Yü Group records “set of strong results”

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Yü Group records “set of strong results”

Yü Group, the independent supplier of gas and electricity, meter asset owner, and installer of smart meters to the UK corporate sector, has recorded a “set of strong results” in a trading update for the six months ended 30 June 2024.

The business saw first half revenue reach £310m, up 60% on the same period last year (£195m), despite mild Spring temperatures reducing consumption. Monthly average bookings, meanwhile, were down at £46.9m (H1 23: £51.3m and FY23: £55.5m), reflecting reduced commodity market prices. This was offset by the Group delivering a 35% increase in supplied meter points in H1 24, and 82% from June 2023, to close at 72,300 (H1 23: 39,700; FY23: 53,400).

Yü Group noted it is on track to deliver EBITDA and EBIT margins and therefore profitability for FY24 in-line with current market expectations.

Bobby Kalar, Chief Executive Officer, said: “I’m proud to report a continued set of strong results; with revenue, meter points supplied energy, and meters installed increasing by c.60%, 82% and 125% respectively on the same period in 2023.

“We continue to focus on delivery of our strategy, increasing market share through our unique Digital by Default offering and supported by our new agreement with Shell, and to deliver sustainable margins as we scale.

“Cash generation is very strong and provides a good basis to support our progressive dividend policy and to invest in strategic initiatives.

“I remain excited by the future and am fully committed to delivering shareholder value. I would like to thank my fantastic team for continuing to deliver our growth trajectory and enabling the Group to benefit from its position as a key challenger brand in a £50 billion market.”

Green light for 1.5 million sq ft industrial & logistics development in Derbyshire

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Green light for 1.5 million sq ft industrial & logistics development in Derbyshire

Harworth Group has secured a resolution to grant outline planning consent from Amber Valley Borough Council for the development of 1.5 million sq ft of Grade A Industrial & Logistics space and up to 300 new homes at its Cinderhill development in Derbyshire.

Harworth owns or controls the majority of the site through a combination of freehold ownership and under a Planning Promotion and Marketing Agreement (PPMA). Harworth is the first developer to unlock this complex site since taking control of it in 2018. Located in Derbyshire, adjacent to the A38, the Cinderhill site has a long history of industrial uses including an iron foundry and opencast coal extraction. The Group’s proposal includes land remediation, site servicing and installation of high-quality infrastructure to facilitate the construction of Grade A commercial units. The regeneration of this site once complete is expected to create over 1,000 new jobs and the whole scheme has been carefully designed to incorporate infrastructure capable of supporting sustainable living and provides connectivity via cycle paths, footways and bus routes. Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive, Harworth Group, said: “The receipt of planning at Cinderhill is a significant milestone as this complex site has involved careful masterplanning over the years alongside collaboration with a number of different stakeholders. “This achievement highlights our specialist skillset and track record of securing planning and regenerating former industrial land. “We look forward to playing a part in the delivery of a high-quality sustainable scheme in a region which has a strong manufacturing and logistics presence and where Harworth continues to see strong demand for our serviced land products.”

Obsequio Group secures financing solution to fuel buy-and-build strategy

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Obsequio Group secures financing solution to fuel buy-and-build strategy

Obsequio Group, a provider of fire detection, safety, security and water hygiene solutions, has secured a new senior finance package from Kartesia, a European specialist provider of financing solutions for small and mid-sized companies.

This partnership is set to fuel Leicester-headquartered Obsequio Group’s buy-and-build strategy. The financing provided by Kartesia will support strategic growth initiatives, enabling further expansion through targeted acquisitions of established compliance services and technology businesses. The Obsequio Group buy-and-build strategy focuses on broadening geographical coverage, enhancing service capabilities, and expanding market presence. Obsequio Group currently serves over three thousand public and private sector customers operating across a wide range of sectors including education, industrials and student accommodation. Additionally, Obsequio Group has a growing technology offering through its Drax Technology division, offering a range of monitoring and detection technologies. Following initial investment from Beechbrook Capital in 2021, Obsequio Group has successfully acquired and integrated eight companies including Complete Detection Systems, Genex, Drax360, APS, Brunel and Bryland. Simon Cashmore, Obsequio Group Chairman, said: “From our very early discussions with Kartesia it was evident that there was strong alignment between our teams, complete buy-in to our strategy and a genuine interest and desire to build a detailed understanding of our business, all of which contributed to us selecting Kartesia as our preferred partner for the next stage of our journey. “During the last 3 years we have successfully acquired and integrated a number of businesses into the group and we are delighted to be able to confidently progress our strategy with the financial support of Kartesia, and indeed our partnership with Beech Tree Private Equity.” Daire Creighan, at Kartesia, said: “We are excited to partner with Obsequio Group and Beech Tree Private Equity to support the next chapter of their impressive growth story. “As one of the UK’s fastest-growing founder-led companies, Obsequio Group has significantly expanded its service offerings and geographical presence, demonstrating a commitment to constant innovation and service quality in the fire safety and adjacent compliance sectors. “Their impressive M&A and integration strategy has established Obsequio Group as a market leader across the UK in fire safety and compliance, and we look forward to supporting their ongoing growth and success in partnership with Beech Tree Private Equity.” Ben Cartwright, at Beech Tree Private Equity, said: “We’re delighted to have secured this financing package with Kartesia. This deal will not only enable Obsequio to accelerate its organic growth plans, but will also provide significant additional firepower to pursue other high quality compliance services and complementary technology acquisition targets. “We have a clear plan to build Obsequio into the leading technology-enabled compliance services provider in the UK and I firmly believe that Kartesia’s support over the coming years will help us to achieve this.” Paul Whitehouse, at Beechbrook Capital, added: “It has been a pleasure to work with the Obsequio team over the last three years and support the early stages of their buy and build journey. We look forward to seeing where the next stage takes them and wish them all the best in their future partnership with Kartesia.”

Colleges propose merger

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Colleges propose merger
Loughborough College and SMB College Group are proposing a merger, following the latter’s financial trouble. The two colleges are currently in a consultation period, whereby they are working closely with key stakeholders to ensure the new offering meets the needs of the region and shapes professional futures through the development of skills. Corrie Harris, Principal and CEO at Loughborough College, said: “This partnership represents a highly exciting proposition, promising significant benefits and opportunities for students, staff, and employers throughout Leicestershire. “We hope that it will be transformational, by delivering greater economic prosperity and by offering a larger number of students from across our region an outstanding experience.” Dawn Whitemore, Principal and Chief Executive of SMB College Group, said: “This strategic partnership marks an exciting step forward for both our colleges as we combine our strengths to enhance educational opportunities for our students and community. “We are pleased to be working with a partner with the same values and passion as SMB College Group.” Following the consultation period, both organisations will create a joint merger steering group of governors to oversee the proposal and perform due diligence, with an anticipated merger date of 1st August 2025. Final approval also needs to be secured from the Education and Skills Funding Agency and Department for Education. This proposed merger will strengthen the current growth plans for both colleges. These include more than £35m investment in significant projects such as the East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIoT) and the Digital Skills Hub at Loughborough College in addition to £20m investment in the brand-new Land-based and Agri-tech centre at SMB College Group’s Brooksby campus.

The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024: recognising the exceptional work of property and construction businesses

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The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024: recognising the exceptional work of property and construction businesses
With nominations OPEN for Business Link’s annual East Midlands Bricks Awards, don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your business, team and projects by submitting an entry for the prestigious event. Attracting leaders from across the region, the celebration of the property and construction industry is the perfect way for firms to raise their profile and promote the work they are completing, as well as boost morale. 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. Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering time to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the East Midlands. After winning the Commercial Development of the Year award at last year’s event, Clare Swaine, business development manager at Henry Brothers, said: “I was delighted to collect this award on behalf of Henry Brothers, it was a fantastic team effort to deliver this impressive Passivhaus building which is supportive of Loughborough University’s path to net-zero and is a tremendous asset to the University and wider Leicestershire economy. The event was also a great networking opportunity and it was interesting to hear more about the various developments happening in the region.” 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:

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. Thanks to our sponsors:      

     
     
 

To be held at:

Local businesses boosted with launch of Early Stage Angel Investment Fund

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Local businesses boosted with launch of Early Stage Angel Investment Fund
‘Early stage’ businesses based in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire can now pitch to access new funding to support growth. The Early Stage Angel Investment Fund (ESAIF) was developed by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (D2N2 LEP) ahead of it becoming part of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) earlier this year. The Fund, which has been launched at events in Derby and Nottingham, aims to stimulate investment and growth in ‘early stage’ companies – those that have been trading between six and 24 months. D2N2 LEP/EMCCA are contributing £4 million to the fund, match-funded by ESAIF fund manager, Haatch. Over the longer term these funds will be re-invested in the programme, to catalyse investment and growth for more early-stage companies. The Derby launch event, held at Derby Arena, featured a video keynote address by Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, and presentations by D2N2 LEP Deputy Chair and EMCCA’s business representative David Williams MBE DL, Lewis Stringer of British Business Bank, Samantha Deakin of the University of Derby and Fred Soneya of ESAIF fund manager Haatch. The Nottingham event, held at BioCity, featured a video keynote address by Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, and presentations by D2N2 LEP board member Glenn Crocker, Lewis Stringer of British Business Bank, Sarah King of Obu and Fred Soneya of ESAIF fund manager Haatch. The events were MC’d by EMCCA’s Nicola Swaney and attended by more than 100 delegates over the two days. Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “Supporting our local economy is one of my priorities as Mayor of the East Midlands and I’m delighted we’ve been able to launch the Early Stage Angel Investment Fund. “I look forward to hearing all about the impact of this fund, how it supports our local businesses, and how it will help our regional economy thrive. I’m keen to see what we can achieve together through this significant investment and strong collaborative partnership.” The Early Stage Angel Investment Fund was announced by D2N2 LEP Chair Elizabeth Fagan at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds earlier this year.

Plans submitted for major Northampton industrial development

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Plans submitted for major Northampton industrial development
Trebor Developments and Hillwood have submitted a detailed planning application for a major industrial development in Northampton. The application has been submitted for a single B8 industrial unit of 330,000 sq ft to be developed to BREEAM Excellent and EPC “A” rating. The site is situated 5 miles east of Northampton Town Centre adjacent to the A45 Expressway, which provides dual carriageway access to Junction 15 of the M1 Motorway in a 7-minute drive. Subject to planning the building could be available for occupation in 2026 on a build to suit or speculative basis and is available on both a leasehold and rare freehold basis. James Drew, Trebor’s Development Director, said: “We are delighted to have reached the next key stage of delivery for this major, golden triangle, development. The building is expected to deliver over 350 direct full-time jobs, an ecological net gain of over 10% and generate a total economic benefit of £890m over the life of the scheme.” Drake & Partners and Knight Frank have been appointed agents.

New Chair for Boston Town Board

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New Chair for Boston Town Board
Joanna Brigham has been announced as the new Chair of Boston Town Board. Joanna, a highly experienced senior leader who has held Chief Executive and Director roles within a broad range of organisations, assumes the role after former Chair Neil Kempster decided to step down. Joanna’s appointment comes as the Boston Town Board begins a new phase in its existence having been repurposed to oversee the delivery of £20m Long Term Plan for Towns funding awarded to Boston. This additional funding complements the £21.9m Town Deal funding which is being invested in Boston through a number of transformational projects, including the new Mayflower learning centre at Boston College and improvements to the Geoff Moulder Centre. Joanna, who was also most recently Chief Executive of UK Shared Business Services Ltd and previously CEO for the Scottish Police Services Authority, and Director of Strategy and Marketing for the Royal Parks said: “I am so pleased to have been appointed to lead Boston Town Board through its next chapter, when we will build on the successful and significant progress to date and look to the future by creating and overseeing the implementation of a long term plan for Boston. “I would like to thank my predecessor Neil who has held the position of chair almost from the very beginning. I look forward to continuing to work with him and all the board members as we bring together our shared skills, commitment, and ambition for Boston to make a difference for the town.” Neil, who is Land and Development Director of Chestnut Homes was an inaugural member of the Board and has been Chair of the Boston Town Board since June 2020. During his four years at the helm, the Board’s role expanded after further funding including Levelling Up and more recently Long Term Plan for Towns investment was awarded to Boston. Neil said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair for the Boston Town Board, and to be involved in shaping the town investment plan and projects ever since the announcement of the funding. “Following the establishment of the Boston Town Board in 2020, which enabled the Boston Town Deal investment of £21.9 million, we have supported significant further funding and investment into Boston. “This has included Levelling Up and Levelling Up Partnership, match funding for the Town Deal, UK Shared Prosperity Funding, High Street Task Force support and most recently the Long Term Plan for Towns funding. “Now, with the changes in the board’s role, it feels like the right time for me to step down. I am looking forward to remaining as a board member, and continuing to work with Jo and the other board members. I wish Jo all the very best in her role as Chair.” Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “I think I speak for all the partner organisations who are represented on the Town Board when I say that Neil’s chairmanship over the last four years has given a steady and stable influence, giving oversight to the important major projects of the Town Deal. “I am delighted that he has chosen to stay on as a board member and is willing to offer his vast wealth of experience as we move forward with the Long Term Plan for Towns.”

Nottingham Venues scoops award at 2024 Conference and Events Awards

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Nottingham Venues scoops award at 2024 Conference and Events Awards
Nottingham Venues has been named in the Top 3 ‘Best Venues’ in the UK at the 2024 Conference and Events Awards. The company, which operates a collection of hospitality destinations located on the University of Nottingham’s campuses – including the 4* Orchard Hotel & Restaurant, The East Midlands Conference Centre, the Jubilee Hotel and Conferences and Campus Venues – scooped the Silver Award in the Best Venue (500-1100 attendees Theatre Style) category. The Conference and Events Awards are the event industry’s pinnacle of recognition. The annual awards celebrate and champion everyone involved in the events industry including conference and trade-show organisers, in-house events teams, event, PR & marketing agencies and the venues themselves. The judges recognised Nottingham Venues’ first-class use of technology, beautiful outdoor and indoor space, strong sustainability credentials and excellent customer service which results in a 75% rebooking rate. Stephanie Moss-Pearce, Director of Marketing at Nottingham Venues, said: “Our category was packed with some of the leading venues in the UK, so the team and I are delighted that Nottingham Venues has scooped the silver award, just 3 years after we launched our brand.” The Best Venue (500-1100 attendees Theatre Style) award is given to the Best Conference or Event Venue that caters for larger audiences of over 500. Judges will be looking for innovation, expertise and success in all areas including first-class interior design and facilities; flexible and versatile spaces to adapt to clients’ requirements; modern equipment and technology and superb acoustics; excellent customer service and support; competitive pricing and value for money and outstanding catering for event attendees.

Aircraft robotics pioneer raises £1m to support business expansion

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Aircraft robotics pioneer raises £1m to support business expansion
A £1 million equity investment in True Position Robotics has become the first deal from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, facilitated by fund manager Mercia Ventures. True Position Robotics (TPR) is a Nottingham-based company whose industrial robots could revolutionise aircraft production and slash the cost of new planes. The investment comes as demand for new planes has surged due to a rise in passenger numbers and a drive by airlines to replace ageing fleets with more modern, fuel-efficient craft. TPR, founded in 2018 by Roger Holden, has pioneered a way to automate the assembly process for aircraft using low-cost ‘off the shelf’ industrial robots adapted with its own software and hardware. The company is already working with leading industry names including BAE, which has adopted the technology as part of its Factory of the Future programme. Currently aircraft assembly is largely a manual process. Parts must be lined up, holes positioned precisely and carefully drilled. TPR’s robots automate the entire drilling process and the subsequent inspection. Its unique optical tracking technology and clamp system keeps the drill in place for 100% accuracy. This pioneering approach to aircraft assembly enables planes to be built in a fraction of the time and reduces the amount of material required, resulting in lighter craft with better fuel efficiency. The use of lightweight standard robots also means that TPR’s systems are around a tenth of the cost of a traditional automation line and use far less energy. The equity investment received through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II and managed by Mercia Ventures will enable the business to scale up operations and continue its research and development. Shakespeare Martineau in Nottingham provided legal advice to Mercia Ventures on the deal. Roger Holden, CEO, True Position Robotics, said: “Unlike vehicle assembly, where processes are repeatable, with aircraft the need for lightweight components and high precision means that no two operations are the same. For this reason automation has so far proved too difficult or too costly. Our robot guidance systems overcome these challenges. “The investment from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II will enable us to consolidate our position and start work on the next generation of products to ensure we maintain our position as thought leaders in the industry.” Hannah Tapsell Chapman of Mercia Ventures added: “True Position Robotics’ technology addresses some of the key challenges for UK manufacturers – how to increase productivity, reduce cost and energy use and move towards net zero. “Despite being an early-stage business, it has already gained real traction and attracted major clients. The funding will help Roger and the team to scale up their operation and pursue their mission to revolutionise aircraft manufacturing.”

Midlands businesses plan multi-million pound investments over the next five years

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Midlands businesses plan multi-million pound investments over the next five years
Mid-sized businesses in the Midlands plan to invest millions over the next five years, with nearly half (42%) planning to spend upwards of £3 million to grow their business, according to accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO LLP. The firm’s bi-monthly Economic Engine survey of 500 mid-sized businesses, which generate a turnover of between £10 to £300 million each and account for one in four UK jobs, has revealed that nearly a third (29%) of those in the region plan to direct their investment primarily within the UK. More than a quarter of Midlands businesses (27%) said that sourcing new capital to fund growth was one of their top priorities between now and the end of the year. This includes private equity investment, venture capital or additional bank loans. A similar number (24%) are prioritising developing new products or services. With a new government now in post, Midlands businesses are calling for policies that will help them deliver their scale-up plans. Facing persistent recruitment challenges, almost half (45%) want to see the Government prioritise policies to ease workforce pressures, including reform of the apprenticeship levy or more support towards the cost of skilled worker visas. To enable better access to finance, two-fifths (40%) want to see the new Government prioritise smaller business banks entering the market or increasing access to grants for their business. Meanwhile, 40% are calling for more progress on investment in the regions outside London and the South East. The follows the announcement last week during the King’s Speech that an English Devolution Bill will streamline the process to transfer more powers to elected mayors in combined council areas. Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner in the Midlands at BDO, said: “With a new government in place and inflation hitting the Bank of England’s 2% target in May, businesses in the region have some reason to be optimistic after years of challenging economic conditions and uncertainty. “The message from Midlands business is clearly one centred on growth, but they will need the support of central policymakers to ensure that the regions receive the required investment to accelerate those ambitions, with Labour looking to take a fresh approach to tackling regional inequalities.”

Government asked to rule on ‘first of a kind’ reactor design from Rolls-Royce

Stuart Pearcey
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Government asked to rule on ‘first of a kind’ reactor design from Rolls-Royce
The government has been asked by the Nuclear Industry Association to give a justification decision for Rolls-Royce SMR’s reactor design. Justification is a regulatory process which requires a Government decision before any new class or type of practice involving ionising radiation can be introduced in the UK. A justification decision is one of the required steps for the operation of a new nuclear technology in the UK, but it is not a permit or licence that allows a specific project to go ahead. Instead, it is a generic decision based on a high-level evaluation of the potential benefits and detriments of the proposed new nuclear practice as a pre-cursor to future regulatory processes. The new application, the first of its kind for a UK reactor design, makes the case that the benefits of clean, firm, flexible power from the reactor would far outweigh any potential risks, which are in any event rigorously controlled by robust safety features, including passive safety systems, built into the design, in line with the UK’s regulatory requirements. The application also demonstrates that the reactor design would support nuclear energy’s contribution to a stable and well-balanced electricity grid, which is essential to reduce consumer bills and maintain economic competitiveness. Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “Rolls-Royce SMR’s design, like other SMRs, offer huge possibilities for the UK to revive our industrial capabilities and deliver low-carbon energy for net zero and energy security. We are delighted to support this step to get the design approved in its home country. “It is essential that our nuclear renaissance is made in Britain, so the new Government should ensure that we deploy enough SMR designs to justify investment in the UK supply chain to deliver them.” Helena Perry, Rolls-Royce SMR’s Safety and Regulatory Affairs Director, said: “As the UK’s most advanced SMR design, today’s submission for regulatory justification is another important step to ensure that we can continue to move at pace towards deployment in the UK. “Each Rolls-Royce SMR ‘factory-built’ nuclear power plant will provide enough clean, affordable, electricity to power a million homes for 60+ years – delivering energy security, enabling net zero and making a transformational contribution to the UK economy. “Rolls-Royce SMR remains on track to complete Step 2 of the Generic Design Assessment by the nuclear industry’s independent regulators and move immediately into the third and final step this summer.”

Views sought on £20m improvements for Bulwell town centre

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Views sought on £20m improvements for Bulwell town centre
Following Nottingham City Council’s bid for Central Government funding which saw the city allocated around £20 million, the money was formally accepted this spring to transform Bulwell. The money will allow Nottingham City Council to make huge improvements to Bulwell including:
  • A new modern marketplace – around 20,000 square metres of improvements and the creation of a ‘Bulwell Promenade’ linking the marketplace and bogs area.
  • More trees and greenery
  • Improved public toilets at Bulwell Bus Station
  • Better pedestrian links between spaces and links to local transport
  • Improvements to Bulwell Bogs, including new play elements, seating areas and and improved connectivity with the River Leen
  • Historic buildings and shopfronts will have their heritage features restored
The council will also work with the Environment Agency to see how the River Leen area can be improved and become more resilient to future flooding events. It’s hoped this work will make more jobs, increase visitor numbers, improve trade and make it easier for people to access top quality green space. It will also restore heritage and hopefully mean that more cultural and creative events can happen in the town. Nottingham City Council Major Projects team will be at Bulwell Riverside on 23 and 26 July from 10am – 4pm to remind local communities of the plans developed in the bid work and capture feedback to feed into the design process which will be starting soon. Anyone who can’t attend is invited to give feedback via email to major.projects@nottinghamcity.gov.uk The Bulwell Town Regeneration Project has been created in partnership with the people of Bulwell and the surrounding Nottingham North area, including businesses, community groups, members and wider stakeholders including the local MP. Residents first gave their input via a well-supported public consultation in 2022 which shaped the scheme and was submitted as part of the funding bid. The project teams next steps will be to develop detailed designs for the regeneration scheme over the next few months, with work in Bulwell expected to begin next summer and be complete by March 2026. The scheme is funded through the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). This project will complement recent transport investment in Bulwell in the new Bus Station, which was completed using Transforming Cities funding from central Government. All the council’s costs for the Bulwell town centre project will be met through the external funding, including management costs. Councillor Neghat Khan, Council Leader and Executive Member for Strategic Regeneration, Transport and Communications, said: “Bulwell town centre is an important part of the city and I’m pleased we can invest vital funds to make improvements, such as creating a modern square with better toilets and more green spaces. “This work will help to enhance the heritage of the town, while boosting the facilities for markets and events, and also making it easier to get around the town and to and from the main transport hubs. This is really an exciting time for this historic market town.”

Draft designs approved to change the face of Cleethorpes

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Draft designs approved to change the face of Cleethorpes
Draft designs that will change the appearance of Cleethorpes Market Place and Pier Gardens with the help of an £18.4m government grant have been agreed, and detailed designing can now begin. The centre of the Market Place is to be pedestrianised for parts of the day, allowing for cafes and public events. This will swallow up most of the parking spaces, though lay-bys and drop off zones will still feature in the plans within Market Place to make sure businesses have access for deliveries. Additionally, changes are being progressed to convert High Street Car Park into a short stay only car park. The unused land behind the Old Vic pub, is also proposed to be converted into a public car park of around 40 spaces. Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson said: “We are having discussions with businesses. We know that there are concerns, but we’ve also seen in other areas across the country what these sort of projects do to help local economies, and what the possibilities are.” The Pier Garden design harks back to the historic use of space, where people went to spend time. The new vision brings people of all ages and abilities together, and creates a more family orientated area, alongside areas for quiet reflection and education, whilst also increasing biodiversity in the resort. The design proposes a “zoning” system, which will provide a mixture of uses across the park with a consistent theme throughout.
  • arrival space at Sea Road/Alexandra Road junction, creating a welcoming space to the gardens;
  • events zone to support a mixture of activities/events that could take place;
  • play/recreation zone which would consist of a larger central space and provide a mixture of activities for young and older children alike;
  • reflection zone at the Sea View Street end of the gardens supporting the existing armed forces memorials that are situated there.
The projects will now progress to the detailed design stage (RIBA4) to finalise things like materials to be used, and specifications of equipment, so that the projects can be costed up in full and the work tendered out for construction. Other special surveys and assessments, like updated environmental impact assessments, will also be completed during this time. Cllr Jackson continued: “Along with the third project, the Sea Road building, the work in the resort is going to be intense. We know there will be disruption across the resort, and we’re working in the background to find ways of weaving elements of these projects together where we can to minimise the disruption overall. “However, these are great projects, and ones that will make a huge change to Cleethorpes overall, and the ways that people use the spaces.”

Light Science Technologies’ CEM division to see record breaking year in pest control market

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Light Science Technologies’ CEM division to see record breaking year in pest control market

Light Science Technologies Holdings, comprising three divisions: controlled environment agriculture (CEA); contract electronics manufacturing (CEM) and passive fire protection (PFP), has seen continued strong momentum at its CEM division – underpinned by an expected record breaking year for the division in the pest control market.

Last week the company added £628,000 in committed forward orders within its CEM division, which are in addition to historical forward order profiles. As a result, pest control revenues already booked and committed forward orders received and to be satisfied in the current financial year are £825,000 (or 15%) higher than total revenues received from this segment during FY 23.

The CEM division has received a follow-on order from the company’s client in the sports entertainment segment worth £130,000. When this contract was initially announced in February 2024, the company highlighted the significant potential for follow-on revenue, and this order signals the next phase of roll out.

This division continues to benefit from recent positioning to handle larger volume projects and take advantage of wider market trends and the move away from Far East manufacturing.

Overall, the company anticipates reporting full year revenues for the CEM segment of between £9m to £9.5m. Trading in the company’s other two divisions remains in line with management expectations.

Simon Deacon, CEO of LSTH, said: “I’m delighted with the continued momentum within the CEM Division. Importantly we are establishing long-term relationships with clients that have the ability to underpin repeat business opportunities, which will result in increased visibility as we convert our strong quoted sales pipeline.

“We are excited by the significant opportunity within our existing and potential customer base and look forward to providing further updates in due course.”

Gibbet Hill junction nearly at 100% capacity

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Gibbet Hill junction nearly at 100% capacity
New analysis released by Midlands Connect shows the vital Gibbet Hill junction is virtually at 100% capacity. The A5 junction at Gibbet Hill, located on the Warwickshire/Leicestershire border is at 98% capacity every morning. This junction is an important strategic location interchange between the A5 and A426, providing connections between the M1 and M6, as well as providing resilience to the strategic and local road network. Average daily flows on this section of the A5 Corridor are approximately 7,000 vehicles in each direction but the Gibbet Hill junction is the third worst bottleneck along the A5 corridor; this is anticipated to deteriorate further as more planned growth comes online. Heavy congestion has been observed at the junction, particularly during peak times, with the volume of traffic close to exceeding traffic capacity and resulting in delays and long queues which impact residents, businesses and commuters. The corridor is one of the Midlands’ most important east-west connections and is at the heart of the ‘Logistics golden triangle’, bounded by the M1, M6 and M69. This is an area of the country from which drivers can reach 90% of the population within four hours, a very important location for logistics firms. Integrated Transport Programme Lead, Swati Mittal said: “The A5 at Gibbet Hill is an area that we need to upgrade to unlock the growth the economy needs. At the moment the area is not fit for purpose, and we need to do more. “An intervention in this area is necessary to facilitate growth and jobs and allow us to then look at other parts of the A5 in the years ahead. This is the major piece in the puzzle.” Cllr Anthony Gillias, Chair of the A5 Partnership, said: “When traffic snarls up, we see rat-running through nearby smaller villages, to avoid queuing at the junction, creating noise and speeding issues for residents. “The Gibbet Hill junction is now at critical mass and requires the most urgent attention to complement the proactive work of local councils and their visions of growth, new jobs and prosperity for local people. “We need a solution once and for all to fix this issue for local residents and the national economy.” Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “While the A5 is managed and maintained by National Highways, we fully support the work being done to secure improvements. “As the highway authority, we know problems such as bridge strikes, congestion and accidents are having a detrimental impact on our residents throughout Hinckley as well as the villages in the south of the county. “The A5 isn’t functioning, and we share the views of partners who are calling for improvements to be prioritised and additional funding made available. “Securing and delivering improvements on the A5 also resonates with the core themes of our draft new Local Transport Plan, which include supporting growth and boosting the local economy, improving people’s health and reducing the impacts of traffic on our communities. The urgent need is there to improve the road.”

Rolls-Royce appoints chair of engine leasing joint venture

Tess Egginton
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Rolls-Royce appoints chair of engine leasing joint venture
Chris Cholerton, Group President and member of the Rolls-Royce Executive Team has been appointed Chair of Alpha Partners Leasing Limited (APL), the holding company of its engine leasing business, Rolls-Royce & Partners Finance, and asset management business, Aether Asset Management. Chris has deep aerospace sector experience having previously led Rolls-Royce’s Civil Aerospace and Defence divisions.

Chris Cholerton said: “I am delighted to join the Board of APL and look forward to working with the Board, CEO Bobby Janagan and the leadership team to support the growth and success of the business.”

Since 1989, Rolls-Royce & Partners Finance has played a vital role in helping Rolls-Royce’s customers access competitive finance for their spare engines. Rolls-Royce & Partners Finance was the first engine leasing business to obtain an investment grade credit rating and is the leading financier of Rolls-Royce spare engines. More recently, APL launched its Aether Asset Management business, in collaboration with Rolls-Royce, to better serve customers accessing short-term lease engines as part of Rolls-Royce’s TotalCare engine health and maintenance service. Seamus Murphy, Rolls-Royce Director of Group Finance and Performance Management, has also been appointed to the APL Board.

Bobby Janagan, Chief Executive Officer of APL and Rolls-Royce & Partners Finance, said: “I am really looking forward to working closely with Chris and Seamus. They both bring significant experience, domain knowledge and expertise.”

APL is a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and GATX. Aether Asset Management is the exclusive manager of Rolls-Royce’s central pool of engines supporting its TotalCare service.

Construction starts on new Community Diagnostic Centre

Tess Egginton
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Construction starts on new Community Diagnostic Centre
Construction work has begun at Walton Hospital, so patients across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire can utilise a ‘one-stop-shop’ Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), from Spring 2025. The £5.2m development at the Walton Hospital Site is part of the wider £29.9m investment in CDCs across Derby and Derbyshire. Following an ecologist review, the site is now undergoing preparatory work, including the demolition of old plant rooms; paving the way for a state-of-the-art modular building. Expecting to care for thousands of patients per year, the CDC will enable diagnostic services like blood tests, ultrasounds, MRI scans, CT scans and point-of-care testing to be delivered closer to patients’ homes and offer patients the ability to have multiple tests. Once fully operational, the CDC at Walton is expected to complete thousands of diagnostic tests a year. The demolition of the plant room and ground preparation is expected to take approximately ten days, with a custom-built modular build arriving on site in approximately 12 weeks. Michelle Veitch, Chief Operating Officer at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Community Diagnostic Centres allow patients to access services often closer to home. This means that our patients will have even more choice about where and when they receive their tests, allowing a shorter turnaround of results and the start of any required treatment. “This is the start of the journey to deliver another fantastic facility for our communities. We believe the CDCs will reduce wait times for diagnostic tests and provide a more convenient and efficient service for patients in Chesterfield, Derbyshire and surrounding areas.” Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As a Trust we are delighted to be able to expand our services further into the community. Our partnership with Derbyshire Community Healthcare Services NHS Foundation Trust means that we can provide diagnostic services from community bases across our region, like Walton Hospital and Whitworth Hospital. “The purpose-built CDC at Walton Hospital will transform how we deliver diagnostic services to our patients throughout Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, where we anticipate around 5,260 tests being booked within the first month of opening.” Dean Wallace, Chief Operating Officer at Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The purpose-built diagnostic facility at Walton Hospital will be a fantastic addition to health services in our community, allowing more patients to receive even more tests under one roof. “I look forward to seeing progress on site and to the official opening of the community diagnostic centre next year. Thank you to everyone involved who is helping to make this much-anticipated facility a reality for the benefit of patients.”

East Midlands firms merge to tackle sustainability

Tess Egginton
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East Midlands firms merge to tackle sustainability
Hillside Environmental Services and Infinitas Design, two East Midlands-based industry leaders in climate-change initiatives, have revealed a strategic merger which will enable the two firms to deliver on the ambitious growth strategy of its founders. Forming HI Group, based out of Newark, this strategic merger marks a decade-long partnership and signifies a new era for sustainable solutions in the UK. HI Group co-founder Russell Burton says: “Over the past decade, Hillside and Infinitas have collaborated on numerous projects, sharing a common vision for environmental sustainability. “This merger is a testament to our seamless collaboration and shared commitment to creating environmentally sustainable solutions. By joining forces, we harness the unique expertise and knowledge of each team, transforming them into a more potent force for change.” Co-founder Laura Bishop explains: “As HI Group, we are positioned to offer enhanced resources and comprehensive support to assist our clientele on their journey towards a greener future. This merger enhances our capacity to cater to our clients’ needs, providing them with the robust, innovative solutions they’ve come to expect from each of our teams.” Founded in 2014 by Burton, initially supporting major consultants and technology providers, Hillside built its expertise through significant projects like the Nottingham City Council Heat Network and NHS Property Services estate decarbonisation. By 2020, Hillside shifted to directly supporting clients, achieving successes in the Further Education sector by helping over 35 institutions with net zero strategies and energy retrofits. Infinitas Design, also founded in 2014, saw Bishop’s team specialise in creating low carbon heating systems, particularly heat pumps and heat networks. Noteworthy projects include the Swaffham Prior heat pump district heat network and the Eden Project’s geothermal heat network. Covering every phase of the sustainability journey, HI Group specialises in initial carbon auditing and strategy development, to funding knowledge and applications, through to hands-on implementation and ongoing performance monitoring. Laura adds: “Together, as HI Group, we are poised to lead in the low-carbon solutions market, providing innovative, effective and financially viable sustainability solutions. This unified approach enhances our impact on environmental challenges, ensuring we continue to meet and exceed our clients’ sustainability goals.”

World’s first Fusion Energy Café takes next STEP

Tess Egginton
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World’s first Fusion Energy Café takes next STEP
The world’s first Fusion Energy Café, that will fuel hungry minds as well as appetites, is taking its next steps by recruiting for education and catering providers now that its construction is underway. Located at The Bridge Skills Hub in Worksop, the café will help to inspire the local community to generate an interest in the field of fusion energy and encourage aspirations to study or work in this sector. The café will also help to provide training and volunteering opportunities in catering and hospitality and Bassetlaw District Council is now searching for a dynamic café operator and training provider to manage either or both aspects. Cllr Julie Leigh, Cabinet Member for Identity and Place at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “The Fusion Café is an exciting and unique opportunity to get involved in a once in a generation project. “It will bring the groundbreaking work taking place at West Burton closer to our communities and inspire young people who could one day work at the prototype fusion energy plant. “It also opens up possibilities for people to work in the catering and hospitality industry as well as wider industries in the Science, Technology and Engineering sector.” Work on the café’s kitchen, food prep area and seating are already underway ahead of a planned opening in the autumn. Alongside the catering and hospitality training, the café will provide work placements for learners with a disability, those not in education, employment, or training (NEET), or those who are long term unemployed. Funded by Bassetlaw District Council and the UK Atomic Energy Agency (UKAEA), in collaboration with North Notts Business Improvement District (NNBID), the café will also support upskilling and career opportunities as the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) prototype Fusion Energy plant is developed just a few miles away at West Burton. UKAEA Head of Fusion Skills, Nick Walkden, said: “We are proud to be working with Bassetlaw District Council on this unique and exciting community-focused initiative in Worksop. “The Fusion Energy Café will highlight the opportunities of fusion to local communities, including through the STEP Programme at West Burton, and push forwards our ambition to maximise the social benefits fusion has to offer.” Sally Gillborn, Chief Executive at North Notts BID, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Bassetlaw District Council and the UKAEA in the creation of the Fusion Energy Café in Worksop. “The café will also provide invaluable information on the opportunities and careers available at the STEP fusion site in West Burton as it is developed as a flagship plant in the fusion energy sector for generations to come. “As part of the BIDs second-term vision, the café will offer hands-on experience, primarily to adults and young people with learning difficulties, whilst offering them inclusive training in catering and hospitality. “As an all-encompassing initiative, the café builds on the BIDs commitment to upskill our communities, support local employers and ultimately to boost the local economy.”
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