The Access Group to acquire candidate onboarding solution
The Access Group, a Loughborough-based provider of business management software to mid-market organisations, has reached an agreement to acquire Onboarded, an Australian technology provider of recruitment onboarding software.
As part of this acquisition, The Access Group has reached an agreement to acquire Onboarded’s sister company, smartAI, a personalised conversation platform for recruiters. This furthers Access’s ambition to help recruiters globally to benefit from usable AI daily.
Through this acquisition, Access Recruitment will be able to offer its customers the ability to streamline and speed up the onboarding process and ensure candidates are fully compliant. 84% of candidates using the Onboarded platform complete their onboarding within 24 hours.
Raj Soni, Founder of Onboarded and smartAI, said: “Since founding Onboarded in 2019, our mission and vision have been to build trusted connections between workers and businesses. Joining forces with Access represents an exciting new chapter in our journey, making it even easier for more people—globally—to onboard seamlessly into the workplace.”
Emma de Sousa, Group Managing Director, Access, added: “We are delighted to welcome Onboarded and smartAI to the Access family, and we look forward to working alongside the Onboarded and smartAI teams to deliver an exceptional software experience that lightens the load for recruitment professionals and creates a seamless onboarding process for candidates changing roles or entering the world of work.”
Further success on high value Efficiency East Midlands framework for Hodgson Sayers
Nottingham and County Durham-based Hodgson Sayers has been reselected for a further four years as lead contractor on the extensive Efficiency East Midlands (EEM) framework, where it has already won work in excess of £3 million.
Works to be undertaken within the framework are for roofing replacement and repairs and will continue to be led by contracts manager, Linden Blackwood, from the company’s base in Nottingham.
Hodgson Sayers, a building maintenance, security products and roofing specialist, was on the previous framework which ran from 2020 to 2024.
Established in 2010, EEM is a not-for-profit procurement consortium that offers cost and efficiency savings for the public sector across England and Wales. It supports 365 organisations ranging from contracting authorities, education providers, police forces, NHS Trusts and charities.
Hodgson Sayers, which employs around 100 staff, has completed contracts for a number of organisations since it was first placed on the framework in 2020, including Newark and Sherwood District Council, Derby Homes, East Midlands Homes and Nottingham City Homes.
John Sayers, managing director, Hodgson Sayers, said: “Winning new contracts is essential and exciting but renewing an existing contract, or, in this case, retaining our lead position on such an important framework, is testament to a high consistency of quality of workmanship and customer service and to the values of the operational teams, led by contracts manager, Linden Blackwood.
“Once more, we have the opportunity to deliver work to the potential value of several millions of pounds over the lifespan of the framework and, as lead contractor, we do not have to compete against other companies also on the framework to be awarded work. Instead, we can focus on delivering the same quality projects that won us the renewal of our place on the framework.
“I would like to extend my thanks to Efficiency East Midlands and also to the entire team at Hodgson Sayers for ensuring that we provide all of our clients with best-in-class service.”
Linden Blackwood said: “Hodgson Sayers is a customer-centric business and to have, once again, been placed first across all criteria, is the biggest indicator we are performing to the standard we hold ourselves to.
“When I joined the Nottingham office two and a half years ago, Hodgson Sayers was just starting to make itself known in the Midlands. It speaks volumes that we have gone from being a relatively unknown company in the East Midlands, to being a first-choice provider. I am extremely proud to lead the team operating in this region.
“It has only been possible to attain the level of geographical growth that the business has achieved in such a short time period, with renewed business, because of the dedication our people display day in, day out.
“Indeed, one of the biggest challenges any business faces when experiencing exponential growth is ensuring that the quality of service does not drop. The renewal of our position as lead contractor on such a highly competitive framework, highlights the ability of the business to scale up whilst continuing to deliver an impeccable service.”
Midlands Rail Hub holds prospect of almost 13,000 jobs
The Midlands Rail Hub programme could yield almost 13,000 new roles, according to recent analysis.
The Hub is the region’s biggest and most ambitious rail improvement scheme, which will serve more than 50 stations – covering seven million people across the region, with work expected to run from next year until 2033.
A series of engineering interventions throughout the region will make space for scores of additional trains on the network every day.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “Our rail services are hugely overcrowded and in order to get more people on the network we need to provide more trains for them.
“The Midlands Rail Hub will better connect Birmingham and the West Midlands to Bristol, Cardiff, Leicester, Derby and Nottingham with more frequent and reliable services.
“But it’s also creating thousands of jobs and apprenticeships through the design and construction phase and beyond – investing in our transport network means investing in the people of our region.”
The majority of the job roles predicted for the project are skilled occupations in engineering or project management. More than 300 apprentices are expected to be recruited and trained during the programme.
Economically, over the course of the project, Midlands Rail Hub could generate an additional £240m in economic value throughout the supply chain. And a further £45m uplift is expected in social value benefits, thanks to enhanced skills and knowledge and sustained employment.
Maria Machancoses, CEO, Midlands Connect, said: “This project is so much more than just a rail scheme, it will create high skilled jobs, grow our economy and kick start careers, thanks to hundreds of apprenticeships.
“The scale of the transformational impact goes even further. Once delivered, Midlands Rail Hub will transform train travel in region for generations to come, connecting our communities and offering a greener way of travelling.”
Last year, Government committed to ‘full’ delivery of Midlands Rail Hub, and in February this year, an additional £123m was allocated towards the project, to progress the detailed engineering designs.
Sue joins PIB as Leicester branch director
Vice President of Insurance Institute of Leicester, Sue Hull has joined PIB as Branch Director in the city, bringing with her over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry.
She began her career at Bland Bankart (now part of the Gallagher empire) and most recently at Berkeley Insurance Group in Leicester.
She was Operations Director at my former company, where she spent more than 20 years. “The company was relatively small, with just 70 employees. In my role, I was responsible for everything from systems and HR to compliance. After two decades and some changes within the business, I felt it was the right time to seek a new challenge.
“I took over the Leicester Branch Director role from Stewart Liddell, whom I’ve known for many years. It was reassuring to see that he has stayed with PIB and is continuing to grow his career within the business. It’s a testament to the opportunities available here and the commitment people have to progress within the company.”
Approval granted for 81 new homes in Earl Shilton
Approval has been granted by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to develop 81 new homes in Earl Shilton.
The site – delivered by Persimmon Homes’ North Midlands team – will bring a range of new homes to the area. The development will be made up of two- to four- bed properties, with the new homes designed to meet the requirements of local buyers. The development also offers several community benefits, including funds given to educational facilities. In addition, as part of the wider development in Earl Shilton, new jobs and training opportunities will be generated as part of the development, and funds will be pledged to the local authority to support local infrastructure. Sean Barratt, Technical Director at Persimmon Homes North Midlands, said: “We’re proud to have secured approval to deliver these new homes in Earl Shilton. Our upcoming new community will bring a wide range of new benefits to the area and we’ll continue to work closely with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council throughout the build process to deliver on these commitments. “This development will not only generate significant job opportunities throughout the lifespan of the project but will also leave a lasting legacy of community benefits for the people of Earl Shilton and the surrounding areas.”Funding secured for Leicestershire project helping bring new talent to emerging digital sectors
The Leicester and Leicestershire Careers Hub has secured funding to deliver a two-year project across the region helping to bring new talent to emerging digital sectors.
We Discover Digital will create opportunities for local young people to increase their awareness and understanding of vocational and technical routes into cyber and digital careers.
It will focus on five areas that are experiencing growth but report struggling to attract young talent – Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Games Design and Animation, Programming and Coding and Esports.
The programme will require support from local employers to ensure young people are exposed to workplaces and employer-led activities that will link up to digital apprenticeship and T Level opportunities.
Gerarde Manley, Strategic Careers Hub Lead, said: “We are reaching out to local businesses to support the project and inspire the future workforce. Our research shows that the digital sector is a key growth sector in Leicester and Leicestershire.
“To maximise that potential, we need to demonstrate to young people the breadth of opportunities available in the digital sector – this programme is specifically designed to do that while boosting the future talent pipeline.
“Currently there are 7,800 high-value jobs, with the potential to deliver a further 2,300 jobs and £270 million of regional growth by 2030.”
The support of local businesses is needed to offer flexible workplace experiences, parent/carer information sessions, and industry insight sessions for lecturers.
The project will start this autumn and focus on Year 12 and 13 students. Businesses that sign up will be offered support throughout the process.
Four stages will make up the programme:
- De-coding digital pathways: Teachers, careers leaders and educators will learn about digital industry careers.
- Digital Speed Trials: Work experience placements within the sector.
- Digital VIP events: Visiting employers that hosted work placements and developing knowledge built up during earlier stages.
- Digital Application Bootcamps: Young people supported with applying for technical routes into digital careers.
Howes Percival appoints first Head of Construction
Howes Percival has recruited Partner Piet van Gelder as the firm’s first ever Head of Construction, to meet the growing demand for construction law services.
Based in the East Midlands, Piet is a specialist construction and engineering lawyer who advises clients in the construction, engineering and renewable energy sectors and in respect of compliance with the new regime under the Building Safety Act.
Piet has experience over the whole lifecycle of projects from compliance with building regulations, procurement and resolving commercial issues and project accounts.
Piet has been involved with many engineering projects outside the renewables sector including nuclear waste plants, process engineering plants, sequence batch reactors and waste to energy plants.
He has been involved in substantial disputes in the Technology & Construction Court and in international & domestic arbitration, as well as an experienced practitioner in adjudication and a keen proponent of mediation.
Piet is a director of Procon Leicestershire and Chair of the East Midlands Chamber of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Lucy Lord, Partner and Head of Property at Howes Percival, said: “We are delighted to welcome Piet to Howes Percival to head up and grow our construction offering. Piet has a wealth of experience and a strong client following.
“He is a great recruit for us and brings the calibre and credibility we need to align with the strength of our development team and take our proposition to the next level. The local and national market in development terms remains very strong and we are seeing our development instructions increase quarter on quarter.
“As a result, we need to expand our construction offering which is a critical specialism for our development clients.”
CEO prepares to leave award-winning charity
The CEO of Menphys will leave his role after six years at the award-winning charity.
Ian Caldwell has led Menphys – which supports children and young people with disabilities – since November 2018. He will leave in October.
The charity’s joint-Chairs Wyn Rees and Lisa Franklin praised the CEO’s dedication and commitment.
“Ian has been committed to our vision of creating a future full of equal choices and opportunities for children and young people with disabilities and their families,” he said. “He has worked very hard to help empower them to live as ordinary lives as possible.
“His leadership has enabled the charity to continue its vital work supporting thousands of local people, despite the many challenges faced during his time as CEO.
“Ian leaves with our appreciation and we wish him the best of luck in his new role.”
Ian moved into the charity sector after extensive experience in operations management within the private sector. His leadership career in the charity sector began soon after Menphys had its funding removed by Leicestershire County Council. The charity was faced with finding new ways of sourcing the funds needed to ensure its vital services could continue.
Ian led Menphys through the Pandemic, helping children and young people with disabilities – and their families – access support at a difficult time.
The charity has also received a number of honours during his time as CEO. Menphys received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2021. It is the highest accolade a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
Ian said: “I have been lucky enough to lead a fantastic team in the staff and volunteers that make Menphys what it is.
“Throughout my time here, the children, young people and families we support have been my motivation.
“This charity does wonderful work for wonderful people who aren’t always given the opportunities they deserve.
“I know it will continue towards its vision and have a positive impact upon thousands of local people as it does.”
Ian will begin his new role as CEO of Leicestershire Education Business Company (LEBC) in October.
The Menphys Board has now begun the recruitment process for a new CEO.
Nottinghamshire community pharmacy snapped up
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Manns Pharmacy in Carlton, Nottinghamshire.
Manns is a standard hours community pharmacy that dispenses an average of 2,800 items per month. It is located in the residential area of Carlton, a suburb north-east of Nottingham city centre, between the suburbs of Mapperley and Gedling.
The pharmacy has been owned by Gurinder Singh Mann for over 20 years and was brought to market to enable retirement.
Following a confidential sales process with Carl Steer at Christie & Co, and with funding sourced through Joe Carden at Christie Finance Unsecured, it has been purchased by Leicester-based first-time buyer, Ravi Bansal.
Carl Steer, Director – Pharmacy at Christie & Co, says: “We have been working with and advising Mr Mann for some years, so it is nice to bring another sale to completion for him following the sale of his Mapperley branch last year. Demand remains in the market for sub £1 million pharmacies right across the Midlands, however correct pricing has become an important aspect of the current market.”
Joe Carden, Senior Finance Consultant at Christie Finance, says: “Ravi is a very experienced pharmacist and owning a pharmacy had been a goal of hers for some years, so it was a delight to assist her in this purchase. We were able to secure 80 per cent of the purchase price via an unsecured loan to allow her to complete her first purchase.
“Lender appetite is strong for first-time pharmacy purchasers; however, detailed information is key for a successful application. The more a lender can understand the applicant, their experience, and how they are going to run the pharmacy, such as what new ideas they’ll implement and how they manage the business day to day, the higher likelihood of approval.”
Manns Pharmacy was sold for an undisclosed price.
Sale of Lincolnshire agricultural machinery business saves 68 jobs
Sixty-eight jobs in Lincolnshire have been saved following the pre-pack sale of the Burdens Group.
Headquartered in Boston, the company supplied a wide range of farm and groundcare machinery from leading manufacturers including New Holland, Horizon, Amarzone and JPM Trailers. From tractors and combine harvesters to trailers and mowers, its customers included farmers, groundcare professionals and potato growers across the UK.
The Burdens Group offered both new and used agricultural machinery for sale from its depots in Sutterton, North Kyme, Louth and Brigg. It also had a division providing agricultural machinery for hire.
The company began to experience financial difficulties due to the pressures facing the farming sector following poor weather during 2023 and 2024, resulting in poor crop yields, and this was exacerbated by changes to EU subsidies. These issues resulted in farmers reducing their investment in new machinery which had a significant impact on the company’s turnover.
Joint administrators Gareth Rusling and Robert Dymond of Begbies Traynor were subsequently appointed as joint administrators on 19th August and a sale of the business and assets was immediately completed to Russell’s (Kirbymoorside) Limited in Malton and Stevenage-based Ernest Doe & Sons Limited, representing the northern and southern sales respectively.
The sales secured 68 jobs therefore reducing total creditor claims.
A significant amount of tangible assets which were not sold to either purchaser will be disposed of by Eddisons Commercial Limited and are likely to be sold via auction.
“Having traded successfully for more than 40 years, the Burdens Group was a victim of problems hitting the farming sector with bad weather and changes to EU subsidies resulting in its key customer base reducing their spend,” explains joint administrator Gareth Rusling of Begbies Traynor. “We worked hard to quickly conclude a sale to two experienced agricultural businesses, and it’s fantastic that the sales have saved the jobs of 68 people.”
