Castleforge secures £26.6m refinancing loan for property portfolio

April Lara
-
0
Castleforge secures £26.6m refinancing loan for property portfolio

Castleforge has secured a £26.6 million refinancing loan to support its portfolio of nine apartment blocks in the Midlands and northern England. Secure Trust Bank (STB) Real Estate Finance provided the loan, which spans five years. This marks the fourth collaboration between the two firms since 2019.

The portfolio, spread across Leeds, Derby, Preston, Walsall, Cannock, and Leek, has substantially upgraded recently. Renovations have increased the number of lettable rooms from 302 to 543. The assets include diverse properties such as a former mill, converted office buildings, and a Grade II listed former school building.

STB’s involvement in the refinancing deal highlights its deep knowledge of property finance. It supports Castleforge in navigating the complexities of managing multiple properties. This partnership follows a previous deal in which STB provided a £3.9 million loan for the refurbishment of Spring Court in Ipswich.

Small businesses in Derbyshire losing millions to cyber-attacks each year

April Lara
-
0
Small businesses in Derbyshire losing millions to cyber-attacks each year

According to new findings from Vodafone Business, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across Derbyshire are collectively losing £84 million annually to cyber-attacks. The surge in cybercrime has left many local businesses exposed, with nearly one in three (29%) reporting they were targeted at least once in 2024 alone.

The study showed that more than 10% of businesses in the region were hit with between one and five cyber-attacks, while 5% faced multiple attacks, with some experiencing more than ten. This translates to a loss of £1,559 per business each year.

A key issue is the lack of robust security measures. Many local businesses struggle with limited budgets and insufficient expertise, leaving them vulnerable to data breaches, system failures, and reputational damage. These challenges are part of a broader national problem, with UK small businesses collectively losing £3.4 billion annually to cyber-attacks.

The research highlighted several concerning trends. Over half of SMB employees (52%) have not received cybersecurity training, and nearly a third (32%) of businesses operate without adequate protection against digital threats. Furthermore, despite the growing risks, 38% of businesses invest less than £100 annually in cybersecurity. With remote working becoming more common—64% of companies have staff working off-site regularly—cybersecurity vulnerabilities are exacerbated by using personal devices for work, with 60% of companies allowing this practice.

The most common attacks reported include phishing, which affects 70% of businesses, ransomware (23%), and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks (20%). In light of these findings, some businesses are opting to restrict remote working for employees to mitigate the risks associated with cybercrime.

To address the escalating threat, Vodafone Business is emphasising the importance of SMEs investing in scalable, cost-effective cybersecurity solutions. The company also offers a complimentary one-month trial of CybSafe, a platform that leverages AI and behavioural science to improve cybersecurity awareness and practices within organisations.

East Midlands Airport collaborates with Uniper on safe demolition of Ratcliffe-on-Soar cooling towers

April Lara
-
0
East Midlands Airport collaborates with Uniper on safe demolition of Ratcliffe-on-Soar cooling towers

East Midlands Airport is working closely with Uniper, the company overseeing the decommissioning of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station, to ensure that flights are not disrupted when the station’s cooling towers are demolished. The airport is involved in planning to ensure the demolition occurs at a time that will not affect air traffic safety.

The Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station, which closed its final unit on 30th September 2024 after 57 years of operation, is in decommissioning, a task expected to take around two years. During this time, the power station’s eight cooling towers, each 114 metres high with reinforced draught concrete walls, will be demolished as part of the site’s transition to redevelopment.

Approximately 120 staff members are still working on-site to manage the shutdown, which is divided into three major zones. Decommissioning will make the facility “cold and dark” before repurposing it for future use.

The airport’s management is in ongoing discussions with Uniper to ensure the demolition does not interfere with flight operations. While it is still too early to confirm exact dates, the goal is to carry out the demolition without disrupting air traffic, ensuring that aircraft can operate safely. The collaboration aims to balance the safety of air travel with the efficient completion of the power station’s decommissioning.

This project follows the demolition of cooling towers at the former High Marnham power station in Retford in 2012, the last such demolition in the region.

UK Government introduces measures to support the automotive sector amidst global challenges

April Lara
-
0
UK Government introduces measures to support the automotive sector amidst global challenges

The UK Government has unveiled a set of measures aimed at securing the future of the domestic car industry, which has been under increasing pressure due to global factors, including US tariffs and the ongoing shift to electric vehicles (EVs).

The automotive sector has faced significant difficulties recently, including a 25% tariff on exports to the US, which has raised concerns over potential job losses and economic impact. The Government’s new initiatives are designed to mitigate these challenges and support the transition to electric mobility, a critical component of the industry’s long-term strategy.

One of the key changes is a revision to the zero-emission vehicle mandate, which will provide greater flexibility to manufacturers in meeting the 2030 target for phasing out petrol and diesel cars. This includes extending allowances for hybrid vehicles and offering exemptions for smaller manufacturers, such as McLaren and Aston Martin. In addition, the financial penalties for manufacturers failing to meet EV targets have been reduced from £15,000 to £12,000 per non-compliant vehicle.

Nissan, which has significant operations in the UK, will benefit from these adjustments. The company, which focuses on exporting vehicles primarily to Europe, is on track to expand production at its Sunderland plant. The launch of new electric models, including the next-generation Leaf, Juke, and Micra, is expected to strengthen its market position, with 2024 projections showing a rise in production and revenues.

While the measures are a step in the right direction, some industry leaders have voiced concerns that they do not go far enough to address the broader challenges manufacturers face. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has welcomed the flexibility provided to car makers, but cautioned that a more comprehensive approach is needed to stimulate demand for EVs, beyond the current focus on quotas and penalties.

The Government’s efforts aim to balance the need for environmental progress with the economic realities of a rapidly changing global market, offering a mix of regulatory adjustments and targeted support to help the UK automotive sector remain competitive on the world stage. However, as manufacturers continue to face mounting pressure, many are calling for further action, particularly on the demand-side incentives necessary to accelerate EV adoption among consumers.

Urban noise complaints highlight growing concern over hearing health

April Lara
-
0
Urban noise complaints highlight growing concern over hearing health

Manchester, Hull, and Portsmouth are among the UK cities with the highest number of noise complaints since 2020, with Derby also emerging as one of the noisiest urban areas, according to a recent study.

Specsavers commissioned the survey of over 2,000 urban residents and backed it with data from Freedom of Information requests to local councils. The aim was to spotlight rising levels of noise pollution in UK cities and its connection to hearing health.

Manchester topped the list with more than 31,000 noise complaints, while Hull and Portsmouth followed closely at around 14,000 each. Other cities with high complaint volumes include Leicester (13,900), Bradford, Liverpool, and Newcastle (all over 11,000), and Leeds (10,000).

London boroughs collectively reported more than 440,000 complaints. Islington and Kensington & Chelsea each recorded over 60,000.

Regarding public perception, 54% of urban residents believe their environment has become louder over the last five years. Traffic, construction, emergency sirens, and noisy neighbours were the most disruptive sources. Over half of those surveyed said urban noise affects their concentration and sleep, and more than 60% believe it has worsened their hearing.

Despite growing concerns, nearly half of respondents have never had a hearing check, even though many report issues with hearing clarity and social engagement.

Government injects £38m to accelerate zero-emission bus rollout and green jobs

April Lara
-
0
Government injects £38m to accelerate zero-emission bus rollout and green jobs

The UK government has announced a £38 million investment to support the deployment of 319 zero-emission buses by 2027, reinforcing its commitment to decarbonising public transport and stimulating growth in green industries.

The funding, part of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) programme, is directed at local authorities to expand their electric bus fleets, reduce emissions, and create jobs in manufacturing, construction, and engineering.

Key allocations include nearly £20 million to the West of England Combined Authority for 160 electric buses, £3.9 million to Hull City Council for 42 buses, and £2.3 million to Nottinghamshire County Council, also for 42 vehicles. Additional funding will support similar initiatives in other regions.

The investment contributes to the UK’s broader plan to phase out diesel and petrol buses, with the goal of reaching a fully zero-emission bus fleet. It also aligns with the Bus Services Bill, which is designed to give local authorities more control over service delivery and modernisation.

Private operators are expected to co-invest, accelerating the transition to cleaner fleets and reinforcing public-private collaboration in building a sustainable transport infrastructure.

Hat-trick of property panel reappointments for Gateley Legal

Tess Egginton
-
0
Hat-trick of property panel reappointments for Gateley Legal
Gateley Legal’s specialist residential development team has secured a trio of legal panel reappointments for Bellway Homes, McCarthy Stone and Taylor Wimpey. The legal business, which has offices in Nottingham, has been advising Taylor Wimpey for more than 30 years and recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary of working with Bellway Homes. The team has been reappointed to the streamlined panels covering all regions for both housebuilders. It will provide support on a wide range of property, construction, disputes, commercial, regulatory and compliance matters. Following five years of service, Gateley Legal has also been reappointed by retirement living developer, McCarthy Stone, across all its regions to cover land acquisition, planning and plot sales matters, as well as construction, litigation and fire safety work. In addition to core legal advice, complementary support will be provided through the technical expertise of its property and construction consultancies within the wider Gateley group. This includes assisting with utility diversions and new connections, surveying matters, project management and capital allowances. Callum Nuttall, partner and national head of the residential development team at Gateley Legal, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our long-term relationships with Bellway Homes, McCarthy Stone and Taylor Wimpey. “These reappointments are a result of the hard work of our brilliant people, a series of strong lateral partner hires and our unrivalled multi-disciplinary offering which sees us providing both legal and consultancy services under one roof to meet the needs of both clients and the market.”

Skegness station upgrade delayed after contractor exits project

April Lara
-
0
Skegness station upgrade delayed after contractor exits project

A £3.3 million redevelopment of Skegness railway station has stalled after the appointed contractor, Taziker Ltd, withdrew from the project. East Midlands Railway (EMR), which is overseeing the scheme, is now in the process of sourcing a new delivery partner.

The revamp is part of a broader investment funded through the government’s Town Deal programme and aims to improve passenger flow by reconfiguring the station’s internal layout.

Originally scheduled for completion by 25 May, the timeline is now uncertain. EMR has reaffirmed its commitment to the project and is working to minimise disruption while securing a new contractor.

For businesses involved in infrastructure, transport, or town centre regeneration, the delay highlights the potential risks of contractor dependency in publicly funded development schemes.

n Industries takes majority stake in Derbyshire industrial brake, clutch and friction materials supplier

Tess Egginton
-
0
n Industries takes majority stake in Derbyshire industrial brake, clutch and friction materials supplier
n Industries Group has acquired a majority stake in Industrial Clutch Parts (ICP), a Derbyshire-based supplier of mission and safety critical industrial brakes, clutches, friction materials and couplings. ICP is a specialist distributor for many major industrial brake and clutch brands including WPT, Danfoss Airflex and Goizper, complemented by a portfolio of own brand products and aftermarket parts and consumables. With additional in-house manufacturing and refurbishment capabilities, ICP is a global business serving growing end markets such as wind energy, process industries, metal pressing, medical and mining. n Industries Group CEO, Jonathan Bates-Kawachi said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome ICP to the n Industries Group. ICP is one of the leading specialist distributors and manufacturers of brakes, clutches and friction materials globally. The safety critical nature of their products makes ICP a strong fit with our mission to build a group of high-quality industrial businesses.” ICP’s Managing Director, Chris Holmes, said: “Our decision to welcome n Industries as a majority stakeholder was driven by their innovative business model, which perfectly aligns with our ethos of remaining autonomous. “This deal mirrors n-industries recent investment in our sister company Friction Technology Limited and gives us the necessary capital and confidence to accelerate our growth. This is excellent news for customers and all our major supply partners who will benefit directly from our expansion initiatives. “I am particularly excited for the younger members of our team to work alongside Jonathan Bates-Kawachi and Duncan Penny, who has achieved remarkable success in growing SMEs. Their expertise and vision will be invaluable as we take this next step in our journey. Together, we are poised to build on our strong foundation and deliver enhanced value to our customers, supply partners and stakeholders.”

Nottingham College to deliver Halfords apprenticeship training academy

Tess Egginton
-
0
Nottingham College to deliver Halfords apprenticeship training academy
Nottingham College has been appointed to deliver bespoke apprenticeship training for household brand, Halfords.
The partnership will initally see apprentices undertake a Light Vehicle Technician Level 3 programme. Apprentices, who will study at Emtec, part of Nottingham College’s Ruddington campus, may also be fast tracked to qualify more quickly, if they demonstrate advanced technical ability. As part of the agreement, Halfords has taken on a physical unit at Ruddington, with the option to be able to expand into further space to accommodate the growing programme. Lindsey Smith, Assistant Principal at Ruddington campus, said: “We are really pleased to have won part of the Halfords apprenticeship training provision. Emtec is a globally renowned provider of exceptional education and training, so it’s fitting that a national household name has trusted us to deliver their apprenticeship programme. “We have already started welcoming apprentices through our doors and we look forward to building on this new relationship in the coming months and years.” Daniel McCann, Head of Skills Development at Halfords, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Nottingham College to deliver bespoke apprenticeship training for our future technicians. “Investing in the next generation of professionals is a key priority for us, and Nottingham College’s expertise in apprenticeship training makes them the ideal partner for this initiative.”
1...99100101...1,077Page 100 of 1,077