College’s £3.5m automotive training facility gets go-ahead
Council leader gives “untold damage” warning on rail interchange
“Untold damage” to rural communities is in store if plans for the huge 662-acre Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI) go ahead, according to Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council.
He says the scheme, earmarked for swathes of countryside southwest of Elmesthorpe, would change the rural character of the District and its village communities forever.
His warning comes as the Council submits its latest formal submission, the Written Representation. In it the Council says it “vehemently opposes the HNRFI due to the far-reaching adverse environmental and social impacts it would cause in the local area.”
The Written Representation and a Local Impact Report, highlighting serious concerns about the scheme, have been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate.
The Inspectorate is scrutinising the rail freight hub plans, during a six-month examination.
Proposed by developer Tritax Symmetry, the hub would sit between the M69 and the Leicester to Birmingham rail line.
Neither the Council, nor the Planning Inspectorate can approve nor reject the plans. Due to its status as a National Infrastructure Project its fate will ultimately be decided by the Secretary of State for Transport.
However, as a statutory consultee, the Council can raise issues through written submissions as well as at the various meetings and hearings which are taking place through to next spring.
Building on previous concerns, the Council’s Written Representation says the scheme has significant deficiencies and fails to mitigate some of its most negative impacts.
Objections include that it:
- Does not have a sufficient transport strategy in place and so will cause significant adverse road network impacts
- Has not been subject to adequate consultations with local residents
- Does not include a satisfactory noise pollution assessment
- Fails to explain the impacts in neighbouring villages such as Narborough from the increased rail crossing barrier downtime
- Does not provide adequate plans to retain employment benefits in the District
Agri-food firms can tap into funding from new £7.5m pot
Agri-food businesses in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland can now apply for funding from a £7.5m pot to support innovation and growth.
A partnership of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, New Anglia LEP (covering Norfolk and Suffolk), and the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority has been awarded the funding from Innovate UK under the Launchpads programme.
The programme welcomes SMEs in the region to apply for competitive grants for R&D and innovation projects that focus on agrifood. The grant funding available starts from £25,000, and up to £300,000 is available for projects that provide exceptional impact to the cluster.
To be eligible, projects must make a significant contribution to one or more of the following:
- enhancing the productivity of primary crops, the bioeconomy, livestock, aquaculture or ornamental plants
- biotechnologies related to agriculture, food and nutrition
- food that promotes safe, healthy and nutritious diets
- resource-efficient production methods for low-emission foods
- sustainability in the context of environmental challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity
- protecting, maintaining or enhancing animal welfare within current UK regulatory standard
- nutritional composition, food manufacturing and processing, packaging, and safety
- minimising negative effects such as pollution, food loss and waste
- resilience and responsiveness in the supply chain, mitigating risks, interruptions or disruptions
Storm Babet damages packaging manufacturer’s Chesterfield facilities
Robinson plc, the custom manufacturer of plastic and paperboard packaging, has revealed damage to its Chesterfield premises following Storm Babet.
On 20 October, the river Hipper, which flows by Robinson’s premises in Chesterfield, rose to its highest ever known level and flooded through part of the site.
Part of the premises is occupied by the Group, including the Paperbox manufacturing business and the Robinson head office, with the remainder let to tenants. The Paperbox business represented 4% of the Group’s revenues in 2022. The Group’s plastics business was unaffected.
In a statement Robinson said: “The first and main priority was the safety of those working at the site and the implementation of emergency procedures to mitigate the overall impact. We are pleased to report that despite some challenging circumstances everyone has remained safe.
“Despite the substantial efforts of our employees, there has been some damage caused to facilities, materials and equipment and manufacturing operations have paused. There will be disruption as the site clean-up continues prior to recommencement of operations.
“We would like to thank the Robinson team and our external partners for their efforts and our customers and suppliers for their understanding.”
Leicestershire building products manufacturer produces “resilient” third quarter performance
Ibstock, the manufacturer of building products, has hailed a “resilient” performance in its third quarter, which it says reflects a “continued focus on customer service and execution, coupled with the disciplined management of capacity and costs.”
Market demand in the period was more subdued than expected, seeing sales volumes below those achieved during the second quarter of the year. Despite these weaker volumes, Ibstock notes effective cost reduction action combined with stable pricing resulted in margins for the quarter remaining robust.
The firm added: “The Board anticipates that the benefits of its actions will continue to mitigate demand weakness in the final quarter and, consequently, its underlying profit expectations for the 2023 financial year are unchanged.”
Joe Hudson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Group delivered a resilient performance in the third quarter despite a very challenging market backdrop. I am proud of the way that everyone at Ibstock has remained focused on the delivery of a strong operational performance while also ensuring that the Group made continued strategic progress.
“As macroeconomic conditions stabilise, we expect a recovery in market activity, reflecting the significant underlying demand for new build housing in the UK. Whilst we are taking a cautious view around the pace and timing of this recovery, we remain confident in our ability to continue to respond to market conditions, taking the action necessary to protect performance, while ensuring the business remains well-positioned for an increase in activity.”
Leef acquires Nottingham-based lettings business
A property management business has acquired the lettings arm of Hockley Developments, one of the largest supported living and residential development companies based in the East Midlands.
The Leef Property Group has acquired Sherwood Lettings and Management Ltd adding Sherwood’s 100+ units to its existing 3,000-strong portfolio of managed properties, which span from the Midlands to the North East and Yorkshire.
The Warrington-based business, which has operated a local team in the Nottingham area for more than five years, already has experienced agents covering the Midlands region to lease and manage the properties, supported by its head office function.
This latest acquisition is another boost to Leef’s fast ascending trajectory that’s seen it bolster its portfolio by more than 800 managed properties already this year. It’s on track to more than double its current portfolio within the next three years through new relationships with developers, investment companies and sales agencies.
Joe Knowles, co-founder and director of The Leef Property Group, said: “We’ve had a close relationship with Hockley Developments for a number of years and are familiar with its developments, so taking over the professional management of its rental portfolio fits perfectly into our operating model and specialisms.
“We’re expanding rapidly within the Nottingham area, which has a burgeoning rental market. Track Capital’s 2023 report placed Nottingham seventh out of all towns and cities in the UK in terms of rental yields. The average for Nottingham properties is 5.94%, which is well above the East Midlands average of 4.1%.
“As we have a proven scalable model, and unrivalled experience, we believe we have the capability to more than double our operations by attracting a range of clients from asset managers to property developers who are placing new schemes under our full management. Business acquisition is another key part of our future growth strategy.”
Managing Director of Hockley Developments and Sherwood Lettings, Alan Forsyth said: “The sale of our rentals management arm to Leef enables us to focus on our core business strategy, most notably the design and build of Supported Living developments, as well as sustainably led residential schemes.”
Lettings manager Daniella Martin added: “It will also ensure that Landlords will benefit from Leef’s exceptional levels of service, delivered through its well-honed processes and experienced team.”
Future support for businesses and economic prosperity across the South East Midlands assured
Future support for businesses and economic prosperity across the region has been assured this week following a recent agreement by six councils.
This week the SEMLEP Board and Central Area Growth Board (CAGB), the group of Leaders from the area’s six local authorities, approved recommendations for West Northamptonshire Council to be the host authority to take on Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) functions by 1st April 2024.
These include strategic economic planning, the Growth Hub, which supports and strengthens businesses, and the Careers Hub, which links schools and colleges with employers to create world-class careers opportunities.
The decision follows an announcement from Central Government that it would cease core funding of Local Enterprise Partnerships from April 2024 and for the LEP functions to be delivered by local authorities.
Working in collaboration, the six local authorities – Bedford and Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire – will build on the successes of the LEP to secure the future economic success of the South East Midlands region.
SEMLEP (South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership) and West Northamptonshire Council will now prepare for the transfer. Further work will happen over the coming weeks and months, led by the Central Area Growth Board, including shaping more detailed proposals for the engagement of local businesses.
Hilary Chipping, SEMLEP Chief Executive, said: “This decision marks the end of a long period of uncertainty for the SEMLEP team. We remain committed to responding to the needs of local businesses through our Growth Hub and Careers Hub and will work with our local authority partners to ensure a seamless transition to the new arrangements.”
Councillor Jonathan Nunn, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council and Co-Chair of the Central Area Growth Board, said: “SEMLEP has carried out excellent, invaluable work in supporting our region’s many businesses and boosting economic prosperity across our area and all six local authorities are dedicated to building upon those achievements under these new arrangements from spring next year.
“West Northants is privileged to be chosen to host these functions on behalf of all partners, and we will continue to work closely and collaboratively to support and strengthen business communities across our region and shape fresh opportunities for all.”
Councillor Pete Marland, Leader of Milton Keynes City Council and Co-Chair of the Central Area Growth Board, said: “It is important the business services currently provided by the South East Midlands LEP continue to be available and I am very pleased that the six local authorities in the area have come together to ensure that continuity.”
Trustees sought to drive forward Barrow Hill Memorial Hall refurb
Barrow Hill Community Trust is searching for new volunteer trustees to help support the delivery of a major project to refurbish Barrow Hill Memorial Hall.
The Trust is the community development charity for the village of Barrow Hill and surrounding neighbourhoods.
With around £1.8 million of funding through the Staveley Town Deal and National Heritage Lottery Fund, the trust will be refurbishing the historic Memorial Hall to create a new community hub where local people can access a variety of essential support services and socialise together.
Simon Redding, Chair of the Barrow Hill Community Trust, said: “This is a really exciting time for the entire community, our ambitious plans will help create stronger connections in the community and ensure local residents can access the support they need.
“We’re looking for trustees who can spare some of their time to help steer the delivery of this project and ensure we can maximise the benefits for residents.”
The Trust is particularly keen to hear from potential trustees who have experience in capital project management, finance, or communications.
Barrow Hill Memorial Hall was gifted to the community in 1920 by Charles Paxton Markham as a community war memorial that could be used to support the local community.
In 2024 it will be 100 years since the Deed of Trust was approved and to mark the centenary the Trust aims to refurbish the building to serve the community whilst honouring its legacy and past.
Plans for the refurbished hall are extensive including new community spaces, enhanced facilities for young people and children, provision for medical facilities, and classroom space.
Please e-mail info@barrowhill.community to express your interest.
Charity sleepout returns to Nottingham – and calls for business leaders to take part
A successful charity initiative to combat homelessness is returning to Nottingham for the seventh time.
CEO Sleepout, a national initiative that raises awareness of and funding for homelessness, will return with an event on November 9th at Meadow Lane Stadium, and has issued a call for local business and community leaders to sign up.
Homelessness is a growing issue in Nottingham, and chief executive of CEO Sleepout Bianca Robinson said: “According to the latest figures from Shelter, 1,614 people are homeless in Nottingham, which equates to a shocking one in every 201.
“Sadly, with the cost-of-living crisis showing no signs of slowing down and rents increasing across the country, we expect these figures to increase – which is why something must be done.
“The CEO Sleepout has a great deal of support from businesses across Nottinghamshire and it’s not surprising that we already have nearly 50 business leaders signed up to take part. Since 2016, CEO Sleepout has raised over £270,000 by and for the people of Nottingham. With this year’s efforts, we hope to take that figure well over the £300,000 threshold!”
Bianca hopes that the Nottingham Sleepout will raise £50,000 and is looking for another 20 people to sign up.
She added: “Business leaders have the power, the opportunity and the responsibility to ensure they are active within communities and play a role in strengthening the fabric of society.
“It’s just one night and it is my hope that while looking up at the stars at 3am, they will consider actions they can take as leaders, and enforce these into their business to create greater social impact.”
The event will benefit three different Nottingham causes – Emmanuel House, the Notts County Foundation and Friary Nottingham.
Ben Talbot, from the Friary, said he was “thrilled” to once again be involved with the event.
“Homelessness and the knock-in effects of it are being felt more than ever in Nottingham,” said Ben.
“I would encourage anyone who feels strongly about supporting people who are experiencing this to sign up for the sleepout.
“Not only will you make a contribution to the cause but you will feel first hand what it is like to be in this vulnerable position.”
And Denis Tully, Chief Executive Officer from Emmanuel House, added money raised from the event will help support the charity’s Winter Shelter, which provides 27 beds each night on the coldest months of the year.
“The work of the Shelter is about helping people find accommodation solutions. Out of the 107 people that used the Shelter last year we are able to support more than 50 per cent of guests into accommodation.
“We anticipate that this year will be particularly demanding on the Shelter as the number of homeless people is increasing with a further likely increase to come. Being involved in the CEO Sleepout gives you an opportunity to gain more insight into what homelessness is about.
“When it comes to donating financially you know you are supporting front line services. We can’t do it without you.”
And with just weeks to go before the event, Bianca has issued a final call to get as many business leaders as possible to sign up and make it a night to remember, adding: “We aim to raise big money to support charities on the frontline of homelessness in the city, and at the same time bring business leaders together to gain a deeper understanding of the issues around homelessness locally.”
Caddick delivers over 2 million sq ft of industrial space in 2023 following completion of St. Modwen Park, Lincoln
Caddick Construction has handed over St. Modwen Logistics’ newest sustainable warehouse, becoming the latest in a line of industrial buildings for the construction firm.
The £8m construction contract saw the delivery of a steel portal framed warehouse, featuring 10 dock levellers with an eaves height of 12.5 metres, making it the largest unit at St Modwen Park, Lincoln.
Totalling 111,000 sq ft, Lincoln 111 is the fourth phase at St. Modwen Park in Lincoln.
Rated BREEAM Excellent, this scheme secured an EPC A+ rating, helping its new occupiers to save on utility costs and reach their own Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) targets.
Paul Dodsworth, Caddick Construction Group Managing Director, said: “St. Modwen Park further demonstrates our skill set in the industrial market and has been built on time and on budget for our valued development partner, St. Modwen Logistics.
“This flagship scheme has taken our industrial projects this year alone up to 11, totalling £165 million and amounting to 1,988,234 sq ft. It’s a huge achievement for the business and I look forward to extending this pipeline further as we take on exciting new projects.”
Ian Martin, senior construction manager at St. Modwen Logistics, said: “We are always striving to develop industry-leading warehouses in fantastic locations for our customers and by enlisting Caddick Construction’s expertise we have been able to achieve this once again at Lincoln 111. Caddick’s experience in the industry has led to our development being delivered on time and to the highest level of construction standards.”
