Rothera Bray Solicitors have been appointed to the legal panel of the Amputation Foundation. Founded in 2017, the Amputation Foundation is a charity dedicated to providing immediate, empathetic, and effective support to amputees and their families. As one of the Amputation Foundation’s recommended legal partners, Rothera Bray will leverage their extensive experience in limb loss litigation and will aid the charity in expanding its reach and delivering its strategy to support more people affected by limb loss. Founder Stephen Cruse said: “Amputation Foundation is delighted to welcome Rothera Bray to the AF family. As the charity grows, so too does our need for additional support and having met with Rothera Bray on several occasions, we were excited by the synergy and ethos we shared. “AF is expanding its regional support hubs and sharing a partnership with another Midlands based legal firm will help us and our members to access broader support. “As a bilateral below knee amputee, I set Amputation Foundation up with one thing front and centre of my mind and that was and always will be, to support individuals and their families through what is invariably a life-changing experience. “We are really looking forward to working with the Rothera Bray team to ensure our support can reach those people who want and need it.” “This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our mission to support those affected by limb loss,” said Greg Almond, Partner and Head of the Serious Injury team at Rothera Bray Solicitors. “We are honoured to join the Amputation Foundation panel and contribute to their invaluable work. Together, we will provide vital resources and legal expertise to improve the lives of amputees and their families.”

A wood recycling company has been fined after an employee was killed when he was struck by a JCB wheel loader. On 29 April 2019, Thomas Brooke was walking across the yard at John Brooke (Timber Treatments) Limited in Nottingham. A JCB wheel loader, with its bucket raised, was operating in the yard along with other vehicles, but as the shovel moved forward, it collided with Tom who died from his injuries. Tragically, Tom was working for the family company. At the time of the incident, Tom’s son Rupert was aged four. His wife, Jessica Brooke described Tom as a kind and caring person who was dedicated to his family and was loved by everyone who knew him. In a statement, she said: “Our hearts are broken. The pain and suffering of his loss has been immense, and no words can describe the impact that his loss has had; both Rupert and I have been forever changed. “We were partners in crime, soulmates and best friends and together took on whatever challenges life threw in our direction.” Describing the relationship Tom had with Rupert, who is now nine, Jessica said: “From the moment that Rupert was born Tom was a natural father and Rupert and Tom had a very special bond. They were as thick as thieves, both being at their happiest when in the other’s company. Tom was a brilliant role model to Rupert in every respect; he was Rupert’s favourite person in the whole world and Rupert couldn’t have wished for a better father. “I grieve the future that we will never have but also, and particularly, that Tom will never see Rupert’s future.” The family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that John Brooke (Timber Treatments) Limited did not properly organise its workplace to keep pedestrians safe. There were no control measures, such as physical barriers, to prevent pedestrians accessing areas where loading shovels, lorries, forklift trucks and 360 grabs operated. It failed to properly assess the risks from operating machinery with reduced visibility and did not properly train, instruct and monitor employees. On 20 August 2024, John Brooke (Timber Treatments) Limited of Fosse Way, Widmerpool, Nottingham pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 17(1) of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and section 33(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 at Nottingham Crown Court. They were fined £22,500 and agreed to pay costs of £44,227.28. Speaking after the sentencing, HSE inspector Lindsay Bentley said: “This has been a very difficult case for all concerned. However, those in control of work have a responsibility to implement safe methods of working. Had simple measures been taken, this tragedy could have been prevented.” This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Kate Harney and supported by HSE paralegal officer Rebecca Forman.

Shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, nominations will close on Thursday 5th September for the annual East Midlands Bricks Awards. With 10 categories available to enter, the independent awards and publicity programme recognises development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. Amongst this year’s categories is Excellence in Design, which can be entered here. The winner of this category will be the developer who has shown true originality in design excellence across a scheme or schemes over the last 12 months, whether this be aesthetically, functionally or in any other manner. Last year the award was won by Chevin Homes, for Amber Farm, with Marchini Curran Associates (Phoenix cinema and art centre) and Trident Construction Services (Lark Hill Retirement Village refurbishment) runners up. Upon winning, Dan Stack, director, Chevin Homes, said: “All at Chevin Homes are delighted to have won the Excellence in Design award for our Amber Farm development in Oakerthorpe. It is an event that we thoroughly enjoy as we get chance to catch up with contacts from across the East Midlands.” This year’s Excellence in Design award will be sponsored by Cawarden. Speaking with Business Link, William Crooks, Managing Director at Cawarden, said: “Here at Cawarden, we’re proud to return as sponsors of the Excellence in Design category in the prestigious 2024 East Midlands Bricks Awards. As a Specialist Contractor, we understand the vital role innovative design plays in shaping our built environment. “Last year’s event showcased the remarkable talent and creativity within our region, and we’re eager to once again celebrate those pushing the boundaries of design excellence. Our commitment to sponsoring this category stems from our belief in the power of visionary design to transform spaces and enrich communities.” Sharing advice for those entering the awards, Crooks added: “For those contemplating a nomination, our foremost advice is to embrace boldness and innovation. Demonstrate how your project pioneers new frontiers and positively impacts the environment, people, or communities. We eagerly anticipate reviewing the exceptional submissions and paying tribute to the visionaries propelling design excellence in the East Midlands.” Submit your nominations for Excellence in Design here before entries close on Thursday 5th September. Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm) – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby. Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Estate Agent, Contractor of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Developer of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here. The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 will also receive a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.

Light Science Technologies Holdings’ Contract Electronics Manufacturing (CEM) Division has received a third order from its customer in the sports entertainment segment, worth £134,000.

Since its first order in the sports entertainment segment was announced in February 2024, Derbyshire-based Light Science has now received orders for a total of 15,000 units, worth in excess of £400,000 in revenue. The order will be completed within the current financial year.

The customer currently has 14 entertainment venues in the US, four venues in the UK, and is rapidly expanding with eight new venues currently under construction in the US.

Simon Deacon, CEO of LSTH, said: “I’m delighted with the continued momentum within the CEM Division and the Group as a whole. Importantly, we are establishing long-term relationships with global clients that have the ability to underpin repeat business opportunities, which we believe will result in increased visibility as we continue to convert our strong quoted sales pipeline.

“The Group has really turned a corner this year in all market sectors, and we’re seeing many of the changes we’ve made begin to yield positive results. In CEM specifically, we’ve invested strategically in our ability to take on larger and more significant contracts, which allows us to capitalise on the post-Covid move away from Far East manufacturing.

“We are excited to play a part in our customer’s expansion as they bring new and innovative solutions to market and we look forward to sharing further progress in the future.”

Shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, nominations are OPEN until Thursday 5th September for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards. With 10 categories available to enter, make sure to take this opportunity to showcase outstanding businesses, teams and projects at the prestigious event. One such category is Deal of the Year, which can be entered here. The winner of this category will be the deal that has truly pushed the boundaries over the last 12 months – from jobs created to complexity, size and scale. However, that’s not to say the biggest deal will automatically win; the deal which has had most impact in the East Midlands is what we’re looking for. The winning deal will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver a great outcome for all concerned. Deal must have been completed over the last 12 months. Last year the award was won by Rushton Hickman, for their Branston Locks deal, with Bassi Group Nottingham Ltd (job saving Pizza Hut takeover) and Rigby & Co (Aida Factory deal) runners up. Upon winning, Graham Bancroft, director at Rushton Hickman, said: “We are thrilled to have won this award at the prestigious Bricks Awards, especially as we were up against such outstanding competition, it means the world to us. The deal to Werner had many challenges during the time of the pandemic and escalating build costs, but all parties’ commitment and determination to get an agreement in place was exceptional and the building that our client, Nurton Developments, produced for Werner was fantastic so credit goes to all parties. I am hugely proud of the whole Rushton Hickman team for winning this award.” With this year’s Deal of the Year award sponsored by Tutum Consulting, director, Simon Prescott, said: “Sponsoring the ‘Deal of the Year’ award aligns with Tutum Consulting’s mission to recognise and celebrate exceptional achievements within the industry. “As an independent, emerging company established during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tutum understands the unique challenges and opportunities that come with navigating a tumultuous economic landscape. By sponsoring this award, Tutum aims to recognise those who have demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation in these trying times. “The Deal of the Year category showcases the hard work and impact that can be achieved by colleagues. As a small, independent company, we know the great pride and effort required in achieving these outcomes “We know firsthand the tremendous effort involved in bringing complex deals to fruition, and we want to acknowledge the teams and individuals who have made significant contributions to their project. By sponsoring this award, we aim to celebrate those who share our dedication to pushing boundaries and driving progress in the construction industry.” Simon added: “We are looking forward to seeing this year’s entries and learning about the innovative ways in which businesses have worked. The awards show is a fantastic way for colleagues in the industry to not just connect, but celebrate and promote their own services and achievements. “For Tutum Consulting, this event is an invaluable opportunity to network with landowners, property developers, planners, and architects. We are keen to learn about other services in the East Midlands, identifying opportunities where our expertise can complement and enhance collaborative projects.” Submit your nominations for Deal of the Year here before entries close on Thursday 5th September. Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm) – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby. Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Estate Agent, Commercial Development of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Developer of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here. The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 will also receive a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.

Derby-based Monarch Security have bought out another local company and taken a step further in their goal to become one of the region’s largest security and executive protection companies. Monarch Security, based at Oberoi Business Hub in Pride Park, was set up during the pandemic by Farhaan Bhatti and Phil Wright who have more than 30 years’ combined experience in the industry. The company was approached by Leigh Baldwin, the owner of Burton-based Security Kings, to take over his business – incorporating its clients and staff into Monarch Security’s operations. The buy-out increases Monarch Security’s team which provides a range of services including personal protection, mobile patrols, manned guarding, key holding and alarm response for clients across the East Midlands as well as nationally and internationally. Security Kings has been established since 2017 and provides a wide range of services to businesses and residents including retail and site security, alarm response and key holding. Mr Baldwin is now concentrating on his new business Liberty Maze which provides supported housing for young people in care in the Burton and Derby areas. He said: “Having built up a successful business, I was keen to diversify and the only people I trusted to take over Security Kings were Farhaan and Phil at Monarch Security. “We have worked together for many years and I know that both the Security Kings clients and staff are in safe hands.” Monarch Security co-director Phil Wright, whose expertise includes providing close security for high profile celebrities and members of several Royal families in the Middle East and Far East, continued: “We have achieved a great deal in a short space of time and merging Security Kings operations into our own is an important step in our expansion plans. “We are particularly pleased with how we have grown in our own region of the East Midlands – expanding our local teams and vehicle fleet to protect premises and sites for businesses, organisations, individuals and families.” Farhaan Bhatti continued: “The approach from Leigh at Security Kings reflects our reputation for service excellence and the investment we have made in our systems, fleet and calibre of team members. “Our goal is to be one of the region’s largest security companies and we welcome the clients and staff from Security Kings who will be an important part in our continued success.”