Council steps up mission to ensure £25m of Town Deal cash is spent
Law firm acquires West Bridgford conveyancers
Nottingham immigration law firm looks North
Nottingham’s OTB Legal, a UK immigration law firm, is expanding with a new Manchester base. The firm will be based at Bloc on Marble Street.
OTB Legal has grown consistently from its Chase Park headquarters just outside Nottingham. However, with demand increasing for immigration services in the region, OTB Legal’s Marcus Worthington says the time is right to expand the offering north: “Expanding our leading immigration team into Manchester is a strategic move aimed at better serving our clients in the area.
“Manchester’s vibrant and diverse community provides an excellent backdrop for us to deepen our connections with individuals and businesses navigating complex immigration laws.
“Our expansion into Manchester aligns with the city’s role as a magnet for talent and investment, positioning us to provide crucial guidance and advice as clients navigate the evolving landscape of immigration regulations and pursue their business and personal goals.”
The Manchester office will act as a northern hub for OTB Legal’s growing team.
Hannah Bowers, OTB Legal’s marketing manager, says: “We have a thriving and growing team and have plans for further growth in terms of expansion across the UK. I am based here at Bloc and the space is fantastic. It has a vibrancy to it that I know our team will love and I can’t wait to welcome them here.”
Real estate investor adds 315,000 sq ft of retail parks to portfolio
Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, the real estate investment and asset management specialist of Columbia Threadneedle Investments, has acquired Phase 2 and 3 of Merry Hill Retail Park in Brierley Hill and Phoenix Retail Park in Corby on behalf of separate client funds for undisclosed sums.
These recent acquisitions follow the purchase of Parkgate Shopping Park in Yorkshire earlier this year and reinforce Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate’s position as one of the largest retail park owners in the UK.
Phases 2 and 3 of Merry Hill Retail Park comprise a combined circa 197,000 square feet of retail warehouse and restaurant space on a site that extends to almost 15 acres with approximately 600 free parking spaces. Anchor tenants include The Range, Currys, Wren Kitchens, DFS and Pets at Home trading from a range of retail formats from 1,900 square feet to circa 52,000 square feet.
Phoenix Retail Park is the dominant retail park in Corby, offering 118,200 sq ft of retail warehouse accommodation with anchor tenants including M&S Foodhall, Matalan, The Range, Currys, Next and The Food Warehouse.
Its occupier mix is complementary to the demographics of the local catchment with a focus on food, discount and convenience-led retailing. It adjoins a 95,000 sq ft Asda superstore, which adds further critical mass, and the town of Corby has recorded significant population growth over the last decade, with further growth on the existing 203,000-strong catchment forecast thanks to a residential development pipeline of more than 12,000 new homes.
Tom Elviss, Fund Manager at Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, said: “The simultaneous acquisition of both Phases 2 and 3 at Merry Hill Retail Park from two separate vendors constitutes a majority holding at one of the UK’s dominant retail warehouse clusters in the West Midlands. This presents a significant opportunity to maximise the assets’ potential under single ownership.
“Phoenix Retail Park is set to benefit from Corby’s sizeable residential development pipeline, which brings with it a catchment growth proposition that will allow us to enhance the tenant mix further.
“At both locations, we intend to draw on our strong retailer relationships and scale in the retail warehouse market as we seek to proactively asset manage the holdings to deliver strong returns for our investors.”
For the Merry Hill transaction, Harvey Spack Field acted for the purchaser and Morgan Williams represented the vendors, while Savills advised the purchaser on the Phoenix Retail Park acquisition and Knight Frank represented the vendor.
YMD Boon extends Midlands footprint
Watches of Switzerland hails “strong” finish to financial year
Leicester-based Watches of Switzerland Group has finished its financial year “strongly,” with sales in the final quarter in line with guidance and ahead of consensus.
According to a trading update for the 13 weeks (Q4 FY24) to 28 April 2024, group revenue reached £380 million, a 4% increase on Q4 FY23.
It puts group revenue for the year at over £1.5 billion.Brian Duffy, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We finished the year strongly, with Q4 sales in line with guidance and ahead of consensus. Particularly pleasing was the performance in the US, with sales up 14% in the period.
“We are confident that our strategy, exceptional client service and strong brand relationships enables us to continue to drive growth and gain market share. We have seen growth in our Registration of Interest lists for sought after products, and exceptionally strong performance of pre-owned, particularly Rolex Certified Pre-Owned.
“Our acquisition of Roberto Coin Inc. (the exclusive North American distributor of Roberto Coin) dramatically accelerates our luxury branded jewellery strategy, and we see enormous potential in bringing together this iconic brand with our retailing expertise.
“We enter FY25 with cautious optimism. We have a terrific programme of showroom developments on both sides of the Atlantic with the Rolex flagship boutique on Old Bond Street, London; a 3,000 sq ft Rolex boutique replacing the Mayors multi-brand in Atlanta, Georgia; and our first Rolex showroom in Texas in Plano.
“We are also looking forward to the Audemars Piguet Town House and the Mappin & Webb luxury jewellery showroom both in Manchester, and the expanded Patek Philippe space in Greenwich, Connecticut.
“The inherent strength of the categories we operate in, coupled with our superior business model and retail expertise continues to set us apart. We remain focused on executing our Long Range Plan and are committed to the targets to more than double sales and Adjusted EBIT by the end of FY28.”
Shareholders back £2.5bn Barratt and Redrow merger
YMD Boon strengthens leadership team with internal associate director appointments
Derby Book Festival looks to business community for new trustees
Derby Book Festival, which stages events across the city to inspire a love of reading, is looking to recruit new trustees and a treasurer to help write the next chapter of the organisation.
The festival, which is a registered charity and receives funding from the Arts Council and the National Lottery for its Shared Reading community project, has sold more than 30,000 tickets to more than 570 events since its inception in 2015.
It also has a packed year-round community programme, working with almost all of Derby’s primary and secondary schools, Derby College and the University of Derby offering opportunities to meet authors, explore new books and create their own stories and illustrations.
Its Shared Reading community project enables people in care homes, hospital, prisons, libraries and community centres to listen to and share their thoughts about poetry, lyrics, letters and diaries at weekly and fortnightly sessions.
Its Summer Festival (30 May – 5 June) is about to get underway with authors including James O’Brien, Alison Weir, Polly Toynbee, Patrick Grant and Dan Cruickshank, as well as debut historical novelists Sarah Marsh and Elizabeth O’Connor. There will also be a special event on 29 July with BBC presenter and reporter Clive Myrie at Derby Theatre.
Festival director Sian Hoyle said: “Our board of trustees play a critical role in governing our charity and providing strategic direction on how we are managed and run. We have a committed team of trustees who volunteer their time and are proud of the role they play in our essential work, but we do have vacancies and an urgent need for a new treasurer.
“Recruiting the right trustees is essential for our book festival to grow and inspire future generations of readers and writers.”
The festival is organised in partnership with all the major arts and cultural partners in the city with funding from the Arts Council England, the University of Derby and several businesses and individuals across the city.
Festival chair, Professor Keith McLay, said: “We are looking for people who will bring knowledge and experience of their own, who will offer a fresh perspective on our work, and possess the wisdom and integrity necessary to be trusted with the festival’s leadership, resources, reputation, and future.
“Trusteeship is a great way of contributing to causes you care about and developing strategic and leadership skills at the same time. I am enormously proud to be the charity’s Chair and am appealing to others to get in touch and find out how they can help and play a part in our future.”
To apply, send an Expression of Interest explaining why either of these voluntary roles interest you, what you feel you could offer Derby Book Festival as either a Trustee or Treasurer Trustee, and a copy of your CV to DBF Chair, Professor Keith McLay, k.mclay@derby.ac.uk.
Businesswomen join Star Trust Board
Chamber partners with Loates Workplace Wellbeing for mental health training
How to conduct a workplace risk assessment
- List the risks to health and safety present in the workplace
- Evaluate who might be harmed and how
- Assess whether current precautions are effective
- Revise protective measures and implement more if necessary
Island Quarter developer incurs £3.8m loss
However, with the restaurant and events venue at 1 The Island Quarter now well established and expanding its operations, in addition to the first phase student accommodation development in Nottingham becoming rent-producing from September 2024, Conygar anticipates a material uplift in revenues in the coming year to offset against these operational costs.
Construction of the 693-bed student accommodation development at The Island Quarter is expected to complete, as planned and on budget, before the end of June 2024 with lettings “progressing well” for the September 2024 student intake. Conygar is targeting full occupancy and a net operating income for the 2024-2025 academic year of circa £5m. In February 2024, the firm submitted a detailed planning application for the adjoining second phase of student accommodation, comprising a 383-bed scheme.Meanwhile, at The Island Quarter’s restaurant and events venue, a loss was made in the six months to 31 March of £0.3 million, which Conygar said came “against a backdrop of squeezed household budgets and rising costs, compounded by a recent increase in the minimum wage.”
However, as a result of increasing capacity, in particular for outdoor events space, and the provision of a stretch tent cover, to enable its all-weathers use, total revenues for the venue have increased by 30% compared with the same six-month period in the prior year.
“This expansion, supplemented by significant improvements in food, beverage and wage margins since the start of the year, and the onset of the summer months should enable enhanced returns in the next six months with gross revenues projected for the full year in excess of £6 million,” said Conygar.
Robert Ware, Chief Executive, added: “Investment activity will take time to return to the levels seen before the market downturn. However, as inflation and interest rates recede, such that costs become more stabilised, the viability of funding opportunities should improve.
“Given the significant progress made at The Island Quarter, Nottingham and with investors prioritising high quality and sustainable investments we are optimistic that opportunities will evolve over the coming months and years which should enable us to maximise the returns from this and our other development sites.”
Cawarden “proud to return as sponsors” for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
A family-owned and operated specialist contractor, Cawarden has been providing outstanding projects for over 35 years. With a rich history of delivering demolition, land remediation and earthworks projects across the UK, the business’s capability continues to grow to meet the changing needs of clients. Today Cawarden offers a range of standalone services with the option to efficiently synchronise them as part of its ‘destruction to construction’ solution.
Speaking with Business Link about the Bricks Awards, William Crooks, Managing Director of Cawarden, said: “Here at Cawarden, we’re proud to return as sponsors of the Excellence in Design category in the prestigious 2024 East Midlands Bricks Awards. As a Specialist Contractor, we understand the vital role innovative design plays in shaping our built environment.
“Last year’s event showcased the remarkable talent and creativity within our region, and we’re eager to once again celebrate those pushing the boundaries of design excellence. Our commitment to sponsoring this category stems from our belief in the power of visionary design to transform spaces and enrich communities.”
Sharing advice for those entering the awards, Crooks added: “For those contemplating a nomination, our foremost advice is to embrace boldness and innovation. Demonstrate how your project pioneers new frontiers and positively impacts the environment, people, or communities. We eagerly anticipate reviewing the exceptional submissions and paying tribute to the visionaries propelling design excellence in the East Midlands.”
The awards, which will take place on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, recognise development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes, schools and public spaces. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes.
Winning one of these awards will add considerably to a company’s or individual’s brand and enhance their commercial reach significantly.
Nominations are now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
- 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)
Nominations end Thursday 5th September
A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening of celebration and networking with property and construction leaders from across the region.
Tickets can be booked for the 2024 awards event here. 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.
Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
Dales businesses invited to take advantage of series of grants
Works progress on new £3.6m medical centre in Leicestershire
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, is progressing works on the new Barwell Medical Centre in Leicestershire.
The new two-storey doctor’s surgery, located off High Street, Barwell, will replace the existing centre on Jersey Way, which is at capacity and unable to meet the growing demand for its services from the local community.
Due for completion in June 2024, the new medical centre will provide modern healthcare facilities to many more local people, with demand expected to grow from its current 6,400 to 11,000 users over the next five to ten years.
The additional space at the new centre will allow it to provide a greater range of much-needed health services, including physiotherapy and mental health support.
The new L-shaped building will consist of 12 consulting rooms, a space for minor surgical procedures with recovery facilities, a health promotion area, as well as 52 car parking spaces and six cycle racks. The centre will be constructed to BREEAM Excellent standards, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the new Medical Centre.
Demolition works at the unused brownfield site have already taken place which saw the removal of a former vehicle workshop and warehouse.
Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “To be delivering this new contemporary medical facility which will enable more local people to access vital medical care, as well as its expanding specialist services, is a privilege.
“G F Tomlinson is vastly experienced in the delivery of healthcare schemes and understand the incredibly important role they play in the local community. The team and I are looking forward to seeing this significant facility progress over the coming months.”
Dr Mark Findlay, GP Partner at Barwell and Hollycroft Medical Centres, said: “We are excited that after 17 years of planning, we will be moving into a purpose built, modern medical centre later this year. Over the last 10 years our practice list has increased by 50% to 14,600 patients across our two sites, and we have desperately needed a new building at Barwell.
“After a challenging process obtaining NHS agreement and issues with planning and funding, we are relieved that we are close to providing the building our patients and staff deserve. The new medical centre is less than 500 metres from the existing site, closer to the local pharmacy and more accessible – being situated on the High Street, on the local bus route and having 52 parking spaces.
“We have been delighted by our choice of contractor, G F Tomlinson, who have been incredibly supportive and professional throughout as well as being very considerate to our neighbours. Going above and beyond, they have been supporting the local community with food bank donations, Christmas tree collection and wood recycling.”
£21.1m funding facility secured for second phase of Derby development
Elevate Property Group has secured a £21.1m funding facility from Paragon Bank to support the second phase of its Silk Yard development in Liversage Street, Derby. The second phase of the scheme will comprise of 164 studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. The properties will also benefit from a central gated courtyard, providing outside space to residents. Paragon Bank supported Elevate Property Group with a funding facility of £11.9m for phase one of The Silk Yard. The first phase will be complete in summer 2024 and will consist of 94 apartments, over 60% of which have been sold. The second phase of the Silk Yard will be completed in 2025 and the project will deliver 258 new apartments across both phases. This is Paragon’s eighth deal with Elevate Property Group, having supported previous schemes including the first phase of the Silk Yard development in Derby, Chapman’s Yard in Birmingham, and Trent Bridge Quays in Nottingham. This deal was led on behalf of Paragon Bank by Toby Burgess, Relationship Director, and Joshua Mann, Senior Portfolio Manager. James Costello, Managing Director of Elevate Property Group, said: “It’s been great work with Paragon on the second phase of the Silk Yard scheme in Derby to deliver new housing to this vibrant area. “We’re pleased that the first phase of the scheme has been so successful, with over 60% of the properties already sold, we’re looking forward to being able to deliver 164 more apartments to this local community, as Derby city centre continues to be a sought after location.”
Toby Burgess, Relationship Director at Paragon Bank, added: “It’s been a pleasure to work with James and the Elevate team once again, to support the second phase of the Silk Yard scheme in Derby. “We’re delighted that Paragon has been able to support both phases one and two of this development, providing a total funding package of £33 million. We’re looking forward to seeing how the scheme progresses and how it makes a positive impact on the area.”
Woodward Group strengthens leadership team with fire & security project manager appointment
Burton-based mechanical and electrical contractors Woodward Group has appointed Steve Bullock as fire & security project manager in line with its ongoing expansion plans.
With a diverse professional background and a wealth of experience in the industry, Steve brings valuable, sector expertise to his new role. Prior to joining Woodward Group, he served at Yee Group for 10 years, where he held positions ranging from installation engineer to project manager, honing his skills in fire and security management.
In his new role as fire & security project manager at Woodward Group, he will be responsible for building and managing a team of engineers, implementing streamlined processes, and enhancing training programmes to ensure the delivery of high standards expected by Woodward Group.
Additionally, he will be actively involved in client communications, providing tailored fire and security solutions to meet clients’ bespoke requirements.
Steve says: “Woodward Group has a strong reputation in the sector of reliability and delivering top quality services, whilst maintaining the highest standards in health and safety. The business actively takes on more challenging, large scale projects, which aligns perfectly with my personal career aspirations.
“I feel excited at the prospect of working on innovative projects for the company’s impressive client-base and look forward to building strong relationships with both clients and my new colleagues.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Steve to the Woodward Group team,” adds Aden Woodward, Managing Director at Woodward Group. “His extensive experience, attention to detail and dedication to maintaining the highest standards make him a valuable addition to our organisation.
“Steve is committed to continuous learning and development, exemplifying Woodward Group’s ethos of embracing every opportunity for growth. His appointment reaffirms our commitment to providing top-tier talent and expertise to meet the evolving needs of our clients.”
Greggs eyes East Midlands sites to increase manufacturing and logistics capacity
Legal recruitment specialist returns to the heart of Nottingham
“We also reflect upon the changes our clients have seen in that time. For many years, law firms were quite traditional places to work – wood panelled offices, imposing boardrooms and the holy grail of the prized and private corner office.
“Now we see a far more progressive and flexible model with hybrid working being the norm and office attendance offering an opportunity to mentor junior colleagues, foster team spirit and reinforce culture whilst maintaining that all important work/life balance.”
On returning back to the heart of Nottingham, where the business was founded by Jane in 1994, Jane added: “As this latest transition back to the office begins to take more of a foothold, we hope it will help contribute to a renewed vibrancy in the city centre as the professional sector returns to the office. “However, as the legal services market continues to flourish and the competition for talent remains high the key for law firms seeking to attract and retain the best talent is to offer a flexible and supportive working environment that allows an ever more diverse range of lawyers to find the right balance in their career / home lives.”