Convenience foods manufacturer agrees new £350m sustainability-linked facility

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Convenience foods manufacturer agrees new £350m sustainability-linked facility
Greencore, a manufacturer of convenience foods with its UK office in Worksop, has agreed a new five-year £350 million sustainability-linked revolving credit facility (RCF). The new RCF replaces Greencore’s existing £340 million facility and a £45 million term loan and extends the Group’s average maturity profile to close to 4.5 years. The facility has the option of two additional one-year extensions and includes a £100 million accordion feature which provides further potential financing facilities. The new RCF incorporates performance targets that are aligned with Greencore’s long-term sustainability strategy. Dalton Philips, CEO, said: “Greencore continues to deliver on its ambition to build a stronger, more efficient business serving our customers and consumers across the UK. This new facility provides us with significant new financial flexibility to deliver on our growth objectives while aligning our financing arrangements with our sustainability targets.” The RCF is provided by Allied Irish Banks plc, Barclays Bank Plc, Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A. (trading as Rabobank Dublin), Danske Bank A/S, Irish Branch, HSBC Continental Europe, The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland. Allied Irish Banks plc acted as sustainability co-ordinator and Bank of Ireland acted as agent. Greencore was advised by IBI Corporate Finance.

Lincolnshire garden centre hits the market after 40 years of family ownership

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Lincolnshire garden centre hits the market after 40 years of family ownership
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, and joint agent, Clark Weightman, have been instructed to market Millstone Garden Centre in Grimsby. The garden centre was originally established in 1989 by current owners, Tom and Joanna Rutherford. Set in the foothills of the Lincolnshire Wolds and across a 4.2-acre site within walking distance of Waltham village, the traditional, family-run garden centre specialises in offering a comprehensive range of high-quality plants, hard & soft landscaping products and a wide range of other garden-related products. The site features a retail shop, large glasshouse, conservatory and extensive standing beds. Also included in the sale is a detached, five-bedroom house with a double garage, gardens front and rear, pond, greenhouse and vegetable plot. After almost four decades of ownership, Tom and Joanna have decided to sell as they are hoping to retire. They said: “After 50+ years landscaping and 40 years nurturing our family-run garden centre, retiring feels like we are ready to bring our story closer to a conclusion. “We really do cherish the countless memories, blooming friendships, and the joy of cultivating a thriving and passionate gardening community. It’s our time to bid farewell and send our heartfelt thanks to all our wonderful staff and our beloved customers. We’re very much looking forward to writing the next, peaceful chapter in our book!” Andrew Birnie, director at Christie & Co who is handling the sale, said: “This is a great business, ideal for a family to purchase and live on site. Alternatively, as the house is accessible through its own driveway, a new owner may wish to sell it separately without too much alteration at a later date. “The site is well-managed, has ample space for development, and enjoys a loyal customer base which is continually expanding. With the hundreds of houses being built nearby, there is plenty of scope to grow the business and capitalise on the increasing demand.”

BGF completes exit of Midlands-based Antser Group

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BGF completes exit of Midlands-based Antser Group

BGF has announced the successful exit of Antser Group, a tech-driven provider of assessments and social care training, following a management buy-out (MBO) backed by YFM Equity Partners (YFM). 

BGF, the growth capital investor, originally invested £8.5 million in Antser Group in September 2021. The transaction follows on from BGF’s partial exit of the business in 2022.

Headquartered in the Midlands, Antser Group has two strands to the business – Carter Brown and Antser Learning.

Mansfield-based Carter Brown is a provider of independent psychological, psychiatric and social work assessments for child-related safeguarding.

Antser Learning is a Birmingham-based VR-led ‘behaviour change’ training tool for front-line children’s care practitioners. It enables learners to experience the impact of trauma through the eyes of children and young people.

The transaction was led by CEO Richard Dooner and will support the further development of its people proposition and new service offerings, along with acquisitions to accelerate growth.

Richard Dooner, CEO of The Antser Group, said: “BGF’s investment in 2021 helped us to lay strong foundations for future growth. What’s more, their support during the investment period has given the management team the confidence to take over the reins, as we strive to achieve our strategic ambitions in the coming years.

“Our business was born out of a desire to achieve positive change in the health and social care sectors through a connected and transformative approach.

“In the years since our founding, we have combined best practice with innovation and new and emerging technologies, so that we can lead the way in ‘doing things better’. Our goal now is to take our talent and technology and apply it to support better outcomes for even more children, families, vulnerable adults and communities.”

As part of the transaction, James Greenbury has been appointed chair. James brings a wealth of experience in the business services sector, along with acquisition expertise.

Nick Holder, investor at BGF in the Midlands, said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work alongside Richard and the management team, as part of their ongoing growth journey, culminating in a successful exit for all stakeholders. “The MBO not only demonstrates BGF’s flexibility when it comes to exit routes, but it will enable the well-established team to continue to move forward in a positive way, as they strive towards their ambitious strategic goals. We wish the business every success in the future.”

Cooper Parry provided sell-side advisory work, and vendor tax advice was provided by PwC. Legal advice was provided by Mills & Reeve and Shoosmiths.

APSS eyes further growth following office furniture business buyout

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APSS eyes further growth following office furniture business buyout
Lincolnshire-based APSS Group has acquired furniture supply and installation business TPS Office Furniture Ltd, significantly expanding its furniture offering and expertise. For over 25 years, APSS, as part of the APSS Group, has been at the forefront of designing and creating dynamic spaces for office, retail, healthcare, educational and industrial environments. Following the acquisition, TPS Office Furniture Ltd, which will maintain its distinctive identity, will join the group and operate from the APSS Group’s headquarters on Kingsley Road, Lincoln. Founder Ted Sidebottom will stay on as a consultant and Rob Coomber as installations manager to ensure a seamless transition. Laurence Barrass, APSS Managing Director, expressed his enthusiasm, emphasising that integrating Ted and his team’s knowledge will strengthen APSS Group’s comprehensive range of services. “This acquisition aligns perfectly with the APSS Group’s growth trajectory. Over the past 25 years we have evolved from providing office partitions to offering a complete design and fit-out service,” explained Laurence. “With TPS Office Furniture now on board, a dedicated service for standalone furniture will be available to our customers across the East Midlands and throughout the UK. “The synergy between the two companies will benefit both sets of customers. TPS Office Furniture’s clients now have access to APSS’ team of skilled commercial design and fit-out specialists, enhancing workspace efficiency. “Simultaneously, APSS customers now have a broader range of furniture options and over 30 years of knowledge, contacts, and experience at their disposal.” Ted added: “I’ve really enjoyed my time in the furniture industry and I have built up a lot of good relationships and I am excited by this next chapter.”

TopHat secures £15m debt facility with Homes England

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TopHat secures £15m debt facility with Homes England
TopHat, the Volumetric Modular house builder, has agreed a £15 million debt facility with Homes England. It follows previous news that TopHat raised £70 million from existing and new shareholders including listed housebuilder Persimmon and institutional investor Aviva Capital Partners. The new investment raised this year by TopHat will be transformational for the company, enabling it to scale-up production and accelerate manufacturing capacity as it draws closer to opening Europe’s largest modular housing factory in Corby, Northamptonshire in 2024. TopHat currently manufactures energy-efficient homes from its first factory in Derby, which is capable of delivering 800 homes a year. The company will begin production from its 650,000 square feet advanced manufacturing facility in Corby in 2024, where it will employ 1,000 people from the local community and manufacture up to 4,000 ultra-low carbon homes every year. Jordan Rosenhaus, CEO of TopHat, said: “The investment TopHat has received from Homes England alongside others, including Goldman Sachs, Persimmon and Aviva Capital Partners, reflects the continuing recognition that it is simply not possible to build enough new homes, including affordable homes, without a strong volumetric modular sector. “Following some recent, well-publicised challenges, which will always be faced by pioneering, innovative sectors, I am especially pleased that our investors have all recognised the critical importance of expanding the capacity of the sector.” The debt facility is funded via Homes England’s Levelling Up Home Building Fund, which supports innovative developers to build more homes more quickly. Peter Denton, Chief Executive of Homes England, said: “This funding will support TopHat to manufacture more than four times the number of new homes it currently can each year. Not only will this significantly increase the delivery capacity of the MMC sector as a whole in the UK, it will also create 1,000 jobs. “It is vital we continue to support innovations that promote a diverse, efficient homebuilding sector. This is about a long-term commitment to driving forward the creation of quality, thriving places for people to live and work.” Persimmon plc, the listed homebuilder, invested in TopHat earlier in 2023 establish a strategic partnership between the two businesses that provides guaranteed access to both TopHat’s innovative brick façade product as well as highly energy efficient modular homes. Pilot homes have been built by TopHat as part of Persimmon’s scheme in Stroud, Gloucestershire with additional further opportunities identified. Detailed technical work continues to integrate the brick façade with Persimmon’s own Space4 timber frame panels. Dean Finch, Group Chief Executive of Persimmon, said: “We are delighted that Homes England has joined this year’s funding round and demonstrated its commitment to the important role TopHat’s brick façade product and volumetric modular homes can play in meeting our country’s housing needs. “We continue to work closely with Jordan and his team to build upon our initial pilot scheme to develop a larger work plan that incorporates TopHat’s products into our build programme.”

Henry Brothers receives Green Apple Award for SportPark Pavilion 4

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Henry Brothers receives Green Apple Award for SportPark Pavilion 4
Construction company, Henry Brothers, has received an award for Environmental Best Practice at the Green Apple Environment Awards. 

Designed to recognise organisations across the world that show innovation and commitment to being environmentally responsible, Henry Brothers received the prestigious accolade for its work on SportPark Pavilion 4, built for Loughborough University.

Ian Taylor, Managing Director at Henry Brothers Construction, said: “It is fantastic to have been recognised on an international level for our efforts to help Loughborough University decarbonise its estate. 

“Having achieved Passivhaus Classic accreditation, widely regarded as the most challenging energy efficiency and comfort standards in the world, SportPark Pavillion 4 adds to our already impressive portfolio of sustainable builds. 

“This accolade is testament to the dedication of our staff to make a meaningful impact on the communities in which we operate and further strengthens our commitment to net zero.” 

Joel Callow, founding director of Beyond Carbon Associates, worked alongside Henry Brothers to obtain Passivhaus Classic accreditation for the build. Joel said: “We are delighted that one of our favourite Passivhaus projects has won this prestigious award.  

“A notable achievement for Henry Brothers and setting a great example both for the region and nationally, as Sportpark Pavilion 4 is one of the very few certified Passivhaus office buildings in the UK. Great leadership by Loughborough University.”

Ford & Stanley secures exclusive recruitment partnership with Unipart Rail

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Ford & Stanley secures exclusive recruitment partnership with Unipart Rail
Derby-based talent specialist Ford & Stanley is celebrating a three-year contract win with tech and supply chain solutions provider Unipart Rail, part of Unipart Group, after being selected as its exclusive recruitment partner. The agreement follows an initial period of working closely together throughout 2022, with intent to enter into a partnership agreement in 2023. Ford & Stanley will be responsible for the provision of permanent and contract recruitment services spanning white collar and executive search across all business disciplines over the next 24 – 36 months. Wanda Elliott, human resource director, Unipart Rail, said: “As part of a review of our recruitment processes within Unipart Rail, we were exploring new initiatives that would enable our business to secure a competitive advantage in a highly competitive recruitment and candidate market. “We wanted to move away from transactional recruitment with several suppliers to a long-term collaborative partnership and were looking for a recruitment partner with a strong track record of delivering successful recruitment partnerships, who understands and operates within our varied areas of expertise, and whose values are aligned with our own. “Our biggest asset is our people, so finding the right partner to provide us with the right people was essential to underpin our growth and to ensure we have the right capability to support our customers in improving the performance of their operations; positioning us as the Performance Improvement Partner for the rail industry.” Daniel Taylor, director, Ford & Stanley Group, said: “Our partnership with Unipart Rail is based on a shared commitment to excellence and a multi-disciplinary approach. Together, we aim to deliver exceptional services and provide a range of modern recruitment solutions beyond sourcing top talent.” As well as providing a dedicated account delivery team to Unipart Rail, Ford & Stanley has pledged several sustainability-driven commitments, including its ‘A Tree For Every Placement’ initiative. Each time a hire is successfully appointed, an oak tree is planted that provides up to 500 years of daily environmental benefit.

Join Streets Chartered Accountants’ Autumn Statement webinar

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Join Streets Chartered Accountants’ Autumn Statement webinar
Following Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement today, join Streets Chartered Accountants for a post event webinar tomorrow at 11am. Colleagues from Streets Tax and Streets’ financial services team will present on the announcements made along with providing an update on topical issues affecting business clients and private individuals during this tax year 2023/24. Whilst the Autumn Statement will most likely focus on measures to bring down inflation, it is likely to provide some indication as to the treatment of taxation and potential changes that might take place in the Spring Budget 2024. This presentation will be recorded and available on demand for those not able to join live. Simply register to receive a link to watch on demand.

REGISTER

Ideagen makes sixth acquisition of 2023

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Ideagen makes sixth acquisition of 2023
Ideagen, a provider of software solutions for regulated industries, has acquired Australian tech disruptors Op Central. Ideagen CEO Ben Dorks said: “The acquisition of Op Central enables Ideagen to provide something that every compliance professional desires: time. “Productivity is a huge concern for businesses globally and is increasingly being discussed at board level as reduced productivity impacts both the top and bottom line. “With organizations being forced to do more with fewer or the same resources, the one element that cannot be compromised is compliance. “Ideagen Op Central and it’s AI functionality will do the heavy lifting for organizations on essential but time-consuming tasks, freeing up people to focus on adding the value where it makes the biggest difference.” Headquartered in South Yarra Victoria, Op Central is Ideagen’s third Australian acquisition of 2023, following on from collaboration and compliance solution Ideagen OnePlace Solutions in May and Health safety and quality software Ideagen Lucidity last month. Josh Cairns, CEO of Op Central, added: “Joining Ideagen brings immense opportunities for Op Central and we’re excited about the possibilities this could unlock. “We know our customers see our platform as a game changer in helping them manage multi-site operations. Our tech, combined with Ideagen’s reach and resources, means we can empower more organizations globally to increase their operational consistency. “We’re thrilled about the potential this move brings, as it sets the stage for a new chapter of growth for us.” Op Central is Ideagen’s sixth acquisition of 2023 following Qadex (now Ideagen Quality Management Food and Beverage edition) in January, Ideagen Tritan and Ideagen OnePlace Solutions in May, Ideagen DevonWay in September, and Ideagen Lucidity in October.

Gateley reports “resilient” performance in first half

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Gateley reports “resilient” performance in first half
Professional services group Gateley has hailed a “resilient performance” in its half year results, amidst a challenging market due to macro-economic conditions. According a trading update ahead of its half year results for the six months ended 31 October 2023 (H1 24), group revenue grew by 7% and is expected to be not less than £81.5m. Underlying profit before tax, meanwhile, is expected to be not less than £10m, representing growth of 4%. Rod Waldie, Chief Executive Officer of Gateley, said: “Given the economic conditions during the period, I am pleased with the group’s performance in H1 24 and improving activity levels as the financial year progresses mean that we are carrying good momentum into H2. “Whilst the macroeconomic and geopolitical outlook remains uncertain, the group continues to benefit from the resilience created by our strategy of investing in a diverse and complementary range of professional services. “Our balance sheet provides a strong foundation from which to take a long-term view of potential opportunities to further invest in both legal and consultancy services. “Finally, as always, I would like to thank our clients for their support and our dedicated people for their ongoing hard work, commitment and can-do attitude.”

Leicester gets share in new call centre jobs created by British Gas

Stuart Pearcey
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Leicester gets share in new call centre jobs created by British Gas
Leicester is one of several UK locations chosen by British Gas to increase the number of jobs at its call centres.
The company is hiring over 700 new roles across its network of energy contact centres, helping to boost its existing customer service teams in Leicester, Leeds, Stockport, Edinburgh, and Cardiff as the winter heating season begins. These roles will all be in post by the end of the year with continued hiring taking place in January as part of the company’s aim to move call centre resource to the UK. Last winter, British Gas experienced an increase in call volume due to the energy crisis and invested £25 million in its customer services operations to meet this demand. Whilst energy prices have come down, the company still expects customers to need support so is continuing to boost its UK teams. The increased staff will also mean longer opening times for British Gas customers of 8am to 6pm on weekdays and 9am to 2pm on Saturday. British Gas has a £100 million support package in place to help customers who are struggling with energy costs – the largest voluntary support package offered by a UK supplier. Its customer services teams will receive additional training in how to help customers in financial difficultly including directing them to available support. Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, parent company of British Gas, said: “Although energy prices have come down slightly, many of our customers are still struggling overall with the cost of living and need to speak to us for longer about their energy bills.  Strengthening our UK call centre operations will allow us to help more households with expert advice and support during this time. “I’m extremely proud of how our expert teams support our customers every day – in the past year they’ve helped over 1 million customers who’ve been struggling to afford their bills with additional support such as grants, debt relief and payment plans.” In addition to hiring UK based call centre staff, British Gas will continue to train apprentices to help accelerate the drive to net zero and to fix boilers and ensure people are heating their homes efficiently over the winter. The company has a strong history of boosting jobs and training in the UK with 3,500 new apprentices to be hired by 2030.

Nottingham Forest submits plans for new ‘Fan Zone’

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Nottingham Forest submits plans for new ‘Fan Zone’
Nottingham Forest Football Club is seeking permission for a new ‘Fan Zone’ at its City Ground, in the car park to the rear of the Brian Clough Stand. The plans include converted shipping containers, a modular unit, and mini marquees to provide a temporary Fan Zone with Food & Beverage and merchandise. The focal point will be a Media Screen with seating, with the perimeter areas for the bar and beverage and merchandising offerings. A design statement submitted by Benoy on behalf of the football club says: “There is a drive from the Premier League and English Football League to make football a more family friendly environment. There is also ambition by the Club to make a statement in respect of environmental sustainability which our ownership our passionate about. The Fanzone is seen as a vehicle to demonstrate this. “The Football Club propose to change the use of a small section of their existing car park to generate greater excitement around the matchday experience with activations before and after the game. To provide supporters with a safe environment as a starting point to help generate the atmosphere pre-game and a place to enjoy food & drink, music and activities for all.”

Tyre dealer faces £1,325 penalty for waste tyre offences

Stuart Pearcey
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Tyre dealer faces £1,325 penalty for waste tyre offences
Failure to failing to submit waste transfer notes when asked to move 844 tyres from his base has cost a Derbyshire tyre dealer £1,325. Wayne Rogers, 40, who operated as ECO Tyres rear of Church Street, Swadlincote, admitted the offence and was fined £518, ordered to pay costs of £600 and the victim surcharge of £207 coming to a total of £1325. The court was told that Environment Agency officers visited his premises following information that a large number of tyres were being stored around the premises. The officers visited the site again on 11 October to find that the tyres had been removed. However, Rogers then failed to produce the waste transfer note. Further attempts to contact Rogers via mobile phone and email were ignored.  Rogers was issued with a fixed penalty notice for failing to produce waste transfer notes which he failed to pay. Every person who produces, carries, keeps or disposes of waste is subject to duty of care legislation to ensure the waste is managed appropriately, which includes ensuring the transfer of waste is recorded. A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “The requirements to keep and produce waste transfer notes are in place to protect the public and environment. “Failing to comply with legal requirements to keep and produce records undermines legitimate businesses that work hard to operate within the regulations. The regime is intended to ensure that waste is disposed of correctly. The production of transfer notes is an important aspect of that regime. “We hope this sentence sends out a clear message to others that proper records as required under the law must be maintained and produced when required.”

Equip Outdoor Technologies CEO to step down

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Equip Outdoor Technologies CEO to step down
Derbyshire-headquartered Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd., home of technical outdoor apparel and equipment brands Rab and Lowe Alpine, is commencing an executive recruitment plan to find a successor for Matt Gowar, the current CEO. Twelve years after buying Lowe Alpine, twenty years after buying Rab, and thirty years after importing his first glove range into the UK, Matt Gowar, CEO and owner of Equip Outdoor Technologies (UK) Ltd, has decided that it’s time to bring new experience and leadership to strengthen the Board by appointing a new CEO. Equip has experienced significant growth which has been most evident in the last few years and achieved £120m turnover in FY23. The global business now operates through 26 manufacturing partners across Asia as well as retaining its heritage and expertise in a UK manufacturing site plus has sales offices in eight countries across North America and Europe. Matt will remain active within the business, retaining executive responsibility at Equip Board level for his areas of specialty and passion, including CSR, supplier sourcing and supporting the development in North America. But, after 30 years in the industry, traveling extensively for business and building successful brands, Matt wants to spend more time doing the things he loves; time on his bikes, traveling for pleasure, and being with his family. Equip is now seeking a successor for Matt in 2024. Matt Gowar, owner and CEO, Equip Outdoor Technologies (UK) Ltd, said: “The last few years have seen extraordinary pressures for the outdoor industry and supply chains. We have worked hard to grow Equip and our brands and achieved significant business milestones along the way. “Knowing that the business is in such a strong position, I look forward to finding someone who can step into the CEO role to bring new experience and leadership to our existing Board and lead Equip to achieve the next five-year strategic plan. “This will allow me to concentrate on the areas of the business I have the most expertise and also free up my time to do the things I have missed out on whilst building the business; time with my family and my personal interests. I plan to retain ownership of Equip, as we keep to our current strategy.”

Trading ahead of expectations at Breedon

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Trading ahead of expectations at Breedon
Trading is ahead of expectations at Breedon, the construction materials group. According to a trading update for the ten months to 31 October 2023, the business has delivered a “strong performance.” When compared to the same period in 2022, revenue increased 8%.

Breedon noted that changes to building regulations in the UK that took effect in June impacted ready-mixed concrete volumes, while aggregate and asphalt volumes have continued to moderate. However, pricing has been sustained and Breedon has maintained “tight control” over its cost base.

Due to a strong performance in the year to date, the company now expects to achieve full year 2023 underlying EBIT ahead of market consensus.

Rob Wood, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Notwithstanding the market backdrop, the Breedon team continues to deliver and we are delighted to report a trading performance ahead of expectations.

“Against the uncertain political and economic backdrop, our teams have adapted well to deliver a compelling performance, whatever the prevailing market conditions.

“Our strategic focus on ensuring Breedon is a great place to work, taking care of our people and the communities around our sites, has once again been reflected in both our financial performance as well as our colleague engagement, of which I am particularly proud.

“But we never settle – we will continue to seek ways to operate as efficiently and sustainably as possible, invest in our people and grow our business so we are positioned to succeed when the construction materials market returns to growth.”

Approval sought for rail training and innovation centre

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Approval sought for rail training and innovation centre
Planning permission is being sought for the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) – a modern rail innovation and training centre set to be located next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse. If approved the new centre will provide workshop and classroom space to support speciality rail industry training, research and development facilities and commercial space for rail related businesses. In total the building is expected to cost around £4 million. Funding for the project has been provided through the Staveley Town Deal. Development of the centre is being delivered by Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, Chesterfield Borough Council and New Rail (part of Newcastle University). Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The Rail sector offers a fantastic range of high-quality careers and DRIIVe is all about ensuing our residents can receive the skills and training they need to access these opportunities. This is an ambitious project that will create opportunities for generations to come and reflects the council’s aims to expand the local Rail sector. “I’m delighted that Town Deal funding is being used to support the development of this building because new training facilities like this will improve career prospects and help ensure that Staveley is the place to start, to stay and to grow.” Mervyn Allcock, general manager at Barrow Hill Roundhouse, said: “If it is approved, DRIIVe will help establish Barrow Hill as the home of the rail industry in Chesterfield and we look forward to speaking to companies about the potential benefits of being based at the centre. Any revenue from the building will be used to support the Roundhouse in achieving its aim of preserving our local Rail heritage.” DRIIVe will provide 1,423 square metres of floor space consisting of classroom and workshop training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial offices. The centre will support a network of speciality training providers – offering rail-related education from level 2 through to postgraduate training and research. Becoming a prominent location for rail technology, DRIIVe will also serve as a base for rail-related supply chain businesses which will have access to the very latest research and innovation. DRIIVe will create about 20 full time jobs and by year five it aims to support around 270 trainees, supporting local people to access highly skilled careers in the rail industry. Early development and design costs were funded through the Staveley Town Deal Accelerator Fund.

MTMS appoints new project manager

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MTMS appoints new project manager
An army veteran with a passion for the environment and restoring classic motorbikes has joined the team at an East Midlands rail maintenance firm. Ed Wakeford is the new project manager at MTMS, based in Moira, near Swadlincote, as he takes charge of managing its operations at the Craigentinny Train Maintenance Centre, near Edinburgh in Scotland. This depot, which is operated by Hitachi Rail, is vital for maintaining trains from many locations in Scotland and from the north of England and is the biggest depot of its kind north of the border. Ed’s role at Craigentinny will include overseeing the work at the depot, communicating with suppliers and manufacturers and liaising with clients. The 43-year-old said he was looking for a new challenge when he joined MTMS, but it was the team that sealed the deal for him. Ed said: “I love it here as it’s such a nice group of people and this will always be a top priority for me. It is hard being new, but I enjoy going into work and I feel well supported as well as being able to support everyone else. “It’s always changing and there’s always something new to pick up. The team has also made me feel very welcome, which is always important when you’re just starting out.” Ed, who is originally from West Sussex but now lives in Derbyshire, served in the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment for five years where he spent time in Germany, did tours of Afghanistan and trained in Canada and Africa. Since leaving the Army, he has also worked on a new-build housing project, creating open spaces and play areas before joining MTMS. Ed, who is also the company’s Armed Forces champion, said: “The Army taught me to adapt to any scenario as you will be given information and misinformation so it’s about sifting through it in a logical way to sort it out. “I found it quite easy to adapt after leaving the Army. It can be difficult to start off with but there are lots of elements from being in the Army that prepare you. I’m used to being stuck in the middle of nowhere and all you have is what you’ve got in front of you.”

Blueprint Interiors complete six figure showroom refurb to satisfy five generations of workforce

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Blueprint Interiors complete six figure showroom refurb to satisfy five generations of workforce

Workplace consultants and commercial office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors has completed another six figure refurbishment of its showroom in Ashby de la Zouch.

The investment is part of continuous programme of investment by Blueprint Interiors to ensure its showroom called WorkLife Central is revitalised and continually showcases the latest design, products and technology reflective of an innovative and versatile workplace.

The refurbishment has featured brand new layouts throughout with the creation of a new “Loft” area upstairs to illustrate how flexible workspaces can be re-configured within minutes to accommodate the variety of workstyles now required.

There are also many other additions that reflect the need for neurodiversity and inclusion as employers seek to satisfy the needs of five generations of employees.

The refurbishments were led by Blueprint Interiors Creative Director, Chloe Sproston and the integration of AV systems to facilitate hassle-free hybrid meetings was carried out by Tom Bamford from TecInteractive based in Ashbourne.

Chloe said: “There’s been a revolution in what people want from their offices and many businesses are still struggling to understand what their workplace is for and what they need to do to attract people back to the workplace.

“By visiting our showroom business owners can experience how their workplace could look, understand the design process and try out furniture, technology, lighting and acoustic effects that help to ensure their environment is motivating and productive, and meets the way in which people now want to work.”

The necessary need for people to work from home suddenly gave everyone a choice of how to work; at the kitchen table, sofa, or home office. For many, this was the first time they’d had such a choice.

Getting people to come back to the rows and rows of desks they left, when they appear to have more choice at home (plus a commute to do) was always going to be hard. It’s now more vital to consider human-centric goals and aims, and the different qualities of the people using the space.

Tom Bamford added: “The aim is to ensure that technology seamlessly integrates into the workspace, designed in a way that’s smart and simple to use – allowing you to focus on what matters most.

“Our successful collaboration on The Loft project with Blueprint Interiors illustrates this commitment. Together, we’ve redesigned the space, showcasing how flexible workspaces can adapt to various workstyles.”

Blueprint Interiors has also recorded its best ever half year results having recently completed projects on behalf of leading employers such as The Melton Building Society, Worldline, and Gleeds. It also has a strong pipeline of work agreed for 2024 and expects to exceed its growth objectives which will result in the creation of a number of new roles at the company.

Council plans to transform outdated junction get funding boost

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Council plans to transform outdated junction get funding boost
Plans to transform Leicester’s St Margaret’s junction to help encourage more walking and cycling, and improve bus journey times, have been given a major cash boost. Leicester City Council has been awarded over £12 million from the third round of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, which is designed for long-term, major capital projects which will help create jobs, encourage new investment and enable business growth. The proposed highway development project would transform the sprawling junction linking St Margaret’s Way, Burleys Way, Vaughan Way and Church Gate. It will also see the permanent removal of the last remaining pedestrian underpasses on the city’s inner ring road. The large underpass complex was closed and fenced off earlier this year, following surveys that showed many people choose not to use them due to safety concerns and the fear of crime. Proposed improvements include filling-in all three underpasses and major remodelling of the junction to help improve bus journey times, provide a more attractive route for walkers and cyclists and create more green space at this important gateway into the city centre. Ensuring the area feels safe for people to use after dark is another key aim of the project. The introduction of new bus lanes on sections of St Margaret’s Way and Sanvey Gate will help improve journey times and service reliability by creating a direct link between the new St Margaret’s Bus Station and the A6, A50 and Anstey Lane bus corridors. New cycle tracks would also be created on parts of St Margaret’s Way and Sanvey Gate to link to recently created and planned works expanding the citywide network of safer routes for cyclists. Footpaths would be widened and improved, and new parallel crossings for pedestrians and cyclists will be introduced across the busy junction. New landscaping would also help create a stronger link between the city centre and the medieval St Margaret’s Church building, which dates back to the 13th century. The proposed improvements are intended to encourage more walking and cycling, with transport surveys showing that currently just three per cent of people using the junction do so on foot or bike. The scheme will also help to promote new development and regeneration in the area, including providing the infrastructure needed to support investment in new city centre homes to help meet rising demand. Cllr Adam Clarke, deputy city mayor for climate, culture and economy, said: “This is great news for the city and a fantastic opportunity to build on the improvements we have already seen from the award-winning redevelopment of St Margaret’s bus station – the first operationally net zero bus station building in the UK. “The nearby St Margaret’s junction is an outdated throwback to the original 1970s ring road design. Its underpasses are unappealing to pedestrians and are a magnet for anti-social behaviour. “As it stands the junction is a barrier for pedestrians and cyclists, and the current arrangement does no favours for buses leaving the new St Margaret’s Station. “These proposals will address an important missing link in our transport network and help this sprawling junction into an attractive gateway into the city centre for all road users. It will also help reveal one of Leicester’s finest historic church buildings and reconnect it and the surrounding area to the city centre. Importantly, it will also make the route feel safer for people to use, especially at night. “The award of over £12 million from Levelling Up Fund is a huge endorsement of the importance of this scheme. “Providing more attractive and sustainable travel choices for people will help deliver a greener solution for the future growth of the city and support our work around the climate emergency and air quality improvements. We need to be radical and ambitious to meet these challenges.” Alongside the award of £12,177,706 from the Levelling Up Fund, the city council will invest £3 million of capital funding towards the project. Work is expected to get underway in 2025.

Solicitors have Enthusiasm to raise money for youth organisation

Tess Egginton
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Solicitors have Enthusiasm to raise money for youth organisation

Lawyers across Derbyshire and East Staffordshire have agreed to work together to raise funds for an organisation that supports children and young people from deprived backgrounds.

Derby and District Law Society has named Enthusiasm Trust as its chosen charity for the year and hopes to raise cash to support its work helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds reach their full potential.

Oliver Maxwell, from Nelsons Solicitors on Lodge Lane, was appointed as president of the society in May and chose the charity after attending a Marketing Derby bondholder event at Enthusiasm’s headquarters on Cotton Lane.

The first fundraising activity was a Great British Bake Off-style competition which saw solicitors from across the society’s membership demonstrating their showstopping baking skills in a contest which raised more than £500.

The money will help Enthusiasm Trust continue to provide youth clubs, workshops, homework support and one-to-one mentoring programmes to give young people the opportunities to gain skills, knowledge and experience from a variety of activities.

Oliver said: “I attended an event at Enthusiasm’s headquarters a couple of years ago and was really moved by the sterling work being done there. I was particularly impressed by the creative projects they carried out during lockdown.

“So, when I was given the presidency, it was an easy decision to name Enthusiasm as my chosen charity because it really is a laudable cause.

“The Bake Off was the first event we have all taken part in and there are some talented bakers among the membership. Gemma Plummer from Eddowes Waldron, based at St Peter’s Churchyard, won the ‘best bake’ prize for their Halloween inspired cake, with the Family Law Group on Iron Gate raising the most money.”

The Derby and District Law Society was established in early 1886 and today represents lawyers across the whole of Derbyshire and East Staffordshire. It aims to support the legal profession locally by offering training, social events, and representing its members’ interest. Additionally, the society aims to assist the public in sourcing solicitors with a particular specialism.It already has strong links with Enthusiasm Trust as Claire Twells, from Smith Partnership, is vice chair of the board of trustees while Melanie Brigden is also a board member and a leading partner at Nelsons Solicitors.

April Allman, CEO of Enthusiasm, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the law society has named Enthusiasm Trust as its chosen charity, because any additional funding really goes a long way and helps us to make a genuine difference to the lives of the people we work with.

“Every year Enthusiasm needs to raise £300,000 to keep delivering its services and so we are really keen to encourage the business community to get on board and help us financially.

“We have a wonderful army of volunteers – 12 young volunteers and 10 at the family hub – and collectively they have worked well over 2,500 hours in the last 12 months.

“Employers can have such a positive influence and impact on young people – both financially and in so many other ways. No matter how big or small the support or donation our organisation will always ensure our young people will benefit from the generosity.”

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