Ashby-based property consultancy makes new IT hires
Fisher German has added five new members of staff to its IT team after the recent promotion of five others, including Neil Jones to Head of IT Infrastructure and Service Operations.
Joining the team are Craig Sharpe and Nathan Robbins, who both join as Systems Support Engineers, Hugh Gilmore who joins as a Junior Project Manager, Emmanuel Isitor who joins as Database Administrator, and Anthony Benskin who becomes Head of Change.
These follow the promotions of Liam Morton to Service Desk Manager, Charlie Pook to Systems Administrator, Daniel Baldwin to Software Development Manager, and Brian Shaw to Systems Administrator.
Fisher German has been able to grow its team and promote internally in part due to an increased requirement from its clients to work more collaboratively across all facets of a project – which often involves integrating how they capture and process data.
Neil, who started working at Fisher German in 2006, said: “I’m really pleased that the IT team has been able to grow organically following my colleagues being rewarded with promotions for their excellent work.
“Fisher German has always looked to proactively invest in IT and its team in order to deliver the best service for its clients, which has resulted in the team needing to expand due to increased demand.
“Our clients are increasingly looking to integrate their own systems with Fisher German so they can work seamlessly on key projects, and our team ensures bespoke IT solutions are created to make this happen.
“Instead of just recommending software that can be bought on the market, we work closely with our clients to tailor-make a solution that gives them exactly what they need.
“We also want to be leading the way in business intelligence and analysing the data we gather in the right way, not only for Fisher German’s benefit, but our clients’ too.
“We expect this kind of work to only increase into the future, which means we need the right people in place to deliver the solutions our clients expect from us.”
While Fisher German has added to its IT team recently, with the expected increase in workload, further expansions are likely in the near future.
“Now Fisher German has grown to a record size, there’s real scope for talented, ambitious IT professionals to join the firm and progress their career in-house,” Neil added.
“We’re expecting that many of our IT team will become specialists in particular software or solutions as we continue to grow, without them losing that general level of expertise.
“It’s a really exciting time to be working for Fisher German in IT, and I’m intrigued to see how much we will evolve in the coming years.”
Carl Stirland, IT Director at Fisher German, added: “Fisher German provides an excellent working environment that promotes and fosters personal development and community spirit.
“These are excellent appointments following well-deserved promotions, and I am immensely proud and thankful of all who have contributed to the incredible growth of the IT team.”
University of Nottingham spinout secures £500,000 for Tourette’s therapy wristband
Neupulse, a University of Nottingham spinout, has secured a £500,000 equity investment through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, facilitated by appointed fund manager for the East and South East Midlands, Mercia Ventures.
Founded in 2021 by husband and wife team, Professors Stephen and Georgina Jackson, with Dr Barbara Morera at the University of Nottingham, Neupulse is pioneering a safe, non-drug treatment to help manage the symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome.
The wristband device stimulates the median nerve in the wrist to help control the tics or involuntary movements caused by Tourette’s syndrome. Clinical trials have shown the device can reduce tic frequency on average by 25% on initial use, with a further reduction in frequency after four weeks of use.
The funding will enable the company to finalise development of its device and carry out further trials as it seeks to gain regulatory approvals in the UK, Europe and the USA. It follows a £2.5 million investment earlier this year from a consortium including Eos Advisory and US-based investors and brings the total the company has raised to date to almost £4.5 million.
Paul Cable, CEO, Neupulse, said: “This funding from Midlands Engine Investment Fund II will take us one step further towards our mission to roll out our device and give new hope to people with Tourette’s. Having Mercia Ventures on board as a partner provides additional value, given its expertise in backing businesses that are developing new products and helping them gain entry to the US market.”
Sandy Reid, Mercia Ventures, added: “Tourette’s syndrome is believed to affect up to two per cent of all children worldwide but currently the only treatments are medication and behavioural therapy, neither of which are ideal solutions. Neupulse’s device offers a genuine alternative. This funding will help the company to bring it to market and transform lives.”
£15m+ contract places Leicestershire-based Bluesky at forefront of UK aerial data provision
The Government’s Geospatial Commission has awarded Bluesky International the contract to supply aerial photography to public sector organisations across Great Britain.
The contract, worth more than £15 million, also includes the provision of 3D height models and colour infrared. It runs for three years, with the option to extend for a further two years.
Branded as Aerial Photography for Great Britain (APGB), the agreement commits Leicestershire-based Bluesky as the sole supplier of data on a two-year cyclic basis.
It means more than 4,500 local authorities, emergency services, environmental bodies, and central government departments will gain access to the most up-to-date aerial imagery and height data available – free at point of use.
It is the first time the contract has been awarded to a sole supplier and puts the innovative Ashby-based aerial survey company firmly at the forefront of aerial data provision for Great Britain.
Bluesky’s CEO Rachel Tidmarsh said: “The award of this contract is a great achievement and is testament to the high standards of work we produce and the professionalism of our team.
“Bluesky celebrated its 20th year just a few months ago, and this contract highlights the importance of the investment and innovation we have carried out over this time.
“The APGB contract offers significant benefits to the public sector. We are seeing public organisations use our data to unlock an increasing number of applications.
“This is particularly as these government organisations strive to meet legislative requirements around biodiversity, climate change, and planning.”
Under the APGB agreement, Bluesky will provide aerial imagery at 12.5cm resolution across the entirety of England, Wales and Scotland. Urban areas (as defined by the ONS) will be even more closely photographed, with images captured at an incredible 5cm.
In addition, Bluesky will provide access to its derived datasets, including Digital Surface Models (DSM) at 2m, Digital Terrain Models at 5m, and Colour Infrared at 50cm.
APGB members will also have access – free at point of use – to all of Bluesky’s historical imagery. This highly detailed archive dates back to 2000, with historical data having an important role to play in measuring change over the past two decades. It will also help with identifying patterns, supporting local authority future planning.
Microlise Group sees strong six months
Microlise Group, a provider of transport management software to fleet operators, has reported a “strong performance” for the six months ended 30 June 2024.
The results for first half of the year saw revenue grow by 15.4% to £39.1m, driven by strong growth in recurring revenues, which have grown 21.5% (11% organic) to £26.6m. Annual recurring revenue, meanwhile, increased 20.6% (11% organic) to £54m.
During the period, the Nottingham-based Group added 202 new customers, securing new business across all its target geographies and with significant wins with LGV fleet operators. The period also saw Microlise announce the acquisition of K-Safe, a developer of road safety products.Nadeem Raza, CEO, Microlise said: “I am delighted to report strong performance in the first half of the year, with significant recurring revenue growth following a strong period of delivery in the second half of last year and with new products from our successful acquisitions leading to an increase in cross selling and upselling.
“In addition, we secured a significant number of new clients, including strategically important contract wins in our international markets.
“We continue to seek acquisitions that can further enhance our offering and accelerate our growth within all regions. With superior market positioning, favourable market conditions, and a strong pipeline, we are confident of meeting expectations for the full year.”
Directors of care recruitment company banned after failing to pay more than £30m in tax
The directors of a Derby company supplying NHS workers to the care sector have been disqualified after failing to pay more than £30 million in tax.
Raja Usman, also known as Usman Raja, was the director of Umbrella Care Ltd, with his wife Khair Un Nisa.
The pair knowingly submitted inaccurate VAT, PAYE and NIC returns to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on behalf of Umbrella Care between May 2017 and at least April 2020.
More than £33 million in tax owed by the company was under-declared by the pair during this period.
Usman was disqualified for 14-and-a-half years at an uncontested hearing of the High Court in London, with the order starting from Tuesday 30 July.
The 38-year-old was also ordered to pay costs of £5,399.10.
Nisa, 41, signed an 11-year disqualification undertaking which began in September 2023.
Lawrence Zussman, Deputy Head of Company Investigations at the Insolvency Service, said: “Raja Usman and Khair Un Nisa deliberately under-declared the amount of tax Umbrella Care was expected to pay by tens of millions of pounds.
“This was money that should have been used to provide vital public services and investment in areas such as schools, hospitals and roads.
“The disqualifications ban Usman and Nisa from being company directors until 2034 and 2039 respectively and the liquidators continue to recover millions in pounds of assets worldwide.”
Investigations into Usman and Nisa revealed that £12,031,159 in VAT and £21,596,982 in PAYE and NIC was under-declared to HMRC. Umbrella Care was wound-up in court in November 2020 following a provisional liquidation granted on petition from HMRC. Insolvency practitioners from Azets Holdings Ltd, who were the previous provisional liquidators of Umbrella Care, were then appointed as liquidators on the same day. The company went into liquidation owing more than £35 million to HMRC. The joint liquidators working with HMRC and solicitors from Wedlake Bell LLP have conducted extensive investigations and litigation to recover approximately £5.2 million from numerous bank accounts. They have also traced the missing funds to 14 properties which have been recovered and sold for approximately £7.3 million. Further property sales and investigations into funds transferred overseas and to third parties are expected to bring in an additional £1.5 million, bringing the estimated total recoveries to around £14 million. Louise Brittain, joint liquidator at Azets, said: “Azets have conducted extensive investigations and litigation in this case to recover wrongfully removed company funds and this has led to a considerable return to creditors. “We are pleased that these actions have enabled the Insolvency Service to obtain the disqualifications and undertakings that they have and this case demonstrates the strength of private and public sector working.” The disqualifications prevent Usman and Nisa from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.New low carbon county council office takes shape
Nottinghamshire County Council’s new low carbon, all-electric office continues to take shape with all three floors and a roof now in place.
The new office, which is along the A611 Annesley Road near Hucknall, is to be known as Oak House and will have at least a dozen oak trees planted as part of the site’s green space.
Oak House is designed to help bring long-term savings for the taxpayer and environment as part of a wider project to move more front-line council services into cost-effective, energy saving buildings.
Council Leader, Councillor Ben Bradley, welcomed the building’s progress. He said: “Not only will it be the home of some of our front-line services and the place where all council decisions are made, it is an investment which will help bring jobs, skills and more investment into the Hucknall area.
“It’s all part of our wider plan to prioritise delivering services rather than just running expensive buildings, which is why we are reducing the number of council offices from 17 to nine.”
The new office is being designed, project and cost-managed by Arc Partnership and delivered through Arc’s construction partner, Morgan Sindall Construction.
A target of 86 per cent of local spend has been set for the project and associated infrastructure works, with subcontractors and tradespeople located within 20 miles of the site.
Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, said: “I’m delighted that local small and medium-sized businesses are already benefitting from this project, which is great news for the local economy.
“Oak House is a fitting name for this new office. An oak tree is the main image on our council’s logo, which is of course a nod to the county’s world-famous Major Oak.”
A former Nottingham Trent University student, Luke Meville is now working as a graduate site manager for Morgan Sindall Construction at the Oak House site.
This is his second stint working on a county council-funded construction project and is continuing to help him get more experience under his belt, boosting his skills and career chances.
Luke was an assistant site manager when he worked on the new school building at Millside Spencer Academy in East Leake.
Luke explained how the size and scale of the Oak House building is helping him to progress. He said: “The complexity of the building, with it being three floors, and the prestige of it being a new council office has been massively beneficial to me. It’s another step up the career ladder working on this site.”
As well as the council’s civic, democratic and leadership functions, it will be the new home to two key frontline services, the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) for vulnerable children and adults, and its customer service centre, which handles all public enquiries.
Construction work is still on track to be completed in early 2025.
Thanks to a low carbon design, high insulation levels and heat absorbing features of the new building, heating bills will be kept as low as possible and to help meet the Council’s environmental ambitions. This design will also help keep the building cool in the warmer months, so no air-conditioning will be installed. Rooftop solar panels will also help generate electricity.
Meanwhile, construction of a new section of road and roundabout within the site, which began in September 2023, is now complete. This will provide access when the new office is open and ultimately help traffic flow ahead of planned new housing due to be built on the wider site.
The wider site is planned to be regenerated into a new community which will include 805 new homes, led by Vistry Partnerships. The site is on council-owned land, which is mixed-use land that has been earmarked for development for more than a decade.
Marketing Derby encourages nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
As Business Link’s East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 draws closer, Marketing Derby is encouraging entries.
John Forkin, Managing Director of Marketing Derby, said: “There is so much great work going on in the built environment. Here in Derby, we have a number of major schemes, which are set to come to fruition in 2025, which has been dubbed Derby’s ‘olympic year’.
“These awards have a real democratic, bottom-up feel to them – ending with an informal event at Trent Bridge. I would really encourage companies to consider applying.”
A key event in the business calendar, showcasing the exceptional work of the region’s property and construction industry, the East Midlands Bricks Awards will take place on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Revealing the winners in a glittering awards ceremony, the evening also offers time to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby.
Nominations for the prestigious event are open, and now is the ideal time to make your submissions, ahead of the deadline – Thursday 5th September.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Tickets can now be booked for the 2024 awards event, click here to secure yours.
Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.
Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.
Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Award categories include:
- Most active agent
- Commercial development 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
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, with the winner, and recipient of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards)
Nominations end Thursday 5th September
Tickets can now be booked for the 2024 awards event, click here to secure yours.
Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.
Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.
Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
Plans submitted for second phase of East Midlands logistics hub
Plans for the second phase of Summit Park, located on the A617 between Ashfield and Mansfield in Nottinghamshire, have been submitted by Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates.
The proposals include two distribution warehouses – Building One, a smaller unit of 172,000 sq ft alongside a 525,000 sq ft unit in Building Two – on the site adjacent to Summit Park, which is occupied by Amazon. The units will be built to BREEAM Excellent standard.
Matt Sladen, development director at Sladen Estates, said: “Summit Park was a hugely significant development for the area and we are very pleased to be bringing forward this second phase.
“Between the two units, it will create nearly 700,000 sq ft of additional distribution space following on from the success of the first phase in this key area for the logistics sector.”
The scheme spans two planning authorities, with applications being submitted to both Ashfield District Council and Mansfield District Council for buildings one and two respectively.
Ralph Jones, managing director at Peveril Securities, added: “Following the success of Summit Park – which delivered some 1,750,000 sq ft of distribution space for Amazon – we have now submitted applications for this important second phase of development on this site.
“With its links into the motorway network via the nearby M1 junction, the site is a prime location for the logistics sector, and these submitted proposals for two additional warehouses are a significant step forward for the development.”
East Midlands businesses most confident in UK
Business confidence in the East Midlands was the joint-highest of any UK region or nation in July, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in the East Midlands reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 33 points at 75%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy – which was 50%, the same as in June – this gives a headline confidence reading of 62% (vs. 46% in June). This was the joint-highest reading on the Business Barometer in July, alongside Wales (also 62%).
Looking ahead to the next six months, businesses in the East Midlands identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (51%), evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (41%) and entering new markets (36%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall UK business confidence climbed nine points in July to a net balance of 50% – the same as in May when confidence reached an eight-year high.
Businesses’ confidence in their own trading prospects rose 12 points to 56% – the highest reading since April 2017. Meanwhile, confidence in the economy climbed six points to 45%.
Sector insights
There was an improvement across all sector categories this month – most notably in retail which rose by 25 points to a post-pandemic high of 60%. There were also significant gains in manufacturing trading prospects, with the net balance increasing by 9 points to a two-year high. Services rose 10 points to 56%, while construction saw a more modest increase by 2 points to 44%
Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It’s encouraging to see East Midlands confidence rise again to now lead the country, and particularly to see such a strong outlook for businesses when it comes to their own prospects.
“As firms put their growth plans into action, we’ll be by their side every step of the way, whether that’s through expert support through our on-the-ground teams, or specialist products to help them manage working capital while expanding their operations.”
More than 120 new homes approved in Leicestershire
Housebuilder William Davis Homes has welcomed a decision to approve a scheme for more than 120 new homes in Leicestershire, to help meet the demand for new housing.
The development will be on a site off Snells Nook Lane in Nanpantan, which is allocated for housing in the emerging Charnwood Local Plan.
The area was previously earmarked for development as part of the Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park.
In addition to 128 new homes, the scheme will create publicly-accessible open space equivalent to almost 4.5 football pitches and a new children’s play area.
The Group Land Director at William Davis Homes, Sarah Whetton, welcomed the decision by Charnwood Borough Council’s Plans Committee.
Sarah said the company was committed to helping the borough council achieve its vision of making Charnwood one of the most desirable areas in which to live and work in the region.
“We have been proud to be part of Charnwood’s development landscape since 1935,” said Sarah. “Whilst we develop our award-winning schemes throughout the Midlands, the majority of our employees, apprentices and our supply chain is based in Charnwood.”
William Davis Homes has been working with Charnwood Borough Council to ensure there will be a range of house types to meet demand. The scheme includes both first-time buyer and larger family homes, with a 30% allocation of affordable homes.
Nottingham Venues sponsors The Westfield Health British Transplant Games
As a Games Partner for the upcoming Westfield Health British Transplant Games, Nottingham Venues has announced that it is supporting the games and its athletes through a sponsorship agreement.
The British Transplant Games will take place in Nottingham from 1st-4th August, welcoming over 2,500 participants to the city and 1,000 transplant recipients in a celebration of the gift of life.
The flagship event of charity Transplant Sport, the 46th annual British Transplant Games, is a multi-sport event, which aims to raise awareness of the life-saving benefits of organ donation.
To support the event, which will see 25+ different sports hosted in venues across the city, Nottingham Venues has provided a value-in-kind offer of £20,000, with their Jubilee Hotel & Conference Centre named the key partner venue.
The donation includes a total of 55 complementary bed and breakfast stays at either of Nottingham Venues’ hotels on the University of Nottingham campus, The Orchard and the Jubilee Hotel, for event participants and staff – located close by to many of the sporting events which are taking place at university facilities.
Furthermore, a team of volunteers from the organisation will be on hand to support during the Games, with the children’s team party and darts social events both being hosted at the East Midlands Conference Centre at a reduced cost and discounted food and drinks on offer.
Tom Waldron-Lynch, CEO of Nottingham Venues, said: “It is a very exciting time for Nottingham Venues, the university and the city itself as we host the British Transplant Games for the first time.
“We are proud to be able to support events happening in our city and it is a pleasure to be able to partner with such an important cause which will attract participants and spectators from across the UK to Nottingham. We are looking forward to showcasing Nottingham’s many fantastic venues and facilities at the Games.”
The sponsorship demonstrates Nottingham Venues’ commitment to the local community and continues its support of regional events – such as last year’s Robin Hood Half Marathon.
Paul Harden, Chairman of Transplant Sport, said: “Nottingham is a fantastic city, and we are very lucky to be partnering with local organisations like Nottingham Venues to deliver this year’s British Transplant Games.
“We are excited to be working with Nottingham Venues and are thankful for their generous donation which includes hosting some of our events and athletes at their spectacular venues. We look forward to welcoming everyone soon!”
Barber shop hits ‘best apprentice employer’ list for third year
Less Than Zero Barbers in Chesterfield has been recognised as one of the UK’s best apprentice employers, for the third year in a row.
The company has been named in the Institute For Apprenticeships Top 50 SME employer list for the company’s commitment to its team.
The list celebrates England’s outstanding SME apprenticeship employers, recognising their commitment to creating new apprenticeships, the diversity of their apprentices, and the number of apprentices who successfully achieve their apprenticeships.
The rankings are produced annually by the Department for Education, in partnership with High Fliers Research, who independently assess and rank the nation’s top apprenticeship employers
Martin Wallis-Keyworth the owner of Less Than Zero said: “We have always taken the formal training of new and existing staff extremely important and have always ensured people not only grow in the barbering skills but also in other skills such as training, assessing and teaching and have all those skills in the business to NVQ L5.”
“We have formulated a strategy and business plan to expand the business further and this will be achieved by leveraging the amazing team we have and their new skill set and also will help us grow a larger talent pool to help in that expansion. We would be unable to this if it hadn’t been for the training and development of the team.”
Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive National Hair and Beauty Federation added: “It’s fantastic to see one of our NHBF members being recognised in the Top 50 SME Employer list for the third consecutive year. Having previously worked alongside Martin in the trailblazer groups for the Barbering apprenticeship, I have first hand experience of his commitment to excellence and professional development.
“Less Than Zero Barbers’ consistent appearance on this prestigious list is a testament to their unwavering dedication to team growth and the barbering profession as a whole. Their approach to investing in their staff’s skills, not just in barbering but also in training, assessing, and teaching, sets a remarkable example for our industry.”
Ashfield businesses encouraged to apply for grants of up to £30,000
Growing and innovative businesses are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to £30,000 from Ashfield District Council.
The grants can be used to create jobs or bring new products to market. Businesses can also use it to invest in new technologies, processes or measures to improve productivity, and support improvements to commercial premises including internal refurbishments and shop fronts.
Funding is part of Ashfield District Council’s £3.2million UK Shared Prosperity Fund which has been channelled into three distinct business grant schemes:
- Enterprise Development Grant – up to £6,000 or 75% of eligible project costs
- Hucknall Shop Front Improvement Scheme – up to £9,600 or 80% of eligible project costs
- Ashfield Accelerator Grant – up to £30,000 or 50% of eligible project costs
Leveraging expertise is prescription as skin doctor meets the spin doctor
Nottingham-based thought leadership specialist, Press For Attention PR, has been retained by Eudai Clinic to bolster its reputation as a doctor-led medical aesthetics specialist. Eudai Clinic is based in Beeston, with clients across the UK and as far afield as the Channel Islands, seeking medically approved and accredited products and services to support healthier lifestyles, vitality and wellbeing. It is led by Doctor Dimitri Vichas (Dr Dimi), a Harley Street trained medical aesthetics specialist who studied at the University of Nottingham and still works within the NHS in the city. Eudai Clinic has been working with Press For Attention PR on safety campaigns as the warm weather entices sun seekers and has already benefited from national coverage after a controversial “DIY SPF” social media post was debunked and warned against by Dr Dimi. Press For Attention PR has been retained to leverage Eudai Clinic and Dr Dimi’s personal brand and champion the need for regulation of the industry, as founder Greg Simpson explains: “Pop on any popular social media platform or ask ‘Dr Google’ and there are some very misleading and downright dangerous pieces of content that get into the media. “It isn’t our job to police cyberspace but it is our job to help the media question such claims. There is a wider debate about regulation of the industry, which is crawling at a snail’s pace and that does not help those customers so for now, I am proud to be helping Dr Dimi to provide this critical advice and to offer balance and objectivity to the media.” Dr Dimi, who specialises in all areas of medical aesthetics and longevity and is fully licensed to provide and use medical grade products, said: “From the subtle artistry of dermal fillers to the transformative effects of micro-needling, our treatments are meticulously designed to address specific concerns, ensuring that every patient receives a bespoke experience tailored to their unique needs. “However, this is not the case across the board in our industry and as a doctor that is led by patient safety, we need to ensure the public knows the fact from the fiction. Some of it is harmless, it just won’t work, however bold the messaging or big the budgets. However, there is some advice that is simply dangerous and by working with Press For Attention PR I can be that trusted resource for an increasingly busy media that needs an expert opinion.”
Record first half for Journeo
Journeo, a provider of information systems and technical services to transport operators and local authorities, has hailed a record first half.
According to a trading update for the six months ended 30 June 2024 (H1 2024), Journeo had a strong H1 2024, with total group revenue increasing by 17% to £25.6m and adjusted profit before tax increasing by 54% to £2.8m.
Looking ahead, revenue for the full year is expected to be approximately £50m, marginally ahead of current market expectations, with adjusted profit before tax expected to be £0.4m ahead at £4.8m.Russ Singleton, Chief Executive of Journeo plc, said: “The record performance in H1 2024 and the uplift in sales order intake reflect the success of Journeo’s strategy to harness government-backed growth opportunities in the transport industry.
“There is increasing recognition by our target client base of our expertise in delivering leading-edge solutions that meet the challenges of increasing the number and quality of journeys using public transport.
“We continue to listen to our customers and invest in the research and development of future technologies and software, focusing on high performance, reliability, and sustainability.”
Council leader raises rail freight concerns to new government
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s leader has written to the new Labour Secretary of Transport, Louise Haigh MP, and new Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, inviting them to meet to discuss a major rail freight scheme.
The controversial scheme, proposed for the outskirts of Hinckley, from developers Tritax Symmetry is earmarked for 650 acres of land outside Hinckley and close to Burbage Common.
Previously, councillors and campaigners have raised concerns about the “permanent blight” this development would have on Burbage Common as well as the impact on residents and businesses with thousands of extra daily heavy good vehicle movements and an extra additional half a million vehicle movements per year the development is poised to generate in and around the area.
Due to the size of the proposed development, it is classed as a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project’ with the planning decision due to be made by the Secretary of State for Transport after a recommendation made by the Planning Inspectorate.
The Council leader’s letter sets out the concerns the Borough Council and residents have raised about the proposed scheme including:
- Lack of meaningful community engagement and consultation on the proposals
- Impact on Burbage Common and woods which he said would have a devastating impact on the common and people’s ability to enjoy the peaceful open space it provides.
- The huge impact of the 30m high units proposed resulting in the loss of open countryside that separates the village from the motorway, blighting the landscape forever
- The impact of the A47 link road proposed on the Green Wedge separating Hinckley/Burbage from Barwell and Earl Shilton
- Major concerns over the traffic gridlocking local roads at peak times and particularly on the A5
- The significant implications on the local highway network in the event of an incident on the M69
- No confidence in the delivery of the proposed sustainable transport strategy, particularly for connecting Hinckley, Barwell and Earl Shilton employees to the development.
Plans submitted for up to 95 new homes in Croft
Bellway Strategic Land is seeking planning permission for up to 95 new homes in Croft.
An outline planning application has been submitted to Blaby District Council for an 11-acre site at Croft Lodge Farm, off Broughton Road, to the south of the village.
The application includes plans for 25 per cent affordable housing, with some properties to be provided under the Government’s First Homes scheme, whereby buyers who meet certain criteria can get between 30 and 50 per cent off the market value.
If approved, the homes will be built by Bellway’s East Midlands housebuilding division, which is based in Leicester.
The design for the site features a collection of energy-efficient new homes with electric vehicle charging points.
The proposed development would include new footpaths into the centre of the village, a new bus stop on Broughton Road, land for nature and biodiversity enhancements, a children’s play area and a new entrance for the Sunday car boot market.
Details of the financial contributions the developer will make towards local infrastructure and facilities, including the parish council’s proposed new village hall, would be confirmed as part of a planning agreement with the local authority.
Bellway Strategic Land carried out a public consultation exercise in the village in April. This followed earlier engagement with Blaby District Council and Croft Parish Council.
Feedback from the public consultation highlighted the desire for affordable new homes with eco-friendly features such as solar panels, the need for improved local facilities and the retention of the popular Sunday car boot market.
Matt Smith, Strategic Land Manager at Bellway, said: “Blaby has a shortfall in its housing supply across the district and Croft is a sustainable village for a development of this size.
“As part of the planning process, following pre-app consultation with the district council, we reached out to the parish council and local residents for their views on our plans. This valuable feedback has helped to shape the proposals to ensure there are meaningful benefits to the community.
“We are proposing to deliver an attractive and sustainable development with green spaces at its heart. There will be landscaped open spaces including a children’s play area and existing trees will be retained to create a buffer to protect woodland to the south of the site. Additional land will be set aside for nature and new habitats to increase biodiversity.
“We have worked closely with the planning team at Bellway East Midlands and their localised expertise made an important contribution to our proposals.”
Belper heritage building to be given new lease of life
A local business owner has taken steps to purchase their own office accommodation in Belper town centre in one of the town’s most prominent heritage buildings.
Martyn and Claire Jones, business owners of Claire’s School Solutions, currently occupy an office in Unity Mill House but have taken the opportunity to create their own modern office by renovating The Old School House.
William Speed of Salloway Property Consultants, who acted on behalf of a private client, was encouraged to see the property being repurposed for an alternative use. “It’s great to see a heritage building such as The Old School House being repurposed to provide a different occupational use.
“Heritage buildings such as this sometimes fall by the wayside and can blight a town centre, I have full faith in Martyn being able to bring this property back to life and making it a highlight of Belper town centre!”
The Old School House, located on Green Lane in Belper, has been a long-established landmark building in the community since its original construction. Originally serving as an educational institution, the property has been repurposed over the years to include uses such as a restaurant, pub and bar.
The property has not been consistently occupied for a number of years now with the new purchasers hoping to breathe a new lease of life into the building.
Martyn and Claire Jones, the new owners, were delighted with the purchase and are looking forward to the project ahead: “We’re really excited to give a new lease of life to this prominent and historic building.
“Our plans involve renovating the whole property to provide modern office accommodation. We will occupy part of the accommodation ourselves and the remaining office accommodation will be available to rent in the future.”
Forterra sees drop in revenue and profit in “challenging market conditions”
With a dip in revenue and profit, Forterra, the manufacturer of clay and concrete building products, has hailed “a solid performance in the first half of 2024, despite a continuing backdrop of challenging market conditions.”
For the six months ended 30 June 2024, group revenue stood at £162.1m, down from £183.2m in the same period of 2023. Meanwhile, the firm posted an adjusted profit before tax of £9.1m, dropping from £19.2m.
It comes as UK brick industry despatches in the first half of the year are estimated to have fallen approximately 9% relative to the prior period, with Forterra’s own brick despatches in line with this. Moreover, competitive market conditions are restricting the business’s ability to implement its planned price increases.
Neil Ash, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Group delivered a solid performance in the first half of 2024, despite a continuing backdrop of challenging market conditions. Decisive management actions assisted in producing a result in line with our expectations and a better than expected net debt position at the period end.
“We are encouraged by the new Government’s focus on significantly increasing housing supply which will clearly provide medium to long-term structural benefits for Forterra. Our strategic investment in Desford and Wilnecote addresses previous capacity constraints and positions us well to satisfy increased demand for our products.
“While the short-term outlook remains challenging, as we look further ahead the Group is well positioned to capitalise on the recovery of our key markets as it occurs.”
Games Workshop reports best results in its history
Nottingham-based manufacturer of miniature wargames, Games Workshop has reported the best results in its history.
According to the company’s annual report for the 53 week period to 2 June 2024, revenue soared to £525.7m, up from £470.8m in the year prior.
Profit before tax, meanwhile, grew to £203m, up from £170.6m.
Kevin Rountree, CEO of Games Workshop said: “After a record year, we will continue to focus on the things in our control. We have a very clear strategy, which remains unchanged, a detailed operational plan for the year ahead and a great team to deliver it.
“I wish to thank our staff, customers, trade accounts and broader stakeholders for their ongoing support. Exciting times.”
