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.
More jobs to be created in Worksop as part of East Midlands Investment Zone
Plans to unlock £160 million in government grants have taken a notable step forward as the final steps are taken to formalise the East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ) – part of which will be on the edge of Worksop – helping to create new jobs, increase productivity and boost the local economy.
Bassetlaw District Council Cabinet members have agreed to progress to the next stage of the proposed EMIZ which will include three sites: the Centre of Excellence in Modern Construction (Bassetlaw and Bolsover); Infinity Park Derby (Derby City and South Derbyshire); and Hartington Staveley (Chesterfield).
The EMIZ is intended to act as a catalyst for new investments from existing companies in the region, including Laing O’Rourke in Bassetlaw and Rolls Royce in Derby.
Together, these sites are intended to support growth in the green industries and advanced manufacturing sectors across the East Midlands as a whole. It’s expected they will collectively help to bring in over £380 million in private investment and upwards of 4,000 jobs to the region.
By continuing to be key partners in this inward investment strategy, Bassetlaw District Council can bid for flexible funding in the future worth around £120 million which it can spend on areas including skills, local infrastructure, business support and research and innovation. This could be anywhere in the district, including projects associated with the STEP fusion energy project at West Burton.
Cllr James Naish, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: “We are pleased to see that once more, Bassetlaw’s potential as a vibrant place to live, work and do business is being recognised as one of only three parts of the East Midlands to be part of the emerging East Midlands Investment Zone.
“By continuing to engage and work at a regional level, the Council and its partners will be able accelerate the transformation of the district into a hub for new technologies.
“We welcome the opportunities that this will bring to secure new investment; to create high-quality apprenticeships and jobs; and, ultimately, to improve life chances for Bassetlaw residents.”
The financial incentives on the three sites – totalling 95 hectares in total – will initially last five years with the potential for a further five-year extension. Bassetlaw District Council’s Cabinet has given permission to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the new East Midlands Mayoral Combined County Authority (EMMCCA).
It is expected that investment incentives at the Laing O’Rourke Centre of Excellence in Modern Construction (CEMC) on the edge of Worksop, will fast track the development of a modular construction hub and an apprenticeship training academy, boosting local productivity. Linked with the University of Nottingham this vital economic boost will create positive opportunities for raising the skillsets of local residents.
The latest Cabinet paper details how the EMIZ will be established at the start of next month when the East Midlands Mayoral County Combined Authority (EMMCCA) is formally created.
Grants relaunched for rural Harborough businesses
Businesses in the Harborough district are being encouraged to apply for grant funding through the Harborough Rural Grant Scheme 2024/25.
Eligible applicants can benefit from grants between £5,000-£20,000 to support their business to diversify, innovate and grow.
The council is keen to support exciting projects that will help local businesses and the wider economy and community.
The scheme spans across four themes:
- Farm Business Diversification
- Innovate and Grow
- Green Technology
- Rural Tourism
Construction consultancy founder appointed as NTU Alumni and Industry Fellow
The founder partner at multi-disciplinary consultancy company Focus Consultants has been appointed as a Nottingham Trent University Alumni and Industry Fellow.
Kevin Osbon is using the opportunity to share details of how he has built a close relationship with his former university and hopes to encourage others to follow in his footsteps.
He believes that more professionals in their 50s could be sharing their expertise and knowledge with the younger generation.
And, rather than retiring early, he is urging them to consider opportunities for working with their local universities instead.
Kevin studied as a slightly mature student at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) in the late 1980s during the period that it transitioned from Trent Polytechnic to NTU, gaining a BSc Hons in Construction Management in 1990.
Four years later he set up Focus Consultants in his dining room in Beeston, Nottingham.
Since then, the multi-disciplinary company has grown to have offices in Nottingham, Leicester and London with a £6 million annual fee turnover managing over £300 million of construction projects each year – becoming a leading consultancy in the construction, sustainability, cultural and regeneration sectors.
For the past eight years Kevin has been revisiting the corridors of Nottingham Trent University, this time as a lecturer, having gradually stepped away from frontline consultancy following a structured Management Buy In (MBI) of Focus Consultants. He remains majority shareholder and operates as joint chairperson, now largely overseeing the business.
Although still retaining an interest and a role at Focus, his reduced hours, year on year, gave him the opportunity to teach construction management, quantity surveying and construction commercial management, contract administration and control and finance to NTU undergraduates.
He hopes that by highlighting his professional journey, he can encourage others who have a wealth of experience in their respective careers to find a way to share that knowledge with the younger generation.
“When you come to the point of stepping away from frontline consultancy or construction work then all of that intellectual capital should not be lost,” explains Kevin, 59. “The over 50s have vast resources. I have basically had another career in the eight years that I have been working with NTU – gradually increasing my involvement from teaching to writing papers, contributing to books and various other initiatives. It’s been extremely stimulating.
“I never thought I would become a published author or be part of a team that won an internationally significant award for an academic paper, but that’s what has happened as a result of taking on a teaching role at NTU.
“Some over 50s took early retirement after the pandemic and the government is now encouraging them to return to the workplace. This age group has a lot of wisdom and experience to share with the younger generation. They have a lot to give. In my view, the over 50s are a vastly untapped resource.
“There are stacks of people out there like me, who have had a successful first career but who could go on to have a second successful career in teaching, mentoring or training.”
Not only has Kevin’s latest position benefited him personally, it has also brought a number of benefits both to Focus Consultants and to NTU. The University has been able to tap into the knowledge and resources of the Focus team, while Focus has been able to recruit skilled graduates to join the business. The partnership between the two organisations has recently been formalised in a three-year framework looking to provide deliverables such as:
- Knowledge exchange and building links with industry
- Provision of lecturers and guest lecturers
- Fostering talent and providing workplace opportunities for students and graduates
- Providing support and expertise for the new Centre for Sustainable Construction and Retrofit
- Collaboration on project work to facilitate hands-on student work experience
- Contributions to research initiatives leading to published works
Kevin added: “Little did I know that when I studied at Nottingham Trent University in the late 1980s that I would return to the University as a lecturer towards the end of my career and become involved in research and various initiatives leading to a strategic partnership between my consultancy and NTU.
“I’ve enjoyed a very fulfilling career in consultancy and I’m very proud of the business that myself, my partners and my colleagues have built up over the past 30 years. It feels good to be giving something back to help future generations and it’s also been extremely positive for me personally to have had a second career teaching in my 50s.
“I would encourage the over 50s to consider ways that they can share their knowledge and skills. It’s certainly something that I am very pleased to have done and would recommend it to others, if it’s relevant and appropriate for them.”
Planning & Design Practice form electrifying partnership with Down to Earth Derby
Planning & Design Practice (PDP) have joined Derby’s nature-based regeneration journey by partnering with Down to Earth Derby (DTE) as part of their Corporate Sponsorship programme.
With links to Cornwall’s eco-focused Eden Project, DTE describe themselves as an independent catalyst for nature-based regeneration.
PDP were requested to bring their design expertise to spruce up the toilet area of DTE’s city-centre community garden and event space, Electric Daisy. Launched in June 2023 Electric Daisy is: “A botanical garden meets, late night cocktail bar, in this commercially driven concept.”
PDP were able to use their DIY and creative skills to transform a utilitarian looking Portaloo into something which is much more in keeping with the tranquil garden vibe that DTE are trying to achieve.
On a cold March morning six members of staff arrived with a plan, three inside the toilet decorating and three outside constructing cladding and trellis, upcycling old sheds and bits of salvaged wood.
The design inside the toilet was created using acrylic paints and now hand painted electric daisies adorn the walls. The woodwork was painted black to modernise and the overall effect was much fresher than before and ready to welcome guests when the venue reopens soon.
DTE’s business strategy and scalability lead Ross Nicholson said: “Big shout out to Planning & Design Practice for becoming a corporate sponsor at Electric Daisy and for a great day converting our shabby toilet block (inside and out) into a shed (kind of!) which blends much better with the community garden and events space.
“A brilliant day’s work, which means we can now crack on with letting nature do its thing – growing stuff up, in and around it.”
As well as working on the relaunch of Electric Daisy, Down to Earth Derby have also been commissioned by Wavensmere Homes to create an expansive community garden within its Nightingale Quarter development, on the site of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary.
The £40,000 pilot project will see an interactive garden and allotment space created on the 18.5-acres and is planned to be unveiled in late spring. If successful the approach will be rolled out across Wavensmere’s city-wide portfolio, creating magnets for nature, wildlife, and people across the city.
Marketing stalwart retires after 35 years
Simple Marketing Consultancy (SMC) has announced the retirement of its founding director, Bev Cook after 35+ years in marketing roles in the East Midlands. Succeeding her is Elliot Cook who will continue to manage their client portfolio.
Bev began her career in the automotive sector before moving into professional services marketing for prominent top tier firms. Upon joining Stoy Hayward she was quickly thrown into the deep end when a week later their merger with BDO Binder Hamlin was announced. She went on to oversee growth of the merged firm from 8 partners and 70 staff to 14 partners and over 200 staff, with the successful launch of the BDO Stoy Hayward Leicester Office.
This kick started her consultancy career and roles at Bland Bankart (now Gallaghers Insurance), Faithful & Gould, Flint Bishop, Grant Thornton, and Tenon followed. Whilst at Tenon the firm won the Marketing Society Star Award for best professional services brand and the European Managing Partners Forum Award for best brand in practice.
Following the merger with RSM, Bev left Tenon and founded SMC with a business model to provide outsourced marketing support to family and owner managed businesses on a monthly retainer basis.
Her son Elliot Cook joined the business in 2016 having provided remote support whilst studying a BSc in Business Administration whilst on a 4 year football scholarship in the USA.
Based in Radcliffe on Trent, Nottingham, SMC has advised a number of the region’s award winning family or owner managed businesses such as Blueprint Interiors, Alpha Rail, Purpose Media, Finch Consulting, Lesley Cree Opticians, Mather Jamie and Tecserv UK. Most clients have doubled profits and enjoyed significant brand exposure as a result of the advice and guidance provided.
Commenting on her retirement Bev said: “I was really privileged to be mentored by some of our region’s leading professional advisers. They encouraged me to get first-hand experience listening to owner managers and understanding their issues. Thanks to them I was able to differentiate myself as a marketer and also pass this knowledge to Elliot. I firmly believe that as my successor our clients will continue to thrive.”
Business partner Elliot Cook added: “Over the past decade, I’ve been fortunate to have an exceptional business partner by my side. With her extensive experience in offering practical marketing advice to business owners, she has been an invaluable mentor and role model.
“After nearly four decades in the industry, she has earned the right to hang up her boots and embrace a more leisurely lifestyle. I am immensely honoured to be assuming leadership of the business in her place and eagerly anticipate the exciting future ahead for SMC.”
Bev plans to spend her retirement focusing on getting fitter, looking after her Dad and playing golf more. She hopes to continue representing Notts County Ladies Golf Association and will also continue to arrange the annual Three Bunkers Golf Challenge in aid of local charity Big C Little C which has so far raised over £40,000 for local Cancer Research and NSPCC projects.
Council takes ownership of hotel in Sleaford
In a move which will secure a prestigious hotel business, protect jobs and broaden its economic and social benefits, North Kesteven District Council has taken ownership of the Carre Arms Hotel in Sleaford.
The purchase of both the hotel and its operating company has been finalised following a decision by Full Council on February 29, 2024, with Members agreeing that there were significant advantages to the community in protecting this key local infrastructure asset, which could otherwise be lost as a viable business.
Acquisition of the Carre Arms also assists the Council significantly in advancing its ambitions around expanding the local visitor economy – being one of only two hotels in the immediate area with more than 10 rooms – and the regeneration of Sleaford Town Centre.
The move also protects an historic, landmark building and introduces opportunity to enhance its viability as an accommodation, conference and functions provider.
Council Chief Executive Ian Fytche said the realisation of this opportunity to move forward a number of the Council’s strategic aims around Sleaford’s regeneration and the potential for growing the local visitor economy was something the Council could not afford to pass over.
“For more than 12 years we have recognised the need for expanded hotel provision in order to meet existing and growing demand for business and visitor accommodation, but that is something that the private sector has not been able to provide,” he said.
“That reality, allied with the broader aspirations of the Sleaford Masterplan and the Council’s wider strategic interests in redevelopment opportunities in the immediate area of the Carre Arms, have led to the Council taking this proactive intervention.
“It is an action entirely consistent with legal and financial frameworks and will ultimately support the Council in both delivering on its objectives and maintaining its own ongoing viability, just as its established Lafford Homes housing company does.
“Customers of the Carre Arms will see no immediate difference as there is no change to the operations of the hotel or the circumstances of the employees.
“Along with the retiring owners, who have run a successful business for more than 20 years, we thank them for their goodwill both now and over the years in providing a much-needed multipurpose venue in the heart of Sleaford.”
Work underway at West Bridgford low carbon housing development
Work is underway at the Abbey Central housing development in West Bridgford, a low-energy, ‘gas-less’ sustainable development, comprising of 71 new modern homes.
Currently being developed jointly by Peveril Homes and Stagfield Group, the 1.9 hectare site was previously used as Rushcliffe Borough Council’s (RBC) depot.
As part of their long-term aspirations to relocate to a more suitable location, the Council were clear in their vision to create a new, sustainable community that raises the bar on carbon efficiency, environmental impacts, design and affordable housing.
RBC partnered with local architects, Allan Joyce, to meticulously design a low-energy, sustainable development near Abbey Road, incorporating modern technology to facilitate a “gas-less” community.
Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council Cllr Neil Clarke said: “With this site we wanted to raise the bar and show developers what could be achieved by creating an exemplar site by thinking differently, hitting our targets of being environmentally friendly whilst also keeping within our 30% affordable housing goals.
“To see the impressive work being completed on these homes as part of our aims to reduce carbon emissions within the Borough is excellent and we are delighted to be watching our vision and aspirations for a carbon efficient development coming to life, bringing forward a difficult brownfield site.
“This is a positive example of our continuing commitment to providing energy efficient new homes and affordable housing in Rushcliffe as we forge a positive landscape for future generations.”
Ann Taylor and Phoebe Clark from Savills development team in Nottingham, acted on behalf of RBC selling this redevelopment site to Peveril Homes and Stagfield Group.
Ann said: “The brief to Allan Joyce was to create a new exemplar housing development for Rushcliffe and to set a new standard for sustainable high-quality urban family living in West Bridgford. We were confident that the area could support a high value flagship scheme and we are excited to see the new homes finished and occupied in due course.”
The entire scheme is projected to achieve over 50% CO2 reduction compared to standard building regulations, a noteworthy accomplishment surpassing the target of 19% CO2 reduction for the development.
Specific houses, outfitted with both Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) and Solar PV, are forecasted to achieve up to 80% savings in CO2 and energy compared to existing building regulations, utilising contemporary energy systems to conserve energy and Solar PV to generate electricity.
James Smith, Managing Director of Peveril Homes, added: “As the site will be completely gas-free, we are continuing to innovate our product offering. Our partnership with Stagfield Group assists us to evolve with each house type designed from the ground up to accommodate modern living and the ambitious carbon net goals set by Rushcliffe Borough Council.”
Kevin Hard, Managing Director at Stagfield Group, said: “Our latest development, ‘Abbey Central’ in partnership with Peveril Homes, is breaking new ground with 71 homes designed with low-energy and sustainable development at its core.
“We’re really pleased that the housing development has been highlighted as a blueprint case study by the local Council as to how future developments should be built in order to meet Carbon Net Zero goals.”
The site is expected to be officially launched in April 2024.
Fresh planning application submitted for homes at Tollerton Airfield
A second planning application for new homes at the site of Tollerton Airfield has been submitted to Rushcliffe Borough Council following the first submission in December 2020 for housing, a primary school, local centre and supporting infrastructure.
It proposes a mixture of full and outline planning permission for the phased residential development that could see dwellings, a second primary school and supporting infrastructure such as open spaces and sports pitches.
There is a further area of land that does not form part of the two planning applications received, which could be for additional homes, community infrastructure, employment land, and a secondary school.
The Council have advised the applicants it cannot determine either application until such time that a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is in place, which is a masterplan for the site.
Planning officers are working with the consortium of landowners for the development of this masterplan to ensure all public and community infrastructure is planned properly and to the highest standards, taking account of the needs of the new and existing communities.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing Cllr Roger Upton said: “We are duty bound to validate the application if it is correct and cannot decline to do so, but the applicants are aware we cannot determine the application until the SPD is in place.
“We will formally consult technical consultees, ward members, the relevant Parish Councils and local residents, all of whom will have the chance to comment on the proposals.”
Pre-pack sale secured for Northampton packing solutions business
A Northampton packing solutions business has been sold in a pre-pack administration deal.
Deviesh Raikundalia and Tyrone Courtman of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP were appointed joint administrators of Universal Supply Chain & Solutions Limited on 12 March 2024 and have secured the sale of the business and its assets.
Based in Northampton, the company is a family-run business specialising in the co-packing industry and providing full supply chain logistics fulfilment as well as flexible warehousing. The company specialised in dealing with seasonal promotions and latterly diversified into food and cosmetics packaging.
RSM UK were appointed administrators following issues caused by the impact of Brexit, Covid and the Ukraine War, and more recently, the loss of major supermarket orders. The trading business and assets of the company were sold to Universal Food, Beverage and Luxury Gift Packaging Limited, an entity connected to the former director.
The company employs a full time management team of 13 staff and utilised up to 200 agency staff during peak times. All jobs have been saved as part of the sale.
Deviesh Raikundalia, RSM UK restructuring advisory director and joint administrator, said: “Universal Supply Chain & Solutions Ltd is an established company in the East Midlands, and it is unfortunate they have suffered over the last few months due to factors outside of their control.
“Given the ongoing business challenges, we are pleased to have helped save the future of the company, which will ensure continuity of service at the specialist facility and, more importantly, preserves employment for its skilled workforce.”
Prakash Mistry of Universal Food, Beverage and Luxury Gift Packaging Limited, said: “Unfortunately we experienced a period of downturn in the business caused by the loss of a few lucrative contracts.
“With the help of RSM, we are pleased that Universal Foods have acquired the business as well as the assets, securing employment for all of the employees and staff, and allowing continuity of supply to our loyal customer base with little disruption.
“With the continued support of our key stakeholders, we will be able to offer high standards of quality and service, including investing in new equipment to improve efficiencies over the next few years.”
