Midlands store closures at their lowest rate since 2018
Net store closures in the Midlands are at their lowest rate since 2018, according to new data from PwC and the Local Data Company.
In the first half of the year, 266 shops opened across the West Midlands, compared to 516 closures, creating a net decline of 250, down from 566 in H1 2021. The East Midlands saw 223 openings, with 359 closures, creating a net closure of 136.
With the overall reduction at -1.4%, the West Midlands closure rate has improved and is in line with other regions in the UK, with the spread of closures across Great Britain at its lowest for over seven years.
A boost for leisure
One segment that has seen an improvement has been leisure, with operators making up three of the four fastest growing categories in GB.
Takeaways have been boosted by the growth of home delivery and their ability to operate throughout lockdowns and the pandemic. While restaurants have been one of the worst performers in the past three years, new chains have been able to expand quickly into empty spaces and take advantage of lower rents and pent-up demand post-lockdown.
While not categorised as leisure, DIY shops have taken advantage of home improvement trends formed during lockdowns.
Elsewhere, banks and financial services have continued to decline and have featured in the top 10 fastest declining outlets for the past seven years, except in 2020. With more consumers opting to use online banking and digital services, it is likely we will see this trend continue.
Other declining segments are charity shops and betting shops.
Sarah Phillips, PwC partner and consumer markets leader for the Midlands, said: “While the annual reduction of stores across the Midlands continues, the rate of decline is stabilising in the region, as it is across Great Britain.
“Following the challenges of the pandemic, it is pleasing to see operators in the leisure sector, such as restaurants, become some of the fastest growing categories within our analysis, and outlets like DIY stores and takeaways were able to respond positively to the changes in consumer behaviour brought on by the pandemic.
“Highstreets and shopping centres in the Midlands, and in Birmingham in particular, have seen many changes and some high-profile closures in the past few years. High streets across the UK have been battling against the rise in online shopping and digital experiences for some time, and this is reflected in retail footfall rates that remain at an average 10-15% below pre-pandemic levels.
“However, this summer’s Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games brought over a million people to the region and put a global spotlight on us. The impact of this has yet to be formally captured, but anecdotally retailers and leisure operators felt a positive impact. The region now has the opportunity to innovate and reshape its towns and city centres, to maximise on the momentum created by the Games.
“That said, as we move into the second half of the year against the backdrop of the cost of living crisis, there is no doubt that retailers and leisure operators will come under pressure again as consumers’ ability to spend decreases and operating costs increase. With the new Prime Minister now in place, many operators will be looking toward Government support to see them through the rest of the year and ensure the viability of many businesses moving forward.”
Azets Midlands adds to senior management team
Azets, the regional accountancy firm and business advisor to SMEs, has demonstrated its commitment to grow its network with two appointments, seven senior promotions, 34 internal promotions and 28 trainees joining the Midlands team.
This follows the announcement of a national recruitment drive that will see Azets adding 900 roles across the UK business over the next 12 months.
David Saunders, Ben Sheldon and Francesca Hutcheson have been appointed as partner, whilst Matt Walker joins as private client senior manager. Sarah Connolly and Benjamin Barnett have been promoted to associate director, as well as Matthew Allen who is now senior manager. Joel Fentem takes on the role of senior manager in the audit team, whilst Jaden Reynolds has been promoted to manager within the forensic accountancy team.
David joined Azets in 2017. He is an FCCA qualified accountant with many years’ experience supporting SMEs in the Midlands in a range of industry sectors. David works within the accounting & business advisory service line advising owner-managed businesses on a range of accounting and general advisory matters.
Ben joined Azets in 2019 from a big 4 firm where he worked in their private business team. As a partner in the audit team, Ben works on private limited companies, ranging from small single entities to large international groups.
With over 20 years’ experience, Francesca joins Azets’ Central Tax Advisory team. She advises on all aspects of tax advisory work throughout the owner managed business lifecycle, including research & development, capital allowances claims, exit and succession planning for family businesses, merger & acquisition tax transaction support and employee rewards.
On the promotions and appointments, Paul Clifford, regional CEO at Azets UK, said: “We are actively recruiting at all levels, with our investment in hybrid working creating more opportunities for existing staff and removing traditional barriers around location and flexibility.
“As well as this, we truly recognise the importance in harnessing and growing talent from within the business, and these promotions are proof of this. Each promotion is incredibly well deserved and we look forward to maintaining and growing our team, in line with our strategic plan.”
LLEP introduces new co-chairing arrangement
The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) will be jointly-chaired as it continues to work with partners on proposed devolution while simultaneously managing internal process and governance.
Andy Reed OBE, who has been serving as interim chair since Kevin Harris announced his decision to stand down in April, will continue to focus on shaping the future of the LLEP.
Mr Reed has been meeting with a host of partners across local and national government in recent months against the backdrop of a proposed County Deal or other devolution arrangement.
He will continue to lead on external strategy, supported by new co-chair Anil Majithia.
Mr Majithia has served on the LLEP Board for four years and will focus on day-to-day business activities and internal governance.
Mr Reed said: “We’ve been talking regularly with our partners and other stakeholders about proposed devolution since the start of the year now.
“It’s good that Anil will be joining me as co-chair to support our Board and leadership team on our business-as-usual activities as I focus on engaging with local political leaders as they work to find the best devolution solution for Leicester and Leicestershire.”
Mr Majithia said: “I’m delighted to partner with Andy as co-chair and am looking forward to working with Board members and teams to ensure that appropriate board level oversight and assurances are in place to support good corporate governance of our day-to-day operations.”
Mr Reed will continue to chair LLEP Board meetings and the forthcoming AGM, with Mr Majithia chairing in his absence.
The vacancy came after Mr Harris, Leicester managing partner and regional accounting head for RSM UK, stood down from the role in April.
Mr Reed, is the director of a specialist strategic consultancy and served as Member of Parliament for Loughborough from 1997 to 2010.
Mr Majithia has various non-executive leadership roles across the public and non-profit sectors, as well as more than 30 years of global business experience.
Meanwhile, a separate recruitment process has been conducted over the summer to find new directors to sit on the LLEP Board, working with the co-chairs and the LLEP’s Leadership Management Team.
Three new directors have been offered positions as a result of the recruitment exercise and will be introduced to the Board at the LLEP’s AGM on 28 September.
Diesel power is disappearing from Cawarden sites
Derby-based Specialist Contractor Cawarden has made substantial strides in reducing its carbon emissions – achieving a 67% reduction overall so far.
The reduction has been achieved in just ten months following an emissions audit and the successful trial of a new eco fuel, Green D + HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). The fossil-free, paraffinic fuel made from 100% renewable raw materials is made from waste fats and vegetable oils, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to diesel.
Based on the success of the initial trial last year, a phased transition and roll-out of HVO across Cawarden’s extensive fleet of industry-leading excavators and site machinery has been taking place.
HVO has the potential to eliminate up to 90% of net carbon dioxide compared to diesel and without any modifications to existing engines.
It also significantly reduces nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide emissions.
Cawarden has been working collaboratively with commercial fuel and lubricant supplier, New Era Fuels, and was one of the first companies to sign a 12-month contract for the supply of 300,000 litres of fuel.
The initiative is all part of Cawarden’s de-carbonisation journey and supports clients in reducing the carbon footprint of their projects. It also matches guidance released in 2021 by the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) which recommended its members switch to HVO fuel as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to white diesel.
Cawarden is committed to reducing its impact and achieving its net-zero target – a commitment that has been cemented by joining the SME Climate Hub and signing up to The Climate Pledge – a formal commitment to reach net-zero by 2040, or 10 years ahead of the government’s target.
The Environment Agency, which introduced Cawarden to the De-Carbonisation Project partnership, was recently invited by Cawarden to visit one of their South Derbyshire demolition sites. It was an opportunity to learn more about the progress and achievements to date.
Jonathan Groves, Cawarden’s quality director, said: “To put it into context, we’ve saved the equivalent emissions of 94 single flights to Sydney, Australia, or 1,072 metric tonnes of carbon – so far. It’s enormous progress in such a short amount of time and it was great to invite the Environment Agency to site so they could see our machines in action – all powered by HVO.
“Reducing our impact on the environment is an ethos that has underpinned the business and the Cawarden Family has stood by it for almost four decades.
“Through our De-Carbonisation Project partnership with the University of Derby, Derby City and Derbyshire County Councils, which we joined in 2020, we have a clear road map, recording and monitoring regime for our net-zero journey. The roll-out of HVO and achievements in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions is a major step forward – and it will complement other initiatives we have in the pipeline to decarbonise the business.”
Victoria Prowse, regulated industry officer at the Environment Agency, said: “Cawarden has made a significant step forward in its de-carbonisation journey, and it was great to learn more about and see first-hand how they are decarbonising their day-to-day operations. We hope that through their work they inspire other firms to follow their lead. I would like to thank them for inviting us along to learn more about their initiative.”
While this is a positive step towards cleaner environmental ambitions, such a notable change also presents challenges – a major transition that needs to be planned and managed carefully.
Jonathan concluded: “HVO has been a great success in delivering positive change by reducing our emissions. We see this as part of the future for our Industry, linked with the development of cleaner engines by plant manufacturers. But we can only continue making strides in scaling up our HVO usage if the recent price increases in HVO return to being closer to white diesel. Currently, HVO receives the same duty and VAT as white diesel, so we look forward to the Government incentivising this greener fuel rather than making it a more expensive option.
“As a business, we’re keen to explore HVO alternatives and other innovations such as hydrogen or alternative powered plant and machinery, but we can only do so once they are available to our industry.”
Derbyshire agency to promote new sport enjoyed by David Beckham to build UK wide participation
‘We are Padel’ is a new sports brand being launched across the UK and Derbyshire-based full service marketing agency Purpose Media has been appointed to create the digital marketing strategy to grow audience participation and profile of the new brand.
Padel is also coming to a new centre in Derby at the former Powerleague centre in Pride Park and has been appointed to host the 16th European Championship Qualifier Event between Friday 30th Sept – Sunday 2nd October which will attract teams from all over Europe.
The Great Britain teams that will take on the best in Europe at these Championships was named recently and 17 male teams and 13 female teams will be competing in Derby, with British No.1 Tia Norton leading the British challenge.
Padel is a mix between tennis and squash: The aim is to play the ball over the net, but unlike tennis, players can use the walls surrounding the court to return the ball to their opponents. Purpose Media is inviting local businesses to attend a special event on Thursday 29 September so they can try the new sport and have a chance to learn more about how to play.
Commenting, Grace Golden, client service director at Purpose Media, said: “Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the world enjoyed by David Beckham, Andy Murray and Lionel Messi, but there’s a chance many will not yet have heard of it and our aim is to change this by implementing co-ordinated social media, PR, and email marketing strategies.”
Rosco Muller, country manager from ‘We are Padel’, said: “Our focus is on fun and community. We are committed to creating the best setting for players to enjoy their matches, events and celebrations. We are looking for more suitable venues across the UK and expect interest to grow very quickly with the support from the team at Purpose Media and other partners that are helping us to increase the profile of this exciting new sport.”
Plans submitted for £25m trade counter and urban logistics development in Nottingham
Developer Chancerygate has submitted plans to speculatively build 98,000 sq ft of trade counter, urban logistics and industrial space in Colwick, Nottingham.
Called Colwick Gateway, the proposed scheme will be located on a 6.35-acre site in Colwick Industrial Estate and comprise 14 Grade A leasehold units ranging from 3,500 sq ft to 27,200 sq ft. The projected gross development value is around £25m.
The site, which was formerly a major fuel distribution centre for Total Petroleum and has been unused for a number of years, is located off Colwick Loop Road approximately five miles east of Nottingham city centre.
Neighbouring occupiers include Jewson, Sainsbury’s, Biffa, Nottingham Steel Supplies and Tile Tec Fireplace.
Chancerygate development manager, Mark Garrity, who is based in the company’s Birmingham office, said: “Our proposed plans at Colwick aim to satisfy the high demand for Grade A sustainable trade counter, urban logistics and industrial accommodation in the Nottingham area.
“The site is situated in a prime industrial area of Nottingham, meaning it is best placed to serve businesses operating within the city as well as across the wider East Midlands region.
“The proposed development will help support both the local and regional economy to stimulate further investment and job creation. We look forward to working with Gedling Borough Council now that planning has been submitted.”
Agents for Colwick Gateway are FHP and Gerald Eve.
£7.5m proposals outlined for Leicester Market
A scheme that would ensure that Leicester’s famous outdoor market remains the beating heart of the city’s Old Town for a new generation has been proposed by the City Mayor.
Sir Peter Soulsby has outlined proposals for more than £7.5m of improvements that would preserve the character of Leicester’s traditional market, while updating it for the benefit of both traders and shoppers and creating a market fit for the 21st century.
Ideas for improvements – shown in a series of artist’s impressions – include upgrades for stalls, better lighting, smart new paving, and a shuttered perimeter that would keep the site secure at night.
All the old wooden stalls – now in poor condition – would be removed, and around 70 smart new stalls would be installed in their place, creating an attractive environment for the fruit, veg and other traders. The new stalls would be set out in an improved layout to create better pedestrian routes through the market.
As part of the proposals, sections of the market roof on either side of the historic Corn Exchange would be removed, opening up views of the Grade II* listed building and creating space for new trading opportunities.
Attractive, flexible and lockable units – featuring green roofs and solar panels – would be installed in front of the indoor food hall to attract a new generation of traders and a wider range of quality goods.
On the opposite side, the space could be used for temporary specialist markets or special events, while an expanded café would be relocated to a site adjacent to Dolphin Square, where it would offer its customers more outdoor seating and a much more attractive view of the market area.
By moving the café, the market area would become more visible from Gallowtree Gate, helping to better connect the market with the busy pedestrian route.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “We want to make sure that Leicester Market has a bright future – and that means helping it to adapt to reflect the way that people shop today.
“By reconfiguring the space to reflect current demand for traditional market stalls, we can create new opportunities for new businesses that will complement the existing offer and attract new activity, and new life, to the market area.
“There’s been a busy working market at the heart of our city for centuries, and these proposals will help ensure that that continues.
“This investment will make sure that our historic market continues to serve its loyal customers, while attracting a new generation of shoppers to a market that’s fit for the 21st century.”
Subject to planning permission, work on the market refurbishment could get under way in spring next year and would take around 15 months to complete.
While refurbishment works are under way, the outdoor market and its traders would relocate to Green Dragon Square, where around 50 covered stalls and up to 20 lockable units, illustrated below, would provide a temporary home for the historic market.
The proposed investment would complement other significant improvements carried out by the city council in the area over the last decade.
This includes the demolition of the 1970s indoor market hall, the creation of an attractive new food hall, the opening of Green Dragon Square, the upgrading of all the roads and footways around the perimeter of the market area, and the creation of a high-quality new pedestrian route from Town Hall Square.
These latest proposals would also aim to showcase the architectural quality of the buildings around the market place, including the former Odeon cinema with its recently-restored 1920s façade.
A formal decision on the proposed investment in Leicester Market will be made later this month.
Network with the region’s property and construction leaders at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Taking place on Thursday 15 September, there’s not long left to secure your seat at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022.
Recognising and celebrating those behind the changing landscape of our region – the very best companies, teams, individuals and projects – the event showcases the exceptional work carried out across the East Midlands over the past 12 months.
The awards also present a perfect networking opportunity, with the leaders of property and construction businesses from across the East Midlands in attendance.
Attend the glittering awards ceremony at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground to see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agent of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Tickets can be booked here.
The event will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm. It will also feature John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker, as well as award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking. Complementary drinks and canapés will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress.Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Most Active Agent – sponsored by Blueprint Interiors Mather Jamie OMEETO BB&J Commercial Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by Frank Key Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park – Galliford Try Construction Etiquette Park – Clowes Developments Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service joint HQ – Henry Brothers Responsible Business of the Year – sponsored by Press for Attention PR Cawarden Arc Partnership Phoenix Brickwork Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Sterling Commercial Finance The Rise, Southwell – Stagfield Group Glenvale Park – Glenvale Park LLP Hindle House – KMRE Group Deal of the Year – sponsored by Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers St James Securities – Phase Two of the Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby – 3,500 capacity Becketwell performance venue with ASM Global Wells McFarlane, APB and Newton LDP – sale of 460 acres of land in North Leicestershire, making way for a new garden village Morgan Industrial Properties Limited – acquisition of the former Ewart Chain site in Shaftesbury Street, Derby Developer of the Year – sponsored by Ward Hockley Developments St James Securities HBD Architects of the Year – sponsored by OMS Swain Architecture Rayner Davies Architects CPMG Architects Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden St. Peter’s Gate renovation – CPMG Architects Health and Allied Professions Centre at Nottingham Trent University – Pick Everard Brookside Farm – Chevin Homes Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services Refurbished HQ for LKAB Minerals – Scenariio Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – Chesterfield Borough Council, Whittam Cox Architects, Robert Woodhead Group Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park – Galliford Try Construction Contractor of the Year – sponsored by RammSanderson Galliford Try Construction Cawarden Enrok Construction The Overall Winner, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
To be held at:
Transformation of Derby’s Eastern Gateway set to take a step forward
Plans to improve the eastern side of Derby city centre could take a significant step forward this month. Derby City Council’s Cabinet is expected to approve final funding and delivery arrangements so work can start on improving a key gateway to the city centre.
The Eastern Gateway project, to be delivered by the city’s shopping and leisure destination, Derbion, and part-funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, will add extra shops and leisure outlets and create a new public boulevard to transform the area opposite the bus station and the eastern entrance to Derbion.
In December 2020, Derby City Council was awarded £15m by the Government following its successful Future High Streets Fund bid to support the recovery of the city centre. Around £5m of this funding has been allocated to transforming the Eastern Gateway scheme, which is being driven by Derbion.
A share of the funding has also been invested in refurbishing the city’s Grade II-listed Market Hall into an attractive, flexible retail and leisure destination fit for the 2020s and beyond, which will be completed in 2024.
Councillor Steve Hassall, cabinet member for Regeneration, Decarbonisation, Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “Future High Streets Funding has been pivotal for the changes we want to make in this area of Derby, to create a more vibrant and attractive space.
“We’re really excited to see the improvements planned around East Street, which will create a new gateway into the heart of our city centre, joining up our main shopping locations with the refurbished Market Hall. Changes like these are vital to improve the vibrancy of our city and to really showcase what Derby has to offer.
“The funding provides a substantial financial boost for the heart of the city centre and will help to shape the future of how Derby residents and visitors use this space.
“The Eastern Gateway scheme forms part of an exciting future vision for Derbion, contributing further to the vibrancy and attractiveness of the city centre.”
A spokesperson for Derbion added: “We continue to explore opportunities across the whole of our estate to bring new brands and experiences to Derbion, and to create a vibrant and attractive destination that brings even more visitors to Derby City Centre.
“The Government’s Future High Streets Fund aims to transform and regenerate high streets across England, making them fit for the future. It will help revitalise local high streets and boost economic buoyancy in town centres where people live, shop, use services, and spend their leisure time.
“Derbion anticipates submitting a formal planning application for the Eastern Gateway scheme later this year, with completion of the scheme expected in late 2024.
“Derby City Council’s business case for the Eastern Gateway estimates that the regeneration will create new jobs, drive additional footfall and support the ongoing recovery of the city centre.”
Markham Vale hails record job figures as it supports region’s post-Covid recovery
470 jobs were created at Markham Vale last year in one of the largest ever annual totals recorded at Derbyshire County Council’s flagship industrial and logistics scheme near Chesterfield.
Markham Vale is a 200-acre joint venture development between property developer HBD and Derbyshire County Council. It is one of the region’s landmark schemes, attracting new businesses and creating thousands of new jobs.
2,702 new jobs have been created at the development to date, with the latest figures demonstrating its impact in driving investment and supporting the region’s post-Covid recovery.
Derbyshire County Council recently had its efforts recognised by Local Government Chronicle, being shortlisted in the Economic Support category in the upcoming 2022 LGC Awards.
Richard Hinds, development surveyor at HBD, said: “Markham Vale is a hugely successful scheme and plays an important role in supporting the region’s economy, which is more important than ever as the region recovers from the pandemic and the many challenges that brought.
“2021 was another strong year for Markham Vale – we completed two zero-carbon buildings totalling more than 300,000 sq ft, Daher Aerospace moved into a new 55,000 sq ft unit, and a landmark deal was secured with Gridserve to create Derbyshire’s first EV charging station.
“We’re very proud of what our joint venture has achieved at Markham Vale to date and we look forward to welcoming more innovative, forward-thinking businesses to Derbyshire.”
Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for clean growth and regeneration, Councillor Tony King said: “These figures are very reassuring and a strong sign that businesses are starting to recover from the pandemic.
“Markham Vale plays a key role in helping to deliver on our commitment to building a strong, diverse, and green economy by creating jobs for local people and attracting local, national, and international businesses.
“As well as welcoming several new businesses to the site last year including Gallery Direct and Daher Aerospace Limited, we saw sustainable packaging firm Smurfit Kappa expand to another unit and we’re looking forward to seeing Markham continue to grow and welcoming even more businesses to the site in the future.”
