Amey wins contract for hard FM services at Nottinghamshire prison

Stuart Pearcey
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Amey wins contract for hard FM services at Nottinghamshire prison

Amey has been awarded a contract to manage hard FM services at HMP Lowdham Grange, a Category B training prison in Nottinghamshire for adult male offenders.

Amey Business Director Pete Mathieson said: “We have been a strategic partner to the Ministry of Justice for several years and have a unique understanding of what is needed to deliver facilities management services within these complex sites. “HMP Lowdham Grange has a unique set of challenges, and we will be working collaboratively with existing personnel and the prison team to ensure the site is returned to a stable condition.”

Amey has been supporting existing employees with initial mobilisation activities, ensuring they have the right resources, support, and guidance to transition smoothly into Amey’s ways of operating. The existing maintenance team TUPED over when the contract went live in August, with additional vacant positions expected to be filled in the coming weeks.

Partnering with clients that include the Ministry of Justice, HM Courts & Tribunals, and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, Amey looks after 64 high-profile prison sites as well as providing services that support the wider judicial system. Its expert teams offer everything from planning and secure prisoner transportation, to maintaining and enhancing courthouses and secure premises.

Charity looks to business community for new members of Board of Trustees

Tess Egginton
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Charity looks to business community for new members of Board of Trustees
The charity Framework is recruiting new members to its Board of Trustees and is encouraging members of the business community to apply. Framework provides housing, health, employment and support services to people with a wide range of needs across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Sheffield. Its 70 services support more than 18,000 people annually and accommodate more than 1,300 people at any one time. Framework’s Chief Executive Andrew Redfern explains: “These are important appointments as the Board is responsible for the charity’s governance, strategy and financial wellbeing. “We are keen to attract applicants from the areas where we work – people who share our values and ethos and are committed to making a difference in the life chances of the people we support. “We welcome applicants from all walks of life, preferably with experience of board membership, and are particularly looking for people with expertise in Finance and Risk, and Housing and Supported Housing. “We are asking for help to identify suitable candidates for this vital role. It could be you, or someone you know. Please encourage them to apply.” One of Framework’s current board members, Professor Sheona MacLeod, Director of Education and Training at NHS England, explained why she became involved and why the work is so fulfilling: “I applied to join the Framework Board having heard from another Trustee how rewarding he had found it, how impactful he thought the organisation was, and how much it made a difference to individuals. “I also heard from friends working in other charities about how Framework provided for people whom everyone else forgot or ignored, and that it was a really positive organisation with lots of drive to make things better. “As a trustee you bring a different and external perspective to help an already excellent executive team look at their work critically and see how they could be better. “By offering challenge where you think there are other considerations or missed risks and opportunities, and by offering praise where they are doing well, you help the executive team and organisation be realistic and pragmatic in their decisions about their work, investments and future. “If you are looking to use your experience and expertise to benefit wider society or to ‘give something back’, and to work with some dedicated and inspirational people then Framework would be a rewarding choice. “By working with people who are most in need, and most forgotten, we create a better, more caring society for everyone. The aim of ending homelessness, the dedication of staff to achieve this, and the satisfaction in seeing the real difference the organisation makes to individuals, is something I have greatly valued.” Full details and the application process can be found at www.frameworkha.org/board. The closing date is Friday 4 October.

Matlock Town Football Club secures investment from local businessman

Tess Egginton
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Matlock Town Football Club secures investment from local businessman
Matlock Town Football Club has secured significant investment from a local businessman. The investment aims to allow the club to attract high calibre players to become a future contender for promotion. It will also, in the long term, help the club build on its financial sustainability. A statement from the football club says: “Matlock Town Football Club can confirm that an agreement has been reached that secures significant investment from a local businessman with immediate effect. “This investment will, in the short-term, enable the club to attract high calibre players to initially help maintain its NPL Premier Division status, and then aim to become a future contender for promotion. “In the long-term, this investment will enable the club to build on its financial sustainability, whilst maintaining the community, fan-led ethos that will always remain pivotal to the structure of Matlock Town FC.”

Label manufacturer acquired out of administration

Tess Egginton
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Label manufacturer acquired out of administration
Schades, a supplier of POS rolls and labels, and subsidiary of Harbour Investment GmbH in Germany, has acquired Hamilton Adhesive Labels (HAL) out of administration.
HAL, a Leicestershire-based private label manufacturer, has been working with brands across the UK and Europe for over 32 years, including some of the largest household brands.
Schades will acquire all assets, including inventory, intellectual property and customer contracts.
Schades intends to make the necessary investments to further strengthen HAL’s competitiveness and expand its sales and manufacturing capabilities.
Jack Hugill, Managing Director of Schades Ltd, said: “We are delighted to welcome Hamilton Adhesive Labels to the Schades family. This acquisition is a significant opportunity to strengthen our position in the label manufacturing market and deliver greater value to our customers.”
Jun Park, CEO of Schades Group, said: “We are very pleased because the Group is implementing a long-term transformation strategy to drive sustainable growth and the acquisition of HAL is a strategic fit, delivering significant synergies with our existing UK operations and strengthening the Group’s label business capabilities. “We made this acquisition through exceptionally quick process with our own resource and strengths.”

UK roadshow to visit West Northamptonshire’s small businesses

Tess Egginton
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UK roadshow to visit West Northamptonshire’s small businesses
Small businesses in West Northamptonshire will be put on the map by the Small Business Saturday campaign later this year, after plans were announced to bring its next national roadshow to the area this autumn. The Tour will visit local businesses in Northampton on Monday, 18 November 2024 as part of a month-long journey across the UK, telling the inspirational stories of the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses and spotlighting the real people and communities behind them. Supported by BT, the Tour will visit small businesses in over twenty UK towns and cities, undertaking ‘behind-the-scenes’ style scenes, interviewing local business owners and sharing these across social media. The Tour marks the official countdown to Small Business Saturday later in the year on 7 December. A grassroots, non-commercial campaign, Small Business Saturday celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and to support businesses in their communities. Running for over a decade the campaign is backed by principal supporter American Express and has engaged millions of people and seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday. Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC, said: “We are so proud to be working with Small Business Saturday UK to bring a focus on West Northants and it is fantastic that our local businesses will be recognised by the national Small Business Saturday campaign. “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the unique and diverse businesses that make our community vibrant and thriving. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and campaigns like this highlight their invaluable contribution. This is why we are so dedicated to supporting every local enterprise & providing funding to enable inclusive, sustainable growth across all of West Northants. “We encourage everyone to join us in celebrating and supporting these businesses, not only on 7 December, but throughout the year. Let’s continue to ‘shop local’ and ensure the success and growth of our small business community.” Alongside the roadshow, the campaign will also offer a month of dedicated free online support for small businesses in the UK. This includes daily webinars and mentoring covering a wide range of relevant topics, as well as insight sessions with small businesses and industry experts. Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “Small Business Saturday has always been about supporting and celebrating the UK’s fantastic entrepreneurs and the amazing contribution they make to local communities all across the UK. “Small businesses sit at the heart of communities like West Northants forming the cornerstone of local economies. We are really excited to have Small Business Saturday’s Tour visit the area and shine an important light on all the fabulous small businesses here, as well as all across the UK, bringing to life their brilliant and unique stories and impact.” Travelling over 3,000 miles The Tour will make use of electric vehicles to reduce emissions and reflect the sustainable switches many small business owners are making, as part of their vital role in the race to net zero. Chris Sims, BT’s Managing Director for Small and Medium Enterprise, said: “Given the massive role that small businesses can play in helping to boost the UK economy it’s important that we give Britain’s entrepreneurs all the support they need to succeed. “The Tour is a brilliant way for small businesses across the country to get tailored support around growing their capability for the future. We are delighted to be supporting this effort once again, through our Skills for Tomorrow offering, which has helped over one million entrepreneurs grow their small businesses with free digital skills training.”

Council sets sights on key puzzle piece to deliver vision for Greyfriars, Northampton

Tess Egginton
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Council sets sights on key puzzle piece to deliver vision for Greyfriars, Northampton
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has taken an exciting step forward in delivering its ambition for the future of Greyfriars as it seeks to purchase the Corn Exchange. The Corn Exchange has stood empty in the heart of Northampton Town Centre for more than a decade. Many people enjoyed spending time at the former Cinema then Chicago Rock Cafe before closing its doors. WNC has worked with local residents and businesses through a two-stage public consultation to deliver the ambitious vision for Greyfriars. The 14-acre area is set to amplify a forgotten piece of the town into a new neighbourhood which will encompass multi-generational living, dedicated green space and entertaining space, while improving connectivity to the town centre with improved transport routes. The vacant Corn Exchange sits at the heart of the Greyfriars masterplan, providing a direct link between the new activities at Greyfriars and the core town centre, currently the Greyfriars area is severed off from the town centre and effectively an island. If the acquisition is successful and plans are approved, the Corn Exchange will be a cultural anchor for the Greyfriars project, creating a new performance and creativity hub and leisure destination, attracting significant footfall and investment into the town. Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture, and Leisure at WNC, said: “We are passionate about transforming Northampton Town Centre into a vibrant hub where everyone across West Northamptonshire and beyond can shop, dine, and enjoy all that the area has to offer. The acquisition of the Corn Exchange is a pivotal step in the ambitious regeneration of the 14-acre Greyfriars site. “This long-neglected property, vacant for over a decade, occupies a key spot overlooking the soon-to-be revitalised Market Square and backing directly onto the Greyfriars site. We’re excited to move forward with this purchase, bringing it into our bold vision for Greyfriars, and breathing new life into the building as a dynamic community venue that will once again serve and inspire the local community.” The proposals to purchase the Corn Exchange will be considered by WNC’s cabinet on 17 September, and if approved for recommendation will be presented by WNC’s full Council on 26 September.

JD Sports warehouse to close in Derby

Tess Egginton
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JD Sports warehouse to close in Derby
Almost 200 jobs have been lost at a JD Sports warehouse on Derby Commercial Park, following the decision to close the distribution centre. Staff were told on Friday that they were being let go following a six week consultation period, according to BBC reports. A process is said to be in place to see if there are alternative roles within the business for employees affected. It follows the retailer signing a 20-year lease on the 514,000 sq ft distribution centre just three years ago.

Elsewhere in Derby, it was recently announced that JD will more than double the size of its existing 9,397 sq ft presence at Derbion. Set to open towards the end of this year, the new 20,175 sq ft flagship store will showcase brands including Nike, Adidas, The North Face, Jordan and EA7.

Focus presents £6,000 to BASE 51 after Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge

Tess Egginton
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Focus presents £6,000 to BASE 51 after Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Focus has handed over £6,000 to Nottingham-based charity BASE 51 after completing the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge. The company undertook the challenge as part of Focus’s 30th anniversary celebrations. Founded in Nottingham in 1994 and now with offices in London and Leicester, the Focus team wanted to mark the occasion by helping a local charity. The donation will support BASE 51’s vital services, which provide crucial support and resources to young people in the Nottingham area, including mental health support, educational programmes, and recreational activities. The funds raised by Focus will help continue and expand upon these essential services that already have a positive impact on those in the local community. Recently, two representatives from Focus, Managing Partner Jason Redfearn and Senior Consultant George Jones, presented a cheque for £6,000 to BASE 51. This impressive total was made possible by the support and contributions from clients, friends, family, and the dedicated efforts of the Focus team. Jason Redfearn said: “Completing the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge was an exhilarating experience for all of us, but the true highlight was the overwhelming support we received from our clients, friends, and family. We are deeply grateful for the generosity shown and are honoured to support BASE 51’s incredible work with this donation.” Verity Woods, Head of Fundraising & Events at BASE 51, commented on the donation: “We were delighted that Focus chose to support Base 51 with their Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge, as a local charity the support of business makes a huge difference to our work – the money they raised will help provide over 80 hours of counselling for young people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Thank you to everyone who took part and donated!” The Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge, which involves hiking over 24 miles and climbing three of Yorkshire’s tallest peaks—Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough— in under 12 hours, was a formidable challenge for the Focus team. However, the sense of camaraderie and the motivation to support BASE 51 kept the team going.

Leicester hotel secures funding package

Tess Egginton
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Leicester hotel secures funding package
Assetz Capital, a provider of property-secured finance, has successfully structured a funding package of £9.95m facility for VOCO Leicester Hotel financed with Atom bank. Last year, hotel management company Kew Green Hotels announced their plan to reflag two existing properties in Leicester and Manchester under IHG’s VOCO brand. The group acquired management of Hotel Brooklyn Leicester and Hotel Brooklyn Manchester and has signed a franchise agreement with IHG to rebrand them as VOCO properties during 2024. David Hehir, relationship director at Assetz Capital, said: “I enjoyed playing a vital role in structuring this finance package with Atom bank to ensure its successful delivery for the Voco Leicester Hotel. “Following Assetz Capital recent completions of an IBIS Styles Hotel in Glasgow for £5m, it is positive that we have expanded our reach structuring this fantastic hotel in Leicester. We would also like to pass on our thanks to Paul Goodman of Goodman Corporate Finance for his help with the transaction.” Andrew Fraser, chief commercial officer at Assetz Capital, said: “We are pleased with the commerciality and speed shown by Atom on this £9.95m transaction. Assetz Capital and Atom bank have now completed a series of deals including office investments, leisure assets and now a branded hotel chain. “The transaction completed in less than 12 weeks from initial discussion. We look forward to continuing to work further with Atom bank in the real estate space providing loans up to £10m.” David Castling, head of intermediary distribution at Atom bank, added: “Our capability to fund loans of up to £10m in size at speed across the whole of the UK, reinforces our ongoing appetite to support the whole SME debt spectrum from small to large loan sizes. “Assetz Capital and Atom bank’s collaborative approach ensured a smooth and efficient transaction, and we look forward to providing further funding to companies like VOCO in the future.”

Housebuilder acquires land for new homes in Leicestershire village

Tess Egginton
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Housebuilder acquires land for new homes in Leicestershire village
Housebuilder Allison Homes East Midlands is set to bring 50 new homes to the Leicestershire village of Stanton-under-Bardon. Situated off Main Street, the five-acre site will become home to 50 two, three and four bedroom mixed tenure properties, including 15 affordable homes and five homes that will be available through the First Homes scheme. The homes will be designed and developed using materials that reflect the local vernacular within Stanton-under-Bardon. A range of biodiversity initiatives will also be implemented on site to encourage nature to grow and thrive. New trees will be planted and the open space on the development will include an attenuation basin seeded with wildflowers. The housebuilder will also be retaining the existing public footpath within the site and supporting the Stanton-under-Bardon community, with financial contributions to the area’s NHS, education services, library and public transport in Coalville. Construction work on the site is scheduled to commence in early 2025 and complete in summer 2026. The Stanton-under-Bardon development will be built alongside schemes in Shepshed and Anstey. Karl Edwards, Operations Director at Allison Homes East Midlands, said: “We are going from strength to strength at Allison Homes East Midlands, and I am incredibly proud of the team for securing our third parcel of land, following the acquisition of sites in Shepshed and Anstey earlier this summer. “We have worked incredibly hard with Mather Jamie and Caddick Land on this acquisition, and we are now looking forward to getting started on site and providing the people of Stanton-under-Bardon with a sustainable, new community.”

Flint Bishop strengthens national presence with strategic acquisition of Walker Morris’ Banking & Finance Recoveries division

Tess Egginton
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Flint Bishop strengthens national presence with strategic acquisition of Walker Morris’ Banking & Finance Recoveries division
Flint Bishop, a leading law firm, has made a significant move in the legal sector by acquiring the entire Volume Banking & Finance Recoveries division from the wider Banking & Finance team of Walker Morris LLP, welcoming 34 new staff to the business. The strategic acquisition also marks Flint Bishop’s entry into the Leeds market and substantially enhances the firm’s capabilities in broader litigation and recoveries work, along with establishing a firm footprint to develop its full legal services offering across the UK. The Walker Morris team, known for its national reputation and inclusion on several bank panels, was carefully selected by Flint Bishop for this strategic move into the financial services sector. The acquisition propels Flint Bishop into the bank recovery and litigation arena, positioning the firm as one of the top legal providers to major banks and financial institutions. Flint Bishop has revealed plans for significant investments in staff, systems, and technology to further expand its national presence in this sector. The acquisition brings numerous senior-level experts into the fold, increasing the firm’s total staff to over 280. As part of the transfer, Justin Coley will assume the role of Head of Recoveries, whilst Rebecca Calland and Ellen McLean have been promoted to the position of Partner. Other key figures joining from Walker Morris include banking litigation senior associates Georgina Davis and Olena Jarockyj. Flint Bishop has also recruited banking litigation specialist Kate Hicks, currently with Yorkshire Building Society and formerly with DLA Piper and Walker Morris, to lead the Finance Dispute Resolution team, which will manage complex and contested banking litigation matters. Niall Gilhooley, former Chief Executive of Ascent, a division of Irwin Mitchell, who joined Flint Bishop two years ago, will serve as overall Debt Services Division Head. Qamer Ghafoor, Chief Executive of Flint Bishop, said: “This strategic acquisition positions Flint Bishop as one of the UK’s top legal firms specialising in volume banking litigation and recovery-related work. It dramatically strengthens our Litigation, Debt and Property Services business by expanding our reach in the financial services market.” Jeanette Burgess, Managing Partner at Walker Morris, said: “This strategic move allows us to focus on complex banking and finance litigation and other main practice areas, while ensuring the clients within our Recoveries division will continue to receive high-level service they are accustomed to. We wish the team great success in their new home.” Ghafoor added: “The acquisition presents a prime growth opportunity and an excellent location for all our practice areas to capitalise on and have a presence. Not only will it grant us access to new markets and clients, but it will also introduce us to a thriving city for recruiting additional skilled lawyers to enrich our firm’s capabilities in existing and new practice areas. “I am highly committed to growing the firm across all commercial and private client practice areas, providing opportunities for all, and ensuring our full-service offering thrives across all three locations: Derby, Birmingham, and now Leeds, with other planned locations on the horizon. With a fantastic team backing us, we’re in a prime position to introduce the Flint Bishop brand into new sectors across the UK and make a significant impact.” This bold move signals Flint Bishop’s ambition to become a dominant force in the UK banking litigation and recoveries arena, setting the stage for accelerated growth and market leadership in the coming years.

Leicester maintains position as highest ranking East Midlands city in PwC’s Good Growth for Cities Index

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Leicester maintains position as highest ranking East Midlands city in PwC’s Good Growth for Cities Index
Six of the seven cities in the East Midlands included in PwC’s Good Growth for Cities Index are out-performing the UK average on income distribution, measured by the ratio of median to mean income, an indicator of wealth equity. The Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index ranks 51 of the UK’s largest cities (generally considered those with populations of at least 350,000 people), plus the London boroughs as a whole, based on the public’s assessment of 12 economic measures, including jobs, health, income, safety and skills, as well as work-life balance, housing, travel-to-work times, income equality, high street shops, environment and business startups. Leicester maintained its position as the region’s highest ranking city (20th), despite slipping down slightly from 16th position in the previous index. Derby, Lincoln, Nottingham, Northampton and Peterborough have all seen an increase in overall rankings on the index, with Northampton achieving the biggest increase, moving from 42nd to 39th. The full East Midlands rankings are below:
  • Leicester – 20th
  • Peterborough – 22nd
  • Derby – 23rd
  • Lincoln – 24th
  • Nottingham – 35th
  • Northampton – 39th
The report states that the East Midlands is expected to see slightly slower economic growth compared to the UK average in both 2023 and 2024, with a predicted growth rate of 0.7% in 2024, and 1.6% in 2025. This compares to the UK average of 1.0% in 2024 and 1.7% in 2025. Alex Hudson, East Midlands Market Senior Partner, PwC, said: “The outlook for the East Midlands is promising, with our cities generally performing well in this year’s analysis. Leicester has historically been a top performer in the index and it’s pleasing to see other cities including Derby and Nottingham move up the rankings this year. Equally, improvements on jobs, income distribution and environmental scores highlight sustainable growth in the East Midlands with more opportunities to come. “That said, the report indicates that the East Midlands slightly lags behind the UK average in areas like income, house prices, and predicted economic growth. With the new East Midlands devolution deal, this should be seen as a roadmap for opportunity, identifying where ongoing support can significantly improve key public priorities.” Across the East Midlands, improvements were made in jobs, income distribution and environment, and are either above or in line with the UK average for home ownership, transport and skills. The highest priority for those living in the region is income, followed by safety and work life balance. Jobs, environment and income distribution are also top priorities, scoring above the UK average.

Viking Park, Congleton continues to progress with food retailer’s opening

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Viking Park, Congleton continues to progress with food retailer’s opening
Food retailer, Aldi has completed the build and fit out for its new food store at Viking Park, Congleton. The 2-acre fully serviced plot located in the retail zone of the mixed-use development is home to the single storey 20,000 sq ft purpose-built food retail facility. The exterior of the building has been designed to sympathetically reflect its green surroundings, a design code condition which has been applied across the scheme. Aldi has invested an estimated £7.5m in Congleton and has delivered the new store less than nine months after construction began. Bryn Richards, Aldi Real Estate Director said: “Opening our new store at Viking Park, Congleton, marks an exciting milestone for Aldi. We are proud to have delivered this high-quality facility in record time, providing the community with access to our award-winning range of products at unbeatable prices. “This significant investment not only underscores our commitment to Congleton but also supports local jobs and the wider economy. We look forward to welcoming customers through our doors and becoming a key part of the Viking Park development.” Marc Freeman, Director, Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd added: “The official opening of this store will bring the retail element of this development to life. The timing coincides well with our lead construction contractors, Roe Developments, gearing up to begin building the next stage of roadside convenience, a Starbucks, Greggs and KFC. “Additionally, we will be starting to construct a 20,000 sq ft builders merchants and speculatively building a further 9,000 sq ft industrial unit which will be available on an all-enquiries basis. We anticipate all units will be open for business March 2025.” Elsewhere on the mixed-use scheme, residential developer, Bloor Homes, are progressing well with the construction of their homes. On completion, Viking Park will deliver up to 175 homes, a 20,500 sq ft supermarket/roadside convenience, as well as 36,800 sq ft office facilities and 219,500 sq ft of industrial units.

WBR Group further strengthens leadership team

Tess Egginton
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WBR Group further strengthens leadership team
WBR Group (WBR), the independent provider of SSAS services and tax experts, has appointed Julie Sebastianelli as a Non Executive Director. Julie brings a wealth of experience in the high net worth (HNW) sector and will play a crucial role in enhancing the strategic direction of WBR Group. Julie Sebastianelli has held a number of senior roles within the financial services industry, such as Deloitte and Brown Shipley. She was also a shareholder and Board Director at Hurley Partners, and most recently, a Wealth Management Director at Mattioli Woods, a position she held until April 2024. Julie’s extensive expertise spans SIPP and SSAS pensions, complex financial planning, inheritance tax (IHT) and estate planning, and a wide range of tax related areas. Renowned for her ability to simplify complex financial matters, she has earned a reputation for delivering trustworthy guidance in clear, understandable terms that resonate with clients. Julie’s appointment marks a significant step forward for WBR Group as it continues to strengthen its leadership team with experienced professionals who bring diverse insights and expertise. Tom Moore, CEO, WBR Group said: “We are really pleased to welcome Julie to our Board. She is already well-known to many of the team here and her exceptional track record and expertise in wealth management and financial planning will be invaluable as we strive to enhance our service offerings and continue our growth trajectory. “Julie’s ability to communicate complex financial strategies in a way that clients can easily understand aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering unparalleled client service.” Julie Sebastianelli said: “I am excited to join WBR Group at such a pivotal time in the company’s growth. The opportunity to contribute to a firm that shares my commitment to client centric, transparent service is one that I greatly value. “I look forward to working with the Board and the management team, leveraging my experience to help drive WBR Group’s strategic objectives forward.”

Connect with property and construction professionals at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024

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Connect with property and construction professionals at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
While nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 are assessed, book your tickets for the highly anticipated event taking place on Thursday 3rd October. Recognising and celebrating those behind the changing landscape of our region – the very best companies, teams, individuals and projects – the event showcases the exceptional work carried out across the East Midlands over the past 12 months. The awards further present a perfect networking opportunity, with the leaders of property and construction businesses from across the East Midlands in attendance. The event 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). 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 Agent of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner. 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.

Tickets can be booked here.

The event will begin at 4:30pm with networking and continue until 7:30pm, with additional time thereafter for connecting and celebrating. Complementary drinks and nibbles will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress.
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 Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with property and construction professionals while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in the region. Thanks to our sponsors:      

       

To be held at:

£3m awarded to power welfare and sustainability in poultry production

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£3m awarded to power welfare and sustainability in poultry production
A new £3 million project aims to address significant health and welfare issues in poultry production. Nottingham Trent University is a partner on the ‘FeedFlow’ project, which is led by insect farming innovator Flybox® and funded by Innovate UK as part of Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme. The work – which brings together a consortium of industry leaders and academic institutions – will utilise advanced technologies and black soldier fly (BSF) larvae to improve poultry welfare and promote sustainability in the poultry industry. Despite significant advancements in production sustainability through genetic selection, the poultry industry faces persistent issues – including poor leg health, high mortality rates, and variable feed conversion ratios. Poultry production also contributes notably to ammonia emissions in the UK. To address these issues and stay competitive against low-cost imports, UK production systems must evolve continuously. Black soldier fly farming and artificial intelligence are emerging as revolutionary solutions for improving poultry welfare and performance, while also supporting sustainability. BSF larvae are renowned for their ability to promote natural poultry behaviour and provide a nutrient-rich, high-quality protein source enhanced with antimicrobial peptides. AI systems, meanwhile, propel precision agriculture by delivering real-time data on flock welfare and early warnings of potential issues. The FeedFlow project harnesses these technologies with a cutting-edge rapid intervention system. It integrates FLOX360, an in-demand computer vision platform powered by enterprise-grade AI algorithms, with the nutritional advantages of BSF larvae. This innovative approach aims to amplify poultry health and productivity, setting new standards for welfare and sustainability in the industry. Additionally, the project incorporates Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), led by Jess Callaghan from the University of Chester, to assess Global Warming Potential (GWP) and prevent a race to the bottom in emissions. Flybox’s ® collaboration with NTU’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences further strengthens the project, utilising fortified BSF larvae to deliver a rapid nutrient boost that addresses health challenges more effectively than traditional feed interventions. Together, these innovations streamline feeding processes, enhance flock health and behaviour, and promote environmentally responsible decision-making, all while reducing impacts across the entire value chain. Emily Burton, Professor in Sustainable Food Production in Nottingham Trent University’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, said: “Insects are an essential part of our transition from linear to circular resource use, and projects like this are accelerating insect production to commercial viability by thinking outside the box about how we can harness them to improve poultry production.” Supported by a consortium that includes Flybox®, FLOX, the University of Chester, Nottingham Trent University, Courteenhall Farms, Menchine Farm, and Clarke Group Construction, the project is dedicated to developing a comprehensive, sustainable solution for the poultry industry. Last year Flybox® and NTU embarked on a study to feed BSF larvae food waste – nutritionally-enhanced using nanometre sized natural minerals – before being added to poultry feed. The work is part of a feasibility study which aims to increase the nutritional value of chickens and significantly reduce the carbon footprint of ingredients.

Barwood Capital appoints new senior residential development manager

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Barwood Capital appoints new senior residential development manager
Northamptonshire-based real estate investment and development platform, Barwood Capital (Barwood) has welcomed Alex Jervis to the Barwood Residential Investment Platform (BRIP) as senior residential development manager. Alex brings over 8 years of experience in the property industry, having previously worked for Savills at its UK head office. During his time there, Alex advised a diverse range of clients on matters related to the delivery of residential development projects, ranging from single houses in central London to urban extensions and new settlements throughout the UK. In his new role, Alex will be responsible for leading the day-to-day management of BRIP’s delivery partners, to ensure the successful delivery of projects that meet the strategic objectives of the business, ensuring maximum returns for Barwood’s investors and delivery partners alike. Alex said: “I am thrilled to be joining the BRIP team at Barwood Capital at such an exciting time, following on from what has been a very challenging environment for SME residential developers. “Through BRIP’s unique offering, I am relishing the opportunity to work closely with all existing and new partners, and investors, to create and deliver much-needed high-quality homes in desirable locations where supply can often be the most constrained.” Hugo Trower, residential chief operating officer at Barwood, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alex to Barwood Capital. His extensive and varied experience working on a multitude of differing projects across the residential market, coupled with his proven ability to manage multiple complex projects and teams, makes him an ideal fit for our business. “We are confident that Alex will play a significant role in advancing our developments, processes and initiatives, and helping us achieve our ambitious goals.”

Tree planting helps grow funds of much-loved hospice

Tess Egginton
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Tree planting helps grow funds of much-loved hospice
A grounds maintenance company has been planting trees across Derbyshire and raised thousands of pounds for a much-loved hospice at the same time. Shed Grounds Maintenance, which looks after the grounds of many companies including Hazelwood-based Lubrizol, embarked on its tree planting project in aid of Chesterfield’s Ashgate Hospice to mark 20 years in business. Company managing director Peter Botham said the initiative had been inspired by the ‘Queen’s Green Canopy’ project – a huge national tree planting initiative to mark the late monarch’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. To celebrate its 20th birthday the company has been planting trees at 20 of its sites and making a donation each time to Ashgate Hospice. Shed Grounds Maintenance has now been shortlisted for a prestigious East Midlands Chamber award in the Environmental Impact category. Peter said many clients – including Lubrizol – had been very enthusiastic about the project and had match funded the donation, meaning thousands had now been raised for Ashgate. Lubrizol, which is set in a former country house with lovely grounds, is now home to two silver birches planted by Shed Grounds Maintenance to replace trees felled by storm damage. Peter explained that he had a longstanding connection with Ashgate Hospice having done some landscaping for the organisation when it first started. “The people at Ashgate are just amazing,” he said. “Being 20 years old, we were looking to make a difference to a charity. We thought rather than just donate money to Ashgate Hospice, we’d plant a tree in our clients’ grounds and give a donation for each one. A lot of clients have matched our donation which has been great. “We thought that tree planting was the ideal way for us to mark our 20th birthday. First of all, we all need to be doing more tree planting! Hopefully a tree is something that is going to last for many years to come. People plant trees in memory of loved ones which has also got a fitting connection with the work of the nurses at Ashgate Hospice. “Lubrizol is located in a stunning place and it’s a brilliant place to work.” Passionate horticulturalist Peter said silver birches had been chosen for the company’s anniversary tree planting as they are native species to the UK, having grown on this isle since the end of the last Ice Age. Claire Hollingshurst, from Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee, said: “We were very happy when Shed Grounds Maintenance said they would like to donate two trees to us as part of their tree planting initiative for Ashgate Hospice. “We work hard to maintain our beautiful grounds and we are very happy to be home to these two new silver birches, replacing other trees that we lost to this year’s storms. I hope the money raised for Ashgate Hospice will help it continue its great work.”

Proposals set out for new West Northamptonshire crematorium

Tess Egginton
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Proposals set out for new West Northamptonshire crematorium
Proposals have been unveiled for a new crematorium in West Northamptonshire to address the increasing need for cremation services across local communities. West Northamptonshire Council has set out plans to develop a state-of-the-art and sustainable new facility on land at Wantage Farm, in the Round Spinney area of Northampton. Residents will soon be able to give their views on the plans before a planning application is submitted for the scheme in November. With existing crematoria within the area operating above their capacity, the new facility will ease the pressure on local need, reduce waiting times and improve the service for bereaved families. Building the new crematorium is also expected to bring benefits to the local community, with the surrounding land transformed into recreational spaces, including walking paths and green areas. It will be designed to minimise the impact on local surroundings, particularly around traffic, noise and appearance issues, with a key focus on sustainability and biodiversity including energy-efficient electric cremators, heat recovery systems, solar panels, green roofs and thoughtful landscaping. Wantage Farm was selected as the most suitable site following an assessment of 11 potential locations in West Northants – this included looking at factors such as size, accessibility, ecology and archaeology as well as how they aligned with key policies such as the Local Plan and flood risk management. Placing a crematorium on the site would also preserve and protect the Green Wedge. Councillor Mike Hallam, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and HR at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “On average, 80 per cent of people opt for cremation over burial, and the new facility at Round Spinney, will relieve pressure on the other existing crematorium in West Northants, reducing wait times for bereaved families while allowing them to hold longer, more meaningful ceremonies for their loved ones. “This new facility addresses the urgent need for additional cremation services in a way that respects and enhances our natural environment. “In addition to providing essential services, its construction and operation will create jobs and support local businesses. The crematorium will be inclusive to everyone of all different faiths, offering a range of features to meet the diverse needs of our community and providing spaces that respect the privacy and dignity of everyone.” Residents will be encouraged to view the proposals and give their views during the pre-planning consultation, which will start on Wednesday, 25 September.

New Gartree prison to go ahead despite call for reconsideration

Tess Egginton
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New Gartree prison to go ahead despite call for reconsideration
The Leader of Harborough District Council has received a letter from the government confirming that the new prison at Gartree, approved under the previous government, will still be built.
This news comes despite the leader’s call for the new government to reconsider the decision that outline planning permission should be granted which was made by the former Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Lord Timpson, Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending replied to the leader on behalf of the Prime Minister and confirmed that early works which had started in July would continue due to the government’s full commitment to build the prison. Lord Timpson also said that he wished to work closely with residents, the council and other stakeholders to ensure that the new prison is a success. Cllr Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “I wrote to the Prime Minister at the beginning of July to ask him to call in the decision made by the previous Secretary of State to allow the new prison at Gartree to be built. I asked whether it was logical to have it situated in Gartree and whether he thought the local infrastructure can cope. “I am incredibly disappointed with this response and that my offer to meet with ministers to show them the site was not taken up. The council will continue to work with and on behalf of the local community to help to mitigate any negative impact of the prison on the local area. I will also be writing to Lord Timpson and asking to meet him to seek the best possible outcomes for residents and the community.” In April 2022, Harborough District Council’s planning committee refused the outline application for the new prison. An appeal from the Ministry of Justice against the decision was received in June 2022. On Wednesday 15 November 2023 the government announced the then Secretary of State’s decision that the appeal from the MOJ should be allowed and outline permission should be granted, subject to conditions.
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