Historic redundant buildings converted into modern offices for Derby charity

Tess Egginton
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Historic redundant buildings converted into modern offices for Derby charity
The Liversage Trust, an historic Almhouses Charity with a legacy dating back to 1529, has successfully revamped a redundant site on Alice Street in Derby. This site, situated within the Nottingham Road Conservation Area, has been revitalised into contemporary offices and workshops featuring courtyard parking. The Liversage Trust, renowned for its commitment to offering accommodation and care for Derby residents in need, boasts a diverse and well-managed property portfolio comprising 163 Almhouses, a 40-bed care home, and an array of commercial units and residential properties across the city. The charity’s flagship site is the historic Almshouses on London Road, dating back to 1836, which stands opposite the new Nightingale development. With plans to convert the Almshouses including the on-site office; a development project began to relocate the offices to the redundant building on Alice Street. The Alice Street buildings are of the 1930’s period and have a character typical of functional industrial buildings with solid brick Flemish bond walls, steel industrial small paned windows of the Crittal type and slate pitched roofs. The offices are now fully renovated and are a blend of modern amenities and sustainable design elements. Their completion marks a significant milestone for the Trust and makes a positive contribution to the preservation of the Nottingham Road Conservation Area. Architect, Matthew Montague said: “The new offices will add great operational benefit to the Trust, enhance the future viability and prosperity of the conservation area and strengthen the trust’s portfolio. The project has gone well on site and we are delighted to handover ahead of schedule.” Andy Mellors, General Manager of The Liversage Trust, said: “We are delighted with the completed project; the new space meets the evolving needs of our organisation and reflects our commitment to historical preservation; all of which allow us to keep the heritage and work of The Trust progressing and moving forwards.”

£2.5m regeneration scheme transforms Leicestershire town centre

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£2.5m regeneration scheme transforms Leicestershire town centre

A town centre regeneration project has been completed, revitalising the area for local businesses and residents and enhancing community space.

Shepshed’s Market Place in Leicestershire is now a versatile and pedestrian-friendly environment, following work undertaken by multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard. The improvements, which are set to boost trade and increase footfall in the region, include new car parking spaces, seating, bicycle parking facilities and an array of trees and plantings.

Pavements in Market Place and along nearby Brook Street have also been upgraded and expanded, with soft landscaping elements implemented to increase accessibility and reinforce visual identity in the town centre.

The transformation forms part of a wider set of public realm works by Charnwood Borough Council, which will enable the town centre to host new events and market stalls.

The work, which has been several years in the making, saw Pick Everard deliver project and cost management services via Perfect Circle and the SCAPE Consultancy direct award framework, designed to drive collaboration, efficiency, time and cost savings on construction projects.

Matt Hall, director at Pick Everard, said: “It’s fantastic to see the transformation of Shepshed’s Market Place complete, which will generate increased footfall for local businesses. Improving our high streets and public spaces is vital to ensure they suit the way we live our lives today.

“The scheme has placed accessibility and flexibility at the fore to ensure the space can be used for a variety of purposes, including town centre events that will turn Shepshed into a destination offering.

“The work undertaken was both challenging and rewarding, with collaboration and engagement with project partners and the community ensuring any disruption was kept to a minimum in a live working environment. We look forward to watching the space evolve as a modern town centre that benefits residents and visitors alike.”

The Market Place renovation also coincides with improvements to the local Bull Ring, Hall Croft and Field Street.

The scheme, known as the Shepshed Town Centre Masterplan, is led by Charnwood Borough Council, working alongside Shepshed Town Council and Shepshed Town Team.

Cllr Jewel Miah, leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “It is so pleasing to see this project completed and it has made the area a much more attractive place for people.

“We have worked closely with the town council and the town team in consultation with local businesses and residents throughout the process and I hope these improvements will have a positive impact on the town.

“The area is now better for residents and is much more accessible and safer.”

Creative agency makes move to Ednaston Park

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Creative agency makes move to Ednaston Park
Behaviour change marketing agency MacMartin have relocated to Ednaston Park Business Centre located between Derby and Ashbourne. The company was previously located at Needwood House in Burton upon Trent. Ran by sisters Anna and Claire, MacMartin began in 2017, they now employ a small team of creative experts. MacMartin have been involved in delivering impactful campaigns for Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and YMCA to name a few. Commenting on MacMartin’s move to Ednaston Park, Gina Connett, Facilities Manager at Ednaston Park Business Centre, said: “We are delighted to welcome MacMartin to Ednaston Park Business Centre. “Their team perfectly complement our diverse, growing business community here. We look forward to watching MacMartin prosper within the beautifully unique surroundings that Ednaston Park has to offer.” Set in 18-acres of landscaped gardens, Ednaston Park was built in the 19th century. Until 2016 it housed the St Mary’s Nursing Home; it was then bought by Clowes Developments in September 2017. Since then, the developer has invested heavily in the property to turn it into modern office accommodation, combining contemporary styling with many of the building’s original period features. Ednaston Park now comprises of flexible commercial space in the form of 32 office suites ranging in size from 54 sq ft to 553 sq ft, available as single or multi-office lets. It also features meeting rooms, a break-out area and landscaped gardens. In 2022, Clowes demolished the old nunnery living quarters at the back of the main building to create a further three units known as Ednaston Mews, now fully occupied. Recently completed at the start of 2024, adjacent to the business centre is the newly refurbished Ednaston Barns which benefit from their own self-contained plot to the side of the main building.

Corby business sold to employees

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Corby business sold to employees

A Corby-based international telematics firm has been majority sold to an employee ownership trust (EOT).

Mobilevalley has used a £1 million funding package from HSBC UK to support the transfer of ownership of the business to its employees, securing up to 18 jobs in the local area.

An EOT is a special form of employee benefit trust introduced by the Government in September 2014 to encourage more shareholders to set up an employee-led business. Following the move, employees at Mobilevalley are now able to have a meaningful say in how the business is run and operated, driving long-term business growth, employee engagement and ensuring its services are protected for its customers.

As part of its growth plans, the move has also enabled Mobilevalley to open its new branded Midlands Telematics Centre in Corby. The state of the art 3,500 sq ft centre will provide all its services under one roof and is designed for commercial partners and those looking for HGV telematics or CCTV products.

The company is expecting a 10 per cent increase in turnover as a result of the deal.

Troy Smith, Managing Director at Mobilevalley, said: “Our business model is only achievable through the hard work and dedication of our employees, and we’re so pleased that HSBC UK has been able to support our vision of ensuring our business stays committed to its people.”

Nicholas Young, Business Banking Area Director at HSBC, added: “HSBC UK is committed to supporting local economies and communities. A transaction like this ensures the longevity of a successful local business, even after the founders retire.

“We’re pleased to have been able to support Mobilevalley with this key milestone in their lifecycle and enable the business to progress its succession plan.”

With over 25 years’ experience in the telematics installation sector, Mobilevalley is a specialist installer of high-end tracking devices and telematics for large vehicle fleets including trucks, buses, vans and trailers. Its customers stretch across the UK and Europe and span public transport, emergency services and logistics.

UK Space Agency chooses Space Park Leicester for regional office

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UK Space Agency chooses Space Park Leicester for regional office
Space Park Leicester has been chosen to host one of three new regional offices for the UK Space Agency, as part of its national expansion to support the space sector across the UK. The expansion will see the UK’s executive agency for space activity base staff at the University of Leicester’s £100 million science and innovation park. Aligned with the government’s Levelling Up strategy, the expansion will enable the Agency to collaborate more closely with the UK’s thriving space sector, while promoting regional skills and job opportunities to deliver increasingly ambitious missions and capabilities. Within its first two years, Space Park Leicester has already been established as the second largest campus-based cluster with a dedicated space focus in the UK and generated an estimated £89m for the economy in its first year. Professor Richard Ambrosi, Executive Director of Space Park Leicester, said: “Space scientists at the University of Leicester have a long history of working with the UK Space Agency on numerous space missions and programmes spanning upstream technology development and downstream science. “University of Leicester expertise has supported missions with UK Space Agency involvement such as the European Space Agency’s Bepi Colombo mission to Mercury, the Rosalind Franklin Mission to Mars, the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer mission to launch in 2025 and carbon monitoring mission MicroCarb just to name a few.” Recent projects to receive support from UK Space Agency at Leicester include work on carbon mapping sensors for monitoring greenhouse gas emission management programmes in Bahrain. Funding has also been awarded for a Midlands Space Cluster Development Manager to work with local government, businesses and academia, to coordinate space activity and encourage collaboration and inward investment in the Midlands, as well as to the Midland Aerospace Alliance’s Pivot into Space R&D programme. At the start of the year, University of Leicester scientists also received funding from the UK Space Agency’s Space Science and Exploration Bilateral Programme to deliver (with other UK and Spanish collaborators) a Raman spectroscopy instrument for commercial lunar rover and lander missions investigating minerals on the Moon, helping us to understand whether this is a resource that could be used for longer term lunar exploration. Professor Sarah Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Leicester, said: “We are delighted that the UK Space Agency is joining our dynamic and collaborative community at Space Park Leicester. “Space Park draws together colleagues from industry and academia who are working in space and the space-enabled sectors and whose activities and objectives are consistent with those outlined in the recently-published Space Industrial Plan. “Given the value of the UK space sector to our economy, locating UKSA offices in places such as Space City Leicester will be crucial to realising the UK’s ambitions in Space and the University of Leicester is committed to supporting that endeavour.” The UK Space Agency is opening new headquarters at the Harwell Science Campus’ Space Cluster in Oxfordshire and regional offices in Scotland, Wales and the Midlands as it works to support the space sector across the UK. The new structure will create significant opportunities to build on high-growth areas, such as Earth observation and satellite broadband. It will also help the UK establish early leadership in emerging markets such as in orbit spacecraft servicing, active space debris removal, and the new lunar economy, enabling us to help forge a greener, smarter and more inclusive sector. Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said: “This is a transformational moment for the UK Space Agency, responding directly to the feedback that the Agency should be embedded in the sector. “Our new headquarters, located at the UK’s biggest space cluster in Harwell, will connect to new regional offices in Leicester, Edinburgh and Cardiff, and our existing London and Swindon teams, helping us recruit space talent from across the nation and deliver the National Space Strategy. “Space Park Leicester is a vital part of both Space City Leicester and the broader Midlands Space Cluster, with both a national and international focus. As the city’s hub for space research and innovation, since opening in 2022, it’s crucial we nurture Space Park Leicester’s skills and expertise and connect them with the wider sector to ensure we continue this journey.”

Pork pie maker fined £800,000 after two Nottingham workers lose fingers

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Pork pie maker fined £800,000 after two Nottingham workers lose fingers
A company that specialises in making pork pies has been fined £800,000 after two young workers lost fingers in incidents at two different Nottingham bakeries. Pork Farms Ltd, which makes other savoury goods such as quiches, at several sites across England, was given the fine after both workers were injured just weeks apart at the end of 2022. The first incident took place on 16 November when a 22-year-old worker had his hand trapped while trying to clear a blockage on a conveyor at the firm’s Tottle Bakery on Dunsil Drive. He had to have a finger amputated after his hand was trapped between a chain and sprocket on a conveyor at the site. However, just weeks later, on Christmas Eve, Mahamad Hassan, who was just 19, suffered similar injuries at Pork Farms Limited’s Riverside Bakery. The teen also had a finger amputated as a result of coming into contact with a rotating shaft on a conveyor. Nottingham Magistrates’ Court heard that the company had failed to ensure that the conveyors involved in both incidents were adequately guarded. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that dangerous parts of both conveyors were accessible at the time of each incident. At the Tottle Bakery, an unsuitable interlock was used on a hinged guard over a chain conveyor system and an inadequate inspection and maintenance regime led to this interlock failing. The chain conveyor automatically moved as he tried to adjust the position of the chain following a blockage in the area. At the Riverside Bakery, a section of the driveshaft of a lineshaft style conveyor was unguarded and spacing of the rollers was sufficient for a person’s arm to pass through and reach the driveshaft below. Mr Hassan was injured when his arm went between the rollers and his gloved hand became entangled in the rotating driveshaft. In addition to physical guarding issues, there was no warning system to give notice that the conveyor was about to start working and emergency stop controls were not readily accessible. Pork Farms Limited, of Queens Drive, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £600,000 for the incident at the Tottle Bakery and £200,000 for the incident at the Riverside Bakery. The company was also ordered to pay costs of £6,482 at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 18 March 2024. Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Tim Nicholson said: “Both of these incidents were completely preventable. They left two young men with injuries that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. “Companies shouldn’t overlook important machinery safety basics, including provision and maintenance of adequate guards and protection devices, to ensure that access to dangerous parts of machinery is prevented. “Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”

Revenue and profit dip at Forterra

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Revenue and profit dip at Forterra

Revenue and profit have dipped at Forterra, the manufacturer of clay and concrete building products.

According to full year results for 2023, revenue slid from £455.5m in 2022 to £346.4m.

Meanwhile, profit before tax declined from £70.6m to £31.1m.

Neil Ash, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Forterra produced a resilient performance in 2023, in what turned out to be a very challenging year for our industry. Demand for new housing in the UK fell substantially, driven by increasing interest rates adversely impacting affordability and therefore demand for new homes.

“In light of this lower demand management took decisive action on our cost base. Assuming 2024 demand remains consistent with 2023, our management actions will ensure output is broadly matched with sales, thus limiting future inventory build.

“Importantly, however, these temporary reductions will not impact our ability to respond quickly when our markets recover. Indeed, one bright spot during 2023 was the commissioning of the new Desford brick factory, which gradually ramped up production throughout the year, and which will provide a significant capacity uplift in improved markets.

“With the long-term under-supply of housing in the UK continuing to worsen, and with our previous capacity constraints now addressed, the Board remains confident in the Group’s ability to benefit as our key markets recover.”

During the year production was reduced through the mothballing of factories, shift reductions and production breaks. In addition, Forterra restructured commercial and back-office functions.

These actions are set to deliver annualised fixed costs savings in excess of £20m, with around £6m realised in 2023 and the balance being realised in 2024.

Revenue and profit soar at Journeo

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Revenue and profit soar at Journeo

Journeo plc, the Ashby-de-la-Zouch-based information systems and transport technical services group, has seen revenue and profit soar.

According to final results for the year ended 31 December 2023, revenue increased 118% to £46.1m, up from £21.1m in 2022.

Profit before tax, meanwhile, increased 312% to £3.7m, up from £0.9m in 2022.

Russ Singleton, CEO of Journeo plc, said: “I am very pleased with the progress we have made towards reaching our goal of becoming a market leader in our field. Our strengthening intellectual property and increased barriers to entry into our markets are helping us establish defendable market positions.

“Each year, we are growing our recurring revenue base as well as our sales order book, providing us with greater forward earnings visibility. Together with healthy cash balances, we are able to invest further in our technologies and business.

“The acquisitions of Infotec and MultiQ have performed well since joining the Group, extending our capabilities and geographic reach. We continue to seek out complementary acquisitions that can provide Journeo with access to adjacent markets or increase the services we deliver into our current markets.

“As we entered 2024, we did so with momentum in our strategy, which is enabling us to deliver valuable products, software, and services for our customers. Our strong order book, growing sales pipeline, and increasing leadership positions give us confidence in our ability to further grow the business.”

Contractor appointed for design and re-development of former Beales building in Mansfield

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Contractor appointed for design and re-development of former Beales building in Mansfield

Mansfield Connect has taken a step forward following the appointment of a contractor for the design and re-development of the former Beales building in Mansfield.

Mansfield District Council has appointed Kier Group plc following a competitive tender process to undertake phase one for the Mansfield Connect project. It will see the 1930s former Beales building in the heart of the town centre transformed into a modern, multi-agency and community hub. Phase one was given the green light in a delegated decision taken by Councillor Craig Whitby, Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Finance. It will see the overall design and development of the project, then subject to progress, the council will then tender and award a contract for phase two in autumn 2024, which will see the main construction work being undertaken. Project work is expected to start on site in January 2025, with it being fully operational and open in January 2027. Following a submission made by the council, the scheme was allocated the full £20 million from round two of the government’s flagship Levelling Up Fund in January 2023. It is expected to house a variety of public, educational, enterprise, and health and wellbeing services, along with space for private sector investment and Mansfield District Council’s new headquarters. The project is anticipated to cost around £30 million to complete, and this will be made up of the £20 million Levelling Up Fund, £5 million from the Levelling Up Partnership, with the balance from partner contributions, and from Mansfield District Council anticipated capital receipts. Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “Mansfield Connect is a key regeneration project that will transform the long vacant Beales department store into a multi-use, multi-service community and civic hub. “Its creation will significantly improve access to a range of public services to support our communities; create new opportunities for enterprise and skills development; provide important new town centre amenities; and, by re-opening long closed frontages, will support greater footfall and high street vibrancy. “The co-location of the council with partners in the town centre represents an opportunity to bring key services together, facilitating service transformation and significant efficiency gains within the council and across partner services. “This once-in-a-lifetime regeneration project is a fundamental step forward in creating a brighter and transformative future for Mansfield’s residents, and we anticipate it will stimulate further private sector investment and economic opportunity in the town centre and beyond.” The council purchased the building in December 2021 to take control over shaping a new future for the town centre. It forms a key part of the council’s adopted Town Centre Masterplan and complements several other regeneration projects and developments being progressed across the town. It also aligns with the broader council strategies promoting Growth, Aspiration, Wellbeing and Place. The CEO of Mansfield BID, Jay Rowlinson, said the project is the key to unlocking more business and investment in the town centre. He said: “The impact the multi-agency hub will deliver to our local businesses is two-fold. We will see an increase in footfall in the town centre by having a one-stop shop for council services, education, benefits, and job support. “Also, our town centre businesses will further reap the benefits with all these staff and additional visitors using their eateries, shopping with them for goods, and enjoying what the town offers. “It will not only increase the vibrancy of Stockwell Gate, a key entry point into our town, but it will also bring a building that has stood empty back into use, and I look forward to seeing the progress get underway.” The Mansfield Connect building will be both refurbished and rebuilt to ensure maximum value for money while ensuring important heritage assets are retained. It is anticipated that the front art-deco of the former Co-op building will be retained, and the remaining parts of the building could be demolished with a new building created. It is also anticipated that the existing two shopping link footbridges over Stockwell Gate will be removed within the scheme, opening a key entrance into the town centre, and unlocking its vibrancy. More details will be confirmed during the phase one process, and subsequent planning application due to be submitted later this year.

Ashfield council appoints contractor to revitalise derelict site in Sutton

Stuart Pearcey
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Ashfield council appoints contractor to revitalise derelict site in Sutton
The centre of Sutton in Ashfield is to be enhanced with a project to be delivered by Lincoln-based Lindum Group, which next month will start  to breathe new life into a derelict site on Fox Street. It will become a flexible outdoor space linking pedestrians from ASDA to the town centre, but also to be a venue for markets and events. Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “We can’t wait to see this project begin. The Fox Street site has been an eyesore for a long time and our renovation works will breathe life into it, creating a space that can be used for events and markets – capitalising on the natural footfall in this part of Sutton. Ashfield District Council’s plans for the entire District are revolutionary and will create a lasting impact on Ashfield; a great place to live, visit, work, and play.” Lindum Group MD Edward Chambers said: “Our previous projects with the council together have included the creation of Moor Market in Kirkby and construction of more than 60 new energy-efficient homes across the district. “We’ve been working with the authority on this scheme since mid-2023 to help find the most cost-effective way to deliver the works, which will make a huge difference to the town centre, and ultimately provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.” The site is currently a disused wasteland. The transformative works will see a 41-space car park created with new lighting, CCTV and native trees and hedging planted to enhance biodiversity. The River Idle, which runs through the back of the site, will be cleaned, and restored, providing a natural focal point. The works to Fox Street are being funded by Ashfield District Council’s £6.27million Future High Streets Fund. The next stage of the regeneration of Sutton town centre will start shortly after Fox Street, with ground being broken on Portland Square in May. The Council’s ambitious plans for Portland Square will create a modern, attractive, and useable town centre, funded as part of their £62.6million Towns Deal.
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