NEXT and Reiss family to acquire private equity firm’s interest in fashion brand

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NEXT and Reiss family to acquire private equity firm’s interest in fashion brand
Leicester retailer NEXT and the Reiss family are set to acquire the entirety of Warburg Pincus’ (WP) 34% interest in the Reiss Group (Reiss) for £128m on a fully diluted basis. Upon completion of the transaction, expected to take place in mid-October, NEXT’s holding in the Reiss business will increase from 51% to 72%. The Reiss family’s holding will increase to 22% and the Reiss management team will hold 6% equity in the business. Following completion of this transaction, Reiss’s results will be consolidated into the NEXT plc accounts. The news follows a period of strong continued growth for Reiss under the leadership of CEO Christos Angelides, who will remain in that role. Christos previously worked for NEXT for 28 years, serving 14 years on the NEXT plc Board as Group Product Director. Reiss will continue to retain its own Board of Directors, Reiss management will retain autonomy and creative independence and the business will continue to be headquartered in London. Reiss’s websites and online operations, both in the UK and overseas, remain contracted to NEXT through NEXT’s Total Platform. In the year to 28 January 2023, Reiss achieved total sales of £324.6m, an increase of 26.4% on the prior year. Profit before tax in the same period was £51.6m, an increase of 50.5% on the prior year. Simon Wolfson, NEXT Chief Executive, said: “Reiss has performed exceptionally well since we first invested in March 2021. This success has been driven by the strength of its brand, first class management and the benefits of Total Platform; we look forward to continuing to develop the business with Christos and the Reiss team. “Warburg Pincus has been an excellent partner throughout the term of our investment and we have enjoyed working with them during the last two years.” Adarsh Sarma, Managing Director, and Rianne Schipper, Principal, Warburg Pincus, said: “Warburg Pincus is proud to have supported Reiss through its growth journey since 2016. “We would like to thank Christos, Jonathan and the management team for their unrelenting hard work and commitment – they have done an outstanding job, consistently demonstrating category-leading performance. “We have also been delighted by our partnership with NEXT and the way in which NEXT’s Total Platform has accelerated growth and enhanced the performance of the business.” Christos Angelides, Reiss Chief Executive, said: “We are appreciative of the excellent partnership with Warburg Pincus over the past seven years – their expertise has been instrumental to our sustained development and they have been a strong and trusted partner. “We look forward to continuing to focus on creating authentic and timeless collections for our customers and over the next few months we will be launching a number of new initiatives that will both expand the breadth and choice of our collections worldwide.” Raymond James served as financial advisor to Reiss. Kirkland & Ellis served as legal advisor to Warburg Pincus. Slaughter and May served as legal advisor to NEXT. nmelaw served as legal advisor to the Reiss family. Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson served as legal advisor to the Reiss management team.

DMU part of new cyber cluster to support local businesses

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DMU part of new cyber cluster to support local businesses
A new cyber cluster has been launched to support SMEs across the East Midlands in the cyber security industry to help the sector grow and boost the region’s economy. Backed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and endorsed by the UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3), it will create networks and collaboration between cyber security companies across the East Midlands. Its three founding directors are De Montfort University Leicester (DMU)’s Dr Ismini Vasieliou, David Nicholls, MD of Better IT, and Phil Harding, director of CyRisk. The collaboration is one of several projects that form the second phase of the LLEP’s Digital Skills Partnership, funded by £90,000 of Government investment. By mapping the ecosystem and hosting events, the East Midlands Cyber Cluster will bring together people and companies working in cyber, whether it be products or services, across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Northants. The cluster aims to boost collaboration by mapping the current ecosystem and hosting events and training sessions such as masterclasses. It will help support activities to address the digital skills shortage, promote the region’s cyber expertise and showcase innovation at a national level. Phoebe Dawson, LLEP Chief Executive, said: “Ensuring local businesses are cyber secure is incredibly important. This project is enabling companies to become as resilient as possible and lower the threat of cyber attacks whilst also upskilling the local workforce. “I would encourage local businesses to engage with EMCSC and explore the other programmes on offer as part of the Digital Skills Partnership.” The East Midlands has among the country’s lowest levels of cyber security companies, despite producing thousands of graduates from cyber security and computing courses every year. One of the aims of the cluster is to look at ways of retaining graduates by making sure they are aware of the career opportunities which exist in the region. Dr Ismini Vasileiou, Associate Professor in Information Systems at DMU, said: “The East Midlands Cyber Cluster will be a key pillar in supporting the East Midlands Economy, promoting strong partnerships between cyber security businesses so we can build upon and grow our cyber ecosystem. “We want to have a positive impact on the region’s economy and help create a talent base that will support innovation and skills, and we’d encourage cyber companies to get in touch.” By building cyber security knowledge, skills, infrastructure, and capabilities the cluster plan to support local businesses to become more resilient to cyber-attacks. The new cyber cluster will complement East Midlands Chamber’s work with the Leicester Skills Improvement Plan to give employers the best access to information on where to upskill and train their staff, and access the best talent. David Nicholls, MD of Better IT, said: “Working with SME’s in our region means I get to see the disruption and longer-term impact of cybersecurity incidents up close. “I am delighted to be involved with the EMCSC as it gives the East Midlands an independent platform to educate businesses and collaborate to improve cybersecurity skills and standards.” Linda Smith, Chair of UKC3 and Strategic Advisor to Midlands Cyber, said: “UKC3 is delighted to acknowledge the formation of the East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster and to welcome all future members into the wider national ecosystem. “This important sector economic representation for the region will provide many new opportunities for collaboration and growth.”

Asbestos management company gears up for 24-hour cycling challenge to raise money for Mesothelioma UK

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Asbestos management company gears up for 24-hour cycling challenge to raise money for Mesothelioma UK
Staff from a Northampton-based asbestos management consultancy will see their fundraising step up a gear when they take part in a 24-hour bike ride to raise money for a national charity. On Thursday, September 21, a team from Acorn Analytical Services will take part in the cycling challenge to raise money for Mesothelioma UK, the only national charity dedicated to supporting people living with the cancer which is caused by exposure to asbestos fibres. Throughout the day, a team of staff will take it in turns to complete legs on an indoor exercise bike which will be set-up at Acorn Analytical Services’ Northampton office. They will be supported throughout by colleagues offering drinks, snacks and plenty of encouragement. Director Ian Stone said: “We’re so proud of the team for taking part in this 24-hour bike ride to raise money for a charity which is hugely important. “Mesothelioma UK do an enormous amount to support people who are forced to live with the devastating effects of asbestos – a legacy which haunts us all. “While our work focusses on giving people the information and support they need to manage asbestos safely, we also want to support those who haven’t been so lucky. “With the support of the Northamptonshire business community behind us, we hope to be able to raise awareness on behalf of the charity, as well as much-needed funds which will go a long way to helping people get the support they need.” For more information about the challenge, or to donate, visit their website at www.justgiving.com/page/acorn-analytical24hour-1690537890484

Plans submitted for transformation of Peak Village courtyard conservatory

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Plans submitted for transformation of Peak Village courtyard conservatory

Proposals to transform the conservatory at the heart of Peak Village have been submitted in a planning application by the Devonshire Group, as part of long-term plans to revitalise the centre.

Subject to planning approval, the proposals will see the existing structure at the heart of Peak Village’s central courtyard replaced with a high quality and extended conservatory, to provide an improved and relaxing atmosphere for shoppers and diners. A new outdoor wrap-around canopy will be created to provide shade for al fresco dining in the warmer months.

The Devonshire Group purchased Peak Village in 2021, with the aim of rejuvenating the centre by drawing on local expertise to enhance the site’s role in the economic and employment landscape of the Derbyshire Dales, as well as supporting the local community.

Significant investment since then – including through improvements to the outdoor environment, landscaping of public areas and refitting of store units – has enabled the site to continue improving and growing.

The proposals form part of the Devonshire Group’s long-term vision for Peak Village, which the group has worked in partnership with Sheffield-based creative design studio 93ft and Peak Architects to deliver. This includes plans to rebrand Peak Village, alongside works to improve external signage and enhance the entrance atriums in the coming months.

Katayune Jacquin, centre manager at Peak Village, said: “We’re excited to reach this latest milestone, as part of our long-term aims to realise the potential of Peak Village as an important contributor to the fabric of the local economy. It’s hugely important to us that we support the growth of local businesses who call Peak Village their home, with high quality amenities that will help to attract footfall and loyal custom.

“The proposals will deliver an eye-catching, fresh and vibrant space for visitors to enjoy for many years to come, and will complement our fantastic calendar of events such as markets, live music and al fresco dining, so we really look forward to seeing the project take shape.”

Situated in the village of Rowsley on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Peak Village is home to nearly 20 retail and leisure businesses and employs between 80 and 100 people. The conservatory is home to Massarella’s café and restaurant, and the project will coincide with the planned upgrade of the restaurant interior, to provide a contemporary and inviting environment for customers.

As part of the long-term investment by the Devonshire Group, Peak Village continues to evolve its retail and leisure mix to drive footfall and attract local independent, luxury and national brands to the centre.

Green light for Stud Brook Business Park units

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Green light for Stud Brook Business Park units
Clowes Developments’ 20-acre Stud Brook Business Park in Castle Donington has taken a major step forward after being granted reserved matters planning consent for units 2-7.The mixed-use scheme will include employment, amenity, office and industrial units for sale or let ranging in size from 1,500 to 45,000 sq ft – as well as a retail offer.Derbyshire-based Clowes has also revealed that Roe Developments has been named as the lead contractor picked to construct this major scheme. Roe will start on site in September with a practical completion date set for Q3 2024.James Richards, development director at Clowes Developments, said: “After a period of extensive groundwork preparation it is great to finally start constructing Stud Brook Business Park. We’ll soon see steel frames being erected. Before we know it, occupiers will be moving into their brand-new premises.”NG Chartered Surveyors have been appointed as joint agents with FHP Property Consultants to find tenants for the units.Tim Gilbertson of FHP Property Consultants said: “Stud Brook Business Park really is a rarity, given that we can offer units both to buy or rent from as little as a few thousand square feet up to over 40,000ft² in what is generally considered the best location in the East Midlands. “The area around Castle Donington has been popular with manufacturing and distribution occupiers for many years given its fabulous road links and ease of access for staff but most schemes have been focussed on larger occupiers, Stud Brook is looking at the local and mid-sized regional companies and I’m sure that market will welcome this fabulous opportunity with open arms.”Richard Sutton, Managing Director at NG Chartered Surveyors, added: “The level of demand we’ve seen for these units at Stud Brook has been exceptionally high – but that shouldn’t come as a surprise with a quality developer such as Clowes Developments.“Now that the scheme has received planning permission, we should be in position to finalise deals across all units – ensuring another successful scheme for Clowes.”

Midlands mid-market private equity deal activity drops by nearly a quarter in the first half of 2023

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Midlands mid-market private equity deal activity drops by nearly a quarter in the first half of 2023

Mid-market private equity investment in the Midlands cooled in the first half of the year amid market volatility and tough trading conditions, new analysis from KPMG UK has revealed.

The firm’s latest Mid-Market Private Equity study shows that 28 deals were completed in H1 2023, reflecting a drop in volume of 24.3 per cent when compared with the same period in 2022.

This downward trend was matched across the country with a total of 327 deals worth £32 billion completed in H1 2023, a drop in volume of 12 per cent.

For the overall private equity market, however, more clouds appeared on the horizon as 689 deals worth £70 billion were completed in the first half of the year, compared to 909 deals completed in H1 2022. Khush Purewal, corporate finance partner at KPMG UK, said: “Despite hopes of a continued upward trend and a return to greater stability in the market, factors including rising inflation and interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainty, have combined to have a significant impact on deals during the first half of 2023.

“For the remainder of the year, it can only be hoped that the market sees some easing allowing confidence to return and deal volumes to begin to rise.” 

From a sector perspective, Business Services and Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) took the top spots once again, accounting for almost two thirds (63 per cent) of all mid-market private equity deals in H1 2023. Business Services accounted for 46 per cent, up from 40 per cent in H1 2022, while TMT deals represented 17 per cent, down from an average of 21 per cent over the last five years.

Bolt-ons accounted for the majority of investments in the private equity mid-market, continuing the trend of the past few years. There were 219 bolt-on transactions in H1 2023, representing a 47 per cent increase in volume on H1 2019. Overall, bolt-ons accounted for 67 per cent of all deals in H1 2023, up from 63.7 per cent over the same period in 2022 and 57.8 per cent on H1 2019.

Stirlin marks new era of expansion with latest hire

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Stirlin marks new era of expansion with latest hire
Lincoln contractor, Stirlin, has welcomed Jayne Southall to its team as business development manager. The creation of the role marks a new era of expansion for Stirlin. For over 15 years, the company’s focus has been exclusively on serving private clients and joint venture development partners. However, this move signifies a strategic step toward embracing new opportunities with external clients. With an impressive background as CEO of the Lincolnshire Showground spanning over a decade, Jayne brings with her an extensive network of contacts and important relationships across Lincolnshire. In her new role as business development manager, Jayne will be strengthening important relationships with Stirlin’s clients and championing the company’s pursuit of external contracts. Jayne’s career journey spans various domains, including sales, operational management, and financial responsibilities within the construction sector. Beginning her professional journey in the timber import industry, she later transitioned to the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society in 2006, taking on the role of finance and administration manager. Her dedication and expertise led her to rise to the role of CEO in 2011, where she was responsible for all aspects of the society’s commercial and charitable activities including overall responsibility for the Lincolnshire Show and the Showground Events Business. Reflecting on her new role, Jayne shares: “I am delighted to embark on this journey as the business development manager at Stirlin. Having steered the Lincolnshire Showground through the pandemic, I decided it was time to look for a new challenge. “I’m looking forward to the collaborative strides we will take together at Stirlin. I’m eager to reconnect with familiar faces and forge new connections to contribute to the company’s growth as it opens up to external contracting.” Tony Lawton, Managing Director of Stirlin, says: “We are delighted to welcome Jayne as a valuable new addition to the Stirlin team. Jayne will play a pivotal role in Stirlin’s continued growth and fostering fresh opportunities. We’re looking forward to seeing where this next chapter will take Stirlin.”

HMV owner’s bid for wilko takes steps forward

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HMV owner’s bid for wilko takes steps forward
The owner of HMV is said to be moving closer to putting forward a deal in the battle to save Nottinghamshire retailer wilko. The firm’s administrators, PwC, have started consulting creditors on the terms of a deal which would see Doug Putman save roughly 8,500 jobs, according to Sky News. Putman is reportedly intending to acquire over 300 of wilko’s 400 shops. It would however still leave thousands of staff without jobs. A creditor quoted by Sky News said: “It’s still in the balance but it is beginning to look more positive that a deal can get done.” The potential deal comes after M2 Capital’s bid for the company fell through and follows PwC confirming a raft of redundancies.

Get your tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 – an evening of celebration and networking

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Get your tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 – an evening of celebration and networking
With nominations now CLOSED for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, secure your tickets for the prestigious event! Taking place on Thursday 28 September, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while providing a prime opportunity to connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks. The event will additionally feature Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, as keynote speaker.

Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours.

Attend the event to see who takes home 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. The overall winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will also be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
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:

Solar farm gets planning approval

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Solar farm gets planning approval
Loughborough-based specialist land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie has played a lead role in securing planning permission for a new 80 acre solar panel farm in Warwickshire. Novus Renewable Services, a UK solar PV development company, has been granted permission by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council to develop, construct and operate a solar project at Tolldish Hall Farm, North East of Aldermans Green. The local plan for Nuneaton and Bedworth states that 14,000 new houses will be needed within the area between 2024 and 2039. The new solar farm will generate 25MW of electricity, which will be fed back to the grid. This is sufficient to power 7,091 homes, resulting in over half of the planned new housing being supplied by green energy. The site has been carefully selected and designed through a detailed assessment process considering grid availability, heritage, landscape & amenity, ecology & environmental designations, access, and agricultural land quality. Hamish Byers, head of sustainable energy at Mather Jamie, said: “There is significant growth in the renewable energy market and planning committees seem to be supportive of projects as long as their impact on the local environment meet biodiversity net gain BNG criteria. Solar farms also enable farmers to diversify and create additional revenue in an agricultural industry which is under significant pressure.” The solar farm will be seeded with an appropriate grassland mix and suitable for animal grazing within a fenced area. The margins of the site outside the fencing will be used for other habitat enhancements such as wildflower seeding with the aim to boost the biodiversity both on and off site. Footpaths will also be retained to ensure local communities can continue to enjoy the countryside. Hamish added: “The UK has a target to be net zero by 2050 and this development at Tolldish Hall Farm will serve a key role in the vital transition towards using renewable energy. The conversion of the land from monoculture cropping to grassland mix will also have a significant biodiversity uplift.” Hamish is working on a significant number of other renewable energy projects across the UK. The combined energy production from these schemes (if all are successful at planning) will produce enough electricity supply to power in the region of 400,000 to 500,000 homes.
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