Ashby de la Zouch logistics firm ups bid for Wincanton

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Ashby de la Zouch logistics firm ups bid for Wincanton
Ashby de la Zouch-based CEVA Logistics UK Rose has upped its offer for Wincanton, as a competing bidder comes forward for the firm. In a statement to the London Stock Exchange Wincanton said that its directors “continue to recommend unanimously to Wincanton shareholders the increased and final cash offer by CEVA Logistics UK Rose Limited.”

The increased offer values the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Wincanton at approximately £604.7 million on a fully diluted basis and values 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.

Wincanton, listed on the premium segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, is a British supply chain solutions company. The Wincanton Group provides business critical services including storage, handling and distribution; high volume eFulfilment; retailer ‘dark stores’; two-person home delivery; fleet and transport management; and network optimisation for many of the UK’s best-known companies.

With almost 100 years’ heritage, Wincanton’s approximately 20,300-strong team operates from more than 170 sites across the country, responsible for approximately 8,500 vehicles.

CEVA is a third-party logistics firm, providing global supply chain solutions to connect people, products and providers all around the world. CEVA is part of the CMA CGM Group, CMA CGM being a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, serving more than 420 ports around the world across five continents, with a fleet of around 620 vessels.

Frasers Group appoints new directors to board

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Frasers Group appoints new directors to board

Shirebrook-based Frasers Group has appointed a number of new directors to its board.

Helen Wright, Global CEO, Sergio Rossi, will be appointed as non-executive director, and Frasers’ David Al-Mudallal, chief operating officer, and Ger Wright, managing director, sports, join the board as executive directors.

The Group has also announced the intended appointment of Sir Jon Thompson, former CEO, Financial Reporting Council, as non-executive director. It is expected that Sir Jon will be appointed later in the year, when his current commitments allow.

David Daly, chair of the board, Frasers Group, said: “Much has changed at Frasers over recent years and today is another significant milestone in our transformation as we welcome new high-calibre individuals to the board.

“I know that we will benefit from their leadership and expertise. I’m also delighted that their appointments further diversify our board, ensuring that we have the range of skills and views required to enable the future success of the Elevation Strategy.”

Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers Group, said: “Today’s appointments reflect the progress we have made to date on Frasers’ transformation and Elevation Strategy, as well as our ambitions for the future of the Group.

“I am pleased to welcome Helen Wright to Frasers and to the board and very much look forward to welcoming Sir Jon later this year. Helen’s experience of driving transformation at global luxury brands, combined with Jon’s expertise in corporate governance and major project management, will help shape the execution of our long-term strategy.

“In addition, Ger and David have both made enormous contributions to the ongoing success of our strategy, delivering operational excellence and empowering our business to excel. I am confident that their contribution to the board will help drive Frasers Group to new heights and future success.”

Investment provides ingredients to enhance support for East Midlands food businesses

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Investment provides ingredients to enhance support for East Midlands food businesses
Investment in the latest technology and equipment is to allow experts at the University of Nottingham to enhance support for East Midlands food and drink businesses.
Scientists from across the School of Biosciences have received £650k investment from Regional Innovation Funding for a range of projects that will support industry with the development of new alternative proteins and food and drink products. There are an estimated 857,000 jobs linked directly to the food chain in the Midlands region, equal to 17.6% of all employment. The region has particular strength in both agriculture and food and drink manufacturing with a diverse range of SMEs and larger business delivering a wide range of products and services. With this new investment, experts at the University of Nottingham will have access to improved facilities and tools to support businesses with their product research and development needs, particularly for cultivated meat, plant-based, and insect-based products. The projects that have received funding are:
  • The facilities for cultivated meats and alternative proteins will be refurbished to create a Cellular Agriculture Hub for the Midlands. The hub will provide specialist training on cellular agriculture methods and product testing for local East Midlands businesses.
  • A new In Vitro Digestion Laboratory will be created to provide high-throughput screening of human food and animal feed additives using alternative protein sources including insects and alternative crops.
  • The Food Innovation Centre has been recently re-launched and can support businesses in the East Midlands with new product and process development, innovation audits and business growth, including access to a range of specialist facilities. The addition of a new Bench and Chiller unit will enable high moisture meat analogues that will be particularly useful for plant and alternative protein businesses locally.
The funding will also allow the International Research Flavour Centre at the University of Nottingham to invest in a new tool that can analyse the complex aromas of food. This will develop the unique capacity to screen large numbers of food and drink samples, with high level of precision and accuracy, enabling SMEs to engage with IFRC with limited on-cost and high levels of knowledge exchange. It will also support the development of educational resources to support the next generation of scientists and workers in the food and drink sector. Professor Phil Williams, Faculty of Science APVC for Research and Knowledge Exchange, said: “The work the university does with the food and drink sector is a vital part of supporting this thriving local economy. “This investment will enhance what we can offer in terms of technological support and ensure our experts are working with the very latest equipment to help businesses stay at the forefront of product development. As the food and drink market continues to diversify at pace and with sustainability high on the agenda we are able to help businesses develop the products of the future.”

Practical completion achieved at Long Eaton commercial development

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Practical completion achieved at Long Eaton commercial development

Practical Completion has been achieved at Stadium Retail Park, a commercial development in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, that will be home to new locations for Lidl GB and Wickes. The site has been brought forward by Clowes Developments.

IMA Architects (IMA) has worked with Clowes Developments to provide all architectural services and act as Principal Designer on the scheme. The company has also worked alongside Millward Consulting Engineers and Roe Developments to deliver the site for Lidl and Wickes. The retailers will now bring in their own teams to carry out the bespoke fit out of the two stores.

The 1.68-hectare Stadium Retail Park site has been built on a brownfield former industrial site that was derelict since 2014, located just off Nottingham Road. All amenities, landscaping and boundary treatments are now in place including car parking for 170 vehicles, including EV charging, parent and child parking and disabled spaces, and a service yard.

It is expected that the new Wickes store will open before the Easter Weekend, and that the Lidl supermarket will open this summer.

Marc Freeman, Director at Clowes Developments, said: “The site had been derelict for 10 years and in the planning stage since 2018, so it’s positive that the site has now been developed and turned into an asset for the local community, creating jobs and bringing economic benefits to the town. We are sure the new Lidl and Wickes stores will be very popular.”

Joe Travers, Associate Director at IMA Architects, said: “This is our latest project with Clowes Developments, and we are pleased that the site has been delivered on time and will soon be a thriving retail location.

“Given the close proximity of residents, we were considerate to their needs throughout the construction phase and our designs for the site include additional landscaping, boundary treatments and acoustic mitigation measures to improve aesthetics and to ensure the scheme does not adversely impact people going forward.”

Sarah Taitt, Property Director at Wickes, said: “We are looking forward to opening our doors in Long Eaton in the coming months. We have been involved in the creation of the site from inception to completion which has meant that we could develop a location that perfectly suited our needs, and we are delighted with our new store at Stadium Retail Park.”

Lidl GB’s Regional Head of Property, Dominic Bryan, said: “There’s been much anticipation for this new Lidl store and it’s great that we are now able to enter the next stages of development. We are extremely grateful for all the support we have received so far and look forward to bringing our high quality and best value produce to the local community.”

Egg producer to make substantial investment in Leicestershire manufacturing site

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Egg producer to make substantial investment in Leicestershire manufacturing site
Egg producer, Noble Foods is embarking on its next venture with a substantial investment in an added-value manufacturing site. In addition to recent acquisitions in animal feed and agriculture, this strategic move, set to begin production in the summer in Leicestershire, signifies Noble Foods’ decision to diversify its offerings and expand its Consumer Foods business beyond traditional shell egg. Noble Foods aims to build on its legacy at the new 10,000 sq m manufacturing site by introducing a range of pre-prepared foods using eggs. At its peak, the site has the potential to use over 1.6 million eggs per week. Aimed at the retail, Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) and wholesale market, foods including omelettes, egg bites, and frittatas will be made at the site, with a pipeline of innovative new egg-products already in development. Will Cadbury, Added Value Business Lead at Noble Foods, said: “I’m excited that our new investment will help us in our ambition to create more egg-based foods, in different formats, so that more people can enjoy eggs throughout the day.” “We already know that eggs are one of the most versatile and nutritious foods, with the lowest carbon output of any animal protein,” Will continued. “This aligns brilliantly with our purpose ‘To better nourish people, animals and planet’ and our investment will really help to accelerate that, by providing more eggs, for more people, on more occasions.” The Leicestershire manufacturing site, formerly dedicated to producing desserts, will offer up to 150 jobs in its phased opening. Will added: “Opening a new facility is a big moment for all of us at Noble Foods and I can’t wait to see the products coming off the line in the coming months. It’s fantastic that our investment will create new jobs in Leicestershire too, and opportunities for colleagues to develop their careers. “We will be bringing nutritious and convenient products to our customers, several of whom already share our excitement. Combining our deep understanding of farm to fork, along with food and manufacturing experience, gives our customers the confidence they’ll be benefiting from qualities synonymous with Noble Foods.”

Kitchen company director sentenced for misleading customers

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Kitchen company director sentenced for misleading customers
A kitchen company director who misled customers and left them thousands of pounds out of pocket has been sentenced following a successful case brought by Derbyshire County Council’s Trading Standards team. Sonny Shacklock, who ran and was the director of Sonna Kitchens Ltd, based in Chapel Street, Belper, admitted 10 charges of breaching the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 at a hearing in December 2023 at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court. Shacklock (40), of Lambert Road, Grimsby, was charged personally in his role as director of the business – 9 charges for unfair misleading actions (claiming customers’ money was protected) and one charge of unfair trading, for failing to meet professional diligence across the period of offending, all under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations. Earlier this week (21 February 2024) at Derby Crown Court Judge Hurst sentenced Shacklock to 8 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 150 hours unpaid work requirement, and disqualification from acting as a company director for 5 years. Derbyshire County Council’s Trading Standards team became aware of problems with Sonna Kitchens Ltd when they were contacted by customers who either had partial work done, or no work at all, by the business, despite paying large amounts of money to replace their kitchens. Nine witnesses said they had been told when arranging the kitchen contracts that their deposits were safe as they had been told the business used an insurance policy to protect payments. These policies were not created, and the money remained unprotected. As a result of the breaches of contract, in total, the customers are owed more than £59,000, which they cannot recover through civil recovery due to the company’s insolvency. Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Carol Hart said: “The sentence handed down by the court sends out a strong message that this kind of underhand trading will not be tolerated and will have serious consequences. “We very much welcome the sentence which comes after a thorough investigation by our Trading Standards officers who investigated complaints received about this company. “It is very sad and frustrating that the customers left out of pocket have no route to go down to recoup their losses but I hope they can take some comfort in knowing that this dishonest businessman has been successfully prosecuted for his actions.”

Business development executive appointed at NLT

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Business development executive appointed at NLT

NLT Training Services has appointed Simon Hammett as a business development executive, working across its Chesterfield and Scunthorpe sites.

He brings a background in a range of sectors to the role, including a successful decade in IT, as well as sales, media, and the armed services where he was a Royal Navy cadet for three years. Alongside his new role at NLT, Simon is also studying part time for a PHD in Documentary Filmmaking.

As part of his business development executive role at NLT Simon will work with organisations, employers and individuals to identify training packages and bespoke courses to assist in the delivery of continued professional development (CPD) in the workplace.

Demand for workplace leadership and management training and development has risen quickly post-covid and Simon’s appointment will enable NLT to extend its reach further.

Simon’s personal CPD makes him ideally placed for the role, having experienced first-hand how accredited training and qualifications can open doors to a range of careers.

Aged 22 he secured a sponsored place with the Royal Naval College where he trained to navigate warships and rose to the rank of Officer – Midshipman. On leaving the Navy, Simon then worked for a number of IT and Communications service providers as well as undertaking degrees in Food, Nutrition and Health, and Documentary Filmmaking.

Speaking about his appointment at NLT, Simon said: “I’m delighted to be part of a company focused on delivering high quality training. Through training and qualifications, I have seen the transformative effect of high-quality provision within my own career progression. I am passionate about NLT’s vision and putting my skillset to use to drive forward the sales of courses.”

Welcoming Simon to the team Sarah Temperton, Chief Executive of NLT Training Services, said: “We’re delighted to have Simon onboard. NLT has been delivering training across the East Midlands and Humberside for more than fifty years. I am confident Simon’s input will help us to shape the next chapter in NLT’s development.”

Northamptonshire video capture technology company sets sights on significant acquisition

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Northamptonshire video capture technology company sets sights on significant acquisition
A Northamptonshire video capture technology company with a global focus on the leisure sector has its sights set on a significant acquisition. Visum Technologies has entered into exclusive non-binding Heads of Terms (HoT) to acquire the entire share capital of Socrates Imaging B.V., a company based in the Netherlands, and Socrates Imaging Ltd, a company based in the United Kingdom. The deal involves a combination of cash payment and new ordinary shares in Visum totaling €2 million. Established in 1990, Socrates Imaging has a legacy in photo and video capture souvenirs within the travel and leisure market. Marc Dixon, CEO of Visum, said: “We are thrilled to announce the heads of agreement for the acquisition of Socrates Imaging. The union of our organizations, leveraging Socrates Imaging’s extensive experience, over 150 client contracts and cutting-edge technology, promises to be mutually beneficial. “This exciting partnership will enable Visum to deliver innovative capture technology, further enhancing our commitment to providing exceptional solutions to our valued customers.” Pim Sonepouse, founder of Socrates Imaging, added: “In 1990, Socrates developed the first digital ride photo system, quickly followed by a series of new-to-market and innovative products. “The quality and reliability of our photosystems are second to none, with the best yet to come in season 2024. I am very excited about the potential collaboration with Visum. It will both accelerate our growth and bring exciting new products and features quicker to market.”

Yü Group enters into “transformational new hedging facility”

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Yü Group enters into “transformational new hedging facility”

Yü Group, the independent supplier of gas, electricity, meter asset owner and installer of smart meters to the UK business sector, has entered into a new structured trading agreement with Shell Energy, with an initial five-year term.

Entry into the hedging facility represents the conclusion of a twelve-month selection and due diligence process. The hedging facility replaces the previous arrangement entered into in 2019 with SmartestEnergy Limited.

The old facility enabled Nottingham-based Yü Group to effectively scale up and formed a key tenet of the Group’s risk management approach allowing the business to procure gas and electricity at fixed prices to support its growing customer base.

The unprecedented volatility in the energy markets, and Yü Group’s rapid growth, has recently resulted in the Group exceeding its available credit under the old facility resulting in the requirement for the Group to post cash on deposit to support its hedging strategy, with £49.8m posted as collateral at 31 December 2023.

The hedging facility with Shell Energy has several benefits for Yü Group. It is structured to allow access to commodity markets to support the Group’s ambitious growth agenda, and has the potential to support further expansion opportunities should they arise.

Further, while the Group meets its ongoing obligations in the hedging facility, Yü Group will not be required to deposit cash as collateral to support mark to market movements, due to energy price fluctuations, as has been required under the old facility. Finally, Yü Group will benefit from Shell’s considerable commodity trading access to liquid commodity markets, at market reflective prices.

Yü Group says the hedging facility “fundamentally transforms” its working capital profile releasing cash that would previously have to be held on balance sheet to support the Group’s robust hedging policy. £52.25m of cash previously lodged under the old facility has now flowed back to Yü Group, with further material cash benefits to be realised over the next month.

Bobby Kalar, Chief Executive Officer of Yü Group, said: “I’m very excited for the future of the Group and look forward to working with Shell Energy Europe Limited, one of Europe’s largest traders of gas, power and environmental products.

“This new strategically important facility is the result of a thorough selection process and is further validation of the strength and maturity of Yü Group following the extensive due diligence and stress-testing of our business model.

“The new hedging facility unlocks over £50m of cash currently posted as collateral and removes a material working capital constraint to the business lifting exposure to mark to market movements from future energy market fluctuations.

“This provides us with substantial strategic and financial benefits, enabling increased distributions whilst continuing to invest to deliver our ambitious growth agenda.

“I recognise it’s been a very busy period for my team and would like to thank them for their continued support. I look forward to the future with absolute confidence.”

Waste firm to pay £68,500 after liquid cyanide leak in Derbyshire

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Waste firm to pay £68,500 after liquid cyanide leak in Derbyshire
The Environment Agency has prosecuted a waste transport company for causing liquid cyanide to leak from a lorry at an industrial estate in Heanor, Derbyshire. At Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday 21 February 2024, J & G Environmental Ltd of Fareham, Hampshire, were fined £16,000 and ordered to pay costs of £52,500. The company had previously pleaded guilty to the charge of causing an illegal water discharge. It prompted the Fire Service to set up decontamination protocols and caused hundreds of fish deaths in a nearby pond. The court was told that the incident occurred on 6 February 2018, when a container was ruptured as the driver started moving them around, having borrowed a forklift truck. Hundreds of litres of a liquid, which contained diluted cyanide, began to escape going onto the floor before entering the drainage system and natural waterways. The Fire Service were called and cordoned off the area and set up decontamination protocols to ensure that anyone involved in the incident were fully washed down. Environment Agency officers were also called and tried to stop the flow of water from nearby ponds. They also took samples from the dead fish and found that of the 73 sent for testing all were found to have died from cyanide poisoning. The Environment Agency estimated their clear up costs were in the region of £50,000. J & G Environmental are contractors offering waste collection and disposal to the printing, photographic and healthcare industry. On the day of the incident, the company had collected the waste liquid from the Rolls Royce base before the lorry went onto Heanor. In sentencing the company, Judge Michael Auty noted that it had no previous convictions and had pleaded guilty to the offence. He also took into account the efforts made by the company more widely to ensure no repetition of a similar incident and to contribute to recycling and environmental welfare. The Judge added that it was unfortunate that the driver was unable to provide any detail of the nature of the liquid being transported and that the absence or availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) created a risk to its employees. A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “We welcome this sentence as this was a serious pollution which caused considerable disruption besides fish deaths. The Environment Agency will pursue any company that fails to uphold the law or protect nature and will continue to press for the strongest possible penalties. “Failure to comply with these legal requirements is a serious offence that can damage the environment and harm human health.”
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