LATEST ARTICLES

Tapton Park Golf Course could have new leaseholder this summer

Stuart Pearcey
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Tapton Park Golf Course could have new leaseholder this summer
Tapton Park Golf Course could have a new operator by this summer now that Chesterfield Borough Council has selected Link Golf UK as its preferred bidder, and has started detailed negotiations. Councillor Jonathan Davies, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Tapton Park Golf Course is an important facility with fantastic potential in beautiful parkland. “In seeking a new operator to look after the courses and clubhouse, we set out several long-term objectives with the intention of retaining it as a pay-and-play course that is open to all. “Link Golf UK has proven expertise and experience of operating municipal golf courses. It has funding to invest in Tapton’s courses and clubhouse to maintain them to a high standard. It also offers a strong community outreach programme – and a commitment to work closely with the resident members’ club, which I know the members have welcomed. “We will now begin detailed negotiations to finalise the terms of the lease. If and when Link Golf UK is formally appointed, we will work with it to announce the change-over date and address any issues that may affect customers. We anticipate that this will happen this summer.” Tapton Park Golf Course has a full 18-hole course, 9-hole course, 6-hole pitch and putt course, a practice area, driving range, outbuildings, and a clubhouse. The course is built on parkland which was formerly part of the Tapton House estate. In a joint statement, Andrew Terry and Joe Jackson, Directors of Link Golf UK, said: “We’re incredibly excited about the opportunity to breathe new life into Tapton Park Golf Course, including the driving range and clubhouse. “Recognising its rich legacy we’re committed to maintaining its accessibility as a family-friendly venue. Our vision is to transform Tapton Park into a dynamic hub for family engagement, offering a range of activities that cater to all ages and skill levels. By incorporating the latest technology into the driving range and enhancing the overall experience, we aim to create a vibrant atmosphere where families can come together and enjoy quality time. We look forward to working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council and the resident members club to ensure a bright and prosperous future for this community asset.” John Pearson, Chair of Tapton Park Golf Club, said: “Based on our initial discussions with Link Golf UK I am very optimistic for the future of Tapton Park Golf Club. We are really looking forward to working with Andrew and Joe to preserve and enhance the existing golf facilities for the benefit of the club’s members, local residents and visitors.”

Bike ride in aid of Derbyshire charities seeks more cyclists from local businesses

Tess Egginton
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Bike ride in aid of Derbyshire charities seeks more cyclists from local businesses

Cyclists have been urged to sign up to a unique opportunity to pedal from the heart of England in Derby all the way to Skegness in aid of two much-loved children’s charities – with the option of a cool hydrogen bus ride back.

Nearly 80 cyclists have so far signed up for this year’s SkegVegas100, a charity bike ride from Derby to Skegness, which will take place on May 18.

Now organisers would love to hear from more cyclists, including teams from local businesses, who would like to take part.

Unusually for a charity ride, the organising team at Cosy Foundation have arranged for a hydrogen-powered bus from Toyota to ferry weary cyclists back from Skegness at the end of their 100-mile bike ride, should they wish.

Breakfast, snacks and lunch are also all being provided to help cyclists pedal their way to the coast, and a rolling mechanic service is being provided to help with any issues such as punctures en-route.

The ride will be setting off from Derby Arena, with free tea, coffee and parking provided to help riders be waved off in comfort.

Daniel Burton, of Derby Arena, said: “Derby Arena and Derby City Council are proud to support the Skegvegas bike ride for great local charities, please sign up and join in what has proven to be a great challenge for an even better cause!”

This year is the 11th year of the epic SkegVegas100 bike ride which is aiming to raise thousands of pounds for two highly valued children’s charities: Derby Kids’ Camp and the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.

Both charities provide holidays for children who may not otherwise get a break, whether that is because of financial disadvantage, or other reasons such as caring for relatives.

Money raised through the event’s modest entry fee and any sponsorship is being split equally between the charities, and riders will be able to look round the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre in Skegness when they arrive at the Lincolnshire coastal resort, to gain a valuable insight into what the charity offers children who need a break.

Teams of riders who have so far signed up to take part have come from local businesses including Cosy Direct, Pennine Healthcare and Rolls-Royce, and they will be joining record-breaking cyclist Leigh Timmis who has agreed to take part in the ride, as well as The Earl of Burlington, William Cavendish.

Two riders who have signed up to take part this year are Ben Riggott, trust development lead at Embark Federation, and his wife Laila, head of people and culture at Cosy Direct.

Laila said: “I haven’t cycled in any serious way for years but I decided to give this year’s SkegVegas100 a go. Ben and I have been out on some great training rides, including a blustery but beautiful pedal down the Tissington Trail!

“I would really urge people to sign up and take part in the SkegVegas100. Getting stuck into the training has been very enjoyable and we are so lucky to live in beautiful Derbyshire where there are some amazing cycling trails to enjoy.

“As volunteers at Derby Kids’ Camp we know how important these holidays are for the children who come to us in the summer. This bike ride promises to be a brilliant day but more importantly, it will raise lots of money to help put smiles on the faces of Derbyshire children. It would be brilliant to see more riders join us on May 18 to make this a great ride-out for these two charities.

“The event is not a race – it’s an event. Please join us and make this year’s SkegVegas100 the best yet!”

Between them, Derby Kids’ Camp and The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre have been giving free holidays to Derbyshire children in need of a break for nearly 175 years. Derby Kids’ Camp celebrated its 50th birthday in 2023 and has over the years welcomed around 15,000 children to enjoy a week’s camping including craft activities, climbing, swimming, before snuggling down for the night in tents with comfortable camp beds. Many of the children who go are living in poverty, have suffered a close bereavement or are finding social interaction difficult.

The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre has been going since 1891 and provides five-day stays in Skegness which include days out, a fully-equipped games room, meals out, and, of course, a good old run around on the beach. Children are nominated to go through their school if it is felt that, due to financial hardship or other reasons, they may not otherwise get a break.

Anyone who would like to join this year’s SkegVegas 100, taking on the whole distance or as a relay with colleagues and friends, is asked to sign up to enter at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/skegvegas100-100-mile-charity-bike-ride-from-derby-to-skegness-tickets-862930156327

Samworth Brothers acquires sandwich firm

Tess Egginton
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Samworth Brothers acquires sandwich firm
Following the purchase of a minority stake in The Real Wrap Company in 2023, Samworth Brothers, the Leicestershire-based food manufacturer, has now acquired the remaining shares in the ready-made sandwich business. Samworth Brothers Group Chief Executive, Hugo Mahoney said: “Food To Go has been a tremendous success story for Samworth Brothers in recent years, and we believe the category is well-positioned for growth. “The Real Wrap Company is a dynamic, innovative young company that shares our values and focus on quality foods. “Real Wrap has great future potential, and the capability and scale of Samworth Brothers will help support further development for The Real Wrap Company business.” Jason Howell and Philippe Gill, The Real Wrap Company founders, said: “We are really excited about developing The Real Wrap Co business in the coming years and we are delighted to be supported by a like-minded partner in Samworth Brothers, to help us continue to do an amazing job for our customers, our people and our planet.” Members of the existing The Real Wrap Company management team will continue to lead the business, with a Samworth Brothers Group Executive Board member (Paul Davey) continuing to sit on The Real Wrap Company board.

Heating, cooling and ventilation firm opens 240,000 sq ft Daventry warehouse

Tess Egginton
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Heating, cooling and ventilation firm opens 240,000 sq ft Daventry warehouse
Daikin, which works in the heating, cooling and ventilation industry, has opened its new Midlands warehouse in Daventry, with its logistics partner GXO. Located in the heart of the UK logistics “golden triangle” in the Midlands, Daikin, together with GXO, have jointly invested over £4 million to consolidate their operations into one facility. The move provides a future-ready fit out of a 240,000-square-foot warehouse that will exclusively serve Daikin in the UK for all products and spares. The full transition from the current operation to the new warehouse will happen during the course of this year, providing over 75 new jobs for the local community. Sherin Hammad, Head of Operations at Daikin UK, said: “The opening of our new warehouse in Daventry is a great leap forward for Daikin in our ability to meet our customers’ needs and reduce the environmental impact when storing and delivering units and spares. The market for heat pumps and commercial HVAC products is growing fast, and as such, we must have the capability to keep up with this.” “We’re delighted to support Daikin’s growth in the UK,” said Clare Davies, Managing Director of GXO Direct. “Our flexible, scalable GXO Direct shared warehousing helped support Daikin’s growth to the stage where they are ready to move to their own warehouse solution. “This new dedicated facility provides them with the flexibility and space they need to continue their business growth. GXO Direct shared warehousing is particularly suited to helping companies, including those in the heating and ventilation sector, grow their operations in an efficient manner.” The Daventry warehouse provides Daikin the ability to scale up its operations, moving from several GXO Direct shared user warehouse sites, into one consolidated site. This relocation will support Daikin’s growth for many years to come.

Major milestone reached with topping out of National Rehabilitation Centre

Tess Egginton
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Major milestone reached with topping out of National Rehabilitation Centre
A significant milestone in the construction of the NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) was reached this week. The £105m NRC programme is building a 70-bed, state-of-the-art and energy efficient new facility, run by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme. Research, innovation and training will be led by academic partners the University of Nottingham and Loughborough University. IHP, a joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine, hosted a formal ‘Topping Out Ceremony’ at the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate near Loughborough, marking the building reaching its highest level and the completion of the building’s frame. The NRC is due to open in 2025 and aims to transform clinical treatment for patients in the East Midlands, and set a new standard for research and innovation, and education and training in rehabilitation for the whole of the UK. The celebration was attended by key stakeholders including Sir Andrew McAlpine – partner at Sir Robert McAlpine on behalf of IHP, the Black Stork Charity, University of Nottingham, Loughborough University, and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, located on the same estate. Pip Logan, Professor of Rehabilitation Research and Occupational Therapist at the School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, said: “The University of Nottingham’s partnership with the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) represents an essential part of our commitment to uplifting – through our world-leading experience in rehabilitation research and education – the health of the people in our region and across the UK. “It’s a pleasure to celebrate this great milestone in construction of the NRC and we look forward to utilising this fantastic new integrated facility. “Embedding our training courses in rehabilitation, alongside our research in robotics, physiology, mental health, rehab technology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, rehab medicine and rehab nursing, with patients, families, clinical professionals, and industry is vital for our institution and for developing world-class rehabilitation patient services.” Miriam Duffy, NRC Director, said: “We began this journey almost eight years ago in 2016, and so today’s milestone is testament to the teamwork and perseverance that have brought us to this point, which is another step towards opening our doors to patients in need of rehabilitation. “The NRC will not only serve as a centre rehabilitation excellence, but also as a symbol of hope for countless individuals and families across the country. We look forward to welcoming patients next year so we can help them start their own journey towards a better future with as much independence as possible.” Professor Mark Lewis, Loughborough University’s NRC lead and Dean of the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, said: “It is fantastic to see the progress being made on the construction of the National Rehabilitation Centre. “Loughborough University is proud to be a core partner for this state-of-the-art facility. We look forward to using our expert knowledge in research and innovation to help transform treatment and outcomes for patients, and to developing education and training programmes in rehabilitation that are truly world leading.”

HR failing to lead the way in gender inclusive job adverts

Tess Egginton
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HR failing to lead the way in gender inclusive job adverts
Despite being a women-dominated profession, the human resources industry is failing to set an example in attracting women to senior leadership roles due to job adverts containing masculine language and a lack of EDI and flexible working statements. Research by Nottingham Business School, part of Nottingham Trent University, with Newcastle University Business School, examined the wording of more than 150 adverts for HR roles, including occurrences of agentic traits or ‘getting ahead’ (masculine) and communal behaviours or ‘getting along’ (feminine). Findings show that as the HR role salary or title seniority increases, the proportion of words categorised as masculine – such as leadership, deliver and decision – in the job adverts increases. In contrast, adverts for entry level and junior roles, traditionally filled in HR departments by women, used a broader range of feminine words like support, responsibility and trusted. This finding suggests that leadership roles move away from the supportive nature of the profession and towards a focus on business acumen and patriarchal leadership, potentially hindering women’s representation at senior levels. Even in cases where senior‐level job adverts were expressed in neutral or feminine terms, there was limited or no mention of other factors that would encourage women applicants, such as EDI statements or promotion of work‐life balance. Such omissions could indicate that the ‘ideal’ candidate demonstrates male stereotypical characteristics, that is, not ‘burdened’ by family, and may reinforce existing stereotypes which deter women from applying to senior roles. Dr Maranda Ridgway, Associate Professor of People and Inclusion at Nottingham Business School, said: “Human resources is seen as the custodian and driver of equality and wellbeing practices, yet in senior-level job adverts these commitments appear tokenistic or ‘tick‐box’ rather than a reflection of the organisation’s culture. “The profession should be leading by example. Instead, the gendered language we found in job adverts is likely contributing to women’s underrepresentation in senior roles—even within a women‐dominated profession. “Urgent and careful attention needs to be paid to job adverts to reduce instances of hidden gender bias, and statements of equal opportunities and flexible working should be embedded in job adverts rather than mentioned cursorily.” The study also found that there is room for improvement in the representation of salary, with 8% of the adverts studied failing to detail the salary amount. With research showing that no explicit salary statement often results in women accepting lower wages, it is also recommended that specific wage details are included in all adverts. ‘Leading’ by example? Gendered language in Human Resource job adverts has been published in Human Resource Management Journal.

Government extends five-train lifeline to Alstom

Stuart Pearcey
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Government extends five-train lifeline to Alstom
Derby City Council leader Baggy Shanker says the Government has said five more Elizabeth Line trains are to be built in the city by Alstom. He writes: “We received a letter on Wednesday from the Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper MP in response to the letters I sent last week. Mr Harper has outlined in his response that a further five Elizabeth line trains have been approved in principle for manufacture at the Derby site. This is in addition to the five trains that were confirmed in March, will make a total of ten trains. “Alstom can now commit to the site in the short and long term, protecting valuable manufacturing and engineering jobs in our city. I’m especially pleased that Alstom has committed to basing the new global Adessia commuter train platform here in Derby – that’s a real win. “We will continue to press the Government to complete the deal and commit to keeping this industry alive in the city, especially for the 1300 jobs that are at risk. Without these orders and the promise of future support, we will lose train-making in the UK forever and put almost two centuries of local rail heritage at risk. “As a city, we’ll continue to work closely with our partners at Alstom and with the Secretary of State to bridge this gap and keep train making in Derby. The Government needs to ensure rail procurement is better planned in the future to avoid this feast and famine approach to train building in the UK. “I’d like to thank everyone in Team Derby who has come together to give their support on such a vital issue for the prosperity of our city.”

£75m plans for Derby’s Friar Gate Goods Yard recommended for approval

Tess Egginton
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£75m plans for Derby’s Friar Gate Goods Yard recommended for approval
Plans submitted by Wavensmere Homes and Clowes Developments for the redevelopment of the city’s historic Friar Gate Goods Yard have been recommended for approval by Derby City Council’s planning officials. The detailed design proposals – submitted in August 2023 – set out the vision for the reanimation of two landmark Grade II listed buildings into over 110,000 sq ft of commercial space, with 276 new homes also planned for the 11.5-acre (4.96Ha) site. A painstaking restoration of the 19th Century Bonded Warehouse and Engine House is set to deliver a total of 111,275 sq ft of flexible offices, health and fitness space, a restaurant/café, together with a regional sales centre for Birmingham-headquartered Wavensmere Homes. The plans also include extensive new areas of Public Open Space, including play spaces and pocket parks. A new multi-purpose public realm and community space is also proposed for the elevated area adjacent to Friar Gate Bridge, with retention of some of the original railway arch facades. New vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access would be created at various points around the site, from Uttoxeter New Road, Great Northern Way, and Friar Gate, with the Mick Mack cycling route also extended. Friar Gate Goods Yard has been in the ownership of the Clowes family for over 40 years, with a number of options for redevelopment proposed but not progressed, due to heritage constraints and commercial viability. Wavensmere Homes and Clowes developments worked with Glancy Nicholls Architects and Pegasus Group to incorporate the views from over 200 local public consultation responses into the comprehensive plans for the redevelopment of the derelict site. ​James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “We are very pleased that this significant planning application will be considered by Derby City Council’s Planning Committee on the evening of Thursday 25th April. “Alongside the drawings, our 3D model of the entirety of the Grade II listed Bonded Warehouse and Engine House enables us to clearly present how the buildings will be reanimated. The context of the eco-focused homes and several acres of new Public Open Space will be a much-needed catalyst for further urban regeneration. “The fine attention to detail and bold investment we are set to inject in this £75m city centre landmark will see it become a nationally important trophy asset in Derby’s ongoing renaissance.” If the plans receive the green light at Committee on 25th April, Wavensmere Homes anticipates receiving formal planning approval in time to commence work on site this summer. Strong interest has been received from prospective operators of the health and fitness centre, office space, and the restaurant/café – all of which will be within the Bonded Warehouse. The housebuilder also has a database of over 500 prospective purchasers wishing to buy one of the townhouses. Adam McPartland, Director of Glancy Nicholls Architects, said: “The Friar Gate Goods Yard redevelopment plans illustrate the millions of pounds that need to be invested into saving these distressed 150-year-old listed buildings. “Glancy Nicholls Architects has proudly brought its expertise in restoration and retrofit design to sustainably restore two of Derby city centre’s most notable historic structures, providing a vibrant new chapter of their story. “From the outset, the overarching brief from Wavensmere Homes was for a huge emphasis to be placed on exemplary placemaking. By having a mix of commercial uses within the two buildings – and opening the inaccessible site up to create a series of new linear parks – hundreds of people could appreciate these heritage assets on a daily basis. “In addition to the proposals for the listed buildings, the designs for the 227 two- and three-bedroom townhouses are bespoke. Curved and terraced street scenes celebrate the beauty and vista of the Bonded Warehouse, while incorporating a range of energy saving technologies and strategies. “A four-storey apartment building is also proposed, containing 49 apartments to reinstate the lost streetscape of the Stafford Street frontage. The highest EPC rating of A is being targeted for the new homes, with all plots designed to be future-proofed ahead of the 2025 Future Homes Standard.” The site sits just outside the Friar Gate Conservation Area, which features notable Georgian townhouses with high-quality brickwork and fine architectural detailing. The Friar Gate Goods Yard was intended as the main goods depot for the Great Northern Railway line, to handle coal, livestock, timber, and metals. Designed in 1870, and entering operation in 1878, the Bonded Warehouse building contained extensive warehouse space and offices. It was used as a store for the American Army in WWII to house ammunition and other supplies. The Engine House was also built for the Railway by Kirk & Randall of Sleaford. It is Italianate in style and built from Welsh slate roofs. The Engine House supplied power to the hydraulic lifts and capstans at the Bonded Warehouse. The site first became derelict in 1967, and over time became overgrown and fell into a poor state of repair. An arson attack took place at the Goods Yard in 2020, which exposed the whole inner iron structure of the two historic buildings.

Education group acquires Nottingham training provider

Tess Egginton
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Education group acquires Nottingham training provider
BPP Education Group has acquired Nottingham-based Buttercups Training Ltd. Established in 1988, Buttercups Training is a training provider delivering programmes to pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and support staff working in hospitals, community pharmacy and primary care.  BPP’s acquisition will allow Buttercups Training to fast-track their growth trajectory, while further investing in quality, customer experience, and expanding its offering to serve the growing demands of front-line pharmacy staff.  Buttercups provides training using a blended-teaching strategy, covering apprenticeship programmes, professional qualifications, and professional development to community pharmacy, secondary care, primary care, healthcare, prisons, and Armed Forces.  BPP is a training provider for undergraduate and postgraduate healthcare and nursing programmes, and is excited to add another discipline to its portfolio by creating a presence in the pharmacy sector. The acquisition links to BPP’s future growth strategy which, with backing from their sponsor TDR Capital, looks to expand its portfolio and geographical reach with the strategic acquisition of relevant education businesses. Graham Gaddes, BPP CEO, said: “The acquisition of Buttercups Training introduces a new discipline into our healthcare portfolio. There is an unprecedented demand for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians in the UK, and this shortfall is set to continue to increase. “The acquisition of Buttercups will allow us to support their growth plans and through exceptional training programmes, focus on bridging the skills gap in the healthcare sector. This in turn builds on our vision of ‘Building Careers Through Education’. “The highly experienced team at Buttercups Training are a great cultural fit for BPP, and we look forward to welcoming them into the BPP Education Group.” Vanessa Kingsbury, founder of Buttercups Training, said: “Reflecting on the journey from its inception in 1988 to where we stand today, fills me with pride and gratitude. From a small initiative Buttercups has evolved into a beacon of excellence in the industry, impacting not just our learners, but the pharmacy sectors where they work, by setting the standard to aspire to in pharmacy training nationally. “Our success is testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of the entire Buttercups family, our staff, our stakeholders, and every learner who believed in our mission. “I look to the future under the new stewardship of BPP Education Group with optimism and excitement. The synergy between our mission and their expertise opens unparalleled opportunities for growth, innovation, and further impact on the wonderful pharmacy workforce. “Together we are poised to address the critical-skills gap, support the evolving needs of healthcare, and foster a workforce that it not just equipped with knowledge but with innovation, resilience, and compassion to navigate the challenges of modern healthcare. “With expanded resources, our learners are set to receive an even richer learning experience that is contemporary and comprehensive.   “I am profoundly grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey so far and am eager to embrace the opportunities that now lie ahead with the BPP Education Group.”

Healthcare provider relocates to £30m UK HQ at Castle Donington

Tess Egginton
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0
Healthcare provider relocates to £30m UK HQ at Castle Donington

Healthcare provider Mediq has centred its UK operations at a major new base in Castle Donington.

The firm – which operates across 14 European countries – has created its largest site to date as it builds its presence in the UK market.

The 280,000 sq ft facility at East Midlands Distribution Centre will be used for medical healthcare distribution supply.

The new facility was built to a cost of £30 million, which includes a £6 million fit-out.

It means the Mediq UK fleet will operate from the prime location between East Midlands Airport, the M1 and the A50 – one of the most strategically important logistics locations in the Midlands.

The investment forms part of Netherlands-headquartered Mediq’s vision of combining efficiency and innovation to make a lasting impact on the future of the healthcare landscape in the UK.

Mediq UK officially launched in September following the unification by acquisition of H&R Healthcare, Bunzl Healthcare, and 365 Healthcare. The group employs 415 people in the UK and 3,000 across its global group.

Mediq UK currently operates from several sites around the country, including at Coalville, but will centre UK operations on Castle Donington over coming months. Smaller distribution sites will remain as regional hubs.

Richard Cornwell, Managing Director, Mediq UK, said: “Castle Donington is another milestone in the growth of our UK business and Mediq’s overarching strategy of developing exceptional healthcare solutions for our customers.

“By investing in our largest site yet – and transforming our processes – we are supporting suppliers and reducing procurement costs for customers including NHS England and a host of other public and private healthcare providers.

“We are committed to upgrading warehouse and traffic management systems and optimising our operations for swift and accurate deliveries.

“This is a further demonstration of our commitment to reducing inequalities in health outcomes and improving consistency in both the primary and secondary care markets.”

The Castle Donington site, which has 30 loading bays and parking for 44 HGVs, was acquired and developed with the support of Derbyshire-based Clowes Developments.

It has had material handling equipment (MHE) and racking supplied and installed by Milton Keynes-based Jungheinrich.

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