GB Wiring staff will become employees of Aurrigo, including directors of the company who will remain with the combined business to ensure a smooth transition.
GB Wiring will continue to operate from its existing premises.
Coventry autonomous transport tech solutions provider acquires Leicestershire firm
Aurrigo International, a provider of autonomous transport technology solutions, has acquired Leicestershire-based GB Wiring Systems Limited, specialist providers of electrical wiring harnesses and assemblies for the automotive industry, in a £250,000 deal.
The acquisition will complement Aurrigo’s existing automotive business, allowing for improved supply chain logistics for key automotive products, whilst also enhancing the group’s broad core design and manufacturing competencies for the benefit of its autonomous and aviation technology divisions.
GB Wiring has been operating for 11 years as a complete wiring solution supplier of electrical wiring systems for the automotive and industrial sectors; whilst there is no cross over of customer base, there is strong synergy between the existing products and skills of both Aurrigo and GB Wiring.
For the year ended 31 August 2022 GB Wiring reported turnover of approximately £665,000, profit before tax of approximately £74,000 and had net assets of approximately £100,000.
Graham Keene, director of corporate development, Aurrigo, said: “This acquisition brings us enhanced capabilities and capacity in our core automotive area of wiring harnesses and electrical components. In addition, we will continue to leverage these capabilities which we have used so successfully in developing our autonomous and aviation divisions.
“Given our successful track record of acquiring businesses, we are confident of smoothly integrating GB Wiring to ensure continuity of service for its established customer base and are delighted to be welcoming GB Wiring’s skilled team into the group.”
Mark Robson and Mike Francks, directors of GB Wiring, said: “Aurrigo is a long-established leader in automotive electronics and we are pleased to be joining the team. We are confident that our capabilities and expertise can enhance Aurrigo’s existing offering and will ensure that there is a smooth transition for both our staff and our customers.”
Dr Martens hits £1bn revenue milestone
Iconic British footwear brand Dr Martens has hit a major revenue milestone, according to preliminary results for the year ended 31 March 2023.
Revenue at the Northamptonshire company passed £1bn for the first time, though pre-tax profits dipped to £159.4m from £214.3m in the prior year and profit after tax slipped to £128.9m from £181.2m.
It follows “operational mistakes” in America and issues at the firm’s LA Distribution Centre.
EBITDA was down 7% to £245m due to slower revenue growth, continued investment in new stores, marketing and people, and £15m costs associated with the Los Angeles distribution centre problems, while profit before tax declined more than EBITDA due to higher depreciation and amortisation, a £3.9m impairment charge and a £10.7m charge from the FX translation of Euro bank debt.
Kenny Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We achieved annual revenue of £1bn for the first time, up 10% and up 4% in constant currency. Reaching this milestone is testament to the strength of our brand, our long-standing DOCS strategy and the hard work and dedication of our fantastic people globally. “Direct to consumer is now more than half our revenue and the Dr. Martens brand remains strong with all key metrics either ahead of, or in line with, last year. In EMEA and Japan, where we executed our strategy well, performance was very good with encouraging momentum going into the new financial year.“In America, against the backdrop of a challenging consumer environment, we made operational mistakes, such as the move to our LA Distribution Centre, and how we executed our marketing campaigns and ecommerce trading.
“We have undertaken detailed reviews to understand why these issues occurred and have begun to embed the lessons learned into the business. We are fixing the issues in America, including a significant strengthening of the team there, and returning America to good growth is our number one operational priority.
“We are focused on the successful execution of our proven DOCS strategy, which we will underpin with continued investment in the business and our people to support our increasing scale and capitalise on our iconic brand’s strength.
“The board retains its conviction in the strategy, long-term growth and cash generation of the business. It is therefore proposing to maintain the final dividend at 4.28p per share and will seek shareholder approval at the AGM to commence an initial share buyback programme of up to £50m.”
Law firm makes raft of promotions
Regional law firm Sills & Betteridge LLP has promoted five fee earners to Partner level and three to Associate, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the firm’s management and development. Partnership appointments go to the firm’s Head of Crime Christopher Hogg and his Department Manager Katie Scott, Matrimonial Solicitor Emma McGrath, who heads up the Skegness Family Team, and Conveyancers Diane Coultas, who joined the firm through its merger with Bridge Sanderson Munro, and Tracy Wray who has been with the firm for almost 40 years. Kelly Credland is also to become a Partner. Kelly is the firm’s Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Leadership Team. Family Solicitor Ailsa Tennant, Family Emergency Team Paralegal Grace O’Neill and Conveyancer Talisa Hammond are to become Associates. Senior Partner Karen Bower-Brown said “I would like to offer my congratulations to each of our new Partners and Associates, in whom we recognise commitment to the firm and ambition to be our future leaders. “Some of my colleagues have reached these milestones having joined us at the very start of their careers, but what really stands out to me as the firm’s first female senior partner in 260 years is the number of women – eight of the nine appointments – who are rising through the ranks, in testament to how inclusive and progressive the firm has become.” The firm also reports a pleasing year-end position, in line with growth expectations from some senior hires across the business and expansion into Yorkshire – with exciting relocation and refurbishment plans very much underway for a number of its offices across the East Midlands. It continues to explore opportunities in new markets across the region.
Annual charity bunkers challenge reaches £35k of £100k target
Now in its third year, the annual three bunkers challenge has raised £35,000 of its £100,000 target, and with further donations still being pledged organisers hope this year’s £40k target will be achieved.
The 2023 challenge was held on Friday 26 May and involved teams from six East Midlands businesses completing 27 holes of golf on three golf courses in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham.
Organised by Bev Cook from Simple Marketing Consultancy, the teams taking part this year were from Shakespeare Martineau, Macildowie Recruitment & Retention, MKM Building Supplies, Fiscal Engineers and Breeze Corporate Finance.
Each team recorded the best two scores from Morley Hayes, Charnwood Forest and The Nottinghamshire and had any bunker shots deducted from their final score. The winning team was Simple Marketing Consultancy represented by Bob Johnson, Jon Steel, Paul Pownall and Bev Cook.
Commenting on the challenge, James Taylor from Macildowies said: “I was delighted to be invited to take part in this year’s event. It was superbly organised and fun to be a part of. Whilst we took the golf seriously, the most pleasing part was being able to raise money for Big C Little C and help the event get closer to its overall fundraising target.”
‘Big C Little C’ was established in 2018 to encourage businesses in the East Midlands to help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured and all children and young people are free to lead a happy and normal life.
In 2020, Bev Cook, during her year as Lady Captain of The Nottinghamshire, agreed to arrange a golf event called “The Three Bunkers Challenge” based on the format of the “Three Peaks Challenge” and chose Big C Little C as her nominated charity.
The event has been successfully held for the last three years and so far has raised nearly £40,000. Bev has committed to hold the event until £100,000 is raised. After the 2022 event she was nominated and won an ‘Esther People Awards’ which was presented by Dame Esther Rantzen.
If you would like to donate to one of the teams please use this link: https://giving.give-star.com/microsite/big-c-little-c/big-c-little-c-golf-day
Nottinghamshire to be showcased at international events exhibition in London
Nottinghamshire is to showcase its comprehensive events and conferencing offer once again at this year’s Meetings Show, which is being held at the ExCel Centre in London on 28 and 29 June.
The Meetings Show is the UK’s largest event and conference trade show, with Nottingham being represented alongside some its leading event venues over the two days.
This year, the region’s official convention bureau, Meet in Nottingham will partner with the National Ice Centre & Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, Nottingham Venues, The Island Quarter, Goosedale and the Mercure Nottingham Sherwood to showcase the very best of Nottinghamshire’s diverse events and conferencing offer. And of course, it wouldn’t be team Notts without the help of the legendary Robin Hood dropping by to help out!
The team will head to this year’s Meetings Show, and have the opportunity to meet with event planners, organisers and buyers who are looking to book their future national or international conference or event. Using their expert knowledge, they’ll show buyers why Nottingham should be their destination of choice, provide venue recommendations, and obtain rates and availability for specific event enquiries.
The 2022 Meetings Show generated 200 potential leads from businesses, associations and event organisers who were interested in Nottingham as a location for their events. These all-important contacts create a line of fresh new leads which will hopefully mean new events coming to Nottinghamshire.
Events manager for Meet in Nottingham Rachel Stewart said: “We’re really looking forward to attending this year’s Meetings Show with our amazing stand partners. We’ve secured a great mix of venues that demonstrate the region’s wide range of options for buyers.
“As the official convention bureau for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, The Meetings Show is the biggest trade event in our calendar. Last year we had over 200 leads for events, many of which we’re still in discussion with about bringing to Notts.
“Nottinghamshire is a great destination for corporate events and conferences. We’re a destination that has a proven track record for hosting a wide variety of events that fall within various sectors including sport, research, life science and academia. This is due to our two world-class universities, strong medical links through our two NHS Trust hospitals and various sporting venues and stadiums.”
Kylie Costall, who works as head of sales and hospitality for The National Ice Centre & Motorpoint Arena, added: “The Motorpoint Arena Nottingham are very excited to join Team Nottingham for a third year at The Meeting Show!
“It is a fantastic opportunity to join forces with Nottingham venues to promote our incredible city, whilst providing the opportunity to see many contacts from around the UK in one venue, and of course we look forward to meeting many new contacts along the way.”
Liam Morgan, sales & marketing manager at the Island Quarter, said: “We are extremely excited to be joining The Meeting Show as The Island Quarter in partnership with Meet in Nottingham this June and are delighted to introduce Phase 1 of the Island Quarter to the national and international corporate and events market.
“The team and I are looking forward to talking to you about our dedicated event space on the top floor of the iconic 1 The Island Quarter building, Upstairs at Cleaver & Wake. This high-end event area has been specifically designed for corporate and private events for up to 200 guests.
“Visit Nottinghamshire and Meet in Nottingham have been a huge supporter of the launch and growth of Upstairs at Cleaver & Wake and the entire Island Quarter future development, and we look forward to meeting you at the show.”
The business tourism sector is worth a huge £20bn to the UK economy every year with international events being especially valuable. International guests typically spend more money and stay for longer; adding additional value to the hospitality sector; with hotels, restaurants, attractions, and transport infrastructure all benefitting.
IMA Architects flex design muscles with £1.9m gymnastics project
Leicestershire-based architects, IMA Architects, has successfully delivered a brand-new, purpose-built gymnastics facility for Rugby Gymnastics Club.
IMA has been part of a team including KAM Project Consultants and BWB, on behalf of Sport England, that has worked with the Gymnastics Club to realise the 19,655 square foot scheme at its new home on Kilsby Lane.
IMA Architects was part of the design and delivery team consisting of main contractors, Wilten Construction, and Civil and Structural Engineers, Jackson Purdue Lever. As Architectural Consultant, IMA oversaw the coordination of the project.
Joe Travers, associate director at IMA Architects, said: “We have enjoyed working on this project to deliver a purpose-built gymnastic facility for a thriving club. At IMA we’re well known for our attention to detail and commercial awareness in seeing projects through to completion, and we have worked with Wilten as main contractor and the Gymnastic Club to produce a building which is both fit for purpose and financially viable, that accommodates the Gymnastics Club’s required layout.”
Construction at the site started in August 2022 and practical completion for the first phase of works was achieved on 6 February 2023, with the Gymnastics Club due to relocate to its new home in the coming weeks.
Simon Barnett, project manager at Wilten Construction, said: “The project has resulted in a massive improvement on the Club’s previous facilities which had become inadequate for the current needs of members. The new building allows them to have more gymnasts and facilitate holding their own events and competitions.”
Rugby Gymnastics Club is a long-established Gymnastics Club in Warwickshire, which is dedicated to training young gymnasts, both boys and girls of all levels and ability from pre-school through recreational to elite standard and competitive squads. It offers children the opportunity to experience gymnastics in a safe and friendly environment with tuition provided by professional coaches. The new building will enable the Club to expand the sport into a wider community.
With an estimated construction cost of £1.9m, the Club has generated the majority of the funds from the sale of its existing premises as well as various fundraising schemes and donations. It has also received circa £500,000 in funding from Sport England. Anyone interested in supporting the project with donations to help fund internal fit out and contribute to the rest of the venture is encouraged to contact the Club directly.
Gill McKee, development director at Rugby Gymnastics Club, said: “We are thrilled with our new home and can’t wait to fully move in. We are an ambitious club with over 1,000 members so needed an amazing facility to match our aspirations. We currently have a waiting list of 500 gymnasts, so the new facilities will allow us to approve more memberships and provide gymnastics facilities to more people in the local area.”
Lucy Litwinko, director at KAM Project Consultants Ltd, said: “We are pleased to see the project come to fruition, on time and on budget. We hope that the facilities will inspire the next generation of Team GB athletes in the future. It would be fantastic to know one of the gymnasts started their careers at the facility we had a role in creating.”
Demand high at Stud Brook as developer gets ready to name contractor
Groundworks are nearing completion at Clowes Developments’ 20-acre Stud Brook Business Park in Castle Donington.The mixed-use scheme will include employment, amenity, office and industrial units for sale or let ranging in size from 1,500 to 45,000 sq ft – as well as a high-quality retail offer.Clowes Developments have brought forward fresh site branding for Stud Brook Business Park ahead of naming a contractor to deliver the units at the start of Autumn. It is anticipated that construction work on the units will begin in September.James Richards, development director at Clowes Developments, said: “It’s great to see Stud Brook Business Park coming to life. Our infrastructure and groundworks contractors JC Balls & Sons are nearing completion which will enable the next phase of construction to start by the end of Summer. The enquiry schedule of interest parties is full, and we have a number of freehold and leasehold deals lined up and committed to the legal process.”Tim Gilbertson of FHP Property Consultants and Richard Sutton at NG Chartered Surveyors have been instructed as agents on the scheme.Richard said: “Stud Brook is one of the East Midlands’ most exciting mixed-use developments, and we’re delighted once again to be working with our colleagues at Clowes Developments to secure the deals that will make it a thriving business hub.“We’ve been proactively marketing the units at Stud Brook and demand has been huge. I’d urge any interested parties to contact myself or my colleague Charlotte Steggles for more information on this exclusive opportunity, or our joint agent partners – Tim Gilbertson and Darran Severn at FHP.”Tim added: “We really think this scheme will fly out of the doors as it ticks so many boxes for occupiers, fantastic road access being next to the M1 and A50, equally distant from Derby, Nottingham and Leicester so easy for staff to get to, and of course sitting almost next to East Midlands Airport. “The units will look great given the quality of construction Clowes always bring to new schemes and we can’t wait to see these new units progress. Demand is strong already as you would expect from such a fantastic opportunity.”
Nottingham Venues’ Orchard Hotel shortlisted at UDine Awards
Nottingham Venues’ Orchard Hotel has been shortlisted in the upcoming UDine awards.
The 4* eco hotel, located next to the East Midlands Conference Centre within the grounds of The University of Nottingham, has been named as a finalist in the University Hotel of the Year category, which recognises those hotels linked with universities that provide an excellent experience for their guests.
The Orchard Hotel comprises 202 bedrooms, 6 meeting rooms, a restaurant and welcomes thousands of business and leisure guests each year. It has been built to the highest environmental standards and has achieved a BREEAM rating of excellent. In December 2022 the hotel was awarded Greengage’s ECOsmart Silver accreditation.
Tom Waldron-Lynch, general manager of Nottingham Venues, says: “The Udine Awards are a landmark event within the university hospitality sector, and I am delighted that The Orchard Hotel has been shortlisted.
“Whilst we enjoy strong links with the University of Nottingham, the hotel welcomes thousands of business and leisure guests each year and, in many ways, our setting and facilities are one of Nottingham’s best kept secrets. Fingers crossed we can scoop the award on the day.”
The UDine awards are a joint initiative between Inside Foodservice and University Hospitality Seminars. The annual event celebrates excellence in the university hospitality sector and recognises the organisations that are leading the way in the industry.
The awards will take place at The Orchard Hotel on Tuesday 20 June 2023 and will be hosted by celebrity chef, restauranteur and TV host Simon Rimmer.
New Midlands Hub for UKAA
In response to regional demand, the UK Apartment Association (UKAA), the membership organisation for Build to Rent (BTR) in the UK, has launched a brand-new Hub in the Midlands.
Co-chairs Rebecca Taylor, Managing Director of BTR at Long Harbour, and Tom Grey, Build to Rent director at David Phillips, will lead the organisation’s work in the region as part of the 2023 UKAA Manifesto, which outlines a growth and outreach strategy aligned to the regional needs of the UK’s burgeoning BTR sector.
The new Midlands Hub follows the successful launch of UKAA Hubs in Scotland and the North West in early 2022. The two co-chairs bring together a wealth of experience of the local Midlands BTR landscape.
Rebecca Taylor is the Managing Director of Long Harbour’s UK Multi-family / BTR business. Since joining the firm, Rebecca has created one of the strongest and most dynamic teams investing in the UK BTR sector; has raised £1.4bn in equity and deployed over £850mn of equity.
Her previous experience includes eight years at Laing O’Rourke, as well as project work in Australia, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates. Rebecca is also the chair of the British Property Federation BTR Committee and a member of the Urban Land Institute UK Residential Council.
Tom Grey, as Build to Rent director at David Phillips, supports clients creating beautiful, robust, and sustainably furnished interiors as well as with full lifecycle furniture management. David Phillips has furnished over 18,000 BTR units in more than 100 different schemes over the last decade. Tom’s experience includes 14 years as owner/director at BTR consultancy Grid Property Solutions and over 20 years’ experience in the residential sector. Other UKAA Midlands Hub committee members include Andrew Yates, DLA Piper, Trevor Ivory, DLA Piper, Harpreet Donsajh, Touchstone Residential, Steph Douglas, Touchstone Residential, Andy Hill, Apache Capital, Tomasz Romaniewicz, Bond Bryan, Neelam Saihjpal, Centrick, Olivia Seaton, Patrizia, Krassi Stoyanova, Godwin Group, Kishor Tahiliani, Dandara Living and Rebecca Whitehead, Urbanbubble.“We are delighted to welcome Rebecca and Tom as co-chairs of the new UKAA Midlands Hub. The Midlands is a region packed with opportunity and innovation in the Build to Rent industry, making it the ideal location for the latest UKAA Hub,” said Brendan Geraghty, CEO, UKAA.
New phase of business space delivered at Lincoln commercial park
A new phase of business space has been delivered at Lincoln’s premier commercial park, Leafbridge.
Lincoln-based construction contractor and developer, Stirlin, was appointed as lead contractor to deliver the new units on behalf of their client, PKS (UK) Ltd.
The new phase, named Parkes Way, provides 23,000 sq ft of employment space, split across six individual units – ranging in size from 3,000 to 5,000 sq ft.
The industrial units have been designed to accommodate a variety of business uses, with each unit benefitting from an electric sectional door, DDA compliant toilet facilities and ample parking.
Stirlin has delivered over 49,000 sq ft of commercial property on the 44-acre site so far, split across three phases, providing a mix of light industrial units and hybrid office and warehouse space.
Caroline Parkes, owner of PKS, says: “This is the third time Stirlin have delivered industrial units for PKS (UK) Ltd. These premises are ideally located, with great access to train and road links. Parkes Way offers a great mix of versatile commercial accommodation, available to let.
“Working with the team at Stirlin has been a professional and pleasurable experience from start to finish. The project was delivered on time and within budget, with high quality, desirable results.”
Tony Lawton, Managing Director at Stirlin, says: “Since the first units at Leafbridge were completed in 2021, we have seen a notable demand for new employment space in the area, so we are delighted to deliver this new phase of units on behalf of our valued client, PKS.
“Leafbridge is situated in a convenient, accessible location and is occupied by both local and national businesses, making it incredibly attractive to those seeking investment opportunities.”
Jasper Caudwell, chartered surveyor at Pygott & Crone, says “Leafbridge continues to perform as Lincoln’s Premier business park with the new Parkes Way bringing a much-needed extension to the already flourishing park.
“Parkes Way comprises over 23,000 sq ft of business space available to let and we are delighted to be acting alongside our valued clients in bringing these attractive units to market. We have already received a good level of interest and look forward to seeing these occupied by growing businesses.”
