Financial planning business, Wren Sterling makes first acquisition of 2024

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Financial planning business, Wren Sterling makes first acquisition of 2024
Nottingham financial planning business, Wren Sterling, has completed its first acquisition of 2024, swooping for TW Financial Planning Limited. Based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, TW Financial Planning has three financial planners, who service over 750 households. It manages around £265m on behalf of its clients. The TW Financial office in the heart of Staffordshire will join Wren Sterling’s national office network, boosting its physical presence in the West Midlands. Wren Sterling now operates from 13 offices covering 11 locations across the UK with plans for future deals to grow its network. James Twining, Wren Sterling’s CEO, said: “This deal ticks a lot of boxes for Wren Sterling. TW Financial Planning is a self-sustaining business borne out of close working relationships with professional introducers and has grown through client referrals and a strong local reputation. “Our investment in technology and our central resources, including our Investment Committee, will do some of the heavy lifting that comes with running an advice business and allow the team to focus on client work, which is what they do best. “The quality of the TW Financial Planning team, with some achieving Chartered status, will further grow our overall standard of advice and I am looking forward to bringing their expertise to the rest of Wren Sterling.” Chris Devey, a Director at TW Financial Planning, added: “Wren Sterling’s service proposition is very similar to ours, while their onboarding process has been designed to minimise disruption to our clients and colleagues, which has always been our priority when looking for a firm to take our business to the next stage. “Retaining our staff and our links to Thompson Wright Chartered Accountants, plus the opportunity to benefit from Wren Sterling’s scale, expertise, tools, technology and resources is a compelling offer and we believe this will only benefit us, and our clients.” The acquisition of TW Financial by Wren Sterling was brokered by Gwill Evans of Gunner & Co.

Work starts on 75 affordable homes at Sinfin development

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Work starts on 75 affordable homes at Sinfin development
Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) has started work to build a development of 75 new affordable homes on Goodsmoor Road in Derby. The site on Goodsmoor Road in Sinfin, less than five miles south of Derby city centre, will provide accommodation comprising one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes whilst regenerating the site of a former munition depot. Marking the first joint scheme as part of a wider partnership, MORRO Partnerships will construct the affordable homes on behalf of NCHA. The development will be made up of 45 affordable homes for rent and 30 will be available to buy with the help of the shared ownership scheme. NCHA, MORRO and RG+P Architects met with Derby City Council for a tour of the site. Councillor Shiraz Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Property and Regulatory Services at Derby City Council, said: “The right to a warm, safe and affordable home is critical to wellbeing and is a right everyone deserves. This mix of new affordable homes is exactly what Derby needs to support local families and young professionals. “I’m thrilled to see construction underway and look forward to seeing future residents building strong communities here.” The scheme contributes to NCHA‘s Strategic Partnership with Homes England, to deliver new, affordable homes across the East Midlands. Allan Fisher, Director of Development at NCHA, said: “We are working towards all our new homes being as environmentally friendly as possible, with good thermal comfort and affordability for our customers. We would like to thank Derby City Council for their support on this scheme.” Construction is scheduled to be completed summer 2025. The development will feature a historic World War II pillbox to the south which will be retained and maintained for the benefit of the local community, preserving the legacy of the site the homes will be built upon. Matthew Moore, CEO at MORRO, said: “We’re really looking forward to working towards this brownfield site becoming a thriving community with some much-needed affordable housing for people in the South Derbyshire area. “We pledge to become better community makers and better environment makers, so the progression of these homes across the lifecycle will help to fulfil that while making positive change to the area.”

£6.4m community pavilion makes progress in Stapleford

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£6.4m community pavilion makes progress in Stapleford
Plans for a new £6.4m community pavilion for the people of Stapleford are progressing with the release of updated artists impressions and plans for the building and sports pitches.
Due to open in 2025, the building will be a state-of-the-art, accessible, energy-efficient, multi-use building with recreation and sports grounds on the Hickings Lane Recreation Ground. It will replace some of the town’s out-of-date community facilities and bring people of all ages together to meet, learn, play and keep fit, including:
  • A new, fully accessible, energy-efficient building
  • Community café
  • Multi-use events and learning spaces and community rooms
  • 3G sports pitches and changing rooms
  • Enhanced and increased onsite car parking spaces and cycle storage
The outdoor facilities will include an eleven-a-side 3G (a long-lasting high grade all-weather surface) pitch and a smaller seven-a-side multi-use pitch (already part of the main Community Pavilion scheme with planning permission) – as well as space on the park for two five-a-side grass pitches or one seven-a-side pitch. The new larger pitch will create more opportunities for sport for those with disabilities or the less mobile and further community activity during all seasons, increasing the amount of physical activity and wellbeing for local residents. The Steven Gerard Academy, which will open its first Midlands academy in Stapleford in September 2024, will use Hickings Lane as its future base for all football training and education. Not only will the Academy improve the education, health and wellbeing of children and young people and create job opportunities, it will put Stapleford on the map as a centre of excellence for sport. A planning application is required for the sports pitches and local people are encouraged to view the plans and share their views via Broxtowe Borough Council’s planning portal before 15 April 2024. This project is one of six regeneration projects funded through the £21.1m Stapleford Towns Fund. Ian Jowett, Chair of the Stapleford Towns Fund, said: “We’ve worked together with local people to a find solution for the lack of quality community facilities in our town, and this new state-of-the-art community pavilion gives people what they told us they want and need – a central hub for everyone to use. “We listened to what people thought about our plans at our drop-in event in May and our team has worked hard to enhance the plans to make sure that this landmark £6.4m investment meets the many needs of our community, which we know it will.”

Charity gets chocolate boost from local firm

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Charity gets chocolate boost from local firm
Nottingham-based accountancy firm Page Kirk has joined forces with charity PASIC to help distribute Easter eggs this week to children with cancer. The aim is to bring some much-needed cheer to the kids themselves, as well as their siblings and parents, who are in the middle of a very challenging and emotional time. PASIC has been working in the East Midlands since the 1970s, when it was originally founded as Parents Association for Seriously Ill Children. Today, it supports nearly 500 families across the region through financial assistance, counselling, events, outings and other initiatives. Page Kirk, based in Forest Fields, Nottingham, has nominated the organisation as its charity of the year and the sourcing of Easter eggs is just the latest in a series of fundraising efforts. Some 150 families will be invited to a special PASIC Easter event, but those who have children too poorly to attend won’t miss out, as eggs will also be distributed on local hospital wards. PASIC’s Corporate Fundraiser Beth Mills said: “We’re delighted to have the support of Page Kirk as their charity partner this year. They’ve done a fantastic job with their collection of Easter eggs. Each one will bring a smile to the face of a child with cancer. Egg-cellent work, Page Kirk!” Page Kirk’s Head Receptionist Amanda Willis co-ordinates the firm’s fundraising efforts. She said: “PASIC is doing wonderful work in the local community, helping children affected by cancer as well as their families. We’ve dedicated our fundraising efforts in 2024 to supporting them and these Easter eggs seem such a great idea. Who doesn’t want to enjoy a bit of chocolate over the holiday period?”

Nottingham floor covering distributors sold

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Nottingham floor covering distributors sold

Nottingham-based T&R Floor Covering Distributors Limited, one of the UK’s leading floor covering distributors, has been sold to TradeChoice Carpet & Flooring.

T&R Floor Covering Distributors Limited is a family-run, independent business situated in the Midlands with over 35 years’ experience in the carpet and flooring industry.

A member of the Carpetright group, TradeChoice Carpet & Flooring is a major carpet and flooring distributor in the UK with 13 branches across England, Wales and Scotland. The acquisition of T&R Floor Covering Distributors Limited furthers TradeChoice’s growth plans within the Midlands and provides more efficient transport and storage options for the wider company.

David Crump, Corporate Finance Director at PKF Smith Cooper, led the advisory team for T&R Floor Covering Distributors Limited on the deal, while Actons Solicitors provided legal advice.

Malcolm Trott, shareholder and managing director, commenting on the deal, said: “T&R Floor Covering Distributors Limited, a family run business since 1977, sought a successor who shared our unwavering dedication to superior customer service. TradeChoice emerged as the natural choice, renowned for their commitment to excellence.

“Navigating the intricate process of selling our business was unfamiliar territory, but with the invaluable guidance of David Crump and the PKF Smith Cooper team, alongside Thomas Butcher and the Actons Solicitors team, we successfully sealed the deal. Their expertise was pivotal – without them, this transition wouldn’t have been possible.”

David said: “We are delighted to have been able to support the shareholders of T&R Floor Covering Distributors Limited in concluding the deal. As a fellow major distributor in the UK carpet and flooring industry, TradeChoice was a great synergistic fit and the ideal candidate for acquiring the company. We wish the shareholders all the best in their future endeavours.”

Local charity issues appeal for corporate ambassadors

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Local charity issues appeal for corporate ambassadors

Leicestershire-based charity Freeva are calling on local businesses to join them as corporate ambassadors and help deliver vital support to survivors of domestic abuse across the county.

Freeva specialise in delivering support to those impacted by domestic violence, rape, and sexual assault in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland. Their services include helping those living through domestic abuse with recovery, providing specialist ongoing counselling to victims, breaking cycles of abuse by working with perpetrators to change their behaviour, and educating young people on the importance of building safe and respectful relationships.

Now, Freeva have issued an appeal to local businesses to help them continue their important work, either with a one-off donation or through monthly sponsorship.

The charity relies solely on donations and funding to deliver their services, and have said that corporate ambassadors are hugely instrumental in allowing them to continue reaching and supporting survivors, alongside continuing their preventative programme, The Jenkins Project, and providing youth support with their YP Project.

In return for their support, Freeva offer ambassadors promotional opportunities, fundraising campaign partnerships, and ambassador certification.  

Suki Kaur, Chief Executive of Freeva, said: “Domestic abuse doesn’t just impact the victims, it impacts entire communities. As much as we try, we simply don’t have the resources to help every person in need, which is why we urgently need corporate ambassadors to help us reach more victims and deliver potentially life-saving support.

“Corporate ambassadors can also play a pivotal role in helping us to end the stigma surrounding domestic abuse by showing solidarity and compassion for survivors. You don’t need to have been affected by domestic abuse yourself to help, it can affect anyone and we all have a responsibility to stand with them, support them, and help them to rebuild their lives.”

The Crime Survey for England and Wales estimated that 2.1 million people aged 16 years and over (1.4 million women and 751,000 men) experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023.

Canva snaps up Nottingham design platform Affinity

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Canva snaps up Nottingham design platform Affinity
Canva, the all-in-one visual communication platform, has acquired Nottingham-based Affinity, the creative software suite for professional photo editing, illustration, graphic design and page layout. The acquisition significantly bolsters Canva’s vision to build the world’s most comprehensive suite of visual communication tools. “Visual communication is now ubiquitous in the workplace and investing in strategies that enhance our B2B offerings is core to the future of our business,” said Canva co-founder and COO, Cliff Obrecht. “From sales and marketing, to brand and creative teams, the need to create effective and engaging visual content is on the rise. The Affinity team comes with an incredible caliber of talent and technology and we’re delighted to welcome them to Canva as we enter our next phase together.” Today, more than 3 million users around the world trust Affinity to create everything from complex multi-layered graphics to detailed technical diagrams, art and illustration, logos, mockups, documents, magazines and more. Canva will continue to invest in the Affinity suite to ensure it not only meets the needs of professional designers, but also enhances their experiences and empowers them to do their best work. “Since the inception of Affinity, our mission has been to empower creatives with tools that unleash their full potential, fostering a community where innovation and artistry flourish,” said Ashley Hewson, CEO of Affinity. “We’ve worked tirelessly to challenge the status quo, delivering professional-grade creative software that is both accessible and affordable. Canva’s commitment to empowering everyone to create aligns perfectly with those values. We couldn’t be more excited about becoming part of the Canva family and can’t wait to see what we will achieve together.”

Derbyshire engineering business acquires insulation firm

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Derbyshire engineering business acquires insulation firm
Derbyshire-headquartered engineering business Cullum Detuners has acquired Jade Insulation, which has premises in Rotherham and Feltham. Jade Insulation specialises in insulation and trace heating solutions for all industrial markets, emphasising water utility and waste to power (biomass). Mark Jansen, Cullum Group Managing Director, said: “This acquisition supports our long- term goal of wider market diversification and business simplification. “Jade complements our Group product offering well, and we believe we are well placed to support the incumbent leadership team’s growth goals and aspirations. “I would like to thank Colin Tarry and Peter White, for their support during what was a smooth and collaborative sale process and wish them both the best for the future.” Jade will remain a dedicated trading entity, with no plans to integrate into the wider Cullum Group.

TopHat presses pause on plans to open major modular homes factory in Corby

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TopHat presses pause on plans to open major modular homes factory in Corby
Modular housebuilder TopHat has pressed pause on its plans to open Europe’s biggest modular homes factory in Corby. Production was due to start this year at the 650,000 sq ft facility. Backed by a £15m debt facility with Homes England and funding from the likes of Goldman Sachs, Persimmon and Aviva Capital Partners, construction work at the TopHat site is nearly complete. Now, however, the opening is on hold, according to reports in the Construction Enquirer. A spokesperson for TopHat told the publication: “TopHat continues to believe it will only be through bringing volumetric factories of the scale of Corby on stream that the UK will be able to solve its long term housing crisis. “However, the short term market conditions mean it is prudent to pause now with the building almost complete but no equipment yet on site. We continue to develop our pipeline and will monitor conditions closely to restart when it is right to do so.” It follows the announcement of redundancy plans at TopHat.

40 acre Leicestershire logistics site acquired

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40 acre Leicestershire logistics site acquired
Ashfield Land has acquired 40 acres of land to the west of Shawell in Leicestershire with the potential for high quality distribution/logistics development. The site – which fronts the A5 and is just off the M1 (between J19 ‘Catthorpe interchange’ and J20), and M6 (J1) – is in the heart of the UK ‘Golden Triangle’ for logistics uses. The site and location are ideally suited for centrally located and strategically connected distribution and logistics development. The deal is unconditional. Ashfield Land will now use its experience and expertise to bring proposals for the site forwards. Ben Holmes, Director of Ashfield Land, said: “This is a textbook Ashfield Land deal for a site which has outstanding potential for logistics development within a very exciting market. “We’re delighted to have completed the unconditional acquisition and are looking forward to progressing with our plans to secure planning and deliver a best in class logistics development in the heart of the Golden Triangle.” The site will now be promoted for B2/B8 commercial development. Ashfield Land will be bringing a planning application to Harborough District Council at the earliest opportunity.
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