Computer repair firm plugs in at Burton business park
Rushton Hickman Ltd has let Unit 11 at Eccleshall Business Park to Thinktech IT Services Ltd, a provider of computer and laptop repair services.
Eccleshall Business Park is located on Hawkins Lane, situated within one of the principal industrial areas of Burton upon Trent.
Specifically, the 1,725 sq ft unit features a layout that includes a ground floor area of 1,440 sq ft equipped with two roller shutter doors, providing seamless access for deliveries and operational needs. Additionally, the unit also offers extra first-floor space of 285 sq ft, ideal for office use. It also benefits from a small, self-contained yard.
Bilal, director of ThickTech IT Services Ltd, said: “I want to thank the team for all their help from start to finish. We viewed a few units and were struggling to find the right one for our needs at first, Richard and Steph were very helpful throughout. They made us feel comfortable and explained everything in detail. The whole process was smooth and trouble free.”
As Rushton Hickman Ltd welcomes the new tenant to Eccleshall Business Park, Richard Fairey, Director, said: “We take pride in finding businesses like Thinktech IT Services Ltd the best premises and supporting facilities available to operate and grow from. We believe Eccleshall Business Park is the ideal location for this to happen.”
Hortons to deliver 200,000 sq ft industrial redevelopment in Corby
Independent property company, Hortons, has secured planning consent for the redevelopment of a vacant warehouse unit in the UK’s logistics ‘golden triangle’.
The project will deliver more than 200,000 sq ft of premium warehouse/logistics accommodation at Saxon Park off Saxon Way West, in Corby.
Hortons will extensively redevelop a single existing building to create two new units, known as Saxon 79 and Saxon 129, which will comprise 78,500 sq ft and 129,300 sq ft respectively.
The new units will include secure yard space, integral first floor offices and a power supply of up to 1 MVA, with the ability to increase capacity. Environmental sustainability lies at the heart of the refurbishment, with features such as LED lighting, PV roof panelling and EV charging stations. Both units will target an EPC A+ rating.
Hortons acquired Saxon Park in 2023 and has since completed the comprehensive upgrade of Saxon 58, a 58,350 sq ft warehouse/logistics unit, which was pre-let to Russell & Bromley.
Saxon 79 and Saxon 129 are expected to be available for occupation from Q3 2025.
James Slater of Hortons said: “We are investing in a full scale redevelopment programme to create two new high specification warehouse/logistics units, offering enhanced power and sustainability. The project is one of a series of developments we are undertaking at Saxon Park. It will provide occupiers with grade A accommodation in an established and sought after industrial location.”
Nottingham City Council launches new housing strategy
Nottingham City Council has launched its new strategy – Homes Fit for the Future – which will improve the quality, supply and affordability of housing in the city.
Covering social housing, the private-rented sector and owner-occupied homes, the strategy runs until 2028 and is committed to a vision where: “Homes in Nottingham meet the aspirations and needs of our current and future residents. People live in safe, warm homes that they can afford, in vibrant local neighbourhoods where everyone can thrive.”
To achieve this, the strategy focuses on the following priority areas:
- Enabling the building of new homes and regeneration
- Enabling people with support needs to live independently
- Improving housing standards while continuing the progress towards a carbon net zero future
- Making the best use of the available housing stock and supporting the development and acquisition of more affordable homes
- Preventing and reducing homelessness and rough sleeping
Leicester creative agency becomes employee-owned
Full-service creative agency, Rock Kitchen Harris, has become 100% employee-owned, through the establishment of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
After 42 years as an independent agency, the move from direct to employee ownership marks a new chapter and demonstrates the agency’s commitment to putting its team of over 60 employees at the heart of its future.
Employees are now the sole beneficiaries of the EOT and will benefit from the company’s success. In addition, a team of internally elected Trustee Directors will ensure that employee interests are at the forefront, now and in the future.
In a joint statement, the Directors of Rock Kitchen Harris, Paul Petherick, Jamie Mollart and Paul Sculthorpe, said: “Since 1982, we’ve proudly championed and supported each other, with one shared goal: to create great work for our clients.
“We believe in people-powered growth, where everyone matters, so we’ve turned that into our lasting legacy. By embracing the opportunities that employee-ownership presents, we’re confident in our ability to grow and exceed the expectations of our clients, as well as ourselves.”
Rock Kitchen Harris works for a wide range of clients, including Vision Express, national housebuilder Taylor Wimpey, cleaning and security services provider Samsic and Twycross Zoo.
Vaillant and DCG unveil strategic partnership reshaping heating apprenticeships
Taking a proactive approach to how heating apprenticeship training is designed and implemented in the UK, and to help provide the skills needed to support the decarbonisation of heat, Vaillant has built a new, strategic partnership with Derby College Group (DCG).
Working closely together, Vaillant and DCG have developed a blended learning experience for both those leaving school and mature students, providing the wide range of skills needed for a career in the heating industry, as well as a working knowledge of business and the many opportunities that lie across the sector, to ensure that together, they can support the journey towards decarbonisation.
Through this first of a kind collaboration for Vaillant, a new strategic partnership has been formed to develop new enhanced college schedules enabling students access to the best learning from an educational and real-life business perspective.
Integrated with practical training, a new Vaillant Low Carbon Technology Training Room has also been officially opened at the Derby College Roundhouse campus. Incorporating Vaillant’s heat pumps and controls, it provides hands-on learning for the ten inaugural Low Carbon Heating Technician (LCHT) apprentices and for future cohorts starting their journey in the industry.
In 2023, Vaillant made history as it hired the UK’s first ten full-time, employed LCHT apprentices, who are being supported throughout their 3-year course, and who work across the Vaillant business – including on-the-job training with qualified heating engineers.
This new apprenticeship is a significant development for the industry; with demand for heat pumps rapidly increasing in the UK, encouraging younger generations into the industry is fundamental and will support the UK’s transition towards renewable heating solutions.
The new partnership provides an additional location for Vaillant’s own technical training team to deliver knowledge and skills to Vaillant employees, to help develop both business knowledge and career progression. In addition, the training facility can be used to bolster the training capacity across Derbyshire helping to meet the high demand for heat pump training courses from installers who are looking to upskill.
The collaboration ensures the knowledge share between both Derby College and Vaillant, in particular regular training between teaching staff is continued, so they are familiar with the latest developments in low carbon heating.
Henrik Hansen, Managing Director at Vaillant Group, UK and Ireland, said: “Derby has long been known as a hub for engineering and innovation. As one of the largest manufacturers in the area producing a significant proportion of the UK’s heating appliances in Belper, we are keen to train and upskill those coming into the low carbon heating industry.
“There are many opportunities within this industry, from becoming a qualified installer, to becoming an engineer on the manufacturing side, which is often overlooked by existing education criteria.
“This partnership offers students access to the very latest learning, alongside an in depth understanding of business and manufacturing. We want to encourage people into the many roles available and keep the heating industry moving forward at the fast pace required for the UK to achieve net zero.
“We are confident that the benefits will be felt across the existing industry, by equipping students with the right skills needed for installers to take them on during their apprenticeship – and grow or expand their businesses into low carbon technologies.
“We are also proud to hold the ‘Investors in People’ Gold accreditation, and this partnership further supports our ongoing investment in providing continuous development to our colleagues, many of whom are local to Derby.”
Carol Dixon, Director of Employer Partnerships at DCG, added: “It is much talked about that the heating industry has an aging workforce, so it is essential we look at new ways to showcase and encourage people into this wide-ranging industry, and ensure they leave work and skills ready to make a difference as we move to a low carbon era.
“Being able to work with Vaillant on content and hands-on learning tools means we can combine and share our experience to give students a meaningful and valuable apprenticeship experience. Vaillant’s first cohort of Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprentices have made huge strides over the past year and the new training facilities can only help to take this further.”
The course is recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) and was developed by MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) with support from employers across the low carbon heating sector including MCS certified contractors. It also forms part of the Green Apprenticeships holding the Kings Standard, launched to celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
Midlands businessmen retire and set sail on round-the-world fundraiser
Two retiring Leicester businessmen have set sail on their latest voyage – an 18-month round-the-world sailing trip.
Experienced sailors Simon Tysoe and Dave Percival leave UK shores this week on the first leg to cross the Atlantic before joining a flotilla of some 200 boats in the World ARC adventure race for 2025-26.
The pair will be the ever-presents in a crew of four who will guide a 60ft Oyster sailing yacht named Distraction 3 – Mr Tysoe’s retirement gift to himself – through the Panama Canal, across the Pacific and Indian Oceans before rounding Africa and reaching finish line in the Caribbean Sea.
In the process they hope to raise over £200,000 for a select group of good causes – The Lord’s Taverners cricket charity and conservation programmes Mareco and Project Seagrass.
Mr Tysoe left school at 16 and learned his trade as an electrician and panel fitter before founding several successful companies around his home city of Leicester, including S Tysoe Installations, Midlands Access Platforms, TPS Hire and a substantial property portfolio.
Now living near Markfield, his main company S Tysoe Installations was bought in March 2021 by The P & M Group, the parent company of Gloucester-based coldstore construction and maintenance specialists ISD Solutions. Three years later and he has the opportunity to retire.
“I’ve sailed the Atlantic before,” he said, “and covered some 40,000 nautical miles in trips over the years. But this is going to be my biggest challenge.
“I’m an adventurer – I always have been, whether it’s mountaineering, helicopter flying, or rally car driving. Now I’m retired I’m lucky enough to be able to take on this journey and raise some funds for charities, doing valuable work tied in with The P & M Group’s environmental and social values.
“I’m excited about the trip and we’re well prepared. It’s going to be quite a journey.
“In the meantime my people at S Tysoe Installations are in good hands – it was the best thing for the business and the staff to hand it over to another good company with a great reputation.
“The boat has Starlink satellite internet so if anyone’s desperate to get hold of me they’ll be able to find me – or at least they can find the boat!”
Mr Tysoe and Mr Percival met 35 years ago and have sailed together on many trips. Mr Percival, who lives in Leicester Forest East, has recently retired as a director of Percival Hosiery – the ladies’ underwear manufacturer originally set up by his father in 1977.
“We’ve spoken about doing the ARC event for many years,” he said, “before Covid got in the way of our plans. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and now that we’re both retired it’s the right time.
“I’m grateful to Simon for investing in this stunning boat and I consider myself very lucky to have the chance to take part in such a voyage.
“It can be dangerous of course, particularly around the western Atlantic at this time of year, but once we pick up the trade winds from Gran Canaria we should be fine.
“Overall, it’s a challenge but one I’m looking forward to – we can’t wait to get started.”
Tony Wall, managing director of The P & M Group, said: “We’re really excited for Simon and wish him all the best for the next 18 months. What an incredible opportunity for him and something which is richly deserved after a fabulous career in business.
“Mareco and Project Seagrass are both marine focused charities and reflect our commitment to the environment whilst, from a personal note, Lord’s Taverners helps to give young people life changing opportunities and very much supports our wish to invest in future generations. We are grateful to Simon for his fundraising efforts.”
Corporate sponsors are already on board with the fundraising efforts – committed funds already include £60k from headline sponsors Winvic and Kingspan alongside contributions from Simon Tysoe and The P & M Group itself.
Anyone looking to support the charities can contribute here.
Council gives final go-ahead for new bridge over River Trent
Work on the first new bridge over the River Trent in 60 years is expected to begin early in 2025.
Nottingham City Council’s ambitious project to build a new 85 metre long pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Trent between Trent Basin and Lady Bay has reached a new milestone, with the project given a final approval from the Council at its Executive Board meeting on 22 October.
Once this approval is given, the project will get a final go-ahead from the Department for Transport before contracts are signed and work can begin in the new year.
The bridge will be the flagship, and final, project to come out of the City Council’s Transforming Cities Fund programme, which began in 2020 following a successful bid for over £160 million of central Government funding for projects which encourage inter-city connectivity and lower carbon journeys.
The new traffic-free bridge, the first to be built over the River Trent since Clifton Bridge in the 1950s, and its new and enhanced connecting paths will be a key link between the regenerating Trent Basin area with its new homes and schools, and the south side of the river with its many sports facilities including the City Ground, Trent Bridge, Holme Pierrepont and Nottingham Rugby Club.
By enhancing connections between communities, green spaces and riverside paths, the bridge will make it easier for people living and working in the Nottingham area to travel in a more sustainable way, linking those in communities such as Sneinton and the city centre with green space south of the river.
The new bridge will also help the city towards its Carbon Neutral 2028 ambition as well as improving local air quality and congestion levels by enabling people to get around for work or play without needing a car.
Planning for this ambitious and complex project has been underway since 2019, with many important milestones already achieved including public consultations, detailed design work, land agreements, securing planning permission from the City Council and Rushcliffe Borough Councils, as well as working with the Environment Agency, local residents and other stakeholders to make sure the new bridge works for everyone.
Since the project began, plans have evolved as the design and methods of construction have been refined and this along with other factors outside of the Council’s control, including Covid, the war in Ukraine, and periods of high inflation, means that the maximum delivery budget for the total project is now £18 million. The final construction costs will be confirmed by December 2024.
Looking ahead, the City Council intends to enter into contracts with the lead delivery partner Balfour Beatty in January with enabling works starting early in 2025.
Then, into the spring and summer, a warehouse used by Flo Skate park will be demolished to make way for the bridge sections to be brought to site and erected before being lifted into place by a gigantic crane during autumn 2025. The new bridge is expected to officially open in early 2026.
Nottingham City Council Leader and Executive Member for Strategic Regeneration, Transport and Communications, Councillor Neghat Khan said: “The new bridge will be the first built over the Trent in Nottingham for more than 60 years, creating a vital link between developing new communities and opening up new safer commuter and leisure routes, offering a huge boost to cyclists, pedestrians and runners as well as everyone in our city through improving air quality and congestion.”
Other Transforming Cities-funded projects already completed include the new bus station in Bulwell, the expansion of safe city centre cycle routes and a secure new cycle store at Broad Marsh, the transformation of Collin Street into a new area of public realm and playground and the newly opened Green Heart area.
Measom Freer makes new appointment to support growth strategy
A Leicester-based family-owned plastic packaging manufacturer has appointed a new Business Development Manager to support its strategy to diversify into new markets.
Measom Freer has appointed Craig Edwards to the role of Business Development Manager to help drive strategic growth and generate new business within the chemical market.
Craig brings a wealth of industry experience to the business having previously worked at plastic packaging manufacturer Faerch UK, and more recently, packaging distributor Pont Packaging.
As part of his role, Craig will be responsible for shaping strategy and product development to generate new business in the chemical market with a focus on sectors such as janitorial and car care.
Craig will also work closely with the production team to roll out a ‘On Time in Full’ inventory service to customers. The new offering will provide customers with ‘their allocated’ products as and when they are needed, with manufacturing to replace stock as it’s taken, reducing order fulfilment times.
Craig Edwards said: “I am delighted to join Measom Freer. During my career I have sold packaging in a number of different materials, but for me, plastic is the sustainable material I am most passionate about.
“My experience working for both a manufacturer and distributor has provided invaluable experience and I’m looking forward to working with the team to break into new markets and position Measom Freer as the leading manufacturer of plastic packaging in the UK.
“I was attracted to Measom Freer because of its family culture and values. It’s a very hands-on role and I enjoy having the opportunity to work with all areas of the business from design to production to deliver excellent service.”
Measom Freer Production Manager Ben Freer added: “We are excited to have Craig on board, who has fit right in with our close-knit team. He has made great progress with our sales and marketing strategy, especially on our focus of expanding our share of the industrial and chemical market.
“Craig has brought with him a different perspective of the industry, which has been invaluable in many of the projects the company is currently involved in.”
Work progresses on new local centre and GP practice in Leicestershire
Work is well underway on a new local centre at New Lubbesthorpe in Leicestershire being delivered by developer Charterpoint, in association with landowner The Drummond Trust.
Derby-based contractor Davlyn Construction has been appointed to build the two-storey, mixed-use development known as the Brook Centre, which will house a Sainsbury’s Local store and four additional units for retail, including a café/bistro on the ground floor.
The first floor will be occupied by Forest House Medical Centre.
It will be the first local centre at the vibrant new community in Blaby which will eventually include more than 4,000 new homes.
Charterpoint MD Giles Nursey said: “This local centre will bring much-needed retail and café facilities to the New Lubbesthorpe community. It will also create a new practice for Forest House Medical Centre.
“We are delighted that work is progressing on site and that the steel frame is up.”
Work is also underway on a 66-bed care home being built near the local centre after Charterpoint and The Drummond Trust sold the scheme to Octopus Healthcare Fund, which invests in best-in-class care homes across the UK.
The local centre and care home – designed by Franklin Ellis Architects – will complete the development of the Tay Road feature square that also includes New Lubbesthorpe Primary School.
It is expected that work will be completed on the local centre and GP practice by summer 2025.
New Lubbesthorpe is a new community set in 1,000 acres, of which 325 acres will be new parks and wetlands, south of Leicester Forest East.
Council takes developer to court over lack of affordable housing
Bolsover District Council has taken a housing developer to court over the lack of affordable housing on their site, even though it was an obligation of the planning permission approval.
The development known as Hawthorne Meadows off Chesterfield Road in Barlborough is being built by Arba Ground Trading Company and the council noted that the development was almost built out meaning they had no intention of complying with the obligations of the planning permission and paying the monies owed.
The development was granted planning permission in March 2011 with the later amended proviso included as part of the s106 condition that 10% of the homes on the site be affordable housing. However, 126 houses have currently been built and occupied, leaving nine left to be built, which meant they could not meet the affordable housing target.
His Honour Judge (HHJ) Tindal presided over the case in the High Court in Birmingham and the council argued that the developer appeared to be trying to build a market housing only development on the site, which is not what planning permission was granted for and was a breach of the s106.
HHJ Tindal stated that “a party who made promises under a s106 and then breaks those promises can expect themselves to be made subject to an injunction.” He went on to say that “the developer had raised over £31million and there is a strong public interest in this Council seeking an injunction and that as 126 properties are occupied the s106 cannot be complied with.”
HHJ Tindal issued an interim injunction on the developer that prohibits them from building or selling/leasing any more properties and that costs have been reserved. The case has been adjourned as the developer has appealed a February 2024 decision refusing to vary the s106 agreement to reduce their obligations. Once the appeal process is complete the matter will be returned to the High Court.
HHJ Tindal went on to state: “I cannot understand what defence they can have. It should also be made clear that they owe the debt. What’s currently owed as we stand here today is the full amount of contributions owed under the original agreements.”
Cabinet Member for Governance, Councillor Duncan McGregor said: “We faced the real risk that the development would be completed, sold and occupied without the monies being paid and other obligations being met. The developer could then wind up the company, leaving all contributions outstanding with little means for the Council to enforce the terms of the obligations.
“Nothing which has occurred over the last three years gives us any confidence that the obligations would be promptly and fully complied with, that’s why we sought court action.
“But let this be a warning to developers. We issue planning permission on the proviso that its conditions are met. If they are not, then we will take legal action against those responsible.”
New firm to take over community hub development following contractor’s fall into administration
After last month the main contractor for the Clay Cross Active development, ISG, filed for administration, delaying progress on the project, a new contractor has been sourced.
North East Derbyshire District Council said its development partner, Alliance Leisure, has worked tirelessly to appoint a new contractor and minimise the impact on the scheme.
Now, Universal Civils & Build will take over the scheme.
Contractors will return to the site in the coming weeks.
Universal has already made the site secure and safe, and are currently rescheduling the works to ensure they can be completed as quickly as possible.
Clay Cross Active is a new community hub, providing a place to be active, both physically and mentally.
It is set to feature a large, modern fitness suite, spin studio, sports hall, main pool and learner pool with spectator seating, changing places facility, treatment rooms, Innerva wellness suite, soft play and interactive play, and a community café. Citizens Advice North East Derbyshire will also be based in the new Clay Cross Active.
Football arena and sports bar seeks buyer following appointment of administrators
Active Arena CIC has appointed Mark Hopkins and Ian Rose of FTS Recovery Ltd as joint administrators following the closure of their customer-facing premises on 3 October 2024.
The company, which has operated a community football arena and sports bar in Lincolnshire since 2019, was forced to cease trading on 10 October 2024 when severe cashflow shortages resulted in the disconnection of the Arena’s electricity supply.
Despite the popularity of the Active Arena venue, the company’s profit margin had been seriously depleted by rising energy prices and other cost increases associated with the cost-of-living crisis. With the company’s cashflow already stretched by Covid, this ultimately made it impossible to continue trading.
FTS Recovery is now actively seeking a buyer for the company and its assets, with a view to its continued trading as a going concern at their current premises. The sale will be managed by FTS Recovery’s appointed agents, Eddisons.
Mark Hopkins, insolvency practitioner, FTS Recovery Limited, said: “The closure of the Active Arena site will be a blow to the local community who have welcomed the award-winning facility as a fun and safe place to socialise and become active. We are eager to arrange a sale that will allow the company to return to serving its loyal customers as quickly as possible.
“The Arena is an excellent opportunity for the right buyer to build on what is already an integral part of the community with a strong customer-base and brand recognition.”
Homebuilder raises more than £7,000 for armed forces charity with Rutland golf day
More than £7,000 was raised to help service personnel, veterans and their families at a charity golf day organised by homebuilder Vistry Group.
Vistry has chosen SSAFA the Armed Forces charity as its fundraising cause for the year and the East Anglia region of the company arranged the event at Greetham Valley Golf Club in Rutland on Tuesday 24 September.
The day was attended by 80 players, made up of staff and subcontractors who work across the region. Branch chair for SSAFA East Midlands Jim Evans also attended the fundraiser.
Jim said: “The incredible and continued commitment to SSAFA and our Armed Forces community that everyone at the Vistry Group has demonstrated this year is simply outstanding.
“Because of their continued support at events like this golf day and so many others, the Forces family will have the committed, practical, financial, and emotional support they deserve, whenever and wherever they need us. For this, we cannot thank everyone at Vistry enough.”
Andy Pearce, construction director for Vistry East Anglia, said: “We had a great day on the golf course, and it was very enjoyable to get together with the people we work alongside every day to take part in a day of sport while supporting a good cause. I’d like to thank everyone who helped to make it so successful.
“And it was good to welcome Jim Evans from SSAFA to our event so that we could find out more about the charity’s work on the day.
“We were proud to hand over thousands of pounds to SSAFA and we know that the money will make a big difference to the people who will be helped as a result.”
The event raised £7,100, which included donations, a raffle and an auction. The golf competition was followed by a dinner and prize giving in the Rutland Suite at the golf club.
Business connectivity and communications firm takes space at Derbyshire office complex
Business connectivity and communications firm Yappl has expanded after taking new space on an office complex in South Normanton, Derbyshire.
Yappl has moved into recently-refurbished 2,465 sq ft office space at Unit 4, The Village on Maisies Way in a deal brokered by NG Chartered Surveyors.
Joe Butler, Finance Director at Yappl, said: “We’re thrilled to have moved into our new office space on Maisies Way. The location is ideal for our growing team, providing us with excellent transport links and a vibrant business community. This move marks an exciting new chapter for Yappl, and we look forward to continuing our growth from our new base.”
Charlotte Steggles, Associate Director at NG Chartered Surveyors, said that a forward-thinking private landlord client was key to securing a new tenant for Unit 4.
She added: “Unit 4 is a perfect space for an ambitious, growing company such as Yappl. Our client has been proactive in refurbishing the unit to a very high standard, meaning we could widen our scope when it came to our marketing process.
“Yappl will benefit from a fantastic community of businesses on Maisies Way, as well as excellent access to Junction 28 of the M1, which is just a mile away.
“We wish Yappl well for the future in their new home. It’s been a pleasure to work with them.”
Unseasonal weather hits revenue and profit at Shoezone
Leicester footwear retailer Shoezone has seen a dip in revenue and profit in the year to 28 September 2024.
According to an unaudited full year trading update, group revenue reduced by 2.7% to £161.3m, due to unseasonal weather in the second half of the year, particularly peak summer, as well as trading out of 26 fewer stores.
However, the company noted that the key three weeks of Back to School trade in August and September was positive and ahead of the same period last year.
Profit before tax, meanwhile, is expected to be not less than £9.6m, sliding from £16.2m last year, as a result of the weather-impacted second half sales performance in conjunction with increases in the cost of energy, depreciation, National Living Wage and containers prices in the second half.
Charles Smith, Chairman, said: “A year of two halves, with the first half trading in line with expectations and ahead of the previous year, however, the second half trading was below expectations due to unseasonal weather conditions, particularly at peak summer, however, our key Back to School period traded above expectations at the end of the year. Our Digital business continued to grow, driven by the introduction of free next day delivery for all shoezone.com orders.”
Rejection for Frasers’ further Mulberry bid
The board of directors of fashion brand Mulberry has rejected Frasers Group’s revised offer for the business.
It follows Challice Limited, the company’s majority shareholder, stating publicly that it has “no interest” in selling its Mulberry shares to Frasers. As a result, Mulberry has now said: “After careful consideration with its advisers…the Board is unanimously of the view that the Possible Offer is untenable and that the Company should focus its attention on driving the commercial performance of the business.” It also reiterated an earlier statement: “We believe that the combination of the appointment of a new CEO, our new debt facility and the capital raising…will put the Group on a firm footing to ensure we are well set up for future growth.” The new bid by Frasers, which is a significant minority shareholder in Mulberry, would have entitled shareholders to receive 150 pence in cash for each Mulberry share. This implies a valuation of approximately £111 million for the entire issued, and to be issued, ordinary share capital of Mulberry, or approximately £72 million for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Mulberry that Frasers does not already own.Modular housebuilder to wind down Derby factory
Modular housebuilder TopHat is to shutter its factory near Derby following dwindling orders.
As reported by the Construction Enquirer, the Goldman Sachs-backed firm has opened consultations with the staff at its factory at Dove Valley Park, Foston, which it plans to wind-down alongside the completion of all orders.
A statement from the company said: “In response to the challenging market environment over the last several years, TopHat has been gradually reducing its workforce.
“Unfortunately, due to the continued reduction in future pipeline, TopHat is in the process of making most of the factory staff redundant by following a statutory consultation process.
“This orderly wind-down of volumetric operations will put the business in a position to assess all future options.
“It is our strong belief that there is a continued need for Category 1 and Category 2 modular in the UK and we hope that we can capitalise on this in the future.”
It follows news in March that TopHat had pressed pause on its plans to open Europe’s biggest modular homes factory in Corby. Production was due to start this year at the 650,000 sq ft facility.
New Northampton development sites opened up following Government funding
West Northamptonshire Council has been awarded a total of almost £2.6m from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund.
The funding will help bring several derelict sites across the area back into use, as part of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s One Public Estate programme.
A former bus depot in St James, Northampton, will benefit from a £1,368,000 grant which will help remedy ground contamination and asbestos at the site which has been vacant for a decade.
There will also be further work on the site to prepare it for a residential-led scheme, creating much needed housing in that area of town.
Preparation at the former University of Northampton Avenue Campus site – including the construction of roads in the site and utility upgrades – will be possible thanks to a £1,031,500 award. This will also allow residential development.
And the former Ecton Brook Care Home site will be demolished in preparation for a new affordable housing scheme, thanks to a £200,000 grant.
Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure, said: “This funding recognises the potential of these sites and our prudent approach in buying them, and we’re grateful to the Government for this valuable contribution.
“Finding areas for new housing can be challenging and brownfield sites are ultimately the most appropriate but salvaging them is often difficult due to the cost.
“These three sites will provide in the region of 250 new homes for our residents, as part of our drive to meet growing residential demand.”
Pet food brand acquired following £43m funding package
Butcher’s Pet Care (Butcher’s), a family-owned pet food business based in Northamptonshire, has been acquired by Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN), the independent pet food business owned by CapVest.
The acquisition will include a refinancing of term debt provided by Blazehill Capital and working capital facilities provided by Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance (STB).
Founded in 1983 by Graham Baker, Butcher’s is one of the UK’s leading pet food brands, specialising in natural pet food for dogs and cats. Its products are available in all major retailers across the UK, online and in several markets worldwide.
The business faced significant inflationary pressure in early 2022 as a result of the war in Ukraine and in parallel management were looking to deliver a strategic growth plan, which included a full brand refresh.
To allow the business to withstand the market volatility and ensure the successful delivery of the business plan, Butcher’s sought to refinance their existing facilities with a more flexible funding package to provide the necessary financial breathing space.
The optimal solution was a combined funding package from Blazehill Capital and STB, consisting of an STB working capital facility and a Blazehill Capital non-amortising term loan. Since securing the new facilities, the business has gone from strength to strength, culminating in a successful exit for shareholders to Inspired Pet Nutrition.
The acquisition by Inspired Pet Nutrition creates a petfood group with sales of more than £350m and allows Butcher’s to continue focusing on its strategic growth ambitions.
Tim Watsham, former CEO of Butchers Pet Care, said: “This acquisition marks an exciting milestone in the Butcher’s journey. Both the Blazehill and STB teams took the time to understand the drivers of our business and our growth ambitions.
“The combined facilities, consisting of a flexible STB working capital facility and an innovative stretch-senior Blazehill term loan integrated seamlessly, with the dual-lender structure operating throughout the term as if it were a single bilateral solution.
“We’re all excited for what is next as we enter a new chapter and would like to thank the Blazehill and STB teams for their patient and pragmatic approach throughout.”
Tom Weedall, Managing Director at Blazehill Capital, said: “From the outset we invested significant time with Tim and Butcher’s key stakeholders to fully understand their strategic plan for the business and ensured that they had access to sufficient capital to support its objectives.
“This hugely successful outcome for the Butcher’s team underscores Blazehill’s ability to provide Transformational Capital to unlock further liquidity for businesses and, crucially, highlights the benefits of Blazehill’s hybrid approach to structuring debt led solutions.
“We have built a strong relationship with Tim and the team and we’re excited to see the business continue to flourish following its acquisition by Inspired Pet Nutrition.”
Colin Muir, Portfolio and Structuring Director at Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, said: “From supporting the business in 2022 to its recent acquisition, the Butchers team has remained committed to strategic growth and has turned the business around, delivering strong results and ultimately driving forward a successful acquisition.
“By working closely with Tim and the team, we were able to initially structure a flexible facility that would allow Butchers to unlock the value held in the business and grow its market presence.
“The facility, alongside Blazehill Capital, all helped to achieve this so it’s great to see such a strong result for the business as it enters a new era with Inspired Pet Nutrition. We all wish the business the best in its next chapter of growth.”
MEC strengthens team with trio of promotions and senior hire
MEC Consulting Group, a specialist, multi-disciplinary technical consultancy with offices in Leicester, has strengthened its team with a series of promotions and new senior appointment.
In the firm’s Civils team, Danny Hinds is promoted to Senior Civil Engineer and Nathan Broomfield becomes a Civil Engineer.
Now in his tenth year with MEC, Danny’s career began on the firm’s apprenticeship scheme and has seen him qualify with a HND in Civil and Building Engineering and an NVQ in Construction Management.
As Senior Civil Engineer, Danny moves into a more client-facing role where he will also oversee quality control and project resourcing for the five-strong Civils team.
Nathan joined MEC as a CAD Technician and has progressed to Civil Engineer, including achieving his EngTech membership with the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) this year. In his new role, Nathan will report to Danny but also acts as the design lead on projects and line manager/mentor to one of MEC’s current civil engineering apprentices.
Newly promoted in the Flood Risk and Drainage team is Ryan Chafer, who becomes a Senior Flood Risk Engineer. Alongside scheduling all the team’s work, part of Ryan’s new role means he becomes a direct line manager for two junior members of staff, including performance reviews and mentoring.
MEC’s Managing Director, Alex Bennett said: “Nurturing professional development is a fundamental part of our company culture so it’s especially pleasing to be able to reward these three talented individuals with this series of promotions.
“I’m also aware that Danny, Nathan and Ryan each aspire to undertake further training towards their respective technical qualifications and am confident that their new roles will give them the skills and experience to achieve this. We look forward to supporting them take this step forward in their careers with MEC.”
Meanwhile, new to the business is Group Marketing & Business Development Manager, Libby Willmott. A qualified CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) Member, Libby brings 12 years’ B2B and B2C experience from roles in healthcare, education, technology, and hospitality.
At MEC, Libby will be responsible for all marketing and communications output, including website, social media and events as well as driving business development, brand awareness and strategy.
Libby said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining MEC as the company seeks to grow its presence across the Midlands and South East.
“The team is working on some flagship schemes in these regions, including strategic development land and sustainable urban extensions, as well as more unusual projects such as topographical surveys to help reintegrate water voles and technical drainage assessments to support the extension of a woodland mushroom farm!
“In addition, we’re actively recruiting for graduate, mid and senior level roles, and will celebrate our 15th year in business later this year, so there’s plenty of positive news to talk about.”
