- Accommodation to suit every budget and need from student halls to four-star bedrooms.
- Sustainably built buildings, locally sourced food, and electric charging points.
- Endless food options from banqueting menus, delegate lunches, Bramleys Restaurant and Spokes Café.
Nottingham Venues unveiled – new name launches “unrivalled portfolio of meeting & event spaces”
After decades of providing meetings, events and hotel stays, a collection of venues located across the University of Nottingham’s campuses has been rebranded as Nottingham Venues.
The rebrand brings the Orchard Hotel, the Jubilee Hotel & Conferences, Hugh Stewart Manor House, Campus Venues (formally known as Nottingham Conferences) and East Midlands Conference Centre under one roof.
“These unique venues have always been a part of the University but have now decided to stand alone without a management company due to the wealth of knowledge of the inhouse team,” explains general manager Tom Waldron-Lynch.
“We’re talking about ‘One Destination with Endless Possibilities’ because when you look at the offering, that is what truly awaits visitors and guests.”
The five venues provide customers with world class sporting facilities, global conferences, exhibitions, award nights or cater for a simpler everyday meeting.
Each venue has its own aesthetic, located in peaceful green grounds of the secluded university campus.
Tom continues: “The move provides us with the opportunity to take the knowledge and experience gained from the last 10 years and take the business into its next phase.
“The unique nature of our offering sets us apart from competitors which has seen us become a firm favourite of organisers of global conferences, team away days, overnight stays, and business meetings.
“Being part of the University gives us world-class facilities which has seen us host a variety of sporting teams from premier league football teams to cricket and netball. We are looking forward to growing the business and becoming the number one place in the East Midlands for meetings and events.”
Whilst the heritage of the sites is important, it is the future of the organisation as a beacon of sustainability and local employment that is driving the direction and growth of the business, according to marketing director Stephanie Moss-Pearce.
“We employ circa 180 people across our sites, and we are proud to be one of the larger employers in the city. We have plans to grow but as we do, we want to make sure we do that sustainably, both in terms of personnel but also with regards to our own impact on the planet
“Nottingham Venues will officially launch as a new brand with a garden party event in early July.”
What you can experience at Nottingham Venues:
Frasers Group snaps up stake in Australian fashion marketplace
Shirebrook-based Frasers Group has acquired a 28.7% holding in the Australian-based fashion marketplace, MySale plc.
MySale connects global buyers and sellers to Australian and New Zealand ecommerce sites.
In a statement to the London Stock Exchange, Frasers said: “The group believes this creates an opportunity for a strategic partnership whereby end of line group products can be cleared via an established clearance channel.
“This pipeline will be further enhanced by the benefits of counter seasonality between the European and Australian climates.”
Applaud and connect with the region’s property and construction leaders at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Taking place on Thursday 15 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, a highlight in the business calendar, will celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while providing a brilliant opportunity to connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks.
The event, taking place from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, 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.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours.
With nominations OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards, it’s time to submit your entries for the prestigious event – showcase your business, team and projects. Award categories include: most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner. To submit a business or development please click on a category link below or visit this page.- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
To be held at:
Up to 170 homes coming to Leicestershire village after successful appeal
A property consultancy has helped a housing developer win an appeal to build up to 170 homes at a site in north Leicestershire after giving detailed evidence at a public inquiry.
Fisher German helped David Wilson Homes and Anthony Raymond Shuttlewood win its appeal against Charnwood Borough Council, which initially refused its outline planning application to create up to 170 homes at a site off Cossington Road, Sileby.
The Council initially refused permission on its officers’ advice as the site was in an ‘Area of Local Separation’ (ALS) between Sileby and nearby Cossington and that Sileby had already met the target growth as set out in the Council’s Development Plan.
However, David Wilson Homes appealed, and its case was bolstered by Fisher German’s expertise in planning matters.
Angela Brooks, associate director at Fisher German, was called as an expert planning witness by Paul Tucker QC, acting for David Wilson Homes, at the public inquiry.
The presumption in favour of sustainable development was engaged as the council were unable to demonstrate a five-year supply of housing.
Angela was able to successfully demonstrate that the any negative effects of the proposed development in terms of character and appearance and the conflict with the development plan were outweighed by the clear benefits.
Despite the Council‘s disagreement, she argued that the development was in a sustainable location, would make provision for affordable housing and other infrastructure requirements as well as a significant over provision of open space ensuring that incursion into the ALS was minimised.
The Planning Inspector agreed with her submissions and David Wilson Homes’ case and allowed the appeal.
Angela said: “This is a fantastic result for David Wilson Homes – we felt its application did not contradict relevant guidelines and that there was a good chance the appeal would be allowed by the Planning Inspector.
“While the site was indeed in the ALS, under half of it will be developed with built form, and the separation between Sileby and Cossington would remain.
“We’re delighted the Planning Inspector agreed with our submissions and that David Wilson Homes will now be able to deliver much-needed housing in north Leicestershire.”
John Reddington, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes East Midlands, said: “Winning the appeal for a new development in Sileby is fantastic news as it brings the delivery of 170 much needed new homes ever closer for Leicestershire property seekers.
“The plans for the development include a mix of housing and will form part of a major investment in this part of the county. Our development would also underpin approximately 340 jobs for local people.”
The landowner’s strategic development consultant, John Edmond of Silver Fox Development Consultancy, said: “This detailed proposal was an important test of the Council’s Area of Separation Policy.
“The Inspector noted that the perceptual reduction in the Area of Separation would be limited to relatively small sections with the area of different routes around the site, while the significant area of public open space proposed would retain a meaningful break in the built form.
“It was a great result that will meaningfully assist the Council in its delivery of market and affordable housing. It was a pleasure to work with a great professional team led by Paul Tucker QC.”
BDO names new regional head of audit
Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has announced a new head of audit in the Midlands.
Jon Gilpin will take on the role, which is effective from 1 July 2022, and will lead the region’s 150-strong audit practice as Kyla Bellingall steps into her new position as regional managing partner in the Midlands.
Jon joined BDO in 2017 as an audit partner in Birmingham and has worked with ambitious businesses across a range of industries. He has carved out a specialism in the manufacturing sector and has established a voice as a champion of the region’s manufacturers. Jon will oversee the audit practice in its role as leading adviser to the AIM market in the Midlands and the team will continue to focus on working with entrepreneurial mid-market and listed businesses.
BDO, which has offices in Birmingham and Nottingham, has experienced strong growth in the Midlands, increasing headcount in the region by 20% in the past 12 months. Underpinning this expansion has been developing specialist teams in the regions with the skills, attributes, and experience to help clients succeed. The firm has just announced a long-term commitment to the Midlands, having invested in a new office in Nottingham city centre in addition to its Birmingham base.
Speaking of his appointment, Jon Gilpin said: “In the five years I’ve been with BDO, we’ve seen huge changes in the market as businesses have demonstrated ingenuity and tenacity to overcome new challenges and rethink the way they work. Our own team has also transformed during this period and we’re proud to support so many of the region’s most impressive businesses.
“One thing which remains a constant at BDO is our culture, which allows our people to thrive and is the key to the firm’s success. My passion is helping our people and clients succeed and I’m excited about how I can continue to do this in my new role.”
Head of BDO in the Midlands, Kyla Bellingall added: “It is fantastic to be able to announce Jon’s new role today as we continue to invest in our people in the region. Businesses face ongoing uncertainty, but our clients have remained resilient and require best-in-class advisers to help them navigate any challenges and unlock opportunities. Jon’s appointment reflects this demand and I look forward to seeing what he goes on to achieve in his role.”
East Midlands business confidence remains positive despite dip
Business confidence in the East Midlands fell two points to 23% in June, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in the East Midlands reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up seven points at 27%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 11 points to 19%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 23%.
East Midlands businesses flagged a range of growth opportunities for the next six months, including evolving their offering with a new product or service (44%), investing in the growth and development of their team (37%) and making their operations more sustainable (28%).
The Business Barometer, which questions 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
A net balance of 16% of businesses in the region expect to increase staffing levels over the next year, up one point on last month.
Across the UK, business confidence fell 10 points during June to 28%. Firms’ optimism in the economy dropped 12 points to 21%, while their outlook on future trading prospects was down eight points, at 34%. The net balance of businesses planning to create new jobs also decreased, by nine points, to 28%.
Every UK region and nation reported positive confidence readings in June. However, all except the East of England (up 17 points to 31%) recorded a lower reading than last month. London (down 28 points to 35%), the West Midlands (down 23 points to 30%) and Scotland (down 15 points to 27%) reported the largest decreases month-on-month, with the North West (down two points to 42%) now the most optimistic region overall.
Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Despite the challenges businesses face, confidence across the East Midlands remains robust and the outlook positive. Firms are looking to innovate, develop skills, and make their operations more sustainable, highlighting their confidence to invest in mid-to-long-term growth opportunities.
“Businesses should explore different support options as they pursue these new growth opportunities. For example, the focus on sustainability has grown since last month and I expect this trend will continue as we head towards our Net Zero goals. Using tools like our Clean Growth Finance Initiative could help businesses introduce more energy-efficient measures and create a more sustainable way of operating. We’ll be by the side of businesses across the region as they explore these options and look forward to a more positive future.”
Confidence among businesses in the manufacturing and construction sectors fell, bringing them close to the UK all-sector average, at 32% and 30% respectively, reflecting lower optimism in the economy. Service sector confidence declined to its lowest in a year, at 25%, showing weaknesses in hospitality, though offset by stronger confidence in business services. Confidence in retail businesses edged up this month four points from 27% to 31%.
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence declined this month, suggesting that the momentum for growth is moderating. Firms remain broadly positive but face several challenges ahead, including concerns around higher costs and slowing demand. If these trends continue, businesses may have less scope to pass on higher costs to support their margins.”
Double appointments for Derbyshire construction firm
Following a series of new contract wins, Derbyshire building specialists, Enrok Construction, has further expanded its team with two new hires.
Dean Johnston joined the team in May as a site manager in Nottingham with assistant quantity surveyor, Charlie O’Grady, who will work across Enrok’s projects nationwide. Originally from a bricklaying background and with over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, Dean has a particular interest and passion for restoration and refurbishment. His previous projects have included renovating the French Consulate into luxury apartments and turning Stanley House in Nottingham into 100+ student flats.
Leicester City Council welcomes new director of inward investment and place marketing
Leicester City Council has appointed Mike Denby as director of inward investment and place marketing.
With full responsibility for inward investment and place marketing activities for Leicester and Leicestershire, Mike will play a key role in the regeneration of commercial development sites across the city and county, attracting investment from new to area businesses and creating employment for local residents.
Mike will also be instrumental in the external promotion of the city as a leading tourism destination, building on the work of Visit and Meet Leicester.
With over nineteen years of marketing experience and a decade working as the lead for inward investment for Wakefield City, Mike brings with him a strong skill set and an excellent reputation for relationship building with developers and key partners.
Mike joins at a key point in Leicester’s place shaping agenda and will bring a wealth of experience, having previously led teams to secure funding valued up to £44m to assist with the development of commercial sites and oversaw the build of Wakefield’s first innovation centre. Mike also has previous experience in developing policy to stimulate carbon reduction, encourage strategic investment and increase business start-ups
Commenting on the appointment, Mike Denby said: “The transformation of Leicester has been significant over recent years, thanks to a strong public and private collaboration.
“The recent regeneration and promotion of our city and county is a great example of how meaningful, sustainable change can be delivered for our residents and local businesses.
“I look forward to further raising the profile of this great city and county, both nationally and internationally as a destination that is open for business.”
Cawarden honoured with family business award
Derby-based Specialist Contractor, Cawarden, has received a major award at an awards ceremony that celebrates the UK family business sector.
Cawarden was announced as the Midlands and Central Family Business of the Year by Rob Davies, senior affiliate at BanyanGlobal. They also came runner-up in the Property & Construction Family Business of the Year and Midlands & Central People’s Choice Family Business of the Year.
The awards took place in an online premiere airing on YouTube which brought the British family business community together to celebrate the very best of the sector.
Businesses were judged against criteria including the roles family members play in the day-to-day running of the business, family values and the positive impact delivered to the wider community through philanthropic activities.
William Crooks, Cawarden Managing Director, said: “It’s fantastic to be chosen as the Midlands and Central Family Business of the Year winner as well as being a runner up in two other categories. It means so much to my whole family and the wider Cawarden Family. We hope our family business serves as an inspiration to other family businesses out there.
“This award is a testament to everyone’s hard work and I’m delighted by our success. We will be able to look back on this achievement with immense pride and it will form a wonderful milestone in our rich heritage which all started from very humble beginnings. A huge thank you and well done to the entire Cawarden team – our award success would not have been possible without you!”
Paul Andrews, founder & CEO, FBU, adds: “Cawarden is a fabulous family business with purpose and values at its core. The judges were really impressed with their submission and the journey that they have been on as a family and as a business. There is a real ethos of ‘family’ throughout the business and a real purpose to excel at what they do.
“This is a pioneering family firm that is recognised as a leader in their sector and the fact that multiple generations of families have worked in the business speaks volumes for the culture that has been created and the way that they look after their staff. Cawarden has come a long way and continues to strive to do more, driving excellence through investment and improvement and are worthy winners of this award.”
The Family Business of the Year Awards were created by Family Business United (FBU) to celebrate the UK family business sector, to recognise the diversity of family firms across the country and to celebrate the contribution that they make.
Carlsberg fined £3m following ammonia gas leak in Northampton
Carlsberg has been fined £3 million after a contractor died and another was seriously injured following an ammonia gas leak at one of its breweries.
The incident happened at Carlsberg’s site in Northampton. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Carlsberg hadn’t put proper controls in place.
David Chandler, 45, was killed and David Beak, now 57, was seriously injured.
David Chandler was a father of two, from Bridge North, Shropshire. His family said they welcomed the end of the case against Carlsberg and hoped no other families would have to suffer as they have.
Birmingham Crown Court heard that at its Northampton brewery Carlsberg had failed to put in place appropriate isolation controls to prevent exposure to ammonia before work started to remove a compressor from a refrigeration system.
The Principal Contractor for the project was Crowley Carbon UK Ltd, which had appointed numerous contractors to assist in the works.
On 9 November 2016 while the compressor was being removed, there was a large, uncontrolled release of ammonia.
David Chandler and David Beak were both employees of sub-contractor Speedrite NE Ltd.
Twenty people needed hospital checks after showing symptoms of ammonia exposure. It was several days before the leak was contained and gas levels dropped to a safe level. David Beak, of Failsworth in Oldham, was seriously injured.
Carlsberg Supply Company UK Ltd, who were summonsed under their new company name of Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, pleaded guilty to charges under Section 2(1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. The company was fined £3 million with costs of £90,000.
Mr Chandler’s family, in a statement, said: “We welcome the conclusion of the prosecution case against Carlsberg UK Supply Company Ltd following the death of David five and half years ago.
“As a family we will never fully accept the death of David in such tragic but preventable circumstances and the legal process involved has been emotionally exhausting as well as frustrating given the length of time which has lapsed since the accident.
“We are pleased that improvements have been made at Carlsberg’s site in Northampton which will hopefully ensure no other families suffer the anguish we have endured since November 2016 when the failings at the brewery resulted in the deadly release of ammonia gas which caused David’s death.
“David was a loving husband, adoring Daddy and much-loved brother and Uncle. We are devastated that his young family will not be able to share their lives with him as they grow. He was a larger-than-life character whose loss has left a massive void nothing can replace.
“There have already been so many special and precious moments which David has missed out on and the fact that there will continue to be some many more as his daughters grow into young ladies breaks all our hearts daily. He is missed every day, and our lives will not ever be the same without him.”
HSE principal inspector Samantha Wells said: “Industry guidance on safe isolation of plant should have been followed. This would have ensured that a higher level of isolation was in place, for prevention of exposure to this highly toxic and flammable substance.
“Both the client, Carlsberg, and the Principal Contractor should have worked together to ensure that the risk was adequately managed. Not only Carlsberg had a duty here. There was also a very clear duty on the Principal Contractor.
“This underlines the dangers of not following industry guidance when working with toxic and flammable substances – HSE will take action against all who fail to ensure the safety of employees and others who may be exposed to danger.
“Projects involving multiple contractors require effective management arrangements, so it’s clear who is responsible for every part of the work and that safety checks are carried out before allowing work to start.”
The Health and Safety Executive also brought a case against Crowley Carbon Ltd in relation to the incident which led to the death of Mr Chandler and the injuries to Mr Beak, which were also due to be tried but for the company being placed into compulsory administration by creditors.
