As shortlisting for the highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 takes place, secure your tickets for the prestigious event.
Recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools – attend the Bricks on Thursday 3rd October at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground to celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while connecting with local decision makers.
With time for networking before and after the glittering awards ceremony revealing the winners of most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner, don’t miss this opportunity to forge new contacts and strengthen existing ones.
The overall winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, sponsored by Blueprint Interiors, will also be awarded a grand prize – a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000.
The event, which will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, will additionally 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).
Tickets can be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 here.
Complementary drinks and nibbles will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress.
East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024When: 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
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with property and construction professionals while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in the region.
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Plans to create a new Derby headquartered organisation that will manage rail infrastructure and train operations in the UK have moved a step closer.
Recently, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh launched a shadow version of Great British Railways – the public body that will oversee Britain’s railways.
The establishment of Shadow Great British Railways (Shadow GBR) is intended to pave the way for the full establishment of Great British Railways (GBR), which will require legislative approval.
In March last year, following a nationwide competition, the Government named Derby as the new headquarters for GBR in recognition of its world-leading position in the sector.
Louise said: “Establishing Shadow Great British Railways marks a significant step towards delivering a unified railway with passengers at its heart by bringing together track and train.
“This government will direct every penny into creating a stronger, more reliable rail network that works for everyone.
“This is about making the railways work for the people that use them – putting passengers first and driving up performance.”
The idea behind GBR is to bring together responsibility for both track and train into a single organisation, to make the railway simpler to use, more efficient to run and better for the country as a whole.
Earlier this year, the Government published its draft Rail Reform Bill – the legislation needed to create GBR.
The draft bill is now being scrutinised by Parliamentarians and industry.
Derby beat off competition from locations around the country, including Birmingham, Newcastle and York, to be selected as the home of GBR.
It followed a concerted campaign by the city called Destination Derby, which was backed by the public, businesses and politicians, not just from Derby and Derbyshire, but across the region.
A spokesperson for the Great British Railways Transition Team said: “The plan to create Shadow Great British Railways (SGBR) is a welcome step. The Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) will use its ‘one-railway’ capability and tools to help SGBR and its drive for better collaboration across the rail sector.
“The Prime Minister has been clear that an enlarged GBR headquarters in Derby will be at the heart of a ‘rail renaissance’. GBRTT will take advantage of what Derby has to offer today by continuing to work from its office there together with SGBR partners, ultimately helping to play its part in delivering benefits to customers ahead of broader structural changes under Great British Railways.”
On the back of attracting GBR, the city is now looking to establish a new campus devoted to companies and organisations involved in the sector.
Derby City Council and East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward, together with the Great British Railways Transition Team, will share the vision for Rail Campus Derby at a special conference, which is due to take place in the city in October.
It will explore opportunities for railway businesses and organisations from across the country to co-locate businesses or key personnel alongside the new headquarters for Great British Railways at the proposed campus.
Speakers from national rail organisations and key regional stakeholders will be supporting the conference, including John Forkin, Managing Director of Marketing Derby.
Specialist metals manufacturer Fablink Group has been acquired by Ensco 1 Limited, which will be known as Wharfside Industrials, and its subsidiaries, in a deal that secures more than 500 jobs.
The deal brings together seven pre-pack transactions following the appointment of Chris Pole and Ryan Grant from Interpath Advisory as Joint Administrators.
On Thursday 12 September 2024, the Joint Administrators were appointed to Fablink Limited (FL), Fablink Tank Systems Limited (FTSL), Streamline Panels and Assemblies Limited (SPAL), Fablink Group Holdings Limited (FGHL), Fablink Cab Systems Limited (FCSL), Fablink Group Holdings Limited (FGHL) and Fablink Toolspec Limited (FTL).
The business and assets of the companies were immediately sold on appointment to the new group.
The companies are part of the Fablink Group, a Northampton-based manufacturer specialising in the production of metal pressings, operator cab assemblies, fuel and hydraulic tanks and complex structures, as well as ‘clean build’ of vehicle assemblies. Together, the group trades across six sites in Wolverhampton, Evenwood, Luton, Durham, Brixworth and Northampton.
As a tier one supplier, Fablink has built a strong reputation in delivering comprehensive design and manufacturing solutions to some of the world’s largest OEMs within the automotive, truck, off-highway, power generation and material handling industries.
Over the last two years, however, the group has suffered from a number of adverse events which have cumulatively caused challenges to liquidity. This included delays in the receipt of grant funding to support its relocation to a new site in Wolverhampton and the insolvency of one of its customers, which caused a significant bad debt.
The directors sought to explore the options available to the group, including its sale, investment, refinance and restructuring options. All the group’s 521 employees have transferred to the purchaser as part of the transactions.
Chris Pole, Managing Director at Interpath and Joint Administrator, said: “Fablink has built a strong reputation over the years for its cutting-edge technology and innovative manufacturing processes, but had faced a number of challenges in recent times that threatened the long-term future of the business.
“This outcome secures the future of the Fablink Group and safeguards employment for over 500 staff. We wish the team all the best as it forges a new future.”
The region’s businesses joined academics and industry specialists to tackle barriers in achieving Net Zero at the East Midlands Sustainability Summit on 12th September.
Workshops, seminars and presentations unpicked hurdles faced by firms in their journey to become more sustainable at the event hosted by East Midlands Chamber, in partnership with the University of Derby, where the summit was held.
East Midlands Chamber President Stuart Dawkins opened the summit. He said afterwards: “To see so many businesses, of different types and sizes gathered at this summit was a welcome sight and really underlines just how seriously the East Midlands is taking its approach to sustainability. I get the feeling no one is under any pretence about the obstacles that can make mitigating against Climate Change daunting. How does a business prepare? Are they doing it the right way?
“Today’s summit shared best practice, saw research the Chamber has carried out with the University of Derby and workshops to help break down difficulties and find solutions. The East Midlands must, as I reiterated today, think hard about what it leaves for Generation Next-But-One – what we do now directly impacts the life they inherit. Businesses in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire really can be on the right side of history and get this right, but how we all get to that destination, when each business is structured differently, is a conversation that must never stop.”
East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “Getting East Midlands businesses together to overcome the challenges around becoming more sustainable is an important step toward achieving Net Zero, but we should remember that the summit was also an excellent opportunity to focus on the economic growth potential for businesses that get the strategy right.
“Keeping the momentum of the sustainability journey front and centre of all business operation is essential, as putting it on the back burner to just worry about another day isn’t an option.
“We heard from some fantastic speakers today and I extend my thanks to all of them – to our summit sponsors Auditel, Geo Green Power and our partner for this summit, the University of Derby.”
Research carried out by the Chamber and the University of Derby into Green Growth Trends – achieving economic growth without negatively impacting the environment – was shared by the university’s Associate Professor of Strategy and Sustainability Dr Polina Baralova. Findings included three quarters of large businesses reporting that they pursue Green Growth, while half of small businesses did.
Following the presentation, Dr Polina Baralova said: “My advice to businesses would be to think a little bit about how to grow sustainably, which we refer to as Green Growth. So, if you have a number of products and services that you trade on the market and they are having green credentials – as in they allow the general public, your customers or suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint and support an environmentally friendly agenda.
“At the same time, you also need to start thinking about your decarbonization initiatives and reducing carbon so those two elements go hand to hand. You can’t really have one without another.”
Auditel Carbon, Cost and Procurement Consultant Julie Adams explored the importance of ‘carbon maturity’ and how to approach Scope 3 emissions. Following the summit, Julie said: “Coming together like this at the summit has been invaluable, and the sessions that we’ve had have all built upon each other with the message that there is an imperative and an urgency to address sustainability that we all have to pull together to head.
“It’s not about having a carbon footprint or reduction plan. It’s how we build this into our lives personally and professionally into a company.”
Spenbeck Co-owner, Sustainability and Building Health Consultant Becky Valentine gave a presentation on overcoming barriers to climate engagement. She said afterwards: “This summit has been very much around ‘you’ve started your net zero journey, now how do we help you with the next steps?’ I think these questions are vital, bringing companies together with academics helps us on the next stage of all of our journeys. I think it it’s been a really vital day.”
Samworth Brothers Responsible Business Director Andy Wright, on the importance of having the right approach to sustainability, said: “Engaging is the key. People have to understand what it is they’re trying to deliver and make it available in a language that is understandable. So, if you’re dealing with procurement colleagues, it’s probably a different conversation than if you’re dealing with new product development colleagues or operational colleagues. There needs to be a message for everybody.”
Headline findings from Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands 2024 research
Three quarters of large businesses (75%) report they pursue Green Growth
Half of small businesses (50%) are pursuing Green Growth, while 39% of micro and 53% of medium-sized companies adopt the strategy
More than 45% of East Midlands businesses have invested in decarbonisation initiatives over the past 12 months, an increase of 6% on 2023
Seven out of ten large companies invest in decarbonisation
One in three businesses have never engaged in nature-based solutions over the last 12 months
Commercial interior design and fit out company APSS has created a stunning interior design for Lincolnshire charity Naomi’s Garden as part of a volunteer project bringing together construction and professional service companies across Lincolnshire.
Louth-based Naomi’s Garden provides a conductive education and special education needs consultancy. It also provides Bowen Therapy along with running a Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) in conjunction with Lincolnshire County Council.
Conductive education is based on a ‘simple’ concept of human potential, meaning that everyone has the capability to learn and develop irrespective of their starting point. The Bowen technique comprises a series of precise movements over muscle and connective tissue to naturally assist the body in re-balancing and re-setting itself. Between each set of moves there is a pause allowing the nervous system to adjust the tension level in the muscles.
The charity is currently raising funds for its new HQ in Manby Park near Louth to transform it from a motorcycle repair shop into a fit-for-purpose facility, where it can deliver its life-changing services to more people who need them.
APSS designer Caitlin Maginess created the interior concept which steered away from a usual clinical interior and made it a more welcoming and fun experience for the children and adults who require the services.
Caitlin said: “It was important to have a home away from home for people to visit, so we focused on creating a homely feel with a contemporary industrial design using a lot of soft furnishings.
“There are areas within the design where we toned the concept down to focus on the needs of the people who will be using the space.
“In addition to providing the primary service, there will be a space for people and businesses to rent out for classes like Zumba or spinning and birthday parties. There is also a communal kitchen that everyone can use in addition to therapy rooms, meeting rooms and counselling rooms as well as the classroom which will be the heart of the facility.”
When complete, the new centre will enable the charity to extend its working hours, provide group sessions and create a dynamic learning environment for all – no matter what their disability – resulting in 50% more adults and children being supported each year. The building will also give them the option to run group sessions and be used for the wider community.
Sarah-Jayne Walker, Lead Conductor at Naomi’s Garden, said: “When we received the designs from APSS, I cried. We were blown away with how beautiful they were and exactly what we were after.
“Now we need to continue our fundraising journey while we gather as many Lincolnshire-based companies to make this dream a reality. We are in awe at the generosity we have already received from these local companies and businesses along with other charities who have stood shoulder to shoulder with us.
“We currently have a waiting list across Lincolnshire who are keen to benefit from the unique therapy we provide. We desperately need our new more accessible hub to be functional so we can continue our work and expand to help those families who are relying on us as the only service provider of our kind in our area.”
To make a donation towards Naomi’s Garden’s new premises please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/naomis-gardens-big-move?utm_campaign=p_nacp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer
To view the latest video about this project, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx6_OIBNzjANaomi’s Garden Memorial Wall Designed by APSS
A Leicestershire-based interior fit-out and joinery specialist has opened its first office in London following the successful completion of its largest ever contract.
EE Smith Contracts has invested almost £500,000 in its new base at the Business Design Centre in Islington to build on its work on prestigious projects in the luxury residential and hotel sector.
Twenty-five staff including project managers, design managers and quantity surveyors are based at the new office which includes a meeting room to meet existing and prospective clients.
This decision follows the successful completion of the biggest contract in the company’s 127-year history at the Peninsula London Hotel on Hyde Park Corner where EE Smith Contracts fitted out the ballroom and meeting areas and the hotel and residential spa on two floors of the five-star hotel.
Their order book remains strong after securing a number of contracts for 2024-2025 including a multi-unit residential development in the heart of Mayfair, delivering public areas for one of the world’s most illustrious hotels, and providing bespoke joinery at two super mansions in the Home Counties.
Neil Bottrill, Managing Director of EE Smith Contracts, said although the majority of its employees will remain at its headquarters in Leicester, it made sense to open a London office.
He said: “The majority of our biggest contracts are driven from central London and the South East and opening a London office has been on our radar for quite a few years.
“With the confidence we have in the market, we decided to take a lease at the Business Design Centre and fit out a suite to give us a permanent base for our staff and a space to host clients and meet sub-contractors.
“The market at the moment is quite phenomenal with high-end residential and hotel markets remaining incredibly strong despite a challenging economic backdrop.
“The industry itself has had a difficult couple of years with the energy crisis, inflation on building products and interest rates putting pressure on developers’ build costs, but our pipeline remains strong.
“We are enjoying a continual stream of flagship opportunities, based on client satisfaction levels of previous works, and we’re confident we’re going to win more high-profile contracts in the near future.”
EE Smith Contracts has had a solid year in turbulent times with profit levels maintained despite macro-economic pressures reducing turnover for the year ending March 31, 2024.
Neil Simpson, Finance Director at EE Smith Contracts, said the Group is now debt free, which provides a secure base for the coming years.
He said: “In recent years, we had produced the highest annual revenues in our history and we have continued to produce healthy profit and a strong balance sheet with sufficient capital to deliver large prestigious schemes despite these challenging times which have led to some similar companies in our sector no longer being able to trade.”
EE Smith Contracts has also invested £100,000 in a dedicated learning centre at its HQ in Morris Road, Leicester, after recruiting seven further joinery apprentices this month.
Rushton Hickman has sold ‘The Thomas Sykes building’, which comprises a unique split-level former licensed public house that was originally developed from stables within the historic Everards Burton Brewery site.
The property is situated in an area that has seen a surge in the conversion of commercial buildings to residential use and being so prominently situated in a busy location, there is significant potential for the building.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God Zion Hill Burton has acquired the Thomas Sykes building and they intend to transform it into a community centre that will be open to all, providing much-needed assistance, support and opportunities to strengthen the local community.
Mr Owaboye from the Redeemed Christian Church said: “We were extremely happy with the speed of the sale and the property itself. The community centre will help us to provide a range of activity to the general public, reduce inequalities and help us deal with the required demand.”
Commercial Property Agent, Taylor Millington said: “When we brought this property to the market, it generated a lot of interest due to being in the heart of a residential area and close to the town centre. It is rewarding to see the building being utilised for community welfare which will ultimately benefit the local residents.”
Alongside Chesterfield Canal Trust, landscape architecture practice, Influence Landscape Planning & Design, has commenced works on the next section of the Chesterfield Canal restoration project.
The works, which are taking place on a 2.6km stretch of the canal, from Staveley Basin to the south of Renishaw, Derbyshire, will revitalise the historic canal for people to enjoy and for nature to thrive.
Funded in part by the Staveley Town Deal, these works will see the reconstruction of up to 850 metres of canal channel, the construction of two new bridges – including a bridleway bridge to carry the Trans Pennine Trail over the canal – a new lock, and the enhancement of footpaths and cycleways.
Following planning permission in 2021, on behalf of Chesterfield Canal Trust, Influence Landscape Planning & Design was appointed to produce a landscape masterplan for the project, which led to detailed landscape plans and a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP). Working alongside Peak Ecology and Rodgers Leask Consulting Engineers, the team successfully discharged the planning conditions related to the works.
The design features of the landscape plan include attractive seating areas, viewing points, areas for families to play, information boards and clear wayfinding – as the scheme is integrated with the surrounding network of public rights of way.
The landscape proposal includes native tree and shrub planting, areas of wildflower meadow, and aquatic planting along the length of the canal, creating a picturesque backdrop and a robust habitat for wildlife.
Since restoration began in 1989, 12 miles of the Chesterfield Canal have been restored, alongside 37 locks, 11 bridges, and two marinas. The most recent sections completed include Staveley Basin in 2012 and Hartington Harbour in 2018.
This phase of construction works is being delivered by Midlands-based O’Brien Contractors, who are leading the first phase of this 18-month project, which includes major groundworks to clear the canal route and the landscaping. Following this, the abutments for the new Trans Pennine Trail bridge will be constructed, and by October, the 38-meter-long structure will be installed.
Subsequent phases will see the reinstatement of the canal length, a new lock, another accommodation bridge at the bottom of Bellhouse Lane, a pumping system, and the creation of Bellhouse Basin. The towpath will be upgraded to a multi-user trail, extending across the Doe Lea Valley to Renishaw. This restoration project not only enhances outdoor spaces and creates new leisure infrastructure, but it is also expected to increase visitors to the Staveley area by 20%, boosting local economic activity.
George Rogers, Development Manager at Chesterfield Canal Trust, said: “This project represents a major advance in the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal, as we move out of Staveley and into the Doe Lea valley. Moving into a more rural environment, it was really important to us that we gave proper consideration to the landscaping and to ensure that the restoration has a positive impact upon its surroundings for both wildlife and the community.
“Working with Influence and Peak Ecology on these plans has been enlightening and rewarding, and we are excited to see the new landscape maturing over time and the local community being better able to access this wonderful corner of Derbyshire.”
Kathryn Dunk, Principal Landscape Architect at Influence Landscape Planning & Design, said: “It’s been such a pleasure to be involved in a project that marries engineering heritage with new public spaces for all to enjoy, and importantly, this scheme gave us the opportunity to reinstate and enhance native planting to create new habitats for wildlife.
“It’s fantastic to see these former canal routes coming back to life and the historic importance of this site is truly fascinating. The team and I look forward to seeing people spending leisure time on the newly restored pathways and on the water.”
Winvic Construction Ltd, a Northampton main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been invited to join the Advisory Board of the Policy Liaison Group (PLG) on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), as the sole main contractor representing the construction industry.
This cross-party forum, based in Westminster, will benefit from Winvic’s industry expertise and leadership in advancing ESG initiatives.
Arun Thaneja, Winvic’s Technical Services and Sustainability Director – who last year supported the development of the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) guidance on carbon offsetting and associated carbon pricing to support the shift towards Net Zero buildings – will lead Winvic’s attendance at regular roundtables.
He will be supported by Heidi Salmons, Winvic’s Head of Marketing, Communications, and Social Responsibility, who will bring valuable insights on the Social aspects of ESG to the discussions.
Winvic will play a pivotal role, joining the roundtables with ministers, parliamentarians, regulators, standard-setters, NGOs and academics that the PLG organises, contributing to bridging the knowledge gap in ESG among parliamentarians and advancing the ESG and sustainability agenda in Parliament.
Discussions will inform key government figures, maintaining the legacy of being one of the most prominent cross-party groups in Westminster.
A place on the Advisory Board means that Winvic will have the opportunity to shape future topics for discussion and make recommendations to parliament as well as shape topics for reports and influence the Decarbonisation Strategy to meet the current 2030 target in The Labour Party manifesto.
Bridging the wider corporate world and that of parliament, the PLG’s strategic objectives include identifying and proposing policy solutions for the challenges that companies and investors face when adopting and applying ESG principles and frameworks. The group also aims to align commercial strategies and public sector objectives, such as achieving net zero, reducing biodiversity loss, ensuring a Just Transition and amplifying diversity, equity and inclusion.
By supporting the development and implementation of effective, low-burden reporting requirements and showcasing how ESG frameworks and principles can enhance business resilience and lower investors’ exposure to risk, the PLG will help the UK become a global green finance centre and an ESG leader.
Arun Thaneja, Winvic’s Technical Services and Sustainability Director, said: “It’s an honour for Winvic to be invited to join the Advisory Board of the Policy Liaison Group on ESG.
“Having a seat at the table will allow us to share our expertise, influence cross parliamentary discussions and collaboratively find solutions to ESG challenges and I’m optimistic that Winvic will gain fresh and innovative insights from other industry experts on the Advisory Board.
“As the only construction contractor to join this significant cross-party forum, we are committed to representing the industry positively and honestly. We view this role as both a privilege and a responsibility.
“We will leverage our extensive knowledge and passion to help advance the ESG and sustainability agenda in Parliament, with the goal of strengthening the UK’s position as an ESG and sustainability leader globally.”
Heidi Salmons, Head of Marketing, Communications & Social Responsibility, added: “Winvic has consistently been at the forefront of ESG initiatives in the industry, and we are eager to contribute our expertise to the PLG.
“We are particularly passionate about highlighting the Social aspect of ESG, underscoring the importance of a Just Transition to ensure that no one is left behind as we work towards a more sustainable future.
“We look forward to supporting the PLG’s mission to help parliamentarians understand ESG, and how frameworks, metrics, practices, and approaches can drive both environmental and social impact, while also securing a more stable and efficient business climate through effective corporate governance.”
A group of work colleagues from across the Midlands have completed a 15 km Tough Mudder challenge and raised nearly £1,200 for Derbyshire’s specialist child exploitation charity, Safe and Sound.
The seven-strong team from the central division sales team of Hydro-X Water Treatment Ltd came together for the gruelling challenge in Birmingham and worked together to complete a series of 20 obstacles.
Account manager Mark Judson, who lives in Burton-on-Trent and nominated the charity for the fundraising event, explained: “I am a keen runner so enjoyed that part of it but some of the obstacles were particularly tricky – especially those which gave out electric shocks!
“Overall it was great fun and really brought us all together – drawing on everyone’s individual strengths to negotiate the obstacles which ranged from crawling through mud to plunging into an ice bath.
“Having supported Safe and Sound previously, I am very proud of all my colleagues who have collected a very respectable total for an extremely worthwhile local charity.
“I would like to thank Hydro-X for supporting this fantastic charity and organising the event for us and also my team mates Ben, Wes, Scott, Ani, Chris and Antony for making it a memorable experience.”
Tracy Harrison is chief executive of Safe and Sound which supports children, young people and families whose lives have been affected by child exploitation including online grooming, sexual exploitation, County Lines, trafficking, modern slavery and radicalisation.
She said: “The team at Hydro-X have done an amazing job collecting sponsorship and then tackling this gruelling course.
“Our own challenges are often focused on going beyond people’s comfort zone and this definitely fits that brief so congratulations to the whole team.”
A community hub in Loughborough which welcomes thousands of people every year has been given a funding boost.
The Arc Community Hub in Knox Road has been running since 2019 and hosts a regular programme of events including exercise classes, health clinics, a youth club and a weekly community café.
Now the centre – which has had more than 26,600 people walk through its doors in the past 12 months – has been given £1,000 towards its running costs by housebuilder Miller Homes East Midlands.
Sue Halford, operations manager of The Arc Community Hub, said: “The centre was set up to be the heart of the community and, five years later, is a thriving hub of activities and events for people of all ages.
“As a charity, our services are supported by volunteers who generously give their time, and we work hard to fundraise through our day-to-day operations, with money generated through room hire and some of our groups.
“Sponsorship and charitable donations are always a big help to keep the centre running, and so we’d like to thank Miller Homes East Midlands for its generous donation.”
Miller Homes East Midlands, which is based in Pride Park, Derby, provides funding to charities and community groups across the region each year as part of its Community Fund initiative.
The housebuilder is currently building at its Charters Gate development in nearby Castle Donington and plans to build more new homes in the Loughborough area in the near future.
Rob Wain, sales manager for Miller Homes East Midlands, said: “The Arc relies on donations to provide some fantastic services and an event facility for the community of Loughborough to enjoy.
“The dedication and hard work of the volunteers and staff make the centre what it is, and we’re pleased to support them through our Community Fund.
“Sue and David from The Arc were very welcoming and I’d like to thank them for showing me around and explaining more about the mission of the centre.”
Newark and Sherwood District Council has granted £150k from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund into Newark College, creating a programme designed to elevate the skills of the local workforce. This initiative aims to bolster organisational growth and foster development among employers throughout the district.
The grant is allocated across two years, supporting the College to deliver their ‘Boosting’ Programme in Newark and Sherwood. The initiative focuses on providing local employers with bespoke services, tools and resources to identify and implement organisational improvement opportunities, as well as aiming to support hundreds of employees through access to a variety of specialist training courses, helping to up-skill the workforce and encourage workplace progression.
The programme offers a range of support to local businesses, including access to team building activities, meeting facilities, online and face to face training courses for employees such as leadership, management, resilience and data training, as well as access to a variety of resources and analytics tools to help improve organisational performance.
Within the first half of the programme, more than 70 individuals successfully completed courses through the project to help them progress within their career, gain relevant skills required and remain in local work.
In addition, 27 local employers benefited from specialist support across a range of industries such as retail, manufacturing, construction, and the technological sector, including small and micro employers up to large scale enterprises. Support will enable businesses to upgrade their organisational processes and adopt new technologies, as well as offer enhanced support to employees through addressing unique workplace training needs.
Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “As a champion of worked-based learning myself, I really understand how important investing in our people is. That’s one reason why we are proud to support Lincoln College and their Boosting Programme, which is a fantastic initiative that is supporting our local economy.
“The programme is providing essential support to local employers and helping them to overcome the challenges and opportunities presented by the changing economic landscape. The programme is also creating positive impacts for the local workforce, by enhancing their skills and career prospects.”
Penny Taylor MBE, Head of Newark Campuses at Lincoln College, said: “We are delighted to receive this grant funding from the District Council through UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which enables us to provide valuable support to local employers and their workforce in Newark and Sherwood.
“The Boosting programme is designed to help businesses grow and thrive by developing their skills, productivity, and performance. This allows the college to work alongside businesses as our mission is to be employer led supporting opportunities for them and for our students to work with local employers. We have already seen some great results from the programme and we look forward to working with more businesses in the area over the next two years.”
Support through the Boosting programme is currently available to local employers within Newark and Sherwood up until March 2025 and is subject to availability.
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has been appointed to market Kettering Leisure Village.
Strategically located in the heart of England, this purpose-built, multi-use health and leisure complex was constructed in the early 1990s and sits on a substantial site spanning over 9.4 acres.
Over the years the property has become the established home of Volleyball England and undergone further development with a roll call of attractions including:
A 576-seat theatre
Substantial health club with a growing external membership
A sports arena
Children’s soft play area which is subject to a third party lease agreement
Diverse conference facilities
Additionally, planning consent was granted in 2018 for a 194-bedroom hotel to be positioned at the front of the site, which has now lapsed. However, there is an opportunity for a new owner to regain planning permission to create a hotel alongside the regional conference and leisure centre.
Jeremy Jones, Head of Brokerage, Christie & Co, says: “Kettering Leisure Village is a unique property in the UK. Producing growing profits from across a range of health, leisure and commercial activities as well as strong rental income. There are a whole range of asset management opportunities to capitalise on to grow the profits and income.”
Offers are invited in the region of £6,000,000 for the long leasehold interest by way of a share sale.
Researchers at Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology at the University of Nottingham have developed ultra-thin soft robots, designed for exploring narrow spaces in challenging built environments.
These advanced robots, featuring multimodal locomotion capabilities, are set to transform the way industries, such as power plants, bridges and aero engines, conduct inspections and maintenance.
The innovative robots, known as Thin Soft Robots (TS-Robots), boast a thin thickness of just 1.7mm, enabling them to access and navigate in confined spaces, such as millimetre-wide gaps beneath doors or within complex machinery.
TS-Robots are equipped with a unique sandwich structure driven by dielectric elastomers, allowing them to crawl, climb, swim, and transition between solid and liquid domains. This adaptability makes them ideal for complex environments that include multiple obstacles across various terrains.
Dr Xin Dong, the project’s principal investigator, who initialised the idea, said: “Our TS-Robots are designed to tackle the scientific challenges of multimodal locomotion in soft robotics, particularly when encountering obstacles such as narrow gaps, trenches, walls, and liquids along their navigation paths.
“Unlike conventional robots, which face significant limitations in these environments, our technology offers a potential breakthrough for exploring difficult and complex terrains.”
Notably, the Thin Soft Robots exhibit outstanding performance in terms of output force and speed, achieving forces up to 41 times their weight and speeds of 1.16 times their body length per second.
This exceptional capability enables them to collaborate with multiple TS-Robots or even with other robots, such as drones, enhancing their functionality in tasks such as inspecting challenging environments or delivering goods.
Preliminary tests have already demonstrated the potential of the Thin Soft Robots in real-world applications, including the inspection of electrical generators of advanced hybrid-electric power systems. In this application, the robots successfully navigated the narrow air gap between the rotor and stator of a generator, a feat that traditional tools and robots cannot achieve.
Professor Dragos Axinte, Director at the Rolls-Royce UTC in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology, added: “The next generation of clean power systems presents new challenges for their inspection and maintenance. We are delighted to see these thin soft robots bringing the possibility to address these challenges and contribute to the future of net-zero.”
With these promising results, the research team plans to further optimize the robots’ design and explore new applications in sectors such as aerospace and energy maintenance and nuclear decommissioning.
A rise in companies with late payments on their books, as well as a steep fall in the number of new businesses being set up in the region, is indicating a further toughening of the local economy.
This is according to the Midlands branch of national insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 and is based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe.
R3’s figures show that the number of East Midlands companies with invoices overdue for payment increased from a sizeable 23,194 at the start of the year to 24,258 last month.
Over the same period, the number of invoices which had gone past their payment date in the region shot up from 204,216 to 216,533.
The tightening up of the local economy is also indicated by a dampening of entrepreneurial spirit, with the number of East Midlands start-ups falling by 25.68% from 2,995 in January to 2,226 in August.
R3 Midlands Chair Stephen Rome, a partner at Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “There will be very few local companies finding the current trading conditions favourable, and these latest research figures back this up.
“While we have seen some economic improvements in recent months, driven mainly by a successful summer of sport and increased political stability following the General Election, doing business remains tough.
“There is a glimmer of positivity on the horizon, however, with the Bank of England expected to cut interest rates later this year and potential for further growth in GDP, but continuing economic uncertainty could overshadow these opportunities.
“R3 would urge any local businesses struggling financially to seek advice as soon as possible. Most R3 members offer a free initial consultation to explore potential solutions for any significant financial issues.”
With the support of Newark and Sherwood District Council, businesses throughout the district are making big developments expanding their commercial ventures. They’ve gained access to vital grant funding opportunities via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), giving them the boost they need to grow and thrive.
Over 70 local businesses have collectively received more than £375,000 in grant funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund throughout 2023 and 2024 to help their businesses to take the next step, diversify or improve their environmental impact and sustainability.
In addition to the grant funding awarded, a further £1m is committed through UKSPF and REPF under the theme of supporting local businesses and the visitor economy, including providing local enterprises with fully funded specialised training, access to one-on-one advisory services, workshops, as well as investment in town centre regeneration and enterprise infrastructure.
Grants to businesses were awarded following various themed competitive rounds, including grants that specifically support rural economic growth through projects such as farm diversification and tourism creation, improving business sustainability and reducing carbon, and encouraging productivity and the scale up of small and micro businesses.
The funding has supported a variety of projects for businesses, such as capital grants for expansion of event venues, leisure and hospitality sites, funding to purchase key production and manufacturing equipment, solar panel and energy efficiency solutions, and purchases to help businesses improve processes or enhance productivity.
The successful grant recipients include The Sherwood Food and Drink Company, Hockerton, which received funding through REPF towards the purchase of key manufacturing and production equipment to support the scale up of their local oat-based milkshake business, Devoated. The project safeguarded two jobs, supported the future recruitment of one job, introduced new products to market, and introduced new processes to the firm to help significantly grow the business.
The owner of Devoated, Oliver Christy, said: “The Rural England Prosperity grant funding has been instrumental and essential in enabling us scale up our operations and support our business plan…we have been able to fit out our unit and purchase equipment much quicker than we would have otherwise been able to do.”
The UKSPF and REPF are Government funds available until March 2025. Businesses received funding through competitive rounds, and all current funds have now been distributed.
Nottingham Venues has been named as a finalist in the Commitment to People Development Category at the 2024 East Midlands Chamber of Commerce Nottingham Business Awards.
Part of the East Midlands Business Awards, covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, the awards celebrate the region’s world-class business community across 14 different categories.
The Nottingham Venues team has been shortlisted in the Commitment to People Development category, which recognises organisations demonstrating a firm commitment to people development and the implementation and promotion of a learning and development culture. It also considers how employee wellbeing is supported and how this culture contributes to the business’s overall success.
Stephanie Moss-Pearce, Director of Marketing at Nottingham Venues, said: “This is a fantastic result for our team. Our people reflect us, as a business, and the value we place on them.
“Over the past three years, our commitment to our people has created a happy, engaged, positive workforce and this has been the biggest factor in driving our business success. Our people create our organisational culture which impacts on the atmosphere we create for our guests. Having satisfied guests brings repeat business and our teams’ excellent service builds our reputation, creating positive reviews, which drive our success.
“We’re thrilled that our initiatives for people development have been recognised. The past year has been our best yet, both financially and in terms of business growth and internal promotions, staff engagement and positive guest feedback, all thanks to our dedicated team.”
Designed for connecting, championing and supporting local businesses, organisations and communities, the annual awards provide an opportunity for sponsors, finalists and other Chamber members to come together and celebrate the amazing work that organisations in Nottinghamshire undertake every day.
The finalists for each county’s awards were selected by a panel of judges made up of sponsors and Chamber senior management. They were revealed at The President’s Summer Celebration event, hosted by Chamber President, Stuart Dawkins.
Mr Dawkins said: “When I look at the people and organisations that have entered or been fortunate enough to become finalists for this year’s awards I’m blown away by the calibre and talent.
“The quality of entries was exceptionally high and I’m sure the judging panels had some tough decisions to make as the shortlist was compiled.”
The winners will be announced at the awards dinner on Friday 1st November at Nottingham Belfry, Nottingham, NG8 6PY
Leicester City Council has shown its commitment to keeping all staff safe at work by signing up to a trades union charter to end violence at work.
The UNISON charter aims to encourage organisations to protect employees working in public services from acts of abuse, assault, and threatening behaviour.
Organisations wishing to sign must provide evidence for how they meet ten important standards for protecting staff against violent incidents. These include a clear incident-reporting and investigation procedure, continually collecting and monitoring data on violent incidents, and providing training to ensure staff know how to deal with threatening situations appropriately.
UNISON Branch Secretary Janet McKenna said: “I am delighted that Leicester City Council staff know that their employer has a high standard of policy, procedure, accountability, and support when it comes to issues of violence at work. Other employers should follow the council’s example.”
Leicester City Council’s Chief Operating Officer, Alison Greenhillsaid: “I was pleased to sign this charter on behalf of the council. We want all of our staff to be safe when working to provide services for the people who live, visit and work in our city. Violence against our staff in any form is completely unacceptable.
“We have procedures in place to control exposure to violence and aggression, and these are monitored to ensure they’re being implemented effectively. We share our findings with trades union colleagues, and together we are committed to improving processes where we can, so that everyone who works at the council goes home safe and well at the end of the day.”
Stantone Mechanical Handling Ltd, a provider in the hire, sale and maintenance of forklifts and access platforms, has secured £440,000 loan funding from NatWest to facilitate the purchase of additional premises. This strategic expansion will support the Northampton-based firm’s growth and create new jobs.
Established in 1961, Stantone was bought over by Director Nigel Martin and his co-Director, wife Lisa, who had been working in the business prior to the acquisition.
Under their leadership, Stantone has experienced continuous, sustainable growth, consistently meeting rising demand by expanding their team and diversifying their offerings, including the introduction of utility vehicles to their product range.
The new premises, funded by NatWest, will include electric vehicle charging stations, reflecting Stantone’s commitment to sustainability and modernising their infrastructure. This expansion aligns with Nigel’s vision for sustainable growth and enhances the company’s capability to meet and exceed its customers’ needs more effectively.
Ian Mccormack, Relationship Manager at NatWest, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Stantone with their expansion plans. This loan will enable Stantone to enhance their facilities and create new job opportunities, further solidifying their position as a leader in the mechanical handling industry.
“We are really excited to see how this investment builds on their success, driving growth for the future.”
Nigel Martin, Director of Stantone Mechanical Handling Ltd, said: “This funding package from NatWest is instrumental in helping us to achieve our growth ambitions. The new premises will not only allow us to better serve our clients but also to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability with the addition of electric vehicle charging stations.
“Working with NatWest has been great, they clearly understand our ambition and have supported us throughout this journey. We’re grateful for NatWest’s support and look forward to our bright future.”
Law firm Flint Bishop, with offices in Birmingham, Derby and Leeds, has appointed Paul Tennant as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO), as it looks to make further significant investment in innovation and technology to enhance the delivery of its services, support clients’ objectives and disrupt the market in its quest to become a leading scaled provider of legal services in the UK.
Tennant has held several senior technology positions within the financial services and legal sectors, including C-suite and director roles at Simply Conveyancing Group and My Home Move Ltd (now Simplify), the UK’s largest conveyancing firm with over 1,100 employees across the UK and India. He brings over two decades of experience in driving significant growth through innovation, transformation, and the design and delivery of strategically aligned information technology solutions.
In his new role, Tennant will be responsible for developing and executing the firm’s innovation and technology strategy, ensuring the successful delivery of transformational projects across all areas of the business. He will work alongside the broader team to advance the company’s data and technology strategy, keeping it at the forefront of new tools and advancements, including AI, to support both internal processes and client services.
Qamer Ghafoor, Chief Executive of Flint Bishop, said: “I am delighted to welcome Paul to the firm. His extensive experience—particularly in designing and executing technology roadmaps, innovation, managing large-scale IT projects, and leading teams through significant growth and change, together with onboarding several legal businesses through acquisitions—makes him an exceptional addition to our leadership team.
“In today’s rapidly evolving legal landscape, law firms must embrace efficiency, innovation, and diversity to meet client demands. Flint Bishop is firmly on course to adopt client-centric, diversity-focused, and innovative solutions poised for success. I am confident that Paul’s knowledge and expertise will help us continue to innovate and strengthen our position in the market.”
The appointment follows the recent addition of a Chief Operating Officer to Flint Bishop’s senior leadership team earlier this year, further solidifying the firm’s commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the legal sector.
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