Development of new affordable Stapleford homes to bring new life to disused land
Development is well underway on 24 new affordable rent homes for Tuntum Housing Association on Nottingham Road in Stapleford.
Sitting on the outskirts of the town centre, the homes will bring new life to disused land that was formally owned by Ford.
The finished scheme will offer 15 two-bed flats and nine three and four bedroom homes. Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) is developing these new homes for Tuntum Housing Association, as part of a wider deal to deliver 68 new-build and renovated homes by 2028.
The £5.6m development is being built by Nottingham-based MyPad. Designed to energy rating B, all the homes will be fitted with PV panels; heating in the houses will come from high efficiency gas fired boilers, while electric panel heating will warm the flats.
The finished homes will be owned by Tuntum and let at an affordable rent through Broxtowe Borough Council to support housing need in the area.
NCHA, Tuntum and MyPad met with The Mayor of the Borough of Broxtowe, Councillor Teresa Cullen for a tour of the site. She said: “Affordable homes are desperately needed so I was honoured to visit the site of these new homes in Stapleford, as well as hear about how the developers are working to make them more energy efficient. I can’t wait to see what they look like when they’re finished.”
Charmaine Simei, Chief Executive at Tuntum Housing Association, said: “I’m delighted to see this development well underway and look forward to monitoring our progress as we move closer to handover.
“This is a great example of partnership working and would like to thank NCHA and MyPad. This is a great location and will go some way to providing much-needed family homes for the people of Broxtowe.”
The homes are due for completion from November 2024.
2024 Business Predictions: Paul Morris, development director, St James Securities
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Paul Morris, development director at St James Securities.
I always like to start a year on a positive note, and I do see light at the end of the tunnel, having worked through the challenges faced in the previous year.
We have survived another tumultuous year for the UK economy, with record inflation, multiple interest rate rises, supply chain issues, and higher construction costs presenting challenges for the construction sector. Build costs have continued to climb and values soften, which has caused viability challenges.
Looking forward, however, as we prepare for a rebound from the economic slowdown, this should begin to stabilise, which should stimulate activity across various sectors.
Lots of schemes stalled in 2023, leading to a drop in output. I expect there to be a modest growth this year, which, although not at the same levels as 2022, is nevertheless a sign of positive change and should foster increased consumer and business confidence.
Subject to no more destabilisation caused by wars, inflation will continue to drop, but whether we hit the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) prediction of 2.8% is a subject for discussion.
I believe bank interest rates will come down slightly and sooner than imagined. I think we will see a half point reduction by mid-2024. We are already seeing changes in the bond market with government stocks starting to come down.
If bank rates and interest rates continue to come down, property yields will sharpen and values will start to go up, which will begin to bridge the viability gap.
The housing shortage led to significant growth in the Build to Rent (BTR) sector in 2023, which shows no sign of slowing down in 2024. In fact, the BTR sector remains one of the few sectors that continues to go from strength to strength.
Lots of money is available to be invested in BTR schemes, but finding the right deals remains challenging. The relationship between construction costs and property values is an issue too, but I do predict we will see a pick-up in values during the year.
Here in Derby, we are currently considering additional phases of housing including more BTR as part of the £230m Becketwell development, which will meet the demand for high quality housing in the city centre.
The hotel market also remains strong, and I see the demand for new beds across the board from budget to higher end continuing to increase over the next few years.
More and more businesses are reassessing their accommodation strategies and considering a move towards flexible office space, and this is set to continue into 2024 and beyond, with hybrid working now part of the fabric of the workplace.
Wavensmere Homes partners with Down to Earth Derby on Nightingale Quarter community garden
Wavensmere Homes has commissioned Down to Earth Derby to create an expansive community garden within the 18.5-acre Nightingale Quarter, in Derby city centre. If the £40,000 pilot project is successful, it will be rolled out across the housebuilder’s city-wide development portfolio.
Linked with Cornwall’s eco-focused Eden Project, Down to Earth Derby is the Community Interest Company (CIC) behind the city’s Electric Daisy attraction. By connecting the urban community with nature-based activities and a diverse events programme, it has become a nationally recognised symbol of the ambitious regeneration and revitalisation of the burgeoning East Midlands city.
Once the designs for the community garden at Nightingale Quarter have been finalised, the work to transform the outdoor space into a magnet for nature, wildlife and people will commence. The interactive garden and allotment space is expected to be unveiled during late spring 2024.
James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “When I first visited Electric Daisy last year, I was inspired by the way local people of all ages are brought together throughout the week to enjoy and learn about the power of nature. As Derby’s most active residential developer, I could see the opportunity to create something very special and spread the infectious ethos of Down to Earth Derby to our developments.
“What we will be delivering at Nightingale Quarter in the coming months isn’t part of a planning obligation. I am very proud and excited that this pilot project will be a living test bed that could ignite a national appetite for funded community gardens.”
Nightingale Quarter has brought about the restoration and redevelopment of the Derby Royal Infirmary, including the two iconic pepper pot buildings – built in 1894. Pepper Pot South will be transformed into a residents’ gym and community meeting room, once the 925 new houses and apartments complete in 2025.
Pepper Pot North accommodates The Fulton Partnership’s £1m Pepperpot restaurant, which is opening on 14th February. Construction is also well underway for MacArthur House, which will contain 118 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Situated at the front of the development, overlooking London Road, construction work on a final residential building is due to commence later this year.
Jamie Quince-Starkey, founder of Down to Earth CIC, said: “My mum worked at the Royal Derby Infirmary, so to have the opportunity to create a community garden at the Nightingale Quarter development fills me with pride.
“James and the Wavensmere team understand the importance of purposeful living and the wellness benefits of inspiring people to be active and engaged with nature and gardening. Regular allotment meet-ups can be the catalyst to bringing a new community together, while also having a transformative impact on mental health.
“With biodiversity net gain becoming a planning obligation for all future developments, we are already looking into impact reporting that could measure the tangible benefits of the Nightingale Quarter community garden, and hopefully many more to come.”
Down to Earth Derby sees the key to success of this pilot project being regular facilitated sessions, events for all ages, and garden maintenance throughout the year. The facilitated sessions will be designed to empower residents to actively participate in the care and maintenance of the space, promoting a sense of shared responsibility.
By working alongside residents, the organisation will aim to instil a sense of ownership – reducing the need for paid upkeep – while creating a sustainable and community-designed outdoor sanctuary.
A food forest, woodland zone, clean composting area, raised planting beds, bug hotels and bird house making are amongst the detailed plans for the Nightingale Quarter community garden.
Florence Nightingale lived in Derby for three years and was instrumental in designing the Royal Infirmary hospital, which received the Royal Stamp of Approval when it was opened by Queen Victoria in 1894. An original statue of Queen Victoria has been preserved and restored by Wavensmere Homes to ensure her legacy stands strong.
Wavensmere Homes has submitted plans for the 11.5-acre (4.96Ha) historic Friar Gate Goods Yard elsewhere in central Derby, which could be transformed into 276 houses and apartments, and over 110,000 sq ft of commercial space. The firm has also submitted planning with Wilson Bowden Developments for 186 apartments, occupying one of the final plots of development land within Derby’s newly revitalised Cathedral Quarter.
In late 2023, Wavensmere Homes received the green light from Amber Valley Borough Council for its revised plans for the £22m redevelopment of Milford Mills, which overlooks the River Derwent, located between Belper and Duffield in north Derbyshire. 69 new homes will now be delivered on the historic site, which is within the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Planning permission granted for new mixed-use scheme in Glen Parva
IMA Architects has successfully secured planning permission for a new mixed-use development in Glen Parva, Leicester.
Working in partnership with its client Anglia Healthcare the plans will see the redevelopment of the current Anglia Healthcare and Mobility shop on Little Glenn Road to create a mixed-use scheme with retail on the ground floor and residential across two floors above.
IMA’s plans feature a more modern aesthetic that makes best use of the plot, maximising on space available. It will include much needed, high quality residential units comprising seven duplex apartments.
The ground floor retail space will become Anglia Healthcare’s new mobility showroom. It will provide a much-improved retail space for the company with associated office space, amenities and parking.
Anthony Day, Managing Director of IMA Architects, says: “Securing planning permission for this site had been a complicated process. When we were brought in, the process had already been going on since 2021 so I am pleased that our designs for this area of Little Glen Road have been approved and that work will soon begin on site.”
Ideagen moves closer to next acquisition
Ideagen has moved a step closer to strengthening its environmental, health and safety (EHS) capability after Damstra, an Australian EHS business listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed with the Nottingham-headquartered software company.
Under the terms of the scheme, Ideagen will acquire 100% of the fully diluted share capital.
The Damstra Board (including the independent board committee formed for the purpose of considering the Scheme) unanimously recommended that Damstra shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme.
Ideagen CEO Ben Dorks said: “Ideagen provide regulated industries with the clarity and confidence to turn risk to resilience, and the addition of Damstra’s market-leading workforce and asset management solutions will enhance this.
“We’ve made significant investment in the Asia Pacific region and intend to continue to grow our presence in Australia. Existing Damstra customers will benefit from Ideagen’s broader resources and we intend to use our global footprint to introduce Damstra’s capabilities to a wider customer base.
“It’s a great fit into our existing portfolio and we’re excited about the product and its people, driving great value for customers.”
Profit warnings from UK-listed companies in the Midlands fell by 21% in 2023
Listed companies in the Midlands issued 31 profit warnings in 2023, a decrease of 21% on the previous year, according to the latest EY-Parthenon Profit Warnings report.
In Q4 2023, nine warnings were issued by companies in the region, the same as Q3 and the highest quarterly total since Q4 2022. The number of warnings issued during this quarter is down by over a third (9) on the same period (October – December) in 2022.
Companies within the Midlands operating in Industrial and Consumer Discretionary FTSE sectors continued to issue the highest number of profit warnings (eight) in Q4 2023.
This is comparable to the broader national trend, with FTSE Consumer Discretionary sectors issuing the most profit warnings in the UK during Q4, accounting for 35% of all warnings during this period.
Dan Hurd, a partner at EY-Parthenon in the Midlands, said: “Pressures caused by high inflation rates continued to effect businesses in the region and while this will ease as we navigate 2024, growth is likely to remain slow. Many companies will also continue to face challenges with high debt service costs and ability to refinance.
“Traditional funders will be cautious in investing in sectors with high consumer discretionary exposure and businesses may need to look for new avenues for capital, such as sourcing alternative lenders or seeking equity injections.
“The volatility of global events, including the forthcoming US and UK elections will create an element of uncertainty which will inevitably affect the economy, however, regardless of the outcome of these events, businesses will need to focus on the fundamentals and plan ahead if they are to remain resilient.”
York IT services provider acquires Kettering business
boxxe, the York-based IT services and solutions provider, has acquired Kettering-headquartered Total Computers.
boxxe owner Phil Doye had previously acquired a minority stake in Total Computers in November 2022. Total has a rich heritage as a partner of choice for many of the UK’s most successful and recognised companies, and through its own acquisition of Overbright in 2022, it added deep digital transformation expertise.
This acquisition creates one of the UK’s largest providers of software, solutions and services to both the public and private sector.
boxxe has grown rapidly since Phil Doye acquired the business in 2019, with revenue for 2023 expected to be around £440m.
Phil Doye said: “I had known and admired Total for many years but as a shareholder and director for the past 12 months I have seen firsthand the depth of what Aidan and Kevin have built.
“The combination of these two businesses is uniquely complimentary and I am hugely excited that this move will enable both companies to better serve our customers and partners.”
Aidan Groom, CEO of Total Computers, said: “Working with Phil over the past 12 months has challenged our ambition for what Total can become. We have created something special at Total, but this is the next step in the evolution of our company.
“For both companies it allows us to grow faster and become even more relevant to our customers through a wider range of partner accreditations, deeper technical skills and greater financial strength and scale.”
Kevin Goodall, who has become Managing Director of Total, said: “The most common feedback I get from our customers is that we want to do more with you, but you don’t have the financial scale or range of partner certifications that Computacenter, CDW or Softcat has.
“To be part of the boxxe group is hugely exciting as it gives us a more complete portfolio and financial scale that enables us to think bigger and be even more ambitious.”
Doye added: “The IT channel has, over the past number of years, seen the largest players get bigger and the small ones either specialise, struggle or get acquired.
“This deal marks a pivotal moment in the journey of boxxe. With the acceleration of digital transformation, the continued growth of public cloud and the proliferation of software companies it’s critical that a partner can deliver across this landscape.”
Boston Borough Council refuses to support proposed devolution deal
Boston Borough Council says it cannot support the Devolution Deal that is proposed for Greater Lincolnshire.
After seeking views from all Councillors, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Anne Dorrian, has now formally written a response on behalf of the council to a consultation into the proposed deal and Mayoral Combined County Authority arrangements.
At Full Council on Monday 15 January, Councillors voted unanimously to reject the proposals in their current form, with specific concerns relating to the deal itself and its governance, which Boston Borough Council says at present does not give all District/Borough Councils a voice on the Mayoral Combined County Authority.
The Deal negotiated with Government by the upper-tier councils includes:
- £24m per year for 30 years.
- £28.4m to Greater Lincolnshire for 2024/25, to be allocated prior to the Mayoral Combined County Authority being established in 2025.
- The devolution of strategy and budgets related to skills; and multi-year transport budgets, with flexibility to allocate funds to local priorities.
Planning secured for north Leicester logistics development
Boundary Real Estate has secured outline planning consent from Charnwood Borough Council for Phase 2 of Watermead Business Park.
The development of up to 656,620 sq ft of warehouse/industrial space is to provide a gateway location into Leicester and inject capital into the region, providing substantial employment and economic growth.
It is anticipated that up to 918 permanent and 447 temporary jobs will be provided through the development of employment space.
The 76.77 acre site, part of the Raynsway portfolio, acquired by Boundary in 2022, is located between the towns of Thurmaston, Wanlip, Birstall and Syston, approximately three miles north of Leicester City Centre.
Mike Morrison, founding partner of Boundary, says: “At Boundary we strive to regenerate and reposition our investments to create sustainable space/accommodation for our tenants to thrive within.
“We have been working extremely closely with Charnwood Borough Council, Leicester City Council, The Mayor and various regeneration groups, along with our design and planning team, to develop a regeneration that not only provides jobs and growth for the region, but is also is an exemplar in environmental terms.”
The new development will target a BREEAM Excellent rating. A full Life Cycle Assessment will be undertaken, ensuring that the design, construction and operation of the buildings meet the highest environmental standards. Importantly for best-in-class operators/tenants, the buildings will also target EPC A ratings.
Mike adds: “The new development will aim to set best-in-class embodied carbon targets for all the buildings being developed. By focussing on construction methods, we can target Watermead as a Net Zero Carbon development from a construction standpoint and ultimately in use too.”
EV Charging points will be installed, along with electric bikes. As part of the scheme’s Travel Plan, further measures and incentives will be put in place to encourage sustainable travel modes to the site.
Bellrock acquires mobile data collection solutions firm
Leicester-based Bellrock Property & Facilities Management Ltd has acquired Mobiess Ltd, a provider of integrated mobile data collection solutions to the Facility and Asset Management sector.
Founded by MD Karl Horner in 2009, Mobiess employs 20 people who design and deliver integrated mobile data collection solutions which empower organisations to transform service delivery and optimise workforce productivity.
The Mobiess management team has over 50 years of collective experience in delivering services to clients across the Facilities and Asset Management industry.
Mobiess will sit under Bellrock Technologies under Managing Director, and CTO, Adam Smith. The Mobiess integrated mobile workforce management solution will complement Bellrock’s Concerto software platform. The combined offer provides a fully integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) and Computer-Aided Facilities Management System (CAFM) for estates, asset, and workforce management, which delivers actionable insights for clients.
Mobiess will continue to provide their applications as an open independent platform enabling integration to any business system.
Karl Horner, Managing Director, Mobiess, said: “I believe that Mobiess will truly transform Bellrock’s field service delivery. I am looking forward to introducing Bellrock customers to Mobiess, and exploring the insight and value this will deliver alongside Concerto’s powerful capabilities. I am also excited by the opportunities that will come from collaboration between our brilliant Mobiess and Concerto people. This is an exciting time for us all.”
Paul Bean, CEO, Bellrock Property & Facilities Management, said: “Since 2009 Mobiess has delivered solutions which deliver value for clients in the property market; I am delighted to welcome such a highly regarded team and proven product to Bellrock. This acquisition continues our investments in capabilities that strengthen our tech-enabled suite of property management services that help clients achieve their strategic objectives, whilst delivering growth for Bellrock Group.”
Adam Smith, Managing Director, Bellrock Technologies, and Chief Technical Officer, Bellrock Group, said: “I’m thrilled to personally welcome Mobiess into the Bellrock Group. Having seen first-hand the synergy between Karl’s team and ours, I’m confident that this is a perfect strategic and cultural match for us.
“Their innovative products and expertise are a natural complement to our ambitions at Bellrock Technologies. The integration of Mobiess with Concerto, enhances our mobile app offerings, providing a superior Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) with a fully customisable suite of mobile applications. I look forward to working closely with the Mobiess team to continue the development of the Mobiess product.”
2024 Business Predictions: Steve Fernie, director of Armsons Barlow
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Steve Fernie, director of Armsons Barlow.
I believe 2024 will be a pivotal year for both our country and the construction industry.
I anticipate continued growth in the construction industry, particularly with warehousing and logistic hubs, serviced office accommodation and Built-to-Rent (BTR) and Private Rental Sector (PRS) residential developments.
A major area of concern are town centres where there appear to be many empty retail units. Somehow a new purpose and use for these properties needs to be found or we as a country run the real risk of many of our town centres becoming ghost towns and lost for the next generation. To prevent this happening, I believe we have to have a more relaxed planning policy, which will allow these buildings to be re-purposed.
In terms of other predictions, I expect inflation to stabilise at 3%, which still remains above the government’s target. Interest rates will start to fall, but mortgages will remain expensive for the younger generation.
I forecast a change of government, with a coalition led by Keir Starmer taking control. I believe unemployment will remain static at its current level. Economic growth will remain poor, but a technical recession will be avoided.
Like most years, what happens in the UK will, to a certain extent, depend on what happens in the United States and China.
I also anticipate that Covid will continue, although it will be largely ignored by the media.
2024 Business Predictions: Jake Ranson, CEO of Paylink
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
In 2022, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) mandated firms to implement the new Consumer Duty, to put their customers’ needs first, within 12 months. As companies align their products with regulatory standards in the new year, Jake Ranson, CEO of Paylink, reflects on implications for the 2024 lending market.
2023 saw an overhaul in the way the regulator holds participants, in UK financial services, to account. The industry has pivoted to put the customer front and centre.
Fair4all Finance estimates that there are 17.5million UK people in financially vulnerable circumstances and excluded from credit. This figure is on the rise, exacerbated by the continuing cost of living crisis, but the flow of credit matters greatly.
People will move in and out of this financially vulnerable position throughout their lives, due to unforeseen circumstances such as redundancy, during which access to credit will help to avoid illegal money lending.
Our product, ReFi™, is a True Debt Consolidation product created to address challenges in the lending industry by automating the settling of legacy debt with a customer’s new loan. The product has already saved customers over £10m in interest payments allowing credit to flow responsibly to those who need it.
Alongside beneficial products like ReFi™, 2024 will see an increase in exclusively online relationships with money. Hyper-personalisation of user-experiences will mean consumers are offered products genuinely suited to their needs – a positive change for both the consumer and the industry, that upholds the FCA’s new Consumer Duty.
Northamptonshire group secures investment
H2 Equity Partners has invested in Buttress Group, alongside the management team.
Established over 45 years ago and headquartered in Northamptonshire, Buttress sells, installs, services and supplies warewashing and ice making equipment and parts to the UK commercial catering market. Buttress supplies an extensive range of own-brand dishwashers, glasswashers and ice machines primarily through working in partnership with 500 specialist distributors. Its service and maintenance capabilities and spare parts provision extend all ranges of equipment. Following H2’s investment, Managing Director Oliver Booth will continue to lead the business and work closely with H2 to deliver the next phase of Buttress’s ambitious growth strategy.Renewable energy and security firms found guilty of £1.5m scam
A fraudster who promised energy savings and complete home security through his products and services has been found guilty of conning elderly and vulnerable residents out of £1.5 million.
Robin McDonald, aged 45, of Park Row, Bretby, Burton-on-Trent, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation along with charges of fraudulent trading following a five-month trial at Nottingham Crown Court.
The trial took place following an investigation led by the National Trading Standards Regional Investigations Team in the East Midlands hosted by Nottinghamshire County Council. The team is supported by all trading standards authorities within the East Midlands region and represents their collective interests. This case also featured additional support from Derbyshire County Council Trading Standards.
More than 200 victims gave evidence during the trial, which heard how between 2014 and 2015, McDonald had carried out a widespread campaign of fraud and mis-selling through the businesses Sunpower Renewables Ltd and Stirling Technologies Ltd trading as Proshield Alarms.
Sunpower Renewables sold products including solar panels, air source heat pumps, and thermo-dynamic water heating systems to victims, claiming that they would receive a financial benefit through energy savings, that the cost of works was funded by the Government and that they would be compensated through being able to sell surplus energy generated back to the grid.
The court heard how sales representatives from Sunpower Renewables would use bullying tactics to secure contracts, often staying in the homes of victims for many hours to pressure them into signing contracts for works they didn’t want or need at significantly inflated prices.
Works were then carried out to a poor standard and did not deliver on the energy saving promises made at the time of sale. In some cases, solar panels were installed onto rooves which could not take their weight, creating the risk of structural collapse. Sunpower Renewables then failed to respond and rectify the works after victims complained.
Proshield Alarms told customers ‘You’ll be in safe hands 24 hours a day, 365 days a year’ as part of their marketing to sell home security products including Passive Infra-Red (PIR) detectors, window and door sensors, emergency medical buttons/pendants, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors.
Victims were misled into believing that these products were linked to a system which would guarantee a response from the emergency services in the event of it being triggered.
McDonald will now be sentenced in March.
A second defendant was found not guilty by the jury on the same charges.
Roy Hancher, aged 54, of Light Ash Lane, Coven, Wolverhampton, pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading and Nicola Mather, aged 44, of Spindletree Drive, Derby, pleaded guilty to money laundering prior to the trial.
Councillor Scott Carlton, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The guilty verdict in this case is a great result and highlights the vital work of our Trading Standards team who work to keep residents safe from fraudsters.
“In this case, the defendant and his businesses deliberately targeted the elderly and those living in vulnerable situations, using dishonest and coercive sales tactics and lies about the quality of their products and the benefit they would bring to their victims.
“I would like to thank all the victims who came forward and worked with our investigators to help bring this case to trial.
“Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards Service always advises residents to be alert to cold calling, never to trade or buy at the door and to always report any concerns. If something doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t and you should never be afraid to close the door on scammers and those who turn up out of the blue offering to fix problems you didn’t know or think that you had.”
Lord Michael Bichard, Chair, National Trading Standards, said: “Homeowners living in vulnerable situations – such as older people living alone – were cynically targeted and pressurised into agreeing to home improvement works that they didn’t want or need, often at highly inflated prices.
“The criminal behind the fraud deliberately pursued more vulnerable victims and spent hours pressurising them into signing contracts using aggressive bullying tactics to line his own pockets, before delivering shoddy work that was sub-standard and could even have caused more damage.
“I’m pleased the jury reached this verdict and hope that the sentences handed down later this year will bring a semblance of justice to the victims involved. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a fraud like this, you should report it to the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline by calling 0808 223 1133.”
SHAPE finds new teaching premises in Nottingham
FHP has handed over keys to SHAPE (Safe Haven Alternative Provision of Excellence) for the premises known as The Exchange Building, Alfreton Road, as they start their new project for bringing further teaching support for children within Nottingham.
The former CityCare building on Alfreton Road presented a rare opportunity to acquire a prominent office / warehouse property within close proximity to Nottingham City Centre, consisting of a modern detached two storey office building providing a mixture of open plan and cellular office space with an additional clear span warehouse to the rear.
The property generated a high level of enquiries throughout the marketing, resulting in numerous viewings and offers, which lead to best and final bids in order to secure the best possible price for FHP’s client. It exceeded expectations with the achieved sale price.
Amy Howard, surveyor at FHP Property Consultants, said: “The Exchange Building was always going to be in popular demand, given the lack of freehold stock within easy access to the City Centre and the hybrid approach the property offered, making it suitable for a variety of uses.
“The sale reflected a great price and I am delighted to see SHAPE handed the keys to endure their new project. It is a great concept for the property and the area, providing additional support for students and I wish them all the best.”
Shamraiz Younas, CEO at SHAPE, said: “It has been a delight to work alongside Amy Howard of FHP, & Will Torr of heb Surveyors on the acquisition of The Exchange Building, a great effort by all in seeing this over the line. This iconic building on one of the main routes into Nottingham is a great asset to add to our fast growing portfolio in our home town.”
Will Torr, partner at Heb Surveyors, added: “The search to find an alternative education facility for our client was a difficult brief to meet but the availability of The Exchange Building meant we could fulfil the requirement perfectly.
“The prominent building is ideally located and the internal configuration enables all of the education provisions to be provided under one roof. Thanks to Amy at FHP who ensured a smooth transaction and we hope Shamraiz and the team have a successful launch.”
5-acre Leicestershire site secured for new homes
The Strategic Land Group (SLG) has secured a new site in Packington, Leicestershire, with the potential to deliver 35 new homes along with new greenspace.
SLG will now work with the landowner to bring the 5-acre site forward for residential development through North West Leicestershire’s emerging Local Plan.
Paul Smith, Managing Director of The Strategic Land Group, said: “Packington is a very desirable location, and this site represents a logical extension to the village, so we look forward to working with the landowner to bring it forward.
“It has all the right attributes for development and would provide much-needed new homes within the area, both for new and existing residents.”
SLG is a land and renewable energy promoter. It is now working with an 18-site portfolio and is actively promoting sites with the potential to deliver more than 2,500 new homes and with a gross development value of circa £750million.
SLG was advised by Shakespeare Martineau and Marrons Planning, while Brown & Co advised the landowner.
What is remote desktop support and how can your business benefit from it?
The digital revolution has ushered in new methods of managing business operations, among which remote desktop support is increasingly prominent. This technology enables IT professionals to remotely access and manage a computer system, offering a lifeline in troubleshooting, system updates, and network management.
Remote desktop support has transformed the way companies approach IT problems. Gone are the days of waiting for technicians to arrive on-site. Now, immediate assistance is just a call or click away, paving the way for uninterrupted workflow and enhanced productivity.
Understanding remote desktop support
Remote desktop support allows IT experts to remotely connect to a computer from anywhere, using the internet. This technology provides the capability to perform a variety of tasks, from software installation and updates to troubleshooting and resolving technical issues. It’s like having an IT specialist on hand, without the need for them to be physically present. The versatility of remote desktop support is particularly beneficial for companies with multiple locations. It ensures uniform IT support across all sites, irrespective of their geographic dispersion.
Remote support for employee empowerment
Empowering employees with reliable companies can save on travel and related expenses by reducing the need for on-site visitors. This support is particularly valuable in a landscape where remote and flexible working arrangements are becoming the norm.
Additionally, remote support tools can be used for training and collaboration, offering an interactive platform for employees to learn and engage with each other. This improves their technical skills and fosters a collaborative work environment, crucial for the holistic growth of the organisation and its workforce.
Discovering alternatives to traditional solutions
In seeking effective remote desktop support, it’s vital to consider various options. While exploring, businesses should discover the top alternatives to TeamViewer for remote support, as different solutions offer unique features and benefits. For instance, TSplus is a notable alternative, providing comprehensive remote access and support capabilities tailored to diverse business needs.
Assessing different solutions enables companies to find a service that aligns with their specific requirements, whether it’s for scalability, ease of use, or advanced security features. A well-chosen remote desktop support tool can significantly enhance IT operations, ensuring that the business remains agile and responsive in a dynamic technological environment.
The business benefits of remote support
Integrating remote desktop support into a business’s IT strategy significantly enhances operational efficiency. Quick response times mean IT issues are resolved promptly, minimising disruption to business activities. This immediate intervention is critical in maintaining high productivity levels and ensuring that technical glitches do not hinder business processes.
Remote support extends beyond just problem-solving. It encompasses proactive system monitoring, timely updates, and routine maintenance, all of which are crucial for the smooth running of IT infrastructure. This proactive approach minimises the risk of system failures and downtime, thereby safeguarding the business against potential losses that can arise from such incidents.
The cost-effectiveness of remote support
The financial benefits of adopting remote desktop support are substantial. Companies save on travel and related expenses by reducing the need for on-site visits. This efficiency translates into lower operational costs, making it an attractive option for businesses mindful of their expenditure.
The scalability of remote support means it can adapt to the varying needs of a business. Small-scale issues can be addressed with minimal resources, while more complex problems can be tackled without a corresponding increase in costs. This flexibility ensures that businesses only pay for the level of support they require, a more economical approach compared to traditional, fixed IT costs.
Enhancing security with remote support
Security in the digital domain is a top priority, and remote desktop support strengthens this aspect significantly. IT professionals can swiftly respond to and resolve security threats, mitigating risks to the business. This rapid response capability is crucial in an environment where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated and damaging.
Remote desktop support also facilitates the regular updating of security protocols and software, ensuring that the company’s IT infrastructure remains protected against emerging threats. This ongoing maintenance is key to building a resilient digital defence, safeguarding sensitive data and business operations from potential cyber-attacks.
The future of IT support
As we look towards the future, it’s clear that remote desktop support will play a pivotal role in shaping IT strategies. This technology aligns with the evolving nature of work and offers a flexible and scalable solution to managing IT infrastructure. Its ability to provide immediate and effective support regardless of location is invaluable in a globalised business landscape.
The continual advancement in remote support technologies suggests an even more integrated and efficient future for IT management. Businesses that embrace these innovations position themselves to benefit from enhanced operational agility, a crucial factor in staying competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.
The takeaway
Remote desktop support is an essential tool for any forward-thinking business. It offers a blend of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and security, crucial in today’s fast-paced commercial environment. By adopting this technology, companies can streamline their IT operations and foster a more flexible and empowered workforce. As the business landscape continues to evolve, remote desktop support stands out as a key ingredient for success, driving innovation and ensuring businesses stay ahead in the digital race.
Airfield runway specialist makes senior appointment
Lincolnshire-headquartered global airport runway specialist Jointline has appointed Matt Ragless as Head of Airfield Lining, Grooving and Distribution Centres.
Matt Ragless joins Jointline from Lincolnshire-based BESA Group Ltd, where he was Head of Operations. Prior to that he was the Operations Manager for TMAK Construction Ltd, and previously a Contracts Project Manager for Education Business Partnership.
Mr Ragless commenced his career at T&S Group, where he was based for five years. The 38-year-old brings a total of 17 years’ industry experience to the Witham St Hughs-headquartered firm.
Jointline has undertaken renovation and improvement works at every major civilian airport in the UK as well as runways across continental Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.
Matt Ragless has been appointed to lead a team of 20 experienced technicians, ensuring projects are programmed and delivered to schedule. He also undertakes the commercial aspects of running the department.
Gary Massey, Managing Director of Jointline, said: “Matt has made an immediate impact to Jointline. His ambition, commitment and professionalism are first rate. Matt also has outstanding technical knowledge to help our customers implement the most effective solution within budget.
“The team we now have in place will enable us to fulfil many more airfield projects overseas during 2024 and beyond. This year will be pivotal for the long-term growth and success of the business.”
Matt Ragless, Head of Airfield Lining, Grooving and Distribution Centres at Jointline, said: “Jointline is already known across the industry, but the new investment in technology, machinery and people at every level of the business is creating a new buzz.
“It’s a really exciting time to join such a brilliant team. We hope 2024 will be a year of ‘firsts’ as we put ourselves in the running for larger, more technically complex projects, while making significant inroads into the distribution centre market.”
Mortgage Advice Bureau “significantly outperforms the market” against difficult backdrop
Mortgage Advice Bureau says it has “significantly outperformed the market” in a new trading update for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Trading was better than anticipated in the Derby firm’s fourth quarter, and Mortgage Advice Bureau now expects to report an adjusted profit before tax slightly ahead of the current market consensus.
Meanwhile, despite a difficult market in which UK Finance’s latest estimate of gross new mortgage lending for 2023 is £226bn, representing a 28% reduction on 2022, the business increased its revenue for the year by 4% to £239m.
Peter Brodnicki, CEO of MAB, said: “2023 was an exceptionally challenging year with consumer confidence heavily impacted, resulting in many customers deciding to delay their house purchase or re-financing.
“Against this difficult backdrop I am very pleased with how MAB has significantly outperformed the market. To ensure we are in the best possible shape when market conditions improve, we have continued to invest across the entire Group to drive lead flow and deliver optimal business and adviser efficiency.
“There is a great deal to be positive about, and our technology developments and lead initiatives, including the addition of Fluent, have broadened our addressable market and strengthened our growth plans.”
Up to 60 staff members at risk of redundancy at Laing O’Rourke offsite factory
Laing O’Rourke has revealed that up to 60 staff members at its offsite factory in Nottinghamshire are at risk of being made redundant.
The result of delayed projects, the business broke the news to employees at the Centre of Excellence for Modern Construction (CEMC) on Wednesday, according to reports from The Construction Index.
The firm said in a statement that members of its workforce had been informed of proposals to cut the number of roles at the facility by up to 60.
It added that it needed to reduce operating costs, while continuing to deliver projects and protect its ability to invest in the technology and innovations that will transform construction, as a result of challenging market conditions, that have seen delays to some of the projects CEMC was set to service.
