BRM corporate team completes over £85m of deals in 12 months
Regional law firm, BRM has completed more than £85 million in corporate deals in the last 12 months.
BRM’s corporate team, led by Executive Director Sarah Rowland, brought in more than £85 million in high-profile transactions during 2023. The deals spanned a variety of sectors including healthcare, construction, logistics, energy and transport.
Completing more than 20 large transactions last year, BRM, which has offices in Chesterfield and Sheffield, advised on deals including supporting Classic Lifts on one sale and two purchases including their acquisition of Southern Counties Lifts.
2023 also saw the firm’s corporate team advise Synecore Ltd in their sale to H.I.G Capital, as well as advising Sheffield-based All Seasons Energy in their acquisition by Swedish counterpart, Aira.
BRM Executive Director Sarah Rowland predicts another strong year in 2024: “In 2023, we saw a positive deal flow which has been reflected in the volume of deals we managed to complete.
“Although a demanding and busy period, our team has risen to the challenges to provide first-class specialist corporate legal advice to our clients.
“We have had the pleasure of working with some of our long-standing clients in getting their deals over the line and helping them with their strategic goals.
“We predict a buoyant 2024, with yet again another solid pipeline of deals across a variety of sectors. We look forward to another strong year.”
Planning granted for £77.5m multi-tenure new home development in Clifton
Nottingham-based Avant Homes East Midlands will deliver 265 multi-tenure new homes in Clifton after being granted planning permission for a £77.5m residential development.
Called Foxgrove Village and located off Hawksley Gardens, the 24-acre site will comprise a mix of one-, two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes.
It will feature 15 of Avant Homes’ practically designed, energy efficient house types including terraced, semi-detached and detached homes as well as townhouses.
Of the 265 properties on the development, 20 per cent will be affordable homes.
Work at Foxgrove Village is scheduled to start in April. It is anticipated that the first properties will be released for sale in May and the first residents will move into their new homes in November.
Avant Homes East Midlands managing director, Ben Felton, said: “As a business, we are committed to providing quality new homes for everyone in locations where people want to live.
“We know from the popularity of our nearby Wilbur Chase development in Ruddington that there is strong demand in the area for our practically designed, energy efficient multi-tenure new homes.
“We now look forward to starting work on Foxgrove Village to provide local residents and people wanting to move to Clifton with a range of homes at a variety of price points.
“We have great mix of properties that will appeal to everyone from first time buyers, to second steppers, families and downsizers.
“This is demonstrated by the significant number of sales enquiries we already have for Foxgrove Village and, now that we have been granted planning, we expect demand to increase further.”
Streets Chartered Accountants backs awards celebrating family businesses
The not-for-profit Midlands Family Business Awards are back for the 12th year – backed by Streets Chartered Accountants.
Organised by third generation family business, The Wilson Organisation, the Midlands Family Business Awards gives family businesses the opportunity to be recognised for the contribution they make to the region.
Charlotte Perkins, Group Managing Director of The Wilson Organisation, said: “As a family business ourselves, we understand that these businesses operate in a unique way. According to the Family Business Research Foundation 2023 report, the sector is estimated to have contributed £225 billion to UK public finances in 2021.
“That’s a huge contribution to our public purse, as well as the local communities that they play a vital role in through employment and social value. We want to recognise, acknowledge and celebrate these accomplishments through our awards.”
Across 10 categories, family businesses across the Midlands can submit entries for free. All the shortlisted businesses are then eligible for the People’s Choice award which is determined by a public vote in September.
“With Streets Chartered Accountants’ longstanding association and reputation for looking after family businesses we are delighted to once again be supporting and sponsoring the Family Business Awards and in particular the People’s Choice category for 2024,” a spokesperson from Streets Chartered Accountants shared.
Nottingham-based biodiversity consultancy doubles in 18 months
Boutique conservation consultancy, Biodiversify, has expanded to 18 members of staff.
Founded in 2018 by Dr Samuel Sinclair and Dr Michael Burgass, the team has doubled in size over the last eighteen months.
The start-up made its very first hire – of expert Associate Director for Research and Development, Dr Cecilia Larrossa – less than four years ago to support clients such as luxury brand Kering and sustainable construction leaders, Holcim.
Joining the team as Principal Consultant this year is Cristina Secades, who previously worked for conservation NGO, BirdLife International. An experienced corporate sustainability specialist, Cristina will be leading on the development of Biodiversify’s mining supply chain strategy.
The firm’s suite of consultants has expanded with the addition of both Dr Stefanie Kaupa and Dr Beth Robinson. The pair will support on the implementation of companies’ biodiversity strategies.
Jack Jarvie and Joanne Crighton also join the Nottingham-based consultancy to fill the role of Data Analyst and Head of Finance.
To support the growth of its clientele and its team, Catherine Bryan and Nigel Verdon have been appointed as the first board advisors for the boutique conservation consultancy.
Catherine provides a wealth of governance experience from the environment philanthropy sector, as well as having a particular interest in shifting finance sector flows away from activities harmful to biodiversity and climate.
Bringing more than 28 years’ experience as the CEO and founder of several fintech companies, including Currency Cloud which was sold to Visa, Nigel will support Biodiversify to launch NatureSearch. One of the first platforms on the market, the tool will help property developers understand Biodiversity Net Gain planning requirements and overcome data barriers to make informed decisions for nature.
Samuel Sinclair, Co-Founder and Director at Biodiversify, said: “Over the past five years we’ve witnessed the business undergo meteoric growth.
“Some of the brightest, most passionate, and dedicated minds in biodiversity and conservation science have joined us at Biodiversify to provide the expert advice that is needed to help the private sector understand and improve their relationship with nature.”
Leicestershire charity gets keys to new purpose-built day centre
Local charity Bright Hope in North West Leicestershire (formerly Hospice Hope) has taken possession of Bright Hope House, its new, purpose-built daycare centre.
The facility in Swannington has been funded by Bloor Homes as part of its support for local charities. The 6,000 sq ft centre has two complementary therapy rooms, counselling rooms, a quiet room, a workshop for hobbies and training / technical facilities. It also has commercial kitchen facilities, a dining room and lounge and a conference room and offices.
The new centre can accommodate up to 24 people in day care for three days a week, where guests can enjoy daily activities and a hot meal at lunchtime. It will also host a wide range of services provided by Bright Hope and its partner organisations.
North West Leicestershire District Council has provided the charity with a 150-year lease on the land at a peppercorn rent, so it can call the building home for many years to come.
Allison Thomas, Chief Executive of North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “It was a great honour to lay one of the first bricks in this very special building.
“The charity means so much to the local community with all the good work it does for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. It’s exciting to see the building completed and is a great example of what can be achieved when private, public and voluntary organisations work together.”
Bright Hope House is operational and intends to have a grand opening this summer.
The charity provides daycare, counselling, befriending and complementary therapy for people with life-limiting conditions, allowing carers to take a well-earned break. It offers similar services at its three support cafes in Ashby, Whitwick and Ibstock. A dedicated team of more than 60 active and experienced volunteers support the charity and its service users.
Stewart Shepherd, Bright Hope’s Chair of Trustees, said: “This wonderful collaboration between the council, Bloor Homes and our charity is unique. It enables Bright Hope to develop and build on all we have learned and achieved over the past 20 years.
“The need for our services continues to grow and develop. We look forward to meeting that need now that Bright Hope House is open, when we’ll be looking to work with the community and local businesses to support this excellent initiative.”
Aggregate Industries appoints new Managing Director for Concrete Products division
Aggregate Industries has appointed Ian Dean to lead its Concrete Products division.
He joins the building materials supplier as Managing Director of the division and will be part of the company’s Executive Committee.
Concrete Products encompasses the company’s concrete blocks, walling and roofing products as well as its Charcon commercial landscaping arm and its Bradstone domestic landscaping business.
Ian started his career at Evode (now Bostik), before joining Knauf UK and progressing to become their Commercial Director for the UK & Ireland.
He was then promoted to be the UK and Ireland Managing Director. In 2020, he joined Marshalls PLC, initially leading a number of acquisition businesses before becoming Managing Director for their Landscape & Building Products division, reporting to the Group CEO.
Commenting on his new role, Ian said: “I’m delighted to have joined this fantastic organisation who are leading the way with innovative and sustainable building solutions. There are exciting times ahead for the business and for the division that I am now looking after.”
Dragan Maksimovic, Chief Executive Officer for Aggregate Industries, said: “Ian has a proven track record in developing commercial and operational excellence and from this, transforming businesses and their cultures. We are very much looking forward to him joining our Leadership Team and to him driving the strategic transformation of the division.”
Ian replaces Pete Hollingworth, who has accepted a commercial role outside of the company.
PAB Languages Centre appointed on NHS framework for translation services
PAB Languages Centre has been appointed on the North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative (NOE CPC) framework for providing comprehensive translation, transcription, and ancillary services across all regions.
It marks a significant milestone in PAB’s commitment to supporting healthcare providers with language solutions.
Founded in the East Midlands and now operating across the UK, PAB Languages Centre was appointed for Written Translation, Transcription & Ancillary Services on the four-year framework following a rigorous and competitive tender process.
NHS Procurement in Partnership (NHS PiP) is the collaboration between four NHS procurement hubs; NHS Commercial Solutions, East of England NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub, NHS London Procurement Partnership (NHS LPP) and NHS North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative (NOE CPC).
Sara Davison, commercial manager at PAB, said: “This is fantastic news! PAB’s inclusion in the national framework signifies recognition of our expertise in dealing with the unique challenges of medical and healthcare communication. As part of the framework, PAB is excited to contribute to the NHS’s mission of providing excellent care for all patients, regardless of their linguistic background.
“Being part of this national framework is a significant endorsement of PAB’s dedication to quality and customer service excellence. It reflects the trust placed in PAB by one of the most respected healthcare systems in the world, further validating the company’s high standards and commitment to excellence in every aspect of its operations.”
Property company acquires 207,000 sq ft industrial unit near Derby
Independent property company, Hortons’ Estate Ltd, has completed a deal for a vacant 207,000 sq ft industrial/warehouse unit at an established commercial park in the East Midlands.The property is located at Sinfin Commercial Park, a multi-let industrial and logistics estate near the Rolls-Royce Sinfin campus, just two miles from Derby city centre and accessible via the A50 and M1 motorway.Formerly occupied by UK cycling distributor, Moore Large, the unit comprises office, production, showroom, and storage and distribution facilities. It is available for immediate occupation, with Hortons considering short-term flexible lease options at £2.50 per sq ft. Hortons already owns and manages 21 fully occupied warehouse units at Sinfin Commercial Park, which it purchased in a multi-million pound deal in 2023. The latest acquisition increases Hortons’ ownership to more than 30 acres, of which the company is exploring options to let or develop eight acres of open storage and development land. Jeremy Boothroyd of Hortons said: “We are very pleased to have completed the strategic acquisition of this substantial industrial/warehouse unit. The deal not only reaffirms our commitment to Sinfin Commercial Park but gives us the opportunity to remodel parts of the estate that have significant potential. We look forward to adding a new tenant to what is already a strong list of established occupiers.”
Charlotte’s finance appointment brings new dimension to Chesterfield firm
Charlotte Reynolds has joined Start Financial Planning as a finance advisor as the company seeks to expand in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire.
Start FP director Steve Taylor said: “I think it is important to be able to offer advice in the corporate market as many advisers are not prepared to do this. So many now focus on individual advice, leaving employers with little expertise to help provide benefits for their employees”.
He said she brought an important new dimension to the company, because although some clients were more comfortable taking to a woman, only 16% of financial advisers were female according to the Financial Conduct Authority.
Charlotte said: “Joining Start FP was a natural move for me. We share the same values. I really admire the friendly, personal, respectful service that Start offers. The client is at the forefront of everything. There are no sales targets – we are client centred.
“We’re a small but experienced team, with excellent support staff alongside the advisers. Because I’ve previously worked in different roles, I really appreciate that providing a great service to clients is not just down to one person. It’s teamwork.
“I’m looking forward to bringing a different perspective to the services we offer. Financial planning was previously a very male dominated environment and, traditionally, men have tended to handle business and family finances.
“However, women increasingly run their own businesses and personal finances and it’s important to reflect that in our industry. I have male and female clients – but it’s nice to be able to offer a choice of advisers.
“I’m also looking forward to developing the services we offer to corporate clients, including workplace pension schemes and employee benefits. These can really help companies to retain staff, with benefits for the employer, too.”
Construction commences on Mickleover residential project
Construction has commenced on the development of a new residential project at Manor Farm in Mickleover, with the transformation of existing redundant farm buildings into a small, exclusive cluster of homes.
Ashbourne-based Matthew Montague Architects have designed the dwellings working in partnership with site owners Chevin Homes.
This project comprises five single-story dwellings (bungalows) and one house in a private cul-de-sac setting.
The design complements the historical and heritage significance of the area. Architect Matthew Montague said: “I have been involved with this site for over 5 years, working with Chevin Homes most recently to gain approval, however planning discussions go back as far as 2014, so it has been a long time in the pipeline; largely due to the sensitive location.”
The original Manor Farm Farmhouse, gardens and courtyard of barns are not part of this development. These buildings are for sale via auction due to take place at the end of February. Full detailed planning permssion was also gained by the Architects Practice for conversion of the barns for sale within this lot.
Leengate seals Spireites’ shirt deal for two more seasons
An extended shirt sponsorship deal has been agreed between Leengate Valves and Chesterfield FC’s which will see the company logo on home and away shirts for the next two seasons.
Steve Pickering, MD of Leengate Valves said: “We’ve done it for the last two years and are keen to keep the association going, with hopefully a return to the EFL during that time.
“We’ve received so much publicity in the last two seasons and it’s a good feeling to see so many shirts with Leengates Valves on around the town and whenever we go to away games.
“We’ve been associated with the club for so long – around 34 years now – and it’s been the highlight this year, really.
“It’s fantastic to see the quality of the football and the smiles around the stadium. It’s just a happy feeling. Wherever you go, everybody is talking about Chesterfield Football Club.”
Bridget Ball, the club’s marketing manager, said: “I would like to thank Steve, Leigh, Mick and everyone at Leengate Valves for their valued, ongoing support.
“Thanks also go to our supporters who have purchased shirts in unprecedented numbers this season. We look forward to unveiling next season’s kits in April and I’m sure they will be equally as popular.”
Derby firms urged to join ‘breastfeeding welcome here’ campaign
Derby City councillor Alison Martin in encouraging the city’s businesses to sign up to a new scheme to support its breastfeeding mums. The Breastfeeding Welcome Here initiative is designed to make mums feel more confident to breastfeed in public places, with shops, cafés and other public premises in the city being encouraged to sign up to the free scheme to show they are accredited as ‘breastfeeding friendly’.
Councillor Martin said: “Mums have a legal right to breastfeed in public and the majority of people are supportive, but it can still be a daunting experience, particularly at first. We want mums in Derby to know they are welcome to breastfeed while out and about, and to help them feel comfortable while doing so.
“If you spot the Breastfeeding Welcome Here sticker, you’ll know it’s a comfortable and supportive environment for you to feed your baby. We’d love as many businesses as possible to sign up and show their support for mums.”
The right to breastfeed in public is protected by law but some mums lack confidence, feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable, or worried about the reaction they’ll receive. The Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme aims to positively change perceptions around breastfeeding in public and promote an environment where mums feel confident to breastfeed for as long as they choose.
By signing up, businesses and organisations pledge to actively welcome mums who are breastfeeding and support them to feel confident and comfortable feeding their baby on the premises. In turn, this will give the venue a boost, as mums are more likely to return to places where they feel comfortable.
If a venue is displaying a Breastfeeding Welcome Here Award, mums can be confident that:
- They are welcome to breastfeed their baby there
- They will never be asked to move or leave because they are breastfeeding
- The venue will do their best to offer a private area to feed in, if mum prefers and space allows
- Staff are trained to know that the venue supports breastfeeding and encourages mums to breastfeed on the premises.
Nottingham company underpaid more than £5.12m to 36,000 workers
Nottingham-based Staffline Recruitment Limited has had to pay more than £5.12m to 36,700 workers, the government has revealed.
The company is named today amongst a list of more than 500 employers who’ve failed to pay the minimum wage.
The 524 employers were found to have failed to pay their workers nearly £16 million in a clear breach of the National Minimum Wage law, leaving more than 172,000 workers out of pocket.
Employers named today include major high street brands, in a clear message from government that no employers are exempt from paying their workers the statutory minimum wage.
The businesses named in today’s list have since paid back what they owe to their staff and have also faced financial penalties of up to 200% of their underpayment. The investigations by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) concluded between 2015 and 2023.
Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business Kevin Hollinrake said: “Employees deserve to get paid properly for the hard work they put in.
“While the majority of businesses already do the right thing and pay their staff what they are owed, today’s announcement sends a message to the minority who aren’t – that there are repercussions to undercutting hard work from their staff.
“Not all minimum wage underpayments are intentional, but the government has been clear that anyone entitled to be paid the minimum wage should receive it, and that enforcement action will be taken against employers who do not pay their staff correctly.”Witham Group ball raises £8,000 for four charities
Witham Group, a lubricant manufacturer with its head office in Lincoln, has raised £8,000 for four charities during its annual charity ball.
The event, held in January at the Hilton Double Tree Hotel, brought together team members, customers, and suppliers in a collective effort to make a positive impact.
“We are thrilled to announce that our annual charity event was a tremendous success,” said Nigel R Bottom, Witham Group MD. “This achievement is a testament to the generosity and dedication of our team members, partners, and supporters who have wholeheartedly contributed to these fantastic charities.”
The £8,000 raised has been equally distributed among the following four charities: Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, Teenage Cancer Trust, Help For Heroes, and Lincolnshire Rural Support Network.
Witham Group has been fundraising for charities and supporting local communities for many years, and this latest event brings the total raised to £130,000.
Callisto Pharma Group moves into new offices at Lockington Hall
Due to further expansion, Callisto Pharma Group has moved into new offices in a deal negotiated by Loughborough-based specialist land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie.
Having signed a five year lease, the company’s 30+ employees will move into 2,052 sq ft of office space at Garden Court within the old walled garden at Lockington Hall in Leicestershire.
Garden Court offers a range of attractive, modern, single-storey office spaces set in landscaped grounds with on-site car parking.
Paul Bunyan, operations director from Callisto, said: “We were delighted with Mather Jamie for bringing this opportunity to our attention. As a global business being able to access the UK and overseas locations quickly is an important factor.
“The location is superb and not only is our team located in a fantastic setting but we are now strategically located near Junction 24 of the M1, the A50, and East Midlands Airport and East Midlands Parkway rail connections.”
Charlie Lallo, commercial surveyor from Mather Jamie, added: “Well-located offices with a good parking provision are still very much sought after. We have a variety of options in our commercial property portfolio and therefore able to meet Callisto’s office space requirements.”
Construction Risk Seminar to help build a safer future
A must-attend event for professionals in the construction sector and the built environment will take place on Wednesday 28 February 2024.
From architects to groundworkers, join the Construction Risk Seminar, starting at 1pm at the prestigious 4th floor of the Vijay Patel Building in Leicester, LE2 7DP.
What to Expect
Learn to Eliminate, Reduce, and Manage Risk; discover practical approaches to make your projects safer, healthier, and more profitable; Continuous Professional Development (CPD); and elevate your knowledge and skills through engaging discussions on risk management strategies tailored for the construction industry.
There will also be opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals, from conceptual architectural designers and engineers to surveyors, developers, and associated trades and professions.
Key Topics of Discussion:
Cyber & AI: navigating the digital landscape in construction.
E&O Design Liability: understanding and mitigating design-related risks.
Employment: exploring legal aspects and best practices.
Supply Chain, Imports, CE Marking, and Product: addressing critical considerations.
Credit, Bonds/Surety: managing financial risks effectively.
Late Defect/Building Warranties vs Collateral Warranties: ensuring long-term project success.
Health and well-being in the industry.
MMC (Modern Methods of Construction): embracing innovation responsibly.
Contract Law (JCT/NEC/Collateral Warranties): navigating legal frameworks for successful collaborations.
Esteemed Panelists:
A distinguished panel includes experts at the forefront of the construction industry:
Nick Taylor-Ward – ACII & Chartered Insurance Broker – Konsileo
Dr. Ronaldo CEng – Producument – Toshiba Mitsubishi Europe TMEICKate Cheyne – Head of School – Arts, Design, and Architecture at DMU
Emma Tegerdine, Expert Employment Law Solicitor and Judge – gunnercooke LLP
Alice Bremner – Senior Credit Underwriter at Tokio Marine HCC International
Christine White – Professor of Art & Design, Director of the Design Unit, Deputy Dean Arts, Design and Humanities at De Montfort University
Stephen Woolf – CMIOSH CMaPS MIEMA CEnv – Group Compliance Director – Sigma
Tim Rugg – Professional Indemnity Underwriting Manager at Tokio Marine HCC
Schedule:
1:00 PM: Registration and Networking
1:30 PM: Panel Discussion
3.30 PM: Q&A Session
4.00 PM: Networking and Refreshments
RSVP Information:
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, expand your network, and contribute to building a safer future for all. Book your place here.
For further information, please contact CE East Midlands at alexander.tabb@deltasimons.com
Event sponsored by KonsileoInvestment in East Midlands takes centre stage at Westminster event
The future prosperity of the East Midlands has been discussed by MPs and Whitehall officials at a Transport for the East Midlands event in Westminster.
Regional leaders from local authorities and transport bodies have been working together to voice concerns that a lack of investment in the region’s transport infrastructure is preventing its businesses and communities from achieving their growth potential.
The event, hosted by Co-Chairs of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the East Midlands, Nigel Mills MP and Alex Norris MP, brought decision makers together with regional businesses to hear about key transport schemes where government funding decisions are imminent.
They include proposals to electrify the final stretch of the Midland Mainline into the East Midlands – the main rail link between Derby, Chesterfield, Nottingham, Leicester and London – where major economic benefits were highlighted in a recent report, The Future’s Electric.
Transformational plans for the A46 Newark Bypass were also highlighted, with the final section of the link between the M1 in Leicestershire and the A1 in Nottinghamshire set to be turned from single to dual carriageway, overcoming congestion problems, improving safety and enabling planned economic growth in the area.
The Westminster gathering also heard about an inquiry carried out by the APPG itself into the wider social and economic benefits of infrastructure investment in the East Midlands.
Their report calls for greater certainty on the delivery of major infrastructure projects in the region in the wake of the cancellation of HS2 to the East Midlands and the Government’s publication instead of ‘Network North’. Its five recommendations include:
· Support investors by giving them long-term certainty about the delivery of infrastructure.
· Help inform investment decisions by adopting a common method for describing the benefits.
· Ensure the region’s economic resilience through a better balance between building new infrastructure and investing in what we’ve got.
· Encourage greater collaboration between public and private sector so the full benefits of infrastructure investment can be achieved.
· Establish a credible pipeline of regional infrastructure which supports regional priorities and ensures skilled, trained workers are available to deliver projects.
Businesses from across the region, council leaders and other economic stakeholders attended the event, which was also told about the findings from two recent studies about the A1 in the region by Midlands Connect and Transport for the East Midlands that highlight the financial and safety implications of substandard investment for businesses and road users.
Nigel Mills MP, East Midlands APPG Co-Chair, said: “The East Midlands has a robust and innovative economy. However GDP and productivity per head of population are below the UK average and our region continues to be under-invested relative to the UK average across a range of functions, most notably transport.
“Improving and maintaining our region’s infrastructure is critical to achieving the levelling up agenda and the transition to net zero. The crucial relationship between infrastructure investment and local activity to create more prosperous and inclusive economies is clear, and this event has brought this to the forefront of decision-makers’ minds to make sure our region realises its true potential sooner rather than later.”
Alex Norris MP, East Midlands APPG Co-Chair, said: “We have been concerned for some time about the lack of investment in the East Midlands and what this means for our communities and businesses.
“Whilst our region has a resilient economy and a rapidly growing population, we also have falling productivity, low graduate retention and poor social mobility. We believe there is a clear link between investment in economic infrastructure like transport, energy, water, waste treatment, flood defences and digital, and the wider social and economic challenges facing the East Midlands.”
Sir Peter Soulsby, Chair of Transport for the East Midlands and elected Mayor of Leicester, added: “Our region is full of great businesses and ambitious communities, ready to respond to the important challenge of raising growth in the UK.
“However, we need the tools to deliver that growth. The Government needs to unleash our potential by signing off a series of major projects, ready to go, that we know will transform our transport infrastructure and deliver strong returns not just for the East Midlands, but for the UK.”
The Westminster event is being supported by law firm Browne Jacobson and East Midlands Railway.
Peter Ware, Head of Government practice at Browne Jacobson, said: “It’s critically important that the East Midlands makes the case for investment as it has a very strong story to tell around industries that contribute to international trade and infrastructure initiatives that can really power-up the region’s contribution to UK growth.
“We know from the work that we do across the region that our public bodies have huge ambitions for progress, and we’re delighted to support this event.”
Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway, added: “We connect the East Midlands to the capital every day and are committed to improving services for the communities that we serve. In order to achieve this, there needs to be greater collaboration between public and private sector infrastructure providers.
“Long-term certainty about the delivery of major investment is needed, which will unlock opportunities that pave the way for growth across our region.”
Builders’ merchant acquires HVAC distributor
MKM, the independent builders’ merchant, has made a strategic move into the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) sector with the acquisition of Oceanair UK Ltd.
Established in 2002, Oceanair has built a reputation as a specialist distributor for brands Daikin, Fujitsu and Panasonic. Their successful transition into the air to water market makes them ideally placed for significant growth in the future.
Oceanair are an award-winning distributor of HVAC, operating from locations in Mansfield and Crawley.
Kate Tinsley, CEO of MKM, said: “This is an interesting acquisition for MKM and enables us to expand into further emerging marketplaces; Oceanair is a great company with very talented people. I’m really excited about our growth plans.”
Oceanair will continue its operations under its existing name. Tony Evanson, the owner of Oceanair, will remain involved in the business for the foreseeable future providing support during the transition. He emphasised the importance of finding the right home for the business and expressed pride in its growth over the years.
“I’m incredibly proud to see the business grow over the years and have developed some fantastic relationships with staff, customers, and suppliers. I have thought long and hard about selling the business and was adamant it needed to go to the right home. I’m very pleased to be around the business to support the MKM team and look forward to seeing Oceanair grow under its new ownership.”
Rob Barnes, MKM’s business development director leading the acquisition, expressed confidence in the growth potential of Oceanair.
“This acquisition fits perfectly with MKM’s plans for expansion, allowing us to branch out further into the HVAC industry. Continuing to work closely with the current Oceanair team guarantees a seamless transition, customers and suppliers can expect business as usual.”
Spin-out raises £7.5m to develop treatment for blocked arteries
IsomAb – a University of Nottingham spin-out pioneering a new treatment for diabetics at risk of amputation – has raised £7.5m (US$9.4m) in a funding round led by Broadview Ventures and backed by MEIF Proof of Concept & Early Stage Fund, which is managed by Mercia Ventures and part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), Mercia’s EIS funds and existing investor SCVC.
The funding will enable IsomAb to carry out further studies in preparation for the start of clinical trials.
The company, which is based in Nottingham’s BioCity and employs six staff, focuses on the treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a relatively common condition where the arteries in the legs and feet become blocked by fatty deposits, resulting in lack of blood flow.
In many cases, the body successfully compensates by developing new blood vessels in a process known as angiogenesis. However, this process of compensation does not seem to occur in diabetics, and the lack of circulation often causes ulcers and irreversible tissue damage.
Research by IsomAb’s founders, Professor David Bates and Professor Steve Harper, suggests that this is because a protein called VEGF-A165b blocks the angiogenesis process in diabetics. The IsomAb team have developed an antibody that inhibits the effects of the protein and allows new blood vessels to be created.
Founded in 2022, IsomAb is the second spin-out by the pair. Their previous venture, Exonate Ltd, focuses on the treatment of diabetic macular oedema and has successfully completed its first clinical trial.
Jackie Turnbull, CEO of IsomAb, said: “IsomAb’s lead program, targeting VEGF-A165b aims to treat peripheral arterial disease in the large proportion of patients with concomitant metabolic syndrome and Type II diabetes. We are delighted to have attracted a group of high-quality investors to support the early development of our novel program toward CTA filing to enter the clinic.”
Benjamin Kreitman, Principal at Broadview Ventures, said: “Peripheral artery disease remains a significant unmet medical need worldwide, and the development of novel treatments to alleviate ischemia could improve clinical care for millions of patients. As Broadview’s investment strategy is focused on the improvement of human health in the areas of cardiovascular disease and stroke, we are delighted to accelerate this highly innovative approach.”
SCVC Managing Partner, Harry Destecroix, said: “We have been an investor in IsomAb since its incorporation and are really happy to be a continuing backer of this high quality company.”
Hannah Tapsell Chapman of Mercia Ventures added: “IsomAb offers a fresh approach to the treatment of vascular disease. Although the initial focus will be on treating diabetics, research shows high levels of VEGF-A165b are also linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke in non-diabetics, so it could have much wider applications. The funding will enable the team to progress the development of the lead compound towards human clinical trials.”
Administrators hopeful of a sale of Surepak Limited after overwhelming interest received
Administrators from PKF Smith Cooper are hopeful that a sale of flexible packaging manufacturer, Surepak Limited, can be achieved, after receiving overwhelming interest in the business, which fell into administration last week.
Founded in 1991, the company has been trading for over 32 years, starting out as a distributor before moving into manufacturing in 1995. Stuart Yorston, director of Surepak Limited, decided to file for administration on 9 February to safeguard the company’s business, assets, and employees from a creditor’s winding up petition. Dean Nelson of PKF Smith Cooper was appointed, joint administrator on 12 February, and has subsequently received considerable interest in the business as a going concern, and a sale is expected to process quickly, with a deadline for receipt of offers set for 28 February. Dean Nelson, joint administrator and head of Business Recovery and Insolvency at PKF Smith Cooper, said: “Since my appointment last week, we have had a great response from interested parties. Over the next few weeks, we will continue to work hard to assess this interest and I am very optimistic that we will secure a future for Surepak Limited and its employees. “I am very grateful to the company’s loyal customers, suppliers and employees for their commitment at this difficult time, and expect the sales process to gather pace rapidly, so I actively encourage any potential buyers to come forward as soon as possible, to express their interest in the business and its assets.”