Elsewhere in Derby, it was recently announced that JD will more than double the size of its existing 9,397 sq ft presence at Derbion. Set to open towards the end of this year, the new 20,175 sq ft flagship store will showcase brands including Nike, Adidas, The North Face, Jordan and EA7.
JD Sports warehouse to close in Derby
Almost 200 jobs have been lost at a JD Sports warehouse on Derby Commercial Park, following the decision to close the distribution centre.
Staff were told on Friday that they were being let go following a six week consultation period, according to BBC reports.
A process is said to be in place to see if there are alternative roles within the business for employees affected.
It follows the retailer signing a 20-year lease on the 514,000 sq ft distribution centre just three years ago.
Focus presents £6,000 to BASE 51 after Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Focus has handed over £6,000 to Nottingham-based charity BASE 51 after completing the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge.
The company undertook the challenge as part of Focus’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
Founded in Nottingham in 1994 and now with offices in London and Leicester, the Focus team wanted to mark the occasion by helping a local charity.
The donation will support BASE 51’s vital services, which provide crucial support and resources to young people in the Nottingham area, including mental health support, educational programmes, and recreational activities. The funds raised by Focus will help continue and expand upon these essential services that already have a positive impact on those in the local community.
Recently, two representatives from Focus, Managing Partner Jason Redfearn and Senior Consultant George Jones, presented a cheque for £6,000 to BASE 51. This impressive total was made possible by the support and contributions from clients, friends, family, and the dedicated efforts of the Focus team.
Jason Redfearn said: “Completing the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge was an exhilarating experience for all of us, but the true highlight was the overwhelming support we received from our clients, friends, and family. We are deeply grateful for the generosity shown and are honoured to support BASE 51’s incredible work with this donation.”
Verity Woods, Head of Fundraising & Events at BASE 51, commented on the donation: “We were delighted that Focus chose to support Base 51 with their Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge, as a local charity the support of business makes a huge difference to our work – the money they raised will help provide over 80 hours of counselling for young people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Thank you to everyone who took part and donated!”
The Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge, which involves hiking over 24 miles and climbing three of Yorkshire’s tallest peaks—Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough— in under 12 hours, was a formidable challenge for the Focus team. However, the sense of camaraderie and the motivation to support BASE 51 kept the team going.
Leicester hotel secures funding package
Assetz Capital, a provider of property-secured finance, has successfully structured a funding package of £9.95m facility for VOCO Leicester Hotel financed with Atom bank.
Last year, hotel management company Kew Green Hotels announced their plan to reflag two existing properties in Leicester and Manchester under IHG’s VOCO brand. The group acquired management of Hotel Brooklyn Leicester and Hotel Brooklyn Manchester and has signed a franchise agreement with IHG to rebrand them as VOCO properties during 2024.
David Hehir, relationship director at Assetz Capital, said: “I enjoyed playing a vital role in structuring this finance package with Atom bank to ensure its successful delivery for the Voco Leicester Hotel.
“Following Assetz Capital recent completions of an IBIS Styles Hotel in Glasgow for £5m, it is positive that we have expanded our reach structuring this fantastic hotel in Leicester. We would also like to pass on our thanks to Paul Goodman of Goodman Corporate Finance for his help with the transaction.”
Andrew Fraser, chief commercial officer at Assetz Capital, said: “We are pleased with the commerciality and speed shown by Atom on this £9.95m transaction. Assetz Capital and Atom bank have now completed a series of deals including office investments, leisure assets and now a branded hotel chain.
“The transaction completed in less than 12 weeks from initial discussion. We look forward to continuing to work further with Atom bank in the real estate space providing loans up to £10m.”
David Castling, head of intermediary distribution at Atom bank, added: “Our capability to fund loans of up to £10m in size at speed across the whole of the UK, reinforces our ongoing appetite to support the whole SME debt spectrum from small to large loan sizes.
“Assetz Capital and Atom bank’s collaborative approach ensured a smooth and efficient transaction, and we look forward to providing further funding to companies like VOCO in the future.”
Housebuilder acquires land for new homes in Leicestershire village
Housebuilder Allison Homes East Midlands is set to bring 50 new homes to the Leicestershire village of Stanton-under-Bardon.
Situated off Main Street, the five-acre site will become home to 50 two, three and four bedroom mixed tenure properties, including 15 affordable homes and five homes that will be available through the First Homes scheme.
The homes will be designed and developed using materials that reflect the local vernacular within Stanton-under-Bardon.
A range of biodiversity initiatives will also be implemented on site to encourage nature to grow and thrive. New trees will be planted and the open space on the development will include an attenuation basin seeded with wildflowers.
The housebuilder will also be retaining the existing public footpath within the site and supporting the Stanton-under-Bardon community, with financial contributions to the area’s NHS, education services, library and public transport in Coalville.
Construction work on the site is scheduled to commence in early 2025 and complete in summer 2026. The Stanton-under-Bardon development will be built alongside schemes in Shepshed and Anstey.
Karl Edwards, Operations Director at Allison Homes East Midlands, said: “We are going from strength to strength at Allison Homes East Midlands, and I am incredibly proud of the team for securing our third parcel of land, following the acquisition of sites in Shepshed and Anstey earlier this summer.
“We have worked incredibly hard with Mather Jamie and Caddick Land on this acquisition, and we are now looking forward to getting started on site and providing the people of Stanton-under-Bardon with a sustainable, new community.”
Flint Bishop strengthens national presence with strategic acquisition of Walker Morris’ Banking & Finance Recoveries division
Flint Bishop, a leading law firm, has made a significant move in the legal sector by acquiring the entire Volume Banking & Finance Recoveries division from the wider Banking & Finance team of Walker Morris LLP, welcoming 34 new staff to the business.
The strategic acquisition also marks Flint Bishop’s entry into the Leeds market and substantially enhances the firm’s capabilities in broader litigation and recoveries work, along with establishing a firm footprint to develop its full legal services offering across the UK.
The Walker Morris team, known for its national reputation and inclusion on several bank panels, was carefully selected by Flint Bishop for this strategic move into the financial services sector.
The acquisition propels Flint Bishop into the bank recovery and litigation arena, positioning the firm as one of the top legal providers to major banks and financial institutions. Flint Bishop has revealed plans for significant investments in staff, systems, and technology to further expand its national presence in this sector.
The acquisition brings numerous senior-level experts into the fold, increasing the firm’s total staff to over 280. As part of the transfer, Justin Coley will assume the role of Head of Recoveries, whilst Rebecca Calland and Ellen McLean have been promoted to the position of Partner. Other key figures joining from Walker Morris include banking litigation senior associates Georgina Davis and Olena Jarockyj.
Flint Bishop has also recruited banking litigation specialist Kate Hicks, currently with Yorkshire Building Society and formerly with DLA Piper and Walker Morris, to lead the Finance Dispute Resolution team, which will manage complex and contested banking litigation matters. Niall Gilhooley, former Chief Executive of Ascent, a division of Irwin Mitchell, who joined Flint Bishop two years ago, will serve as overall Debt Services Division Head.
Qamer Ghafoor, Chief Executive of Flint Bishop, said: “This strategic acquisition positions Flint Bishop as one of the UK’s top legal firms specialising in volume banking litigation and recovery-related work. It dramatically strengthens our Litigation, Debt and Property Services business by expanding our reach in the financial services market.”
Jeanette Burgess, Managing Partner at Walker Morris, said: “This strategic move allows us to focus on complex banking and finance litigation and other main practice areas, while ensuring the clients within our Recoveries division will continue to receive high-level service they are accustomed to. We wish the team great success in their new home.”
Ghafoor added: “The acquisition presents a prime growth opportunity and an excellent location for all our practice areas to capitalise on and have a presence. Not only will it grant us access to new markets and clients, but it will also introduce us to a thriving city for recruiting additional skilled lawyers to enrich our firm’s capabilities in existing and new practice areas.
“I am highly committed to growing the firm across all commercial and private client practice areas, providing opportunities for all, and ensuring our full-service offering thrives across all three locations: Derby, Birmingham, and now Leeds, with other planned locations on the horizon. With a fantastic team backing us, we’re in a prime position to introduce the Flint Bishop brand into new sectors across the UK and make a significant impact.”
This bold move signals Flint Bishop’s ambition to become a dominant force in the UK banking litigation and recoveries arena, setting the stage for accelerated growth and market leadership in the coming years.
Leicester maintains position as highest ranking East Midlands city in PwC’s Good Growth for Cities Index
Six of the seven cities in the East Midlands included in PwC’s Good Growth for Cities Index are out-performing the UK average on income distribution, measured by the ratio of median to mean income, an indicator of wealth equity.
The Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index ranks 51 of the UK’s largest cities (generally considered those with populations of at least 350,000 people), plus the London boroughs as a whole, based on the public’s assessment of 12 economic measures, including jobs, health, income, safety and skills, as well as work-life balance, housing, travel-to-work times, income equality, high street shops, environment and business startups.
Leicester maintained its position as the region’s highest ranking city (20th), despite slipping down slightly from 16th position in the previous index. Derby, Lincoln, Nottingham, Northampton and Peterborough have all seen an increase in overall rankings on the index, with Northampton achieving the biggest increase, moving from 42nd to 39th. The full East Midlands rankings are below:
- Leicester – 20th
- Peterborough – 22nd
- Derby – 23rd
- Lincoln – 24th
- Nottingham – 35th
- Northampton – 39th
Viking Park, Congleton continues to progress with food retailer’s opening
Food retailer, Aldi has completed the build and fit out for its new food store at Viking Park, Congleton.
The 2-acre fully serviced plot located in the retail zone of the mixed-use development is home to the single storey 20,000 sq ft purpose-built food retail facility.
The exterior of the building has been designed to sympathetically reflect its green surroundings, a design code condition which has been applied across the scheme. Aldi has invested an estimated £7.5m in Congleton and has delivered the new store less than nine months after construction began.
Bryn Richards, Aldi Real Estate Director said: “Opening our new store at Viking Park, Congleton, marks an exciting milestone for Aldi. We are proud to have delivered this high-quality facility in record time, providing the community with access to our award-winning range of products at unbeatable prices.
“This significant investment not only underscores our commitment to Congleton but also supports local jobs and the wider economy. We look forward to welcoming customers through our doors and becoming a key part of the Viking Park development.”
Marc Freeman, Director, Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd added: “The official opening of this store will bring the retail element of this development to life. The timing coincides well with our lead construction contractors, Roe Developments, gearing up to begin building the next stage of roadside convenience, a Starbucks, Greggs and KFC.
“Additionally, we will be starting to construct a 20,000 sq ft builders merchants and speculatively building a further 9,000 sq ft industrial unit which will be available on an all-enquiries basis. We anticipate all units will be open for business March 2025.”
Elsewhere on the mixed-use scheme, residential developer, Bloor Homes, are progressing well with the construction of their homes.
On completion, Viking Park will deliver up to 175 homes, a 20,500 sq ft supermarket/roadside convenience, as well as 36,800 sq ft office facilities and 219,500 sq ft of industrial units.
WBR Group further strengthens leadership team
WBR Group (WBR), the independent provider of SSAS services and tax experts, has appointed Julie Sebastianelli as a Non Executive Director. Julie brings a wealth of experience in the high net worth (HNW) sector and will play a crucial role in enhancing the strategic direction of WBR Group.
Julie Sebastianelli has held a number of senior roles within the financial services industry, such as Deloitte and Brown Shipley. She was also a shareholder and Board Director at Hurley Partners, and most recently, a Wealth Management Director at Mattioli Woods, a position she held until April 2024.
Julie’s extensive expertise spans SIPP and SSAS pensions, complex financial planning, inheritance tax (IHT) and estate planning, and a wide range of tax related areas. Renowned for her ability to simplify complex financial matters, she has earned a reputation for delivering trustworthy guidance in clear, understandable terms that resonate with clients.
Julie’s appointment marks a significant step forward for WBR Group as it continues to strengthen its leadership team with experienced professionals who bring diverse insights and expertise.
Tom Moore, CEO, WBR Group said: “We are really pleased to welcome Julie to our Board. She is already well-known to many of the team here and her exceptional track record and expertise in wealth management and financial planning will be invaluable as we strive to enhance our service offerings and continue our growth trajectory.
“Julie’s ability to communicate complex financial strategies in a way that clients can easily understand aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering unparalleled client service.”
Julie Sebastianelli said: “I am excited to join WBR Group at such a pivotal time in the company’s growth. The opportunity to contribute to a firm that shares my commitment to client centric, transparent service is one that I greatly value.
“I look forward to working with the Board and the management team, leveraging my experience to help drive WBR Group’s strategic objectives forward.”
Connect with property and construction professionals at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
While nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 are assessed, book your tickets for the highly anticipated event taking place on Thursday 3rd October.
Recognising and celebrating those behind the changing landscape of our region – the very best companies, teams, individuals and projects – the event showcases the exceptional work carried out across the East Midlands over the past 12 months.
The awards further present a perfect networking opportunity, with the leaders of property and construction businesses from across the East Midlands in attendance.
The event will additionally feature Paul Southby as keynote speaker.
Paul is a partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema in Nottingham’s Lace Market, and a longstanding trustee of environmental charity Clean Rivers Trust. He is chair of Nottingham Partners, a group of businesses that supports the work of the local inward investment agency, Invest in Nottingham, and a board member and past chair of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Limited. Paul is also a former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire (2022/23).
Attend the glittering awards ceremony at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground to see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agent of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.
The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, sponsored by Blueprint Interiors, will also be awarded a grand prize – a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000.
East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
When: Thursday 3rd October 2024, 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground
Keynote speaker: Paul Southby, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire
Dress code: Standard business attire
Tickets: Available at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-midlands-bricks-awards-2024-tickets-902294566337?aff=oddtdtcreator
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with property and construction professionals while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in the region.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Tickets can be booked here.
The event will begin at 4:30pm with networking and continue until 7:30pm, with additional time thereafter for connecting and celebrating. Complementary drinks and nibbles will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress.
To be held at:
£3m awarded to power welfare and sustainability in poultry production
A new £3 million project aims to address significant health and welfare issues in poultry production.
Nottingham Trent University is a partner on the ‘FeedFlow’ project, which is led by insect farming innovator Flybox® and funded by Innovate UK as part of Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme.
The work – which brings together a consortium of industry leaders and academic institutions – will utilise advanced technologies and black soldier fly (BSF) larvae to improve poultry welfare and promote sustainability in the poultry industry.
Despite significant advancements in production sustainability through genetic selection, the poultry industry faces persistent issues – including poor leg health, high mortality rates, and variable feed conversion ratios.
Poultry production also contributes notably to ammonia emissions in the UK.
To address these issues and stay competitive against low-cost imports, UK production systems must evolve continuously. Black soldier fly farming and artificial intelligence are emerging as revolutionary solutions for improving poultry welfare and performance, while also supporting sustainability.
BSF larvae are renowned for their ability to promote natural poultry behaviour and provide a nutrient-rich, high-quality protein source enhanced with antimicrobial peptides.
AI systems, meanwhile, propel precision agriculture by delivering real-time data on flock welfare and early warnings of potential issues. The FeedFlow project harnesses these technologies with a cutting-edge rapid intervention system. It integrates FLOX360, an in-demand computer vision platform powered by enterprise-grade AI algorithms, with the nutritional advantages of BSF larvae.
This innovative approach aims to amplify poultry health and productivity, setting new standards for welfare and sustainability in the industry.
Additionally, the project incorporates Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), led by Jess Callaghan from the University of Chester, to assess Global Warming Potential (GWP) and prevent a race to the bottom in emissions. Flybox’s ® collaboration with NTU’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences further strengthens the project, utilising fortified BSF larvae to deliver a rapid nutrient boost that addresses health challenges more effectively than traditional feed interventions.
Together, these innovations streamline feeding processes, enhance flock health and behaviour, and promote environmentally responsible decision-making, all while reducing impacts across the entire value chain.
Emily Burton, Professor in Sustainable Food Production in Nottingham Trent University’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, said: “Insects are an essential part of our transition from linear to circular resource use, and projects like this are accelerating insect production to commercial viability by thinking outside the box about how we can harness them to improve poultry production.”
Supported by a consortium that includes Flybox®, FLOX, the University of Chester, Nottingham Trent University, Courteenhall Farms, Menchine Farm, and Clarke Group Construction, the project is dedicated to developing a comprehensive, sustainable solution for the poultry industry.
Last year Flybox® and NTU embarked on a study to feed BSF larvae food waste – nutritionally-enhanced using nanometre sized natural minerals – before being added to poultry feed. The work is part of a feasibility study which aims to increase the nutritional value of chickens and significantly reduce the carbon footprint of ingredients.
Barwood Capital appoints new senior residential development manager
Northamptonshire-based real estate investment and development platform, Barwood Capital (Barwood) has welcomed Alex Jervis to the Barwood Residential Investment Platform (BRIP) as senior residential development manager.
Alex brings over 8 years of experience in the property industry, having previously worked for Savills at its UK head office. During his time there, Alex advised a diverse range of clients on matters related to the delivery of residential development projects, ranging from single houses in central London to urban extensions and new settlements throughout the UK.
In his new role, Alex will be responsible for leading the day-to-day management of BRIP’s delivery partners, to ensure the successful delivery of projects that meet the strategic objectives of the business, ensuring maximum returns for Barwood’s investors and delivery partners alike.
Alex said: “I am thrilled to be joining the BRIP team at Barwood Capital at such an exciting time, following on from what has been a very challenging environment for SME residential developers.
“Through BRIP’s unique offering, I am relishing the opportunity to work closely with all existing and new partners, and investors, to create and deliver much-needed high-quality homes in desirable locations where supply can often be the most constrained.”
Hugo Trower, residential chief operating officer at Barwood, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alex to Barwood Capital. His extensive and varied experience working on a multitude of differing projects across the residential market, coupled with his proven ability to manage multiple complex projects and teams, makes him an ideal fit for our business.
“We are confident that Alex will play a significant role in advancing our developments, processes and initiatives, and helping us achieve our ambitious goals.”
Tree planting helps grow funds of much-loved hospice
A grounds maintenance company has been planting trees across Derbyshire and raised thousands of pounds for a much-loved hospice at the same time.
Shed Grounds Maintenance, which looks after the grounds of many companies including Hazelwood-based Lubrizol, embarked on its tree planting project in aid of Chesterfield’s Ashgate Hospice to mark 20 years in business.
Company managing director Peter Botham said the initiative had been inspired by the ‘Queen’s Green Canopy’ project – a huge national tree planting initiative to mark the late monarch’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
To celebrate its 20th birthday the company has been planting trees at 20 of its sites and making a donation each time to Ashgate Hospice.
Shed Grounds Maintenance has now been shortlisted for a prestigious East Midlands Chamber award in the Environmental Impact category.
Peter said many clients – including Lubrizol – had been very enthusiastic about the project and had match funded the donation, meaning thousands had now been raised for Ashgate.
Lubrizol, which is set in a former country house with lovely grounds, is now home to two silver birches planted by Shed Grounds Maintenance to replace trees felled by storm damage.
Peter explained that he had a longstanding connection with Ashgate Hospice having done some landscaping for the organisation when it first started.
“The people at Ashgate are just amazing,” he said. “Being 20 years old, we were looking to make a difference to a charity. We thought rather than just donate money to Ashgate Hospice, we’d plant a tree in our clients’ grounds and give a donation for each one. A lot of clients have matched our donation which has been great.
“We thought that tree planting was the ideal way for us to mark our 20th birthday. First of all, we all need to be doing more tree planting! Hopefully a tree is something that is going to last for many years to come. People plant trees in memory of loved ones which has also got a fitting connection with the work of the nurses at Ashgate Hospice.
“Lubrizol is located in a stunning place and it’s a brilliant place to work.”
Passionate horticulturalist Peter said silver birches had been chosen for the company’s anniversary tree planting as they are native species to the UK, having grown on this isle since the end of the last Ice Age.
Claire Hollingshurst, from Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee, said: “We were very happy when Shed Grounds Maintenance said they would like to donate two trees to us as part of their tree planting initiative for Ashgate Hospice.
“We work hard to maintain our beautiful grounds and we are very happy to be home to these two new silver birches, replacing other trees that we lost to this year’s storms. I hope the money raised for Ashgate Hospice will help it continue its great work.”
Proposals set out for new West Northamptonshire crematorium
Proposals have been unveiled for a new crematorium in West Northamptonshire to address the increasing need for cremation services across local communities.
West Northamptonshire Council has set out plans to develop a state-of-the-art and sustainable new facility on land at Wantage Farm, in the Round Spinney area of Northampton.
Residents will soon be able to give their views on the plans before a planning application is submitted for the scheme in November. With existing crematoria within the area operating above their capacity, the new facility will ease the pressure on local need, reduce waiting times and improve the service for bereaved families.
Building the new crematorium is also expected to bring benefits to the local community, with the surrounding land transformed into recreational spaces, including walking paths and green areas.
It will be designed to minimise the impact on local surroundings, particularly around traffic, noise and appearance issues, with a key focus on sustainability and biodiversity including energy-efficient electric cremators, heat recovery systems, solar panels, green roofs and thoughtful landscaping.
Wantage Farm was selected as the most suitable site following an assessment of 11 potential locations in West Northants – this included looking at factors such as size, accessibility, ecology and archaeology as well as how they aligned with key policies such as the Local Plan and flood risk management. Placing a crematorium on the site would also preserve and protect the Green Wedge.
Councillor Mike Hallam, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and HR at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “On average, 80 per cent of people opt for cremation over burial, and the new facility at Round Spinney, will relieve pressure on the other existing crematorium in West Northants, reducing wait times for bereaved families while allowing them to hold longer, more meaningful ceremonies for their loved ones.
“This new facility addresses the urgent need for additional cremation services in a way that respects and enhances our natural environment.
“In addition to providing essential services, its construction and operation will create jobs and support local businesses. The crematorium will be inclusive to everyone of all different faiths, offering a range of features to meet the diverse needs of our community and providing spaces that respect the privacy and dignity of everyone.”
Residents will be encouraged to view the proposals and give their views during the pre-planning consultation, which will start on Wednesday, 25 September.
New Gartree prison to go ahead despite call for reconsideration
The Leader of Harborough District Council has received a letter from the government confirming that the new prison at Gartree, approved under the previous government, will still be built.
This news comes despite the leader’s call for the new government to reconsider the decision that outline planning permission should be granted which was made by the former Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Lord Timpson, Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending replied to the leader on behalf of the Prime Minister and confirmed that early works which had started in July would continue due to the government’s full commitment to build the prison. Lord Timpson also said that he wished to work closely with residents, the council and other stakeholders to ensure that the new prison is a success.
Cllr Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “I wrote to the Prime Minister at the beginning of July to ask him to call in the decision made by the previous Secretary of State to allow the new prison at Gartree to be built. I asked whether it was logical to have it situated in Gartree and whether he thought the local infrastructure can cope.
“I am incredibly disappointed with this response and that my offer to meet with ministers to show them the site was not taken up. The council will continue to work with and on behalf of the local community to help to mitigate any negative impact of the prison on the local area. I will also be writing to Lord Timpson and asking to meet him to seek the best possible outcomes for residents and the community.”
In April 2022, Harborough District Council’s planning committee refused the outline application for the new prison. An appeal from the Ministry of Justice against the decision was received in June 2022.
On Wednesday 15 November 2023 the government announced the then Secretary of State’s decision that the appeal from the MOJ should be allowed and outline permission should be granted, subject to conditions.
Lincolnshire construction firm enters administration
Lincolnshire-based construction firm C G Godfrey Limited has entered administration.
Managing Directors and Insolvency Practitioners Duncan Beat and Andrew Watling from Quantuma were appointed Joint Administrators on 27 August 2024.
Established in 1973 and located in West Pinchbeck in Spalding, C G Godfrey provided civil, mechanical and electrical engineering services, specialising in vacuum sewerage systems and deep drainage. The company provided services for a variety of customers including local authorities, private clients, water companies, district and county councils.
Turnover of the company was £4.8m in 2023, however, the company had recently experienced a loss of income of around £300k on two contracts which created cash flow problems that could not be overcome.
The Quantuma team was first engaged in July 2024 to provide advice. A marketing exercise was undertaken by Quantuma to try to find a buyer for the company, either as a going concern, or for the business and assets.
Expressions of interest were received, and NDAs signed by a number of interested parties. However, no offers were received, and the company had insufficient working capital to continue trading.
Therefore, the company entered administration on 27 August 2024 and immediately ceased to trade. C G Godfrey employed a team of 23 staff – all roles at the business have been made redundant.
Quantuma Managing Director and Joint Administrator Andrew Watling said: “It is deeply regrettable that C G Godfrey has been forced to cease trading, due to a series of challenging circumstances.
“This was a sad ending for a long-established company. Our thanks go to all of the employees who worked hard during a difficult time and gave the company every chance to find a buyer. But unfortunately, it simply wasn’t to be.
“As Joint Administrators, our immediate priorities have been to provide appropriate support to those whose jobs have been affected.”
Majority share snapped up in Alfreton communications firm
Alfreton-based Yappl has secured a strategic investment from Hugh Symons Holdings, an entity with over 50 years of experience in IT and telecoms.
This investment grants Hugh Symons Holdings a majority share in Yappl and sets the stage for accelerated growth and innovation.
By joining forces with Hugh Symons Holdings, Yappl is poised to expand its reach. It aims to enrich its service offerings and continue driving innovation in the B2B communications sector.
Yappl’s Managing Director, James Bannister, said: “I’m delighted that Yappl has Hugh Symons Holdings on board as a new investor. They share our entrepreneurial vision for Yappl and recognise that developments in the telecoms industry represent a fantastic opportunity for an enterprise focused on delivering better connectivity to businesses across the UK.
“We have worked hard to ensure that Yappl has solid foundations in customer approach, technology and, critically, customer experience. We look forward to working with our new partners on the next phase of our business growth.”
Hugh Roper, CEO of Hugh Symons Holdings, said: “This investment marks a welcome return to the telecoms sector where we have enjoyed a significant presence in the past. Yappl is a great, dynamic business focused on delivering excellent customer experience across a broad range of sectors. I was impressed with the team; their enthusiasm is infectious. I look forward to developing the business and realising its full potential.”
Secretary of State grants development consent for Cottam Solar Project
The Cottam Solar Project application has been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The project is a proposed new solar and energy storage project that would cross the county border between Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, and is being developed by Island Green Power. It’s the 85th such scheme of 142 applications submitted so far.
The Cottam Solar Project is named after its grid connection point at the existing National Grid substation at Cottam Power Station. The proposals involve a series of four site areas, known as Cottam 1, 2, 3a and 3b, which will host solar arrays, grid connection infrastructure and energy storage facilities.
The proposals also involve cable route corridors, accesses and environmental mitigation and enhancement measures. The development stretches from north of Blyton, through Corringham to an area bordered by Willingham, Fillingham, and Sturton, before turning west to cross the Trent near Marton en route to Cottam.
Island Green Power has delivered 26 solar projects worldwide totalling more than 1GW of capacity. This includes 14 solar projects in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Lincolnshire IT firm joins Kings Lynn business
Lincolnshire IT firm Jalapeno Business Services has joined Kings Lynn-based UptechLtd, signalling a change in name for the Bassingham-based company.
Mark Brown, owner and director of Jalapeno Business Services, said: “This partnership allows us to provide our clients with even more comprehensive and robust IT solutions, backed by Uptech’s decades of experience and success.
“Our clients will benefit greatly from the additional resources and expertise now available to them.”
James Fowler, Business Development Manager at Uptech Ltd, said: “This merger marks a significant milestone, promising enriched service offerings and greater innovation.
“Jalapeno’s clients will benefit from Uptech’s extensive knowledge base, cutting-edge technology solutions and industry-leading expertise.”
Despite the change in branding, all Jalapeno’s current employees will stay on board, continuing to operate from the same office locations. This continuity will ensure that the company’s clients will receive consistent and familiar support while gaining access to the expanded capabilities that Uptech brings to the table.
Council loses planning appeal for new Enderby logistics hub
Blaby District Council has lost a planning appeal for a new logistics hub at St Johns, Enderby.
Drummond Estate and Inverock Ltd launched an appeal earlier this year after the Council’s Planning Committee refused the outline application in October 2023.
The site is identified for employment use in the Blaby District Local Plan, adopted in 2019.
The Planning Inspector reviewed the Council’s decision to refuse the application at a public hearing in July, granting permission for the scheme.
The application, from the Drummond Estate and Inverock Trust, includes plans for four warehouses, offices, gatehouses and, potentially, a training and education centre.
The hub is proposed for use as a storage and distribution centre with new access off Leicester Lane.
A similar scheme, known as Hub 2, was granted outline permission on the same site in June this year.
The Council has also been ordered to pay the applicant’s costs, which are currently unknown.
Further detailed applications will now follow, including the layout and appearance of the site.
Jonathan Hodge, Blaby District Council’s Group Manager for Planning and Strategic Growth, said: “We acknowledge the Inspector’s decision on this appeal and will work with the landowner and developers as more detailed plans for the site are received.”
Second contractor working on Jewry Wall Museum project collapses
The opening of Leicester’s Jewry Wall Museum and Visitor Centre – currently under-going a multi-million pound transformation – has been delayed following the collapse of a second contractor working on the project.
Elmwood Projects, which was commissioned by the city council to design and manufacture the exhibition and displays for the centre, announced it was going into liquidation earlier this month.
Located in Scotland, the company was providing the design, build and installation of exhibition cases, large mosaic displays, object mounts and some of the audio-visual elements for the centre.
The news follows the unexpected liquidation of NMCN – one of the biggest construction companies in the Midlands – which was originally brought in to carry out the external works needed to the existing museum building and heritage site.
The council managed to appoint Olivetti and Jeakins Weir last year to continue with the construction work, and good progress was being made on the ambitious refurbishment. This new blow to the project is likely to result in some further delay to the opening, although the council hopes this will not be significant.
Richard Sword, the council’s strategic director for city developments and neighbourhoods, said: “It is very rare for two such well-established companies working on the same project to be hit in this way, but these are very difficult times for the construction industry, with three of the four companies that originally bid for this work now in administration. We sympathise with everyone affected by these company closures.
“We are grateful that Elmwood had already completed most of the work we had commissioned.
“Leicester already benefits significantly from tourists interested in our 2000 years of history and the discovery of King Richard lll. The new-look museum and visitor centre has the potential to bring in many more thousands of visitors and huge economic benefits to Leicester.
“At this point it is difficult to say exactly how this will affect the opening date and our costs, but I am hopeful we can resolve this without too much of an impact.”
Following the loss of the first contractor, the council had been working towards an opening date of January 2025. It’s now more likely this will be around summer 2025, although this is yet to be confirmed.
The council is planning a celebration of Roman Leicester to tie in with the opening of the museum, details of which will be announced later this year.
