East Midlands manufacturer completes £1.6m contract for major residential scheme in Leeds

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East Midlands manufacturer completes £1.6m contract for major residential scheme in Leeds
Mansfield-based Deanestor, the furniture and fitout specialists, has delivered a £1.6m contract to provide more than 300 high specification kitchens for a major new co-living scheme in Leeds, developed by Caddick Developments. Mercer West and Madison East are two adjoining apartment buildings near the River Aire in Leeds’ vibrant cultural quarter, which were built by Caddick Construction. This build-to-rent development is part of SOYO Leeds – a new neighbourhood in the heart of the city. Deanestor provided bespoke, contemporary kitchens for 331 apartments in a range of configurations to suit each apartment layout. This involved the manufacture and installation of around 4,500 items of furniture including base and wall cabinets, drawers, tall fridge unit, oven housing and solid white quartz worktops. Eugene Cannon, Senior Quantity Surveyor at Caddick Construction, said: “The Deanestor team excelled commercially and in the design phase for this complex and large-scale co-living scheme. They were helpful at each stage and had a common-sense approach to any challenges, such as the need to upgrade appliances. The finished kitchens are great – good quality, contemporary detailing, superior worktops, and gave us the value for money we were looking for.” The kitchen cabinetry was supplied in two colour palettes for alternate floors – stone grey and dark blue, and with black D-shaped handles and brushed satin taps. Each kitchen was fully equipped by Deanestor with integrated appliances – a built-in oven, microwave, ceramic hob, washer dryer, fridge/freezer and dishwasher.

Burton testing, inspection, certification, and compliance firm makes acquisition

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Burton testing, inspection, certification, and compliance firm makes acquisition
Burton-based SOCOTEC UK has acquired Impulse Geophysics Ltd, a provider of 4K Digital Video and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) services based in Bedford.
Using cutting edge technology and AI, Impulse specialises in Asset Management and Condition Inspection in the Infrastructure industry, allowing clients to visualise and plan their networks/schemes effectively and safely. The company, which has strong experience and links with many key Infrastructure industries, will further strengthen SOCOTEC UK’s range of services in the Infrastructure Asset Monitoring area. Bob Milligan, Managing Director of Impulse, said: “It is great to be joining SOCOTEC UK within the Infrastructure Division. Over the years, we have delivered many projects for SOCOTEC UK, and we look forward to continuing our innovation and growth by utilising the client and geographical reach and expertise that joining SOCOTEC UK brings.” Richard Hildick-Smith, Managing Director of Infrastructure, continued: “We are really pleased to welcome Impulse to our division. It further strengthens our range of services in the Infrastructure Asset Monitoring area. Having Impulse’s expertise in the niche area of video linked with GPR surveys significantly enhances our portfolio. “It will seamlessly integrate with the existing business unit services and clients, bolstering our growth into a more data led offering to clients with the aim of supporting Asset Integrity throughout the lifecycle.” Hervé Montjotin, CEO of the SOCOTEC group, added: “Monitoring solutions are strategic to the infrastructure sector. As a leading trusted third party, ensuring safety, longevity and integrity of built assets are an essential part of our societal role. “This acquisition in the UK is further strengthening our infrastructure activities which at global level represent more than 30% of total Group revenues, and is reinforcing our leadership ambitions.”

Intervention called for as new analysis shows junction 28 of the M1 is ‘full’

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Intervention called for as new analysis shows junction 28 of the M1 is ‘full’
New analysis released by Midlands Connect shows junction 28 of the M1 is up to 107% capacity in the morning rush hour. The work shows three junctions off the road are over 100%, two others are nearly full and only one slip road is under 50% capacity. This has been ‘further evidence’ of the need for an upgrade of the Pinxton interchange. The A38 towards Alfreton going eastbound off junction 28 is seeing traffic flows reaching 107%, this equates to 2,302 cars, vans and HGVs using that slip road single hour. Assessments identified that the Northbound M1 slip road sees 1,104 vehicles on average using this off slip every hour and it is at 104% capacity. The Mansfield Road slip road also clocked up 102% capacity. The M1 southbound slip road clocked up 82% capacity and the A38 going towards Sutton-in-Ashfield only has 9% space left at the morning rush hour as 1,126 cars and vans use the route off junction 28. Only one road, the A38 left filter lane towards the M1 had much capacity left, with 38% of space being used in the rush hour. Integrated Transport Programme Lead, Swati Mittal said: “Junction 28 has struggled for many years with gridlock, and we are keen to get solutions moving to fix this. Drivers have been snarled up in traffic which impacts residents and businesses in and around Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and beyond. “An intervention in this area is necessary to facilitate growth, jobs and allow us to deliver the growth aspirations of South Normanton, Pinxton and the wider region.”

Housing associations explore merger

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Housing associations explore merger
Longhurst Group and Grand Union Housing Group have entered talks over a potential merger. The groups, which, combined, currently own and manage over 37,000 homes and employ over 1,400 colleagues across the Midlands and East of England, are exploring a proposal that would see them come together before the end of the year. The housing associations’ respective Boards have approved a business case that unlocks significant potential to invest more in existing homes and neighbourhoods and deliver 5,000 new homes over the next five years. The new organisation would be one of the largest housing associations in the region. Longhurst Group’s Chief Executive Julie Doyle said: “We have a strong existing relationship with Grand Union Housing Group, with whom we share similar visions and values as well as our geographic footprints and growth aspirations. “We feel that both organisations have complementing strengths as well as areas that can be further improved by coming together, which would give us the opportunity to learn from each other and, ultimately, deliver the best possible service for our customers.  “There is still a lot of work to be done, however both organisations believe there is a strong case for coming together and we are excited by the potential that this move would represent.” The two organisations will now enter a period of due diligence and will consult customers about the potential change.  Grand Union CEO, Aileen Evans, added: “Both ourselves and Longhurst Group are well governed and built on solid financial foundations and we believe that we’d be even stronger together as a larger organisation and have more resilience to respond to a challenging operating environment.    “We are exploring this from a position of strength and this presents an exciting opportunity for both organisations to take proactive steps in ensuring we’re well placed for the future.    “As one organisation, we could better realise our aims for the future; specifically, to speed up improvements in our homes, provide enhanced services and build more homes.”  

Sales rise at Dunelm as profits move ahead of expectations

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Sales rise at Dunelm as profits move ahead of expectations

Sales are on the up at Dunelm, the homewares retailer, according to a trading update for the 13-week period ended 29 June 2024 (Q4) and for the full year (FY24).

The business reported a strong final quarter, with sales growth of 5% to £399m, with good performance from both store and digital channels. Meanwhile, total sales for the year of £1.7bn grew by 4% versus the prior year, and pre-tax profits are expected to be slightly ahead of current market expectations (£200m). Dunelm’s new store opening programme is also on track, with six new stores opened in FY24, including one relocation.

Nick Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We delivered another strong performance in Q4, with continued volume-driven sales growth across both store and digital channels. Amidst ongoing consumer caution, our unrelenting focus on value and choice means the Dunelm proposition has continued to resonate with customers, and we saw both full-priced and discounted lines trade well during our summer sale period.

“Throughout the year, we grew sales and continued to exercise tight cost control in an environment of high inflation. Our strong gross margin performance means we now expect our FY24 profit before tax to be slightly ahead of expectations.

“Going into FY25, we have a significant opportunity ahead of us. We are finding quality sites for new stores, and are increasingly confident in our smaller format stores. We are also continuing to invest in both our digital offer and wider operations to support further market share gains.

“However, we will need to maintain strong operational grip given ongoing wage inflation. Notwithstanding the continuing uncertainty in our markets, we’re both excited and confident in our plans.”

Frasers Group CEO hails “break-out year”

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Frasers Group CEO hails “break-out year”

Frasers Group has shown “sustained profitable growth” in full year results for the 52 weeks ended 28 April 2024 (FY24), with its CEO hailing it a “break-out year.”

This was seen as adjusted profit before tax at the business grew by 13.1% on the prior year to £544.8m (+13.1%), at the top end of Frasers’ guidance range (£500-£550m).

The continued successful execution of the company’s Elevation Strategy was highlighted, alongside strengthened brand partnerships, which contributed to a strong trading performance from Sports Direct particularly. Frasers Group added: “The continued strength of third-party brand relationships and Sports Direct’s positioning, are unlocking further international expansion opportunities.

“Growing our presence in the Nordics, a joint venture in Southeast Asia, and currently acquiring a leading sports retailer in the Netherlands.”

Looking ahead, strong profitable growth is anticipated, with adjusted profit before tax in the year ahead expected to be £575m-£625m.

Michael Murray, Chief Executive of Frasers Group, said: “This has been a break-out year for building Frasers’ future growth. As well as delivering a strong trading performance, particularly from Sports Direct, we made significant progress with our Elevation Strategy. We expanded our retail ecosystem, establishing valuable partnerships with new brands.

“Our brand relationships have never been stronger, giving us invaluable support as we continue the international expansion of our business. We invested in group-wide operational efficiencies in warehouse automation and digital infrastructure, which we expect to yield a tangible impact as early as FY25. And we generated new growth opportunities with the rollout of Frasers Plus, including recently signing our first third party partner in THG.

“I’m really proud of what we have achieved at Frasers this year and would like to thank all colleagues for their continued hard work and our brand partners for their support. Together, we are building a resilient, profitable growth retail ecosystem that delivers exceptional value for our partners, consumers and shareholders.

“We have built a lot of momentum this year and are entering the new financial year with many exciting growth opportunities ahead of us, which we will continue to invest in for the long-term benefit of the Group.”  

20,000ft² Mansfield warehouse sold to vehicle recovery operator

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20,000ft² Mansfield warehouse sold to vehicle recovery operator
Just under 20,000ft² of trade counter/warehouse space has been sold in the heart of Mansfield. The freehold opportunity was snapped up by the expanding Richford Motors, an Alfreton-headquartered vehicle recovery operator established in 1990. The purchaser of the site and premises, Phil Richford of Richford Motors, said: “We are very happy with our new site in Mansfield, this site is to complement Richford Motor Services Ltd in their continuing growth and keep vehicle recoveries local to the Mansfield area, create more jobs locally and help with minimising our carbon footprint. “The site will be fully refurbished to a high standard. We will be advertising for job opportunities to get the site up and running promptly.” Tim Gilbertson, of FHP, who dealt with the sale, said: “My thanks to not only my longstanding clients here but also Phil Richford of Richford Motors for their assistance in ensuring that this sale went through quickly. “It’s another success story for us, a further building of just under 20,000ft² on a large site sold in north Nottinghamshire, reducing available stock yet again, particularly on a freehold basis. “As we enter the summer period, there is undoubtedly better momentum in the industrial and distribution sector, particularly for freehold sales of all sizes as stock levels continue to diminish, which is great when it results from successful sales and lettings, as is the case here, but we are finding more and more parties frustrated by the lack of available options. “Hopefully, this will change later in the summer once the holidays are over as it would be fabulous to build on the current momentum in the market and achieve more disposals before the end of the year. My thanks and best wishes to our purchaser here for his continued success and expansion.”

51,000 sq ft warehouse snapped up at Mercia Park

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51,000 sq ft warehouse snapped up at Mercia Park

Scolmore Group has secured 51,000 sq ft at IM Properties’ Mercia Park scheme at junction 11, M42, significantly increasing the size of its warehouse space to accommodate its future growth.

Scolmore Group is a manufacturer of electrical accessories, lighting, home automation, security and cable accessory products. It incorporates Click wiring accessories, Ovia lighting and lighting controls, Unicrimp cable accessories, ESP fire protection and security solutions, and Sangamo heating controls and time switches.

The family-owned business, founded in 1989 in Tamworth and employing more than 350 people, will use the new state-of-the-art logistics centre to house the extensive and growing collection of lighting products from its Ovia lighting division.

The Mercia 51 building, which is Net Zero Ready, BREEAM Excellent, with an EPC A rating will assist Scolmore Group in managing its own sustainability targets.

The facility, which is scheduled to open in September, includes 10 active EV charging spaces, with passive infrastructure for another 30 and storage for up to 12 cycles.

Mike Collins, Managing Director of Ovia, said: “This is a big move for Scolmore Group and an exciting one too. As a proud family business and large employer in the area, investing in Mercia 51 demonstrates to our employees, customers, and the marketplace that we’re committed to the future.

“Of course, at Mercia we’re in great company with DSV and Jaguar Land Rover’s global logistics centre next door, demonstrating the quality of the employment park. It’s connectivity to the M42, Tamworth and the wider motorway network is clearly a major driver for us, allowing for fast, efficient delivery of stock in and out of the warehouse.”

Harry Goodman, development manager for IM Properties, said it was particularly satisfying to attract yet another local occupier and one which is such a success story for the area.

“We welcome the opportunity to assist in the expansion of Scolmore Group, which underlines our belief in Mercia Park as an excellent location for distribution and an important place for job creation, with over 2300 people already employed on the scheme.”

Mercia Park is one of IM Properties’ first large-scale development schemes to achieve Net Zero in Construction, and Mercia 51 raises the bar further to also be Net Zero Ready. This means the building is optimised so the occupier can achieve Net Zero in Operation.

Goodman added: “Mercia 51 was created to a level of specification which sits within our Sustainable Future’s framework and aligns with the Green Building Council (UKGBC)’s recommendations.

“The Mercia Park Community Fund has also made significant contributions to local grassroots organisations and skills and training. This aligns well with Scolmore Group’s own values, and we continue to support projects in the area.”

Mental health training for line managers linked to better business performance, says University of Nottingham study

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Mental health training for line managers linked to better business performance, says University of Nottingham study
Mental health training for line managers is strongly linked to better business performance, and it could save companies millions of pounds in lost sick days every year, according to new research led by experts at the University of Nottingham. The results of the study, which are published in PLOS ONE, showed a strong association between mental health training for line managers and improved staff recruitment and retention, better customer service, and lower levels of long-term mental health sickness absence. The study was led by Professor Holly Blake from the School of Health Sciences at the University of Nottingham and Dr Juliet Hassard of Queen’s University Belfast. In the UK one in six workers experience mental health challenges, with 12.7% of all sick days attributed to mental ill-health. The estimated cost of poor employee mental health to British employers is over £50 billion, annually. Mental health training for line managers aims to give them the skills to support the mental health of the people they manage. Ongoing research is exploring whether such training increases the knowledge, skills and confidence of managers to support their staff and benefits employees. However, few studies have addressed its potential business value for companies. To explore the benefits, the group of researchers analysed anonymised survey data from several thousand companies in England collected between 2020 and 2023 by the Enterprise Research Centre at Warwick Business School as a part of a larger programme of research on workplace mental health and productivity. The survey included questions about the companies’ mental health and well-being practices, including whether they offered mental health training to line managers. To avoid errors in their analysis, the researchers statistically controlled for the age, sector, and size of the companies. The results suggest that mental health training for line managers may hold strategic business value for companies. Based on their findings, the researchers recommend that organisations provide mental health training to line managers and institute workplace policies that clarify the line managers’ role in supporting employee mental health. Meanwhile, the researchers outline the need for further research in this area, including looking into different approaches to delivering mental health training for line managers. Dr Juliet Hassard from Queen’s Business School at Queen’s Belfast University, and co-author of the study, said: “Encouraging employers to invest in employee mental health can be challenging. Knowing that improving line managers’ knowledge, skills and confidence in managing mental health at work is linked to better business outcomes will help to highlight the strategic value this approach to employers.”

Law firm boosts planning team with high-profile partner

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Law firm boosts planning team with high-profile partner
Howes Percival has appointed highly regarded planning partner Marco Mauro to its planning team, following a significant increase in new instructions. Initially based in the East Midlands, Marco is recognised as one of the go-to planning lawyers nationally and was head of planning for many years at his previous firm. Marco’s practice covers the Midlands, Central, Home Counties regions and beyond. Marco has over 17 years’ experience gained in all areas of planning, acting for developers, landowners, housing associations, investors, financial institutions, occupiers and high net worth individuals. His experience includes dealing with complicated planning obligations and infrastructure agreements, providing due diligence on property and corporate transactions and advising on and dealing with legal oversight of planning applications, appeals and claims for judicial review. Jay Mehta, head of planning, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Marco to Howes Percival. He is very well known and regarded, right across the planning sector, and brings a wealth of experience. “We pride ourselves on being solution focussed and providing excellent client service. Marco is renowned for his ‘can do’ approach, proactive manner and ability to find solutions for clients, which has made him a recognised expert in his field and a perfect fit for our growing team. “The planning system – and indeed legislation and case law – continues to evolve at a record pace and will continue to do so following the election, with the Labour Government pledging to ‘bulldoze through’ planning rules to boost housing delivery to 1.5m homes and support other developments, including infrastructure and renewable energy schemes. “However, in recent years, environmental issues including water scarcity, nutrient neutrality and air quality have stalled the delivery of new developments, particularly housing, across the UK. As a consequence, the importance of the planning law team’s role for our clients has expanded, which has led to a significant increase in instructions year on year as we help our clients navigate such complexities to enable their development projects to continue.”
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