North Nottinghamshire aviation firm secures multi-million pound export growth support
DEA Aviation Limited has secured growth funding worth £16.5m from Santander UK with the support of UK Export Finance, the UK’s export credit agency
Based at Retford Gamston Airport in North Nottinghamshire, DEA provides specialised aerial data acquisition services to the intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance, search & rescue and aerial mapping sectors. It provides critical security services demanding class-leading safety and compliance processes. DEA now employs over 200 people worldwide, most of whom are highly-skilled engineers, pilots, sensor operators, systems architects and software developers operating from accredited facilities in Nottinghamshire.
The funding has been secured thanks in part to a UK Export Finance guarantee issued under its Export Development Guarantee product. This allows DEA to unlock substantial new funding and replaces existing term loans.
DEA expects to use the additional growth funding to create jobs and to increase capacity and capability investment to meet customer demand in its complex and growing end-user markets across the UK, Europe and beyond.
Joanna Allen, CFO of the DEA Group, said: “We are pleased to have been supported by Santander UK and UKEF in this refinancing as the group enters its next phase of growth. The funding recognises that DEA is a substantial exporter and will enable the company to continue to expand its services internationally where we have built a strong reputation with prestige customers in Europe and beyond.
Liz Pickering, Relationship Director at Santander UK, said: “DEA is a key provider of services in the region and we believe this is the right funding structure to enable DEA to fulfil the exciting future growth opportunities in critical sectors.”
Kia to open new 40,000 sq ft training academy at St. Modwen Park Derby
St. Modwen Logistics, the logistics developers and managers and a Blackstone portfolio company, has leased a c.40,000 sq ft bespoke unit to global automotive company Kia for use as a cutting-edge new training academy for the next generation of Kia employees.
Kia UK Limited will take occupation by the end of 2023 following an extensive fit out period. The unit has been adapted to suit Kia’s requirements, including the installation of additional power, facilitating advanced electrification training and upskilling on STEM subjects to enable Kia’s apprentices and adult learners to meet the evolving demands of increasingly electrified vehicles.
The academy also opens up significant opportunities for Kia’s growth, enabling the company to increase delegate numbers, expand its range of electric vehicles, and enhance service capacity.
Built to St. Modwen’s Swan Standard of sustainable construction, the asset is EPC A rated and has BREEAM ‘Excellent’ accreditation. The academy will not have a new gas supply and will instead utilise heat pumps for heating. Furthermore, high-efficiency photovoltaic cells have been installed on the rooftop which will harness renewable energy.
The property is fitted with EV charging ports and benefits from intelligent LED lighting, smart metering and an on-site fitness trail. Designed with sustainability and wellbeing at its core, the asset supports customers on their own net zero journeys and encourages a healthy, active workforce.
Kia is the latest global business to establish an educational hub at St. Modwen Park Derby, following Swedish medical technology manufacturer Getinge, which in February 2023 announced plans to establish a new Global Centre of Excellence for Chemistry and UK headquarters at the Park.
Kia also becomes the latest occupier at the site to have a clear focus on sustainability, following the arrival of Vaillant to St. Modwen Park Derby earlier this year. The German firm will use the new high-tech factory to meet growing demand for its air-source heat pumps.
Sarwjit Sambhi, Chief Executive Officer of St. Modwen, said: “We are incredibly proud to welcome Kia’s training academy to St. Modwen Park Derby.
“Our site offers a high-quality, sustainable environment that aligns perfectly with Kia’s vision for eco-friendly operations. The adjacent wildlife reserve ensures a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of staff and delegates, making it an ideal setting for learning and growth.”
Paul Philpott, president and CEO of Kia UK Limited, added: “We are thrilled to bring our new and enhanced Kia Academy to Derby. This move represents our commitment to supporting STEM education, driving electrification and helping our dealer partners build the workforce and skills they need for the future.
“Our investment in the new training Academy showcases our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and sustainability, while solidifying Kia’s position as a leader in electrification and the automotive industry.”
133-year old Leicestershire-based noise control business sold
RSM UK has sold Hodgson Acoustics Company Ltd’s business to Wiltech Acoustics Ltd, saving the jobs of all 80 employees.
Glen Carter and Phillip Sykes of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP were appointed as joint administrators of Hodgson Acoustics Company Ltd on 20 September 2023.
Based in Leicestershire and with origins tracing back to 1890, Hodgson Acoustics operates in the industrial noise control and acoustic solutions sector, specialising in the design, manufacturing and installation of acoustic canopies.
The company fell into administration due to capacity and efficiency issues which resulted in delays to ongoing orders and subsequent cashflow problems.
The sale is to Wiltech Acoustics Ltd, an associated company of WB Power Services Ltd, which specialises in providing critical power, maintenance and hire solutions to organisations including data centres, hospitals and military facilities.
All 80 employees together with certain assets will transfer to Wiltech Acoustics, giving them full control over the manufacturing process and allowing them to offer top quality, bespoke acoustic solutions to businesses.
Glen Carter, restructuring advisory director at RSM UK and joint administrator, said: “We are pleased that this sale has resulted in the continued employment of all staff and minimised disruption to key customers of the business. We are confident that the transaction has secured the best possible outcome for creditors given the circumstances and wish the purchaser all the best as they take the business forward.”
Melton Mowbray-headquartered pet food producer acquired
Entrepreneur Peter Mangion, founder and CEO of Assisi Pet Care Group, a producer of pet foods and treats, has partnered with Wind Point Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm which has approximately $6 billion in assets under management.
The deal was supported by a team of Leeds-based legal and financial advisers and provides a successful exit for Harwood Private Equity.
Headquartered in Melton Mowbray, the company’s products are sold in the UK and throughout Europe, with two natural treat production facilities located in Poland. Assisi is a key partner to leading customers across the grocery, e-commerce and pet specialty channels, offering a broad array of branded and private label products.
Assisi was founded in 2020 as a platform to acquire, integrate and grow leading pet food and treat companies with established reputations and strong potential.
Under Mr. Mangion’s leadership, Assisi has grown significantly through the implementation of organic growth initiatives and the completion of four acquisitions that expanded the company’s product capabilities and geographic reach. Assisi represents the second partnership between Wind Point and Mr. Mangion, who previously served as CEO of a Wind Point investment in the pest control industry.
A team of Leeds-based advisers has supported Assisi’s growth journey, advising through its four acquisitions. The team included Jonathan Simms, Hitesh Tailor, Tony Berry and Isabelle Hammond of Clarion who provided legal advice; Richard Firth and Daniel Swanwick of Park Place who provided corporate finance advice; and Russ Cahill of Tax Advisory Partnership who provided tax advice.
Mr. Mangion said: “Assisi has been on a tremendous journey since its inception in 2020, which is a testament to the strength and quality of our people, our customer and supplier relationships and the rich heritage of our brands and products. Wind Point and I have worked closely together for numerous years. Our shared focus on investing in our people and expanding our capabilities makes them the ideal partner for Assisi.”
Adam Jump, vice president at Wind Point, added: “Assisi is a rapidly growing platform with significant opportunity in the dynamic European pet care industry. Peter and the Assisi management team have built an outstanding business that sits at an exciting inflection point. We look forward to supporting the Assisi team as they continue to build a differentiated pet foods and treats platform.”
Wind Point is a long-time investor in the pet and animal nutrition industry, with select prior and current investments including targeted PetCare, FoodScience, Petmate and Pestell Nutrition.
Reed Smith LLP served as legal counsel to Wind Point and KPMG LLP provided transaction advisory services in connection with the transaction.
Sweetening the deal: Cookies for Heroes
In a world that’s constantly on the move, there are those who stand steadfast, dedicated to serving and protecting others. These are our everyday heroes – the individuals who selflessly give their all to ensure our safety, health, and education. Yet, too often, their unwavering commitment goes unnoticed and unappreciated.
Motor Source Group believe it’s time to change that. It is proud to introduce the heartwarming campaign, Cookies for Heroes, an initiative aimed at recognising and celebrating the heroes in our communities who serve in the NHS, Police, Prison Service, Fire & Rescue Services, Military, and the teaching profession.
A token of gratitude
Cookies for Heroes is a way to show appreciation to those who tirelessly work behind the scenes, making sacrifices for the greater good, and every month, Motor Source Group will be sending out a box of delicious cookie box treats to say thank you.
Steve Thornton, founder and CEO, said: “We have always strongly believed in thanking our communities with our mission firmly focused on recognising and rewarding our emergency services and other public sector personnel with our unique new car discounts programme.
“In the current climate, we understand the time and financial struggles people are facing, so now more than ever our everyday heroes deserve to know they are appreciated, and we’re here to tell them in the sweetest way possible – with cookies!”
Nominate your everyday hero
We invite you to nominate your everyday heroes. These could be the doctors and nurses working tirelessly in our hospitals, the brave officers on our streets, the compassionate educators shaping our children’s future, and so many more. If you know an individual, team or department who goes above and beyond in their service, it’s time to shine a spotlight on them.
Nomination is easy! Simply fill out the nomination form here: tinyurl.com/motorsourcecookies
Share why they deserve recognition, and how they’ve made a difference in your life or your community. Motor Source Group can’t wait to read your inspiring stories and honour these exceptional people.
Don’t forget to share this with your friends and colleagues too so Motor Source Group can send out more sweet treats.
Supporting another small business too
Motor Source Group’s cookies aren’t just any cookies; they are handmade, bespoke, and crafted with love by a local small business, Cookie Doodle Doo in Lincolnshire. So not only will you be spreading cheer to your deserving colleagues, you will also be supporting a small business too.
Together, we can make a difference
Motor Source Group firmly believes that a small act of kindness can go a long way. Cookies for Heroes is its way of saying thank you, but it’s also an opportunity for all of us to collectively express our gratitude to the heroes who keep our communities safe, healthy, and educated. Together, we can make a difference and bring smiles to the faces of those who work tirelessly to make the world a better place.
Join us in this heartwarming campaign and let’s sweeten the lives of our everyday heroes one cookie at a time.
Nominate your everyday heroes today: tinyurl.com/motorsourcecookies
British Gypsum supports inmate rehabilitation with donation to Willmott Dixon programme at HMP Lincoln
British Gypsum has made a donation to Willmott Dixon’s Building Lives Programme, in support of the Drylining Academy for inmates at HMP Lincoln.
The programme, aimed at imparting drylining skills to inmates, not only equips them with valuable trade skills but also paves the way for successful reintegration into society.
In an ongoing commitment to uplifting local communities, British Gypsum has donated essential materials for the Willmott Dixon initiative at HMP Lincoln. The donation includes British Gypsum Plasterboard, timber sole plates, various screws, studs, and fixing straps, all of which are integral to the drylining training program. The Drylining Academy is instrumental in providing inmates with a unique opportunity for personal growth and skill development. By participating in the drylining training program, inmates not only gain a valuable trade skill but also earn qualifications that significantly enhance their employability upon release. “The donation to the Drylining Academy exemplifies our shared commitment to community well-being and sustainable rehabilitation,” said Sam Blacknell, head of skills partnership at British Gypsum. “We are honoured to contribute to a programme that empowers inmates with skills and knowledge, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives and embark on a new path of success and independence.” The Willmott Dixon drylining training programme aligns seamlessly with HMP Lincoln’s mission to promote inmate rehabilitation and reintegration. With the unique ability to provide inmates with training, testing, and CSCS card certification within the facility, HMP Lincoln is a pioneer in preparing inmates for a smooth transition back into society and offering them a specialised skill set that opens doors to various employment opportunities. Shelley Williamson, social value manager at Willmott Dixon, said: “We are deeply committed to driving sustainable change through our initiatives. The partnership with British Gypsum is a testament to our shared dedication to social impact and redefining the lives of individuals within our communities.”Management buyout completed at Burton tiling and flooring company
QEP-UK, the home of tiling, flooring and hardware home improvement brands such as QEP®, Roberts®, Vitrex®, Tile Rite®, Plasplugs®, Homelux®, XPS Foam™ and Kraus®, has been acquired in a management buyout with specialist support from PKF Smith Cooper’s transactional tax and corporate finance teams.
As a result of this transaction, the UK business is now owned by the Boyce Family Group. Paul and Sarah Boyce have been associated for many years with some of these industry leading brands. Paul has been a member of QEP’s group management team for the past 14 years, having most recently served on the US Board of Directors as CEO of International Operations.
The management team continues to be led by Paul Boyce as CEO. He has been supported in the transaction by FD Steven White and newly appointed COO Cam Gradwell.
QEP-UK, headquartered in Burton on Trent, is a manufacturer and supplier of tiling, flooring and hardware tools and accessories, providing premium products to consumers, trade and retailers.
Its brands cover both the “DIY” and trade sections of the tiling and flooring market and its products are sold in a number of home improvement stores, including B&Q, Wickes, Topps Tiles, Screwfix, Homebase and Travis Perkins, along with a wide-reaching independent retailer network.
The management team has acquired the UK business from US-listed QEP Inc and will continue to trade under the name QEP-UK. The PKF Smith Cooper transactional tax team, led by Adam Rollason, provided a full range of taxation advice, including personal, corporate and VAT.
Darren Hodson and Josh Gurton provided deal support to the management team, alongside Dahren Naidoo (Freeths).
Adam Rollason, tax partner at PKF Smith Cooper, said: “I am delighted to have supported Paul and Cam on this transaction. I have no doubt that under its new ownership structure, QEP-UK will go from strength-to-strength over the next few years, and I wish them all the very best for the future.”
Walther Strong expands to Grantham industrial estate
In a deal brokered by heb Chartered Surveyors and Phillips Sutton, specialist adhesive product manufacturers Walther Strong have expanded into new premises at Autumn Park Industrial Estate, Grantham.
As part of a major expansion due to continued growth in the business, the specialist adhesive manufacturers have occupied 10,000 sq ft of refurbished premises on the popular Dysart Road, in central Grantham.
Fred Dunn of Walther Strong said: “Walther Strong was established in January 2019 going from 2 product lines and now boasting a catalogue of products with 40 pages. We have been on a journey of growth for 4 solid years even during the challenges that we were all faced with from the 2020 – 2021 period.
“Our latest challenge is capturing opportunity, through continuous innovative products, that are focused on solving common construction problems, leading to this constant expansion. We primarily manufacture tapes and adhesives within the construction industry with bespoke items being made upon request.
“We outgrew our current premises in just 2 years and needed somewhere suitable for our needs. Autumn Park is a great location and a great place to continue to develop and grow the wonderful team we have.
“We have expanded our staff by 300% and continue to be on the lookout for dynamic, driven individuals who have a keen aptitude for sales and lead generation within the construction sector.”
Walther Strong is the third major occupier to move onto the estate since the recent multi-million pound refurbishment carried out by owners Paloma Capital.
Tom Ridge on behalf of Paloma said: “We are delighted to welcome Walther Strong to the estate and wish them all the best for their continued expansion.
“They are the latest occupier to move in since our acquisition and refurbishment of the estate – it is really pleasing to see our faith in this excellent location and subsequent investment generating new business occupation.
“Interest has been good since the completion of the refurbishment and currently only 4 of the 22 units remain available to rent.
“We can accommodate occupiers from 2,000 to 40,000 sq ft and would welcome further expressions of interest from local businesses.”
New business hub opens in Worksop
Bassetlaw District Council has officially opened its new business hub in Worksop town centre that provides facilities and support for up to 30 small and micro businesses.
Middletons Yard, which saw a number of buildings with historical significance sympathetically regenerated into a modern and contemporary business hub, was officially opened by the Council’s Chair, Cllr Deborah Merryweather, along with other dignitaries and partners who were integral to the project.
After welcoming its first tenants in December 2022, it has since become a base for 22 businesses. This includes companies in a diverse number of sectors including finance, transport, green technology and fostering services. In addition to an independent café called Secret Garden.
Cllr Deborah Merryweather, Chair of Bassetlaw District Council, said: “It was wonderful to be able to officially open this building and speak with many of the people who now base their businesses here. I would also like to thank all of the partners who were involved in this project and helped to make it all possible.
“We know that in order to support our towns and our independent businesses, places like Middleton’s Yard need to be created so that small and micro businesses have the opportunity to get started and grow to their full potential. This is reflected in the Council’s recently adopted Vision 2040 strategy and our ambition for Bassetlaw to be a great place to do business.”
Match-funding of £1.8 million was provided by D2N2 and Midlands Engine through the ‘Unlocking Growth in N2 Town Centres’ programme.
Richard Kirkland, Employment and Skills Manager at D2N2 LEP, said: “Small to medium size employers (SMEs) are the lifeblood of the local economy with more people employed by an SME than any other sector. SMEs are more productive, with greater value added to the local economy, and we need to give our businesses the best chance to survive, grow and prosper. This is where this facility is ideally placed to support this challenge.”
Additional funding of £108,000 was provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Glyn Morgan, Midlands and East Committee Member at The National Lottery Heritage Fund added: “This is a fantastic renovation project that we were delighted to be able to be part of. The National Lottery is the biggest funder of heritage and we know the power and support that funding can provide.
“I look forward to the ongoing work that this project will deliver and I’d like to say a special thank you to everyone who plays the National Lottery, it’s your support that makes it possible to support projects like this.”
Middletons Yard provides managed office space over two floors in its main building, three floors in second building, and additional self-contained offices in the historic Brewers Yard section. The buildings have been designed to offer flexible spaces and include two dedicated meeting rooms and break-out areas to encourage networking between businesses. The hub also accommodates a co-working space and virtual tenancies, for start-ups and micro businesses.
In addition to office space, the Council’s Economic Development Team provide occupants with a wrap-around business support service that includes access to start-up Enterprise Grants, pre-start up advice and training, links to supply chains, and skills and recruitment support.
In addition to supporting local businesses, Middleton’s Yard is also supporting the high street by bringing additional footfall to Worksop Town centre. Public spaces are an integral part of the site to increase accessibility in the town centre and provide easy access to the high street and public transport hubs.
With such strong links to local businesses and the high street, the official opening also saw Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Industrial Strategy, Jonathan Reynolds MP invited by Cllr Jo White to support the opening of the building.
Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Business and Skills, Cllr Jo White, said: “I was delighted to invite Jonathan Reynolds MP to jointly open Middletons Yard because Bassetlaw District Council’s model of supporting local businesses is a standard that many other authorities view with envy.
“It is important that we share achievements and initiatives, like Middletons Yard with senior politicians like Jonathan, who was very impressed with what he saw, supporting local business whilst bringing a derelict site back to life.”
The event was also attended and supported by representatives of all partners involved in the project, including architects Anotherkind Architects, construction partners Messenger.
Construction of new forest school begins at Coalville site
Construction works have begun for a new forest school at Harworth Group’s South East Coalville development in Leicestershire, delivered with support from North West Leicestershire District Council and Leicestershire County Council.
Designed by Lungfish Architects, with construction works by Stepnell, the two-form entry school is scheduled to open in 2024, providing 420 places.
The school will be built to a bespoke design based on forest school principles. Originating in Scandinavia, the forest school approach promotes education through play and activity while nurturing creativity through self-activity and investigation.
To facilitate this, the school design consists of six single storey buildings, designed as a series of pavilions, which include teaching space as well as the school’s hall, kitchen, administration facilities and early years accommodation, all linked by way of a cloister.
The teaching pavilions are organised around groups of four classrooms, offering flexible teaching opportunities through a range of teaching spaces, such as group rooms and shared learning spaces.
The classroom spaces have been designed to ensure they are dynamic, naturally lit and naturally ventilated. The school will generate approximately 10% of its own electrical requirements through a roof-mounted solar PV panel system and will use air-source heat pumps to meet its heating requirements.
South East Coalville is Harworth’s largest residential development in its Midlands region. The 250-acre site is situated just two miles from Junction 22 of the M1, and has an outline planning consent for the creation of a sustainable new community of more than 2,000 homes.
The development comprises two distinct areas: Hugglescote Grange to the north and Swinfen Vale to the south, both named after surrounding villages. Immediately to the south of the site, is Harworth’s Bardon Hill development, providing 332,000 sq ft Grade A employment space.
To date, Harworth has sold land parcels for the delivery of 793 homes, to housebuilders Redrow, Bellway, Morris Homes and Cadeby Homes and delivered new green space including the planting of over 800 trees.
The second phase of the scheme will see the development of new homes, as well as a local centre close to the entrance to the site, where the school will be located, opposite a new Aldi supermarket. More community amenities are planned to be delivered at the site in the coming years.
David Cockroft, regional director – Midlands, Harworth, said: “This new forest school demonstrates the Harworth Way in action, working with local partners to deliver a valuable asset to the local community, creating a sense of place and further enhancing the attractiveness of South East Coalville and the wider area as a place to live.
“With sustainability at the heart of its design, it will provide a modern and inspiring learning environment that is befitting of its National Forest location. I am grateful to all our partners for facilitating this development, and especially to North West Leicestershire District Council and Leicestershire County Council for their continued support.”
