The Met Office forecast outbreaks of showery rain for much of the day with mostly cloudy conditions early on breaking to give some sunny spells between the showers. Showers may be heavy with a risk of thunder. Maximum temperature 18 °C.
Lingering showers slowly easing to give a mostly dry night with clear spells. Becoming more cloudy from the east with some outbreaks of rain later. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
Tomorrow is expected ti be mostly cloudy initially with outbreaks of rain, mainly in the east, gradually clearing southwards. Some sunny spells possible later in the afternoon. Wind easing. Cool. Maximum temperature 16 °C.
Gedling MP Tom Randall has backed plans to reintroduce national service and believes it could help youngsters gain the valuable skills they need ‘for a brighter future’.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to return to a mandatory national service system for 18-year-olds over the weekend.
Many MPs believe it would help tackle knife crime and anti-social behaviour problems plaguing parts of the UK.
Under a future Tory Government, every 18-year-old would either spend a full year in a competitive, full-time military placement or spend the equivalent of one weekend a month volunteering in a community role like the NHS, and the RNLI.
Gedling MP Tom Randall, right, said he is behind Rishi Sunak’s plan to reintroduce National Service
Conservative MP for Gedling, Tom Randall has welcomed the plan.
He said: “We have so much to be proud of in Britain but, one of the problems we face is that too many young people don’t get the opportunities they deserve.
“That is why I welcome our new National Service model which will provide young people across Gedling with a choice to serve in our world-leading Armed Forces or volunteer for our community, so they can contribute to their country whilst gaining the valuable skills they need for a brighter future.
“Only the Conservatives can be trusted with the future of our young people and our country. Labour would take us back to square one, placing both at risk.”
The Tories said the programme will cost around £2.5 billion a year by the end of the decade and plans to fund £1 billion through plans to ‘crack down on tax avoidance and evasion.’
Labour’s shadow defence secretary John Healey said: “The Conservative’s election gambit on compulsory national service is an undeliverable plan and a distraction from their failures in defence over the last 14 years.”
Shadow work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall told Sky News that the plans were ‘unfunded’ and a ‘headline-grabbing gimmick.’
The Conservatives say that young people would receive ‘best-in-class’ training in critical skill sets from the economy, from cyber to civil engineering to leadership.
The UK had national service between 1947 and 1960, with men between the ages of 17 and 21 serving in the armed forces for 18 months.
People living close to an assisted living care home say they are being “terrorised” by noise and inappropriate behaviour and fear plans to expand it will make problems worse.
Byron Court, off Oxclose Lane in Daybrook, cares for people living with mental health conditions and learning disabilities.
It was operated by the Royal Mencap Society until around two years ago before being taken over by Dignus, a disability service and support organisation based in Walsall.
The complex currently caters for two residents and support staff. It is currently rated as ‘good’ by watchdog the Care Quality Commission.
Two 1930s houses were originally converted into a care home in 1986, and Gedling Borough Council has now given Dignus permission to demolish them to make way for a new facility.
Initial proposals for the construction of a three-storey building with eight rooms were reduced down to two-storeys with six rooms.
But residents living nearby say they are being “terrorised” by loud music, screaming and nudity and fear the larger building would make matters worse.
Gedling Borough Council says it is talking to Dignus about the noise concerns.
John Horry, who has lived next door in Byron Street for the past seven years, said he feels Dignus is failing to cooperate or communicate and told the council he felt the neighbourhood “is being terrorised”.
“When the plans first came out it was huge,” he said.
“We opposed it along with a number of other people around here, and ever since the application has been from pillar to post.
“Planning officers said we would get a meeting where we can give evidence about why we are opposing it, but we never got this.
“We very much understand mental health is a massive issue now and anything that is going to benefit people should be done. But it has been horrific.
“There has been shouting. One resident put their head through a window.
“The only time we’ve spoken [with Dignus] is when we’ve been round to complain.
“If this is what it is like with two residents, what is it going to be like with six?”
Lynne Woodhouse, a resident of over 31 years who lives in Swinburne Way, added she felt her life had been disrupted for two years.
She said: “We have been fighting against planning permission for two years now and are very worried that Gedling Borough Council have given them the go-ahead regardless of our complaints and the fact the [Environmental Health Officer] has also agreed with us.
“We have put up with abuse, nudity, screaming, have been subjected to seeing and hearing a girl smashing up the place and windows with zero cooperation from the staff when we have contacted them.
“Each weekend, currently, we have music blaring out all day. I have just lost my father, and I can’t even grieve in my own home.”
Mr Horry asked the council why the expansion did not go to the council’s Planning Committee before being approved despite numerous objections, including from Environmental Health.
In an email, seen by the LDRS, the head of development and place, Mike Avery, said it was considered by a Planning Delegation Panel, which was content the application could be dealt with without the need for referral.
The email says the management of residents is a matter for the operator and cannot be considered in a planning decision.
A Gedling Borough Council spokesperson said: “Gedling Borough Council has received a planning application for a replacement care facility on Oxclose Lane.
“The council has carefully considered the application and based on legal requirements and existing permissions, planning permission was therefore granted.
“We acknowledge community concerns about noise issues at the property and the council’s Public Protection team have been in dialogue with the care home owners about the impact it is having on local residents and will continue to work with them proactively to reduce this impact.”
Dignus Group did not respond to a request for comment.
The Met Office forecast that showers will readily develop through the morning, becoming locally heavy, with a low chance of thunder by afternoon. However, there will also be sunny spells mixed in-between. Winds freshening into the afternoon. Maximum temperature 19 °C.
Clear spells are expected overnight. Isolated showers continue overnight, heavy at times. Winds easing overnight to become gentle. Minimum temperature 11 °C.
Tomorrow is forecast to see a mix of sunshine and, perhaps thundery, showers. Maximum temperature 19 °C.
As a business owner, managing cash flow and maintaining a healthy financial situation can be an ongoing struggle. This is especially true for small businesses or startups that may not have established credit or have consistent revenue streams. One financing option that has gained popularity in recent years is invoice finance, also known as accounts receivable financing.
However, there are many misconceptions and myths surrounding this alternative funding method that may deter businesses from considering it as a viable solution. Today we will explore the truth behind these myths and demystify invoice finance to help business owners make informed decisions about their financing options.
What is Invoice Finance?
Running a small business can be a tricky feat, and it’s no secret that cash flow is vital to its survival. This is where invoice finance comes into play, offering much-needed financial support to small businesses with unpaid invoices.
In simple terms, invoice finance allows businesses to sell their unpaid invoices to a finance provider in exchange for a certain percentage of the total amount. This form of financing can not only alleviate cash flow issues, but it can also help small businesses maintain a healthy financial standing.
With invoice finance for small business, owners can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they won’t have to wait weeks or even months for payment. It’s an effective solution that can help small businesses maintain their momentum and thrive.
Myth 1: Invoice Finance is Only for Struggling Businesses
One of the most pervasive myths about invoice finance is that it’s only for businesses in financial trouble. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While it’s true that invoice finance can help companies facing cash flow issues, it’s also a strategic tool for growing businesses. By unlocking cash tied up in invoices, businesses can invest in new opportunities, expand operations, and take on larger clients without worrying about delayed payments.
Myth 2: Invoice Finance is Expensive
Many small business owners believe that invoice finance is prohibitively expensive. However, the cost of invoice finance for small business is often outweighed by its benefits. The fees associated with invoice finance are typically a small percentage of the invoice value. When you consider the cost of missed opportunities, delayed growth, and potential financial strain, invoice finance can be a cost-effective solution. Additionally, the competitive nature of the invoice finance market means that businesses can shop around for providers that offer favorable terms.
Myth 3: Invoice Finance is Complicated
Another common misconception is that invoice finance is complicated and time-consuming. In reality, many invoice finance providers offer streamlined and user-friendly processes. Once your account is set up, the process of selling invoices and receiving funds is relatively straightforward. Modern technology has made it easier than ever to manage invoice finance for small business, with many providers offering online platforms for quick and efficient transactions.
Myth 4: Invoice Finance is Risky
Some business owners worry that invoice finance is risky and could lead to financial instability. However, reputable invoice finance providers conduct thorough due diligence and offer transparent terms and conditions. By working with a trusted provider, businesses can mitigate risks and enjoy the benefits of improved cash flow without compromising their financial health. It’s essential to read the fine print and understand the terms of the agreement, but with the right provider, invoice finance can be a safe and reliable financial tool.
Business owners often worry that using invoice finance will negatively impact their relationships with customers. They fear that customers might be uncomfortable dealing with a third-party finance provider. However, most reputable invoice finance companies handle collections professionally and discreetly. In many cases, customers may not even be aware that their invoices have been financed. Maintaining open communication with your customers and choosing a reputable provider can ensure that your customer relationships remain intact.
The Benefits of Invoice Finance for Small Businesses
Now that we’ve debunked some common myths, let’s explore the tangible benefits of invoice finance for small businesses:
Improved Cash Flow
Invoice finance provides immediate access to cash tied up in invoices, allowing businesses to manage day-to-day expenses, pay suppliers, and invest in growth opportunities without waiting for customer payments.
Growth Opportunities
With improved cash flow, businesses can take on larger projects, hire additional staff, and invest in new equipment or technology. This flexibility can drive growth and help businesses stay competitive.
Reduced Financial Stress
By converting invoices into cash, businesses can reduce financial stress and avoid the pitfalls of late payments. This stability allows business owners to focus on strategic planning and long-term goals.
Access to Expertise
Many invoice finance providers offer additional services, such as credit control and risk management. These services can help businesses manage their finances more effectively and make informed decisions.
Flexibility
Invoice finance is a flexible solution that can be tailored to the needs of individual businesses. Whether you need to finance a single invoice or a whole ledger, there are options to suit your requirements.
Conclusion
Invoice finance is a valuable financial tool that can benefit small businesses in numerous ways. By debunking the myths surrounding invoice finance for small businesses, we hope to provide a clearer understanding of its advantages and encourage business owners to consider it as a viable option for managing cash flow and driving growth.
If you’re a small business owner looking to improve your cash flow and capitalize on growth opportunities, invoice finance for small business could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Explore your options, do your due diligence, and find a reputable provider to help you unlock the full potential of your business.
A knifeman who stabbed two people has been put behind bars following a gang attack outside a KFC restaurant in Mapperley.
Alwayne Barnes was armed with a Stanley knife when he decided to pick a fight with a car full of young people outside a the venue on Woodborough Road.
This confrontation came just seconds after Barnes and a group he was with catcalled an 18-year-old woman as she walked across the car park.
When the woman then got into a waiting car and reported what had just happened, the driver headed towards the exit while staring at Barnes.
Without any further provocation, the 44-year-old shouted at the motorist and made a beeline straight for the vehicle when it stopped in Woodborough Road.
PICTURED (l to r): Dale Burton, Alwayne Barnes, Carl Pearson and Charlene ReidThe confrontation came just seconds after Barnes and a group he was with catcalled an 18-year-old woman as she walked across the KFC car park in Mapperley
Barnes then punched the 18-year-old man in the face through an open window, before heading to the passenger side when a 20-year-old man got out.
This victim would go on to be stabbed four times – in the chest, back and shoulders – at the hands of Barnes, during the melee that followed.
When the driver got out to help and tried to restrain Barnes, the attacker then lashed out at him – slashing his arm with the blade in the process.
By that stage, associates Carl Pearson, Charlene Reid and Dale Burton had also run over to the car, with each joining in with the assault.
While Pearson and Burton both threw punches at the two men, Reid pulled the woman out of the vehicle and assaulted her too.
The attack, which happened at 3.30pm on September 7 2023, lasted less than 30 seconds, with Barnes and co all then fleeing from the scene.
Meanwhile, the victims drove straight to hospital, where the 20-year-old man required surgery after the knife attack punctured his lung.
On the way there, they flagged down the first police car they saw and passed on registration details for the other car, with officers scouring the area’s cameras to try and locate it.
Less than an hour later, Operational Support officers tracked down the vehicle to a petrol station in Carlton Road, Carlton, where they detained the foursome.
While each went on to admit to being involved in violent disorder, all denied having deliberately stabbed anyone – with a trial being set for 26 February 2024 as a result.
Barnes maintained this lie until the week before the trial, when detectives made him aware of the case they’d built against him.
This included CCTV evidence and expert statements suggesting significant force would’ve been needed to cause the injuries seen with a Stanley knife.
At that point, Barnes admitted he’d been carrying the knife with him that day in case he needed to protect himself, which showed his intent to potentially use it.
Following this, he went on to plead guilty to wounding with intent and causing grievous bodily harm, along with possessing a knife in a public place, and violent disorder.
Burton, 41, Pearson, 40, and Reid, 36, all pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
All four appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday (28 May).
Describing Barnes as a “dangerous offender”, Judge Stuart Rafferty KC sentenced him to 12 years and nine months in prison.
Barnes, of Laneside, Coventry, will spend at least two thirds of his sentence in custody and will then have to serve an additional five years on extended licence when he’s released.
Burton, of Duchess Gardens, Bulwell, and Pearson, of Hucknall Road, Carrington, were both jailed for two years and three months.
Reid, of Eden Street, Coventry, was also handed a prison sentence of one year and eight months for her actions.
Detective Constable Charlotte Webster, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The level of violence demonstrated in this incident was absolutely disgraceful and left a young man in hospital with serious injuries.
“After the group he was with harassed an 18-year-old woman, all it took was a disapproving glance in his direction by the people she was with for Barnes to completely lose control.
“Armed with a Stanley knife, he then charged over to the car they were in and proceeded to stab one of the passengers multiple times, while also leaving the driver with a slash wound.
“Although this assault all took place over the space of just a few seconds, Burton, Pearson and Reid also took it upon themselves to get involved in the violent disorder, before fleeing from the scene with Barnes.
“Thanks to some excellent police work, our officers responding to this incident were able to track down and arrest all four of the attackers within an hour of it taking place.
“Barnes’ decision to carry a knife with him that day showed clear intent that he was prepared to use it, so we were pleased to see him finally own up to his actions in the days leading up to trial.
“Thankfully for everyone involved, nobody lost their life because of Barnes’ actions, but it’s clear that this could’ve quite easily resulted in devastating consequences.
“Carrying a knife – and certainly using a knife – are both incredibly serious offences that deserve to be met with severe punishment.
“We hope the rapid police response to this incident and the persistence of detectives in ensuring the truth came out shows just how seriously we take knife crime at Nottinghamshire Police.”
Work on Nottinghamshire County Council’s new £18m offices near Linby is getting back on track after a wet start to the year slowed progress.
The building at Top Wighay will replace the ageing County Hall in West Bridgford by early 2025, potentially saving £1.5m each year in running costs.
Construction began in January, but was delayed by one of the wettest springs on record.
The building’s skeleton has now been put up, and the council is hoping it will officially be opened by March 2025.
Councillor Keith Girling (Con), the cabinet member for economic development and asset management, said he was pleased with the progress as he visited the site on Friday (May 24).
“It is going well. I am always trying to push things forward – perhaps unrealistically – but the end date is on schedule despite bad weather at the start of the year,” he said.
“County Hall is a beautiful old building, but it’s costing us £1.7m a year to run, and that’s £1.7m that can be put into services. The running cost here will be a lot less.
“All the decisions made will be made in the middle of the county, and social services will be delivered from here, with Mansfield, Ashfield and Hucknall just up the road.”
Luke Melville, assistant site manager, said: “It’s been challenging when there’s a lot of water on the ground and heavy machinery moving about.
“It should run smoother now work on the superstructure has started.”
Plans for the wider 86-acre site at Top Wighay include nearly 800 homes, a primary school, a shopping centre and 21 acres for businesses and offices.
The current County Hall costs £1.7m to maintain each year, in addition to £30m expected essential maintenance over the next 12 years and £28m to bring it up to modern environmental standards.
Cllr Girling said the public engagement over what to do with the building once the council had left produced “some really interesting decisions, from a women’s prison to rooms for the homeless to luxury hotels”.
The council will now speak to interested developers on their visions for the site.
The new council building is being designed, project and cost-managed by Arc Partnership, and delivered through their construction partner, Morgan Sindall Construction.
These are the roadworks and closures you need to know about…
Bestwood Lodge Drive, Arnold 28 May – 31 May Roadworks and delays likely due to road closure for large scale patching repairs from junction of Queens Bower Road to outside number 53 Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Knight Street, Netherfield, 30 May – 06 June Delays likely due to road closure for large-scale patching repairs from junction of Meadow Road to junction of Carnavon Street Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Lime Lane, Arnold 03 June – 04 June Roadworks and delays likely due to lane closure Responsibility for works: Openreach
Plains Road, Woodthorpe 02 June Roadworks and delays likely Responsibility for works: CityFibre
Queens Bower Road, Arnold 28 May Roadworks and delays likely for large-scale patching on junction of Bestwood Lodge Drive Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Somersby Road, Woodthorpe 02 June Roadworks and delays likely Responsibility for works: CityFibre
Thackerays Lane, Woodthorpe 04 June – 06 June Roadworks and delays likely Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Trent Valley Road, Netherfield 03 June – 07 June Roadworks and delays likely Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Upminster Drive, Arnold 03 June – 07 June Roadworks and delays likely due to road closure Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Avon Road, Gedling 03 June – 05 June Roadworks and delays possible Responsibility for works: Openreach
Burton Road, Carlton 03 June – 05 June Roadworks and delays possible Responsibility for works: Openreach
Georges Lane, Arnold 03 June – 04 June Roadworks and delays possible Responsibility for works: Openreach
Gleneagles Drive, Arnold 04 June – 06 June Roadworks and delays possible Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Jessops Lane, Gedling 28 May – 30 May Roadworks and delays possible Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Linby Lane, Linby 03 June – 06 June Roadworks and delays possible for patching works Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Longdale Lane, Ravenshead 28 May Roadworks and delays possible Responsibility for works: National Grid
Oxton Road, Calverton 03 June Roadworks and delays possible to fell dead tree on Oxton road Calverton Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
The Met Office forecast cloud and outbreaks of rain will spread east through the day after a dry bright start. Turning drier and brightening up a little later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 18 °C.
Partly cloudy overnight with the odd shower, perhaps turning heavy and prolonged at times after midnight. Turning drier towards dawn with clear spells and mist patches forming. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
Tomorrow is expected to see variable amounts of cloud with scattered showers and some bright or sunny spells. Showers locally heavy, thundery and prolonged during the afternoon. Maximum temperature 19 °C.
Nottingham Outlaws winning start to the 2024 Midlands Premier League Season continued on Saturday when they just squeezed past the wining post with a hard-earned 22-20 away victory at last year’s champions Telford Raiders. In an absorbing contest, the Outlaws led comfortably at half time before leaking three quick fire try’s to find themselves chasing the game but a late try by James Hood snatched a hard-earned win for the Nottingham outfit.
The Outlaws went into the match sporting a number of changes to the team that had come out on top against Oxford the previous weekend with Mikey Anderson and Sam Andrews returning to the front row and James Hood and Aidan Butler returning to the threequarters.
The match started evenly with both teams cancelling each other out with some strong defending and both struggling to find any fluency in attack. However the Outlaws finally found their cutting edge on the fifteen-minute mark when James Hood proved too big and too strong for the home defence, breaking two tackles before planting the ball down over the whitewash to score the opening try which Whitfield converted and the Outlaws led 6-0.
The Outlaws try seemed to settle the nerves and boost their confidence and they began to move the ball with confidence and they doubled their score five minutes later as Haz Ashby fooled the opposition defence, shaping to pass before scooting through a gap to double the Outlaws lead at 12-0.
Despite the Outlaws lead the home side were still asking plenty of questions and twice in succession they nearly scored but some great defending by James Hood and Adam Ward kept the Outlaws line intact when a try seemed certain. However on the third time of asking they did manage to get over the line as the Outlaws leaked successive penalties and the Raiders took advantage to reduce the Outlaws lead to one score at 12-6.
IMAGE courtesy of Nottingham Outlaws Rugby League ClubIMAGE courtesy of Nottingham Outlaws Rugby League Club
With the clock ticking down there was just time for one more attack and once again it was Ashby who fooled the opposition defence, dummying and breaking through the Raiders line before powering over the line despite the attention of the opposition fullback.
Despite the angle Whitfield added the extras and the Outlaws went into the interval two scores ahead at 18-6 but with the contest still very much alive.
With the temperatures rising the coaching staff decided to bring on the cavalry with Page, Burgin and Strachan all joining the fray to breathe some fresh life into the side.
Despite the changes the Outlaws started the second half in similar vein to the Oxford match a week ago with a catalogue of errors handing possession and initiative to the home side and they soon began to chip away at the Outlaws lead.
The first score came off a lost ball and then a second quick fire try on the end of a back-to-back set saw the Outlaws lead shrink to two points at 16-18.
With seventeen minutes left to play the travelling Outlaws faithful feared the worse when Telford scored a third try on the bounce to nudge ahead at 20-18 and it seemed like a half time winning position was going to be handed back on a plate to the now dominant home team.
IMAGE courtesy of Nottingham Outlaws Rugby League ClubIMAGE courtesy of Nottingham Outlaws Rugby League Club
Having been under the cosh for most of the second stanza the Outlaws desperately needed some energy from somewhere and luckily for them they found it!
With the Raiders beginning to tire visibly Outlaws forwards Luke Wadding, Jack Jonson and Sam Andrews began to get on top with some hard drives into the heart of the Raiders defence.
Half back Tom Wigglesworth was now getting better ball and field position to work with and as a result he began to orchestrate play and mount a series of attacks on the home line.
Strachan and Mikey Anderson came close before powerful centre James Hood bagged his second try of the game, crashing through his opposite number to nudge the Outlaws back in front at 20-22.
As the clock ticked down neither team could add to the tally and when the final hooter sounded the Outlaws players, coaching staff and the travelling faithful breathed a collective sigh of relief on a job well done!
After the game the players waited for the announcement of the man of the match. There were several players in with a shout but in the end it was a joint win with James Hood and Haz Ashby sharing the award with each of the two tyros’ bagging a fine a brace of trys.
As the squad relaxed coach Joe Shepherd was quick to express his satisfaction and relief on proceedings adding “Whilst we did make it hard on ourselves on occasions we certainly battled well and I am delighted to travel to the home of last season’s champions and come away with the two points. I thought the performance was much better than last week’s run-out against Oxford and I know that there is more improvements to come from this squad.”
Next weekend the Outlaws have the luxury of a weekend off before they entertain local rivals Sherwood Wolf Hunt at Lenton Lane on Friday June 7 (7.30pm).
Nottingham Outlaws Rugby League Club are one of the leading Rugby League clubs in the Midlands. In addition to the 1st Team, the Outlaws also operate a 2nd Team that competes in the Midlands Rugby League competition. The club is thriving at all levels and now boasts over 200 registered players, with several junior teams and a women’s section.
The club play their home games at Lenton Lane, Nottingham NG7 2SA and further information about the Outlaws can be found on their website HERE.
