Journeo secures £2.25m passenger information systems purchase orders
Journeo plc, an Ashby-de-la-Zouch-headquartered provider of information systems and technical services to transport operators and local authorities, has secured purchase orders totalling £2.25m from Hertfordshire County Council (HCC).
The purchase orders are for the provision of Journeo’s advanced real time passenger information systems and software in bus shelters and on-street at key locations throughout Hertfordshire county. Planning, design and manufacturing has already commenced and it is anticipated that the majority of the revenue will be generated by March 2024.
With a population of 1.2 million and over 4,200 bus stops, HCC supported the development of the Bus Back Better strategy and one of their main objectives is to significantly improve public transport services. Journeo’s information systems and software will play a key role in supporting HCC’s commitments set out in their Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs).
Russ Singleton, Chief Executive of Journeo plc, said: “We have been working with HCC for many years and are delighted they have chosen our latest display systems and software as we work closely with them to deliver their BSIPs.
“The UK Government set out clear objectives with local authorities to deliver BSIPs of which providing the accurate and up-to-date information is key to encouraging a modal shift towards the use of public transport.”
Move to new premises offers space for company’s expansion
Relocation to business premises on The Point Business Park in Lincoln will give UK data measurement systems & electronics firm, HGL Dynamics Ltd, a new base from which to expand its operating division and recruit to accommodate business growth.
HGL’s move to its new Lincoln base at The Point Business Park follows the firm’s purchase of the freehold of Unit F – a 503 sq m (5,415 sq ft) detached, two storey, self-contained office building, with parking – through Eddisons incorporating Banks Long & Co, who acted as the sole agent on behalf of the vendor.
HGL – whose client base varies from household names in the aerospace & industrial gas turbine sectors to classic car restorers & drone manufacturers – has been based at Lincoln’s Lindum Business Park for more than ten years, but the firm has outgrown that space.
Julian Howden, Principal Mechanical Design and Production Engineer, said: “In logistical terms, we had reached full capacity at our original Lincoln site. The move to Unit F at The Point gives the team scope to design a floorplan and layout for improved flexibility, efficiency and ergonomics.
“Our Lincoln operation currently has a headcount of 16, but we have plans to recruit to meet business growth and our acquisition of Unit F gives us the space to do that.”
William Wall, who led Eddisons’ agency negotiations with HGL, said: “It’s a testament to the vibrancy of Lincoln’s business scene that companies like HGL are keen to reinforce their presence here by investing in property and recruitment.”
HGL is due to move in to Unit F at The Point Business Park later this year following a comprehensive fit-out programme.
Construction starts at Beauchamp Business Park
Following the completion of groundworks, construction is now underway at Beauchamp Business Park, a new commercial development in Kibworth, Leicestershire.
Clowes Developments and its team including IMA Architects, TanRo, Millward Consulting Engineers, Gateley’s Legal and Postins Project Services are now bringing forward the scheme that, when complete, will feature a series of freehold and leasehold industrial units ranging from 1,270 sq ft to 10,085 sq ft.
Beauchamp Business Park is situated on an 11-acre site located on the outskirts of Kibworth between Leicester and Market Harborough on the A6. Groundworks began at the site in September 2022 following planning permission being granted by Harborough District Council and construction is now underway, with completion expected in the summer of 2024.
Clowes have instructed main contractor TanRo to develop the site along with IMA Architects who are providing all architectural services and acting as Principal Designer on the scheme.
Agents Phillips Sutton and TDBRE have been working closely with interested parties during the planning process which has seen Beauchamp Business Park receive “unprecedented interest” from day one.
James Richards, director at Clowes Developments, says: “The demand for these units has been exceptional which shows the importance of putting the infrastructure in place to support growing local businesses.
“The majority of interested parties are all local businesses which is fantastic to see, and we are sure that Beauchamp Business Park will develop into a thriving commercial hub, creating employment opportunities for Kibworth and the surrounding areas.”
Ben Hall, director at IMA Architects, says: “It is great to see works re-commence on site and to see our plans come into reality. We are proud to again be working with Clowes Developments to deliver a scheme that will benefit the local economy and I am sure that the units will facilitate the further growth of those companies that will call them their home.”
Number of properties to be sold by University of Leicester
The University of Leicester is set to invest millions of pounds to enhance its estate in Oadby.
Proposed changes in the estate form part of the University’s 10-year masterplan which looks at a rolling programme of maintenance and improvements.
As part of the plan, a number of properties will be sold to enable longer-term investment in the University’s property portfolio in the town.
This includes work with Oadby & Wigston Borough Council and other key stakeholders to enhance the Botanic Garden, a real oasis in the neighbourhood, as well as regeneration and maintenance work on buildings within the portfolio.
Kirsty Woodward, Director of Estates and Campus Services at the University of Leicester, said: “We are committed to Oadby and have no plans to leave but we are looking ahead to our investment and enhancement of our Oadby estate over the next 10 years.
“While all of our properties are compliant with safety regulations, some are now in need of greater long-term investment. The focus of our plans is to invest in quality, with disposal of a small number of properties, in order to reinvest in our remaining 1,600 bed space accommodation in Oadby, the Botanic Garden and our estate as a whole.
“We are excited about the improvements that this will bring to the estate to ensure quality and longevity for the future as expected by our staff and students.”
The properties earmarked for sale during 2023/24 are located in Stoughton Drive South:
- Hastings House – (not the Botanic Garden)
- Digby House and Meadowcourt Blocks
- Inglewood
- Highgrove
Over 50 jobs secured as Derbyshire bakery rescued from administration in prepack deal
Jacksons the Bakers Ltd, a family-run bakery based in Derbyshire, has successfully emerged from administration through a prepack deal, ensuring the preservation of over 50 jobs within the company.
The business had faced challenging trading conditions which led to administrators being appointed in September.
Established in 1944 by Cyril Jackson, who sold war-rationed bread, the award-winning bakery has been part of the local community for over seven decades.
Ryan Holdsworth and Danielle Shore from Leonard Curtis were appointed as the joint administrators, overseeing the transition and the subsequent prepack deal.
In a joint statement, Ryan Holdsworth and Danielle Shore stated: “We are pleased to have completed this transaction which will enable the continuing operation of the company’s bakery business and, importantly, safeguards over 50 jobs.”
The administrators were supported by Tom Paton, Curtis Blackham and Rachel Piper of Irwin Mitchell’s Restructuring and Insolvency Team.
Local authorities win £39m from Government for EV charging networks
A baker’s dozen of Midlands local authorities have joined forces to win more than £39m from Government to create two electric vehicle charging networks.
The Midlands has come together to create two partnerships across the region alongside Sub-national Transport Body Midlands Connect.
- Second Midlands EV infrastructure Consortium – Lead by Nottinghamshire County Council, in partnership with Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Staffordshire County Council
- Third Midlands EV infrastructure Consortium – Lead by Lincolnshire County Council, in partnership with Herefordshire County Council, Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council, Shropshire Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Telford and Wrekin Council, Warwickshire County Council
Project funding by LLEP helps increase region’s tourism revenue by £440m
An LLEP-funded project has helped boost the region’s visitor economy – creating jobs and increasing footfall by 27% across the city and county.
Latest figures show more than 30.5 million people visited Leicester and Leicestershire in 2022. Tourism was worth £2.07 billion to the city and county – an increase of £440million since 2021.
The Place Marketing Accelerator Project was funded by a £185,000 grant, awarded by the LLEP from the Repurposed Growing Places Fund, and £105,000 from Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council.
The funding enabled Visit Leicester to carry out work to support the recovery of the tourism, hospitality, and leisure sectors post-COVID as well as encouraging inward investment.
LLEP CEO Phoebe Dawson said: “We know that Leicester and Leicestershire have much to offer, and investment in spreading the word is having an effect on increasing our reach.
“We’re pleased to see LLEP funding achieve the desired outcome of helping the recovery of Leicester and Leicestershire – one of the areas hardest hit by the Pandemic.”
Tourism figures for Leicester and Leicestershire are taken from the 2022 Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) survey.
Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, said: “This is excellent news. The economic value of tourism in Leicester has grown by 36% since 2021, and investor confidence in tourism is high, as demonstrated by the huge increase in the number of hotels in the city.
“The growth we’ve seen in tourism-related jobs gives a huge boost to our economy, as do the millions of visitors who come here every year and spend their money in local businesses.
“It shows that our investment in making the city easy to get around, and an attractive place to be has been well worth it. It also reflects the huge efforts of all those working in the tourism and hospitality sector in our city.”
Gleeds completes Nottingham office move
Global property and construction consultancy, Gleeds, has successfully relocated its operations to a new office space in the heart of Nottingham City Centre.
The firm’s new office can now be found at 11 Station Street, marking a significant step in Gleeds’ commitment to supporting local communities and adapting to evolving work trends.
Previously sited at Apex Business Park, Wilford, this modern facility boasts over 11,000 sq ft of office space designed to meet the highest standards within the city, emphasising sustainability as a core principle. The new space fosters flexibility in work arrangements and places a strong emphasis on employee well-being, promoting collaboration and team synergy.
Transforming the raw space into a high spec functional office environment required a substantial investment, with a Cat B fit-out project managed by workplace consultants and commercial office fit-out specialists, Blueprint Interiors.
Blueprint Interiors had previously collaborated with Gleeds UK leadership to achieve a unified yet distinctive office style, which started with projects to refurbish their offices in Bristol and Manchester.
Andy Sawyer, project director at Blueprint Interiors, said: “We are thrilled to have partnered with Gleeds on this project. We were able to ensure that every aspect contributed to realising Gleeds’ vision for this iconic development, encapsulating the company’s brand identity, workplace cultural development and values within all aspects of the consultation, design and delivery process.”
Matt Darby, regional director at Gleeds, added: “The move to 11 Station Street is a strategic decision aimed at creating a modern, adaptable workspace. Our focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility aligns with our new city centre location, which offers convenient access for clients, colleagues, consultants, and our wider supply chain network, both physically and through advanced technology. This move will also support local businesses who will benefit from the presence of a major local employer.”
Extend your network at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
As shortlisting for the highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 takes place, secure your tickets for the prestigious event.
Recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools – attend the Bricks on Thursday 28 September at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground to celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while connecting with local decision makers.
With time for networking before and after the glittering awards ceremony revealing the winners of most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner, don’t miss this opportunity to forge new contacts and strengthen existing ones.
The event, which will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, will also feature Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, as keynote speaker.
To be held at:
Tickets can be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 here.
Complementary drinks and canapés will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress. Commenting on last year’s event, Laura Burton, head of learning & business development at OMS, said: “It was a great networking opportunity and I was really impressed with how the event showcased the talented companies in our society and what they are achieving.”
Find out who last year’s winners were here.
East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
When: Thursday 28 September 2023, 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground
Keynote speaker: Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council
Dress code: Standard business attire
Tickets: Available here
Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
Land deal to pave way for up to 805 new Nottinghamshire homes
Vistry Group, operating through its partnership’s subsidiary, has signed a land acquisition deal with Nottinghamshire County Council that will see approximately 800 new homes built to address local housing needs.
Situated approximately 2km north of Hucknall town centre and to the east of Annesley Road (A611), the development, granted outline planning permission in April 2021, is Nottinghamshire County Council’s flagship mixed-use scheme. Across an 86-acre site, it has outline planning consent for up to 805 homes, 21 acres of employment land for offices and warehousing, as well as retail within the local centre and a planned new primary school.
This site is on land which has been earmarked for development for more than a decade and does not impact on any green belt land.
Following the deal, Vistry will consult with the community to finalise the details of the scheme and ensure it meets local people’s needs, before submitting a detailed planning application later this year with a view to starting on site in 2025.
With a commitment to environmental preservation, the project will seek to retain and enhance existing green infrastructure, ensuring a harmonious blend of modern living and the surrounding natural elements. The scheme will aim to meet varying requirements, offering a mix of private sale, private rental, affordable rental and shared ownership homes, with a range of different house types and sizes.
In addition to new housing, the development will also offer benefits to the wider community, including pedestrian and cycle routes, a planned new primary school, and an on-site Skills Academy in partnership with Chameleon School of Construction. This innovative training initiative will aim to encourage local people not in employment or training back into work.
Andy Reynolds, Managing Director of Vistry Group’s partnerships division in the East Midlands, said: “Having worked with the council for several months, it’s exciting to finalise this deal that brings us a step closer to creating an exciting new place for people in the area to call home. We look forward to working with the local community over the coming months to finalise our plans ahead of securing reserved matters planning consents that will enable us to start work on these high-quality new homes for Nottinghamshire.”
Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, Nottinghamshire County Councillor Keith Girling said: “I’m delighted that this deal is now officially signed and this vital housing development is moving forward.
“This really is the best possible use for this County Council-owned land, which already has outline planning permission, as we look to create more quality, sustainable housing to meet the needs of our growing population.
“These new homes will provide a place for families to create memories and help them build a future here.
“Lucrative contract opportunities for local subcontractors will be another benefit of this development and I also look forward to the skills academy being on site. The Chameleon School of Construction, which has centres which include Pinxton and Ripley, is a real coup towards helping boost skills and job chances for local people.”
Nottinghamshire County Council has worked together with Savills since 2021 to bring forward this flagship scheme. Savills handled the marketing and tender process through the Homes England procurement system.
Ann Taylor, Director of Savills Development team in Nottingham, said: “This was a complex deal, not only due to the scale and value of the development, but also the need to ensure a flagship scheme will be delivered which meets the objectives of Nottinghamshire County Council and Homes England, whilst future proofing the safeguarded development land to the north, potential scope for future development land to the east, the planned school and local centre on site and the employment land to the west.
“It has been a challenging transaction given these constraints as well as a fluctuating market and economy throughout the transactional process, but this is such a substantial and relevant scheme for the area, it has remained the key focus for all involved. I am delighted to have been part of the team that will be delivering a new destination and village in the area.”
