm. Afternoon tea includes a selection of finger sandwiches, fruit and plain scone with jam and clotted cream, selection of mini cakes and tea or filter coffee.
Two planning applications to replace unused garages on Dunstan Street and Pearson Street, Netherfield with new homes have been submitted by Jigsaw Homes.
Each application proposes to build two no. two bedroom homes with parking to assist in delivering the affordable and accessible housing needs of Gedling borough.
A design and access statement prepared by Arcus Consulting LLP in support of the site at Dunston Street, NG4 2NZ states that the site ‘hardstanding’ and garages is currently redundant, and the site is subjected to a large amount of fly tipping. The current garages are also smaller than standard requirements of 2.5×5.5m.
The submitted planning documentation show that there will be a kitchen / dinner area on the ground floor (18sqm), one bedroom, bathroom and living room on the first floor (37.5sqm) and a second bedroom on the second floor (22.5sqm).
PICTURED: Proposed Dunstan Street site layout (Courtesy of Gedling Borough Council planning and Arcus Consulting LLP)PICTURED: Proposed site location (Courtesy of Gedling Borough Council planning and Arcus Consulting LLP)PICTURED: Proposed site location (Courtesy of Google)
A second design and access statement prepared by Arcus Consulting LLP in support of the site at Pearson Street, NG4 2JA also states that the site ‘hardstanding’ and garages is currently redundant, and the site is subjected to a large amount of fly tipping. The current garages are also smaller than standard requirements of 2.5×5.5m.
The submitted planning documentation show that there will be a kitchen / dinner area, WC and storage on the ground floor (24sqm), one bedroom, bathroom and living room on the first floor (37.5sqm) and a second bedroom on the second floor (22.5sqm).
PICTURED: Proposed Pearson Street site layout (Courtesy of Gedling Borough Council planning and Arcus Consulting LLP)PICTURED: Proposed site location (Courtesy of Gedling Borough Council planning and Arcus Consulting LLP)PICTURED: Proposed site location (Courtesy of Google)
Further information relating to Planning application 2024/0267 (Land at Pearson Street) can be accessed HERE.
Further information relating to Planning application 2024/0268 (Land at Dunstan Street) can be accessed HERE.
The Met Office forecast a generally cloudy to start the day with outbreaks of rain and drizzle, this gradually easing. Brightening up with some sunny spells developing, perhaps with a few mostly light showers in northern and western areas. Maximum temperature 17 °C.
Tonight is expected to be mostly dry with clear spells, allowing chilly temperatures, with some fog patches developing. Perhaps becoming more cloudy by dawn. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
Tomorrow is forecast to most likely cloud over with some rain in northeastern areas, although there is uncertainty in timing and extent of rain. Elsewhere mostly dry with sunny spells, but perhaps isolated showers. Maximum temperature 18 °C.
Our readers from across the borough give their weekly take on the biggest issues impacting Gedling and beyond.
Join the debate by sending your letter to letters@gedlingeye.co.uk . Please put ‘Letters’ in the subject line.
You can also submit a letter by filling in the simple form below, and it may appear online.
Some letters refer to past correspondence which can be found by clicking HERE
Names and addresses will be withheld by request but must be included in the email.We reserve the right to edit letters.Letters published do not reflect the views of Gedling Eye
It turns out local people requested more than 11,000 emergency food parcels with 4,000 of these being given to children.
I’m sick of hearing our local MP Tom Randall banging on about potholes and jumping on the road repair bandwagon – but what has he actually done to tackle our local poverty crisis? I’ll tell you what – NOTHING!
In this day and age people shouldn’t be starving and everyone should be able to afford a hot meal.
I relish the day these food banks close for good because they are no longer needed any more.
If Mr Randall IS re-elected, poverty should be his priority and not a piffling bridge over Trent or solving the pothole problem.
It’s our own fault, no civilised society could ignore a group of road users who can’t be trusted to obey speed limits.
We must park up our bicycles for the greater good and help save society.
Cycle lanes were causing too much angst for our motoring cousins anyway.
As a second-hand 4×4 can be bought for less than a top end bicycle, there’s only one thing to do. You know it makes sense!
Ben Stokes Carlton Hill
Drivers becoming much more agressive
Sir,
I’ve just read your article on the speeding motorists on Lambley Lane (Gedling police continue crack down on speeding drivers in area, Gedling Eye, May 15) and I’ve noticed that drivers are becoming much more aggressive, impatient and extremely intimidating towards other drivers.
I’ve seen overtaking on Arno Vale Road and Gedling Road.
Middle-aged men are also treating Colliery Way like it’s Brands Hatch on most Sunday mornings. Nutters!
I’d love to know their Testosterone and Cortisol levels – be through the car roof I’d imagine!
V Arnall, Via email
Got something to say? Send us your letter using the form below
A new road bridge over the River Trent will “no doubt feature in a long list of possible schemes”, the newly-created East Midlands Combined County Authority says.
Nottingham is currently served by Lady Bay Bridge, Clifton Bridge and Trent Bridge, but politicians have argued a fourth road bridge would help further relieve traffic jams across the city and beyond.
A crossing at Trent Basin was recently given planning approval by Nottingham City Council, but it will only cater for cyclists and pedestrians.
A debate over a new road crossing was held in 2022 in parliament, with the issue becoming particularly prominent following the closure of Clifton Bridge in 2020 during structural problems.
A letter asking if the new bridge could be a possibility was sent by Gedling MP Tom Randall to the new East Midlands MayorThe new East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward will have a sizable transport budgetAn artist’s impression on how the new Trent Bridge for pedestrians will look at Colwick Basin
Some lanes on the bridge were closed for more than 20 months while repair work took place, and initial closures made Nottingham one of the world’s most congested cities at the time.
Preliminary studies have already been conducted. Engineering firm AECOM prepared a desktop study to consider how feasible a crossing at Colwick would be back in 2016.
Ms Ward was elected to the position of Mayor at the start of May, and she will now oversee the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).
The role means the region, which includes Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, will be given £1.14bn in funding over the next 30 years – on top of more powers devolved from Whitehall.
Additionally, Ms Ward and EMCCA will be given a transport investment fund of £1.5bn to open up opportunities for improvements following years of “underinvestment”.
Ms Ward was not available for comment, however a spokesperson for the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “One of the early priorities for the new Combined County Authority is to develop a comprehensive plan for rail, bus, road and active travel for our region, alongside a programme of investment that delivers a transformational transport network for our residents, businesses and visitors.
“Ideas such as new road crossings of the Trent will no doubt feature in a long list of possible schemes that will need a great deal of technical assessment and evaluation as part of this process.
“Once the Mayor and Combined County Authority are satisfied that this process has been followed, we will be in a position to comment on specific schemes and proposals.”
Earlier this week, Gedling’s MP, Tom Randall wrote to the East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward (Lab) to ask that new transport funding is used to forward the concept.
“The next phase of this project involves commissioning a strategic outline business case, which will cost a low six-figure sum, to look deeper into the matter,” Mr Randall said in his letter sent on May 21.
“Many have written to me about the prospect of a fourth Trent crossing to the east of the city. I believe the case for a new crossing was strengthened after the partial closure of Clifton Bridge in 2020 that brought gridlock to the city and beyond.
“My own view is that a new crossing at Colwick would be a good place to help fill the current gap between Lady Bay Bridge and Gunthorpe Bridge.”
The letter goes on to say it would relieve traffic pressure, particularly in Netherfield, Colwick and Burton Joyce, while also stimulating growth and better access to jobs in Gedling.
The Met Office forecast today to be cloudy with any remaining outbreaks of rain soon clearing during the morning. The chance of some afternoon bright spells. Winds remaining breezy and easing into the evening. Maximum temperature 15 °C.
Dry and mostly cloudy overnight with the small chance of a clear spell. Winds continuing to ease overnight to become light. Feeling mild Minimum temperature 11 °C.
Tomorrow is expected to be mostly dry and rather cloudy, the small chance of a shower in the north and west. Bright spells developing particularly in the south during the afternoon. Maximum temperature 16 °C.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a general election will be held on July 4.
It comes after days of rumours around when the next election would take place.
Sunak has been saying for months an election would happen in the “second half of the year” but had refused to set a date when quizzed by the media.
The current MP for Gedling is the Conservative’s Tom Randall and Sherwood is represented by Mark Spencer, who is also a member of the Conservative Party.
Current MP Tom Randall will be hoping to hold on to his seat in Gedling (IMAGE: Facebook)The current MP for Sherwood is Mark SpencerLabour’s Michael Payne is one of the candidates hoping to win the Gedling seatLabour”s Michelle Welsh hopes to take the seat in Sherwood from Mark Spencer
Under parliamentary rules, there has to be 25 working days between the dissolution of parliament – at the request of the prime minister – and voters going to the polls.
As general elections have to be held every five years, the final day a vote could have taken place was January 28, 2025.
Work is ramping up to open Gedling borough’s latest restaurant and drive-thru, American fried chicken chain Popeye’s.
Visible progress can be seen on the land off Magenta Way, with site construction work continuing at pace.
Workers within the site could be seen over the past few days preparing the framework for the new building exterior.
The opening date hasn’t been confirmed yet.
When it opens, chicken fans will get to experience Popeyes’ world-famous ‘shatter crunch’, the iconic Popeyes Chicken Sandwich and original Southern biscuits and gravy.
PHOTO: Popeyes serves Louisiana chicken in burgers and with biscuits and grave (PHOTO: Popeyes UK)Designs of the proposed site layout of new Popeyes restaurantArtist’s impression of the proposed new drive-thru off Colwick Loop Road
Gedling Eye has contacted Popeye’s UK for more information but has not yet received a response.
The new 2,500 sq ft restaurant will now be built containing a 65-seating area, drive-thru, car-parking and click-and-collect bays.
The restaurant chain has said the new drive-thru will create up to 100 new jobs.
The application was approved back in December 2023, although concerns were raised by councillors and residents about potential littering.
Tom Crowley, CEO at Popeyes UK, said: “It’s great to see how enthusiastically the UK has welcomed Popeyes, and we’re particularly proud to be opening our first drive-thru locations. Following the success of our Upper Parliament Street restaurant which landed in Autumn 2022, opening a drive-thru location locally was an obvious choice for us.
“We’re looking forward to expanding our offering in Nottingham.”
