Unlock innovation funding with Streets’ new grant consultancy service
Streets Chartered Accountants has launched a new service to help businesses unlock innovation grants.
Streets Chartered Accountants, a leading top 40 accountancy practice, is thrilled to announce the launch of its dedicated innovation grants consultancy service. Headed by Chris Parkhurst, who brings over a decade of experience in securing game-changing funding for companies across various sectors, this new service aims to empower businesses in their innovation journeys.
Why innovation grants matter
The UK offers a wide array of grant programs to support businesses at different stages of their innovation projects. These grants can significantly boost research and development (R&D) efforts, turning cutting-edge ideas into reality. With a dynamic and ever-evolving grant landscape, staying updated on the latest opportunities is crucial. Streets Chartered Accountants is committed to ensuring clients access the most relevant and beneficial programs tailored to their innovation goals.
Comprehensive grant consultancy
Streets Innovation’s primary focus is providing comprehensive funding solutions for its clients, including R&D Tax Credits, Patent Box, and Creative Industry Tax Reliefs (such as Film Tax, Video Game, Exhibition, etc.).
With the addition of its new grant’s consultancy, it aims to become a one-stop shop for all aspects of the funding process. The consultancy focuses on UK government grants, including Innovate UK, offering funds ranging from £25,000 to £2 million for various projects. From identifying the most suitable programs to crafting compelling applications, the firm’s team are on hand to guide clients every step of the way.
Expert insight
Commenting on the launch of the service Chris Parkhurst said: “I am really excited to be launching this service with Streets. Our combined expertise will allow us to support our clients in finding the best funding opportunities and curating effective grant strategies, maximising their chances of success in competitive funding competitions.”
“We understand that every client and project is unique. Our consultants work closely with clients to develop customized strategies that enhance their chances of success,” Chris adds. “Leveraging these grants can significantly reduce R&D costs and accelerate innovation efforts.”
Leadership perspective
Daniel Jones, Tax Partner and Head of Streets Innovation, shares his vision for the new service.
“At Streets Innovation, our primary focus is providing comprehensive funding solutions for our clients. Our expertise spans R&D Tax Credits, Patent Box, Creative Industry Tax Reliefs, and now, Grants. Having Chris join our team has bolstered our offering to clients. I have seen firsthand how accessing the right funding can benefit clients’ innovation projects.”
Daniel continues: “There are many misconceptions about the eligibility of claiming R&D Tax Credits and Grants simultaneously, but they should work in unison to maximize benefits. By using these funding options together, businesses can significantly reduce their costs and accelerate their innovation efforts. We are excited to expand our services and provide even greater support to our clients. Our goal is to simplify the process and ensure businesses can fully leverage available funding opportunities. We believe that combining our expertise in various funding avenues will enable our clients to achieve remarkable growth and success.”
Beyond grants: R&D Tax Credits and more
While not a grant, R&D Tax Credits offer significant tax relief to businesses investing in research and development. Companies can reduce their Corporation Tax or receive a cash payment based on their R&D expenditure. Streets Innovation also specializes in Patent Box and Creative Industry Tax Reliefs, providing a holistic approach to funding.
Working with Streets’ specialist R&D tax team, the firm provide comprehensive advice on eligibility and the submission of R&D Tax relief claims. Combining these services with the new grant’s consultancy ensures clients receive the maximum benefit from all available funding opportunities.
Get started today
Discover how Streets Innovation can drive your R&D and Grants success. Visit the website or contact Chris Parkhurst at Chris.Parkhurst@streets.uk or Daniel Jones at Daniel.Jones@streets.uk to start your journey today.
See this piece in the August issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.
Major student accommodation development completes at The Island Quarter
The latest phase of The Island Quarter is ready to open its doors with the construction completed at Winfield Court – the site’s 693-bed student accommodation phase which will open to students in September for the 2024/25 academic year.
Experienced Nottingham student accommodation provider Fresh will manage the student scheme on behalf of The Conygar Investment Company, following the conclusion of construction work by Bowmer+Kirkland and dressing by Leonard Design Architects.
Amenities for students in the new facility include high-level sky lounges that offer projected views across the city and private courtyard spaces that will provide the opportunity for working, socialising, dining and exercising.
Christopher Ware, property director at The Island Quarter, said: “With Nottingham home to two outstanding universities attracting students both nationally and internationally, Winfield Court will be a thriving student community with high-quality housing while they study in the city.
“This phase is an example of the highest quality student accommodation available and will be an excellent addition to The Island Quarter with plenty of entertainment, relaxation and future employment opportunities for them.
“We look forward to working the first students to Winfield Court as part of our opening ceremony event later this month in partnership with the team at our Binks Yard and Cleaver & Wake restaurants.”
Following the planning submission in February for a further 383-space student block built on the Manvers Road side of the 36-acre site, The Island Quarter could eventually be home to more than 1,000 students from the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.
Mark Cordin, head of division (central) for Fresh, said: “The completion of Winfield Court marks the beginning of a vibrant student community at The Island Quarter.
“With its exceptional amenities and thoughtful design, complemented by our award winning Be wellbeing programme, Winfield Court will provide students with more than just a place to live – it offers a dynamic and welcoming environment for learning, socialising, and thriving. Nottingham is a flourishing student city.”
The student accommodation will support The Island Quarter’s plans for intergenerational living across the site, which include future plans for rental apartments and family housing on site.
Christopher Ware, property director at The Island Quarter, said: “With Nottingham home to two outstanding universities attracting students both nationally and internationally, Winfield Court will be a thriving student community with high-quality housing while they study in the city.
“This phase is an example of the highest quality student accommodation available and will be an excellent addition to The Island Quarter with plenty of entertainment, relaxation and future employment opportunities for them.
“We look forward to working the first students to Winfield Court as part of our opening ceremony event later this month in partnership with the team at our Binks Yard and Cleaver & Wake restaurants.”
Following the planning submission in February for a further 383-space student block built on the Manvers Road side of the 36-acre site, The Island Quarter could eventually be home to more than 1,000 students from the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.
Mark Cordin, head of division (central) for Fresh, said: “The completion of Winfield Court marks the beginning of a vibrant student community at The Island Quarter.
“With its exceptional amenities and thoughtful design, complemented by our award winning Be wellbeing programme, Winfield Court will provide students with more than just a place to live – it offers a dynamic and welcoming environment for learning, socialising, and thriving. Nottingham is a flourishing student city.”
The student accommodation will support The Island Quarter’s plans for intergenerational living across the site, which include future plans for rental apartments and family housing on site.
Lubrizol employee takes on world’s toughest triathlon in aid of Motor Neurone Disease charity
Derbyshire dad-of-two Paul Robinson is taking on the world’s toughest triathlon next month to raise vital funds for Sam Perkins’ Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research fund charity: Stand Against MND – with a swim across the English Channel just one third of the ordeal.
Only 58 people have ever managed to complete the Enduroman Arch to Arc triathlon so tough it has been dubbed “in the realms of the unthinkable” by Derby sports expert Dean Jackson, owner of Huub, whose wetsuit technology has helped some of the world’s top athletes win gold, and is supporting Paul’s challenge.
Paul, who works as a strategic marketing manager for science company Lubrizol, is this September taking on the huge feat which kicks off with an 87-mile run from Marble Arch in London to Dover, followed by a swim across the English Channel – in itself one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges – followed by an 181 mile bike ride from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
To top things off, Paul is attempting the challenge without a wetsuit – which only six people taking part in the Enduroman have ever achieved.
He’s undertaking the mammoth triathlon in aid of Sam Perkins’ Fifty50 MND campaign Stand Against MND charity which has so far raised more than £270,000 to fund vital research into the brutal, aggressive disease.
Former triathlete Sam was diagnosed with MND in 2019 aged just 37, and he now uses an eye gaze device voice box to communicate. Inspirational Sam has managed to raise huge funds through launching his current Fifty50 fundraising campaign in October 2023, which highlights the fact that there is a 50 per cent chance of dying within the first two years of being diagnosed.
Yorkshireman Paul said he was inspired to sign up for the Fifty50 challenge having been a fan of former Leeds Rhinos rugby player Rob Burrow, who died in June 2024 from Motor Neurone Disease.
Fitness fanatic Paul has previously swum the channel, on the last occasion raising thousands for Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough, and has decided to take on the phenomenally tough Arch to Arc having seen TV coverage about it some years ago.
He said: “I’ve taken part in triathlons since I was nine years old and I’ve swum the English Channel three times. Even if I wasn’t training for anything I’d still be doing five to ten hours of exercise a week because I love sport!”
Paul is busy training hard for the Enduroman, being put through his paces by sports experts at Loughborough University, and getting used to the cold waters of the English Channel with regular swims at Spring Lakes in Long Eaton. He is consuming a whopping 6,600 calories a day in order to make sure his body can withstand the extreme nature of the challenge.
“I’ve always liked a challenge,” he explained. “It’s not just the physical side of it, it’s the mental side. When you enter an event, you’re not sure whether you’ll finish which is when the mental side of it kicks in.
“I feel I’ve been very lucky in my life and I’m keen to raise money for charity. I wanted a local charity to raise money for and I grew up watching Rob Burrow in Rugby League. Sam Perkins was a local triathlete and it’s such a terrible disease – I just want to raise as much money as I can to fund research.”
As well as being supported with a donation by his employers at Lubrizol, Paul has been provided with extensive free kit by Dean Jackson at Derby-based Huub, who is a close friend of Sam Perkins.
Dean, who has recently been honoured with an MBE for his company, Huub, said he was delighted to support Paul’s incredible challenge in aid of a cause close to his heart.
He said: “I’ve been friends with Sam for a long time – he helped us get a grant which enabled us to conduct vital research and development, helping Huub become what it is today.
“This challenge that Paul is undertaking really stood out to us. What he is doing is in the realms of the unthinkable. It’s one of those challenges that’s so extreme that it just doesn’t come into your consciousness.
“There are some things that are hard and some things that are crazy – for me, this is borderline crazy. And what Sam Perkins is living through is enough to push you through the crazy. I’m seriously impressed with Paul! And without Sam’s help, Huub would not have been in the position it’s in today.”
Sam said he was blown away by Paul’s efforts to support MND research. He said: “I’ve done my fair share of triathlons but this does not even compare! It’s vital that we fund more research into MND which is why I’m so grateful to Paul and everyone who has signed up for my Fifty50 campaign.
“I hope people are inspired by Paul’s efforts and give generously. It will really help him get over that finishing line to know that he is helping raise money for this important cause.”
To support Paul Robinson’s incredible triathlon challenge, you can donate here: www.justgiving.com/page/paul-robinson-1708769374932
Armsons Barlow to bring forward new community hub for Padley@YMCA Derbyshire
Derby-based project managers, construction cost consultants and building surveyors Armsons Barlow are set to help bring forward a ground-breaking new Community Hub for Padley@YMCA Derbyshire on Parcel Terrace in Derby.
The firm has been appointed as project manager and cost consultants for the transformative project, which will create a vibrant and inclusive space for individuals and families in need.
The new Community Hub at Parcel Terrace will be a dynamic space which will enable Padley@YMCA Derbyshire to expand their traditional services, including warm meals and activities to combat loneliness and isolation, and develop their provision to meet the evolving needs of the city.
It will offer a range of amenities, including community kitchens and a laundrette, alongside opportunities to learn through training and education and volunteering opportunities.
The Hub will also serve as a collaborative space for partner organisations to deliver vital services.
The development is set to be completed and ready for opening by late summer 2024.
YMCA Derbyshire is a non-profit organisation that has been supporting young people and the community since 1847, focusing on health and wellbeing, support and advice, family and youth work, training, education, and housing.
Padley Group was founded in 1985 and provides support for those at risk of homelessness, poverty, and social isolation, offering safe spaces, essential resources, and programmes aimed at enhancing wellbeing. In 2023, Padley became part of the YMCA Derbyshire group, and is now operating as Padley@YMCA Derbyshire. This consolidates YMCA Derbyshire’s efforts to combat homelessness and poverty in the city.
Commenting on the project, Sally Walters, director of Armsons Barlow, said: “We are thrilled to be part of this transformative project that is set to have a really positive impact on the lives of many people across the city.
“We are responsible for representing Padley@YMCA Derbyshire’s interests throughout the design and build phases of the development and look forward to delivering the new Community Hub for its official opening in late summer.”
Gillian Sewell, CEO of YMCA Derbyshire, said: “We are excited to open the Padley@YMCA Community Hub, which represents our commitment to addressing the critical need for even more community services to relieve poverty and prevent homelessness.
“It is also fantastic to collaborate with some of the best organisations in the city who will be working with us to ensure we have a comprehensive support network, broadening our capacity to meet the diverse needs of our community.”
Morris Homes and Citra Living join forces to deliver new Private Rented Sector homes
Morris Homes Group has agreed to sell 159 homes to Citra Living, part of Lloyds Banking Group plc.
Morris Homes has assembled the properties for private rental across two of their key developments, St Michael’s Park in Northampton, and Prince’s Meadows in Kirkham.
Working together, Citra and Morris Homes will provide additional new homes for open market rent that will help to meet the significant demand for quality rental properties in these areas.
Many of these homes will be completed and available as family homes during this calendar year with 135 being completed before the end of 2025.
Cindy Cade, Group Managing Director, Morris Homes, said: “We are delighted to be working with Citra Living to deliver 159 homes for the private rented sector in Northampton and Kirkham.
“Citra Living share our commitment to delivering a wide range of high quality, greener homes across the UK and we are delighted to be working with them to develop communities at desirable locations, whilst supporting our overall growth ambitions to deliver much needed homes across the UK.
“The family dwelling segment of the private rental sector continues to grow and presents an opportunity for us to diversify our revenue streams in the current market alongside developing alternative housing tenures within communities.”
Andy Hutchinson, CEO of Citra Living, said: “At Citra we are committed to providing high quality homes to our customers. Working with Morris Homes at St Michael’s Park and Kirkham helps us to deliver this. We look forward to seeing our customers call St Michael’s Park and Prince’s Meadows home in the near future.”
Waste management firm bolsters senior team with ex-BT customer service specialist
ESE, the manufacturer of temporary storage systems for waste and recyclables, has expanded its team by appointing Jetal Sharma as its customer service manager.
Based at its UK headquarters in Coalville, Leicestershire, with operations spanning across Europe, the strategic hire aims to enhance customer satisfaction and support across the region, as the firm advances its commitment to sustainable waste management solutions.
With over two decades of experience — having previously held roles at firms including British Telecom (BT) and Futures Housing Group — Jetal brings a wealth of expertise to her position at ESE.
As well as providing active mentorship to colleagues, planning day-to-day workflow, analysing KPIs and performance targets, and communicating across various levels — from stakeholders, investors, and head office, to the front end of the business — Jetal will lead on CRMs to centralise customer interactions. She will also implement policy and procedural changes to improve the end-user journey and enhance service levels at every stage.
“We hold stringent standards of care across everything we do,” says Peter Vernon, managing director at ESE. “And as our footprint grows, alongside our expanding product portfolio, we want that to be a mainstay of operations. With Jetal’s vast experience, we’re confident our customer service function will reach new heights, ensuring our commitment to excellence reflects as much in our end-to-end service as it does throughout our sustainable waste management solutions.”
Commenting on her new role, Jetal adds: “ESE has ambitious growth plans, and I’m excited to play a part. Interacting with customers, demonstrating empathy, and understanding their perspectives have been essential in shaping my customer service philosophy. I’ve been brought on board to mirror exactly that, and then some.
“I’m eager to analyse departure trends to enhance our services, promoting swift conflict resolution and improving interactions to grow our customer base organically. I look forward to immersing myself in the business, as well as our products, and visiting our production facilities across Europe to deepen my understanding. With this insight, I aim to strengthen our customer-centric approach and contribute to ESE’s continued success in the waste management industry.”
Competition and Markets Authority finds area of concern in £2.5bn housebuilder deal
As Leicestershire-based housebuilding giant Barratt’s £2.5 billion purchase of rival Redrow Homes continues to progress, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded a Phase 1 investigation into the deal.
The CMA has found that overall, the merger does not raise competition issues except for concerns regarding the supply of new build private residential housing in one of the more than 400 local areas where the two companies overlap.
The parties have until 15 August 2024 to offer undertakings to the CMA which would address its concerns and avoid the need for a reference to a full Phase 2 investigation.
Barratt and Redrow say they intend to engage with the CMA on the local area in question centred around Whitchurch, Shropshire which contains four Barratt developments and a Redrow development that has fewer than 10 plots remaining to sell. The proposed undertakings will seek to address the future conduct of sales and build on the Redrow site. No land disposals are being anticipated or proposed.
Joel Bamford, Executive Director for Mergers at the CMA, said: “Prospective homebuyers must not be disadvantaged as a result of deals like this one – with the potential loss of competition leading to even higher house prices or lower quality homes.“Our initial investigation found concerns specifically in one area in and around Whitchurch, the companies now have the opportunity to agree workable solutions which address our concerns rather than move to a more in-depth investigation.”
David Thomas, Group Chief Executive of Barratt, said: “We are pleased that the CMA has found there would be no harm to competition in all but one of the areas in which Barratt and Redrow overlap.
“We remain confident that the combination of Barratt and Redrow will be approved and that it is in the best interests of our customers and wider stakeholders. Together we plan to build on our shared strengths and create an exceptional homebuilder, in terms of quality, service, and sustainability, helping to deliver the homes the country needs.”
Matthew Pratt, Group Chief Executive of Redrow, said: “Barratt and Redrow are two leading housebuilders, with strong reputations for quality, service and sustainability that have been decades in the making. Once the CMA process has completed, we are looking forward to our future as one team, accelerating the delivery of high-quality homes that the country so urgently needs.”
£5.3m sustainable aircraft programme takes off at University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham has begun a £5.3 million programme of research to support the development, manufacture and test of a revolutionary cryogenic hydrogen-electric propulsion system.
This is part of a pioneering £44m project led by GKN Aerospace, partnered with Parker Meggitt and the Universities of Manchester and Nottingham, supported by the UK Government through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) programme.
The ATI programme invests in civil aerospace research and is delivered in partnership by the Aerospace Technology Institute, the Department for Business and Trade, and Innovate UK.
The H2FlyGHT collaborative initiative will develop a 2-megawatt (MW) cryogenic hydrogen-electric propulsion system, setting new standards for the future generation of larger sustainable aircraft. The project will demonstrate an integrated propulsion system at the 2 MW scale including fuel cell power generation, cryogenic power distribution, and advanced cryogenic drive systems.
At the University of Nottingham, the Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) research group, which hosts one of the Driving the Electric Revolution Industrialisation Centres (DER-IC), will support the full motor design and scale-up and cryogenic inverter technology development, essential for developing high-power, efficient propulsion systems.
This will be one of the first programmes to use the university’s new hydrogen propulsion systems facility, enabled by the recently announced £70 million secured from Research England and industry co-investment to establish open-access research facilities and programmes to decarbonise future transport.
Engineers at the university will deliver this research at a new hydrogen propulsion systems facility on campus. It will feature a cryogenics lab for low temperature loops to increase electrical system efficiencies, a systems integration lab, and an altitude environment chamber capable of testing a megawatt fuel cell together with battery and electrical motor systems. They will be connected to a digital twinning lab for optimising design and operational performance.
The facility is situated next to and harnesses the high-power, 20+ MW testing capabilities of the world-leading Power Electronics and Machines Centre (PEMC), home to one of the world’s largest groups of electrification researchers. It also builds on the university’s manufacturing facilities that provide a clear route to market for new electrical machines, including at the new Zero Carbon Innovation Centre funded by East Midlands Freeport.
“The vision of net zero air travel is within our sights. However, to get there we must push the limits of what is technically possible,” said Chris Gerada, Professor of Electrical Machines and lead for strategic research and innovation initiatives at the University of Nottingham.
He continued: “Thanks to our new propulsion research infrastructure on campus, industry can co-locate, research, prototype, test, automate and manufacture the new solutions they need to future-proof their business. As a result, we can accelerate the economic prosperity of the East Midlands, the home of green industries and advanced manufacturing.” Staveley Waterside Development gets under way
A transformation is beginning at Staveley town’s canal basin as part of the Staveley Town Deal, a £25 million government-funded regeneration programme for the area.
A new, two-storey building is to be constructed adjacent to Staveley Canal, creating a mixed use facility that will support 11 business units for office, retail and workshop use alongside opportunities for food and drink.
The project is being managed and funded by a partnership between Derbyshire County Council and the Staveley Town Deal, which is overseen by Chesterfield Borough Council. The Town Deal is providing £3.5 million of the £4.5 million cost of the project with the balance being met by Derbyshire County Council.
The canal basin will be greatly enhanced by the new development and, hopefully, will encourage more visitors to make recreational use of the canal for walking, cycling and boating. Access to the site will be improved with a new road and footpath and there will be indoor and outdoor dining space.
Contractors started work on phase 1 of the project at the end of July. This initial phase is scheduled for completion by the end of April 2025.
This Staveley Waterside project forms part of the wider Markham Vale programme of works, a flagship 85-hectare business park based on the site of the old Markham Colliery. The programme is a joint venture being delivered with HBD focused on attracting and assisting businesses to support net zero ambitions and helping make Derbyshire a greener and lower carbon place to live, work and visit.
Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “It’s great to see this highly anticipated new development get underway at Staveley.
“Not only will it bring more life and jobs to the area, it will also draw more visitors to this attractive canal-side environment and encourage greater use of the infrastructure that’s already there.
“We have drawn on our many years of experience from work at Markham Vale and brought it to the Staveley Waterside project to help regenerate the area. It will provide both high-quality business accommodation and a visitor destination that people from near and far can enjoy.”
Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “I am thrilled to see this prominent project right by the canal, start on site. This landmark development is a key part of the Town Deal programme as it will help create new jobs and encourage people to explore the historic canal, contributing to our overall goal of ensuring that Staveley is a place where everyone can start, stay, and grow.”
Property consultancy makes new appointments in the Midlands
Property consultancy and chartered surveyors Barnsdales has made two new appointments to its Midlands property team, as the business gears up for growth in the year ahead.
Tim Richardson – a surveyor with over 30 years’ experience – will lead on commercial property valuations while Chris Beale will undertake primarily residential and mixed use property valuations including the valuation of large and smaller portfolios, individual valuations and valuations for the repayment of Help To Buy equity loans.
As a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) and a RICS Registered Valuer with a Diploma in Arbitration, Tim will focus on general commercial property matters including investment property and loan security valuations, as well as private valuations for other purposes including company accounts, pension funds, taxation, Charities Act, acquisition, disposal, probate and insurance reinstatement assessments across the industrial, distribution, office, retail and development land sectors.
Jason Barnsdale, Group Managing Director at Barnsdales, said: “It’s a privilege to welcome Tim and Chris to the Barnsdales Group team. Their extensive experience in the industrial, warehouse, commercial and residential sectors adds a considerable boost to our growing expertise at a time when commercial markets are particularly optimistic.”
Tim Richardson, Director at Barnsdales, said: “I’m really pleased to launch into the next chapter of my career with such a progressive company. Barnsdales is a well-established property consultancy that is as ambitious as it is able, so I’m thrilled to be able to bring my years of experience as a surveyor in the commercial sector to make a meaningful contribution to the firm at a time when it is truly going from strength to strength.”
Having spent a decade at the Derby office of FHP Property Consultants, Tim’s appointment marks the third recent high-profile hire of the firm, coming shortly after it was announced that former RICS President, Professor Graham Chase, has joined as its head of valuations, and seasoned finance professional, Ian Dickinson, as its finance & operations director.
Also recently joining Barnsdales is Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer, Chris Beale MRICS. With 25 years post qualification experience, Chris is extremely experienced in providing RICS Red Book Valuations for lending institutions including banks and building societies and has also undertaken many highly detailed RICS Homebuyer and Building Survey reports for individual clients.
Chris joins Barnsdales from Legal & General where he worked for over 10 years and was previously with e.surv chartered surveyors where he carried out valuations for a further 14 years.
Chris Beale, Associate Director of Valuations at Barnsdales, said: “I’m delighted to be making the move to Barnsdales for the next stage of my career. I have found working for some corporate entities can be quite isolating, with teams of up to 500 people limiting interaction, an increase in home working and valuation processes becoming more automated.
“Barnsdales is the antithesis of this in that it has a direct, hands-on approach. For me, the mixture of office-based working and on-site valuations is the perfect combination, making the recent establishment of a Derby city centre base of operations ideal. I’m already undertaking a varied catalogue of interesting properties including several large portfolios of properties in Doncaster and Sheffield.”
Only 4 weeks until nominations close for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024!
With the nomination deadline (Thursday 5th September) approaching quickly for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, there’s only four weeks left to make your submissions for the annual celebration of the property and construction industry.
Scheduled to take place on Thursday 3rd October, at the spectacular Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the Bricks shine a light on the work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also showcase the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes.
The glittering awards ceremony revealing winners will additionally offer the perfect opportunity to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region.
Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Take this chance to highlight exceptional new commercial and residential developments, those demonstrating a leading position in sustainability and design excellence; gain recognition as outstanding developers, architects, contractors, and agents, as well as for significant deals; and ensure efforts in corporate social responsibility are rewarded, from eco initiatives to charity work, to social value schemes.
Award categories include:
Tickets can now be booked for the 2024 awards event, click here to secure yours.
Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.
Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:
- Most active 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, with the winner, and recipient of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards)
Nominations end Thursday 5th September
Tickets can now be booked for the 2024 awards event, click here to secure yours.
Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.
Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
Rolls-Royce wins engine order from Cathay Pacific
Rolls-Royce has revealed that Cathay Pacific has agreed to place an order for 60 Trent 7000 engines that will power 30 Airbus A330-900 aircraft. At the same time the airline has signed a TotalCare service agreement that will cover the fleet.
Ewen McDonald, Chief Customer Officer, Rolls-Royce – Civil Aerospace, said: “The Trent 7000, coupled with TotalCare, is a compelling proposition for airline customers and this order shows significant confidence in the Trent 7000/A330neo combination. The engine will benefit from the £1bn investment we’re making to the Trent engine family.
“All of us at Rolls-Royce are proud of the trust that Cathay Pacific is placing in us and we look forward to supporting these new aircraft as they enter service.”
Alex McGowan, Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer, Cathay Pacific, said: “We are delighted to announce this order for 30 Trent 7000 powered A330-900 which will be a natural replacement for our A330ceo aircraft. The Trent 7000/A330neo combination will provide excellent comfort for our passengers as well as improved fuel efficiency to help us achieve our sustainability goals.”
The Trent 7000 is the latest addition to the Rolls-Royce Trent family of engines and exclusively powers the Airbus A330neo. After entering service at the end of 2018, the Trent 7000 has flown more than two million hours.
Incorporating the latest generation technology, the A330neo/Trent 7000 combination delivers a 14% better aircraft fuel burn per seat (compared to the A330/Trent 700), while significantly lowering emissions.
Rolls-Royce is investing more than £1bn in a programme that will deliver further improvements to the Trent engine family. For the Trent 7000, a Durability Enhancement package has been introduced which more than doubles engine time on wing and a second package of hot-section enhancements will deliver a further improvement of up to 30%.
The engine is certified to operate on a 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend today and has been proven to be compatible with 100% SAF for the future.
Construction company reappointed to deliver £4.4m speculative industrial and warehouse units at strategic development site
Construction company Glencar has been reappointed by Verdant Regeneration to develop two new units totalling 31,350 sq ft at their 200-acre strategic industrial/warehouse development site at Ilkeston in Derbyshire.
The appointment follows shortly after the completion of Unit 1, a new 20,400 sq ft build to suit regional hub development constructed for DX Group.
Designed by architectural practice Stephen George Partnerships, construction of the £4.4m units started on site in June and is expected to take 34 weeks to build with PC expected in the spring of 2025.
Speaking about the project Pete Goodman, Managing Director – UK Midlands, North and Ireland said: “Repeat business is the best business and after a successful negotiation we are once again delighted to be back onsite at New Stanton Park so soon after completing DX’s impressive new regional sortation Hub.
“This development is a significant strategically located site in the Midlands adjacent to the M1 – ideally situated for the road and rail networks of the UK. It is therefore unsurprising that the development has already received major interest from numerous international, national and regional occupiers.
“Glencar are delighted to be part of the delivery of this key scheme and we look forward to once again be working with the team from Verdant and delivering these next units to come out of the ground.”
David Ward of Verdant Regeneration said: “We are delighted to re-appoint Glencar for the construction of the next 2 build to suit units on New Stanton Park following the successful build of Unit 1 for our first tenant DX (Group) plc.
“New Stanton Park offers an excellent, strategic location, blending an active rail connection with strong private and public transport connectivity.
“To finally see the buildings rising out of the ground following years of design and planning is fantastic. We look forward to welcoming many more new tenants to New Stanton Park.”
43 new businesses created in Charnwood incubator programme
Hundreds of people have sought help from a Loughborough-based startup incubator – with more than 43 new businesses created as a result.
The latest cohort of local entrepreneurs have now completed the fifth cycle of the programme, which first launched towards the end of the Pandemic.
A total of 460 individuals engaged with Charnwood’s Restocking the Business Base programme to seek initial guidance about setting up a business. That was almost double the 250 queries projected when the programme got underway in March 2021.
Of those emerging startups, 101 went on to receive structured support across five cohorts. A total of 43 new businesses were ultimately founded, creating 48 jobs.
Andy Reed OBE, Chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Business Board, said: “All economies need productive and innovative small businesses and entrepreneurs.
“Programmes such as Restocking the Business Base help to nurture bright new business ideas, which is so important for local employment and growth.”
LUinc – the Loughborough University incubator – has been supporting graduate startups and research spinouts since 2011. It operates from bases on Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP) and the Careers and Enterprise Hub in Loughborough town centre.
Restocking the Business Base saw LUinc. partner with the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) and Charnwood Borough Council to extend its services to founders from outside the campus.
The aim was to develop a new generation of agile Leicestershire businesses.
As well as access to coworking space and other university facilities, members benefited from free weekly meetings, one-to-one coaching, structured training, and roundtable discussions delivered by a range of experienced experts and entrepreneurs.
Pete Hitchings, Incubator Manager, said: “Bringing together businesses from the university and the local area has grown a diverse community of business owners who are really invested in helping one another to succeed.
“We are now seeing businesses from our earlier cohorts grow and begin hiring new employees themselves.”
Sirius Transformation joined LUinc. in the Spring of 2022 after making an initial inquiry through the Careers and Enterprise Hub.
Founded in late 2021 by former 3M employees, James Whyley and Steven Sleath, Sirius is a process improvement consultancy based on its founders’ extensive manufacturing experience. It has gone on to work with a number of private sector clients in the construction, glass-processing and plastics industries.
Earlier this year, Sirius was appointed the Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Specialist Advisor for a borough in Gloucestershire, assisting businesses on matters including capital investment, strategic planning, connections to subject-matter-experts, and targeted process improvements.
Charnwood Borough Council and Loughborough University have now collaborated to extend their small business incubation partnership for a further 12 months.
Cllr Jewel Miah, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “It’s great to see so many local startup companies taking advantage of what’s available through this programme.
“As a Council, we’re committed to supporting a thriving local economy; small businesses are central to that and that’s why we are keen to continue supporting them.”
The original three-year project was part-funded with £314,000 from a Covid-19 Recovery Fund, created using Enterprise Zone Retained Business Rates.
The extended programme, running until March 2025, is now accepting applications from local founders.
Construction of 22 new eco-efficient homes begins in Mansfield
Contractors drafted in to build new energy-efficient council homes in Mansfield have broken ground on-site.
Once complete, this new-build neighbourhood will consist of 22 properties, including three four-bedroom, eight three-bedroom and nine two-bedroom semi-detached houses. There will also be two two-bedroom detached houses, all of which will be available for council tenants on the housing waiting list.
The homes will be the epicentre of the regenerated Bellamy estate, which is also home to a new parade of shops, now built and ready to be let out. Also, a new through road and a newly installed green space are all in the pipeline with building contractor Mercer.
Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “As well as building 22 well-designed, energy-efficient family homes, these much-needed houses will enable the council to play its part in tackling climate change and, just as importantly, help our tenants save money with lower electricity and heating bills.
“Social value is also hugely important to us, so it is pleasing to see that 88 percent of the people employed on the project are from within 20 miles of Mansfield, against a target of 60 percent.
“We want to expand this practice with all our local partners and suppliers to multiply the benefits to our economy, with the aim of seeing money being earned and spent in the Mansfield district.”
The Bellamy regeneration scheme has a projected total cost of £7.7 million and is due to be completed next year.
The site’s regeneration began more than 18 months ago with the installation of a new play park and a learn-to-cycle track for children.
Mercer was appointed to the project via an open tender process with the council’s procurement partner Nottingham City Council, at the time, in July last year, in line with the Public Contract Regulations 2015 for over threshold projects.
The council’s in-house architects designed the 22 homes in accordance with the Future Homes Standard, which requires new homes to have low-carbon heating and high energy efficiency, resulting in significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions than properties built to current Building Regulations.
Fraser Mercer, Director at Mercer Building Solutions, added: “This is an exciting scheme, and it’s great to see the plots now coming out of the ground as we move into the next phase of our programme.
“Our supply chain network is adapting well to the regulatory changes associated with the Future Homes Standard, and we continue to work alongside the council’s architects to implement the designs which go above and beyond present expectations in terms of energy-efficiency for each new property.”
Nottinghamshire engineering group acquires Italian business
Langley Holdings, the engineering and industrial manufacturing group, has acquired GKN Hydrogen from Dowlais Group.
Based in Northern Italy, GKN Hydrogen specialises in providing all-in-one clean hydrogen energy management systems and solutions to help achieve net zero emissions targets by generating green hydrogen from renewable energy sources and storing it compactly and loss-free in metal hydride.
Nottinghamshire-headquartered Langley Holdings was established in 1975 by the current Chairman and CEO, Tony Langley. The Group operates in three principal areas: Power Solutions, Print Technologies and Other Industrials. Its 18 manufacturing facilities spanning Europe, the UK, and the USA are supported by a global network of more than 100 sales and service subsidiaries and a workforce of over 5,000 people.
GKN Hydrogen will be a critical part of the Group’s Power Solutions division, which comprises Norwegian-based Bergen Engines, Italian Marelli Motori, and Piller Group, Europe’s leading producer of critical power conditioning, stabilisation, and backup systems based in Germany. In 2024, the Power Solutions Division will account for approximately half of the Group’s $1.5bn revenues.
Anthony Langley, Chairman & CEO, Langley Holdings plc, said: “This acquisition underscores Langley Holdings’ strategic focus on sustainable energy solutions and commitment to a greener future.”
David Armitage, corporate partner in the Leeds office of Gateley Legal, led on the deal and was supported by Scott Cooper.
David Armitage added: “We are pleased to have acted on this latest strategic acquisition for our client. We were able to act quickly and decisively alongside our client based on our longstanding relationship and history of assisting Langley Holdings in its acquisitive growth.”
East Midlands logistics warehouse sold for £16.8m
DTZ Investors has completed the sale of an industrial warehouse in Amber Park, South Normanton, to EQT Exeter for £16.8 million.
The property is fully let to Alloga UK Limited for a further 1.1 years, providing an opportunity to capture significant reversion at lease expiry. AP3 is one of seven units occupied by Alloga within South Normanton which acts as their central UK distribution hub.
Tom Royston, Director at DTZ Investors, said: “We are very pleased to have successfully disposed of this asset. The sale crystalises an exceptionally strong outcome for our client, having held the asset for 15 years.
“The divestment of this asset removes the impact of what was a high level of income concentration risk in 2025 due to the upcoming lease expiry and therefore the sale is in accordance with fund strategy.”
Will Gubb, Head of Industrial Capital Markets at Knight Frank, said: “This transaction demonstrates the continued strong investor demand for reversionary logistics assets with lease events within the next 12-24 months.
“We continue to see good liquidity in this area of the market, with investors remaining bullish on rental growth performance and re-letting prospects.”
Knight Frank advised DTZ Investors on the disposal, BNP Paribas represented EQT Exeter on the acquisition.
Profit and revenue drop at building products manufacturer
Ibstock, the manufacturer of building products and solutions, has seen a dip in profit and revenues.
According to results for the six months ended 30 June 2024, revenues reduced by 20% to £178 million, down from £223 million in the same period of 2023.
The firm said this principally resulted from lower sales volumes across the core business, with lower market demand compounded by exceptionally wet weather.
Statutory profit before tax, meanwhile, dropped to £12 million from £30 million.Joe Hudson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Market conditions remained challenging in the first half, as expected, with sales volumes below those reported in the comparative period. We delivered a solid profit performance for the period which reflected our ongoing focus on the active management of cost and margin.
“Lead indicators point to an improving sector picture, and although we are taking a cautious view of the extent to which this will translate into a demand improvement in the balance of the year, we expect adjusted EBITDA for the second half of the 2024 year to be broadly in line with the comparative period in 2023.
“The new government’s commitment to increasing the supply of new homes creates a more positive backdrop for medium term demand, and the Group remains well-positioned for market recovery.
“Our investments over the last few years have added high quality, lower cost, efficient and more sustainable capacity to our network and developed new capabilities for the group in diversified construction markets, while also creating a leaner, more customer-focused business. We believe this will be a powerful combination as market conditions improve.
“The fundamental drivers underpinning demand in our markets are firmly in place and our prospects remain strong, underpinned by our robust balance sheet.”
Contracts exchanged for development of new 100,000ft² facility at Fairham Business Park
Contracts have been exchanged with ABB Group for the bespoke development of a new 100,000ft² facility at Fairham Business Park, just on the edge of Nottingham adjoining the A453. Clowes Developments’ Development Director, James Richards, formally announced the news.
In a deal agreed by Tim Gilbertson of retained agents FHP Property Consultants, work has already started on site with the property due to be constructed at speed and ready for occupation by ABB in July 2025.
The new facility will replace ABB’s current Nottingham base closer to the City Centre and will provide state of the art accommodation for their electrification and automation businesses.
James Richards, Development Director at Clowes Developments, said: “We are delighted to welcome ABB to Fairham Business Park.
“Their arrival is a great step for the business park and hopefully for ABB as well as we continue to capitalise on Fairham’s unique location, which adjoins the A453 providing quick access to the centre of Nottingham and Junction 24 of the M1 whilst also abutting a tram stop, park and ride and having the benefit of Parkway Station on the other side of the A453 and a location which still sits within minutes access of East Midlands Airport as well as the M1 motorway.
“We have further deals to announce shortly at Fairham and once completed, the ABB building will take us to well over half a million square feet built.
“Many thanks to Tim Gilbertson at FHP Property Consultants who introduced us to ABB and agreed the deal on our behalf and thank you as well to our joint agents Fisher German.”
Tim Gilbertson, Director at FHP Property Consultants, said: “It is a pleasure to work on Fairham Business Park, we have a very capable client and a fabulous location and when combined, these factors are leading us to complete a number of deals on the site with this latest one seeing a further one hundred thousand square feet built bespoke for ABB who will purchase the building upon completion.
“The ability to sell as well as rent space on the park really is a massive advantage and in a market where there is still a real lack of stock, we are seeing more and more interest on design and build opportunities so that we can provide bespoke property solutions for occupiers.
“I am sure Fairham will continue to go from strength to strength and together with our joint agent, we look forward to announcing further deals shortly.”
Burton pharmaceutical services business makes acquisition
Clinigen, a Burton-based specialist pharmaceutical services business, has acquired Kinesys Consulting, a provider of strategic regulatory affairs, regulatory/medical writing, and medical devices services for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
This strategic acquisition strengthens Clinigen’s ability to offer clients comprehensive high value services across the entire drug development and commercialisation lifecycle.
Kinesys adds valuable expertise in regulatory strategy and execution for drugs and medical devices, complementing Clinigen’s existing capabilities in regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, medical information, clinical trial services, licensed and unlicensed distribution, managed access, and commercialisation.
The Kinesys team of experts will integrate into Clinigen’s Lifecycle Services division. Kinesys also brings a respected scientific and regulatory advisory board, comprised of seasoned industry veterans, including former regulatory agency assessors.
Clinigen was advised on the transaction by BDO LLP and Stevens & Bolton LLP, while Ernst and Young LLP and JMW Solicitors LLP acted as financial and legal advisors to Kinesys Consulting.
Clinigen CEO Jerome Charton says: “At Clinigen, we’re dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to the treatments they need, and this acquisition unites Clinigen’s commitment to healthcare equity with Kinesys’ specialised expertise, solidifying Clinigen’s position as a life sciences leader.
“By combining the expertise of Kinesys with our existing services, Clinigen will be better positioned to achieve our mission of accelerating the development and delivery of life-saving treatments to patients worldwide. This move underscores our commitment to helping our clients navigate the complexities of developing and commercialising drugs and medical devices, bringing innovative therapies to patients faster.”
Co-founder of Kinesys Consulting Elaine Murphy says: “At Kinesys, we specialise in guiding clients through the intricacies of regulatory strategy and execution for drugs and medical devices, as well as providing a high-quality medical/regulatory writing service. This strong foundation allows us to support our clients throughout the entire development journey.
“By joining Clinigen, we’re excited to offer both our existing clients and Clinigen’s a seamless path from navigating initial regulatory hurdles to achieving successful market access.”
Co-founder of Kinesys Consulting Gerry McGettigan says: “Clinigen’s commitment to improving access to crucial treatments for patients across the globe make them the perfect partner to take Kinesys into its next exciting chapter. This partnership unlocks new horizons for Kinesys.
“By joining forces with Clinigen, with its leading expertise across the entire drug development landscape, we can create a truly powerful force for accelerating patient access to life-saving treatments on a global scale.”
Both Elaine Murphy and Gerry McGettigan will remain within the business to ensure a smooth transition and bring their wealth of expertise to Clinigen’s new Lifecycle Services division.
