Clowes Developments purchases major Mansfield mixed-use development site
Clowes Developments have purchased a 35-acre site at Pleasley Hill in Mansfield.
Pleasley Hill was initially presented to the land and planning team at Clowes Developments in 2017 by land promotor, David Winterbotham. Since then, extensive due diligence and research into the site’s potential has been happening behind the scenes and resulted in an off-market deal and outlined planning consent to develop the site.
At a time when the group have been heavily developing existing land banks across England and Scotland, the purchase of Pleasley Hill demonstrates Clowes’ commitment to growth, ensuring a healthy pipeline of future development remains in place for years to come.
Thomas Clowes, Managing Director at Clowes Developments, said: “The length of time this has taken highlights the need for strategic land when immediate opportunities are hampered by planning restrictions or heavily fluctuating markets.
“Fortunately, this is something Clowes has in abundance, and I’m delighted to be able to add another active site to our portfolio.
“Remarkably I’ve been working with David Winterbotham on this since I was a graduate surveyor, luckily for myself and the group it’s been a pleasure to do so. We’re very excited to get this one out of the ground in the coming months.”
Clowes and their team of professional advisors have been working with the local authority, Mansfield District Council who allocated the site for development in their ‘adopted local plan 2013-2033’, to create a masterplan that meets the need of the community and surrounding areas. The site at Pleasley Hill achieved outlined planning consent for a mixed-use development in 2023.
In line with the adopted local plan, Pleasley Hill will benefit from 320,000 sq ft of employment opportunities ranging from industrial, manufacture and logistical use to convenience, filing station, retail and leisure facilities. The site also has outlined consent for 850 homes with housing developers lined up to deliver the residential arm of this development.
Clowes Developments are currently working with Avant and David Wilson Homes to bring forward the residential element of the development.
Local business leaders react as Labour wins UK general election
Labour has won the general election in a landslide, with Keir Starmer set to become the new Prime Minister. Following the news, local business leaders have reacted.
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Business wants the best outcomes that will remove barriers to economic growth in the East Midlands and we look forward to hearing the new Government’s plans as soon as possible.
University of Nottingham spinout’s AI vet tech chosen by Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s has become the first retailer in the world to invest in new AI veterinary technology used to measure and enhance positive animal welfare on dairy farms, which could revolutionise the approach to cattle care.
In partnership with Vet Vision AI, a new spinout company from the University of Nottingham, Sainsbury’s is trialling new technology which has been designed to spot when cows are happy and healthy, and why. The cows are monitored through low cost and portable cameras which can be used by vets on multiple farms.
The AI works by recognising patterns in behaviour, analysing and turning video footage into real-time, accurate data. As well as monitoring behaviour, the AI will offer farmers suggestions on ways to further improve the animals’ lifestyles. Examples of this include housing improvements for better comfort and animal engagement and providing enrichment such as cow brushes, similar to a back scratcher, to reduce stress.
The ability for round the clock monitoring enables more informed decision making, as farmers will have unique insights into cow welfare that they may not be able to identify with standard vet visits. The continuous analysis of behaviour also allows for a ‘test and learn’ approach to the suggested welfare tactics.
The use of AI on farms is an expanding area, but what sets this technology apart is the ability to show when a cow is thriving, as opposed to just spotting illnesses and ailments. The constant monitoring can also identify diseases early, preventing vets having to treat disease later down the line.
Beyond the benefits for the animal, the tech promotes a step forward in farming efficiency as a healthy cow means a more productive cow. If, for example, the AI advises improving cow comfort through increased lying time, this then may lead to better leg health and more milk produced for the same amount of feed, as the cow is stronger on its hooves.
Currently on 30 of Sainsbury’s Dairy Development Group farms, the aim is to roll out the technology further next year. The SDDG was founded in 2007 to provide more support to farmers. It includes around 170 farms who supply Sainsbury’s with its own brand milk.
“I have begun to use this AI technology with dairy herd health clients as part of our routine monitoring of health and welfare. The ability of the system to observe the cows’ natural behaviours without disturbing the animals, and to turn these observations into hard outcomes, is of huge value when planning interventions to improve foot health, udder health, fertility performance and so on,” said Dr James Breen, Professor in Cattle Health at the University of Nottingham.
Dr Matt Turner, Vet and Agriculture Manager at Sainsbury’s, said: “Investing in British farming and continuously improving animal health and welfare are key priorities for us and this innovative new technology will mean we can help both farmer and animal.
“Our dairy farmers that are using the technology are already seeing real benefits and we look forward to expanding it to our wider network of Dairy Development Group farms soon.”
Dr Tom Angel, Veterinary Surgeon at Synergy Farm Health, said: “Vet Vision AI has allowed us to identify positive animal welfare on farms, such as increased lying times and cow comfort, as well as management factors that need addressing to improve these outputs. The use of the computer vision technology has then been able to assess the impact of any changes we have implemented, objectively revealing how the animals have responded positively to the environmental and management changes.”
Dave Bacon, dairy farmer at Gleadthorpe Farm, said: “I know that happy, comfortable cows produce more milk, but accurately measuring and knowing how to improve cow comfort can be challenging. Using Vet Vision AI, we were able to measure how comfort levels improved after we upgraded our housing and put new cow mattresses in. Knowing that my cows are more comfortable as a result means I can feel confident the investment was worth it.” Image Scan secures £3m contract with prominent defence contractor
Image Scan, the Leicestershire-based supplier of X-ray screening systems to the security and industrial inspection markets, has been selected for a contract with a prominent UK defence contractor, NP Aerospace Limited, for the supply of its ThreatScan® portable X-ray system.
The contract, subject to the finalisation of commercial terms, will commence with a three month trial and testing process expected to commence in September 2024. Once the trials are successfully concluded, Image Scan will commence delivery of its ThreatScan® portable X-ray systems.
The estimated contract value is £3 million over a 36 month period.
The ThreatScan® portable X-ray system is designed to empower bomb technicians, enabling them to conduct rapid and accurate threat assessments across a diverse range of operational scenarios. The system comprises a portable X-ray generator, a detection panel, and an operator’s workstation running the company’s image processing software. A customer-specific range of ancillary equipment complements the system.
Vince Deery, Image Scan’s Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that we have secured this contract, which has been achieved against stiff international competition. This success stems directly from our revised product development strategy to focus on high performing portable systems and confirms our confidence in the strength of our extended portable X-ray product range within a competitive market.
“Image Scan remains committed to providing cutting-edge solutions in X-ray screening and reaffirms its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the security inspection sector.”
Major apartment scheme tipped for approval in Derby
Amended plans from Wavensmere Homes and Wilson Bowden Developments for a major new apartment scheme in Derby have been recommended for approval.
Permission is sought for the erection of 195 residential apartments and a café on land off Full Street.
The proposed development would accommodate the residential apartments, café, residential amenity space, gym, private and public landscaping, car and cycle parking and new vehicular access on Full Street.
Located on the eastern side of Full Street, the application site is on the remaining development plot of the former Police Station site, which has remained vacant since its demolition in late November 2013.
The site already holds full planning permission for an office development, however a lack of market certainty and interest in office development has meant the site has sat vacant for over 10 years.
In recent years the site has been subject to fly-tipping and vandalism, but recently, more positively, has been a designated street art location.
The scheme will be considered at a planning meeting on 11 July.
Young East Midlands business talent celebrated
2024’s Generation Next Awards have taken place at a lively ceremony in Derby, showcasing the outstanding achievements of people aged 18-35 across the region.
12 awards were presented, covering a wide range of business areas such as innovation, creativity and customer service at Derby’s vibrant Bustler Market.
The prestigious Future Leader Award went to Emma Sharpe, Head of Services at Menphys. The judges said of Emma: “Aside from being accomplished and dedicated, Emma also represents what it means to be a great leader. Her leadership is embedded in her ethos, and she inspires others by leading through example.”
Other awards issued during the evening included the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award, which went to Laura Till from AMBITION Sports Coaching Ltd. The Rising Star Award, was presented to Scarlet McCourt of trentbarton.
TV presenter and BT Broadcast Journalist Kirsty Shelts hosted the event, while a range of speakers included Generation Next Vice Chair Scarlett Canavan. East Midlands Chamber President Stuart Dawkins addressed the audience at the opening of the ceremony, while High Sheriff of Derbyshire Ian Morgan OBE spoke of the importance of future leaders in the region.
In his speech Stuart Dawkins said: “Generation Next is a community in which to belong, in which to grow. It’s a valuable asset for the East Midlands. I would like to congratulate all the Generation Next Awards winners and all the finalists that got to this stage.”
DJ Beau Jack played an upbeat set to mark the occasion after the awards were announced, while winners and guests interacted among street food stalls, bars and arcade games as they celebrated their success.
Winner of the Future Leader Award, Emma Sharpe said: “I’ve got quite a large team in quite a small organisation so I really have to role model good leadership. It’s really nice that the judges have recognised that. Being someone that really advocates for your team regardless of their position is what makes a good leader, support your team members, care how they are. I’m glad that I’m able to show that. I’m really proud of winning this award.”
Generation Next Lead and East Midlands Chamber Director of Resources Lucy Robinson said: “The level of talent this year among all the winners and entrants was just off the scale. It’s tremendous to see the ingenuity of young people across the East Midlands. Generation Next does wonders in boosting confidence, we hear that all the time from our members, and enabling young people’s business skills to develop is something really special.
“While the country was racing to polling stations to decide who’ll lead it, we were celebrating the brightest-shining future leaders, entrepreneurs and creatives right here in the region, so I’m sure it was a memorable night for them.
“Bustler Market was the perfect place for the ceremony – Generation Next really values the benefits of networking with like-minded young people, so having an informal environment with street food stalls really added to that. I like to think the East Midlands will fare pretty well over the years ahead as the business stars we saw tonight will no doubt make their mark.”
Generation Next Awards 2024 Winners
Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Loughborough College
- Emily Barnes – Donaldson Filtration GB
- Alistair Bullock – Purpose Media
- Hayley Cousins – Loughborough College
- Stephen Atkinson – Longbow Venues
- David Allerton – SE-LF
- Laura Till – AMBITION Sports Coaching Ltd
- Elizabeth Ashton – Loughborough University
- Longbow Venues
- Scarlet McCourt – trentbarton
- Danielle & Ben Slater – Stephen Eve Financial Planning Ltd
- Joshua Leach-Aslam – Two Chevrons Group / Two Chevrons CIC
- Emma Sharpe – Menphys
Labour wins UK general election
Keir Starmer is set to become the new Prime Minister after a landslide general election win for Labour.
It follows 14 years leading the country for the Conservatives, which saw major losses on election night, while Labour smashed the number of seats required for a majority. The Liberal Democrats also saw significant gains, while Nigel Farage became an MP as leader of Reform UK, and the Greens saw a good performance.
A number of high profile Conservatives saw themselves lose out, including previous Prime Minister Liz Truss, Grant Shapps, Penny Mordaunt, and Jacob Rees-Mogg. Rishi Sunak, however, held his seat in Richmond and Northallerton.
This morning Keir Starmer said to a cheering crowd: “We did it.
“You campaigned for it. You fought for it. You voted for it and now it has arrived. Change begins now.”
Local business leader reactions to follow.
£15m in regeneration funding to be spent across Bolsover District
Bolsover District Council is to spend £15m across the district as councillors agreed at a recent Executive meeting where the Regeneration Fund money would be allocated.
The majority of the money, some £5m, will be spent on public realm improvements in Bolsover town, as well as across key town centres. It will include landscaping and vehicle routes within pedestrian areas; street furniture and signage including high impact visual wayfinding and interpretation; improved welcome entry points; and improvements to open market squares so they become multi-use areas.
£1m has been agreed to improve facades and shop frontages that will help enhance the visual aspect of shops and attract visitors, increasing footfall. The scheme will directly benefit retail or commercial properties and will be delivered in the market towns of Bolsover, Clowne and South Normanton, and be extended to the larger villages of Creswell, Whitwell, Pinxton and Tibshelf.
£4.3m has been allocated to the purchase of and reconfiguration of prominent buildings in Bolsover Town including the former Co-op, former White Swan Public House and 36 and 36a Market Place that will provide creative, business and community facilities in the town.
Pinxton will receive around £700k to refurbish the former Church Hall providing a local community meeting house for community groups, a multi-purpose hall, community café as well as outdoor seating areas and a play area for young children and toddlers.
£4m will be spent in Shirebrook on constructing a Green Skills and Retrofit Skills Centre that will help facilitate training and knowledge transfer of the retrofit green skills and a new Market Place pavilion designed to enhance the visitor experience and encourage further footfall and increasing the amount of time people spend in the market square.
Chief Executive, Karen Hanson said: “When we received notification that this money was place-based, it was agreed to spread it across the district and benefit multiple areas. Places like Whitwell, Tibshelf, Pinxton and Creswell will now see this benefit alongside our major market towns as the projects we have identified and agreed will have a real impact in these areas.
“But it’s not just about enhancing the appearance of the area, it is about providing tangible benefits for businesses and opportunities for our residents where they gain new skills and improve their career prospects which is a key ambition of the Council’s.”
New contractor appointed for stalled Gedling housing development
Jigsaw Homes Midlands has appointed a new contractor to complete the development of 131 affordable homes at Rolleston Drive in Arnold.
Midlands-based Morro Partnerships was appointed following a procurement process and will start work on the scheme from July.
Morro will complete the homes, originally manufactured off site by ilke Homes before the company went into administration, and build the four remaining homes on site.
The Homes England-backed scheme, known as Birch Fields, will have 45 two-bedroom homes, 73 three-bedroom homes and 13 four-bedroom homes and will be available for either shared ownership or affordable rent.
Garnet Fazackerley, Operations Director of Development at Jigsaw Homes Group, said: “This has been an incredibly challenging time following the collapse of ilke Homes in June 2023.
“However, we remained committed and confident that we could find a suitable partner who could complete the scheme and provide much-needed affordable homes and we are delighted to be working with Morro Partnerships to complete this development.
“The homes will have NHBC warranty following stringent quality and compliance checks and will be finished to a high standard as they have been kept watertight and secure since the development stalled.
“We appreciate the patience from Gedling Borough Council, Homes England and local residents as we know this has been a frustrating time for all concerned, but we are now on the right track to deliver new homes for those most in need.”
Giovanni Corbo, Head of Technical and Design at Morro Partnerships, said: “Morro are delighted to have been selected on this project and to be working in partnership with Jigsaw Homes and Gedling Borough Council.
“As a sustainable partnerships’ developer, we are keen to showcase our delivery of affordable homes on this project and complete the homes on this much needed affordable housing scheme, though a modern and sustainable form of build system.
“Morro specialise in the delivery of affordable high efficiency homes developments in the Midlands for Registered Providers and Local Authorities, and our current pipeline of over 2,500 plots will help meet the growing demand for affordable housing across the region.
“We are exciting to be embarking on our first scheme with Jigsaw Homes and are looking forward to working with them on other developments to jointly deliver significant numbers of mixed tenure, highly efficient homes across the region.
“Works will commence on these high-performance modular homes in July 24 with phased handover of plots allowing new residents to occupy the homes within the first few months of our 12-month programme.
“We hope to engage with local subcontractors where possible as part of our sustainability policy.”
Chief Executive of Gedling Borough Council, Mike Hill said: “We’re very pleased to hear that the homes will be completed and we can get families, who have been waiting for such a long time, into these much needed affordable homes.
“This has been a very stressful time for families, and it has also impacted housing waiting lists in the borough, so we look forward to being able to reduce that list and get people out of temporary accommodation.
“We know that this has been an incredibly difficult time for Jigsaw Homes to resolve this exceptionally unfortunate situation and we welcome this news that Morro Partnerships will be delivering these homes for local people.”
The first homes are expected to be completed in October with the whole scheme aiming to complete by September 2025.
Light Science Technologies sees significant progress with “strong revenue growth” and “healthy committed order book”
Derbyshire-based Light Science Technologies Holdings (LSTH), comprising three divisions: controlled environment agriculture (CEA); contract electronics manufacturing (CEM) and passive fire protection (PFP), has hailed “significant progress” in a trading update for the six months ended 31 May 2024.
Revenue for the period is anticipated to be £5.2m, up by approximately 19.3% year-on-year, with consistent growth through all divisions of the business.
Meanwhile, trading is expected to be reported as EBITDA positive (H1 2023: £494,000 EBITDA loss), with comparative group net losses for the period more than halved to £334,000 (H1 2023: loss of £809,000), resulting from an increasingly strong-margin sales mix. During the period, the business focused on continuing solid momentum achieved during FY 2023, with new orders secured across all three divisions and the firm’s commercial development and pipeline progressing strongly. The group’s total quoted sales pipeline currently amounts to over £47m, with a committed orderbook currently worth nearly £5m.Simon Deacon, Chief Executive Officer at LSTH, said: “LSTH entered the period with a strong platform for growth and a realigned cost base having successfully navigated considerable global pressures.
“I am delighted to say that from that base we have seen significant progress – with strong revenue growth and a healthy committed order book, which is expected to increase in the coming months, currently worth nearly £5m, underpinning our goal of becoming an operationally self-funded, cash backed, group.
“As such, we are delighted to see a further reduction in losses, with the Company expected to report a positive EBITDA during the Period, for the first time in its history.
“The addition of Dr Graham Cooley and Richard Mills to our Board has given us an enormous pool of experience from which we can draw and has already had an impact on both our sales pipeline and corporate activity.
“In conjunction, we’ve seen improving performances across our divisions. PFP is now adding meaningful revenues, CEM has expanded into new markets, and CEA is strengthening through international partnerships and Tomtech revenues, more of which will also be recognised in H2.
“We aim to continue this trend and build on the strong start we’ve seen to the second half of our financial year. The Board expects to see continued momentum in PFP and CEM, and further international expansion of the CEA division.”
Panthers partner with Nottingham Trent University
A new partnership between the Nottingham Panthers and Nottingham Trent University will see Panthers players attend Nottingham Business School (NBS) to study a postgraduate degree.
NBS holds three globally recognised hallmarks of excellence and quality for business education, from EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA, putting it in the top one per cent of business schools in the world.
Panthers CEO, Omar Pacha, said: “We are very proud to be linking-up with Nottingham Trent University. It is a top-class university and Nottingham Business School is known throughout the world.
“We’re very lucky to have them in Nottingham and they put our city on the map. At the Panthers, we understand the value of being ambassadors in the city and it was important to team-up with someone who shares the same values and has a base in Nottingham.
“Having this deal with the University is a great tool in attracting high-calibre players to the Panthers. It’s great to have Hugo (Roy) and Matt (Spencer) as the first two players on courses at the Nottingham Business School.
“I have been lucky enough to visit the University and the facilities are simply outstanding. It’s clear that it’s a great environment for students to study in. I’d like to thank Baback and the team at Nottingham Business School for making this possible and we look forward to working with them very closely.”
Executive Dean of Nottingham Business School, Professor Baback Yazdani, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Panthers’ representatives to NBS where they will each receive a personalised learning experience tailored to their ambition.
“Our triple crown accreditation means that they will enter the next stage of their career with a qualification which is internationally recognised as excellent and they will be acknowledged by employers as top talent in business as well as ice hockey.”
Loughborough University partners with MIT’s Center for Transportation and Logistics in UK first
Loughborough University has partnered with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Transportation and Logistics (MIT CTL) to be the first UK member of its Global Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence (SCALE) Network.
The union will offer an exclusive Master’s degree program for hundreds of students each year, with time divided between both Loughborough and Massachusetts, in the United States.
The centre itself will focus on research and working with industry and will join the established SCALE Network which is already operating around the world in countries such as Spain, Luxembourg, China and Colombia.
Professor Jan Godsell, Dean of Loughborough Business School, said: “The UK is a small island so we have to think very carefully about how we ensure everybody in our country has access to the things that they need, when they need them, at a price that they can afford.
“The centre will be the go-to place to develop the next generation of supply chain talent.
“We’re bringing our expertise, particularly around the circular economy and also digitisation – and at its core is a flagship MSc program in supply chain, which involves time in Boston at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and an MIT certificate as well as a Loughborough degree.”
Loughborough’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Jennings added: “Our partnership with MIT CTL really helps put us on a global stage – it’s a great partnership with a world-class university.”
The endeavour marks a significant expansion of the network, an international alliance of leading research and education centres dedicated to driving supply chain and logistics innovation through global collaboration.
With the inclusion of Loughborough University, the MIT Global SCALE Network now comprises six Centres of Excellence across four continents. These centres pool their expertise and collaborate on research projects that address real-world supply chain and logistics challenges, helping companies worldwide navigate an increasingly complex business environment.
“Loughborough University’s exceptional research capabilities and commitment to supply chain innovation make it a valuable addition to the MIT Global SCALE Network,” said Professor Yossi Sheffi, Director of MIT CTL. “Their expertise will enhance our collective ability to create cutting-edge solutions and educate the next generation of supply chain leaders.”
Loughborough University will join the network alongside existing centres: MIT CTL, the Zaragoza Logistics Center (ZLC, Spain), the Center for Latin-American Logistics Innovation (CLI, Colombia), the Luxembourg Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LCL), and the Ningbo China Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (NISCI).
The four university centres (MIT, ZLC, LCL, and NISCI) offer their own master’s programs, while CLI offers a Graduate Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (GCLOG). Together, these centres offer a comprehensive curriculum in supply chain management, fostering a global community of bold thinkers from both industry and academia.
“Joining the MIT Global SCALE Network is a tremendous opportunity for Loughborough University,” said Professor Ken Lee, Director of Postgraduate studies at Loughborough Business School. “I am particularly excited at the opportunity for our students to experience the unique MIT culture and interact with inspiring faculty and research during their time in Boston.”
The MIT Global SCALE Network was established in 2003 with the inauguration of the Zaragoza Logistics Center in Spain. Since then, it has expanded to include centres in Colombia, Luxembourg, China, and now the United Kingdom. The network supports over a dozen educational programs, engages more than 80 researchers and faculty, partners with 150 corporations, and boasts an alumni network of over 1,200 professionals worldwide.
Organisations partnering with the MIT Global SCALE Network gain access to expertise, innovative research, and a unique forum for knowledge exchange, while the network’s centres and students benefit from rich industry engagement and collaborative opportunities.
Entrepreneurs win place on innovative accelerator programme
Eleven potential new East Midlands businesses are a step closer to becoming reality after being chosen to join the first VentureVersity Commercial Accelerator.
VentureVersity is an initiative aimed at accelerating pathways for the development of university-generated intellectual property (IP) and ideas across the University of Leicester, Loughborough University, and De Montfort University. The programme has been funded by Research England’s Connecting Capability Fund, with a £330k grant.
The eleven VentureVersity finalists will have access to seed investment and will benefit from a five-month intensive accelerator programme led by entrepreneur and coach Denis Oakley and Leicester Start-Ups to help them develop their business idea.
The first successful VentureVersity Accelerator projects span;
Education
1. Building Resilience in Children (BRIC): an online and in classroom resource equipping parents, educators, & caregivers with the necessary tools, knowledge and strategies to help children build resilience
2. An online assessment tool to audit educators’ awareness of dyscalculia
3. Automating Individual Assessment Feedback (INDAF)
Health technology
4. EnHANCE: a nonconventional system that eliminates pathogens to deliver clean indoor residential and industrial environments sustainably
5. LUCID: Concussion Identification App
6. Healthcare Team Observations for Patient Safety (HTOPS)
Agriculture, forestry & fishing
7. LiquidGold: Next generation environmentally friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable carp health care product for angling and ornamental markets
Research
8. ValidateLabs: Validation data Processor
Water Utilities
9. e-Favor: an AI powered water leakage detection and localisation platform solution
10. EcoSENSE: Real-time monitoring of water systems
Manufacturing
11. Laser guided disc punch innovation advancing battery manufacturing
William Wells, Deputy Director of the Research & Enterprise Division at the University of Leicester, said: “The VentureVersity programme has already surpassed our expectations, training 26 dynamic teams and selecting 11 promising projects to advance to the next stage. We are immensely grateful to all participants, whose innovative spirit and dedication have laid a strong foundation for future success.
“As we move forward, these projects will benefit from targeted mentorship, hands-on workshops, exposure to investors and, potentially, seed capital, driving their transformation into impactful real-world solutions. This next phase promises to invigorate our regional innovation ecosystem, fostering new products, services, and businesses that will contribute to the prosperity of Leicester and Leicestershire.”
Professor Mike Kagioglou, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, Business and Innovation at De Montfort University said: “VentureVersity has provided an opportunity for all three of Leicestershire’s universities to work together to support the commercialisation of research that will benefit the economy and society. DMU’s projects range from an innovative real-time monitoring of water leaks that could save companies millions to improving lithium battery manufacturing and building resilience in young people.
“We were hugely impressed with the quality of applications from across the three universities to be part of the programme, and wish all 11 final project teams the very best of success. We look forward to following their business journeys over the next six months.”
Professor Dan Parsons, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Loughborough University, said: “Our initiative, VentureVersity provides a unique opportunity to contribute to regional growth and cultivate entrepreneurial success.
“From developing advanced multi-sensing technologies to combat climate change and pollution to creating an innovative portable smartphone app for measuring concussions, these projects are driving innovation that will lead to meaningful advances, enrich people’s lives and create better futures.
“I would like to personally congratulate the 11 finalists and look forward to seeing these innovations develop over the coming months.”
VentureVersity was launched in November 2023 as part of the Leicester Business Festival. It kicked off with three mixer sessions, one held at each university, to enable academics/researchers to come together with businesses and students to pitch their IP/ideas. More than 200 people came along to the events, and a total of 38 proposals were pitched by researchers and academics.
From the 38 proposals, 26 teams completed a pre-accelerator training programme of workshops, mentoring and 1-2-1 support run over eight weeks. The pre accelerator culminated with all pitching for a place on the accelerator and seed investment. Of the 26 ideas, the judges chose the final 11 winning ideas.
VentureVersity harnesses the resources and support from each university and in addition provides resources, including seed capital, to catalyse the IP commercialisation process, including activities such as market research, business planning, technology and market development.
The implementation and achievements of the model will be evaluated and recorded to create a scalable framework that can be deployed nationwide.
Property developer makes raft of acquisitions
Midlands-based property developer and asset manager, Rotherhill Developments, has made a number of acquisitions in the first half of 2024.
Sites purchased include industrial premises across Nottinghamshire, Rugby, King’s Lynn, Barnsley and Leicestershire; the acquisitions have been opportunistic, and have broadened the geographical reach of the business.
Of the six sites, five are income producing with short to mid-term lease events and present Rotherhill with asset management opportunities.
The premises in Rugby are currently vacant. Rotherhill have now placed a build contract in excess of £1m to future-proof the premises.
Commenting on the first six months of the year, owner, Paul Bagshaw said: “It’s been a busy period for us having recruited Stuart Waite from Commercial Property Partners, promoting Ed Jeffrey to Director in recognition of all his hard work over the last five years, and in addition, managing to acquire six assets totalling some £15m with our long-standing partners and funders.
“The assets purchased have widened our geographical spread from King’s Lynn to Yorkshire and the lot sizes have been in our traditional ‘sweet spot’ of £1m to £5m.”
Lincolnshire radiator firm acquired in seven-figure deal
Brand K Group, one of the largest suppliers of radiators and bathroom equipment to independent merchants and showrooms, has acquired Lincolnshire-based Paladin Radiators in a seven-figure deal.
The acquisition is the seventh in the past five years for Brand K Group and marks a further step towards its ambition to become a UK leader in the HVAC and bathroom sector. Paladin will continue to operate under its existing brand, while shareholders Dean Chughtai and Gareth Charles will remain with the business and continue to lead its growth.
Paladin is an independent producer of traditional cast iron radiators, supplying direct to retailers and installers. All its products are assembled and finished in Britain and it has its own dedicated foundry. Based in the hamlet of New York, the company was founded 30 years ago and now employs 26 people.
Brand K Group, which is based in Bedford with operations in Wigan, Leeds, Willenhall, Hull and Tewkesbury, was established in 2008 by Alex Norford. It now employs more than 750 people and turns over in excess of £163m.
Kartell UK was the first company in the group and remains the largest distributing radiators and bathroom fixtures and fittings under the K-RAD and K-VIT brands, however since 2019 the group has acquired a series of UK-based manufacturers including Just Trays, Vogue UK, Summerbridge and MX Group.
Alex Norford, CEO of Brand K Group, said: “I am delighted to welcome Dean, Gareth and their team to the group. We’re excited to have acquired another of the most respected brands in the UK radiator market and to expand further our offering to the heritage and design-led home improvement sectors.
“Paladin is a business that combines the best of traditional design and innovation in a single product range; we’re looking forward to helping them continue their growth story.”
Paladin’s turnover has doubled since Dean Chughtai and Gareth Charles acquired the business from the original founders in 2017. Dean Chughtai said: “When Gareth and I first began leading the Paladin business, we saw an opportunity to grow an innovative business delivering quality products direct to consumers, whilst also being well-respected by the professional market.
“Thanks to the team at Paladin, we’ve achieved all of that and are very pleased to see the business well-positioned to continue on its path of success moving forwards.”
Gareth Charles added: “In Brand K Group, we’ve found the perfect home for Paladin. Alex and his team have a deep understanding of the UK radiator market and offer the business a great opportunity to expand and develop even further.
“Dean and I are grateful to the team at Paladin for their hard work in more than doubling the turnover of the company during our tenure and we are personally very pleased to see this investment supporting the continued growth of this customer-focused business.”
Harry Walker and Fahim Kassam from the Midlands office of Dow Schofield Watts (DSW) provided corporate finance advice to Brand K Group. Harry Walker, partner, has also advised Brand K on six previous acquisitions.
Harry said: “Under Alex’s leadership, Brand K has gone from being a start-up to one of the largest suppliers in the UK, and its acquisition strategy has been a key part of its growth story.
“Paladin is another excellent addition to its existing stable of high-quality British manufacturing brands. We look forward to working with Alex and the team in the future to help them pursue their ambitious growth strategy.”
A team from Fladgate led by Cem Usten and Ravi Goonesena provided legal advice to Brand K, with financial due diligence provided by a team led by Paul Kithoray of Cortus Advisory. The shareholders of Paladin were supported by a legal team from Hegarty Solicitors led by Andrew Heeler and received finance support from Mark Bradshaw of Streets Accountants.
Shawbrook Bank provided Kartell with increased facilities to finance the acquisition of Paladin and were advised by a team from Shoosmiths LLP, led by Jon Bew.
New CEO and senior staff promotions for Nottingham Venues
Nottingham Venues has made a series of promotions within its senior team, including the creation of a new CEO role.
Tom Waldron-Lynch has been appointed to the new position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nottingham Venues. He joined the business as General Manager in 2017, when it was part of DeVere group and has been pivotal in navigating the team through its successful transition over the last five years.
More recently, Tom has also taken on increased responsibilities outside of Nottingham Venues. He is a board member for the place marketing organisation for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Marketing Nottingham, and is focussed on raising the county’s profile as one of the UK’s leading business and leisure destinations.
The new position of CEO is reflective of Tom’s work to date and the future role he will play in ensuring the future success of Nottingham Venues and in continually raising the profile of the company across the city.
In addition to the new CEO, current Operations Manager, Kerry Pritchett has been promoted to Hotel Manager at the Jubilee Hotel and Conferences, and Orchard Hotel Manager, Peter Bartlett, has become General Manager Orchard Hotel and East Midlands Conference Centre (EMCC).
The new titles demonstrate their respective roles and responsibilities following the recent enhancement of the facilities within both the Jubilee Campus offering and the East Midlands Conference Centre.
Tom Waldron-Lynch, CEO of Nottingham Venues, says: “I am pleased that the hard work of my colleagues Peter and Kerry has been recognised and I am sure they will both be instrumental in the future development of Nottingham Venues. I am excited about the future of Nottingham Venues and look forward to the company playing an important role in supporting the growth of the visitor economy in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.”
Logistics real estate developer acquires 65-acre site on Nottinghamshire/Yorkshire border
Panattoni, the logistics real estate developer, has acquired a 65-acre site on the Nottinghamshire/Yorkshire border with planning consent for over 1.2 million sq ft.
The two phase development, called Panattoni Central A1(M), by junction 34 of the A1(M), has been acquired from Mulberry Developments in an off-market deal. Panattoni will commence construction of what it says will be the largest-ever speculative logistics unit in the North of England, a building of 770,000 sq ft, in the autumn. Practical completion is expected in September 2025.
Panattoni is targeting net zero carbon development, an EPC rating of ‘A’ and BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ sustainability rating. The cross-docked unit will benefit from 18m eaves, 55m service yards, EV van and car charging and 15% rooflights. Winvic Construction has been appointed as the contractor.
The remaining 27-acre plot, which already benefits from reserved matters planning consent for a 461,000 sq ft building, will initially be marketed on a build-to-suit basis.
Dan Burn, Head of Development North West & Yorkshire at Panattoni, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to acquire a prime logistics site in an established location by the A1(M). The development provides us with the opportunity to capitalise on the dearth of supply of XXL units across the country.”
Panattoni was advised by Cushman & Wakefield and Mulberry Developments was advised by M1 Agency.
Mather Jamie graduate achieves Chartered Surveyor status
Mather Jamie’s Fraser Hearfield has achieved the status of Chartered Surveyor after successfully passing the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
Fraser joined the business’s commercial team in July 2023, bringing with him valuable experience from his previous tenure. In his role at Mather Jamie, Fraser is involved in transactional agency instructions spanning industrial, office, retail, and investment sectors across Leicestershire. As well as undertaking professional work including rent reviews and lease renewals.
Robert Cole, Managing Director of Mather Jamie, said: “Fraser’s journey to becoming a Chartered Surveyor is a testament to his unwavering commitment. The APC is a tough process, and I am delighted his hard work and determination has paid off with a first time pass. At Mather Jamie, we take pride in nurturing talent, and Fraser’s accomplishment underscores our dedication to supporting young surveyors in their professional growth.”
The APC is a formal assessment, following a two year on the job training period to ensure surveyors have the professional competence required to achieve chartership. The final assessment includes a written submission, a case study and an intensive interview.
Mather Jamie has a strong track record of guiding candidates through this demanding process, recognising the importance of investing in the development of future surveying professionals for the continued success of the business.
Should you soundproof your home office?
In our post-pandemic lives, the benefits of remote working have somewhat lost their novelty and become commonplace for a variety of professional workers. Even so, maintaining a peaceful atmosphere that breeds good productivity and positive well-being remains difficult – especially during school holidays and when dealing with noisy neighbours.
Remote working seems like it’s here to stay, so it might be time to make some changes to your home office space to make sure you’re getting the most out of your day. This guide – written by wall soundproofing specialists Acoustic Shop – explores the importance of soundproofing your office space, as well as offering some advice on how you can reduce noise, turning your workspace into a haven for productivity.
The Importance of Soundproofing
Noise, distractions and general disturbances can be detrimental to your concentration, causing frequent interruptions that break up your workflow. In fact, some studies suggest that background noise can reduce productivity by as much as 66%, leading to higher stress levels and lower job satisfaction. In contrast, a quieter work environment can lead to improved focus, better communication, and a more harmonious work day. Whether it’s sound coming from inside your home, from your neighbours or the streets outside, there are a few effective ways to prevent noise from getting into – or escaping from – your home.Effective Soundproofing Techniques
Acoustic Panels
Acoustic panels are one of the most effective ways to reduce noise. These panels absorb sound waves, preventing them from bouncing off walls and ceilings. They come in various designs and colours, making them a versatile option for any home décor. Installing acoustic panels is straightforward: place them strategically on walls and ceilings where sound tends to reflect the most.Soundproof Curtains and Blinds
Soundproof curtains and blinds are an excellent addition to any space, as they not only block out external noise but also provide thermal insulation, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature. When selecting soundproof curtains, look for thick, multi-layered fabrics. Installation is simple: hang them as you would regular curtains, ensuring they cover the entire window area for maximum effectiveness.Carpeting and Underlays
Carpeting and underlays can significantly contribute to reducing noise, and thick carpets with dense fibres are ideal for absorbing sound. Underlays add an extra layer of insulation, further enhancing the soundproofing effect. When installing carpets, ensure they cover as much floor area as possible, including “high-traffic” zones.Soundproofing Doors and Windows
Doors and windows are the most common “zones” for noise to bleed into (and out of) a room. Upgrading to solid core doors can dramatically reduce sound transmission, and adding door sweeps and seals further prevents noise from seeping through gaps. For windows, consider double-glazing, which provides an additional barrier against external noise. Proper installation is crucial to ensure these solutions are effective.White Noise Machines
White noise machines can be a cost-effective way to mask background noise. These devices don’t eliminate noise, but instead emit a consistent sound that can help drown out distracting noises. This builds a more consistent environment of sound, making other noises less noticeable.DIY Soundproofing Tips
For those looking for simple, cost-effective solutions, several DIY soundproofing methods can help. Using bookshelves as barriers can block noise and add a decorative touch to the office. Adding rugs and wall hangings can also help absorb sound. Rearranging your furniture to create natural sound barriers can further reduce noise levels. On the subject of furniture, items of furniture covered in soft materials (like upholstered seating) can absorb sound waves, contributing to a quieter environment. Large potted plants also help absorb and diffuse noise, and they can be strategically placed near noisy equipment or between workspaces to enhance sound absorption.Conclusion
A quieter home office environment can lead to better concentration, increased productivity and a less stressful work day. It’s not difficult to get started, and since it seems many roles are now at least part or even fully remote, it might be time to upgrade and make your space as productive and comfortable as possible. Why not start with a few pot plants and work your way up from there?Firm focus on South Derbyshire manufacturing at Support and Grow business event
South Derbyshire manufacturers are being invited to learn more about decarbonisation grants, other funding opportunities and wider business support at an event dedicated to their sector, taking place at South Derbyshire CVS in Swadlincote on 16th July.
The Support & Grow breakfast event, being delivered by East Midlands Chamber as part of the Accelerator project, will assist manufacturers in finding out about the support they can tap into both locally and nationally to accelerate their growth.
Opportunities include digitisation through a Made Smarter grant, improving energy efficiency through decarbonisation grants and a fully funded energy audit, and enlisting the support of a digital skills coach.
South Derbyshire business Devtank, a manufacturer of test and measurement solutions, will share its own story of growth and how this has been expedited by Chamber support and grant funding.
East Midlands Chamber Head of Business Support Services Paul Stuart said: “Our role at the Chamber is to help businesses navigate the funding landscape and to access the right support for the right project at the right time.
“Devtank, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, is a perfect example of how such targeted support can help a business flourish. The Accelerator project, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is an effective gateway into accessing such support.”
One of the Chamber’s Digital Transformation Specialists, David Dobson, will also present on how the national Made Smarter programme can help businesses improve their competitive edge and East Midlands Manufacturing Network Adviser Deborah Rogers will be outlining the benefits of free membership to the Chamber’s dedicated manufacturing network.
