Local company raises more than £5,000 for Cancer Research UK in gruelling Tough Mudder challenge
A team of 23 from Corby-based SEE Limited, a group holding company responsible for three businesses involved in the supply, distribution and fabrication of wood veneer and decorative laminate panels, has raised more than £5,000 for Cancer Research UK by battling their way through more than 10 gruelling miles and 23 challenging obstacles in the Tough Mudder challenge, which took place at Belvoir Castle in Grantham.
Crossing the finish line in around three hours, the team joined forces to help bolster the crucial efforts and vital research that goes into saving lives and finding cures and treatment for cancer, raising £5,355.
Robert Thompson, CEO of SEE Limited, said: “It was such a challenging but rewarding experience. Pulling through the obstacles with my family, friends, and colleagues made this a very special moment.
“I’m really proud of what we have achieved, all the efforts that went in to fundraising for the event and raising such a life-changing amount of money for a cause so close to my heart.
“I’m also grateful to all those who have kindly donated – it means so much to everyone. If you’re contemplating taking on the Tough Mudder yourself, I would urge you to throw yourself at it, you will not regret it!”
Digital marketing manager at SEE Limited, Inga Gusauskaite, agrees that it was a worthwhile experience which pulled on their team spirit to get them round the gruelling course: “The course itself was really hard, made even tougher by the challenging weather conditions with the rain and the wind. But I’m very proud of myself and the team because we stuck together and tackled each obstacle as a collective.
“The worst obstacle was the electric shock one, where we had to crawl in the water while being electrocuted by the wires above. I think everyone would agree that was the worst one!
“See Limited are immensely grateful to everyone who supported us with our fundraising. Every donation no matter how big or small helps towards the life-saving research and crucial support to those living with cancer right now. We can only hope that by uniting in this way, we are doing all we can to ensure that future generations are not burdened with the impacts of cancer.”
East Midlands manufacturer completes £1.6m contract for major residential scheme in Leeds
Mansfield-based Deanestor, the furniture and fitout specialists, has delivered a £1.6m contract to provide more than 300 high specification kitchens for a major new co-living scheme in Leeds, developed by Caddick Developments.
Mercer West and Madison East are two adjoining apartment buildings near the River Aire in Leeds’ vibrant cultural quarter, which were built by Caddick Construction. This build-to-rent development is part of SOYO Leeds – a new neighbourhood in the heart of the city.
Deanestor provided bespoke, contemporary kitchens for 331 apartments in a range of configurations to suit each apartment layout. This involved the manufacture and installation of around 4,500 items of furniture including base and wall cabinets, drawers, tall fridge unit, oven housing and solid white quartz worktops.
Eugene Cannon, Senior Quantity Surveyor at Caddick Construction, said: “The Deanestor team excelled commercially and in the design phase for this complex and large-scale co-living scheme. They were helpful at each stage and had a common-sense approach to any challenges, such as the need to upgrade appliances. The finished kitchens are great – good quality, contemporary detailing, superior worktops, and gave us the value for money we were looking for.”
The kitchen cabinetry was supplied in two colour palettes for alternate floors – stone grey and dark blue, and with black D-shaped handles and brushed satin taps.
Each kitchen was fully equipped by Deanestor with integrated appliances – a built-in oven, microwave, ceramic hob, washer dryer, fridge/freezer and dishwasher.
Burton testing, inspection, certification, and compliance firm makes acquisition
Burton-based SOCOTEC UK has acquired Impulse Geophysics Ltd, a provider of 4K Digital Video and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) services based in Bedford.
Using cutting edge technology and AI, Impulse specialises in Asset Management and Condition Inspection in the Infrastructure industry, allowing clients to visualise and plan their networks/schemes effectively and safely.
The company, which has strong experience and links with many key Infrastructure industries, will further strengthen SOCOTEC UK’s range of services in the Infrastructure Asset Monitoring area.
Bob Milligan, Managing Director of Impulse, said: “It is great to be joining SOCOTEC UK within the Infrastructure Division. Over the years, we have delivered many projects for SOCOTEC UK, and we look forward to continuing our innovation and growth by utilising the client and geographical reach and expertise that joining SOCOTEC UK brings.”
Richard Hildick-Smith, Managing Director of Infrastructure, continued: “We are really pleased to welcome Impulse to our division. It further strengthens our range of services in the Infrastructure Asset Monitoring area. Having Impulse’s expertise in the niche area of video linked with GPR surveys significantly enhances our portfolio.
“It will seamlessly integrate with the existing business unit services and clients, bolstering our growth into a more data led offering to clients with the aim of supporting Asset Integrity throughout the lifecycle.”
Hervé Montjotin, CEO of the SOCOTEC group, added: “Monitoring solutions are strategic to the infrastructure sector. As a leading trusted third party, ensuring safety, longevity and integrity of built assets are an essential part of our societal role.
“This acquisition in the UK is further strengthening our infrastructure activities which at global level represent more than 30% of total Group revenues, and is reinforcing our leadership ambitions.”
Intervention called for as new analysis shows junction 28 of the M1 is ‘full’
New analysis released by Midlands Connect shows junction 28 of the M1 is up to 107% capacity in the morning rush hour.
The work shows three junctions off the road are over 100%, two others are nearly full and only one slip road is under 50% capacity. This has been ‘further evidence’ of the need for an upgrade of the Pinxton interchange.
The A38 towards Alfreton going eastbound off junction 28 is seeing traffic flows reaching 107%, this equates to 2,302 cars, vans and HGVs using that slip road single hour. Assessments identified that the Northbound M1 slip road sees 1,104 vehicles on average using this off slip every hour and it is at 104% capacity.
The Mansfield Road slip road also clocked up 102% capacity. The M1 southbound slip road clocked up 82% capacity and the A38 going towards Sutton-in-Ashfield only has 9% space left at the morning rush hour as 1,126 cars and vans use the route off junction 28.
Only one road, the A38 left filter lane towards the M1 had much capacity left, with 38% of space being used in the rush hour.
Integrated Transport Programme Lead, Swati Mittal said: “Junction 28 has struggled for many years with gridlock, and we are keen to get solutions moving to fix this. Drivers have been snarled up in traffic which impacts residents and businesses in and around Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and beyond.
“An intervention in this area is necessary to facilitate growth, jobs and allow us to deliver the growth aspirations of South Normanton, Pinxton and the wider region.”
Housing associations explore merger
Longhurst Group and Grand Union Housing Group have entered talks over a potential merger.
The groups, which, combined, currently own and manage over 37,000 homes and employ over 1,400 colleagues across the Midlands and East of England, are exploring a proposal that would see them come together before the end of the year.
The housing associations’ respective Boards have approved a business case that unlocks significant potential to invest more in existing homes and neighbourhoods and deliver 5,000 new homes over the next five years.
The new organisation would be one of the largest housing associations in the region.
Longhurst Group’s Chief Executive Julie Doyle said: “We have a strong existing relationship with Grand Union Housing Group, with whom we share similar visions and values as well as our geographic footprints and growth aspirations.
“We feel that both organisations have complementing strengths as well as areas that can be further improved by coming together, which would give us the opportunity to learn from each other and, ultimately, deliver the best possible service for our customers.
“There is still a lot of work to be done, however both organisations believe there is a strong case for coming together and we are excited by the potential that this move would represent.”
The two organisations will now enter a period of due diligence and will consult customers about the potential change.
Grand Union CEO, Aileen Evans, added: “Both ourselves and Longhurst Group are well governed and built on solid financial foundations and we believe that we’d be even stronger together as a larger organisation and have more resilience to respond to a challenging operating environment.
“We are exploring this from a position of strength and this presents an exciting opportunity for both organisations to take proactive steps in ensuring we’re well placed for the future.
“As one organisation, we could better realise our aims for the future; specifically, to speed up improvements in our homes, provide enhanced services and build more homes.”
Sales rise at Dunelm as profits move ahead of expectations
Sales are on the up at Dunelm, the homewares retailer, according to a trading update for the 13-week period ended 29 June 2024 (Q4) and for the full year (FY24).
The business reported a strong final quarter, with sales growth of 5% to £399m, with good performance from both store and digital channels. Meanwhile, total sales for the year of £1.7bn grew by 4% versus the prior year, and pre-tax profits are expected to be slightly ahead of current market expectations (£200m). Dunelm’s new store opening programme is also on track, with six new stores opened in FY24, including one relocation.Nick Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We delivered another strong performance in Q4, with continued volume-driven sales growth across both store and digital channels. Amidst ongoing consumer caution, our unrelenting focus on value and choice means the Dunelm proposition has continued to resonate with customers, and we saw both full-priced and discounted lines trade well during our summer sale period.
“Throughout the year, we grew sales and continued to exercise tight cost control in an environment of high inflation. Our strong gross margin performance means we now expect our FY24 profit before tax to be slightly ahead of expectations.
“Going into FY25, we have a significant opportunity ahead of us. We are finding quality sites for new stores, and are increasingly confident in our smaller format stores. We are also continuing to invest in both our digital offer and wider operations to support further market share gains.
“However, we will need to maintain strong operational grip given ongoing wage inflation. Notwithstanding the continuing uncertainty in our markets, we’re both excited and confident in our plans.”
Frasers Group CEO hails “break-out year”
Frasers Group has shown “sustained profitable growth” in full year results for the 52 weeks ended 28 April 2024 (FY24), with its CEO hailing it a “break-out year.”
This was seen as adjusted profit before tax at the business grew by 13.1% on the prior year to £544.8m (+13.1%), at the top end of Frasers’ guidance range (£500-£550m).
The continued successful execution of the company’s Elevation Strategy was highlighted, alongside strengthened brand partnerships, which contributed to a strong trading performance from Sports Direct particularly. Frasers Group added: “The continued strength of third-party brand relationships and Sports Direct’s positioning, are unlocking further international expansion opportunities.
“Growing our presence in the Nordics, a joint venture in Southeast Asia, and currently acquiring a leading sports retailer in the Netherlands.”
Looking ahead, strong profitable growth is anticipated, with adjusted profit before tax in the year ahead expected to be £575m-£625m.Michael Murray, Chief Executive of Frasers Group, said: “This has been a break-out year for building Frasers’ future growth. As well as delivering a strong trading performance, particularly from Sports Direct, we made significant progress with our Elevation Strategy. We expanded our retail ecosystem, establishing valuable partnerships with new brands.
“Our brand relationships have never been stronger, giving us invaluable support as we continue the international expansion of our business. We invested in group-wide operational efficiencies in warehouse automation and digital infrastructure, which we expect to yield a tangible impact as early as FY25. And we generated new growth opportunities with the rollout of Frasers Plus, including recently signing our first third party partner in THG.
“I’m really proud of what we have achieved at Frasers this year and would like to thank all colleagues for their continued hard work and our brand partners for their support. Together, we are building a resilient, profitable growth retail ecosystem that delivers exceptional value for our partners, consumers and shareholders.
“We have built a lot of momentum this year and are entering the new financial year with many exciting growth opportunities ahead of us, which we will continue to invest in for the long-term benefit of the Group.”
20,000ft² Mansfield warehouse sold to vehicle recovery operator
Just under 20,000ft² of trade counter/warehouse space has been sold in the heart of Mansfield.
The freehold opportunity was snapped up by the expanding Richford Motors, an Alfreton-headquartered vehicle recovery operator established in 1990.
The purchaser of the site and premises, Phil Richford of Richford Motors, said: “We are very happy with our new site in Mansfield, this site is to complement Richford Motor Services Ltd in their continuing growth and keep vehicle recoveries local to the Mansfield area, create more jobs locally and help with minimising our carbon footprint.
“The site will be fully refurbished to a high standard. We will be advertising for job opportunities to get the site up and running promptly.”
Tim Gilbertson, of FHP, who dealt with the sale, said: “My thanks to not only my longstanding clients here but also Phil Richford of Richford Motors for their assistance in
ensuring that this sale went through quickly.
“It’s another success story for us, a further building of just under 20,000ft² on a large site sold in north Nottinghamshire, reducing available stock yet again, particularly on a freehold basis.
“As we enter the summer period, there is undoubtedly better momentum in the industrial and distribution sector, particularly for freehold sales of all sizes as stock levels continue to diminish, which is great when it results from successful sales and lettings, as is the case here, but we are finding more and more parties frustrated by the lack of available options.
“Hopefully, this will change later in the summer once the holidays are over as it would be fabulous to build on the current momentum in the market and achieve more disposals before the end of the year. My thanks and best wishes to our purchaser here for his continued success and expansion.”
51,000 sq ft warehouse snapped up at Mercia Park
Scolmore Group has secured 51,000 sq ft at IM Properties’ Mercia Park scheme at junction 11, M42, significantly increasing the size of its warehouse space to accommodate its future growth.
Scolmore Group is a manufacturer of electrical accessories, lighting, home automation, security and cable accessory products. It incorporates Click wiring accessories, Ovia lighting and lighting controls, Unicrimp cable accessories, ESP fire protection and security solutions, and Sangamo heating controls and time switches.
The family-owned business, founded in 1989 in Tamworth and employing more than 350 people, will use the new state-of-the-art logistics centre to house the extensive and growing collection of lighting products from its Ovia lighting division.The Mercia 51 building, which is Net Zero Ready, BREEAM Excellent, with an EPC A rating will assist Scolmore Group in managing its own sustainability targets.
The facility, which is scheduled to open in September, includes 10 active EV charging spaces, with passive infrastructure for another 30 and storage for up to 12 cycles.
Mike Collins, Managing Director of Ovia, said: “This is a big move for Scolmore Group and an exciting one too. As a proud family business and large employer in the area, investing in Mercia 51 demonstrates to our employees, customers, and the marketplace that we’re committed to the future.
“Of course, at Mercia we’re in great company with DSV and Jaguar Land Rover’s global logistics centre next door, demonstrating the quality of the employment park. It’s connectivity to the M42, Tamworth and the wider motorway network is clearly a major driver for us, allowing for fast, efficient delivery of stock in and out of the warehouse.”
Harry Goodman, development manager for IM Properties, said it was particularly satisfying to attract yet another local occupier and one which is such a success story for the area.
“We welcome the opportunity to assist in the expansion of Scolmore Group, which underlines our belief in Mercia Park as an excellent location for distribution and an important place for job creation, with over 2300 people already employed on the scheme.”
Mercia Park is one of IM Properties’ first large-scale development schemes to achieve Net Zero in Construction, and Mercia 51 raises the bar further to also be Net Zero Ready. This means the building is optimised so the occupier can achieve Net Zero in Operation.
Goodman added: “Mercia 51 was created to a level of specification which sits within our Sustainable Future’s framework and aligns with the Green Building Council (UKGBC)’s recommendations.
“The Mercia Park Community Fund has also made significant contributions to local grassroots organisations and skills and training. This aligns well with Scolmore Group’s own values, and we continue to support projects in the area.”
Mental health training for line managers linked to better business performance, says University of Nottingham study
Mental health training for line managers is strongly linked to better business performance, and it could save companies millions of pounds in lost sick days every year, according to new research led by experts at the University of Nottingham.
The results of the study, which are published in PLOS ONE, showed a strong association between mental health training for line managers and improved staff recruitment and retention, better customer service, and lower levels of long-term mental health sickness absence.
The study was led by Professor Holly Blake from the School of Health Sciences at the University of Nottingham and Dr Juliet Hassard of Queen’s University Belfast.
In the UK one in six workers experience mental health challenges, with 12.7% of all sick days attributed to mental ill-health. The estimated cost of poor employee mental health to British employers is over £50 billion, annually.
Mental health training for line managers aims to give them the skills to support the mental health of the people they manage. Ongoing research is exploring whether such training increases the knowledge, skills and confidence of managers to support their staff and benefits employees. However, few studies have addressed its potential business value for companies.
To explore the benefits, the group of researchers analysed anonymised survey data from several thousand companies in England collected between 2020 and 2023 by the Enterprise Research Centre at Warwick Business School as a part of a larger programme of research on workplace mental health and productivity.
The survey included questions about the companies’ mental health and well-being practices, including whether they offered mental health training to line managers. To avoid errors in their analysis, the researchers statistically controlled for the age, sector, and size of the companies.
The results suggest that mental health training for line managers may hold strategic business value for companies. Based on their findings, the researchers recommend that organisations provide mental health training to line managers and institute workplace policies that clarify the line managers’ role in supporting employee mental health.
Meanwhile, the researchers outline the need for further research in this area, including looking into different approaches to delivering mental health training for line managers.
Dr Juliet Hassard from Queen’s Business School at Queen’s Belfast University, and co-author of the study, said: “Encouraging employers to invest in employee mental health can be challenging. Knowing that improving line managers’ knowledge, skills and confidence in managing mental health at work is linked to better business outcomes will help to highlight the strategic value this approach to employers.”
Law firm boosts planning team with high-profile partner
Howes Percival has appointed highly regarded planning partner Marco Mauro to its planning team, following a significant increase in new instructions.
Initially based in the East Midlands, Marco is recognised as one of the go-to planning lawyers nationally and was head of planning for many years at his previous firm. Marco’s practice covers the Midlands, Central, Home Counties regions and beyond.
Marco has over 17 years’ experience gained in all areas of planning, acting for developers, landowners, housing associations, investors, financial institutions, occupiers and high net worth individuals.
His experience includes dealing with complicated planning obligations and infrastructure agreements, providing due diligence on property and corporate transactions and advising on and dealing with legal oversight of planning applications, appeals and claims for judicial review.
Jay Mehta, head of planning, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Marco to Howes Percival. He is very well known and regarded, right across the planning sector, and brings a wealth of experience.
“We pride ourselves on being solution focussed and providing excellent client service. Marco is renowned for his ‘can do’ approach, proactive manner and ability to find solutions for clients, which has made him a recognised expert in his field and a perfect fit for our growing team.
“The planning system – and indeed legislation and case law – continues to evolve at a record pace and will continue to do so following the election, with the Labour Government pledging to ‘bulldoze through’ planning rules to boost housing delivery to 1.5m homes and support other developments, including infrastructure and renewable energy schemes.
“However, in recent years, environmental issues including water scarcity, nutrient neutrality and air quality have stalled the delivery of new developments, particularly housing, across the UK. As a consequence, the importance of the planning law team’s role for our clients has expanded, which has led to a significant increase in instructions year on year as we help our clients navigate such complexities to enable their development projects to continue.”
Predicted GDP growth for East Midlands up on last year, but remains relatively subdued among the UK
The economy in the East Midlands is predicted to grow by 0.9% this year, up from 0.4% in 2023 according to the latest PwC UK Economic Outlook.
Despite this year-on-year improvement, the East Midlands still lags behind the predicted GDP growth for the UK overall, which sits at 1.0%.
However, the East Midlands is still outperforming the West Midlands (0.7%), North East and South East (0.8%) and is on par with Yorkshire, Scotland and the South West (0.9%). The capital and Northern Ireland are both predicted to see the biggest growth at 1.2%, followed by the North West and Wales (1.1%) and the East of England (1.0%).
With many different sectors driving growth across our nations and regions, PwC’s recent Framework for Growth report demonstrates how crucial localised strategies are. Business leaders interviewed for the report said that the changes most critical to their business – the skills system, planning system, infrastructure investment and overall support made available to smaller businesses – were best driven at a local level.
Alex Hudson, Market Senior Partner for PwC East Midlands, said: “Despite the data showing that economic growth in the East Midlands is lower than the UK picture, with the new government and recently created East Midlands Combined Authority, now is the time for businesses and local government to work together to develop a localised plan for growth.
“PwC’s recently launched Framework for Growth report highlighted the need for businesses and government to collaborate more closely to deliver sustainable growth and outcomes for the future. 68% of UK businesses have identified skills, education and talent as their top priority for growth.
“We have some world-class educational institutions and some of the UK’s biggest companies here. I believe that by investing in skills for younger generations and ensuring our current workforce is equipped with skills for the future, we will move the dial on the East Midlands economy, and the time to act is now.”
UK overview:
- UK GDP to grow by around 1% this year, up from the 0.5% estimate late last year. In its main scenario, PwC expects growth to pick up further to 1.7% in 2025 and 1.8% in 2026.
- It is expected that headline consumer price inflation will bounce around the Bank of England’s 2% target for the remainder of 2024, due in part to stubborn services inflation.
- Corporate insolvencies are expected to rise again this year despite already reaching a three decade high in 2023.
- Around one half of sectors are now experiencing growth and the other half contracting. The three sectors with a large proportion of public sector activity grew strongly; health & social work (2.7%), public admin & defence (2.2%), and education (1.2%).
- Consumer-facing sectors, such as retail and hotels, continue to struggle as consumers remain cautious. In PwC’s latest Consumer Sentiment Survey, 7 in 10 people said they still expect to make some spending cutbacks over the next three months
Top surveyor joins property consultancy’s East Midlands development team
An experienced surveyor has joined a property consultancy firm’s East Midlands development team as it aims to increase its influence in the region.
Phoebe Clark has joined Fisher German’s development team as a Senior Associate following eight years with Savills in Norwich, London, and Nottingham.
She will work out of Fisher German’s office in Newark-on-Trent, and will look to seal residential development deals throughout the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.
Phoebe will work alongside Fisher German partner Luke Brafield as the firm looks to capitalise on a renewed desire for housebuilding and potential planning reform following the election of the new government.
She said: “With Fisher German’s recent growth, it seemed like a really great time to be joining the firm.
“It’s long had an excellent reputation in the sector, and I felt I could play a key role in the firm’s success and grow my career alongside growing Fisher German.
“The East Midlands land market has proven to be more resilient compared to other parts of the country, and therefore demand for opportunities of all sizes has remained strong. With the likelihood that the delivery of housing will be high on the political agenda, I’m confident I can use my expertise and my strong network to secure the deals that will ensure the homes the area needs are built.”
Luke Brafield, partner at Fisher German, added: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Phoebe to the team at Fisher German at a time when lots of opportunities are likely to emerge in the residential development market.
“She brings with her a wealth of experience and a clear ambition to drive the business forward in this region.”
Promotion and recruitment strengthens Purpose Media
Strategic marketing agency Purpose Media has promoted a key member of staff and made new hires to further strengthen its account management operation.
The South Normanton-based consultancy, which provides web, digital, creative and video solutions to help its clients achieve growth, is enjoying a successful 2024, having secured a number of new business wins.
Now it has moved to underpin the expert marketing support it provides to customers by promoting Georgia Weston to senior account manager and adding Laura Tiltina and Emma Tatman to its team.
Georgia joined Purpose in 2022 as an account executive, with a Masters in brand management and experience of working for an in-house marketing team within the manufacturing sector.
She made an instant impact, forging strong relationships with clients and delivering impactful campaigns, and achieved promotion to account manager in less than a year.
Now, having helped drive six-figure new business growth for Purpose, Georgia has been appointed senior account manager – a role in which she will take more strategic oversight of key projects.
Account director Matt Bonser said Georgia’s success was another demonstration of Purpose Media’s commitment to encouraging talent.
“It was clear from day one that Georgia was a great fit with our company culture and, along with outstanding marketing ability, she showed entrepreneurship and a real dedication to helping clients achieve their objectives,” he said.
“Through peer support and participation in a formal development programme, we have been able to help her add to her skills and are delighted that she is now able to take this exciting next step in her career here at Purpose.”
Georgia believes that her previous industry experience has helped her develop empathy for client needs and that Purpose Media’s approach ensures these always remain fully in focus.
“We are a strategic partner who looks holistically at a customer’s business objectives and considers how these can best be enabled through its marketing activity,” she said.
“We’re transparent in the way we operate and ensure that the success we achieve can be clearly demonstrated. Our clients really value that.”
The account management team has been boosted with the arrival of Emma Tatman, as an account manager, and Laura Tiltina, as an account executive.
Emma is a marketing graduate who has worked in both industry and agency environments prior to joining Purpose, and has experience in online and offline marketing, organising seasonal campaigns, events and product launches and managing third-party agency relationships.
Laura, a graphic design graduate, arrives on a Level 4 Chartered Institute of Marketing-accredited apprenticeship, covering multi-channel marketing.
“Both will bring talent and enthusiasm to the team and will support our efforts to seek exciting and innovative ways to help our clients grow,” said Matt.
Property consultancy makes much-needed donation to Leicestershire school
A school in Leicestershire is set to purchase much-needed IT equipment thanks to a donation from a property consultancy.
Congerstone Primary School, in Congerstone near Market Bosworth, has received £1,406.25 through Fisher German’s ‘Building Communities’ initiative.
The school is set to purchase additional iPads to be used in lessons to support children across all year groups with their learning after retiring a number of old pieces of equipment which can no longer be used, and will be upgrading the sound system in the school hall.
The Building Communities initiative was launched in 2020 to strengthen community links and support schools, clubs and organisations with close ties to Fisher German, with the firm donating a proportion of the commission fee from completed house sales signed up to the scheme.
Katie Clarke, school governor and treasurer for the school’s PTA, said: “We would like to thank Fisher German for its support.
“Budgets are currently stretched incredibly thin for all schools, and replacing any IT equipment is a real challenge, so donations like this are a huge help.
“We’ve just retired a number of old iPads which will no longer update, so the new equipment is much-needed and will be used in lessons across all year groups.
“Fisher German’s Building Communities initiative is a fantastic scheme, and we are extremely pleased to be a beneficiary of it.”
Thomas Blake, of Fisher German, said: “Our Building Communities initiative is an excellent way of giving back to the communities in which we live and work.
“Schools often face spending cuts which can make buying essential, yet often expensive, new equipment extremely challenging.
“We are extremely pleased to present this donation to Congerstone Primary School to go towards much-needed new IT equipment, and we look forward to supporting even more schools, clubs and organisations across our communities in the future.”
Council pushing forward with plans to sell Nottingham Forest City Ground land
Nottingham City Council is pushing forward with plans to sell the land Nottingham Forest’s City Ground stands on.
At a meeting of the Executive Board, it was agreed to put the freehold up for sale to the club.
Council documents indicate it is looking to complete the disposal in 2024/25.
It follows confirmation from the leader of Nottingham City Council, Councillor Neghat Khan, that the council had agreed, in principle, terms for the sale of the land to Nottingham Forest.
She added: “This allows the club to press ahead with its ambitious plans to expand the stadium, while securing a significant capital receipt for the council.”
Nottingham Forest, however, has said that any decision to purchase the freehold will be entirely conditional on the football club first being granted the relevant permissions that will allow it to realise its plans for a larger stadium capacity, world-class hospitality spaces and associated real estate development. Decisions on these plans will be in the hands of Rushcliffe Borough Council.
The news comes after negotiations for a lease extension reached an impasse earlier in the year, with the council requesting a larger sum for the lease.
Derby firm merges with accountancy group
Derby-based accountancy firm Ashgates has announced a strategic merger with Stoke-on-Trent headquartered accountancy group, DJH.
The merger springboards DJH group into the East Midlands, expanding its footprint alongside its existing 10 offices across the Midlands, North-West, and Yorkshire regions.
The new partnership provides Ashgates clients with access to additional specialist in-house services offered across the DJH group, including enhanced R&D and capital allowances teams, commercial funding, dedicated corporate finance, estate planning, and HR.
Directors Tony Lymn, David Newborough, Steve Martin, Ian Johnson, and Gavin Booth will continue to lead the Ashgates team and will all remain shareholders. Jonathon Williamson will also be promoted to Director, having developed his career with Ashgates. Jon Wolliter will continue to head up Ashgates IT, supporting clients with IT solutions.
Tony said: “We are delighted to join forces with DJH. This partnership will strengthen both firms’ capabilities and provide our clients access to additional specialist services. It will also allow continued investment in the learning and development of our team, creating opportunities for them to grow and flourish.”
Scott Heath, Chief Executive Officer of DJH, said: “Ashgates is a great cultural fit, sharing our team-first, client-centric approach. They have built a business based on delivering exceptional business advice.”
He continued: “Founded on principles of progressive thinking and building strong client relationships, Ashgates has a comprehensive range of services, including IT support and solutions, further expanding what we offer across the Group. We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership with Ashgates will create for our teams and clients alike.”
Ashgates will retain its name and brand, and its offices will remain at 5 Prospect Place, Pride Park.
Internally, the partnership will give Ashgates more support in relation to its own HR, recruitment, and training and development.
Private equity investor exits investment in educational specialist
The East Midlands team of LDC, the private equity investor which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, has led the successful exit of its investment in educational specialist The Edwin Group to Quad Partners after a three-and-a-half-year partnership.
The Edwin Group is a values-led business, employing a team of education specialists who work nationally with schools and multi-academy trusts to safely recruit and retain the highest quality leaders, teachers and support staff.
The group is one of the UK’s largest providers of supply teachers to primary, secondary and special educational needs schools across the Vision for Education, ABC Teachers and Smart Teachers brands.
In the last 12 months, The Edwin Group has recruited over 11,000 teaching and support staff and delivered continuing professional development (CPD) to equip them with the skills they need to support schools and their young people.
Further underpinning The Edwin Group’s three strategic pillars to recruit, retain and reduce workload, are staff wellbeing specialists Still Human, curriculum enrichment services Commando Joe’s and Enrich Education, safeguarding platform Llama ID and strategic HR and leadership services from Edwin People.
LDC backed the management buyout of The Edwin Group in December 2020 from Tes Global.
Following the carve-out, the management team, led by CEO Liam Roberts and the core team of Darren Starling, Will Washington and Fiona Baker, pursued an ambitious growth strategy underpinned by four acquisitions and the expansion of the Group’s services.
The business now works with over 4,500 schools across the UK and opened nine new locations during the investment period.
The growth has been accompanied by significant investment in The Edwin Group’s people. During the partnership, the Group bolstered its senior team by appointing Sarah Monk as Chief Strategy Officer, Charlie Afif as Chief Information Officer, Diane Sequeira as Director of Product, Lucy Fox as Director of Strategic Partnerships, Hannah Dimech as Director of Marketing and Lyndsay Greathead as Director of HR.
US-based specialist education investor Quad Partners will now support The Edwin Group on the next stage of its growth journey, as the business continues to broaden its support for schools to address challenges linked to the recruitment and retention of teachers.
Liam Roberts, CEO at The Edwin Group, said: “With the team at LDC’s support, we are now better equipped than ever to meet schools’ and multi-academy trusts increasingly complex needs.
“Importantly, we’ve been able to grow the business and expand our range of products and services without losing sight of our values or our commitment to excellent customer service. We’re looking forward to embarking on this next chapter, working with more schools and multi-academy trusts, to positively impact the lives of young people.’
David Bains, Partner and Head of the East Midlands and East of England at LDC, added: “We were delighted to back a team who had a strong vision for an education services business.
“Almost four years later the same team has created a business that helps schools and multi-academy trusts with their evolving needs and challenges, whilst it has invested in its people, acquired and diversified its services and bolstered its ESG credentials. I wish them every success in the future.”
LDC was advised by Grant Thornton (corporate finance), EY Parthenon (commercial due diligence), BDO (financial due diligence) and Browne Jacobson (legal due diligence).
Nottingham-headquartered financial planning business makes acquisition in Kent
Nottingham-headquartered financial planning business, Wren Sterling, has snapped up Howe Maxted Financial Services.
Based in Sidcup in Kent, the Howe Maxted Group consists of Howe Maxted Financial Services and Howe Maxted General Insurance which is being acquired separately by JM Glendinning.
Wren Sterling now operates from 14 offices covering 12 locations across the UK with other deals at advanced stages, which will further grow its network.
James Twining, Wren Sterling’s CEO, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Howe Maxted Financial Services with their distinguished heritage and enduring client relationships. The team comprises very impressive professionals with the right blend of experience and enthusiasm for delivering for their clients.
“They have built a strong business through loyal client relationships and an excellent referral culture with the general insurance business that was part of the same group.
“Kent is a location we have targeted for some time because of its wealth and proximity to London, which will allow our teams to work closely together and help grow our business organically. The proposition that we have built for Wren Sterling clients will also be a great fit for Howe Maxted’s client, including Magnus, our discretionary fund management business.”
John Austin and David Baker, Directors of Howe Maxted Group, said: “With origins dating back over a century we are proud to have provided quality solutions to thousands of clients over many generations.
“Wren Sterling offers an enhanced range of financial planning services, shared values, and greater opportunities to benefit our clients for many years to come. Our focus remains on delivering personalised, high value planning services to clients within the security and framework of a national organisation.’’
Sir John Peace appointed independent chair for Greater Carlton Town Board and launches consultation on £20m fund
Sir John Peace has been appointed as the Independent Chair to lead the newly established Greater Carlton Town Board, an initiative set to empower local communities and shape the future of Greater Carlton and the surrounding areas with £20 million in endowment-style funding over the next decade.
The first meeting of the board was held on Wednesday 10 July at Carlton Le Willows Academy to discuss the next steps in delivering the long-term plan for the area. The board has agreed to launch a consultation, which opened on Monday 15 July, to ask residents for their views on how the money will be spent.
In March, Greater Carlton, including Carlton Hill, Netherfield, Gedling, Colwick, Burton Joyce, Stoke Bardolph, Mapperley and Mapperley Top, were selected to receive Long-Term Plan for Town funding from the government. The establishment of the Greater Carlton Town Board is a pivotal step towards community-driven decision-making, placing local people at the forefront of shaping their town’s future.
The Independent Chair will play a crucial role in leading the Greater Carlton Town Board, bringing together diverse interests and facilitating consensus to develop a comprehensive 10-year vision for Greater Carlton. Following an advertisement for expressions of interest and subsequent assessment of applications, Sir John Peace was appointed as Chair.
Sir John Peace has a long and distinguished business career at the highest levels covering the technology, financial services, and retail sectors. He was formerly Chairman, Chief Executive, and Founder of Experian plc; Chief Executive of GUS plc; Chairman of Standard Chartered plc; and Chairman of Burberry plc—all FTSE 100 companies.
Other board members have also been appointed, including the local MP for Gedling, Michael Payne, the Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE, Nottinghamshire County Councillor Keith Girling as well as local business leaders and community representatives.
Sir John Peace, Independent Chair of the Greater Carlton Town Board, said: “I am very pleased to have been appointed as the interim Chair of the Greater Carlton Town Board. We have an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of people living in Carlton and the surrounding areas with this funding.
“I am looking forward to hearing from residents about their ideas for the area. I will make sure that the board is fully focused on the needs of the local community, and we will put together a plan that is led by the community that will create growth in the area. I very much look forward to the opportunities that will arise from this project.”
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE, said: “We are incredibly pleased that Sir John Peace has agreed to chair this important board. He has a great track record of success in business, he knows the area well, and like us, he cares about the residents and businesses in Carlton and the surrounding areas.
“We will now start the hard work of creating a real plan that will be community-led. It will be their voices that decide where this money goes, and I am very excited about the possibilities that this project will bring. We have been desperate for investment in these areas, so it’s now time for us to get on with the task of improving the Greater Carlton area.”
