Nottingham-based Microlise Group, the provider of transport management software to fleet operators, has seen double digit growth as supply chain issues begin to ease.
According to unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2023, revenue grew 10.5% to £33.9m, from £30.7m in the same period of 2022. Pre-tax profits, meanwhile, increased 5.7% to £1.5m.
The results follow Microlise’s first acquisition since IPO, of Vita Software for £1.86m.
Nadeem Raza, CEO of Microlise, said:“Microlise delivered another strong performance during H1 2023 as we successfully executed our growth strategy. We secured new customers in our key geographies beyond the UK including France, Australia and New Zealand, expanded our customer base, and efficiently integrated our latest acquisition.
“We have successfully navigated the company through global supply chain issues and subsequent delays in new vehicle availability, maintaining strong relationships with our valued customers. We are seeing significant improvements in all these situations, which we expect to have normalised by the start of 2024.
“During the second half of the year, our focus will remain on investing in growth, expanding our product portfolio, and growing our strong customer base and geographical presence. Whilst it is sensible to look to the future with a degree of caution, given the continuing global macro-economic challenges, the Company’s positive trading performance during the period and proven ability to navigate these challenges, underpin the Board’s confidence that the Group’s performance for FY23 will be in line with market expectations.”
A Kettering logistics group has entered administration amidst challenging market conditions, with around 730 employees to be made redundant.
KNP Logistics Group was subject to a cyber attack earlier this year, which joint administrators Rajnesh Mittal and Philip Armstrong of FRP Advisory said had harmed the group’s financial position and ability to secure further funding and investment.
The news comes as one of the group’s firms, Nelson Distribution, has been sold. Kinaxia Logistics acquired the trade and assets of Derbyshire-based Nelson Distribution, securing the jobs of 170 staff.
KNP was formed when Knights of Old merged with Nelson Distribution in 2016 and includes Steve Porter Transport.
Businesses across Hinckley and Bosworth now have access to a new funded business support programme, the Leicestershire Business Advice Service.
The free to access support will include start-up workshops, accelerator programmes, one-to-one advice and more to help businesses at all stages of their journey. Whether you have a business idea, have just started out, are an established organisation looking to accelerate your growth or just need a bit of advice to help with your business planning, the Leicestershire Business Advice Service will be able to support you.
The set up of this service is a partnership between the seven district councils in Leicestershire: Harborough District Council, Blaby District Council, North West Leicestershire District Council, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, Melton Borough Council, and Charnwood Borough Council.
Each council has funded the Leicestershire Business Advice Service through their allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Funding. Hinckley and Bosworth’s allocation was £78,478.57.
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Leader, Cllr Stuart Bray said: “Businesses of all sizes in our borough will be able to benefit from the help and expertise this service can offer. This locally based business support service will give people the information, skills and connections to start-up, protect and grow their business, so I would urge companies to get in touch and make the most of this free and impartial advice.”
The service will be provided by Exemplas who are experienced in delivering business support programmes that helps small and mid-sized companies develop, communities thrive and local economies grow.
Martin Coats, Operations & Commercial Development Director at Exemplas, said: “Exemplas is pleased to bring our expertise and proven experience in economic support and development to deliver this much needed service. We’re excited to introduce a team of advisers that not only have experience in starting and running successful businesses, but also know the county well and will help businesses flourish.”
This support replaces previous EU funded programmes which have now come to an end. The Leicestershire Business Advice Service will run until March 2025.
Revised proposals for the multi-million-pound regeneration of Staveley town centre have been released by Chesterfield Borough Council, following Government approval to allocate additional funding to the project.
The six-million-pound Staveley 21 project has been in development over the last year following publication of the Staveley Town Centre Vision Masterplan which received strong public support in November 2021.
The proposals – which are funded through the Staveley Town Deal – were shared at a meeting of Staveley Town Council on Tuesday night.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We know everyone has been keen to see the council’s proposals for Staveley town centre and I’m delighted that we are now able to share these. As a package the proposals seek to enhance the town centre – opening it up for new uses that will encourage more people to visit whilst also supporting existing retailers, market traders and high street businesses.”
A range of visuals have been prepared to bring the proposals to life with a particular focus on the new pavilion building and how the marketplace will look and could be used by different audiences.
The new pavilion building sits between the Staveley Miners Welfare building and Staveley High Street. Of modern design but one that is also reflective of Staveley’s heritage, the building will form a striking new focal point in the heart of the town centre. Several uses for the building are currently being considered including as a potential site for Derbyshire County Council’s relocation of Staveley library and also for retail, leisure, and business start-up uses.
As an enlarged public open space, the marketplace will be designed as a flexible environment to support existing uses such as Staveley Town Council’s regular markets but also as a setting that can be used to host a wide range of new events to encourage more people to visit the town centre.
Tiered outdoor seating will be introduced to support outdoor theatre and open-air cinema screenings, and play equipment installed to help make the marketplace more attractive to families.
New paving, lighting, street furniture and planting will help create an enhanced atmosphere and visitor experience at any time of day or night whilst new signage will help connect the town centre with Staveley’s other visitor attractions including the Chesterfield Canal and Staveley Hall.
Staveley town centre
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, continued: “Town centres across the country are changing and our proposals reflect this need to adapt. We have already secured a main contractor to deliver the project and our aim is to achieve planning permission in Spring 2024. In line with the Government’s requirements, we plan to be on site in Autumn 2024 and for all of the construction work to have been completed by the end of 2025.
“Ahead of this, we are committed to carrying out extensive engagement on the proposals to ensure that we capture the views of all stakeholders and make appropriate adjustments ahead of submitting the necessary planning application.
“We’re also still seeking applications for the shop front grant scheme which we launched in February. A total sum of £600k is available to support shop owners and landlords to make improvements to their premises.”
Ivan Fomin, chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The delivery of the Staveley 21 project is a big first step towards realising the Staveley Town Centre Vision Masterplan which received strong public support in November 2021.
“It’s exciting to see Chesterfield Borough Council move the project forward into this next phase, which reflects the Staveley Town Deal Board’s vision and ambition for Staveley town centre.
“These are significant proposals which will ensure Staveley town centre is a place where local people and visitors will want to spend time whilst also supporting local businesses to grow not only now but in the future.”
Leicester City Council has become the latest UK local authority to join the ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme.
The voluntary scheme encourages and supports operators of HGVs, buses and vans to run their fleets more efficiently and help improve air quality.
The city council has teamed up with international transport consultancy TRL to encourage more local fleet operators to sign up to the scheme. Funding for Leicester’s ECO Stars scheme comes from the Government’s Joint Air Quality Unit and joining is free of charge.
By signing up, organisations will receive an expert appraisal of their fleet along with practical advice about how to improve efficiency and cut fuel consumption.
So far, over 30 local fleet operators have joined the city council in signing up to Leicester’s ECO Stars scheme.
Samworth Brothers are one of the organisations who have already signed up to ECO Stars, and are in the process of converting vehicles to become more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.
Paul Marrow, Samworth Brothers Supply Chain Operations Director, said: “This scheme has been of great use for Samworths. We are doing our bit for the city by lowering the emissions our vehicles produce and are grateful of the support ECO Stars has offered our organisation.”
Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on climate, economy and culture, said: “We’re pleased to be to be bringing ECO Stars to Leicester. The scheme offers practical help and advice to local fleet operators on how to operate more efficiently and reduce fuel consumption. This can help local business bring down their running costs and do their bit to cut emissions and help improve air quality.
“We’ve had a really good response from local operators so far, but we want to make sure as many local operators as possible have the chance to benefit from this free, voluntary scheme.”
Leicester City Council is following industry best practice by managing its own fleet for efficiency and safety, and is adopting a move to electric vehicles where possible as part of its overall renewal programme.
Jim Chappell, fleet efficiency principal consultant at TRL, said: “For over 10 years the ECO Stars scheme has provided commercial vehicle operators with individually tailored practical help to reduce their emissions through the sharing of industry best practice and providing independent advice on new technologies. TRL is delighted to roll the scheme out in Leicester as part of the city’s actions to improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions and improve the quality of life for local residents.”
Students from schools across Derbyshire have visited Acres Engineering’s Melbourne facility to celebrate National Manufacturing Day (NMD – 28th September).
Around 60 Year 10 engineering design students from Chellaston Academy, Pingle Academy (Swadlincote) and Ashby School joined the family-run firm for an eye-opening experience at their recently expanded site.
Luke Parker, MD of Acres Engineering, says: “Acres has an ambition to drive more students into manufacturing and hope that by opening our doors we can inspire both girls and boys to be interested in an exhilarating career.
“The goal of NMD is to show the reality and increase the appeal of modern manufacturing careers so we are always keen to play our part in encouraging the next generation by working with our local schools.”
As well as Q&As with the Acres team, students created poppies for Remembrance Day from start to the end product, using CNC machines before applying a powder coat finish.
National Manufacturing Day demonstrates the value of a Manufacturing Apprenticeship, engaging with students, parents, teachers, community leaders and local residents.
Chris Corkan, Interim Region Director, Make UK, added: “I applaud Acres Engineering for throwing open their doors in support of National Manufacturing Day. An important showcase of what we do, make and the careers on offer in modern high-tech environments. Our sector provides fulfilling and exciting careers that pay wages 9% higher than the overall economy.
“The UK is the eight largest manufacturing nation in the world. National Manufacturing Day is all about shouting about that success and sharing with the local community how industry remains on the forefront of delivering net zero and entering into the fourth industrial revolution.”
It is finally the day to attend the eagerly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023!
It is an evening for Business Link and professionals alike to recognise, celebrate, and network with the property and construction industry – those behind the changing landscape of our region.
Winners will be announced today (Thursday 28 September) in the Derek Randall Suite at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. The event will start at 4:30pm and conclude at 7:30pm, with complimentary drinks and canapés served on arrival, kindly sponsored by Nicholas Associates Group.
The event will also feature Matt Wallace, Director of Estates and Building Services at Leicester City Council, as keynote speaker.
Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
Most Active Estate Agent – sponsored by OMS
BB&J Commercial
Mather Jamie
FHP
Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by MKM
HBD – Power Park, Nottingham
Henry Brothers Construction – SportPark Pavilion 4, Loughborough
Bolsterstone Group Plc, Chesterfield Borough Council – One Waterside Place, Chesterfield
Responsible Business of the Year – sponsored by Press for Attention PR
Cawarden
G F Tomlinson
Aspbury Planning Limited
Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Sterling Commercial Finance
Phoenix Brickwork UK Ltd – St Marks student accommodation, Lincoln
Elms Developments – Elms Phase Two Ltd
St James Securities, Grainger – The Condor, Derby
Deal of the Year – sponsored by Mather Jamie
Rushton Hickman Limited – Branston Locks deal
Bassi Group Nottingham Ltd – Job saving Pizza Hut takeover
Rigby & Co – Aida Factory deal
Developer of the Year – sponsored by Ward
Chevin Homes
Clowes Developments
Brackley Property Developments
Architects of the Year – sponsored by Blueprint Interiors
IMA Architects
Matthew Montague Architects
Influence Landscape Planning and Design
Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden
Chevin Homes – Amber Farm
Marchini Curran Associates – Phoenix cinema and art centre
Trident Construction Services – Lark Hill Retirement Village refurbishment
Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services Ltd
HBD – Power Park, Nottingham
Henry Brothers Construction – SportPark Pavilion 4, Loughborough
Elms Developments – Elms Phase Two ltd
Contractor of the Year – sponsored by RammSanderson
Cawarden
EE Smith Contracts
Bowmer + Kirkland
The Overall Winner,sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023When: Thursday 28 September 2023, 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground
Keynote speaker: Matt Wallace, Director of Estates and Building Services at Leicester City Council
Dress code: Standard business attire
Parking: Due to the Notts V Middlesex 4 day County Championship fixture, parking will likely be limited at Trent Bridge on the day, therefore parking has been made available for Bricks guests at the Notts Sports Club, Holme Road, NG2 5AA (by Nottingham Rugby Football Club), quoting “Bricks Awards” to any parking and gate stewards.
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McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has been appointed to two of the four lots awarded to McLaren nationally on the £8bn Procure Partnerships Framework.
Procure Partnerships Framework has operated a national contractor framework for the last four years across 11 regions, and this second iteration covers four disciplines; construction, decarbonisation and retrofit, demolition and site preparation and infrastructure.
Under the construction discipline, the McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) division has been appointed to deliver public sector projects from £15m-£30m in the East Midlands and £30m+ in the West Midlands.
The contractor is one of 87 appointed to the second-generation Framework which will run from 1 November 2023 for four years.
McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) secured its place on the Framework through a rigorous selection process encompassing several critical assessments, including: PAS91 Selection Questionnaire, Financial Standing Checks, Relevant Experience, and Commercial Assessments, alongside Quality Assessments – covering aspects such as cost management, health and safety, sustainability, social value, and performance management.
Gary Cramp, Managing Director at McLaren Construction (Midlands & North), said: “The new iteration of the framework is set to transform public and private sector procurement. McLaren Construction is proud to have been selected to deliver high-quality public sector schemes.
“Both McLaren Construction and the Framework have a shared priority of delivering projects that have a strong emphasis on generating social value, and we are looking forward to what will be achieved for communities in the next four years.”
Robbie Blackhurst, Director and Founder at Procure Partnerships Framework, said: “It was of paramount importance to us that the new framework addresses the growing needs of the industry, whilst ensuring clients have access to specialist contractors for their projects.
“McLaren Construction has an extensive portfolio of delivering successful construction projects, and we’re delighted to welcome them back onto the second iteration of the Procure Partnerships Framework.”
McLaren Construction London and South have also been appointed to two lots covering £30m+projects in the East of England and Southeast.
Local business owners are celebrating the success of a £1m grant scheme that has transformed Stapleford’s high street.
Through the £21m Government-funded Stapleford Towns Fund, 75 businesses have received a share of a £1m Town Centre Recovery Fund pot aimed at regenerating and revitalising the high street after the economic downturn of the pandemic.
Beneficiaries include Peak My Body fitness centre, Sewing Bee, Wake Cup Café, Millepede micropub, Larry’s Bar, Rowells, Gurkha Nights, Affinity Dance School and Little Driver’s Play Centre.
Grants have enabled external building and signage work to many businesses to modernise their premises and improve the look of the high street, as well as internal decoration, accessibility and energy efficiency improvements, equipment, furniture and marketing.
Business owners came together at the first of a series of business networking events on Monday night (25 September) to share their achievements and network with each other and business experts from East Midlands Chamber, Nottinghamshire County Council and Broxtowe Borough Council.
Paul Sweeney, Vice Chair of the Stapleford Towns Fund Board, said: “Stapleford is a fantastic town with so much potential. This £1m fund was designed to boost the long-term prosperity of the high street and these grants, many co-funded by business owners, have not only made the town more visually appealing to residents, shoppers and investors, they’ve improved things like energy efficiency, accessibility and marketing, that will have a long-term impact too.”
Mike Millers of Peak My Body, has benefitted from the grant and the Stapleford gym has been open to everyone who wants to improve their fitness, including a GB American football athlete and an up and coming teen boxer from the town.
Mike said: “The business grant has helped grow membership of the gym and install app access for members so they can come to the gym around their own schedules. It would have taken eight to 12 months to do this on my own, the scheme has been fantastic.”
Darren Henry, MP for Broxtowe and Stapleford Towns Fund Board Member, said: “It was fantastic to meet so many local business owners and hear about the huge impact these grants have had on their businesses. Stapleford has a great community spirit which was very much evident at this networking event and I have no doubt that Stapleford has a prosperous future ahead.”
A team of fundraisers cycled through the day and night covering more than 450 miles virtually to raise money to support people living with asbestos cancer.
Last Thursday, the team from asbestos management consultancy Acorn Analytical Services started their challenge taking it in turns to complete legs on an indoor exercise bike at their office in Northampton’s Moulton Park. The challenge ended at noon on Friday – more than 450 miles later and with £2,000 raised to support the work of national charity Mesothelioma UK.
Director Ian Stone said: “We could not be prouder of the team who were absolutely incredible throughout.
“Even in the early hours of the morning when things got really tough, they just kept going, showing the strength of spirit and determination which is at the heart of our team.
“The work of Mesothelioma UK is a cause close to all our hearts and we are thrilled to have raised £2,000 to support their vital work, with money still coming in. More than 2,700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the UK every year as a direct result of exposure to asbestos fibres. We know how much this money means to the charity and to everyone affected by this devastating disease.”
Business Development Executive, Max Wright, was one of the team who cycled through the night. Speaking as the cycle ended on Friday, he said: “We’re all exhausted – the legs are certainly feeling it – but we did it and we’re over the moon with the amount we raised on behalf of Mesothelioma UK.”
For more information about the challenge, or to donate, visit their website at www.justgiving.com/page/acorn-analytical24hour-1690537890484
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