Northamptonshire caravans and motorhomes business acquired
MBH Corporation, a diversified investment holding company, has acquired White Arches Caravans and White Arches Motorhomes – expanding further the company’s Leisure Vertical business line.
White Arches becomes one of 20 companies within the MBH Corporation and along with Robinsons Caravans, which joined MBH in March 2020, will become an important part of the company’s fast-growing Leisure Vertical – one of seven vertical business lines spanning five countries.
White Arches, a business established 46 years ago, operates two businesses; White Arches Caravans based in Rushden and White Arches Motorhomes based in Wellingborough – both in the Northamptonshire region.
White Arches Caravans specialise in new and used caravans and is the region’s premier dealer for Swift caravans, Bailey caravans, Coachman caravans, Sprite caravans and the Swift Archway range of caravans. White Arches Motorhomes is the region’s premier dealer for Adria motorhomes, Bailey motorhomes, Auto-Trail motorhomes as well as VW Campers.
Paul Seabridge, CEO of Robinsons Caravans and the MBH Corporation Leisure Vertical, will oversee the integration of White Arches into MBH and will manage the business going forward.
White Arches’ unaudited revenue for the year ended 30 September 2022 was £25.1m. The purchase consideration is estimated to be approximately between £7m to £8m in cash subject to finalisation of completion accounts.
Victoria Sylvester, CEO, MBH Corporation, said: “The caravan and motorhome sector continues to be fragmented. With White Arches joining Robinsons Caravans within the MBH Leisure Vertical, the MBH offering within the caravan and motorhome sector becomes even stronger – with many synergies and best practices to be shared. Our objective remains to become the number one caravans and motorhome group in the UK providing an excellent experience for customers and for our own employees.”
Paul Seabridge, CEO, Robinsons Caravans, said: “With the continued interest in owning caravans and motorhomes in the UK, we feel that the timing is right for White Arches to become part of a larger group that already has extensive experience in this sector. The MBH agglomeration model allows us to continue to grow the White Arches business organically, whilst collaborating and networking with experienced business leaders across a whole range of sectors within the group, both in the UK and internationally. The opportunities for further growth are exciting.”
Forterra “pleased” with results in challenging trading conditions
Forterra, the manufacturer of clay and concrete building products, is “pleased” with its results for the four months ending 30 April 2023.
Pre-tax profits in the period were in line with management’s expectations, while revenue of £109m represented a decrease of 24% on the prior year (2022: £143m).
It comes as Forterra anticipates a fall in demand relative to 2022, with results for the full year expected to be weighted towards the company’s second half, reflecting improvement in market conditions.
Neil Ash, Chief Executive of Forterra plc, said: “Trading conditions in the period have been challenging and we are therefore pleased to deliver a result in line with our expectations.
“Our expectations for the year are based upon an underlying fall in market demand of 20% relative to 2022. With the inventory reduction within our customer base still ongoing, the decline in demand we have seen in the period is greater than 20%. However, we do expect demand will improve as the year progresses, noting the improving conditions cited by the housebuilders over recent weeks.
“We have already taken proactive steps to manage our production capacity and cost base, as we seek to maximise the benefits of the new Desford factory and the industry leading efficiencies it will provide.
“Our other growth investments at Wilnecote and Accrington are both progressing well.
“We believe the Group is well placed to meet the short-term challenges we face and remain confident in the medium to long-term fundamentals of our markets. This confidence is underpinned by a longstanding shortage of housing supply, the strong cross-party political support for housebuilding and a long-term deficit of domestic brick production capacity.
“Subject to market conditions improving in line with our projections we continue to anticipate delivering a full year result in line with our expectations with the result weighted towards H2.”
Triple success at North Notts business park
Commercial property specialists NG Chartered Surveyors, along with joint agents OMEETO, have completed a triple deal to let three brand new warehouse units at Wheatley’s Business Park in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.The deal for three units on Lowmoor Road was brokered by NG associate director Charlotte Steggles and Chris Wright of OMEETO.Charlotte said: “These three new units at Wheatley’s Business Park represent a welcome extension to what was already an incredibly popular location.“NG instigated a dynamic marketing plan, which, combined with our local market knowledge, resulted in a successful outcome for our landlord client. We wish the new tenants all the very best in their new homes.”Chris Wright of OMEETO said: “These units were extremely popular. We were delighted to be involved and the speed at which they were let is testament to the developer, and a clear sign the local market for good quality industrial space remains strong.”
East Midlands architecture practice makes trio of director promotions
Architecture practice GT3 Architects has promoted three members of its senior team following a year of successful growth, with Michael Simpson, Paul Reed and Suzanne Blair all appointed to director.
The promotions solidify the trio’s roles, which blend project and practice responsibilities. Michael is lead for interiors and consultancy as well as internal quality management, Suzanne is responsible for the education sector projects at GT3 and spearheads internal operations and Paul leads on the sports and leisure sector – the firm’s largest area of expertise.
In addition to the senior promotions the practice has promoted a further seven team members into higher-ranking roles in recognition of their hard work and commitment. The growth comes after a series of successful job wins including a £60m fit out for a new regional centre in Newcastle, a £45m leisure and cultural hub in Farnborough and a significant consultancy commission for a new £70m higher education campus.
Suzanne, who joined GT3 in 2016, said: “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the practice go from strength to strength – we’ve developed a fantastic culture and ethos across both studios that I’m proud to be part of. I’m therefore so pleased to be promoted to director alongside Paul and Michael, and we’re all looking forward to playing a more strategic and supportive role for the wider business.
“For me this will mean continuing to lead our activities in the North East region as well as supporting the growth of our education and community sectors nationally. I’m excited to put our plans into action and couldn’t imagine doing this without the support of the brilliant team we have here at GT3. Their development and growth is a crucial part of our business plans and I’m looking forward to supporting them and seeing many more promotions in the future.”
The further seven team changes include Marta Subh Lopez being promoted to associate director, promotions for Anna Cumberland, Matt McCreith, Paolo Coyle and Simon Baker to senior architect as well as Josh Wardle to senior technologist and James Milne to project technologist.
Simon Dunstan, director at GT3 Architects, said: “I want to congratulate all ten promotions as they have all worked really hard – and it’s great to see that dedication rewarded.
“We particularly want to pay tribute to Suzanne, Paul and Michael as they become directors within the business. Their promotions demonstrate that there are many different routes to becoming a senior member of staff – whether that be developing a new, profitable skill, becoming a recognised sector specialist or contributing to the efficient and effective running of the company – and they all share a genuine dedication to the success of the business and the team.
“These promotions come at time of growth for the practice as we’ve been winning lots of interesting work in our core and growing sectors and across the UK and internationally. Our ethos of ‘people architecture’ centres on putting people, within our team and our projects, first so it’s great to see this commitment in action with a raft of promotions and new wins.”
Derby and Derbyshire investment opportunities showcased at national event
Marketing Derby, the Queen’s Award-winning investment promotion agency for Derby and Derbyshire, is attending the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) 2023, taking place in Leeds this week.
The event aims to connect people, places and businesses to accelerate the Levelling Up Agenda, while unlocking sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment across the UK.
It brings together the public sector – with every core UK city and region involved – alongside government, investors, funders, developers, housebuilders and more.
Accompanied by Paul Simpson, Chief Executive of Derby City Council, Marketing Derby will be there to highlight Derby’s investment opportunities and pipeline projects, follow up on conversations held at MIPIM in March this year and create new interest in the city.
Marketing Derby will also be holding its own private roundtable event with a group of Bondholders from the property and investment sectors on the topic of curating city centres, looking specifically at how to shape the living, working and visiting experience of Derby.
The session will also involve Melanie Leech, Chief Executive of the British Property Foundation.
The investment team will also be supporting a number of events, which take place during UKREiiF including the relaunch of the Midlands Engine Portfolio, which contains seven key investment opportunities for Derby and Derbyshire.
These are: East Midlands Intermodal Park, Heart of Chesterfield, Heart of the City – Derby, Infinity Park Derby, SmartParc SEGRO Derby, South Derby Growth Zone including Sinifn Moor and the University of Derby’s City Campus Master Plan.
Marketing Derby will also be supporting a panel session organised by D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, which will showcase the potential of devolution in the East Midlands to investors.
Called ‘Shaping Devolution – a £1 billion East Midlands Opportunity’, it will see the panel, made up of representatives from the LEP, the East Midlands Development Company and businesses in the region, share their insights on the benefits and opportunities devolution will bring to the region.
John Forkin, Managing Director of Marketing Derby, said: “Our role is to raise Derby and Derbyshire’s profile and UKREiiF is an ideal opportunity to get our message across to a key audience.
“While in Leeds, in addition to holding one-to-ones with targets, we are hosting a top-level business roundtable, as well as supporting a D2N2 panel and a Midlands Engine event.
“Derby’s pitch has been made all the stronger following recent news, such as winning the HQ of Great British Railways and the massive investment in Rolls-Royce nuclear. At the same time the county’s investment propostion is especially strong for companies seeking larger sites with excellent infrastructure links.”
Some of the city projects which will be showcased by Marketing Derby at UKREiiF will also be featured in its forthcoming Derby Property Summit – which this year will look at the collective curation of cities.
Blueprint employees inspire future careers of local students
Workplace consultants and interior fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors welcomed 15 students and their teacher from The Lancaster Academy in Leicester to their offices in Ashby de la Zouch called ‘WorkLife Central’ for the final part of their R.E.A.D.Y programme where students gain experience in the world of work.
R.E.A.D.Y stands for Respect, Employability, Accountability, Diversity, and Young Ambassadors. Lancaster Academy believes that these five values are essential for success in the world of work and are committed to helping students develop in these areas. The school is pioneering in its approach, with one R.E.A.D.Y day every half term, devoted to focusing on career activities.
Blueprint Interiors chairman and founder, Rob Day, is an enterprise advisor for Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP).
He said: “Many young people reach the working world without an understanding of how businesses operate and network. This is where this project really helps to provide workplace experiences before they even leave school.
“It was brilliant to see the group’s creativity, problem-solving skills, and work ethic. Hopefully, we inspired some young minds along the way, and we’re confident they’ll be successful in whatever they choose to do in future.”
The students had a full day of activities at Blueprint Interiors, and met with teams from each department, including Projects, Design, Admin, Finance, and Sales.
Project administrator apprentice Francesca Curry, and accounts apprentice Muhammad Anas have previously attended the school’s Living Library event where 30-40 people from the world of work answered any questions students had about their industries. This also involved fire engine crews, the air force, staff from the McVities factory and many others.
Francesca added: “We were able to tell students about further education, sixth form and apprenticeships as we have both experienced them first-hand.
“I feel that apprenticeships should be spoken about more in school as they are far more valuable in regard to learning and gaining experience as that often makes you more employable in the future. This day was not only valuable to the students, but it also allowed us to build our confidence and communication skills.”
R.E.A.D.Y is a government initiative measured by the Gatsby Benchmarks, a set of eight guidelines designed to improve career guidance and prepare young people for the world of work.
CBI appoints chief people officer to lead cultural change
The CBI has appointed Elizabeth Wallace as interim chief people officer. This is the latest in a series of decisive steps to rebuild trust in the CBI’s culture and purpose, and follows the recent appointment of business ethics consultancy Principia Advisory.
Elizabeth sits on the CBI’s Executive Committee and will report directly to the Board on matters of workplace conduct and culture.
In her role, Elizabeth will start to implement the 35 recommendations put forward by Fox Williams following their independent investigation into allegations of misconduct. This includes integrating the post of chief people officer into the CBI’s culture – consolidating corporate values and employee experience as a matter of strategic importance.
Previously, Elizabeth has held several leadership roles focussing on people strategy, including as head of portfolio talent at Hg and director of executive search at BlackRock.
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI director general, said: “I am so pleased to welcome Elizabeth on board as chief people officer. Her role will be integral in reforming our people strategy – defining our shared values as we collectively recover from the challenges of recent weeks. With over two decades’ worth of experience, I’m confident that her guidance will accelerate our efforts to effect meaningful change across the CBI.”
Elizabeth Wallace, CBI chief people officer, said: “I am delighted to have the trust of the director general Rain Newton-Smith and the Board to lead the way on cultural transformation here at the CBI. Making sure the newly created chief people officer role becomes a permanent part of the CBI’s DNA will be front of mind, as I work with people across the organisation to strengthen our employee experience offering.”
Centrick appoints head of Nottingham office
Commercial and residential property specialist Centrick has appointed Callum Rowland to lead its East Midlands operations.
Callum, who joined the company in November last year, becomes branch manager at the company’s Nottingham office.
“I see what the business has achieved in Birmingham and Solihull and it is really inspiring. It is my aspiration for Nottingham to become an East Midlands hub, mirroring what we are doing in the West Midlands,” said Callum.
“There is a really great opportunity to grow the Centrick business in the region. Our attention to detail, strong central service functions and experienced team will really set us apart from some stiff competition and it will be a challenge but the future is exciting. We have all the ingredients to be the go-to specialist if you’re selling, buying, renting or letting investment or residential property.”
He added: “At the moment, the Nottingham market is super exciting, with buy to let investors, first time buyers and home movers all making moves in and around the city. With two universities in the city, there is a huge demand for rental units. With strong rental yields, regularly returning 7% plus, Nottingham has a huge appeal to investors.
“There’s also continuous development in the city, with new home and build to rent schemes giving us much-needed stock for both tenants and buyers. Average asking prices are consistently on the rise and currently Nottingham is seeing some of the highest growth in the country.”
Callum joined Centrick from growth strategy roles in recruitment and brings considerable experience from sales management roles at estate agent Renshaw Estates.
Centrick group sales and lettings director Andy Butts said: “Callum’s appointment as branch manager in Nottingham is an important step forward for our East Midlands operations. We will continue to strengthen the team around Callum to support our plans for sustainable growth across the region.”
Chesterfield bids for businesses with over a million sq ft of new commercial property
A new and ambitious growth strategy for Chesterfield, the largest town in Derbyshire best known for its industrial heritage, historic architecture and proximity to the Peak District, has today been shared with potential investors at UKREiiF, a major real estate and infrastructure investment event, as well as details of commercial property projects that will deliver more than a million square feet of new high-quality office and industrial space over the next two years.
Speaking at the event, Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, said that Chesterfield was delivering consistent and sustainable business growth, and had seen interest in its commercial space increase from both local startups and companies considering relocation to the town since the pandemic lockdowns.
Data shared in Chesterfield’s growth strategy reveal that the town’s business population has grown by more than a fifth (21 per cent) in the last decade and created 2,000 new jobs, including 1,800 high-value roles in sectors such as advanced manufacturing and professional services. Chesterfield aims to attract a further 400 businesses and 2,000 more jobs to the town by 2030.
Chesterfield Borough Council is supporting, either through direct investment or public-private partnerships, a series of projects to provide high-quality commercial space for businesses. It has helped bring to market almost 300,000 square feet of modern office, industrial, manufacturing and logistics space since the start of 2022, and expects further new premises totalling more than one million square feet to become available by the middle of 2025.
Key commercial developments in the town include:
- One Waterside Place: 35,000 square feet of Grade A office accommodation located within five minutes’ walk of Chesterfield’s mainline train station. The building provides high quality office space for larger businesses looking to relocate or expand. Opened in January 2023, two of the building’s six floors have already been taken by tenants.
- Hartington Industrial Estate: a major industrial development in Staveley, an area of Chesterfield next to the M1 motorway. This project will create 800,000 square feet of new commercial floorspace, with multiple modern industrial and warehouse units measuring 20,000 square feet and more expected to become available in 2023.
- Prospect Park: located just off the A61, the main road between Chesterfield and Sheffield, Prospect Park provides high-quality office space and plots for new advanced manufacturing, warehousing and distribution units ranging from 7,000 – 50,000 square feet.
Modern Burton industrial unit sold to MNE Hydraulics
Burton upon Trent commercial property agents and consultants, Salloway, have completed the sale of a 2,500 sq ft modern industrial unit to MNE Hydraulics.
Salloway associate partner, Anwar Hussain said: “The unit is located on the Albion Gateway Development on Derby Road, Burton upon Trent. The site was developed in three phases by St Modwen Developments and has proved to be a very popular location with both purchasers and tenants, with direct access to the A38 major trunk road being so close.”
MNE Hydraulics Managing Director, Alex Wallis said: “With our business continuing to grow, the decision to purchase Unit 21 Albion Gateway was totally logical as this unit is located on the same development as our existing premises.
“This additional capacity now allows us to offer our customers full design and manufacturing services in house in our dedicated 5,000 sq ft facility.
“Our thanks to Anwar and the Salloway team for helping the sale to go through swiftly.”
