William Davis Homes makes three key appointments to land team

Tess Egginton
-
0
William Davis Homes makes three key appointments to land team
Loughborough-based William Davis Homes has welcomed a trio of key appointments to its East Midlands land team to support its plans for growth. Reece Richiardi has joined the team as senior land manager, working on the acquisition of open-market sites with existing planning consent, while Harry White, joining as senior strategic land manager, has been appointed to lead the housebuilder’s longer-term land acquisitions. Working alongside Reece and Harry is the company’s new head of design, Mike Barnett, who has been working on an ambitious project to design a new range of housetypes for the developer. The first of the new homes are set to be built on William Davis developments later this year. Harry, Reece and Mike bring significant experience from roles within regional and national housebuilders and said they were drawn to the vision which William Davis’ group land director Sarah Whetton had for the future of the team. Harry said: “After meeting with Sarah and Guy Higgins, the managing director, I felt that William Davis was the right place for me. “The business has an excellent reputation which has been hard-earned, people have a lot of good things to say, and that goes a long way in such a close-knit industry. The quality of build also positions us well in the market. “A family business, we are in a position where we can be dynamic and make decisions quickly, which is valuable in networking and negotiations.” Mike said: “There was an instant connection when I met Sarah and Guy, and they have ambitious plans which I’ve enjoyed working on already. “It’s been a great start to put my experience in the industry and in private practice into designing the new portfolio of housetypes, which is a rare opportunity and one which I jumped at. “The final designs respond to the needs of modern living, recognising how we now use our homes as both our living and social space, and how the space may be used at different stages of life. “The legacy of our developments is key and a lot of time, effort and care has been put into this piece of work.” Sarah Whetton said: “Reece, Harry and Mike are all driven, ambitious, and bring considerable experience and expertise to our team. “As we look ahead to our growth plans over the next five years, we need the right people to make that happen, and Reece, Harry and Mike have already made a huge impact on the business. “Reece and Harry will be key to our plans to increase market share and bring forward new sites, while Mike’s new housetype designs will provide homes across those sites which are efficient and suited to modern lifestyles, while creating an attractive street scene and responding to market needs.”

Sainsbury’s opposes Aldi plan in Matlock as council recommends approval

April Lara
-
0
Sainsbury’s opposes Aldi plan in Matlock as council recommends approval

Despite opposition from Sainsbury’s, Derbyshire Dales District Council has recommended approval for an Aldi supermarket in Matlock’s former Harveydale Quarry. The proposed 1,864-square-metre store would create 50 jobs and redevelop a derelict site.

Sainsbury argues that the town does not need another supermarket and claims that the development would harm the trade of its existing stores. It also cites concerns over pedestrian access and the impact on independent retailers. However, 757 letters of support were received, with the only formal objection coming from Sainsbury’s.

Council planners state the Aldi store would not significantly impact the town centre’s economic viability. The project includes 109 parking spaces and upgraded traffic controls on Dale Road. It will replace former Derbyshire County Council offices and a local MOT garage, despite concerns over the loss of the mechanic business.

A final decision will be made on April 8.

Leicestershire caravan park secures £25,000 for expansion

April Lara
-
0
Leicestershire caravan park secures £25,000 for expansion

The Grange, an independent camping and caravan park in Leicestershire, has secured £25,000 in funding from First Enterprise through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme. The investment will support expansion into surrounding land and introducing a new glamping experience, including Leicestershire’s first yurt accommodation.

The site offers 26 fully serviced pitches, bespoke facilities, and an on-site shop featuring local produce. The funding will enable the addition of six new hard-standing pitches, set to open in May 2025. The Grange, which recently won Best Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park at the Leicestershire Tourism & Hospitality Awards, aims to enhance its offering to meet growing demand for premium outdoor stays.

Derby’s new taxi licensing rules could disrupt local business

April Lara
-
0
Derby’s new taxi licensing rules could disrupt local business

Derby City Council’s proposed changes to taxi licensing could severely impact private hire taxi owners, with the GMB Union warning that hundreds of drivers may lose their livelihoods.

The council’s plan aims to reduce the maximum age for licensable vehicles from 15 to just 5 years, potentially forcing many drivers to use older vehicles out of business. This move would set Derby apart from neighbouring cities like Nottingham, which allows taxis up to 10 years old.

GMB Regional Organiser Craig Thomson voiced concerns that the council’s approach, focused on reaching green city targets, unfairly burdens local taxi drivers without sufficient consultation. He called for the council to work with drivers and unions to develop a more balanced plan. This shift in policy could disrupt the daily operations of a vital service for the local community, putting many businesses at risk.

Conversion of farm buildings into holiday lets approved in Northamptonshire

April Lara
-
0
Conversion of farm buildings into holiday lets approved in Northamptonshire

Local authorities have approved plans to convert a set of rural farm buildings in Northamptonshire into a holiday accommodation site. The site, situated near Blatherwycke, northeast of Corby, will transform five mid-19th-century barns and stables into six holiday homes. The development also includes plans for a café and retail space.

The proposed holiday homes will vary in size from one to three bedrooms and will feature fully equipped living spaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and terraces. A café offering food and drinks and a bicycle rental service in one of the larger units will be included.

The applicant, F & A George Ltd noted the local demand for tourist accommodation, citing nearby attractions such as Fineshade Woods and Rutland Water, as well as the market towns of Stamford and Oundle.

The site will retain existing access from Blatherwycke Road, with a new car park to be constructed to accommodate guests.

Work gets underway to find new members for Leicester and Leicestershire’s Innovation Board

Tess Egginton
-
0
Work gets underway to find new members for Leicester and Leicestershire’s Innovation Board
Work is underway to recruit new members for Leicester and Leicestershire’s Innovation Board. The announcement came as Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2025 launched with a packed day of events covering industrial strategy, artificial intelligence for SMEs, and routes to finance. The first day of the seventh annual festival included a review of the region’s innovation opportunity from Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, founder of RandalSun Capital and a former LLEP Innovation Chair. There was also a deep look into the strategic opportunity of AI for small businesses, and a funding support session led by Innovate UK and the British Business Bank. Delegates started the day at the National Space Centre, where they were welcomed by Andy Reed OBE, Chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Business Board. He said: “This festival started in 2018 with three events and has become an annual part of the regional business calendar. It brings together partners with a shared interest in encouraging small business productivity and growth in Leicester and Leicestershire.” Mr Reed also informed guests at the National Space Centre that work had recently commenced to populate an Innovation Board. It will sit under the Business Board of the Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership (LLBSP). The Innovation Board’s purpose will be to bring together leaders from business, research, education and finance, seizing on opportunities as they emerge in the innovation space. Previously, the Innovation Board was part of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP). LLEP functions were taken under the control of upper tier local authorities last year. Dr Kotecha followed Mr Reed’s welcome with a look at Leicester and Leicestershire’s innovation landscape and the origins of the regional R&D agenda. He then assessed the emerging opportunity around the Government’s Industrial Strategy. Dr Kotecha said: “The Government’s Invest 2035 programme suggests that innovation is again returning to the forefront of strategic thinking. “This is to be welcomed and we must make sure we are poised to advocate for our economy and our business community and seize – for Leicester and Leicestershire – the opportunities that the Government is trailing.” Steve Barradell and Guy Boyle, directors of Loughborough-based Institute, gave a 45-minute critical discussion of AI and its strategic opportunity for local small businesses. They followed up by confirming that their funded 12-week AI+ programme for small businesses – supported by Loughborough College and Innovate UK – would return in the autumn. A further 60 places have been made available for 2025-26 after the sell-out success of the first programme last year. Guy, Institute’s Creative Director, said: “We’re interested in increasing knowledge among SMEs so they can ask better questions of those selling them current digital solutions.” Guests then made the short walk to nearby Space Park, where an afternoon session, led by Innovate UK and the British Business Bank, provided detailed insights into current funding opportunities. As well as practical guidance on preparing winning funding applications, the session included networking time for small businesses to meet with funding experts and fellow innovators. Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2025 runs until Friday. It is led by the Business Gateway Growth Hub. Events take place online and at venues across the city and county. Subjects covered include finance, life sciences, innovative manufacturing, and digital skills.

Fairham Way to become main arterial route through Nottingham’s new neighbourhood

Tess Egginton
-
0
Fairham Way to become main arterial route through Nottingham’s new neighbourhood
From Monday 14th April 2025, Fairham Way will open and become the main arterial road through Nottingham’s new neighbourhood – Fairham. Fairham Way will allow traffic to flow through the centre of Fairham for the first time since the development of the 606-acre brand new neighbourhood commenced in 2018. With over £58m spent on infrastructure, the road opening marks a significant shift change in the delivery of homes, employment and conveniences at Fairham, providing easier access to all the residential area and business park. The new road will also allow direct access to the centre of the neighbourhood from the Northern Gateway located off Mill Hill Island from the A453 past all residential plots until the road rejoins Nottingham Road at the Southern Gateway. Clowes Developments and Homes England are responsible for delivering Nottingham’s new neighbourhood, Fairham. The partnership is set to bring thousands of new homes, jobs and opportunities to Nottingham. The 606-acre site on the southern edge of the city will become a prime commercial and residential destination. It is anticipated that the new Fairham Way road will see as many as 8,000 cars travelling through the neighbourhood every day. In light of this and at the request of Nottinghamshire County Council, the decision has been made to close a section of Nottingham Road, connecting Clifton to Gotham, between the stagger junction and the Southern Gateway. By closing this section, traffic will be channelled through Fairham Way in both directions which will assist in changing public behaviour to utilise Fairham Way. This will also allow improvement works including traffic calming features to be undertaken to Nottingham Road. It is expected to remain closed for up to 18 months. All road traffic, cycle routes, pedestrian paths and public transport routes, including bus service numbers 1/1A and 4/N4 will be diverted to follow Fairham Way with a new bus stop added to the route. Thanks to infrastructure specialists, O’Brien Contractors Ltd, works around the stagger junction have also been completed on time and according to schedule.

BWB sets out plans to double in size as built environment industry confronts new challenges

Tess Egginton
-
0
BWB sets out plans to double in size as built environment industry confronts new challenges
Integrated engineering and environmental consultancy BWB is aiming to double the size of the business over the next five years. The Nottingham-headquartered company has delivered a series of landmark projects during the past year, including continuing work at East Midlands Gateway and the 800-bed build-to-rent Barnum development near Nottingham Railway Station. Led by CEO Graham Sant, BWB now employs more than 370 people, with offices in Birmingham, Leeds, London and Manchester alongside its headquarters at Waterfront House, Nottingham. It has just embarked on a five-year growth strategy driven by a series of major changes affecting every aspect of the bult environment. Graham explained: “We enjoyed another strong year of performance in 2024, and this has given us a springboard to focus on long-term horizons so that the business is well positioned to take continuing advantage of its strengths in the strategic trends driving change. “The whole of the built environment industry is confronting challenges related to climate change and scarce resources, increasing urbanisation, technology advances, and the shifting dynamics of globalisation and demographic change. “As a business that is focused relentlessly on client needs, we continue to invest heavily in the skills, insights and solutions which meet those needs so that we can remain agile, innovative and responsive.” Graham added: “The critical component is people and our commitment to supporting and developing the next generation of expert professionals is why we are the only business in our sector that has achieved the Investors in People Platinum standard.” BWB’s expertise spans urban development, public infrastructure and future mobility, with its sustainable growth solutions applied to city centre regeneration, shaping transport hubs and driving the transition to low carbon energy. Recent projects include the Tea Factory – the BBC’s new headquarters in Birmingham – the Broadmarsh Bus Station and upcoming works at the Guildhall redevelopment. BWB has also developed its annual Healthy Places Snapshot, based on insights from 50 industry leaders in local government, development, architecture, urban design and planning. Anthony Hart, BWB’s Regional Director for the East Midlands, said: “What these insights tell us is that healthy placemaking has got to play a part in unlocking the growth that we’re all looking for, particularly here in the East Midlands. “We’re really encouraged to see the new East Midlands Combined County Authority and Mayor Claire Ward launch an Inclusive Growth Commission. That tells us that the approach to unlocking the region’s potential is going to be informed by concepts like healthy placemaking – which we’re passionate about – and an understanding of the role this plays in inclusive and sustainable progress. “There are numerous opportunities to fire-up the East Midlands economy – we have global leaders in advanced manufacturing, expertise in clean energy, one of the biggest trade gateways in the UK at East Midlands Airport, incentivised sites at the Freeport and EMCCA’s own Investment Zones. “There are also landmark opportunities such as the South Derby Growth Zone, where we have supported Infinity Park. With the right approach and a more progressive planning system there’s no reason why we can’t shift the dial of regional growth.”

Long Sutton dental practice sold to expanding group

Tess Egginton
-
0
Long Sutton dental practice sold to expanding group
Long Sutton Dentistry in Lincolnshire has been sold to an expanding group. Set up by the previous owners, Kenny Doig, Jez Hyland, and Sam Wright, in 2013, it is located in the market town of Long Sutton, near Boston and Spalding in South Lincolnshire. Over the last 12 years, it has grown into a four-surgery practice and become a mainstay for the local community. The practice was brought to market to allow the sellers to concentrate on their other business interests. Following a confidential sales process with Tom Morley at Christie & Co, it has been sold to The Dental Design Studio. Dr Kenny Doig, former owner of Long Sutton Dentistry, said: “It’s reassuring to know that our staff and patients are in excellent hands, thanks to DDS’s outstanding track record of professionalism and expertise. The trust and confidence we feel stems directly from their proven capabilities. “We would like to express our appreciation for Jeff and Larry, who made every interaction a pleasure. Their approachability and professionalism ensured the process was not just straightforward but truly instilled confidence that we had made the correct decision to sell to a group rather than a large corporate.” Dr Jeffrey Sherer, Clinical Director at The Dental Design Studio, said: “We’re very happy to have acquired Long Sutton – our twenty-second dental practice. It is a fantastic practice with a great team, and we are so pleased to have it as part of our group.” Tom Morley, Associate Director – Dental at Christie & Co, said: “It was a pleasure to represent, Jez, Kenny, and Sam in the sale of Long Sutton, and I wish Larry and Jeff all the best with their new acquisition. Another successful sale in the East Midlands demonstrates to the market that quality private practices are continually acquired by aspirational groups.” Long Sutton Dentistry was sold for an undisclosed price.

Labour’s £600m investment to strengthen construction workforce in the East Midlands

April Lara
-
0
Labour’s £600m investment to strengthen construction workforce in the East Midlands

The UK government has committed £600 million to address the growing shortage of skilled construction workers, focusing on increasing workforce numbers nationwide by 2029.

This initiative forms part of Labour’s Plan for Change, which aims to boost the industry by training 60,000 workers and expanding access to construction jobs for young people. Key elements of the plan include creating new training opportunities, expanding apprenticeship programmes, and introducing technical colleges focused on construction skills.

For businesses in the East Midlands, this investment is a significant step toward addressing the long-standing labour gaps in the construction sector. The region, already home to 130,000 construction workers, stands to benefit from these measures, which are expected to provide a sustainable talent pipeline for major housing and infrastructure projects.

These moves come after a significant contraction in the workforce, with approximately 320,000 construction roles lost nationally between 2019 and 2024. The new funding is seen as crucial in revitalising the sector, ensuring that it can meet the UK’s housing and infrastructure demands moving forward.

1...121122123...1,092Page 122 of 1,092