UK economy sees slight growth
UK GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, rose minimally, by 0.1%, in February, following a revised 0.3% rise in January (up from 0.2% previously).
It comes as the UK tries to clamber out of recession.
The increase was driven by strong growth in production sector output, up 1.1% month-on-month (following a fall of 0.3% in January), with a smaller contribution from the services sector, growing 0.1% month-on-month (following growth of 0.3% in January 2024). Construction output, however, fell 1.9% month-on-month, following a growth of 1.1% in January 2024.
Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “With the damp and dismal weather hitting retail and other sectors, it’s not surprising to see activity was broadly flat in February. But lower inflation is easing pressure on household incomes and spending, and the economy still seems to be on course to exit its mild recession in the first quarter.
“While growth was probably fairly modest over the first quarter, the outlook is improving with our business surveys showing growth expectations for the second quarter at their strongest for almost two years.
“But we need to get some momentum going in economy without undoing hard work to bring down inflation. In this General Election year, it’s crucial parties of all stripes focus on structural challenges facing economy – like poor productivity and labour market pressure.
“What firms across all regions, nations and sectors tell us they need to drive sustainable growth, is stability and a long-term economic vision – which in turn will deliver prosperity to businesses and households alike.”
Aggregate Industries invests in import facility at Port of Liverpool
Coalville-based Aggregate Industries is to invest several million in a new super shed at the Port of Liverpool to help the company support increased demand for cement products for UK construction industry.
Owned by the UK’s second largest port operator Peel Ports Group, the substantial new import facility – one of the largest of its kind in Europe – will store more than 40,000 tonnes of cementitious products at any one time.
AIUK has made a long-term commitment to the Port with the signing of a 25-year lease agreement. This represents the third major deal made by the manufacturer in the last six months, as part of a strategic investment programme into deep sea terminals.
The latest investment will help the business maintain a continuous supply of lower carbon cementitious solutions throughout the North of England & Wales, with the addition of two surrounding berths and a two-chamber flat store at the Portside. This will help accommodate larger vessels and improve overall transport efficiencies.
With each import investment strategically chosen to support the firm’s regional logistics infrastructure, this growth in distribution capability will help Aggregate Industries to offer best in class service to local customers – with minimal lorry miles from terminals to sites – for the ultimate in sustainable, agile, secure supply.
Head of Supply Chain at AIUK’s Cement Division, Matt Owen, said: “Our commitment at Liverpool is one of a series of planned developments to respond to increasing market demand across the surrounding regions.
“By investing in deep sea facilities, we’re looking to streamline operations as well as reduce the embodied carbon in our imported products, saving up to 25% of CO2 per tonne of material thanks to increased vessel capacities.
“Our investment in the Port is indicative of the key role freight is playing in helping us to build resilience and surety of supply for customers, so we can always respond in an agile way to customer demand.”
Tom Harrison, Group Strategic Accounts Director at Peel Ports Group, said: “This significant investment highlights AIUK’s long term commitment in driving growth and opportunities across the Port of Liverpool and we’re proud to be involved in seeing it come to fruition.
“At Peel Ports, we believe we’re more than just a port, but central to enabling a more agile, efficient, and sustainable supply chain for the UK’s industries by offering port-centric solutions such as this to help our customers thrive.
“Providing these facilities, which enables AIUK to better serve the industry across North of England and Wales with its cementitious solutions is a prime example of this.”
NFU says Farming Recovery Fund is a post-storm washout
The Farming Recovery Fund was announced in the aftermath of Storm Henk to help those affected, with eligible farmers set to access grant support of up to £25,000, with those around Nottinghamshire’s Rivers Trent, Devon, and Soar being in the catchment. In Lincolnshire Lit covers the Witham, Brant, Welland, and Ancholme.
However, in a new statement released today, NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos has said it had very quickly become clear that there are major issues with the fund. She said: “We are hearing from numerous members who have suffered catastrophic impacts who have been told they are not eligible for the Fund because some of their affected areas are more than 150 metres from ‘main’ rivers. These include members with 90% of their land saturated or under water, and huge damage to buildings and equipment.
“We are taking this up with Defra urgently. I cannot believe this is what Ministers intended when they launched the Fund, which was a welcome and well-intentioned development which seems to have been fundamentally let down in the detail. While the impact of the weather goes far beyond Storm Henk, this could have been a good start but, as it stands, it simply doesn’t work.”
The grant is to support the cost of recultivating and reinstating agricultural land that was flooded due to notably high river levels between 2-12 January 2024, caused by Storm Henk.
The Rural Payments Agency is administering the fund on behalf of Defra, with landowners or tenant farmers who occupied eligible land parcels at the time of Storm Henk able to claim £130 per hectare for recultivation work.
Eligible farmers can access grants of between £500 and £25,000 to return their land to the condition it was in before exceptional flooding due to Storm Henk.
Lincoln digital marketing agency sold
Peter Watson and Bradley McKenny, former Directors of Distract, have sold the digital marketing agency to Steve Bryant, founder and Managing Director of Umbrella Brands Group, behind affiliate marketing agency Thoughtmix.
As an old friend of Watson and McKenny, Bryant’s interest in Distract’s journey has always been more than just professional curiosity. Over time, he witnessed the agency’s growth, direction and potential. When the pair decided to sell the business to focus on new areas, Bryant was a natural fit to lead the next phase of its development with a clear vision for Distract’s future.
Having established Thoughtmix in 2015, Bryant has many years of experience scaling an agency and delivering partnerships that grow businesses worldwide.
Bryant’s portfolio includes working with brands such as cardfactory, National Express, and The Couture Club, and he is now ready to pass on his knowledge and expertise to help Distract grow and excel further.
Assuming the role of Managing Director, Bryant has exciting plans for Distract, redefining and consolidating its offering. Recognising the team’s strengths in paid advertising, Distract will become a specialist paid media agency.
He will work closely with Stephanie Henderson, the commercial and strategy lead, and Hannah Langton, the delivery lead, to implement the new business strategy and tactics.
Bryant is looking to focus Distract’s services on the B2C E-commerce, B2B and Education sectors.Bryant said: “I’m excited to lead Distract into its next phase of growth and development. The team deliver some exceptional results for its Clients, and I’m delighted to have been welcomed in to harness their skills and expertise.”
Stephanie added: “It’s a really exciting time for Distract. Steve brings a host of knowledge from his experience growing Thoughtmix to one of the largest agencies within the affiliate space. The offerings from both separate agencies complement each other really well and offer the potential for some really unique collaborations.”
Hannah said: “Steve’s approach to Distract and the direction he has presented have been very refreshing and give us a clear plan for the future. His experience in affiliate marketing has given the team a new perspective, and we’re all looking forward to the changes being made and the relationship with Steve and Thoughtmix.”
Nottingham sales and lettings agent snapped up
Lomond, one of the UK’s largest acquirers of estate and letting agency businesses, has made its latest swoop within the East Midlands, further bolstering its John Shepherd brand following two recent deals within the region.
Having previously acquired the Nottingham and Derby lettings book of Royston and Lund, swiftly followed by the significant rental portfolio of Centrick, the firm has announced the acquisition of Nottingham-based agent, Tassi Sales and Lettings.
Originally established in 2009, the purchase of the three branch business will see Lomond’s John Shepherd brand inherit some 768 lettings properties across the Nottingham territory whilst also increasing their footprint within the student market and expanding their regional rental portfolio to almost 8,000 properties under management.
John Shepherd, which already operates 10 high street branches covering the West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire, will retain the experienced team from Tassi Sales and Lettings who will continue to service its new client base.
The latest deal will further bolster Lomond’s presence within the region, while also marking the company’s 53rd acquisition since launch just three years ago.
Lomond CEO, Ed Phillips, said: “There has been significant growth across the Midlands property market in recent years and, as such, it has been a particular area of focus for us in helping to realise our growth ambitions.
“Our latest acquisition will help to further bolster our presence within the East Midlands market and Nottingham, in particular, building on the impressive footprint we’ve already managed to establish in a short period of time.”
Chief Executive of John Shepherd, Richard Crathorne, said: “We’ve already established an impressive rental portfolio across the Midlands and we continue to see consistent demand from investor landlords who recognise the opportunities on offer within the region.
“Nottingham is certainly a regional hotspot in this respect and our latest acquisition will not only help to expand our portfolio considerably, but it allows us to do so with experience and expertise of an already established team at Tassi.”
Two join packaging company in account management roles
Certified packaging company Reuseabox at Dry Doddington near Newark has welcomed Tom Spencer and Alicia Anderson to its team as National Account Managers.
Tom said: “I love the ideals and purpose of Reuseabox and I wanted a job where could I make a difference. Plus, I saw that Reggie, the office dog, was listed as Barketing Manager on the website and knew this was the place for me!”
Alicia Anderson, recognised as Apprentice of the Year by the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce in 2023, comes to Reuseabox with a background in business development and B2B sales. She said: “I wanted to get my foot in the door within the environmental industry and have the opportunity to connect and grow with a more purpose-driven company. What I love about Reuseabox is that we’re actively giving back to the planet.”
As National Account Managers, Tom and Alicia will play crucial roles in supporting Reuseabox’s existing customer base, ensuring seamless order processing, and assisting clients in finding the perfect boxes for reuse.
These appointments follow Reuseabox’s recent contract wins with industry giants such as Hovis, Yeo Valley, and a prominent nationwide distribution company. This success also led to them opening a second warehouse in Nottingham at the end of 2023.
The expansion not only underscores Reuseabox’s growing market presence in the cardboard box industry but also reflects the increasing demand from companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Company founder Jack Good said: “We are thrilled to welcome Tom and Alicia to our team. Their expertise and passion for sustainability align perfectly with our mission to disrupt the packaging industry through reuse. As we continue to grow, their contributions will be invaluable in serving our customers and driving our vision forward.”
With the addition of Tom and Alicia, Reuseabox’s team has grown from 14 to 20 members in just 12 months, further solidifying their commitment to promoting sustainable practices and offering exceptional customer service.
Hucknall’s High Street to get boost
Shops and businesses in Hucknall are to get expert help and advice in a move aimed at revitalising the town’s High Street and shopping centre.
A six-month programme, led by High Street experts, will help businesses unlock new ideas and fresh approaches to increase footfall in the town’s retail areas and make the most of trading opportunities.
The programme is being funded using some of the £3.2 million allocated to Ashfield District Council (ADC) from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) – a fund aimed at building pride in local communities and increasing life chances as part of the Levelling Up agenda.
ADC has appointed SaveTheHighStreet.org (STHS) to deliver the programme.
STHS is an industry-led movement with an advisory board of 200+ High Street businesses and retail experts, a fast-growing community of local champions and dozens of other partners across both public and private sectors.
The Hucknall programme will see SaveTheHighStreet.org work with individual businesses in Hucknall Town Centre, Annesley Road and Watnall Road.
Each business will have access to JO – a unique business support tool used in a range of ‘accelerator’ programmes to help make the most of trading opportunities.
Experts will also ‘deep dive’ into each business to find out what help and support can benefit them most. There will also be access to an online event where top tips from across the UK will be shared.
The SaveTheHighStreet team will be out and about in the area over the coming weeks and will be connecting with local businesses and individuals to make sure everyone who needs to know about it does.
John Bennett, Executive Director Place, at Ashfield District Council, said: “High Streets up and down the country have changed significantly in recent years. Retailers and businesses have been faced with some big challenges – the surge in online shopping, the fall-out from the pandemic and cost of living crisis. Ashfield’s High Streets have not been immune from that.
“We know how important High Streets are to our communities and it’s why we’re excited about the opportunities this partnership with SaveTheHighStreet.org gives businesses in Hucknall.
“Our ambition is to make Ashfield a great place to live, work and visit. We continue to secure significant investment across the District and this programme is another example of our determination to help revitalise our High Streets and town centres, following on from the support made available to businesses in Sutton and Kirkby through the Council’s Business Support Service and Enterprising Ashfield.”
Julie Holden, Community Director at SaveTheHighStreet.org, said: “We are delighted to be working with Ashfield District Council to provide dedicated support to Hucknall’s high street businesses as part of this pilot programme. We have seen some great results in other areas recently and we look forward to getting started.
“Having access to the JO Accelerator is like having a whole team at your fingertips. The programme will help to develop and implement a plan to boost local footfall for the town’s high street businesses.”
Deal done on Burton town centre development opportunity
Rushton Hickman has sold 8 Shobnall Road in Burton to one of its existing clients, AH Investment Solutions.
The purchaser AH Investment Solutions has been granted planning permission for change of use from Use Class E to residential Use Class C4 in order for them to redevelop the two storey building from office space into residential accommodation.
Taylor Millington, the agent who put the deal together, said: “It’s great news for both our client and the purchaser that planning was granted.
“The change in use classification from Use Class E to residential is the ideal use for repurposing this building and will no doubt attract local professionals who need quality living accommodation, especially as the building is situated just a short walk from the train station.
“We are delighted to have achieved a positive outcome for our client, and welcome other opportunities to advise commercial owners who are looking to dispose of their property across the region, particularly those looking for advice on potential redevelopment.”
Azets strengthens regional senior leadership team
Azets has strengthened its regional senior leadership team by appointing Danielle Hamill as Regional Managing Partner of East and West Midlands. The appointment comes at a pivotal time of growth for Azets, as the business looks to double total revenue to become a £1bn firm by 2027.
With over 16 years of experience, Danielle joined the firm (previously Baldwins) at 16 years old as an apprentice. Having progressed her career with Azets, she is a partner within Azets’ Coventry office and an ACA-qualified chartered accountant.
Danielle provides a range of services to her clients which include accounts, taxation, audit & business advisory. Whilst working with a wide range of clients, Danielle specialises in owner-managed SMEs and UK subsidiaries of foreign groups. Danielle manages a diverse portfolio of businesses, across a range of industries including construction, engineering, legal & professional services, and retail.
On her appointment, Danielle said: “I’m delighted to be taking on the role of Regional Managing Partner for East and West Midlands, as we continue to grow in the region.
“We have an established office network in the area that includes teams in Tamworth, Coventry, Nottingham, Wolverhampton and Stourbridge and the next stage of our journey looks incredibly exciting.
“We’re looking forward to expanding within specialist areas of accounting such as medical audit, so that we continue to meet the needs of our expanding business, as well as supporting the regional business community.”
Richard Goddard, Regional Managing Director of Azets Central and West, added: “Despite the challenging economic background, as a region, we continue to go from strength to strength thanks to a collaborative approach from our teams and clients.
“The appointment of Danielle reflects our commitment to support continued growth, so we can continue to meet the needs of our expanding business, as well as helping the growing number of SMEs in the country across complex areas of accounting and business services.”
Build for the Future, East Midlands returns with expert workshops to showcase construction innovation and expertise
With two weeks to go until the coveted Build for the Future, East Midlands event, Heritage Lincolnshire and Archaeological Project Services have added more speakers and sessions to the agenda.
The event, which is set to take place on 23 April 2024, will celebrate its fifth year in 2024 and aims to address the evolving needs of those working within the construction, property, heritage, sustainability, and trade industries by offering a unique blend of insightful discussions, networking opportunities and workshops.
One of the highlights of this year’s event will be a series of exclusive talks and workshops dedicated to growing your business and gaining key contacts in the industry, including a Meet the Buyer session with Compliance Chain. This session will enable local businesses to connect with leading contractors such as Kier and Wates Construction and help grow their supply chains in the East Midlands.
Attendees can also expect expert-led sessions offering valuable insights into strategies for ensuring your business complies with the latest legislative changes including the Building Safety Act 2022, in addition to talks surrounding contracts for successful building projects, demonstrations and a business networking session hosted in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce Construction and Property Network with over 80 businesses in attendance.
Event Organiser, Hannah Tomlinson of Globella said: “Since the event launched in February 2020 it has grown significantly and year-on-year we receive more and more interest from attendees and exhibitors alike. We are really looking forward to the event later this month and providing a platform that connects businesses across the East Midlands to collaborate, share knowledge and gain inspiration for the future of the industry.”
In addition to the informative sessions, the event will also feature an expansive exhibition floor displaying the latest products, services, and innovations from leading industry suppliers. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with exhibitors, discover cutting-edge solutions and forge valuable partnerships to propel their businesses forward.
For more information about the events and to book your tickets, please go to www.buildforthefuture.co.uk.
Free delegate tickets can be booked online at Build for the Future: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/build-for-the-future-east-midlands-2024-tickets-682312243287
Free delegate tickets can be booked online at Heritage for the Future: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-for-the-future-east-midlands-2024-tickets-682322855027
