Ideagen receives US government approval for DevonWay acquisition

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Ideagen receives US government approval for DevonWay acquisition

Nottingham-based Ideagen can now accelerate its plans to support more businesses with their complex health, safety and quality software needs after the acquisition of DevonWay was formally approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). 

The approval marks the final part of the legal process.

Ben Dorks, CEO of Ideagen, said: “I am delighted that this final legal stage is complete and we can move forward with our ambitions for Ideagen DevonWay. 

“This includes introducing the Ideagen DevonWay platform to an even wider range of industries supporting them to address the evolving needs and challenges of regulation and compliance worldwide.” 

Ideagen DevonWay provides compliance and operations management and is trusted by organizations in sectors such as energy, utilities, advanced manufacturing, nuclear power generation and US national laboratories.

It provides a complete, fully integrated, configurable product suite across environmental health and safety, quality management, enterprise asset management and workforce management. 

Chris Moustakas, SVP of Ideagen DevonWay, added: “Joining forces with Ideagen is a thrilling next step for DevonWay. Given the increasingly complex regulatory landscapes, our shared mission is to help organizations to transform their approach to health, safety, quality, risk and compliance management. This acquisition paves the way for us to provide enhanced support to our customers, partners and employees.”

East Midlands accounting and advisory firm acquires insolvency company

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East Midlands accounting and advisory firm acquires insolvency company

East Midlands-based accounting and advisory firm PKF Smith Cooper has acquired West Midlands insolvency boutique BLB Advisory Limited as the company progresses its expansion plans, with BLB’s Director and Owner Brett Barton and seven team members also joining the firm.

The acquisition of BLB Advisory Limited sees PKF Smith Cooper’s Business Recovery and Restructuring (BRR) team gain a further 80 years of experience and expertise in insolvency and recovery solutions, as well as an additional three office locations in the West Midlands.

Brett Barton is an Insolvency Practitioner with nearly 30 years’ experience in helping businesses, specifically SMEs and owner managed firms, find solutions to their financial difficulties.

During his career, Brett has developed substantial knowledge of the West Midlands, working with business owners across the region in a wide range of sectors, with specialist experience in manufacturing, third sector, transport and haulage, retail and wholesale, and hospitality.

Brett’s new role at PKF Smith Cooper will see him continue to deliver his current services in Coventry, Hereford and Worcester, in addition to supporting the firm’s BRR partners – Dean Nelson (Head of BRR), Michael Roome and Nick Lee – in shaping and driving the firm’s ambitious expansion plans across the Midlands and UK.

Notable team members joining PKF Smith Cooper from BLB Advisory Limited include Louise Hookham, who has specialist experience in the engineering, leisure, building, property and hospitality sectors, and Senior Manager Lucy Garner.

Brett said: “I am excited to be joining the team at PKFSC and to expand their offering in the West Midlands. There are many synergies between our businesses, and I believe that, within the PKFSC brand, I will be able to provide advice and guidance to businesses across the region that is unparalleled.

“PKFSC are an experienced team with a track record and passion for delivering solutions. I am looking forward to meeting up with my network of contacts to discuss the benefits of working alongside Dean and his experienced team at PKFSC.”

Dean Nelson, Head of Business Recovery and Restructuring and Partner at PKF Smith Cooper, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Brett and his team to PKF Smith Cooper as we embark on this new era for our business recovery services.

“From initial conversations with Brett, it was clear he was aligned with our recovery first approach, and that his team shared our passion for helping business owners in distress to secure the best possible outcome for the future.

“Acquiring BLB Advisory Limited has strengthened our renowned team, increasing the breadth of our expertise, as well as our capacity to respond to the high demand for specialist support required from businesses struggling in the current climate.

“We are looking forward to continuing to grow our reputation as the Midlands’ leading provider of Business Recovery and Restructuring services.”

Topps Tiles sees slip in sales

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Topps Tiles sees slip in sales

Topps Tiles, the Leicestershire-headquartered tile specialist, has seen a dip in sales in its first half.

According to a trading update for the 26-week period ended 30 March 2024, total group sales were £122.6 million, down 5.9% year-on-year, against a record revenue performance in 2023.

With subdued demand in the domestic Repair, Maintenance and Improvement (RMI) sector, especially for bigger ticket projects, persisting into 2024, there was lower footfall into Topps Tiles stores, especially across the homeowner customer group. Trade customers proved more resilient, although trade sales were also lower year-on-year. 

Meanwhile, trading in the Online Pure Play businesses remained strong, with good growth in Pro Tiler and positive sales progress in Tile Warehouse, resulting in year-on-year sales growth of 38.3% over the first half. Furthermore, Parkside continues to show a significant year-on-year improvement in its financial performance.

In a statement to the London Stock Exchange, Topps Tiles said: “With its market leading brands, specialist expertise and world-class service, the Group is well positioned to benefit from a cyclical recovery in the RMI market. The business remains in a strong financial position, with a robust balance sheet, and is focused on maximising market opportunities and emerging in a stronger competitive position as the market improves.”

Rowleys reveals partner promotions

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Rowleys reveals partner promotions

Leicester-based accountants Rowleys has made two partner promotions, with Lisa Parkes and Matt Hutchinson joining the firm’s leadership team.

Lisa Parkes and Matt Hutchinson have both been promoted to partner.

Lisa is an Audit signatory for the firm and works with a range of clients from owner managed businesses to larger corporates.  In addition, Lisa heads up the firm’s Charity and Not for profit sector team, an important growth area for the firm. Lisa has been with the firm for 19 years.

Matt joined Rowleys in 2014 and works with a range of businesses, many in the ‘mid-market’ space. Matt also heads up the firm’s pensions team and is a specialist in auditing defined benefit pension schemes. He is also an Audit signatory. 

Rowleys’ managing partner Tom Copson says: “The promotion of Lisa and Matt to partner is testament to their continued hard work and dedication to the firm. 

“At an exciting time in the firm’s growth, it is great to add Matt and Lisa to our group of partners.  They both go above and beyond to provide a great experience for our people and our clients and are committed to the future development of the firm.”

Businesses still failing to meet national minimum wage rules

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Businesses still failing to meet national minimum wage rules
As the national minimum wage reaches its 25th anniversary, there continues to be a high level of non-compliance among employers, warns accountancy and business advisory firm BDO. Since the introduction of the national minimum wage in 1999, HMRC has carried out 87,000 investigations, issued £86m in fines and enforced £117m of arrears. In February this year, HMRC named over 500 companies found to be in breach of the rules and ordered them to pay back £16m in arrears. Since the national minimum wage naming scheme was first introduced in January 2011, over 3,200 employers in total have been identified as being non-compliant. When it was first introduced on 1 April 1999, the national minimum wage was set at a rate of £3.60 per hour. This will have risen to £11.44 from 1 April 2024. Based on a 35-hour working week, someone on the national minimum wage in England and Wales would have earned £5,925 in 1999/2000 after tax and NIC, whereas a worker can expect to take home £18,512 in 2024/25. This represents a 70% increase above inflation. Paul Falvey, a tax partner at BDO, said: “While there was some opposition to the national minimum wage prior to its introduction 25 years ago, businesses quickly adapted and it’s now widely accepted. “That said, it hasn’t always proved to be easy for businesses to comply. Just last month, over 500 businesses were named and shamed for not complying with the rules. “While some of these breaches may have been deliberate, some employers may have inadvertently made mistakes when calculating workers’ pay. This can sometimes happen when employers fail to fully take account of actual hours worked, the cost of uniforms, salary sacrifice schemes or other voluntary deductions. “While some businesses – and particularly those in the retail and hospitality sectors – may balk at the 9.8% rise in the national minimum wage rate coming into force…the increase will provide a welcome boost to low earners who are among those who’ve been most affected by the recent cost of living crisis. “However, next year’s rise in the national minimum wage is unlikely to be at the same level. The Low Pay Commission is projecting that the national living wage will be between £11.61 and £12.18 in April 2025, with a central estimate of £11.89.”

Reduced paperwork for export of iron and steel to EU welcomed by East Midlands Chamber

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Reduced paperwork for export of iron and steel to EU welcomed by East Midlands Chamber

The removal of an EU paperwork requirement for companies exporting iron or steel to the bloc has been welcomed by East Midlands Chamber.

The change is the result of talks between the British Chambers of Commerce, UK and EU officials and means companies will no longer have to produce “mill certificates” to prove the country of origin was not Russia which can be a costly, time-consuming process. 

East Midlands Chamber International Trade Manager Lucy Granger said: “The paperwork needed for exporting goods to the EU and the expense of putting all that together is a frustrating burden to businesses in the East Midlands.

“For any part of the export process to be alleviated is something I welcome and it’s great that the Chamber network’s talks were able to achieve the removal of the mill certificate requirement. 

“International trade is far more complex than it needs to be and while reduction of paperwork for iron and steel helps, there are obstacles in so many elements of international trade to the EU and other parts of the world.

“That’s why International Trade is one of the four I’s in East Midlands Chamber’s Manifesto for Growth 2024 that we took to Westminster in March. The manifesto highlights the areas that need government attention to get the uninhibited growth the East Midlands needs: Infrastructure, International Trade, Innovation and Investment.”

Hotel owner makes further investment in historic Uphill Lincoln

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Hotel owner makes further investment in historic Uphill Lincoln
Following the refurbishment and reopening of the White Hart Hotel, owner Andrew Long is continuing to invest in Uphill Lincoln. To add to the hotel’s portfolio, a pair of Grade II Star Listed Georgian Town Houses at 6 & 7 Castle Hill have been purchased by the Travel Sector Property Group. These properties are just a few steps away from the hotel. Andrew says: “No. 7, Castle Hill, known locally as Castle Square, will offer accommodation for up to eight guests (four adults and four children) to enjoy a luxury stay in a unique and enviable location. With exceptional views over Castle Square and down Steep Hill, it’s truly a local gem and a very special customer experience for leisure or corporate use.” As well as acquiring No. 7, Andrew’s Travel Sector Property Group has also purchased the freehold investment in the adjacent Leigh Pemberton House at 8/9 Castle Hill, which is also a Grade II Star Listed Building. Many will know this iconic property as the home of the City’s Visitor & Tourist Information Centre, which will continue to occupy the ground floor and basement areas of the building for the long-term future. Plans will soon be submitted to create five luxury ensuite bedrooms that will also be operated as part of the adjacent White Hart Hotel. Dating back to 1543, this half-timbered building was originally a wealthy merchant’s house, before becoming an inn. From 1899 it served as the regional headquarters of the National Westminster Bank, then undergoing extensive restoration in the late 1970’s. More recently, the upper floors have been used as offices and Airbnb ‘holiday let’ accommodation, but is now in need of extensive internal refurbishment, as well as various ‘catch up’ external maintenance works. Andrew added: “We will be significantly investing in the sensitive adaptation and refurbishment works for Leigh Pemberton House, ensuring that there will be an ongoing commercially viable use for this unique building, protecting, and enhancing its sustainable long-term future. “I am personally very pleased to incorporate this iconic and historical building within my long-term investment portfolio for Castle Square and the immediately adjacent Bailgate area.” This phase of work will be taking place before the planned refurbishment and reopening of the historic Judge’s Lodgings, also purchased by Travel Sector Property in November 2022. Andrew is hopeful that the Judge’s Lodgings and former White Hart Garages at 2 Bailgate will be fully completed by the end of 2025, with construction work starting this Summer.

Breedon Group acquires surfacing contractor

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Breedon Group acquires surfacing contractor
Breedon Group, the construction materials group, has acquired Phoenix Surfacing, a surfacing contractor based in the Midlands. It follows the integration of Minster Surfacing, based in Lincoln, which Breedon acquired in 2023, as well as the 2022 acquisition of Thomas Bow Ltd, a surfacing and civil engineering contractor based in the East Midlands. Founded in 1991, Phoenix has over 30 years of experience in the design and delivery of highways and infrastructure projects for both public and private sector clients. The business has grown into one of the Midlands’ leading independent surfacing contractors and merchanting businesses, with an annual turnover of £23m-£24m. James Haluch, Managing Director of Surfacing Solutions at Breedon, said: “We are delighted to welcome Phoenix to the Breedon team as we continue to focus on expanding our Surfacing Solutions business’ geographic footprint and offer for our clients. “Phoenix Surfacing has built up a huge amount of experience over the course of its history and has an outstanding delivery team; the combination of our businesses will significantly enhance our offer in the Midlands, while also strengthening our regional surfacing, airfields and recycled asphalt capabilities across the Breedon group.” Alistair Lauder, Managing Director of Phoenix Surfacing, said: “This is a significant milestone in our company’s history, and we are excited about the opportunities the transaction will bring to our customers and colleagues. “We look forward to leveraging the strengths of Phoenix and Breedon together, to enhance our overall capabilities and provide an excellent service for our customers. “Since we founded Phoenix Surfacing in 1991, we have always focused on delivering the best customer service, supporting our people and growing our business, and Breedon is the perfect partner for us as we continue to deliver on these goals.”

Nottingham Community Diagnostic Centre designs get stamp of approval

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Nottingham Community Diagnostic Centre designs get stamp of approval
Designs for a £25m Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) planned for the Broad Marsh regeneration development in Nottingham city centre have been officially approved by council planners. Nottingham City Council has given the official nod for the designs for the Nottingham City CDC – a one-stop shop run by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust to help reduce the backlog of patients waiting for diagnostic tests. The CDC will support GPs in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire by providing direct access to diagnostics services such as MRI, CT, x-ray, ultrasound, echocardiography, ECG, and lung function testing. The former shops on Lister Gate – which included Claire’s Accessories, Mountain Warehouse and Holland and Barrett – will now be redeveloped. This will involve stripping the former retail units back to the concrete structure and refurbishing the roof and plant rooms. The new CDC plans include space for two x-ray machines, three MRI and CT scanners (although only one of each will be available in the first phase of the project), an ultrasound machine, a room for taking blood, consultation rooms, and a coffee bar. Paul Matthew, Chief Financial Officer at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “This is another important milestone in the journey to provide the people of Nottingham with diagnostic appointments more quickly and on their high street. “This centre will be vital in reducing the number of people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire waiting too long for diagnostic tests so that they can then either have peace of mind or begin any treatment needed sooner. It will also enable patients to access these tests without needing to travel to a hospital.” Nottingham City Council Leader, Cllr David Mellen, said: “It is great news that the Community Diagnostic Centre has been given the go ahead at the Broad Marsh regeneration site. It is especially important to see that the development will reuse part of the frame of the old shopping centre as, without this, it would have been difficult to find a suitable location elsewhere in the city centre. “This facility will give people access to vital health services right in the centre of Nottingham, near to the new bus station and car park and a short walk from the train station, in a state-of-the-art building surrounded by new people-friendly green streets and public spaces. It will help to bring people into the area, providing a boost for businesses and creating more jobs. “This is another exciting development happening at Broad Marsh, alongside the recent opening of the new Central Library and Collin Street play area, plus work is underway on the new Green Heart city centre park.” The planning application was submitted at the beginning of February and went through the normal eight-week decision process before being approved. The construction works will include removing the part of the old atrium roof which connects the building to the former Broadmarsh Shopping Centre.

Record turnover for McLaren Construction’s Midlands and North division

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Record turnover for McLaren Construction’s Midlands and North division

The Midlands and North division of McLaren Construction has delivered a record turnover of £271m for the latest financial year.

Following a year of expansion for the division and McLaren Construction group as a whole, the milestone follows news that the contractor generated overall revenues up 22% to £964 million in 2022/2023 and is on course to break the £1 billion annual turnover barrier in 2023/2024.

McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has experienced growth over the past 12 months, with new appointments across its leadership, project, and sustainability teams and six projects handed over for 2022/2023.

Nationally, McLaren Construction is active across multiple markets and intends to continue growth across its residential, data centre, commercial office, leisure, health, education and remediation portfolios. This vision for expansion is shared by the Midlands and North division, which is concentrating on diversifying its public sector work, with a focus on health, education and remediation, alongside data centres and industrial and logistics schemes.

Last year, Midlands and North secured its place on the £8bn Procurement Partnerships Framework and was appointed to two of the four lots awarded to McLaren nationally. Under the construction discipline, McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) was appointed to deliver public sector projects from £15m-£30m in the East Midlands and £30m+ in the West Midlands.

The contractor is one of 87 appointed to the second-generation Framework which will run from 1 November 2023 for four years and as part of this, is expanding its portfolio of data centre projects with further schemes set for the next 12 months.

In 2024, the division will be concentrating on continued growth of its project pipelines in the industrial and logistics arena, alongside the student accommodation and data centre sectors, while strengthening and further developing its supply chain across the Midlands and North regions.

Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “The last 12 months have been consistently successful for the division and our dedicated teams have worked hard to procure schemes across a variety of sectors, strengthening our position as a reliable contractor with diverse expertise.

“The quality of our product and service will always be of utmost importance in delivery and we are looking forward to the next 12 months and our expansion in new sectors, alongside working on prominent frameworks.”

Property consultancy makes raft of promotions across East Midlands offices

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Property consultancy makes raft of promotions across East Midlands offices
A property consultancy has made a raft of promotions across its offices in the East Midlands after a successful six months. Fisher German has promoted 15 members of staff at its offices in Ashby, Market Harborough and Newark, alongside a key promotion at the top of the company. Sarah DeRenzy-Tomson, based at Fisher German’s head office in Ashby, has been named as Fisher German’s new Head of Planning. She has been a Chartered Planner for more than 20 years and has been at the firm for 10 years. She takes over from Liberty Stones, who has become the firm’s new Divisional Managing Partner for its Advisory Services division. Further promotions at Ashby include Matthew Turner and Will Bostock, who both become associate partners, Matthew Handford and James Beverley, who both become senior associates, Marc Styrdom, who becomes an associate, Beth Simpson and Abi Hicklin, who both become senior surveyors, and Amber-Rose Heys who is now a department coordinator. Deborah Smith becomes head of bid management, Chloe Sharratt becomes a senior bid coordinator, Harman Basra becomes senior learning & development manager, and Brian Shaw becomes system administrator. In Market Harborough, Joy Brankin-Frisby has been promoted to associate partner and Frances Houseman is now a senior surveyor, while Eleanor Harding in Newark becomes an associate. The promotions at Fisher German are among 46 made across its 26 offices. Sarah said: “I’m extremely pleased to be taking on the role of Head of Planning at Fisher German and leading such a motivated and proactive department. “We have a very diverse client base and as such, have three separate delivery teams within our planning department covering general practice planning, strategic planning which includes residential and commercial, infrastructure, and energy planning. “This enables each team to focus on their technical specialisms and keep up to date with any developments in legislation to deliver robust planning strategies for our clients. “Since joining Fisher German 10 years ago the planning department has changed considerably and has not only grown both in terms of numbers, but also the scale and complexity of the projects we’re delivering. “We are embedded with some really ambitious, forward-thinking clients and are continuously expanding into new geographical areas and markets. “It’s an exciting time for planning with the introduction of biodiversity net gain, significant investment in infrastructure and new technologies emerging in the energy market, as well as the implications associated with a potential change in government coming forward which could result in changes in priorities. “We are at the forefront of these changes, interpreting them and ultimately helping to make a complex process as easy as possible for our clients to traverse. “We have three fantastic planning teams who all want to have a real impact on the landscape that we all live and work in, and we’re continuing to expand the department as we look to grow further.” The promotions were made after Fisher German introduced its ‘Grow’ career progression framework, which gives its colleagues clear guidance on what is needed to progress, and the responsibilities needed at each level of the business. Richard Benson, Senior Partner at Fisher German, added: “Promotions are an opportunity to reflect and recognise the fantastic achievements of our people and to celebrate their progression in the business. “The ‘Grow’ programme was launched as way of enabling colleagues to better understand how they can progress their careers here, and all 46 promotions as a result of the programme are thoroughly deserved.”

Grant Thornton invests in M&A team

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Grant Thornton invests in M&A team
Grant Thornton UK LLP’s East team has made two senior promotions on the back of a strong year of deal activity. Stuart Davies has been promoted to Partner, with Toby Hare being promoted to Director. Stuart will continue to focus on the East of England, leading the team alongside fellow Partners Mike Tillson and Doug Bentley. The team is already the largest dedicated Corporate Finance team in the region with 15 transaction specialists, with Stuart and Toby’s news following recent promotions of Huyen Nong and Zach Rose to Manager roles, alongside the recent recruitment of Usman Khattak since the start of the year, demonstrating the team’s investment to drive further growth following a successful 2023. Grant Thornton’s M&A team specialise in working with entrepreneurs in the region with stand-out deals during the past year including the sale of nursery school provider Orchard Day Nurseries to Kindred Education, the corporate carve out of manufacturing business Strata Products in a sale to Chiltern Capital, the Management Buy-Out of pharma services business MAP Patient Access, backed by Kester Capital and two acquisitions for the UK’s fastest growing retail group, AK Retail. Stuart Davies, Corporate Finance Partner at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: “Despite a slowdown in global M&A activity from the highs of 2021, there remains a high level of liquidity in both the UK and overseas market, and appetite for strategically important acquisitions remains strong. We remain optimistic as we progress through 2024 with a strong pipeline for good quality deals.” Mike Tillson, fellow Partner in the Grant Thornton UK LLP team, said: “The recent promotions and appointments within the team demonstrate our confidence in the local market across the East of England and our confidence in the market going forwards.”

MIRA Technology Park breaks ground on next phase of development

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MIRA Technology Park breaks ground on next phase of development
Following a groundbreaking ceremony that marks the start of the next phase for MIRA Technology Park, Plot 9 has officially begun construction, acting as the inaugural building in this stage. This next phase will add one million square foot of innovation and engineering facilities to the existing 850-acre site, heralding a new era of growth, larger footprints, and enhanced opportunities for existing occupiers to scale up. Plot 9 is divided into two units, each providing 36,000 square foot of space to deliver a total area of 72,000 square foot. These units have been designed to offer a blend of workshop and office space, surrounded by natural landscaping and parking. Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midlands Engine, said: “This milestone not only represents a significant economic opportunity for the region, with over £60m of high-value employment already present, but also signals a crucial next step in the evolution of both MIRA Tech Park and the global industry it supports. “This development is a testament to the commitment of fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth, and is a key asset for the Midlands and UK’s innovation landscape.” Tim Nathan, Managing Director for MIRA Tech Park, said: “The commencement of this next phase marks a significant step forward in the realisation of our vision and a key milestone unlocking the next phase of the Tech Park. “We celebrate not only the economic growth this brings but also the spirit of collaboration that has made it possible, further establishing MIRA Tech Park as a globally attractive location and UK national asset.” Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Chief Executive, Bill Cullen said: “The council is delighted to have played its role in the latest expansion of this research and development facility on Mira Technology Park. “The development marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the park bringing opportunities for more high skilled jobs to the area. Plus making a significant contribution to the local economy.” This next phase of MIRA Tech Park is being delivered in a joint venture with real estate investor and developer, Evans Randall Investors, with the project delivery managed by Swanvale Developments. GMI has been appointed as the construction company entrusted with the construction of Plot 9 which is set to achieve strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) credentials, targeting a BREEAM rating of “Excellent” and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A.

Rolls-Royce nuclear reactor model features in new Science Museum exhibit

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Rolls-Royce nuclear reactor model features in new Science Museum exhibit
A model of the Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor features in a new exhibition at the Science Museum. The Energy Revolution: The Adani Green Energy Gallery at the Science Museum has opened its doors to the public and features a Rolls-Royce SMR model in the Future Power exhibition. The model highlights the innovate modular approach and the vital role our Small Modular Reactor can play in a global low-carbon future. Rolls-Royce SMR CEO Chris Cholerton said: “I’m thrilled we’ve been able to help the Science Museum explore opportunities for the world to decarbonise through a more sustainable use of energy and to show how our technology can play a part. “The Science Museum has curated a range of exciting clean technology exhibits for the gallery that tell this powerful and compelling story for the first time in such a stimulating way and I’m proud our SMR has been chosen to be at the heart of it.” Energy Revolution: The Adani Green Energy Gallery is part of the Science Museum’s free offering and replaces the Atmosphere gallery, which welcomed more than six million visitors between 2010 and 2022. The Rolls-Royce SMR is a radically different approach to delivering new nuclear power based on proven reactor technology. Each of the ‘factory-built’ nuclear power stations will provide enough low-carbon electricity to power a million homes for more than 60 years.

Alstom to mothball Litchurch Lane factory

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Alstom to mothball Litchurch Lane factory
The production lines are stopping at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane factory in Derby, with the train-manufacturing site set to be mothballed. It puts 3,000 jobs on the line following 10 months of discussions with Government in an attempt to secure the facility’s future. The loss of work and jobs in Derby will also have a knock-on effect on the local and national supply chain, where it supports 15,000 jobs. It comes as the factory faces a significant 18-month production gap and HS2 delays, meaning it cannot continue functioning in the interim. Alstom said in a statement: “We have worked constructively with the government on securing a sustainable future for Derby Litchurch Lane, but after 10 months of discussions we have run out of time, and the production lines have stopped. We will now consult with our staff, with trades unions and with our UK supply chain to provide as much certainty as we can.”

East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “The uncertainty at Alstom has dragged on for too long and the government need to act urgently to safeguard production at Litchurch Lane.

“We know that as a country we have new rolling stock needs that can be met by the highly skilled workforce we have in Derby and its wider regional supply chain – any inability to iron out the gaps in orders would represent a significant failure of national planning and have detrimental knock-on effects in Derby, Derbyshire and across the country.

“This can’t be allowed to happen – it is imperative government intervention is stepped up so we can get a workable resolution that protects jobs in the sector now and for the long-term future.”

Nottingham City Council’s Workplace Travel Service secures new funding stream

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Nottingham City Council’s Workplace Travel Service secures new funding stream
Nottingham City Council’s Transforming Cities-funded Workplace Travel Service has wrapped up after two years, helping 87 local businesses and organisations. Although the initial Government support for Nottingham City Council’s Transforming Cities-funded Workplace Travel Service has ended, the authority has another stream of funding for 2024/2025. This comes from the Government’s Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Block, which means the team can assist more local businesses and organisations with sustainable travel improvements. In the past two years, the Workplace Travel Service has:
  • Worked with 87 local businesses and organisations to support them with either 100% or 75% funded improvements
  • Awarded more than £800,000 in grants to enable the installation of green travel measures, including EV chargers, bike shelters, pool e-bikes and more
Recently the programme installed four 22 kW 3 phase EV charging points at A.N. Wallis, a Bulwell business which manufactures earthing, lightning protection and other electrical items for projects around the world. The company plans to offer free charging for staff with electric vehicles to encourage them to ditch more polluting cars. After A.N. Wallis applied for help to install the charging points, the Council provided a grant of £9,271 to cover the work. A.N. Wallis contributed 25% towards the overall cost. Simon Sorsby, Engineering Director at A.N. Wallis, said: “As a local manufacturer working on many renewable projects nationwide, sustainability is very important to us and a key part of our ongoing efforts to be a good corporate citizen in everything we do. “We decided to apply for the grant to charge both our company EV vehicles and allow our employees to charge up at work too, encouraging them to switch away from petrol and diesel cars. “Assisted by our new charge points, we plan to move our company fleet to 100% electric by 2025, helping us save 32 tonnes of CO2 a year.” Councillor Angela Kandola, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Transport and Planning at Nottingham City Council, said: “Helping local businesses and other organisations become greener and cut harmful air pollution is a key goal of the City Council, and I’m delighted that our Workplace Travel Service can continue to make a big difference locally thanks to this new Government funding. “I encourage all local businesses, groups, charities and public sector organisations to think about what green travel improvements they could benefit from and then apply via our friendly team.”

Home and garden PR agency enters phase of rapid growth with team and services expansion

Michael Fisher
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Home and garden PR agency enters phase of rapid growth with team and services expansion
Specialist home and garden PR agency, Honest Communications, has announced the expansion of its team and services, with the creation of its first-ever Operations Director and the launch of its influencer marketing platform, The Honest Network. The promotion of longstanding employee, Fay Clarkson, to the position of Operations and Account Director bolsters the business’s leadership team, joining founder Holly Daulby at the helm of the company. Fay, who is one of Honest Communication’s first employees having joined the company in 2020 and has recently returned to the business following maternity leave, will be the driving force behind the agency’s operations and systems, leading on team productivity and efficiency. She will also be continuing to oversee her client portfolio and account director responsibilities, as well as ensuring the Honest team continues to achieve stellar results for its clients. Offering brands in its portfolio a fully integrated approach to communications with PR, social media, content creation and brand voice, Honest Communications has also launched its aptly named influencer marketing platform – The Honest Network. Designed to bring brands and influencers together, the Honest Network provides a unique way of connecting companies with the very best content creators in the industry, uniting both parties to deliver top-quality campaigns. While creating social media campaigns is at the heart of the Honest Network, it’s also about creating a community. Members will be among the first to hear the latest news from Honest’s clients, receive product samples, attend exclusive webinars, be invited to in-person networking events, and gain exclusive behind-the-scenes access to brands at events such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. These exciting updates come as the business enters a rapid phase of growth, having just celebrated its fifth anniversary and welcomed numerous new clients, including premium greenhouse manufacturer, Alitex, to its portfolio. Holly commented: “It’s an incredibly exciting time for us as an agency. We have secured several client wins over the past couple of months (watch this space for more updates on that of very soon!), and we are currently recruiting for two new positions – an account manager and an account executive – to help service these new accounts. We have big plans for 2024 and beyond, and hope to further expand our team, portfolio and services!” The Derby-based agency provides PR and social media support for a host of popular household names such as Wilkinson Sword Garden Tools, Henchman, Town & Country, elho, WOLF-Garten, Seedball, Hillier Garden Centres, and Cobra.

Leicester property investor sells two industrial units

Tess Egginton
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Leicester property investor sells two industrial units
Leicester property investor Custodian Property Income REIT has sold two industrial units. A site in Weybridge has been disposed of for £6m, while the firm has unconditionally exchanged on the disposal of a vacant industrial unit in Warrington for £9m. The Warrington disposal is expected to complete in mid-April 2024 and total proceeds from the disposals of £15m will be used towards repaying the company’s existing revolving debt facility. Richard Shepherd-Cross, Managing Director of Custodian Capital Limited (the company’s external fund manager), said: “Whilst planning consent has been received to redevelop the Warrington site we believe that, due to a lack of occupier demand and the ability to crystallise a substantial profit for our shareholders, now is the best time to sell. “Selling vacant property is particularly accretive to earnings by both saving void costs and reducing interest expense. “The Weybridge asset has provided a healthy level of income over its four years of ownership and having re-let the unit in 2022 at an increased level of rent, we believe future rental growth may not meet our income growth expectations going forwards so we have made the decision to sell.”

Funding sees automotive remanufacturer drive growth overseas

Tess Egginton
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Funding sees automotive remanufacturer drive growth overseas

Grantham-headquartered engineering firm Autocraft Solutions Group has secured a £24 million Asset Based Lending facility from HSBC UK to fund domestic growth and set up new facilities in Europe and the USA.

The facility will directly fund significant growth for Autocraft Solutions Group’s existing UK and European contracts with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and as part of the expansion plans, the business is projected to increase turnover by over 50 per cent and to increase its headcount by over 10 per cent.

The funding will also assist Autocraft Solutions Group in accelerating its expansion plans by replicating its REVIVE® facility in Arnhem in the Netherlands at multiple global locations, including Scandinavia, Southern Europe and North America. The first of these locations is expected to open in mid-2025, which will enable the business to grow with existing and new global customers.

The new REVIVE® sites will triage, repair and remanufacture EV battery packs, enabling the business to process 1,400 EV batteries each year. This more environmentally friendly alternative to creating new battery packs will see each facility save around 1,500 tonnes of CO2, six megawatt-hours of electricity and two million litres of water per year.

Mike Hague-Morgan, Executive Director at Autocraft Solutions Group, said: “We are growing the legacy of engine remanufacturing, and we’re also at the forefront of EV technology. HSBC UK’s global capabilities made the bank an ideal partner to support our next phase of growth and international expansion. Importantly, the bank also shares our passion for green-tech and helping our customers in their journey to net-zero.” 

Sam Owen, Business Development Director at HSBC UK, added: “Autocraft Solutions Group is playing an important role in the automotive sector’s transition to net zero, and this deal provides the business with financial firepower to boost supply to the growing EV market.” 

Administrators sell Northamptonshire caravan firm

Tess Egginton
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Administrators sell Northamptonshire caravan firm

Following their appointment as joint administrators, Ryan Grant and Chris Pole from Interpath Advisory have sold White Arches Caravans Limited and its operating subsidiary, P.N. Sharpe Limited.

Trading from sites in Rushden and Wellingborough, White Arches Caravans Limited is a retailer of new and used caravans and motorhomes. Both companies are part of the Robinsons Caravans group.

Over the past 12 months, the Group’s cashflow declined due to a number of macroeconomic factors. In particular, the cost-of-living crisis has meant customers have had less disposable income leading to the company experiencing a decrease in both the number of caravans purchased and the average purchase price.

Additionally, White Arches had seen costs rise, including financing costs as a result of high interest rates. This, coupled with the impact of the financial issues seen across the wider Group, further harmed the company’s cash position.

As a result of these mounting pressures, the directors sought to undertake a review of their investment, refinance and sale options. When it became clear that a solvent solution could not be found, they took the decision to seek the appointment of administrators.

Immediately following their appointment, the joint administrators sold the business and assets of the companies to a newco owned by Spinney Motorhomes and Caravans. As part of the transaction, all 55 staff members have transferred to the purchaser. 

Charlie Holland, Director of Spinney Garage Limited, said: “We’re delighted to welcome White Arches into the Spinney group. As a family-run business ourselves, our values and philosophy are very similar to those of White Arches, so we’re looking forward to taking the company back to its roots. To this end, we intend to continue to trade the business under the White Arches name, retaining its well-respected brand.”

Ryan Grant, managing director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “Having traded for over 45 years, White Arches is a well-established and well-respected name in the caravan and motorhome sector. We are delighted therefore to have concluded this transaction which will enable the business to continue to trade under new ownership. We wish the team all the very best for the future.”

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