Sir John Peace has been appointed as the Independent Chair to lead the newly established Greater Carlton Town Board, an initiative set to empower local communities and shape the future of Greater Carlton and the surrounding areas with £20 million in endowment-style funding over the next decade.
The first meeting of the board was held on Wednesday 10 July at Carlton Le Willows Academy to discuss the next steps in delivering the long-term plan for the area. The board has agreed to launch a consultation, which opened on Monday 15 July, to ask residents for their views on how the money will be spent.
In March, Greater Carlton, including Carlton Hill, Netherfield, Gedling, Colwick, Burton Joyce, Stoke Bardolph, Mapperley and Mapperley Top, were selected to receive Long-Term Plan for Town funding from the government. The establishment of the Greater Carlton Town Board is a pivotal step towards community-driven decision-making, placing local people at the forefront of shaping their town’s future.
The Independent Chair will play a crucial role in leading the Greater Carlton Town Board, bringing together diverse interests and facilitating consensus to develop a comprehensive 10-year vision for Greater Carlton. Following an advertisement for expressions of interest and subsequent assessment of applications, Sir John Peace was appointed as Chair.
Sir John Peace has a long and distinguished business career at the highest levels covering the technology, financial services, and retail sectors. He was formerly Chairman, Chief Executive, and Founder of Experian plc; Chief Executive of GUS plc; Chairman of Standard Chartered plc; and Chairman of Burberry plc—all FTSE 100 companies.
Other board members have also been appointed, including the local MP for Gedling, Michael Payne, the Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE, Nottinghamshire County Councillor Keith Girling as well as local business leaders and community representatives.
Sir John Peace, Independent Chair of the Greater Carlton Town Board, said: “I am very pleased to have been appointed as the interim Chair of the Greater Carlton Town Board. We have an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of people living in Carlton and the surrounding areas with this funding.
“I am looking forward to hearing from residents about their ideas for the area. I will make sure that the board is fully focused on the needs of the local community, and we will put together a plan that is led by the community that will create growth in the area. I very much look forward to the opportunities that will arise from this project.”
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE, said: “We are incredibly pleased that Sir John Peace has agreed to chair this important board. He has a great track record of success in business, he knows the area well, and like us, he cares about the residents and businesses in Carlton and the surrounding areas.
“We will now start the hard work of creating a real plan that will be community-led. It will be their voices that decide where this money goes, and I am very excited about the possibilities that this project will bring. We have been desperate for investment in these areas, so it’s now time for us to get on with the task of improving the Greater Carlton area.”
A property consultancy has announced a new role which will see it at the forefront of devising and delivering Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategies.
Fisher German has appointed Rachel Bridge as ESG Partner at the firm.
Rachel, who joined Fisher German in 2007, has spent her career within the firm’s infrastructure services division, and has extensive experience in Account Management as well as managing infrastructure assets.
She has strong knowledge of the importance of green energy and the transition to Net Zero as well as the ESG challenges being faced by businesses.
Rachel is the current chair of the Pipeline Industries Guild, has governance experience, and led the sustainability workstream in the Guild’s 2025 strategy
She takes an active role in mentoring young professionals, champions Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in everything she does and is also a Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) ambassador in her spare time, championing careers in the industry to young people.
The newly-created role will see Rachel advise clients on their ESG strategies, ensuring their property meets both legislative requirements and internal ESG targets.
Rachel is based in Ashby and will be working across the firm’s network of 26 offices.
Rachel said: “I’m extremely pleased to take on the new role of ESG Partner at Fisher German.
“We are seeing an increasing number of companies make corporate ESG targets outside of legislation, and having a dedicated Partner working in this area demonstrates Fisher German’s understanding of its importance.
“Finance and ESG are intrinsically linked, and having a strong strategy in place can attract investment, save on energy costs and support with the recruitment and retention of talent as people look to work for responsible businesses.
“At Fisher German we have acted for landowners on more than 150 solar parks, 80 anaerobic digesters and 600 farm and commercial-scale wind projects, we advise on 750,000 acres of estate land and have a 99.4 per cent success rate in planning applications.
“I will be working closely with our planning, agri business, natural capital and sustainable energy teams to help service clients from across the business.”
Liberty Stones, Divisional Managing Partner for Advisory Services at Fisher German, added: “ESG criteria plays a crucial role in our decision making, and in building lasting value for our clients. We are delighted to have a dedicated Partner working with our people and clients to prioritise ESG.”
A new Chief Executive Officer has been appointed to lead Leicestershire-based Aggregate Industries UK, part of the global Holcim group.
Earlier this year it was announced that current CEO, Dragan Maksimovic, had been appointed as Region Head West Europe overseeing the leadership of the Holcim businesses in the UK, France, Belgium, Germany and Spain.
Holcim group has now announced Lee Sleight as the new CEO of Aggregate Industries UK. He will take up his position on 1 August 2024.
Lee joined the business in 2021 as Managing Director of the readymix concrete division and in his time there transformed the business. Last year he moved to take up the role as Managing Director of the aggregates division.
Lee has more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry holding various senior leadership positions.
Outgoing CEO and Holcim Region Head West Europe Dragan Maksimovic, said: “Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Lee on his appointment. He will make an excellent CEO.
“I have worked closely with him for the last few years and he has a proven track record in leading and transforming businesses. I am confident he will continue to drive the business forward while delivering on our ambitious plans of decarbonisation and green growth.”
Lee Sleight, Aggregate Industries UK new CEO, said: “It is a very proud moment for me to be chosen to lead this fantastic business. Having been with the company for a number of years I know first-hand how amazing the people who work here are.
“I am now really looking forward to working with our teams around the country in order to deliver on our ambition to be the UK’s leading supplier of sustainable construction materials and to keep progressing on our journey to a net zero future.”
Kaziwe Kaulule will succeed Lee as Managing Director of the company’s aggregates division. Kaziwe joined AIUK in October 2023 as Director of Strategic and Commercial Growth, having previously been CEO of Holcim’s South Africa and Zimbabwe businesses.
Inflation has held steady at the Bank of England’s 2% target, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), which rose by 2% in the 12 months to June 2024, the same rate as the 12 months to May 2024, it means prices in June increased at the same rate as May.
The largest upward contribution came from restaurants and hotels, where prices of hotels rose more than a year ago; the largest downward contribution came from clothing and footwear, with prices of garments falling this year having risen a year ago.
Core inflation, meanwhile, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, rose by 3.5% in the 12 months to June 2024, the same rate as in May.
Martin Sartorius, Principal Economist, CBI, said: “The fact that inflation is stable at the Bank of England’s target will be welcome news for many households as we start to see things return to normal after period of high price growth. However, it’s worth noting that many have yet to feel the benefit of lower inflation due to the high level of prices, particularly for food and energy bills.
“Today’s data paves the way for an interest rate cut next month, which would begin to provide some relief for firms and households that are struggling with high borrowing costs.
“Going forward, the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee will be mindful of potential upside risks to inflation in the near-term as the domestic growth outlook improves. They are also likely to move carefully as they assess the impact of the first rate cut in four years.”
Tritax Symmetry has announced plans for a new National Distribution Centre for Greggs plc at Symmetry Park, Kettering.
The planning application details proposals for 311,551 sq ft of logistics space on a 25.1-acre plot. The unit will be designed to a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ standard, achieving an EPC A rating and meeting Net Zero Carbon in Construction requirements.
The initiative is part of Greggs’ strategic growth plan, announced in 2021, which set out ambitious expansion targets requiring investment in significant supply chain capacity.
Greggs currently has 2,500 shops and its longer-term growth plans target an estate of significantly more than 3,000 shops in the UK. This investment will bolster its capacity to directly supply ambient and chilled products to a growing portfolio of shops.
Tritax Symmetry is also seeking planning permission for an additional 100,000 sq ft to enable Greggs to expand the site further. The centre will be a key part of Symmetry Park, Kettering, which extends to 136 acres in total and benefits from outline planning permission for 2,310,000 sq ft of logistics floor space overall.
Subject to planning, Greggs expects its National Distribution Centre on Symmetry Park, Kettering, to be operational in the first half of 2027.
Tritax Symmetry is being represented by BNP, Cushman and Wakefield, and DTRE. Wright Silverwood is representing Greggs.
Gateley has hailed a “good financial performance” in its audited results for the year ended30 April 2024 (FY24), as the professional services group extends its unbroken record of revenue growth since IPO in 2015.
The business increased revenue by 6% to £172.5m, while delivering an underlying profit before tax of £23m (slipping from £25.1m in the previous year) after reinstating the payment of employee bonuses of £4.5m.
Gateley said this was “in recognition of our people’s contribution to a resilient outturn and our more positive outlook as we move into FY25.”
During the year, the company continued execution of its M&A strategy with the July 2023 acquisition of Richard Julian and Associates Limited (RJA).
Rod Waldie, CEO of Gateley, said: “I am pleased with our FY24 outturn given our cautious view of market conditions during the Period, particularly around the turn of the calendar year in H2. Our people have worked hard to deliver another year of growth via our increasingly diverse and resilient business model, combining complementary legal and consultancy services.
“During the Period we continued to make organic and acquisitive investments in both our legal and consultancy services and in related systems. RJA Consultants was acquired onto our Property Platform in July 2023, adding further expertise and capacity to our quantity surveying and project management offering. It is already performing ahead of the board’s expectation.
“Our legal services class actions team, established in May 2023, launched its first case in late February 2024. Our investment in this team is a high-profile example of the type of investment that we are looking to make to enhance our returns over the medium to longer-term.
“Our M&A and lateral hire pipeline remains encouraging and we are committed to further enhancing each of our Platforms as suitable opportunities arise, aided by our net cash position and ample headroom in our banking facilities.
“Looking forward, we are encouraged by strengthening transactional activity levels, which began in Q4 FY24. Our immediate outlook is best characterised as cautiously optimistic. Our resilient and financially robust foundation, allied to our unbroken track-record of growth, underpins our confidence to continue our long-term strategy of investment in people and systems.
“This strategy has worked well for us since IPO in 2015 and through disciplined application of it, we ensure that the Group remains well-positioned for further growth and enhanced returns for all stakeholders.”
Plans for two new solar projects are set to go ahead in Lincolnshire, despite local opposition.
The Gate Burton Energy Park application and Mallard Pass Solar Project application have been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Low Carbon is behind the proposals for Gate Burton Energy Park, on land near Gate Burton. Once built, the 500 MW project will provide enough solar capacity to power approximately 160,000 homes with clean, secure electricity. The project will also deliver more than 350 jobs per annum during peak construction.
Welcoming the decision Mike Rutgers, Managing Director of UK Development at Low Carbon, said: “We are delighted that the new Secretary of State has granted consent on the Gate Burton Energy Park, allowing us to progress to the construction phase of the project and reaffirming our position as the market leader for UK solar.
“As Gate Burton progresses, we look forward to continuing to engage closely with local residents, business owners and other key stakeholders to ensure we deliver this project responsibly.”
Mallard Pass Solar Farm is proposed to be located on agricultural land either side of the East Coast Main Line near Essendine, partly situated in South Kesteven, Lincolnshire, and partly in Rutland. Mallard Pass is expected to generate in the region of 350 MW of renewable energy, enough to power the equivalent of 92,000 UK households.
Two senior county councillors have reacted negatively to the news that the new Secretary of State has granted permission for the two solar farms.
Councillor Colin Davie, the county council’s executive councillor for economy and environment, said: “The news that proposals for giant industrial solar parks for both Mallard’s Pass and Gate Burton have been approved is deeply disappointing for all those who will have to live with these huge developments on their doorstep.
“I have repeatedly said that these enormous infrastructure projects should not be dumped in our county, and ruin the quality of life of our residents. Our agricultural land should be protected and it plays a key role in our nation’s food security. But these pleas are not being heard by the Labour government now in charge of environmental policy.”
Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Cllr Martin Hill, added: “Be in no doubt that these are huge-scale developments that will change our county landscapes dramatically. Both proposals are expected to cover around 2000 acres each.
“The speed with which these decisions have been taken shows that this government is not prepared to listen to communities, local councils and all those fighting for our countryside. The sheer volume of paperwork associated with these proposals means that in no way could these be seen as carefully considered decisions.”
An eel protection business based at Boston in Lincolnshire has been closed down after investigations by the Insolvency Service revealed two cases of government loan misconduct.
The Eel Screen Company Ltd, based on Dolphin Road in Boston, was wound up at the High Court in Manchester. The company provided inaccurate and inconsistent information when it applied for a £50,000 Bounce Back Loan in 2020 and a £225,000 Recovery Loan Scheme payment in 2022.
David Hope, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: “Our investigations revealed concerns that The Eel Screen Company was being used as a vehicle to fraudulently obtain significant, government-backed loans during the pandemic.
“Bounce Back Loans in particular were made available for trading businesses adversely affected by Covid and were issued based on what should have been accurate financial statements.
“The Insolvency Service will not hesitate to apply to have companies wound-up in the public interest in such cases.”
Insolvency Service investigations into The Eel Screen Company began in August 2023. One of the former directors of the company told investigators that the business was involved in the installation of screens to protect eels in rivers.
A second director of The Eel Screen Company said it had since moved into drainage and most recently the construction business.
The Eel Screen Company obtained a £50,000 Covid Bounce Back Loan in May 2020, claiming an annual turnover of £320,000 for 2019.
Analysis of the company’s bank account showed a turnover of just over £49,000 for that year, with no loan repayments made despite this being a condition of the scheme.
The Eel Screen Company followed this misconduct up with a £225,000 application in January 2022 under the Recovery Loan Scheme, which supports SMEs to access the finance they need to grow and invest.
Insolvency Service investigators found inconsistencies in the accounts and VAT returns submitted as part of the application as well as bank statements that appeared not to be genuine.
Of the £225,000 The Eel Screen Company received, £148,000 was withdrawn as cash. The company made one repayment under the loan agreement to date, with £213,750 plus £30,726 in interest outstanding.
Current and former directors of The Eel Screen Company also failed to produce accounting records on request to the Insolvency Service. The Official Receiver has been appointed as liquidator of the company.
Plans to continue the development of Airfield Business Park in Market Harborough have been approved.
Leicestershire County Council’s Airfield Business Park, located next to the roundabout on the B6047 Harborough Road, has been fully let out to businesses since the first companies moved in during December 2019.
The next phase of the development will boost the local economy as well as generate income for the authority.
An application for 11 business units and two drive-thru food & drink units was approved by Leicestershire County Council’s Development control and regulatory board at their most recent meeting on Thursday (11 July).
As with the other phases of Airfield Business Park, commercial units range in size to cater for a variety of business needs.
Four businesses have already expressed their interest in occupying the units, including a Costa Coffee at one of the drive-thru units and three of the commercial units.
One of the commercial units is set to be leased to Bramble Foods, a fine foods manufacturer and distributor employing more than 150 people in Market Harborough. They currently lease a unit on Airfield Business Park and will take occupation at a 67,000 sq ft unit to expand their growing business.
The county council-led development will continue to be built with sustainability in mind, with this phase of the development featuring sustainable construction methods such as the use of solar panels, electric car charging points, insulation and the use of best practice construction methods.
Councillor Lee Breckon, cabinet member for corporate resources, said: “Airfield Park has been an incredibly successful development already and we’re excited to move onto our third and final phase.
“Based on the interest we’ve already had we know more businesses are ready to make the move to Airfield Business Park and into Market Harborough, which will continue to bring benefits to the local economy and local jobs.”
Upperton Pharma Solutions, a contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has announced the successful completion of a Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) inspection at its newly commissioned 50,000 sq ft development and GMP manufacturing facility in Nottingham.
This milestone inspection, conducted by the UK Government’s regulatory authority, marks a significant achievement for Upperton Pharma Solutions following the completion of the build, commissioning, validation and approval of the facility in just 18 months.
With the successful MHRA inspection approval, Upperton Pharma Solutions has further enhanced its offering, supporting the development of oral, nasal, and pulmonary drug products underpinned by the capability to provide Phase I, II, and III clinical supplies.
Nikki Whitfield, CEO of Upperton Pharma Solutions, said: “We are absolutely delighted to achieve this milestone.
“We have been conducting manufacturing scale-up activities since the start of the year following the installation of the larger-scale solid oral dosage form process trains and this gives the green light for our GMP facility to support clients right through to late-phase clinical manufacture and product registration.”
The successful MHRA inspection enables Upperton Pharma Solutions to transition from research and development (R&D) to GMP manufacturing and commercialisation on one site, following recent investment in large-scale process equipment including a Gerteis Mini-Pactor ®, GEA Post Hoist Blender, O’Hara M50 Tablet Coating System and a ZANASI 40 Capsule Filler.
Paul Kelsall, Director of Clinical Manufacturing, said: “This is a dedication to the tremendous hard work our colleagues have put in to achieve the targets and aspirations of our business.
“We are looking forward to working with our clients and offering services from early-stage development through to late-stage clinical manufacture and Product Registration. These are exciting times for Upperton as we continue to move forward and expand our capabilities.”
Specialist land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie has negotiated the sale of land on Cossington Lane in Rothley for development as an affordable housing scheme.
Mather Jamie were instructed by a private landowner to seek developer interest in a consented development site in Rothley which had been successfully self-promoted by the landowner who obtained Outline Planning Permission for 40 dwellings.
The land has been purchased by housing provider Longhurst Group, which owns and manages more than 24,000 homes across the Midlands and East of England.
Marcus Keys, Executive Director of Growth, Development and Assets at Longhurst Group, said: “We’re committed to providing the homes people want, where they’re needed most and so this opportunity to build much-needed affordable housing in this part of Leicestershire is an exciting one for the Group.
“We’ve been working closely with our partners to make this deal happen and develop our reserved matters planning application.
“I’m looking forward to the next stage of this process and seeing our plans become a reality as we enable more local people to take their first step onto the property ladder.”
The land sale was facilitated through MyPad, an established residential developer based in Beeston, which specialises in land, design, and build packages, partnering with Registered Providers. MyPad will be delivering the site as main contractor with construction expected to start in July 2025 with the first units ready for occupancy by January 2026.
John Turner, Land and Partnerships Director at MyPad, said: “We are thrilled to have secured the delivery of this new development. The opportunity aligns with the growth ambitions of our business and our commitment to addressing the acute need for affordable housing in the area.
“We extend our gratitude to Mather Jamie, the landowner’s agent, and Longhurst, our Registered Provider Partner, for their professionalism and pragmatic approach throughout the negotiations.
“We intend to build on our positive early engagement with Charnwood Borough Council to ensure our proposals address specific affordable housing need and make a positive impact on the local community.”
Brackley Property Developments (BPD) has completed construction of a new £16.5 million low carbon innovation hub in Leicester, on behalf of Leicester City Council.
The Dock extension project has created three new buildings which deliver c.65,000 sq ft of purpose-built accommodation for hi-tech industries in an area of Space City formerly known as Pioneer Park, within Leicester’s Science and Innovation Enterprise Zone.
Known as Docks, 3, 4 and 5, the new buildings include two new offices that cater for up to 45 businesses across c.43,000 sq ft. A terrace of nine manufacturing units provides more than 21,500 sq ft for innovative start-ups and established businesses seeking grow-on space.
The new buildings are net carbon zero in operation and require no gas heating. They house a range of environmentally sustainable features, such as low energy LED lighting, roof-mounted photovoltaic panels on the offices, air source heat pumps, and super-thick insulation. Externally there is cycle storage and 12 electric vehicle charging points in a new parking area.
The Dock extension has been designed to complement the look and feel of the original Dock workspace buildings and is part of Space City Leicester, one of the largest Enterprise Zones for space-related activities in the UK.
Stephen Pedrick-Moyle, Managing Director of BPD, said: “We are very pleased to have delivered the expansion of the successful Dock managed workspace development for Leicester City Council.
“These three new energy efficient units deliver purpose-built space for exciting new businesses in a range of sectors. Extending the Dock innovation hub will undoubtedly support the attraction and retention of local talent and hi-tech entrepreneurs, ensuring Leicester continues to be a hub for research, production and manufacture in the space industry.”
Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “It’s fantastic to see the next chapter of our innovative workspace development for hi-tech businesses take shape.
“Space City Leicester is helping to put our city firmly on the map for research, production and manufacture in the space industry.
“We’re proud to contribute to that momentum by further expanding our Dock innovation hub with three new, low carbon buildings which will help meet demand from businesses keen to locate here from the UK and overseas. The new buildings will also provide valuable grow-on space and much-needed manufacturing facilities for our local talent and high-tech entrepreneurs.
“The new buildings are looking fantastic and I’m particularly pleased that we have been able to work with locally-based Brackley Property Developments as our development partner on this ambitious project.”
The development was supported by £12 million from the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund, with the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership providing £3.5 million from Enterprise Zone retained business rates.
Watling Real Estate has been appointed to sell a prominent, mixed-use, city centre investment in Nottingham.
Ben Holyhead and Toby O’Sullivan of Watling are seeking offers in excess of £2.3 million for Huntingdon House at 278-290 Huntingdon Street, Nottingham.
The 16,256 sq ft is currently 69% occupied, producing gross annual rental of £297,886, but the agents stress that the site has potential for change of use and redevelopment, subject to planning.
Huntingdon House is held long leasehold, on a 125 year lease from August 1977 at a peppercorn rent, however, the freehold is owned by Nottingham City Council which is understood to be open to discussions on the sale of the freehold.
The property comprises a three storey building, providing multi-let retail space and serviced office accommodation, with covered car parking with 14 spaces to the rear. This includes four self-contained shops at ground level, each overlooking Huntingdon Street with return frontages on to Rick Street and Kent Street.
The first and second floors provide a mix of open plan and cellular office accommodation, currently operated as a serviced business centre.
Ben Holyhead, associate in Watling Real Estate’s Birmingham office, said: “The immediate area comprises mixed-use property, but high demand for student and residential accommodation within Nottingham city centre is driving change of use development.
“Huntingdon House offers various asset management opportunities, via rental uplift, refurbishment or redevelopment, or potentially change of use to student, residential or co-living accommodation, subject to planning permission.”
Nottingham broadcasting legend Mark Dennison has been appointed Patron of local charity Forever Stars, which is dedicated to providing support for families affected by baby loss and miscarriage.
Well-known for his mid-morning slot on BBC Radio Nottingham, as the matchday host and stadium announcer at Nottingham Forest, Notts TV presenter, and compere of Forever Stars’ fundraising Charity Black Tie Balls, Mark’s long association with the charity began soon after Richard and Michelle Daniels set-up Forever Stars 10 years ago following the stillbirth of their daughter, Emily.
“To become Patron of Forever Stars is a real honour,” says Mark. “I am absolutely delighted.”
Recounting when Richard Daniels asked him to become the charity’s Patron, Mark explains: “It was a very special moment. My wife and I joined the Forever Stars’ annual picnic at the Serenity Garden at Nottingham’s Highfield Park Nottingham, which the charity officially opened in July 2021.
“This is such a special place for so many people, especially for my wife and I, who often visit the Serenity Garden to reflect and remember our son Niall, who we lost shortly after he was born in November 1999.
“I was completely taken aback when Richard asked me that day to become the charity’s Patron. I am honestly so honoured and thrilled to take on this role, especially given my long connection with the charity, which began when I first interviewed Richard and Michelle for BBC Radio Nottingham shortly after they created Forever Stars.
“I am excited to continue highlighting the charity’s incredible, important, and valuable work, and as Patron, to play an even greater role in building on and developing its efforts. For now, I am helping Richard and the team to drive forward the plans and goals for specific projects both this year and those in the not-too-distant future, in particular the ‘Supporting 1 in 4 for 2024’.
“This flagship fundraising campaign for the charity’s 10th anniversary year aims to raise £50,000 to renovate and improve Ward A23’s clinical and non-clinical areas at Queen’s Medical Centre Nottingham.”
Richard adds: “I am absolutely thrilled that Mark has agreed to become the charity’s Patron. He has been an unwavering and dedicated supporter of Forever Stars pretty much from day one. His support has always been and continues to be invaluable, and we have become great friends over the last ten years.
“We owe so much to our Patrons and army of dedicated volunteers and trustees, who work tirelessly behind the scenes and give so much time to the charity every single month.”
Forever Stars’ next fundraising event is a skydiving challenge on 26 July. Levi Bradley, Callum Tighe and Omar Baird of Levi’s Barbers in Beeston, Ben Wright of Skinvasion in Toton, and Ella Peck, Joab Bryan and Abi Hallam, take to the skies in aid of the 1 in 4 Campaign. To date, donations exceed £1,000. To donate, visit their JustGiving page: JustGiving – Levi Barbers Skydive
Mark Dennison is a radio presenter and events host with over 30 years’ experience. He first came to Nottingham in the late 1980s to study humanities at Nottingham Trent. He then worked voluntarily for Nottingham Hospitals Radio, before working at Trent FM in the early 1990s, and joined the BBC in 2010.
During his time with the BBC, he hosted a broadcast while on a week-long trip along the Trent and canals by boat, and live from Sarajevo to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Torvil and Dean’s Olympic triumph.
Forever Stars is a charity dedicated to supporting families living in Nottingham and the wider East Midlands who have suffered a stillbirth or infant loss. Michelle and Richard Daniels created and founded Forever Stars in May 2014 following the stillbirth of their daughter Emily on 19 December 2013.
Forever Stars’ mission is to promote and protect the health of parents affected by stillbirth or other perinatal or neonatal death of their child or children, and in particular, to relieve suffering and emotional distress amongst such parents.
A dedicated team of volunteers runs the charity, and fundraises and campaigns to improve the bereavement care for parents, families and their loved ones. Forever Stars was officially given charity status by the Charity Commission in England (reg no. 1156990) on 9 May 2014.
Derbyshire accountancy and tax specialists Shorts has acquired South Yorkshire accountancy firm Hewson & Howson in a deal which sees all of the Hewson & Howson employees join the Shorts team.
Formed by Ian Hewson and Andrew Howson in 1995, Hewson & Howson built a respected reputation throughout its 30-year history, specialising in providing a partner led service to owner managed businesses. Driven by the decision for both Ian Hewson and Andrew Howson to retire, transferring the business to an accounting firm with a similar culture and service ethic was a key priority for both outgoing partners.
Andy Irvine, Managing Partner at Shorts, said: “Hewson & Howson have a long-standing reputation for providing their clients with high quality tax and accountancy service and we are delighted to now welcome their team and clients to Shorts. Their approach of providing a fully supportive and personal service, and building long standing relationships with their clients is very much in line with the culture here at Shorts and we are looking forward to working with their clients and team over the years to come. Our very best wishes go with Ian and Andrew for a long and happy retirement.”
Ian Hewson added: “When Andrew and I considered retirement and selling the practice, finding the right firm, with the perfect synergy for our clients and team was very important in that decision. Having built a business with a solid reputation, it was important to us that our clients would continue to be looked after with the same attention and support, following the transfer. We firmly believe that the culture at Shorts aligns with our own and we are confident that we leave our clients in the very safest of hands at Shorts going forward.”
With nominations OPEN for Business Link’s annual East Midlands Bricks Awards, it is time to applaud businesses, teams 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.
Take this opportunity to showcase 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 an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region.
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.
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
Guests network at the East Midlands Bricks AwardsTickets 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.
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Melton Borough Council has launched the next tranche of funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) for local businesses.
The council have announced that £170,000 is available for capital projects, with two categories of grants available: Pre-Start/Startup Businesses and Supporting Business Growth.
Businesses can apply for amounts of £2,000-£10,000, which depending on their project may need to be supported by a Business Plan for pre-startups, and a Business Case (if applying for over £7,500).
Leader of the Council, Cllr Pip Allnatt said: “I am pleased that once again the award of grants will be by a panel with independent and impartial assessment of all applications. We want to ensure that taxpayers’ money is used fairly.
“Our Council is not a big ‘mover and shaker’ in the world of private enterprise, but it is important we do our bit to support local initiative and business enterprise. In the long run, thriving small businesses benefits everyone.”
The application window for this tranche of business grants opened on 12 July 2024 and closes at midnight on 09 August 2024.
During the past financial year, the council had a total fund of £152,806.60 allocated for capital business grants from the UKSPF and REPF. They received a total of 65 applications, a clear indication of the high demand for financial support among local businesses, of these 13 businesses were successful.
Businesses that were unsuccessful in the initial funding round, as well as others seeking grants and support, were offered free assistance from the Leicestershire Business Advice Service. They were also encouraged to participate in workshops aimed at enhancing their applications for the upcoming round.
Between May and July, four workshops were held to guide potential applicants on the grant application process and the necessary information and evidence for a successful submission.
After more than a year of works, Ashfield District Council’s Moor Market in Kirkby is now home to a new Banking Hub.
Kirkby in Ashfield is set to experience a significant boost to its banking services following the opening of the new Banking Hub, bringing vital services to residents and businesses alike.
This comes as part of a national initiative that will see 66 new hubs established across the UK, aimed at revitalising banking accessibility in communities.
Ashfield District Council is hosting the new Banking Hub, located on the Lowmoor Road pedestrianised section of the High Street next to Moor Market Café.
Customers of multiple banks can now deposit and withdraw money, get face-to-face assistance, and carry out regular banking transactions.
Additionally, the hub features one private room for one-on-one discussions, ensuring a personalised banking experience.
The move follows the closure of three bank branches in the town centre over the past few years, culminating in the loss of Lloyds in February 2022.
The Banking Hub is operated by Cash Access UK and represents a collaborative effort to restore essential banking services to communities like Kirkby.
By reducing the need to travel out of town for banking needs, the hub will significantly enhance the convenience and financial wellbeing of the local population.
Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Regeneration and Planning, expressed his enthusiasm. He said: “We know that so many residents and businesses have struggled with the lack of face-to-face banking in Kirkby since the banks closed and so we have been working hard to bring a banking hub here. This will make a huge difference to people’s lives.”
Cllr Andy Meakin, ward councillor, added: “We are over the moon to have secured this vital service and after months of incredibly hard work, we are really excited to see it opening.
“This is a vital part of our plans to regenerate the town centre.”
Reform in skills, planning and business rates are among asks from East Midlands Chamber, ahead of the King’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament on 17th July.
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “As the King reads out the bills the government proposes to make law, it’s vitally important this new government listens to the needs of the East Midlands business community.
“The East Midlands has immense potential but has been continually overlooked when it comes to investment from the centre and getting the region where it needs to be to enable growth.
“Enhancing infrastructure, rolling out high speed broadband and upgrading connectivity of the rail network are all essential components for East Midlands sustainable growth. Our labour market would be boosted with skills reform, while tax and regulation are barriers to business growth that need to be addressed.
“The ingredients for success in the East Midlands are already set out in the Manifesto for Growth launched in Westminster earlier this year. We ask the new government to engage with us so we can get the asks of the Manifesto implemented.”
Summary of asks in East Midlands Chamber’s Manifesto for Growth
Business rates: Full review of the system
Tax and regulation: Simplify the R&D tax credits system
Skills: Incentives for businesses that invest in staff training
Infrastructure: Speed up full-fibre Broadband rollout
Planning: Let the private sector plug gaps on council staffing
Transport: Electrification of the Midland Main Line, Reinstatement of Coventry and Leicester direct rail
Ashfield District Council (ADC) together with the Ashfield Arts Partnership has launched Ashfield Creates, a three-year transformational programme to inspire and sustain the cultural and creative fabric of Ashfield. The programme is supported by Arts Council England, who have awarded £1 million through their Place Partnership programme, which uses money from the National Lottery.
Ashfield is an area that Arts Council England has identified as having great potential but, where historically, investment and engagement has been too low. Arts Council has been working closely with leaders and cultural organisations in the district to encourage regeneration and growth through greater investment and access to creative and cultural activities. The programme will work to increase arts engagement and cultivate an environment where Ashfield can realise its creative potential dramatically and sustainably.
Ashfield Creates will activate the towns and neighbourhoods of Ashfield with creative activities, events and experiences through establishing ‘Local Creative Hubs’ in Hucknall, Kirkby and Sutton with a fourth hub travelling across Ashfield’s villages. The programme aims to engage over 160,000 live audience members, over 14,000 participants, 250 volunteers and over 500 creative practitioners.
Ashfield Creates will be led by the residents of Ashfield, working with local engagement producers to plan regular participatory activities across dance, art, music and craft. The programme will include weekly local events and performances, and a yearly community arts festival, as well as large-scale events and festivals working with national and international artists.
The initial three-years of the programme are part of a larger 10-year arts, cultural and creative strategy for Ashfield, commissioned by Ashfield District Council and Ashfield Arts Partnership. The aim of the programme is to galvanise the arts sector, creative practitioners and community organisations to become a strong and sustainable arts and culture sector that will thrive in Ashfield for many years to come.
Across the summer the Ashfield Arts Partnership will be talking to people at local events to find out what they want to see and do and to help shape the programme of events and activities which are due to start in the Autumn.
Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, says: “I am absolutely thrilled that the incredibly strong partnership working we have in Ashfield has led to us securing this investment. It’s fantastic that the Arts Council is entrusting us with such a large grant to achieve truly transformational change. Investment into the arts is something that I am very passionate about and I believe it will set us on our way to everyone being able to experience arts on their doorstep.”
Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said: “We’re delighted to invest £1 million into Ashfield through our Place Partnership programme, with funding from the National Lottery.
“We’ve been working closely with local leaders and cultural organisations to improve investment and access to culture and creativity in the district. We know the positive impact that cultural investment has on places, such as regeneration, growth, employment and happiness, so we’re delighted that local people will have more opportunities to experience, connect and take part in creative and cultural activities where they live.”
Edward Boott, Artistic Director & CEO of Nonsuch Studios who coordinated the bid efforts and member of Ashfield Arts Partnership says: “This is an incredible achievement by the people and communities of Ashfield. With over 200 community members and 25 local organisations coming together to help shape what Ashfield Creates will be, we created a truly transformational, community-led proposal to Arts Council England which the whole of Ashfield Arts Partnership can’t wait to put into action over the next three years. We can’t wait to see what we can create together!”
Playwright and screenwriter James Graham says: “As an Ashfield born-and-bred writer I can’t begin to express my delight that the area is to receive this cultural boost. We all know it is not a level playing field when it comes to accessing the arts, but I know from experience the talent in these towns and villages that is waiting to be supported, and the appetite that potential audiences have for engaging as a community with work that can bring people together. Congratulations to the dedicated team who brought this project to life, I can’t wait to see the work begin.”
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