With the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 set to take place next week (Thursday 3rd October), there’s not long left to secure your seat at the prestigious event. The awards recognise and celebrate those behind the changing landscape of our region – the very best companies, teams, individuals and projects – showcasing the exceptional work carried out across the East Midlands over the past 12 months. They also present a prime opportunity to network with property and construction professionals from across the East Midlands over nibbles and complementary drinks. Attend the glittering awards ceremony at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground to see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agents of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.

Tickets can be booked here.

The event, which will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, will also feature Paul Southby as keynote speaker. Paul is a partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema in Nottingham’s Lace Market, and a longstanding trustee of environmental charity Clean Rivers Trust. He is chair of Nottingham Partners, a group of businesses that supports the work of the local inward investment agency, Invest in Nottingham, and a board member and past chair of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Limited. Paul is also a former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire (2022/23).  

Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024

Architects of the Year – sponsored by Mather Jamie IMA Architects Design Haus Architecture Matthew Montague Architects   Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by Global HSE Group Brackley Property Developments – The Dock Extension, Leicester Pick Everard – Nottingham Central Library G F Tomlinson – The Air and Space Institute, Newark   Contractor of the Year – sponsored by EMEC Ecology Cawarden Clegg Construction Winvic   Deal of the Year – sponsored by Tutum Consulting heb Surveyors – The Oaks, Mansfield FI Real Estate Management – The Quad, Chesterfield Freeths – Former Boots factory site, Beeston   Developer of the Year – sponsored by IMA Architects Vistry Group East Midlands Indurent Wavensmere Homes   Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden G F Tomlinson – The Air and Space Institute, Newark Design Haus – Musters Road Distinctive Developments – Woodwell and Meadow Barn   Most Active Agent – sponsored by Roy Geddes Bricks Rigby & Co FHP Property Consultants Salloway Property Consultants   Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Devello Distinctive Developments – Woodwell and Meadow Barn Phoenix Brickwork UK LTD – IQ Nelson Court Chevin Homes – Chevin Close   Responsible Business – sponsored by Press for Attention PR Stepnell Ltd Cawarden Cora   Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services Ltd CPMG – Sir Peter Rubin Centre for Veterinary Education Henry Brothers Construction Ltd – Alfreton Park School Keepmoat – Gedling Green   The Overall Winner, sponsored by Blueprint Interiors, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000.     East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 When: Thursday 3rd October 2024, 4:30pm – 7:30pm Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground Keynote speaker: Paul Southby, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire Dress code: Standard business attire Tickets: Available at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-midlands-bricks-awards-2024-tickets-902294566337?aff=oddtdtcreator Thanks to our sponsors:      

       

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Visitor spend across Blaby District has smashed the target set by the Council in its bid to make the area one of Leicestershire’s leading, most welcoming and sustainable tourism destinations. In Blaby District Council’s current Tourism Growth Plan one aim was to increase the value of tourism by £50 million on 2016’s baseline level of £159 million. Latest figures for 2023 show this target has easily been surpassed with visitor spend at an impressive £217 million. The growth in tourism spend is proving to be a springboard for wider economic prosperity across the District. Spend on accommodation, recreation and food and drink have seen the biggest rises. There has also been a significant increase in employment numbers despite difficulties faced by the sector. The other two main aims in the Tourism Growth Plan are to, by 2025, increase the number of visitors by 1.3 million – to 4.6 million and increase the number of tourism jobs by 40% to 2,770. As of the end of 2023 visitor figures were at 3.04 million and there were 2,508 jobs. As the existing Growth Plan ends the Council has started planning for 2025-2030. This includes a review of progress to date and consultation within the Council, the Tourism Partnership and key stakeholders, ready to launch in the new plan next year. Councillor Cheryl Cashmore, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Health, Leisure, Climate and Economic Development, said: “We are delighted with the progress being made, especially since the latest data shows a strong recovery post-Covid in all areas. In particular it’s fantastic to see the growth in the value of tourism, surpassing our ambitious target already. “Our Tourism Growth Plan plays a vital role in moving forward the over-riding Blaby District Plan 2024-2028. It helps achieve our vision for Blaby District to be a great place to visit. It is also key to our priorities for ‘growing and supporting our economy’ and ‘keeping you safe and healthy’, by increasing visitor numbers, spend and employment in the District. “It will also play a pivotal role in the Active Travel Strategy, Community, Health and Well-being Plan and the Economic Development Framework, making Blaby District a welcoming and sustainable tourism destination for residents and visitors.”

The man leading the Greater Lincolnshire LEP has announced his support for the devolution deal for Greater Lincolnshire. Professor Neal Juster said: “The deal will move decision making and funding from Westminster to Greater Lincolnshire, which can only be a good thing for our economy. “In the long term it will bring around £4bn of extra funding to Greater Lincolnshire and, just as importantly, it will give our area a stronger voice and better access to the levers that drive our economy such as transport, jobs, housing and skills. This should lead to improved outcomes and greater prosperity for us all. “It will bring about new investments in infrastructure and skills to turbocharge business growth, tackle low productivity, protect our environment and unlock high-quality housing. “The extensive consultation carried out showed that most businesses support devolution, recognising that it has the potential to bring more power, more money and more say over public sector funding. It is essential that we retain a strong Lincolnshire business voice at the heart of the devolution deal. “We look forward to working with the government and closely with partners to put the new arrangements in place.”

Lovedays Solicitors has become the latest to join Oberoi Business Hub’s expanding law firm client portfolio. The growing firm has offices in Matlock, Bakewell, Wirksworth and, more recently, with Brooke-Taylors in Buxton and has appointed Oberoi Business Hub to handle their busy call handling function. The Pride Park-based Oberoi call handling team are ensuring that all incoming calls are answered quickly and professionally. Their service includes 24/7 and online live chat support as well as regular management reports to monitor the nature of incoming calls and the response efficiency. Lovedays Solicitors’ Managing Director Richard Roberts explained: “As a firm we pride ourselves on face to face personal service and decided to outsource call handling some time ago to enable our reception teams to focus on clients coming into the offices rather than their attention being diverted elsewhere. “Keen to use a local firm, we recently moved this important function from a national provider to Oberoi Business Hub where we now receive a far superior quality and more cost-effective service. “Investment in marketing is pointless if you cannot maintain consistently high levels of customer service, including ensuring that every call is answered quickly and efficiency. “Having a dedicated call handling service provided by a professionally-trained team is therefore vital in this day and age and the move to Oberoi Business Hub has been seamless with results proved from day one.” Oberoi Business Hub manager Jodie Brady continued: “Whatever our clients’ requirements, our call handling services are designed to be cost effective and flexible. “Our highly-trained team essentially become part of the customer’s in-house team. They ensure client communications are handling efficiently and professionally – creating the right first impression on behalf of our customers and relieving the pressure on individuals to be able to concentrate on their workload without interruption.” Founder and Managing Director Kavita Oberoi OBE concluded: “Lovedays Solicitors are very clear about the service they require and we were able to prove how our structured and professional approach stands up to stringent monitoring and evaluation. “We have many years’ experience working with law firms both through our serviced office network and with back-office services including call handling and are delighted to welcome Lovedays to the growing Oberoi Business Hub community.”

Business psychologist and executive coach Penny Strutton has rebranded with a focus squarely back on putting people first. Strutton, who founded Think Forward Consulting 13 years ago, will now once again operate under her own name, with the Think Forward brand becoming the mechanism of delivery and training. Penny’s “Think Forward” approach is built on creating lasting behavioral change in organisations by focusing on people—helping them unlock their potential, collaborate effectively and lead with confidence in today’s fast-paced work environment. To support this strategic shift, Penny has partnered with Press for Attention PR, led by former journalist and thought leadership expert Greg Simpson, who are also sponsors at Business Link’s East Midlands Bricks Awards. Together, they will work to amplify Penny’s message, highlighting her unique approach to leadership development, career growth, and organisational transformation in a rapidly evolving work environment. “People love to make marketing complicated but at the end of the day, people buy from people,” explains Simpson. “Penny is quite rightly honing in on and developing her personal brand by placing her name and vibrant personality front and center. “In a world that is more and more driven by Ai and the digital experience, it is crucial for experts like Penny to embrace their unique character as much as market their skillset. Think Forward will remain the cornerstone of Penny’s coaching and leadership development methodology but Penny herself will lead with a renewed focus on human-driven results.” “In today’s landscape, where AI is automating many tasks, people want to work with real people, not faceless brands,” said Penny Strutton. “My work has always been about helping individuals and teams thrive and by bringing my personal brand to the forefront, I’m better able to connect with clients who value that human touch. Think Forward remains the core methodology I use to deliver results but this partnership with Greg will ensure that personal touch and human message is heard clearly.”

Derby City Centre has welcomed over thirty new businesses since May, according to the latest report from the city’s two Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). New cafés, bars and restaurants and a range of other independent shops are now trading within the Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District (BID) and the St Peters Quarter Business Improvement District (BID) areas. Brad Worley, BID Manager for Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter, said: “We are delighted to announce this news, and we want to celebrate the fact that Derby has welcomed so many new businesses trading in the city. “Since May, more than 30 businesses have set up and we would like to officially welcome these entrepreneurs our two BID areas. We are also working with a handful of other businesses who are preparing to open before the end of the year. “We still have empty units in and around Derby, but the findings from our new report are hugely positive. Like every other city across the UK, there are challenges when it comes to city centre trading, but we are determined to strengthen the quality of our city centre streets. “The fact that we have seen such a large number of businesses open in Derby in recent months – and more are coming in the next few weeks, is testament to the fact that Derby has a lot to offer.” Derby mum, Anum Zafar, is currently gearing up to open a new cafe on The Strand in Derby. She is bringing her artisan bakery, Glamberry, to the city after trading from an industrial estate on Mansfield Road. She said: “I started Glamberry four years ago as a hobby and after a year of running the business out of my parents’ kitchen, I expanded to a commercial unit in Derby. “I’ve worked tirelessly for the past few years to achieve my dream of opening my own café. I am unbelievably excited and proud that I’ve been able to get such a dream location for Glamberry. “The building is beautiful and when I’ve finished the renovations it’ll be the perfect café on The Strand. I’m hoping to create a welcoming environment for my customers to enjoy whilst indulging in coffee and cake!” Houseboat, a South Indian tapas-style restaurant, opened on St Peters Street in July and has been wowing diners with its Asian dishes. It specialises in food from Kerala, a region of South India, and the owners have transformed the building which was once home to the Swiss Cottage café. Manager, Johns Geo, said: “We are thrilled to be part of the vibrant Derby community. We are excited to bring our unique flavours and warm hospitality to the area and look forward to serving the wonderful people of Derby.” Farhan Mahmood also has a new shop in Derby after running his stall in the Eagle Market for 30 years. He now runs his business, BCS Electricals, on Albert Street, next door to Martin’s Fruit, who also relocated from the Eagle Market. He said: “I struggled to find a shop, but Martin’s Fruits was my neighbour in the market, and he helped me. We are now neighbours again and it is great.” For Yunis Alenzi it was an easy decision to open Shwarma Al-Sham on St Peters Street. He wanted to bring his Syrian-style of food to the city. The 24-year-old said: “I have been living in Derby for 14 years and had been looking for a shop to open. This one is perfect as it is not too big and not too small.”

Logistex have secured a significant automation contract with Yusen Logistics (UK) for their new 1.2 million square foot warehouse facility in Northampton. This Sustainable Distribution Centre (SDC), with a total capacity of 240,000 pallet locations, will serve as an automated shared user facility for both B2B and B2C operations, featuring two distinct chambers for Pharmaceutical and Ambient activities. Logistex’s scope includes an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) with Aisle Changing and Fixed Aisle cranes, an Automated 4-way Pallet Shuttle solution tailored for Pharmaceutical clients, and a further Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) Goods to Person solution servicing both Pharma and Ambient chambers. Logistex’s warehouse system, Reflex, will directly interface with all technologies and automation equipment providers, ensuring complete inventory and picking control. Justin Saw, Business Development Director at Logistex, said: “The team at Logistex have collaborated closely with Yusen Logistics (UK) throughout the tender process, establishing a strong partnership. With the freedom to integrate best-in-class technology to optimise the solution, this collaboration showcases Logistex’s capabilities as a systems integrator at the highest level.” Benjamin Bird, Business Development and Solutions Director at Yusen Logistics, said: “This project represents a strategic milestone in our commitment to delivering sustainable logistics services before 2030, giving our customers net zero warehousing solutions. “It will also empower Yusen Logistics to meet the future needs of our customers through shared user automation, able to deliver B2B & D2C operations. Alongside the Sustainable Distribution Centre’s proximity to the new rail terminal, it is ideally positioned to offer further carbon reduction incentives for our customers and create a full operation that has ESG at its heart.”

East Midlands Chamber has called for simplification of international import rules, following news the government have postponed checks on some fruit and vegetables entering the UK by six months. Physical checks on ‘medium risk’ items entering the UK from the European Union were due to be in place from 1st January but the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have announced the date is to be pushed back to 1st July 2025. East Midlands Chamber Director of Partnerships David Pearson said: “While deferring the date of so-called ‘medium risk’ fruit and veg border checks coming in will temporarily ease some of the burden on businesses already grappling with the reams of paperwork needed to trade internationally, importing goods remains a challenge. “There are costs associated with importing most goods to the UK and the time taken to fill in forms is a hindrance to businesses. “Reforming International Trade is one of the key asks of the Chamber’s Manifesto for Growth and for the East Midlands to thrive, it’s essential that the new government prioritise lifting the many barriers that complicate import and export. “With the upcoming Autumn Budget, the new government has an opportunity to support businesses that trade internationally, simplifying things like guidance on rules of origin and I urge them to seize those opportunities.”