North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) has granted planning permission to build 17 town houses on land either side of the Royal Hotel in Ashby de la Zouch.
The application was reported to a meeting of the district council’s planning committee in August 2023. At that meeting, members resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement – the obligations of which would secure the renovation of the hotel.
After negotiation with the hotel’s owner – Oakland Hotels Limited – the Section 106 agreement was completed on Tuesday 23 July 2024.
The development and sale of the town houses on land surrounding the hotel will now fund its renovation, and ultimately bring it back into use.
The Royal Hotel closed in 2018 due to financial pressures and the need for investment to bring the building up to modern standards, and has remained empty ever since.
Since its closure, the owners installed CCTV across the site to monitor both the building and the car park, boarded up the windows and installed fencing around the whole site.
Conservation officers from NWLDC have inspected the building regularly to ensure it has been maintained in good condition whilst closed.
However, the Grade II listed building was included on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register in 2021.
Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of NWLDC, said: “Since the Royal Hotel’s closure in 2018, North West Leicestershire District Council has carried out a huge amount of work with the owners to not only protect and maintain the building whilst it stood empty, but also find a viable way to bring it back into use.
“The planning permission granted to Oakland Hotels Limited paves the way for the hotel’s continued refurbishment and eventual reopening.
“It also demonstrates the owner’s commitment to ensuring that the hotel remains an important and prominent part of Ashby’s heritage.
“I am delighted that the Royal Hotel’s future should now be secure, and that local people will be able to enjoy and appreciate this historic building for generations to come.”
Office property sold in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter
BB&J Commercial has sold Lisbon House, a three-storey office property located at 5-7 St. Mary’s Gate in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter.
The sale of Lisbon House was marked by an intense best and final bids process. Located in the heart of Derby’s historic district, this property attracted significant attention due to its redevelopment potential, including options for mixed-use or residential conversion, subject to planning permissions.
Cameron Godfrey, Agency Surveyor at BB&J Commercial, said: “This sale reaffirms the strong demand for residential conversion opportunities within Derby City Centre. Lisbon House’s prime location and redevelopment potential make it a highly attractive prospect for investors looking to make the most of Derby’s growth.
“We are proud to have facilitated this transaction and look forward to seeing the transformation by the new owners.”
Lisbon House offers 3,856 sq ft of space across three floors.
The new owners, Miller Knight Ltd, represented by Matt Revill of Lester & Bingley, have exciting plans for Lisbon House. The property’s central location and potential for residential conversion align with Derby’s ongoing urban regeneration efforts, promising a bright future for this historic building.
Fresh step forward for Castle Donington business park
Clowes Developments’ 20-acre Stud Brook Business Park in Castle Donington has taken another major step forward after being granted unconditional planning consent for a Sainsbury’s convenience store and a Starbucks drive through.
The mixed-use scheme will include employment, amenity, office and industrial units for sale or let ranging in size from 1,500 to 45,000 sq ft. Phase one development has already begun on units 2-7. Lead contractor TanRo are expecting to deliver the units to their new occupiers by Q1 2025.
Gaining consent for the business park’s roadside convenience stores is a significant success for the development, with a 4,300 sq ft facility for Sainsbury’s and a 2,000 sq ft Starbucks drive through store.
The new Sainsbury’s Local will create 18 new jobs in-store, and the retailer will help support good causes in the community, for example by redistributing surplus food from the store locally to those who need it most via its partnership with Neighbourly.
James Richards, development director at Clowes Developments, said: “After a period of extensive assessments with East Midlands Airport and a thorough planning application process with North West Leicestershire District Council, it is great to finally start constructing Stud Brook Business Park.
“Sainsbury’s is a nationally recognised convenience store which will be an asset to the development. Since Sainsbury’s agreed the lease, the unit has been sold to a private pension fund.”
Clowes have committed to constructing the c-stores with a minimum BREEAM standard of ‘very good’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’ in line with the group’s environment, social and governance strategy for new buildings.
Clowes have commissioned Roe Developments as the lead construction contractor for this part of the business park. It is expected that the building will be handed over to Sainsburys by Spring 2025 when they will start their fit-out process.
Tim Gilbertson of FHP said: “I’m delighted to have acted for Clowes here and secure Starbucks as a new occupier on the site. This amenity will help us dispose of the planned industrial and distribution units, which are already going ahead at great pace, and we have any number under offer even though we are still some months from practical completion.
“Having such facilities on site together with the planned Sainsbury’s unit can only assist us in providing facilities for staff and occupiers alike encouraging yet more interest in Stud Brook Business Park.”
Tom Cullen of Colliers, acting on behalf of Sainsburys, said: “It was a pleasure to work with FHP and Clowes on this exciting convenience store opportunity. This is one of a number of high-profile Sainsburys deals we have coming forward in the East Midlands area and we continue to seek great shops in great location.”
Richard Sutton of NG Chartered Surveyors added: “My congratulations go to Tim for bringing Starbucks to Stud Brook; the deal is a real coup for the development and I’m sure will be the catalyst for more good things to follow.”
Boyer welcomes new senior planner to Loughborough office
Ellie Dukes has joined Boyer’s Midlands team as a senior planner.
Ellie has over 6 years’ experience working in the public and private sector. Prior to joining Boyer, Ellie worked as a planner for Leicester-based architectural practice rg+p Ltd and for Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
Ellie’s work involves strategic site promotion, planning applications, site appraisals, appeals and project management for residential, commercial and mixed-use developments.
At Boyer her work will focus on supporting the delivery of planning projects for a number of volume housebuilders, strategic land promoters and landowners.
Grants to help North Northamptonshire businesses lower carbon emissions
North Northamptonshire Council has launched two grant schemes to help businesses increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
The NNDecarb business grant scheme is offering grants of up to £5,000 to support businesses and funds are to cover up to 50% of project costs for the installation of low carbon and energy efficient measures.
Also available are capital grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 to help businesses become more resilient and support growth, under the NN2NZ Green Transition Grant scheme.
A particular target for this scheme is decarbonisation or green research and development initiatives that contribute to reducing carbon emissions or advancing sustainable practices.
Anyone wishing to apply for these grants can email ukspf@northnorthants.gov.uk for an application form. Applicants can also get support from Electric Places with their proposal and application.
Cllr David Brackenbury, the council’s Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration, said: “With more and more businesses looking for ways to be greener and reduce their carbon emissions it is important that we support their plans in any way we can. Often this helps their bottom-line and business growth. With this in mind, I am delighted that we are able to offer these two grant schemes which will continue to help many more plans become a reality.”
Cllr Harriet Pentland, the council’s Executive Member for Climate and the Green Environment, said: “Both grants are there to help businesses install a wide range of carbon reducing measures including social panels, energy-efficient equipment upgrades and heat pumps. Each of these small changes can help make a big difference in the long run to help North Northants become carbon neutral.”
Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said: “Grant schemes like these are always extremely popular and the teams receive a lot of high-quality applications. We are looking for projects that can be up and running quickly, so I would encourage businesses to take a look online and apply before the deadlines.”
The deadline for applications for the NNDecarb business grant scheme is 5pm on Friday 16 August 2024.
The deadline for applications for the NN2NZ Green Transition Grant is 8am on Monday 2 September 2024.
“The East Midlands Bricks Awards give us that opportunity to take our hat off to the people that draw up the blueprints, that lay those bricks and build our towns and cities”
With Business Link’s East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 drawing ever-nearer, East Midlands Chamber has highlighted the opportunity it provides to “take our hat off to the people that draw up the blueprints, that lay those bricks and build our towns and cities.”
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.
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.
Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:
East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “The work of the property and construction sector is something we can all be proud of as the East Midlands develops and our towns and cities modernise to meet changing needs.
“You only have to look at some of the regeneration we’ve seen in Leicester city centre or Chesterfield’s Waterside, Derby’s Becketwell or Nottingham’s Island Quarter, where once neglected areas now buzz with activity. Building work has brought benefits from modern living accommodation to open public spaces where people can get together.
“The East Midlands Bricks Awards give us that opportunity to take our hat off to the people that draw up the blueprints, that lay those bricks and build our towns and cities. Despite what have been tough economic times our property and construction sector has shown resilience and that’s worthy of recognition.”
A key event in the business calendar, showcasing the exceptional work of the region’s property and construction industry, the East Midlands Bricks Awards will take place on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Revealing the winners in a glittering awards ceremony, the evening also offers time to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region and hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby. Nominations for the prestigious event are open, and now is the ideal time to make your submissions, ahead of the deadline – Thursday 5th September. To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include:
- 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.
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.
Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
20-acre Northamptonshire site acquired in off market transaction
Trebor Developments and Hillwood have acquired a 20-acre site in Raunds from Aequitas Estates in an off-market transaction.
The site benefits from detailed planning consent for a four-unit mid-box scheme in sizes ranging from 10,650 to 117,050 sq ft that will be marketed at ‘Quattro, Raunds’. All four units will be built on a speculative basis starting on site in August 2024, targeting Practical Completion in Q4 2025.
Greg Dalton, Development Director for Trebor, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have completed this deal on a site we have long held an interest in acquiring.
“It sits well within our strategy to expand along the A14/A45 and, with the benefit of detailed planning consent, allows us to deliver the scheme within 2025 to satisfy occupier demands. Thank you to Aequitas and also our team for getting this over the line.”
Trebor and Hillwood were represented by Bidwells for the acquisition, whilst M1 Agency acted on behalf of Aequitas. Both have been retained as joint letting agents.
Careers Hub awarded £450k to grow successful SEND project
Leicester and Leicestershire Careers Hub has been awarded £450,000 to scale a successful project working with teenagers with special educational needs or disabilities.
Three years ago, Leicester and Leicestershire was one of 10 areas nationally to be selected for investment through a £2 million fund offering targeted support for disadvantaged young people during key points of career transition.
Leicester and Leicestershire invested its £250,000 on developing a We Discover pilot project designed to meet the needs of 14 to 17-year-olds with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) as they move from school into further education or work.
The success of the pilot has seen Leicester and Leicestershire now become one of only five areas to be awarded further investment. It is the only Midlands-based careers hub to win the Phase 2 funding, which is provided by JP Morgan through the Careers and Enterprise Company.
Phoebe Dawson, Director of Leicester and Leicestershire Business & Skills Partnership, welcomed the opportunity to build on We Discover through the extension, which runs to 2027.
“It’s fantastic that our Careers Hub has the evidence base to demonstrate that investing in effective, progressive, and long-term targeted careers interventions for disadvantaged young people makes measurable changes to sustained destinations,” she said.
Phase 1 of the local project focussed on 90 young people as they prepared for the transition to ‘post-16 destinations’ such as college, apprenticeships, or work-based learning. Phase 2 will work with 300 young people.
Research had shown that several barriers were preventing local young people with SEND from progressing into such destinations. These included hard-to-access information about options, lack of time to explore the options, and employers’ misconceptions about young people with SEND accessing Education, Employment, and Training (EET).
We Discover reported success outcomes across a host of measures over two years. It tested new approaches including 1-2-1 sessions between pupils and career advisers, and pupil-focussed work experience placements ranging from fully fledged placements to one-day visits.
By the end of Phase 1 of the We Discover project:
- 85% of pupils had ideas about jobs that matched their interests and skills – an increase of more than a quarter;
- More than three-quarters of pupils felt it was easy for them to do what was required to carry on in education or training after school – up 45%;
- About half of pupils reported having found employers and organisations relevant to their career interests – up by 44%.
Nottingham workflow automation specialist expands further into Asia-Pacific region
Nottingham-based workflow automation specialist, Intoware, is set to expand further into the Asia-Pacific region after securing a distribution partner based in Singapore.
The company has joined forces with TPM Solutions Pte Ltd – which also has offices in America and Spain – to drive sales of its flagship digital workflow platform, WorkfloPlus across the APAC region.
Keith Tilley, Chief Executive of Intoware, said: “Our new partnership with TPM Solutions represents a significant milestone in our global expansion efforts.
“This collaboration allows us to increase our presence further into the Asia-Pacific region, a crucial market for continued growth. By building on our existing relationships with partners in this part of the world, we are not only broadening our geographical footprint, but also enhancing our ability to showcase Intoware’s technology to a diverse range of new markets.
“Our partnership with TPM Solutions underscores our commitment to delivering digital transformation services to a global audience, reaching more customers and industries than ever before.”
David Turner, Managing Director of TPM Solutions, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Intoware and to be playing a part in helping the company achieve its ambitious growth plans by combining its groundbreaking technology with our local expertise and market knowledge.
“WorkfloPlus offers a whole host of benefits for companies across many sectors, from energy to transport and manufacturing to oil and gas. Its capabilities in streamlining operations, enhancing productivity and facilitating digital transformation are impressive, and we are confident customers throughout the Asia Pacific will relish what Intoware can bring to their businesses.”
Midlands space innovation recognised at Farnborough Airshow
The achievements of eight innovative projects that are pivoting Midlands manufacturers into the high-growth space industry as part of a £1m R&D programme were recognised at Farnborough Airshow.
The Pivot into Space programme, which is being led by the Midlands Aerospace Alliance with funding from the UK Space Agency – matched by industry – has already created a launchpad into the space industry for nine small supply chain companies of a size that would normally face significant barriers to entering this demanding sector. The programme has not only provided grant funding worth £18,000 – £50,000 to each company, but also valuable technical and commercial guidance, access to industry contacts, exclusive events, and networking opportunities.
The fast-track programme means that, following a rigorous assessment process by technology experts, the companies selected for the programme will have transformed their existing capabilities and technologies into potential solutions for space industry challenges within 12-18 months. These solutions will then have a wide range of applications in the UK’s growing space markets including use on spacecraft, launchers and ground support equipment. Even though the projects are only part-way through, so great is the potential that several have already attracted customer interest, with some customers already actively guiding and supporting them.
Now, as the global industry gathers for the largest industry event of the year, three of the Pivot into Space companies have taken to the stage at a dedicated technology conference at Farnborough Airshow to share their initial results. Burcas, PAK Engineering, and SHD Composites each presented case studies showing how they have been transforming their specialist knowledge and skills to provide solutions to technology challenges faced by the space sector.
Farnborough Airshow has proved the perfect opportunity to recognise the progress of these innovative projects as they enter their advanced stages. With 74,000 visitors expected to visit throughout the week, it was an optimum opportunity for these companies to showcase how their innovative capabilities can potentially transform the space sector.
Antonia Yendell, Head of Space Ecosystem at the UK Space Agency, said: “Pivot Into Space is one of a number of initiatives that support the UK’s regional Space Clusters to build further on their strengths – in this case, the Midlands Space Cluster’s rich heritage in engineering and innovation. By backing innovative companies across the Midlands to unlock new opportunities and access growing markets, we want to kickstart economic growth, enhance our space capabilities and strengthen our national space ecosystem.”
“We’ve been really excited by how many small Midlands manufacturers have come forward with novel ideas to help the space industry solve a range of technical problems,” said Andrew Mair, Chief Executive, Midlands Aerospace Alliance. “The Midlands is a rich pool of engineering talent keen to diversify into the high-growth markets of the future. With great support from the UK Space Agency, Pivot into Space is fast becoming a trailblazing programme that is helping our companies build on what they’re good at to create new business opportunities in new markets.”
Jobs on the line at Derby warehouse
Jobs could be lost at a JD Sports warehouse on Derby Commercial Park.
It follows the retailer signing a 20-year lease on the 514,000 sq ft distribution centre just three years ago.
Now, the company has entered a period of consultation with staff as it reviews the future of the Derby site.
A JD Group spokesperson told the BBC: “We have entered into a period of consultation with colleagues based at our Derby distribution centre.
“This is in relation to a review of the Derby distribution centre. We are doing all we can to look after those colleagues impacted and recognise this may be an unsettling time for them.”
Elsewhere in Derby, it was recently announced that JD will more than double the size of its existing 9,397 sq ft presence at Derbion. Set to open towards the end of this year, the new 20,175 sq ft flagship store will showcase brands including Nike, Adidas, The North Face, Jordan and EA7.
Manufacturing output expectations strongest since 2022
Optimism among manufacturers fell slightly in July, after rising in April for the first time in nearly three years, according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Industrial Trends Survey.
Output volumes were broadly unchanged in the quarter to July, following a similar result in the three months to June, and under-performed expectations for modest growth. However, manufacturers continue to expect output to increase over the next three months, with growth expectations the strongest since March 2022.
Total new orders fell in the quarter to July but are expected to be broadly stable over the next three months. Inventory building is expected to provide some support to output in the months ahead. Stocks of work in progress are expected to rise at the fastest pace in over two years, with stocks of raw materials and finished goods also set to increase.
Average cost growth accelerated compared with April and remained elevated compared to historical norms. Cost growth is expected to slow in the quarter to October, while remaining historically strong. Domestic and export price inflation also accelerated but are both expected to slow in the next three months.
Meanwhile, manufacturers expect to raise their headcount in the next three months (and at the fastest pace for a year), and investment intentions for the year ahead have generally improved.
Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “Sentiment among manufacturers has cooled a little over the past few months, as output growth consistently underperformed expectations. But the near-term outlook for the sector remains positive amid an ongoing recovery in the wider UK economy.
“Manufacturers appear confident that output growth will pick up in the quarter ahead, with expectations the strongest in over two years. Firms are looking to increase stock levels to meet expected demand. And the share of manufacturers working below capacity has fallen sharply over the last quarter, feeding through to a more positive outlook for both hiring and investment.
“Last week’s Kings Speech, with welcome measures to reform planning and speed up approvals for major infrastructure projects, has the potential to give businesses the confidence they need to grow, invest and drive economic growth. And as the economy picks up steam, firms will want to see a relentless focus on delivery from the new government, to turn proposed measures into swift and bold action.”
The survey, based on the responses of 257 manufacturing firms, found:
- Output volumes were broadly unchanged in the quarter to July (weighted balance of -3%, from +3% in the three months to June). Firms expect volumes to grow in the next three months (+25%), the strongest expectations since March 2022.
- Output rose in 6 out of 17 sub-sectors, with growth in the motor vehicles & transport equipment, chemicals, mechanical engineering and electrical goods sub-sectors offsetting declines in furniture & upholstery and metal manufacturing sub-sectors.
- Total new orders fell in July, at a similar pace to the previous quarter (balance of -9% from -6% in April). Domestic orders fell through the quarter (-15% from -6%), while the volume of new export orders was broadly unchanged (+3% from -14%). Manufacturers expect total new orders to be essentially unchanged over the next three months.
- Business sentiment fell in July, after rising in April for the first time in nearly three years (balance of -9% from +9% in April). Export optimism for the year was flat after rising last quarter (0% from +6%).
- Investment intentions for the year ahead generally strengthened compared with April. Manufacturers expect to raise investment in product & process innovation (a balance of +18% was the strongest since January 2022, up from +15% in April), in training & retraining (+7%, from +1%), and in plant & machinery (+6%, from +2%). Investment in buildings is set to fall (-11%, from -3%).
- The main constraint on investment was uncertainty about demand (cited by 44% of manufacturers), followed by inadequate net return (35%), a shortage of labour (20%), and a shortage of internal finance (19%). Concerns around the cost of finance have retreated from a 33-year high set in January (excluding the pandemic period) but remain double the long run average (10%).
- Average costs rose rapidly in the quarter to July (balance of +52%, from +39% in April; long-run average of +18%). Costs growth is expected to remain elevated in the quarter to October (+36%).
- Average domestic prices increased over the three months to July (balance of +15%, from +10% in April). Export price inflation also accelerated from April (+22% from +9%, and the fastest pace in over a year). Both domestic and export price growth are expected to slow in the next three months (+2% and +6%, respectively).
- Stocks of work in progress (balance of +4%) rose marginally in the quarter to July, while stocks of finished goods (+2%) and of raw materials (-1%) were broadly stable.
- Manufacturers expect stocks of work in progress (+13%) to rise at the fastest pace in over two years during the next three months, with stocks of raw materials (+7%) and of finished goods (+5%) also set to increase.
- Numbers employed were unchanged in the quarter to July, after falling in April (balance of 0% from -6%). Firms expect numbers employed to rise modestly in the next three months (+16%).
East Midlands businesses urged to benefit from government training programme
Small and medium sized businesses in the East Midlands are being offered their last opportunity in 2024 to take advantage of a government training scheme delivered by De Montfort University’s Leicester Castle Business School (LCBS).
The Help to Grow: Management scheme is delivered via Small Business Charter accredited business schools for companies with ambitions to scale up and grow.
LCBS has helped over 200 local SMEs realise their growth ambitions since launching the course in 2020. The programme, worth £7,500, is 90% funded by the government with the remaining 10% paid for by an LCBS bursary.
A few places are still available for the upcoming course, which will take place over 13 weeks, beginning with an introductory online session on September 2nd.
The programme will be delivered via a combination of nine online sessions and four in-person modules at Harborough Innovation Centre. This hybrid approach offers participants the opportunity to forge in-person relationships with professionals with similar concerns and challenges while maintaining the convenience of a predominately online format.
The course is designed to fit in alongside the demands of full-time work and the tutors assigned to each module are professionals with real-world experience in their specialist areas which include digital transformation, winning new markets, marketing strategy, employee engagement and financial management.
As well as the weekly sessions focusing on one topic, participants are assigned a mentor to support them in creating a bespoke Growth Action Plan. Peer-to-peer learning is also a key part of Help to Grow: Management, with professionals forming valuable support networks that last beyond the duration of the course.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming participants to our third and final intake of 2024,” said LCBS’s Help to Grow: Management programme director, Dr Danny Buckley. “As always, we’re anticipating great demand for the course, so we encourage interested parties to secure their place as soon as possible to end 2024 on a high and enter the new year armed with the resources and skills they need to make 2025 their best year yet.”
This chance to grow their business is open to any decision-making professional with at least one direct report in a UK-based business employing between 5 and 249 staff, which has been operational for at least a year.
2023 participant Mark Massetti, Managing Director of Watford Control Instruments Limited, said: “The course was a complete game changer for me. As business owners, we think we know stuff but we don’t have any real way of benchmarking ourselves.
“Unsurprisingly, and without a doubt, the content on digitisation was absolutely transformative for our business. We have saved hours of staff resources and these can now be redeployed into looking after our customers or generating revenue. I also found the modules on marketing really well explained and very helpful.”
Nationally, 90% of participants reported improved leadership and management of their business six months following Help to Grow: Management. Not only that, 80% cited improvements in employee engagement in the same period.
Following the programme, participants have access to alumni events, and many continue to engage with the peer network they establish as course members.
“Implementing the process of asking how efficient and streamlined the business is and taking action has been a big takeout from this for me,” adds Mark Massetti. “Also, it was great to meet the other participants – we had some really good times on the course!”
26 acre Sherwood Oaks development site sold in multi-million pound deal
With a multi-million pound deal, heb have announced one of the region’s biggest land transactions.
Acting on behalf of Arron Kendall of Moorfields, as Administrator for Sherwood Oaks Homes Ltd and Sherwood Oaks Holdings Ltd, heb Surveyors have confirmed completion of the sale of the 26 acre Sherwood Oaks development site to Persimmon Homes.
The sale comprises some 30 fully finished, high quality houses together with the remaining part-serviced development land which has consent for a further 283 new homes.
Chesterfield-based Stancliffe Homes have simultaneously acquired the completed dwellings from Persimmon, and are able to immediately begin the process of selling individual homes to occupiers.
Persimmon will shortly recommence construction of the remainder of the development, which has been re-branded as Regency Grange. A sales office is expected to open for business this August.
“We are delighted to secure a successful disposal of this substantial and complicated site for our client Arron Kendall at Moorfields, and in as short a time as possible,” said Robert Maxey at heb Chartered Surveyors.
“We have been acutely aware that the local community has been keen to see this stalled development brought back to life, and it is always satisfying to assist with bringing much needed new family housing to the market.”
Gareth Hankin, regional MD of Persimmon Homes, said: “We are really excited to be bringing the Persimmon brand to this part of Mansfield. It really is a great location – within easy reach of the town centre and with a wealth of local amenities. On top of that there is fantastic open countryside just minutes away.”
“Interest in the existing houses is already strong, due in part to the fantastic build quality on offer,” added Sam Jones of Stancliffe Homes. “Our reputation for delivering quality is incredibly important to us. When became aware of the opportunity it was immediately apparent that the high specification of the houses was a great fit with our brand.”
Future secured for iconic dancehall with 100 year history
One of Nottingham’s best loved venues with a history stretching back almost 100 years is set to open its doors once again this September.
The 2,500-capacity venue, most recently known as Pryzm, will be returning to its original incarnation of “The Palais” ahead of celebrating its 100th year in 2025.
Plans are already underway by new owners DHP Family for a rejuvenation of the iconic space on Lower Parliament Street, with a new stage, PA, and other works to restore the venue to its historically high standard.
The Palais is set to re-open its doors from mid-September, providing a diverse array of events for Nottingham and bringing dancing back to its well-trodden dancefloor.
The Palais de Danse first opened 24 April 1925 as a dance hall and billiard saloon. The dance hall was considered to be one of the finest of its kind outside London and its exterior architectural features were distinctive, particularly the large ornate globe. It hosted dancing in the evening and daily afternoon tea dances, as well as private hire every Tuesday and Friday.
During the late 1980s, it reinvented itself as a nightclub, most well-known for hosting the popular TV show Hitman and Her, and has been known by several names including the Ritzy and Oceana.
Now the venue prepares for its next chapter, set to once again become an important cultural asset for Nottingham as an event space for private hire, with the diary open for bookings.
The Palais manager Sam Dye said: “As a local business deeply rooted in Nottingham’s music scene, we feel it’s only right to recognise the heritage of the venue and revive Nottingham’s original dancehall. So many generations of families have danced at this iconic venue, so we’re delighted to be bringing it back into use once again.”
Olympics springboard doubling of export documents
In the run-up to the Paris 2024 Olympics, East Midlands Chamber has seen the number of documents it processes to take items to the EU double, compared to the same time in 2023.
In July the Chamber saw a surge in requests for ATA Carnets – a travel document required by border officials when temporarily exporting items like sports equipment – twice as many as July 2024.
East Midlands Chamber International Trade Manager Lucy Granger said: “The Olympics seem to have heightened people’s awareness of the documents they need to have when exporting items like sporting equipment to the EU.
“In the same way an Olympic athlete doesn’t want to be told at the border that their javelin can’t go with them to France, people are realising – as we’ve seen by the doubling of requests we’ve had this July, compared to last – that to temporarily export items like a drum kit to play in a band, they’re going to need this paperwork sorting.
“An ATA Carnet tells those guarding international borders that the drum kit is going, then coming back to the UK.
“This summer we’ve had requests for things ranging from canoes to D-Day beacons and even a Porsche 991.”
4D Medicine raises £3.4m
4D Medicine – a Nottingham-based company whose innovative biomaterial has potential to be used for a wide range of 3D printed implants and surgical devices – has raised £3.4m ($4.4m) in a Series A investment.
The funding round was led by Oshen Holdings and backed by DSW Ventures, SFC Capital, Boundary Capital and private investors including several leading scientists and surgeons. It will enable the company to complete pre-clinical testing of its first product range and seek FDA clearance for entry into the US market.
A spin-out from the Universities of Birmingham and Warwick, 4D has developed a resorbable biomaterial, 4Degra, that is being used to develop implants such as orthopaedic devices or soft tissue scaffolds to help patients recovering from surgery or injuries. Preliminary testing has shown that as healing progresses, the biomaterial gradually erodes and is resorbed by normal metabolic processes as natural tissue grows back in its place.
4Degra promises some key advantages over existing resorbable biomaterials used for implants. With some materials, the entire product breaks down rapidly, creating acidic by-products that can cause pain, inflammation and cysts. By contrast 4Degra degrades gradually, starting from the surface, and does not release harmful acidic by-products.
4Degra can be 3D printed to create complex geometries. As it can be produced in both soft and hard formulations, it also has the potential to be used both for flexible products such as films and membranes, or where a more rigid product is required such as plates, pins and bone scaffolds.
4D Medicine was founded in 2020. The latest funding brings the total raised to date to £5m. The company is now preparing to raise a Series B investment early next year.
Philip Smith, the company’s CEO, said: “I would like to thank all our investors for their trust and support. Our success in continuing to raise investment despite the difficult market conditions over the last few years is testament to their belief in the company’s commercial potential and our world-class team.
“The funds will be used to complete the pre-clinical testing of our first medical device product range and our preparations for entry into the orthopaedic market.”
Didier Cowling, Partner at Oshen Holdings, added: “We were delighted to lead this deal and we look forward to working with the 4D team. The company is now poised to make a substantial impact in the bioresorbable medical device space. We believe that 4Degra is a real game-changer that is enabling 4D to develop novel bioresorbable medical devices with unique properties.”
Doug Quinn, Partner at DSW Ventures, said: “4D’s novel biomaterial platform opens up new possibilities for implants and devices. The company has already attracted attention from large industry players including a potential acquirer. This funding will enable it to apply for regulatory clearance in the US and target opportunities in the £5bn market for resorbable medical devices.”
Jason Druker, Portfolio Manager at SFC Capital, said: “We are delighted to refresh our commitment to Phil and the 4D team. Since we first invested four years ago, they have made great progress and we’re excited to see the impact of their first medical device products.”
A team from Addleshaw Goddard led by George Danczak provided corporate legal advice to the company, with Hill Dickinson advising on matters including the requirements of the National Security Investment Act. Eleanor Baird at Weightmans advised DSW Ventures and Mercia.
Vision shared for future of Castle Meadow Campus
An event at Castle Meadow Campus hosted by G F Tomlinson and Henry Brothers Construction provided an opportunity for Fbe and ProCon members and guests to look at the new University of Nottingham city centre redevelopment site.
The collaborative event was held at the Grade II Listed site where current works include the transformation of the former HMRC headquarters – the Central Building being delivered by G F Tomlinson, and the remodelling of Buildings D and F, by Henry Brothers, into modern office spaces.
Encompassing seven buildings, the complete redevelopment is set to establish the Castle Meadow Campus as a vibrant hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, featuring state-of-the-art facilities for its community of students, academics, and industry partners.
60 members of the Fbe (Forum for the Built Environment) East Midlands and ProCon Nottinghamshire – both of which are professional regional construction and property groups – attended the event, and were treated to a morning of insightful presentations, networking opportunities and firsthand experiences of the ongoing redevelopment works.
While enjoying breakfast sandwiches and hot refreshments, representatives from the University of Nottingham, Arup, and Bond Bryan provided detailed site plans, offering a comprehensive overview of the campus scope and objectives.
Visitors were given guided tours of the current works by G F Tomlinson and Henry Brothers, providing a unique insight into the intricate renovation processes. A highlight of the event was the demonstration of the large-scale Projection Augmented Relief Model (PARM) by Dr. Gary Priestnall from the University’s School of Geography. The interactive 3D model of Nottingham city centre showcased the innovative use of digital and data tools in urban planning and development.
Led by Director, Prof. Paul Grainge, University of Nottingham, ‘City as Lab’ also presented work on leveraging digital and data innovation to address real-world challenges in the Nottingham city region, emphasising the role of the campus as a catalyst for technological advancement and community engagement.
G F Tomlinson, a longstanding partner of the University of Nottingham, is leading the refurbishment of the Central Building, including the complex replacement of the tensile fabric roof and the addition of a new mezzanine level, designed to enhance the building’s functionality and sustainability.
Adrian Grocock, Managing Director of G F Tomlinson, said: “The event at Castle Meadow Campus was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the extensive work being done to transform the Central Building.
“We were delighted to share our progress with the community and our industry peers and we are extremely proud to contribute our expertise to such a landmark project.
“We have a long-standing working relationship with the University of Nottingham, with this being our 8th scheme working together. It is a real pleasure to combine our university and heritage experience to help the university to deliver another world class facility.”
Henry Brothers Construction, alongside a consortium of industry experts, is nearing completion of the remodelling works on Buildings D and F. Managing Director of Nottingham-based Henry Brothers Construction, Ian Taylor said: “The Castle Meadow Campus is a hugely exciting project for the University of Nottingham and for the city as a whole and we are proud to be playing a part in it.
“Henry Brothers has extensive experience of working with universities across the Midlands to improve their facilities. This is our first contract with the University of Nottingham, and we are really pleased to see the partnership creating such fantastic new facilities in our home city. They will be a tremendous asset to the community, and we are honoured to have jointly hosted this event for our peers in the local construction and property sector.”
James Hale, Building and Design Lead for Castle Meadow Campus, University of Nottingham, said: “We’re pleased to be working together with our partners on the Castle Meadow Campus development. The chance to welcome ProCon and Fbe members and guests to showcase the great work that’s already happening to transform the site was excellent.
“We’re pleased that members and guests showed a keen interest in this historically significant site. With more work to come, we are determined to create an accessible and sustainable world-class campus environment.”
Revenue and profits grow at Derby recruitment group
Revenue and profits are on the rise at RTC Group, the Derby-based engineering and technical recruitment group, according to unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2024.
The first half of 2024 saw revenue increase to £49m, up 7.5% compared to the same period in 2023. Profit before tax, meanwhile, grew to £1.2m from £1m.Andy Pendlebury, Chairman and Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted to announce that the first half of 2024 saw a further enhancement in performance for the Group, building upon the success achieved in 2023.
“Throughout the first half of 2024, we have continued to make investments in training our people, increasing our headcount, and developing our systems and technology solutions to drive productivity, elevate our client offerings, and secure future business opportunities.
“Our balance sheet remains in a very healthy position with no term debt and no borrowings other than lease liabilities.
“Whilst we are in the early days of a new Government, which inevitably brings some uncertainty regarding long-term strategy, we are encouraged by the proposed 10-year infrastructure plan outlined in Labour’s manifesto, which includes significant investment in the sectors where we are focused.
“Combined with anticipated improvements in the UK’s macro-economic conditions, such as lower inflation and subsequently decreasing interest rates, we are optimistic that this will create an environment where our business can continue to grow.
“Despite the ongoing uncertainties facing the recruitment sector, we remain encouraged and optimistic about our short, medium, and long-term prospects.”
Ground engineering contractor delivers “resilient” results
Van Elle, the ground engineering contractor, has “delivered a resilient performance” in the year ended 30 April 2024 (FY2024).
Results for the year show growth in pre-tax profit, which stood at £5.6m, up from £5.4m in the year prior. Revenue, however, decreased from £148.7m in the year prior to £139.5m, though this was in line with expectations.The business was hit by the impact of a softer housing market, though partially mitigated this through a diverse customer base including partnership and affordable housing customers.
Looking ahead, market conditions are expected to remain challenging throughout the remainder of calendar year 2024.Mark Cutler, Chief Executive, said: “Van Elle delivered a resilient performance in the year, benefitting from the breadth of its capabilities and end markets, despite very challenging market conditions across most sectors.
“The Group has continued to expand its offering, grow geographically and enter new sectors, through the acquisition of Rock & Alluvium, its strategy for the water and energy sectors, and the establishment of rail operations in Canada.
“We start the new financial year with a strong order book and multiple framework agreements. Our focus on key customer partnerships and strategic markets is expected to deliver significant growth opportunities over the medium term.”
