Forterra’s new Desford brick factory opens
Forterra’s new Desford brick factory in Leicestershire has officially opened.
With a total investment of around £95 million, the new factory has been commissioned to grow capacity, improve cost efficiency, and boost sustainability.
Once at full capacity, the Desford factory will be able to manufacture 180 million bricks per annum, enough to produce 25,000 new homes and provide customers with an additional 120 million domestically produced bricks compared to the old factory’s previous output. On a company-wide scale this increase in brick production capacity represents a growth of around 22%.
The new factory incorporates state-of-the-art innovations with sustainability mechanisms, robotics hardware, and advanced packaging solutions, which streamline its production processes to be as efficient and sustainable as possible while satisfying the ongoing demands of customers. As a result of these changes, the bricks produced at Desford will have a carbon footprint approximately 25% lower than those from the old factory.
Neil Ash, CEO of Forterra, said: “We are thrilled to announce the opening of the Desford factory, which represents a significant milestone for Forterra. This new factory’s impressive production capacity demonstrates our commitment to meeting the ongoing demands of the housing sector in our mission to Keep Britain Building.
“At the same time, our innovations at Desford have streamlined our operations to ensure that our production is as efficient and sustainable as possible, so that we can satisfy customer demand whilst still being on course to meet our ambitious ESG targets.
“Indeed, the Desford factory is the latest in a series of investments and developments Forterra has made over the past year towards becoming more sustainable and efficient, including a solar farm, a new eco-fleet of trucks, and new packaging solutions which place us a step closer to achieving our goal of attaining a 50% reduction in single-use plastics by 2025.
“We’re thrilled to open the biggest, most efficient brick factory in Europe, and look forward to Desford’s productive future.”
Record half year sales for Topps Tiles
Topps Tiles, the Leicestershire-based tile specialist, has witnessed record half year sales in the 26 weeks ended 1 April 2023.
According to the firm’s unaudited consolidated interim financial results, sales hit £130.3 million, up 9.3% year on year, driven by “nationwide store coverage, world class customer service, and strong omni-channel capability, with average sales per store up 30% compared to 2019.”
The company also reported strong results in Online Pure Play brands, with exceptional sales growth in Pro Tiler Tools.
Group gross profit, meanwhile, was up 2.7% to £68.7 million. Adjusted profit before tax, however, dipped to £4.4 million from £7.1 million, following “adverse exchange rate movements and the impact of inflation on operating expenses.”
Rob Parker, Chief Executive, said: “As we mark our 60th anniversary, we are pleased to be reporting record first half revenue for the Topps Group, reflecting our successful development and diversification as we strengthen our position as the UK’s leading tile specialist.
“Our Topps Tiles brand delivered a further period of robust like-for-like sales growth, with Pro Tiler Tools achieving another exceptional performance, to maintain its strong track record since acquisition in 2022.
“As expected, our first half profitability reflects the impact of inflation year on year, including significantly increased energy costs, and a number of other one offs. These effects are now reducing or will reverse in full in the second half, underpinning our confidence in a much stronger profit performance in the balance of the year.
“Our strong trading, when combined with our successful strategy, world class customer service, leading product offer and strong balance sheet, gives us increasing confidence in our outlook. We remain confident that we are on track to hit our 20% market share target ahead of schedule.”
Step forward for University of Nottingham’s Castle Meadow Campus plans
The University of Nottingham’s plans to increase its physical presence within Nottingham city centre, following its acquisition of the Castle Meadow Campus, have taken a step forward.
Set across more than nine acres, the campus comprises six highly specified three and four storey office buildings and a dedicated health & wellbeing hub totalling 351,247 sq ft.
Now, the university has been granted permission for the change of use of Barkley, Ferrers and Fitzroy House (Blocks A, B and C) and an associated amenity building on the site from Class E (office) to Class F1 (university) use.
Castle Meadow Campus is the university’s “next-generation landmark investment” currently in development. The new campus will enable the university to have a greater physical presence in the city centre, bringing opportunities for final year and postgraduate students studying professional practice-based courses, as well as supporting jobs, investment, and growth for the city.
Three core uses for have been identified for the campus, including:
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a new city centre location for Nottingham University Business School to conduct teaching, research and partnership activity, enabling it to grow its postgraduate offer and increase collaboration with strategic partners. The move is expected to take a phased approach from 2025.
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from late 2023, a home for Digital Nottingham providing a civic, research and innovation hub that will bring together researchers, businesses and communities to connect digital and data knowledge, skills and technologies to people and place-based challenges.
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a dynamic practice-orientated campus for postgraduate students creating an ecosystem of employers and students to work and learn together, ultimately preparing students for life after university. This is expected to take place from 2025.
Cawarden answers the King’s call to help out
As part of the Kings Coronation celebration, Derby-based Specialist Contractor Cawarden participated in The Big Help Out, an initiative designed to encourage volunteering and help local communities.
In Derby city centre, Cawarden made a generous donation of its people and equipment to help out at Wilmorton Community Gardens for the YMCA Derbyshire, the custodian of the gardens.
As part of the YMCA Derbyshire’s master plan, a large structure within the gardens had to be demolished. Therefore, Matt Taylor, youth and community manager at YMCA Derbyshire enlisted the help of the demolition experts at Cawarden.
The structure had been a problem for some time and had delayed progress within the gardens, so Cawarden offered to provide a 7-tonne machine and an experienced operator to demolish it free of charge.
Now that the demolition work has been completed, a new eco-sustainability area will be created on the site, with potential plots, forest areas, and learning centres that will provide opportunities for environmental engagement for all ages to get involved.
As part of The Big Help Out, staff from Cawarden’s head office in Ockbrook also volunteered to clear a walkway that had become so overgrown that it could no longer be crossed. After the team had completed the labour-intensive work, the newly cleared walkway is ready to be transformed into a new eco-sensory trail for the YMCA’s young people and local communities.
Matthew Taylor, YMCA community and engagement manager, said: “The Cawarden team has been so generous and amazing, thank you! It’s such a relief we can begin a new chapter at the Wilmorton Community Gardens with our eco-sustainability plans for our community – something Cawarden has set the foundations for us to move on positively into this new season.
“All the money we have saved will be invested into the community gardens whereby we can provide more opportunities for people of all ages to utilise a green space in the city.”
Samuel Crooks, contracts director at Cawarden, added: “We have a longstanding relationship with the YMCA Derbyshire and we’re delighted to have been able to carry out this demolition work for them. We know the structure has been an obstacle for some time and has put plans for the gardens on hold.
“So it’s been our pleasure to clear the site as part of The Big Help Out and pave the way for the next phase of redevelopment that will benefit the community greatly. We wish YMCA the best of luck with the future plans for the site. I am sure we’ll be back soon to see the progress first-hand.”
The Wilmorton Community Gardens are a beautiful peaceful space being renovated for growing, contemplating, enjoying company and creating an exciting new venue.
The Big Help Out was announced in January as an event to mark the Coronation in tribute to the King’s public service with the aim of using volunteering to bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the Coronation weekend.
Firm wins £1m a year surfacing contract with council in Blackburn
Coalville-headquartered Aggregate Industries is working on a two-year contract with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council for footway and carriageway improvements and resurfacing which could be worth up to £1m a year.
A key part of the framework was sustainability, which included supporting the council’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030. This allowed Aggregate Industries, when formulating the bid, to put forward the choice of key innovative low carbon surfacing solutions that are fundamental in assisting local authorities in meeting their future CO2 targets.
Victoria Smith, Aggregate Industries’ Regional Director for the North and Midlands in the Surfacing Solutions division, said: “It’s great news to have been appointed to the surfacing contract for Blackburn with Darwen and have the opportunity to deliver some real value to the framework utilising the latest in low carbon solutions.
“We have a strong track record in the region with local authorities and on major infrastructure projects and will be supporting our contracts from our asphalt and recycling facilities in Lancashire and North Manchester.”
Aggregate Industries will also support the council on wider social value aspects including providing volunteering support for local projects and working with the local supply chain where appropriate.
Carmel Foster-Devine, Head of Highways at Blackburn with Darwen Council, added:
“We are looking forward to working in partnership with Aggregate Industries to improve the road network across Blackburn with Darwen. Our local communities will also benefit from the social action and volunteering support the company invests in neighbourhoods in which it works.
“In addition, working with contractors who align with the objectives we’ve set ourselves within our Climate Change Action Plan is paramount and Aggregate Industries have shown that they can support us in addressing sustainability and resource efficiency in their project delivery.”
Conversion of former Register Office in Chesterfield moves on
Internal work has started on Chesterfield’s new centre for talking therapies – the building whch formerly housed the Chesterfield Register Office.
Beighton Construction is nine weeks into the refurbishment of the premises on Beetwell Street, for charity Derwent Rural Counselling Service.
Having completed roof works, internal strip out, new damp proofing system, floors, heating and new electrics, a team of contractors is now underway with plastering and decoration, plus installing new toilets and a lift.
The three-storey centre, set to open this summer with an official launch event in September, will include office space, numerous treatment and consulting rooms, meeting rooms and relaxation space to help cope with the increased demand for DRCS services in the area, plus options for businesses to rent rooms and floorspace.
Andrew Holmes, director at Beighton Construction, based in Chesterfield, said: “A new damp proofing system has been installed in the basement, partition walls and plaster repairs have been completed plus a new heating system, and the first phase of decorating is under way. “The new lift will offer access to all floors for centre users.”
Janette Smeeton, chief executive at DRCS, said: “Progress continues on the site which will be one of the largest talking therapy centres in the county. Bringing the building back to community use will create a valuable asset for people and businesses in the region.”
The Beetwell Street hub is part of ambitious plans for DRCS which operates a large team of freelance and employed staff based at seven centres across the county covering the Amber Valley, Erewash, Chesterfield, Buxton, Matlock, Ashbourne, Derby, Swadlincote and the Peak District.
Over the last 30 years, DRCS has become one of the largest third sector provider of counselling services in the region offering help to individuals, via self-referral or via a GP, with common mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress and long term conditions through counselling, CBT, guided self-help, and other forms of talking therapy.
In the last eight years, DRCS has been in partnership with Derbyshire Healthcare Foundation Trust to deliver the NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression service, throughout Derbyshire.
Weaker economic activity expected in East Midlands compared to rest of UK in 2023 and 2024
Six of the seven East Midlands cities included in PwC’s Good Growth for Cities Index are out-performing the UK average on delivering against the public’s priority on transport, which measures the average commuting time to work, as the UK improves on work-life balance and hybrid working following the pandemic.
Additionally, Derby, Leicester, Lincoln and Peterborough perform ahead of the UK average for income distribution, measured by the ratio of median to mean income, an indicator of wealth equity.
The Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index ranks 50 of the UK’s largest cities (generally considered those with populations of at least 350,000 people), plus the London boroughs as a whole, based on the public’s assessment of 12 economic measures, including jobs, health, income, safety and skills, as well as work-life balance, housing, travel-to-work times, income equality, high street shops, environment and business startups.
The analysis shows that East Midlands cities score in line with the UK average in health, work-life balance, new businesses and safety. Indicators identified for improvement include income, high streets and affordability of housing, where the East Midlands achieved the lowest scores.
Overall, weaker economic activity is expected in the East Midlands compared to the rest of the UK in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, the East Midlands economy is expected to contract by 0.06%, compared to growth of 0.05% in the UK as a whole, and in 2024 the East Midlands will grow by 0.88% compared to growth of 0.99% overall in the UK.
Derby
Derby is ranked 24th out of 50 in this year’s analysis, dropping slightly from 23rd in 2022. The city performs above the UK average on jobs, transport, skills in over 25s, income distribution and safety indicators, and is in line with the UK average on income, health, work-life balance, skills for 16-24 year olds, affordability of housing, the environment and high streets.
The only area for improvement is new businesses and Derby is the only East Midlands city to have just one indicator highlighted for improvement, showing that the city is experiencing overall good growth.
Leicester
Leicester is the highest performing city in the East Midlands, and comes 16th in the index. It continues to perform well for overall economic growth, and was also the highest performing East Midlands city in last year’s analysis. Leicester scores above the UK average in work-life balance, new businesses, transport, skills across all age groups, income distribution and safety, and is in line with the UK average on jobs, health, owner-occupier rates and the environment.
Areas for improvement are income, affordability of housing and high streets.
Lincoln
Lincoln is ranked 36th out of 50 in this year’s analysis, decreasing slightly from 35th in 2022. The city performs above the UK average on owner-occupier rates, transport and income distribution, and is in line with the UK average on jobs, health, work-life balance, affordability of housing, skills, safety and high streets.
Areas highlighted for improvement are income, new businesses and the environment.
Northampton
Northampton is the lowest performing city in the East Midlands, ranking 42nd out of 50. The city performs above the UK average on health, new businesses, owner-occupier rates, transport and the environment, and is in line with the UK average on income, work-life balance, affordability of housing, skills in the over 25s, income distribution and safety.
Areas highlighted for improvement are jobs, skills for 16-24 year olds, and high streets.
That said, Northampton is forecast to grow the most in the East Midlands in the next two years. The city is expected to grow by 0.21% in 2023 and 0.98% in 2024, which is the seventh highest growth rate of the 50 cities included within the analysis. This is in stark contrast to the worst performing city in the region, Lincoln, which has the 42nd highest growth rate in 2023 (-0.25%).
Northampton has a high concentration of its activity within the transportation and storage industry. This is estimated to be a sector of notable growth in coming years, which somewhat explains Northampton’s predicted strong growth in 2023.
Nottingham
Nottingham is ranked 36th out of 50 in this year’s analysis, decreasing slightly from 34th in 2022. The city performs above the UK average on jobs, transport and safety indicators, and is in line with the UK average on health, affordability of housing, owner-occupation rates, transport, skills, income distribution, the environment and high streets.
Areas highlighted for improvement are jobs, income and new businesses.
Peterborough
Peterborough is ranked 23rd out of 50 in this year’s analysis, and was the second most overall improved UK city included in this year’s Index. The city performs above the UK average on health, transport and income distribution, and is in line with the UK average on, jobs, income, work-life balance, new businesses, affordability of housing, owner-occupier rates, skills for the over 25s, the environment and safety.
Areas highlighted for improvement are skills (16-24) and high streets.
Alex Hudson, market senior partner for PwC East Midlands, said: “The outlook in the East Midlands is a positive one, and it’s pleasing to see our cities generally fairing well in our analysis this year. Aligned with the government’s Levelling Up agenda, local government and employers have a part to play in providing opportunities for people to grow their businesses, careers and skills right across the region.
“That said, the report highlights some areas in which the East Midlands performs behind the UK average, including income and house prices, as well as weaker predicted economic growth. This should be used as a map of opportunity, showing where continued support can have a real impact on improving aspects identified by the public as priorities. The East Midlands will also benefit from the recently announced investment zones, where we will receive £80m of support over five years.
“The 2022 PwC economic outlook analysis showed that the region’s economic output remained around 3.3% smaller than pre-pandemic levels and identified the Midlands as one of the regions with the most potential for growth. One of the ways we will achieve sustained improvements in our economy in the East Midlands is continued investment in automotive and aerospace, medical and agriculture technologies that will provide economic benefits and opportunities for growth.
“PwC is continually investing in the East Midlands, using our convening power to bring together businesses and government to make positive changes for the region. Working collaboratively and focussing on some key areas for growth, such as the skills agenda, will lead to improvement across the board for the region.”
Next phase of Derby’s Castleward development gets green light with 112 new homes planned
Regeneration specialist Compendium Living has been given the green light to build the next phase of its popular Castleward development, providing a further 112 new homes in Derby city centre.
Castleward is a £100 million development and one of the city’s largest housing projects, providing around 800 new homes in total. The project, which sits between Derbion shopping centre and Derby Midland Station, is being delivered over a period of 15 to 20 years, and also includes green space and 35,000 square feet of commercial retail space.
The fourth phase of Castleward will consist of 112 new homes, including two, three and four-bedroom houses and one and two-bedroom apartments, split over two sites, one located on John Street and the other on Canal Street. There will be 34 affordable homes for housing association Riverside, and the remaining 78 properties will be available through open market sale.
Construction work will be carried out by Compendium Living’s construction partner, Lovell Partnerships, and is anticipated to start after Phase 3, which is currently under construction.
Bruce Lister, Managing Director at Compendium Living, said: “We are very proud to have received planning permission to bring another 112 brand-new homes to Derby and continue the successful regeneration of Castleward with Derby City Council, furthering our investment in the city.
“The fourth phase of Castleward will meet the needs of local people by providing employment opportunities, economic benefits and high-quality homes. We put placemaking at the heart of our work and are committed to transforming Castleward into a vibrant and sustainable new community that residents can feel proud to call home.
“We are looking forward to commencing work on the next phase and achieving the next milestone of this exciting development.”
Paul Simpson, Chief Executive of Derby City Council, said: “We’ve already created an attractive gateway to the city in the first three phases, and we’re excited to continue that with phase 4.
“This latest phase of work will deliver more high-quality homes for Derby and help us continue to build a new community in the city centre following the opening of Castleward Spencer Academy primary and nursery school in 2021.
“Now that planning permission has been granted, we’re looking forward to seeing these new homes take shape.”
Blueprint Interiors completes Gleeds office transformation
International property and construction consultancy Gleeds has recently completed the transformation of its Manchester office. The project was undertaken by Ashby-de-la-Zouch workplace consultancy and interior fit-out specialists, Blueprint Interiors and will allow the business to remain in its city centre location.
Situated at Abbey House on Mosely Street, Gleeds opted for renovation as opposed to relocation in order to retain its connectivity, giving its 80-strong staff more options to walk, cycle, or use public transport to get to work. The refurbishment forms part of a wider strategy to create a unified yet unique style for all Gleeds UK sites, delivering offices that reflect regional cultures and traditions.
The new layout incorporates a relaxed, welcoming area for visitors, collaboration and break out spaces, relaxation zones, and a workplace café to promote healthy eating and wellbeing. Versatile desk, seating, and meeting room arrangements with access to the latest high specification video conferencing and digital technology enable collaboration on a global basis.
Brian McArdle, director at Gleeds, said: “Blueprint Interiors has helped us to create a showcase office in Manchester. We now have a sustainable, fit for purpose space that has boosted morale and increased levels of employee engagement, making embracing hybrid working easier for all.
“By embedding more technology, we’re also enabling teams to collaborate more effectively across the UK and on international projects. This renovation has set a new corporate benchmark that will attract professionals to join us, impress our clients and be enjoyed by our employees.”
Andy Sawyer, project director from Blueprint Interiors, added: “The design principles were driven by a desire to provide a more open plan hybrid work environment that reflects the way people prefer to work has significantly changed. The office has also been designed to embrace the Gleeds vision and values in all areas to create an office space that inspires people to be happy and motivated to deliver their best work.”
Blueprint Interiors has been working with senior leaders at Gleeds UK to achieve a unified yet unique style nationwide, starting with offices in Bristol and Manchester.
Freeths’ Mukesh Patel awarded President’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Mukesh Patel, former managing partner of Freeths Leicester, has been awarded the President’s Lifetime Achievement award for his services to the region’s business community following his tragic death in February.
A very popular member of both Freeths and the local community, Mukesh led the firm’s dispute resolution team in Leicester and subsequently became managing partner of the Leicester office in 2014. He died unexpectedly on Saturday, February 18th, aged 54.
Much loved husband and dad-of-two, Mukesh received the top honour at the Leicestershire Law Society Awards 2023, which celebrates the achievements of the best law firms and individuals working in the legal sector across the city and the county.
The Lifetime Achievement recognises his tireless dedication to the firm and local business community.
Lisa Gilligan, managing partner of Freeths Leicester, said: “This honour for Mukesh is truly well deserved. An inspiration to many, Mukesh was a trusted and valued member of our management team. He was an exemplary team player and would always place his personal interests second to those around him for the common good.
“We lost a real force for good in the Freeths community, but his legacy will most certainly live on throughout the Leicester business community.”
