Michael Smith Switchgear has won a prestigious RoSPA Award for the eighth consecutive year – demonstrating a commitment to health and safety.
The Gold Medal Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is an internationally-recognised prize, judged by a team of health and safety professionals.
The standard demonstrates the Leicester-based manufacturer’s continuing commitment to excellence in its performance, policies, and procedures.
Managing Director Sean Smith said: “Keeping our teams safe is always the priority for us, so I’m proud that our ongoing commitment has been recognised with an eighth consecutive award.
“The fact that we’ve been awarded gold again shows how important it is for us to create a safe and modern working environment for our people.”
The RoSPA Awards is the UK’s largest health and safety programme. With almost 2,000 entries annually from over 50 countries, impacting over seven million employees, the programme offers a platform to those who demonstrate unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in health and safety.
Julia Small, RoSPA’s Achievements Director, said: “Workplace accidents don’t just pose financial risks and operational disruptions; they significantly impact the quality of life for individuals. This is why acknowledging and rewarding excellent safety performance is vital.
“Michael Smith Switchgear has again proved its unwavering commitment to keeping employees, clients and customers safe from accidental harm and injury.”
The Access Group, a Loughborough-based provider of business management software to mid-market organisations in the UK, Ireland, the US and Asia Pacific, has acquired Elay, a multi-channel engagement automation platform.
Through this acquisition, Access Recruitment, a division of The Access Group, will be able to offer its customers a tailored approach to automation that is designed to overhaul recruitment workflows, automating routine tasks so that agencies can effectively build their workforce without needing more desks – putting their internal talent onto higher value-driving activities while letting technology do the more mundane ones.
The Access Group has a track record of acquiring cutting-edge recruitment technology innovations and strategically investing in them to integrate seamlessly within a unified ecosystem.
Acquiring Elay marks the next step in The Access Group’s AI and automation advancements within the recruitment sector, with its CRM automation already integrated with their Vincere CRM product and the chatbot functionality with Volcanic, the recruitment website builder.
Access Recruitment and Elay will offer customers a suite of features – collectively called ‘Access Automate’.
Christian Fleck, Managing Director at Access Recruitment, said: “Bringing Elay on board is an exciting step for Access Recruitment and this acquisition marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering unparalleled value to our customers.
“We know interest in AI and automation is at an all-time high for recruiters and we’re pleased to add another way for our customers to leverage these technologies today, building on our already live AI-led functionality like our bias analyser in Volcanic. We want to show recruitment agencies how they can use AI or automation today to grow their operations and ultimately win more business.
“Working with cutting edge tools like Elay underscores our dedication to bringing ready-to-use innovations to our customers – this acquisition will revolutionise recruitment outreach, helping our customers to capture more leads, deepen candidate-client relationships and accelerate revenue.
“We’re looking forward to working closely with Mehdi Este and the Elay team to make this integration as seamless as possible. From today, any customer on one of our Volcanic packages can benefit from complimentary chatbots, powered by Elay, and our broader customers can expect to see more of Elay’s functionality in their products soon.”
Mehdi Este, co-founder of Elay, added: “Since founding Elay in 2020, our mission has been to revolutionise the way recruitment businesses connect and engage with their clients or candidates. Joining forces with Access Recruitment represents an exciting new chapter in our journey, one that will amplify the impact of our solution and bring even greater value to customers.”
43 High Street in Oakham has been let by FHP’s Retail and Leisure team to the Banking Hub, which allows banking face to face, whoever your bank is, at a time when many branches are closing.
The circa 2,150 sq ft unit was snapped up by the Banking Hub as part of their nationwide roll-out.
Ellis Cullen of FHP said: “Whilst this was a drawn-out process, and demand for the unit in the affluent market town of Oakham was strong, the Banking Hub makes a fantastic addition to the High Street, particularly as the unit was a former Lloyd’s bank.
“There has been great anticipation for a hub to be established so I am pleased to have been involved in the letting.”
With the success of another bank being established, FHP also assisted with the surrender of the existing lease of 8-10 High Street in Oakham, previously let to Barclays Bank Plc. FHP are sub-agents of JLL retained to assist with the Barclays portfolio to dispose of lease liabilities around the East Midlands, Lincolnshire, and Peterborough.
Ellis continued: “As a consequence of the levels of interest, I was able to secure a rent above the quoting, on a new 10 year lease, with a 5 year break which our client was delighted with.
“Off the back of the recent letting to the Banking Hub, and a period of marketing the circa 4,000 sq ft unit on behalf of our client, Barclays, I was delighted to have negotiated a surrender settlement with the landlord to allow a swift exit from the premises.
“The characterful period building occupies a prominent position on Oakham’s high street and despite Barclays having 2 years left to run on their existing lease, FHP successfully negotiated surrender terms which recently concluded.”
A Derbyshire full-service marketing agency has been praised for getting to the heart of the message after it built a new website for a firm which supplies hospitality technology to some of the UK’s most iconic venues.
Purpose Media, which is based in South Normanton, created the website for fellow Derbyshire firm Kappture, whose electronic point-of-sale and mobile payment software solutions are used by millions of people at hospitality outlets in stadiums, concert halls, universities and large companies each year.
Its products enable operators to receive orders and take payments via innovations such as mobile apps, EPOS terminals and touchscreens and among the venues using its technology are Celtic Park, home of Celtic FC in Glasgow, Croke Park in Dublin, the OVO Arena in Wembley and the AO Arena in Manchester.
Kappture is based in Little Eaton, near Derby, and had worked with Purpose before, but this time approached the company to overhaul its online presence.
The original site made much use of explaining the technology but Purpose identified a need to dig deeper to explore how the software and innovations worked to solve Kappture’s customers’ ultimate objective – to maximise revenue and to cut the time their customers spend queuing for food and drink.
This ensures that sports fans and gig-goers, who can order using their phones while sitting in their seats, can avoid missing the action because they are queuing to order a pint or food.
The technology also helps operators by using individual users’ data to personalise their experience and also uses existing data to enable operators to forecast cash flow and staffing requirements for their next event, helping them to reduce waiting times and increase revenue.
Matt Bonser, account director at Purpose Media, said: “We’d been through a brand profiling exercise with Kappture before and we knew the business inside and out, so when it came to building their new website, we knew the direction we wanted to go in.
“Their solutions make a huge difference in helping operators increase people’s spend and reduce queuing times and we brought that to the fore through the copy and the imagery, in line with the brand guidelines.
“We pride ourselves at getting to the heart of each client’s business and creating websites which clearly communicate the benefits that their products or service have for the end-user. We’re pleased and proud of what we have achieved on behalf of one of the major operators in the hospitality technology sector.”
John Murphy, digital marketing manager at Kappture, said: “Our previous website had served us well, but we wanted a refresh with a website that clearly explained who we are and what we do.
“Purpose Media understood us and our target audience perfectly and the site has made it clear how our products help hospitality operators, backed up by the technical information if they require it.
“It’s very clearly laid out and it’s easy to navigate, which is vital because our target clients occupy a variety of roles in a range of sectors, so it has to be able to explain what we do in straightforward terms.”
Winvic Construction Ltd has been awarded a contract to design and construct the first industrial facility at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton for Yusen Logistics. Winvic, SEGRO and Yusen Logistics celebrated the start of the 1.2 million sq ft project with a Japanese Kagami Biraki ceremony.
The Kagami Biraki ceremony – or saki barrel breaking ceremony – is to bestow wishes for success and prosperity upon the new development; representatives from SEGRO and Yusen Logistics each hit the lid of a sake barrel with mallets and ladled out the sake into sake cups for the guests to enjoy. The ground was then officially broken, and attendees were given a guided tour of SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton.
The unit comprises 1,144,000 sq ft ground floor warehouse space and a 333,251 sq ft mezzanine; Winvic will also construct and fit out the 35,810 sq ft three-storey main office, which also has a roof terrace, and a single-storey hub office. It is designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating which will reduce carbon to net zero during the construction. An array of PV panels will be installed across the entire roof space of the warehouse and EV charging units will also be made available onsite to power Yusen Logistics UK’s all electric company car fleet.
At almost 1.2 million sq ft, the single storey warehouse will be Yusen Logistics’ largest global facility when completed in March 2025. The facility sits immediately adjacent to the 35-acre Strategic Rail Freight Terminal constructed by Winvic, enabling Yusen Logistics to provide their customers with rail freight solutions providing CO2 savings on inbound transport.
The facility has a haunch of 18 metres, 85 HGV docks and 10 HGV level access doors. Externally, Winvic will undertake all hardstandings and landscaping for the scheme including parking for 924 cars, 163 HGVs, 230 cycles and 34 motorcycles; of these, 185 will be for electric vehicles. The warehouse will also have its own security gatehouse, fuel island and lorry wash, a pallet storage area and waste/recycling area.
CGI of Yusen Logistics Facility at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton
Danny Nelson, Winvic’s Head of Industrial, Distribution and Logistics, said: “We are delighted to have been selected by SEGRO to construct the first industrial facility at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton.
“When it’s completed, we’ll have worked on the site for a total of four years, so I’d like to thank the SEGRO team for continuing to put their trust in us, as they did when creating SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway.
“Winvic previously constructed a facility in nearby Wellingborough for Yusen Logistics as the tenant, so we’re looking forward to working with them again and to illustrating our high standards. I have the utmost confidence in our experienced team to deliver the project safely and on time.”
Dan Holford, Head of National Markets at SEGRO, said: “We are incredibly proud to have attracted a world class warehouse and distribution operator like Yusen Logistics to SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton as the development’s first pre-let customer, where we will be working together to deliver 1.2 million sq ft of highly sustainable space.
“What makes this development truly special is how it will support customers to achieve their sustainability goals and net-zero ambitions, particularly through the delivery of sustainable buildings, a country park and the strategic rail freight terminal. Yusen Logistics’ decision to locate here is testament to this and we look forward to continuing our partnership with this exciting project.”
David Goldsborough, Managing Director from Yusen Logistics, added: “This new facility, sets a new logistics industry benchmark and emphasizes Yusen Logistics’ commitment to providing sustainable logistics services by 2030.
“We are proud to share our organisation’s Japanese heritage at the recent groundbreaking event and are excited to be a part of this project, which will help us to achieve our sustainability goals.”
Rothera Bray has strengthened its team with the addition of corporate lawyer David Kaplan.
Recognised as an expert in his field and recommended by the Legal 500 as a Leading Individual, David brings nearly three decades of experience to the table.
David’s main areas of focus are general M&A, private equity and banking and finance. He has advised and continues to advise a broad spectrum of clients including owner managed business, overseas entities, listed companies and multi-national conglomerates.
He has a wealth of experience advising, in particular, manufacturing, IT (software and hardware), aerospace and healthcare businesses.
At Rothera Bray, David will spearhead the firm’s corporate endeavours in Derby, playing a pivotal role in elevating the Derby office’s profile and promoting its services. His appointment marks a significant milestone for Rothera Bray, as it ensures the presence of a corporate partner in each of its three city offices.
David said: “I am excited to join such an innovative practice and am looking forward to working with my fellow corporate partners in developing further Rothera Bray’s corporate offering in Derby, Nottingham and Leicester, whilst at the same time increasing the reach of Rothera Bray’s other legal services in the Derby marketplace.
“My appointment shows Rothera Bray’s commitment to Derby, and we are very keen to continue with the expansion of the Derby office with further strategic appointments.”
Christina Yardley, CEO at Rothera Bray, emphasised the significance of David’s addition to the team, stating: “David’s wealth of experience and expertise will be invaluable as we expand our corporate offerings in Derby and beyond. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Rothera Bray family.”
Pharmacy2U, the digital pharmacy, has acquired The PharmPet Co, a Lincoln-based veterinary online pharmacy.
The deal, for an undisclosed sum, follows a partnership in November 2023, which saw the two brands come together to deliver prescriptions to pet owners more conveniently and cost-efficiently.
Established in 2019 by brothers Neil and Phil Younger, and their father, Keith, The PharmPet Co is a highly regarded and ethical provider of online pet medicines. The acquisition aligns with Pharmacy2U’s commitment to offering comprehensive consumer healthcare solutions and NHS prescriptions as it expands its portfolio to include pet health services.
The deal speeds up plans to give customers a holistic approach to healthcare, covering themselves and their pets in one place. Since the partnership last year, Pharmacy2U Pet Health has gone from strength to strength and Pharmacy2U has plans to further transform the prescription market at a time when owners are finding it increasingly hard to get a good deal from their vets.
The two founders of The PharmPet Co join Pharmacy2U to head up the pet health proposition.
Gary Dannatt, Chief of Staff at Pharmacy2U, says: “It’s rare to come across a business that has a strategy, service, and set of values so aligned with your own, that it’s easy to see how it will slot neatly into our existing proposition.
“Following a successful partnership last year it’s become clear The PharmPet Co is one of those cases. The founders have done a remarkable job of creating a service that pet owners across the UK find invaluable, especially during a cost-of-living crisis, and I’m proud to be bringing them into the Pharmacy2U family.
“We look forward to working together to deliver exceptional value and service to our customers, while offering a digital-first approach that allows our pharmacists to deliver expertise in medicine.”
Neil & Phil Younger at The PharmPet Co say: “With over 60 years of combined experience in the pharmacy sector we created The PharmPet Co with a vision to deliver veterinary-standard medication to the fingertips of pet owners, and are both excited to embark on this next chapter of growth as part of Pharmacy2U.
“The deal will allow us to continue doing what we love most, improving the lives of animals, while improving access to affordable and trusted medication.”
Pharmacy2U were advised by Squire Patton Boggs. The PharmPet Co were advised by Ward Hadaway.
Sweeptech has acquired Leicestershire firm Go Plant, solidifying its position as a provider of road sweeping and waste management services.
The acquisition of Go Plant, which went into administration last week, aligns with Sweeptech’s business strategy for national coverage. By integrating Go Plant’s operations, Sweeptech now has a network of depots spanning the North East, North West, Yorkshire, the Midlands, London, the South, and South East.
The pre-pack deal completed by administrators from Alvarez & Marsal Europe involved the sale of a number of depots, saving 116 jobs. Not all Go Plant depots were sold, however, with some shutting, resulting in redundancies.
Martin Smith, CEO of Sweeptech, said: “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Go Plant, which marks a significant milestone in our journey towards becoming a truly national waste management company.
“This strategic move not only enhances our ability to serve our customers with excellence but also underscores our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.”
“We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as we integrate Go Plant into the Sweeptech family,” added Smith. “Together, we will continue to innovate, drive positive change and set new standards of excellence in waste management.”
Totally plc, a provider of frontline healthcare services, corporate fitness and wellbeing services across the UK and Ireland, has reported “improved performance, against a tough operational backdrop,” in a new trading update for the 12 months ended 31 March 2024 (FY24).
This is despite a dip in revenue, with Totally anticipating, subject to audit, to report revenue for theperiod of £106 million, down from £135.7 million in the year prior.
The Derby-based business, meanwhile, anticipates reporting EBITDA for the full year of £2.3 million, growing from £1.1 million in H1 24.
During FY24, the group executed internal restructuring to right size the organisation in a difficult operating environment. Actions during the second half of the year delivered further reductions in overhead costs leading to a full year reduction in FY24 of £2.2 million and annualised savings of £3.5 million. FY24 exceptional costs incurred to achieve these cost savings are forecast to be £0.8 million.
Wendy Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer, Totally, said: “We remain steadfast in our commitment to stand alongside our healthcare colleagues to ensure the population can access the care they need when they need it.
“Our teams have worked tirelessly during times of unforeseen pressure with clarity and I am proud of the way Totally has approached these times and managed its own pressures without compromising quality.
“There is no doubt that the market continues to be difficult, and as commissioners have considered the actions required to move forward, we have also ensured that our house is in order. We have robustly addressed the cost base, which ultimately protects the services we deliver to patients, our workforce and long-term shareholder value.
“These cost savings supported our performance for FY24 and will continue to do so in future years. I am delighted to see new business opportunities emerging as we turn our focus to a return to profitability and growth.”
Light Science Technologies Holdings plc, which comprises three divisions for controlled environment agriculture (CEA), contract electronics manufacturing (CEM), and passive fire protection (PFP), has hailed record revenue and “strong progress towards profitability” in its audited results for the year ended 30 November 2023.
Revenue grew 13.8% to £9.3m, up from £8.17m in the year prior. Meanwhile, the Derbyshire-based business reduced its loss before tax to £1.14m, in comparison to £2.72m last year.
The year also saw the company complete a successful £1.45m (net proceeds) fundraise facilitating product development and CEA IP protection. Furthermore, the firm acquired Tomtech and Injecta Fire Barrier’s trade and assets, creating the new PFP division.
Simon Deacon, CEO of Light Science Technologies Holdings plc, said: “We are very pleased to report significant operational progress in the period, with strong progress across all parts of the business delivering record Group revenues which exceeded internal management expectations.
“The CEM division continues to underpin Group revenue generation and present significant growth opportunities in new and existing markets, whilst the PFP and CEA divisions offer exciting, and potentially very lucrative, growth opportunities in the medium to long term.
“We move forward with a significantly strengthened corporate team and long-term global structural drivers that complement our business model. The Light Science management team is committed to growing a complementary portfolio of companies that is diverse, operationally self-funding, and delivers for its shareholders.”
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
