Redistribution of thousands of items by Cawarden empowers the Nightlife Outreach charity to achieve its mission

Tess Egginton
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Redistribution of thousands of items by Cawarden empowers the Nightlife Outreach charity to achieve its mission
Specialist contractor Cawarden, based in Derby, has salvaged and subsequently donated thousands of unwanted items from its project on Edmund Street in Birmingham city centre to Nightlife Outreach, a mental health and addiction support service located near the project. In a heartening display of community collaboration, Cawarden has stepped forward to make a substantial contribution to the Birmingham-based charity to help enhance their facilities for mental health and addiction support. The donation includes essential items including thousands of carpet tiles, various types of lighting, hundreds of roof tiles and even a fully equipped kitchen complete with appliances and serving counters. The items have been carefully saved from a 10-storey former headquarters-style office block which is currently undergoing a full shell and core strip-out by the Cawarden team to prepare the building for future redevelopment by the client. Since its establishment in 1986, Cawarden has always prioritised reclamation, reuse, and recycling in its operations, diverting at least 97% of materials from landfill. Nightlife Outreach, known for its commitment to providing a safe and inclusive space for the most vulnerable members of the community, is currently in the process of relocating its community centre. The support from Cawarden comes as a timely boost, significantly enhancing the facilities and resources available to those seeking assistance. With over 3,000 items donated, it is estimated that the donations have saved the charity more than £10,000. Not only this, but the environmental savings are in the region of 13.122 tCO2e deferred and more than 13,000kg of potential waste diverted from landfill. The donation of carpet tiles and roof tiles is expected to play a crucial role in not only enhancing the physical comfort of the space but also contributing to its aesthetic appeal. These elements are essential in creating an environment that promotes a sense of well-being, aligning with Nightlife Outreach’s holistic approach to mental health support. The lighting is anticipated to have a multifaceted impact. Beyond its functional aspects, appropriate lighting is known to influence mood and ambience; contributing to the overall atmosphere of the new community centre. The fully equipped kitchen and serving counters, along with all the appliances, are hailed as a game-changer for Nightlife Outreach. This addition not only facilitates their daily operations but also enables them to expand their services. The kitchen becomes a central hub, allowing the organisation to extend its support more comprehensively, fostering a sense of community and care. Nightlife Outreach operates on the belief that positive change is best achieved through community involvement. Their philosophy of being run by the people, for the people, aligns with Cawarden’s longstanding commitment to community support. The donation reflects a shared vision of creating a supportive environment where individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges can find solace and assistance. Stephan Turner, COO of the Nightlife Outreach, said: “Cawarden’s contribution to Nightlife Outreach exemplifies the power of community collaboration, where corporate entities actively participate in creating positive change. As we prepare to unveil our new community centre, the impact of Cawarden’s donation will undoubtedly be felt by those seeking refuge and support in challenging times.” Samuel Crooks, Contracts Director at Cawarden, said: “We are delighted to have been able to assist Nightlife Outreach in such a significant way and contribute to their goal of relocating their community centre. This collaboration is a prime example of our dedication to supporting local communities. “It also emphasises our ongoing commitment to becoming more sustainable by promoting the reuse of materials from our projects. This approach is vital for achieving a more circular economy, reducing waste and emissions, and giving materials a second life. By doing so, we help organisations like Nightlife Outreach save money on purchasing new materials and they can instead focus their funds on other critical areas. We eagerly anticipate visiting their new space in the near future.”

Timms Solicitors expands Care team

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Timms Solicitors expands Care team
Timms Solicitors, which has offices in Derby, Burton, Swadlincote and Ashby, have further expanded their Care team with a key appointment. Childcare Solicitor, Jessica Silvers, joins the Timms team with extensive experience in Care proceedings – representing children, parents and other family members. Her work also includes adoption matters, advising guardians and matters involving deprivation of liberty. Jessica is a former recipient of the Derby and District Law Society Junior Lawyer of the Year title in recognition of her work in the profession and particularly pro bono work undertaken where she represented a parent in an adoption matter. She is a member of the Law Society’s Children and Family Law Panels, enabling her to take on guardian instructions in family law proceedings, and is also a qualified Legal Representative with extensive advocacy experience on behalf of vulnerable clients in court. Timms managing partner Fiona Moffat said: “We are delighted that Jessica has joined the growing Care team in the Family Law department. “Not only does she bring a wealth of experience in key areas of the work we do here, but her natural empathy and professional approach will be a great asset to the whole team in her capacity as qualified mental health first aider. “This workplace support is particularly important in our duty of care commitment for colleagues handling sometimes disturbing and traumatic cases.”

Work to redevelop sheltered housing complex gains approval

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Work to redevelop sheltered housing complex gains approval
Work to redevelop a sheltered housing complex in Thurmaston is due to start later this year following approval at plans committee. Charnwood Borough Council submitted the application last year to replace St Michael’s Court, in Melton Road, with nine new high-quality one-bedroom bungalows. Work to the site which is around half an acre is due to start later this year with the aim of the properties being available in 2025. Cllr Colin Hamilton, the Council’s lead member for housing, said: “I’m really pleased the application to redevelop St Michael’s Court into bungalows has been approved. “This sheltered housing complex was built over 50 years ago and is no longer the quality and type of accommodation people want in that area. “The bungalows will be designed for people with mobility issues in mind and will be a great addition to the Council’s housing stock. “It’s great we’ve passed this significant milestone by obtaining planning permission and I look forward to seeing the project move forward later this year.” Eight bungalows will be accessed from Melton Road and one from Garden Street. The site will have a total of 12 parking spaces including a space for each property plus shared visitor spaces. The bungalows will provide comfortable and accessible living for older council tenants. They have also been designed to help older tenants live independently in the properties for longer. Features include large windows to allow plenty of natural light, a simple and easy to navigate internal layout and a level access shower. There will also be a large corner window in the kitchen to allow tenants to easily see what is going on outside and promote a sense of community. Each property will feature a covered porch with facilities to store and charge mobility scooters. The bungalows will also be built with the environment in mind as the Council continues to make efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. The properties will feature solar panels to produce electricity and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery which will reduce heat loss from the ventilation system. There will also be six electric vehicle charging points installed in the car park. St Michael’s Court was built around 1970 and no longer meets the needs of older tenants. The complex comprises mainly of bedsits with shared bathrooms which are difficult to let. It also has long corridors which are difficult for tenants with mobility issues.

Competing Wincanton bidder revealed

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Competing Wincanton bidder revealed

Wincanton has revealed that it has been approached by GXO Logistics, as it considers a possible offer for the company.

It comes after it was announced that a competing bidder had come forward for the supply chain solutions firm, to rival Ashby de la Zouch-based CEVA Logistics’ bid. CEVA Logistics has upped its offer for Wincanton, valuing the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Wincanton at approximately £604.7 million on a fully diluted basis and valuing Wincanton at approximately £802.7 million on an enterprise value basis. The new bid represents an increase of approximately 6.67 per cent on the original offer. In a statement to the London Stock Exchange Wincanton said: “Although GXO has indicated that it is considering making a proposal for a cash offer, as of the date of this announcement, it has not provided the Board of Wincanton with any formal proposal relating to a possible offer, including as to terms or price.  “If any such proposal is provided by GXO the Board of Wincanton will carefully consider its terms, in conjunction with its advisers.

“There can be no certainty that an offer by GXO will be made for the Company, nor as to the terms on which any offer might be made. Accordingly, shareholders are advised to take no action at this time with regard to the approach by GXO.

“The Wincanton Directors continue to recommend unanimously to Wincanton shareholders the increased and final cash offer by CEVA Logistics UK Rose Limited.

“That recommendation has not been withdrawn, qualified or modified.”

East Midlands Chamber and East Midlands Freeport sign strategic partnership to unlock potential for ‘once-in-a-generation’ economic opportunity

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East Midlands Chamber and East Midlands Freeport sign strategic partnership to unlock potential for ‘once-in-a-generation’ economic opportunity

Two economic heavyweights in the East Midlands have joined forces to help make the region an enticing destination for overseas investors.

East Midlands Chamber and East Midlands Freeport have entered into a strategic partnership agreement that aims to maximise the economic potential of having the UK’s only inland freeport located in the region.

The freeport provides tax and customs benefits to businesses that locate themselves across three tax sites in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire with the goal of attracting foreign direct investment that will create jobs and boost skills in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, automotive and logistics. The ability to retain business rates will also help drive economic regeneration across the region.

The partnership will involve co-ordinated activity between the organisations on inward investment, harnessing the Chamber’s relationships with local MPs and Government decision-makers. The Chamber will also support the freeport to identify businesses that could become customs site operators. Any business that operates in the Freeport’s 45km diameter enclosed zone, centred on East Midlands Airport can apply to become a customs site operator to receive a number of VAT and Duty benefits. 

East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “The Chamber is the only organisation that has a territory to match that of East Midlands Freeport so we are delighted to be playing a key role in unlocking the potential of a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our region.

“We were one of the biggest supporters during the freeport’s formation, having called for a free trade zone around East Midlands Airport to maximise the potential of having the UK’s busiest pure freight airport on our doorstep as far back as 2018 in our Business Manifesto for Growth.

“It’s exciting to see the freeport now fully operational, and this strategic partnership is a major milestone in getting the word out to both businesses in our region who can benefit as customs site operators and to those overseas about why the East Midlands is a great place to invest and do business.”

Over a 30-year period the freeport expects to add £9bn to the East Midlands economy and create tens of thousands of jobs while retaining £1bn of business rates to be spent locally. Since receiving formal Government approval in March last year, it has already attracted £150m of investment and created 300 jobs.

Space Park Leicester was confirmed as the first customs site operator, while its three tax sites are located at East Midlands Airport and Gateway Industrial Cluster (EMAGIC), East Midlands Intermodal Park (EMIP) and the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station redevelopment site.

East Midlands Freeport Chief Executive Tom Newman-Taylor said: “We’re very pleased to be able to announce our strategic partnership with East Midlands Chamber. The Chamber will perform a vital supporting role for the Freeport by helping to identify and contact businesses who will benefit from the customs reliefs we can provide, lend us their investment expertise and help to raise our profile with their 4,000 members.”

Planning decision gives green light to new apartments in Burton

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Planning decision gives green light to new apartments in Burton
East Midlands property investor, ALB Group, which has pledged to revive the country’s high streets, has been granted planning permission to convert the top two floors of a former job centre in Burton on Trent. This first phase of the project will create 25 flats with the intention of a secondary application to convert the remainder of the building. When the first phase refurbishment of Crown House in New Street is complete, it will be transformed into one- and two-bedroom apartments. Arran Bailey, Managing Director at ALB Group, said: “This will be our second project in the town this year and we are excited to bring it to fruition. The former Job Centre building has stood empty for a few years now – no-one wants to see empty buildings in their town. “Our ethos is to revive the country’s high streets through the regeneration of high-profile buildings. We have spent the last year looking at the site and working out what the community needs and how we can best transform the building.” The Nottinghamshire-headquartered developer purchased and completed the acquisition of the 55,000 sq ft building on Friday, December 1. It comes on the back of the firm’s 10-apartment transformation of the space above Oxfam/Peacocks in the town. Ed Hall, JV Partner with ALB, is spearheading the project, and said: “Once complete, the converted high-end apartments will have appeal across the board but particularly to professionals and first-time buyers. In addition, the ground floor of the building will be transformed into an amenity space for a residents’ gym and other facilities.”

Home staging firm secures £250,000 funding package

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Home staging firm secures £250,000 funding package

A home staging firm based in Melbourne, Derbyshire, has secured £250,000 backing from MEIF Maven Debt Finance.

Lemon and Lime Interiors was launched in 2015 and specialises in transforming high-end properties, doing everything necessary to prepare them for sale.

With growth ambitions across staffing, marketing and service offering, the team have since appointed two new senior staff members in finance and marketing with further sales and operational roles and serviced locations to come.

With UK mortgage rates predicted to drop and house prices starting to soften, more buyers are expected to be active on the property market. However, prices still remain high relative to earnings, and therefore, in order to sell, staging is expected to be in higher demand during 2024.

With expanding services and premium agent partnerships, Lemon & Lime has supported more than 850 occupied and vacant home stagings, achieving sales up to four times faster than comparable properties – often above the asking price.

Elaine Penhaul, founder and director of Lemon and Lime Interiors, said: “The core mission of our business is to ensure speedier transactions and higher prices for property owners, developers and estate agents. We’re focused on creating waves in the industry in order to change outdated and unhelpful marketing tactics currently overused in the property sector.” Richard Brighty, investment manager at Maven, said: “Lemon and Lime is an innovative and award-winning team servicing the Midlands and beyond. It has a unique market proposition and is the perfect example of the type of ambitious and forward-thinking company we aim to support. “Elaine is a very accomplished leader and inspirational to her staff and customers, it has been a privilege to work together as we mark our 100th new customer milestone.

“Maven Capital Partners are proud to have successfully delivered the MEIF East Midlands debt fund since 2018, supporting 100 SME businesses with growth capital, investing over £45 million and creating over 650 jobs across the region.”

High costs and access to capital stifle Midlands business growth

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High costs and access to capital stifle Midlands business growth

High costs and difficulty accessing capital continue to stifle growth for Midlands businesses, according to new data from accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO.

BDO’s latest bi-monthly Economic Engine survey of 500 mid-sized businesses has revealed that cost pressures will remain a significant challenge for regional companies over the next six months, with half of businesses (50%) concerned about higher operational costs, including rent, energy bills and the cost of borrowing.

More than a third of regional businesses (40%) admit that sourcing new capital from private and public sources is a top concern, with 39% stating that they will struggle to expand their business in the coming months, through entering new markets or increasing their physical footprint.

Ahead of next month’s Spring Budget, Midlands businesses are calling on the Government to address ongoing issues around costs, skills and taxes.

The survey showed that nearly half of regional businesses (44%) would like to see more support to resolve ongoing staff and skills shortages, including reforming the Apprenticeship Levy and placing greater focus on helping working parents, with more than a third (39%) calling for better access to private capital and government grants.

Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “In what could be the last Budget before a general election, the Government has a real opportunity to place growth and the interest of businesses at the centre of its announcement.

“Time and again, Midlands businesses have called on the Government to act with greater purpose on key areas such as costs, access to capital, and skills. However, tax remains a real thorn in the side for regional businesses, they want to see more Government resources to help businesses in the mid-market, including within HMRC.

“What’s more, Midlands businesses want long-term reform to streamline or lower business taxation, such as overhauling business rates, or cutting corporation tax.”

Despite the calls for reform, businesses in the region do not anticipate a reduction in corporation tax in the near future, with more than half (66%) believing the overall tax burden on their business will remain the same between now and 2025/26, with nearly a quarter (23%) anticipating that it will rise.

Bellingall added: “Encouragingly, when you place the Budget and Government support aside, the appetite for growth from Midlands businesses remains strong. Our survey shows the key to growth for many businesses over the next six months will include workforce improvements, business investment, and expanding internationally.

“There’s no doubt that trading conditions remain extremely difficult for Midlands businesses, with significant challenges remaining. However, with the right support from the Government mid-sized companies in the region will continue to be the driving force behind the UK’s economic recovery.”

Blueprint Interiors strengthen pre-construction team

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Blueprint Interiors strengthen pre-construction team
Workplace consultants and commercial office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors has strengthened its pre-construction team following the appointment of Hamzah Khalid as a Pre-Construction Assistant. Khalid holds a Bachelors Degree in Construction Management & Property Development from The University of Derby. He was previously a graduate Quantity Surveyor at Prestige Retail Ltd where he collaborated with prestigious retail consultancy firms, managing projects for clients such as B&Q and Specsavers. He has helped to successfully deliver projects that included internal fit-outs, new builds, extensions, demolitions, roof work, masonry walls, and installations. In his new role at Blueprint Interiors, Khalid will proactively ensure the programming of works, plan resource allocation for daily operations, and maintain quality standards. This will include the preparation of quotations, purchase orders and site deliveries, site surveys, maintaining subcontractor and supplier relationships and preparation of technical information. Hamzah said: “I am delighted to be joining such a forward thinking and growing organisation in which I can see a clear structure for my future career. I am looking forward to the opportunity to develop and excel in an exciting role for a company that clearly has the best interests of employees at the heart of their culture.” Rachel Biddles, Operations Director, added: “This year has seen phenomenal interest in our workplace design consultancy, as employers seek to create work spaces that not only attract but retain the best talent. Hamzah will be integral in helping us to ensure the design visual is delivered so that we continue to maintain our quality of service, the finished workspace meets expectations and delivers that all important wow factor.” With a number of new and exciting office fit-out wins already secured, and a strong pipeline of workplace consultancy and design projects underway, 2024 has got off to a great start for Blueprint Interiors who have previously completed projects for a number of the regions larger employers including The Melton Building Society, Futures Housing Group, Gleeds and The East Midlands Chamber.

Red Sea disruption causes severe headaches for UK businesses

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Red Sea disruption causes severe headaches for UK businesses
Increases in costs and delivery times caused by shipping disruption in the Red Sea are causing headaches for UK businesses according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce. Issues cited by firms included increased costs, with some reporting rises of 300% for container hire, and logistical delays, adding up to three to four weeks to delivery times. Firms also said this was creating knock-on effects such as cashflow difficulties and component shortages on production lines. William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “This research gives us immediate insight into the impact of Red Sea disruption on UK businesses. “There has been spare capacity in the shipping freight industry to respond to the difficulties, which has bought us some time. And recent ONS data also indicates the impact has yet to filter through to the UK economy, with inflation holding steady in January. “But our research suggests that the longer the current situation persists, the more likely it is that the cost pressures will start to build. “Certain sectors of the economy are obviously more exposed to this than others. But with the recent introduction of the Government’s new customs checks and procedures for imports also adding to costs and delays, it is a difficult time for firms. “The UK economy saw a drop in its total good exports for 2023, and with global demand weak, there is a need for the Government to look at providing support in the March Budget. “We are calling for the establishment of an Exports Council to hone the UK’s trade strategy and a review of the effectiveness of government funding for export support. “Overseas trade is vital to growing our economy. We must do everything we can to see businesses through these tough times, and then set a laser-sharp focus on expanding exports for the future.”
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