Creative Business Solutions expands to Derby
A company that helps SMEs become more efficient and successful through the use of new digital technology and techniques is expanding.Creative Business Solutions (CBS) have secured 45 Brunel Parkway on Pride Park, in a deal brokered by NG Chartered Surveyors.The company is expanding to Derby from its current base in Shardlow.James Wright of Creative Business Solutions said: “We’re absolutely delighted to secure a location on Pride Park, this new premises forms a big part of our expansion plans.”Thomas Szymkiw, director and head of agency at NG Chartered Surveyors, said: “Pride Park continues to attract some of the best growing companies in the East Midlands, and CBS certainly fit the bill.“45 Brunel Parkway is ideally located for James and his team and strategically located on the city side of Pride Park, meaning CBS staff can take advantage of fantastic transport links, as well as everything Derby city centre has to offer. I wish them well in their new home and will watch their progress with interest.”
Phenna Group snaps up ACI Reports
Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group, which aims to invest in and partner with selected niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) companies, has made its 12th acquisition of 2023.
Formed in 2009, ACI Reports, based in Skelmersdale, Lancashire is a provider of TM44 air conditioning inspection reports in the UK and a provider of EPC certificates and DEC certificates.
They work on a wide range of projects from individual retail shops to large scale national contracts. The company operates nationwide and occasionally for international clients, across diverse sectors and with a national network of TM44 air conditioning unit inspectors.
Jol Pearson, director of ACI, said: “We are really excited for ACI to be joining Phenna Group. Throughout the whole process the Phenna team have been very responsive, transparent and acted with a high degree of integrity.
“There are always some challenges undertaking an M&A process but with Phenna Group and their advisers it has been seamless and we are confident that Phenna will be the supportive partner that ACI needs to continue its growth plan and further cement its market leading position.
“As we transition out of the business, we will remain excited to see how the business develops going forward.”
Mick Grist, MD of Industrial Safety Inspections at Phenna Group, who will take over responsibility for ACI following a short transition period, said: “I’m delighted to be taking on responsibility for ACI. ACI has built a fantastic business and I’m excited to work with the team to continue building on their legacy as we move forward together.”
Paul Barry, Group CEO of Phenna Group, said: “Operating in complementary markets to several of our portfolio companies, we have been aware of ACI for some time and have seen it grow from strength to strength.
“I am excited about the future opportunities ACI will realise by having it as part of the wider Phenna Group. ACI have built an outstanding business with an excellent team to support them and I am confident of its future ambitions being realised.”
Phenna Group were advised by Johnston Carmichael and Avonhurst.
ACI were advised by Brabners Solicitors and Nero Accounting.
Improved trading performance for Watches of Switzerland Group
Leicester-based Watches of Switzerland Group has reported an improved trading performance in its second quarter, with revenue of £379 million.
This is up from £374 million in the same period last year and comes as the firm says demand for luxury watches remains robust and continues to exceed supply.
It puts half year revenue, for the 26 weeks to 29 October 2023, at £761 million, decreasing slightly from £765 million last year.Brian Duffy, Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am pleased to report an improved Q2 trading performance, notwithstanding the difficult consumer environment. Our proven business model, the strength of our brand partnerships, international scale, bold marketing campaigns and dedication to exceptional client service, continues to drive the business forward.
“We sustained strong momentum in the US where we delivered +11% constant currency sales growth. We are also encouraged by the early response to the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned programme which launched in the UK in September, following the US launch in July, as clients react strongly to the authenticity and guarantee of quality that the Certified Pre-Owned seal represents.
“The UK performance was delivered despite the impact of several high turnover Goldsmiths and Mappin & Webb showrooms being closed for upgrade and trading from pop-up locations during the quarter. These will reopen pre-Christmas. The UK business exited the quarter strongly, returning to year-on-year growth in October.
“We have been focused on developing our network of luxury showrooms across the UK, US and Europe in the period, including the continued roll-out of the Goldsmiths Luxury showroom format, the Mappin & Webb contemporary concept, the refurbishment of the Rolex boutique in Millenia, Orlando and new mono-brand boutiques.
“I am delighted to announce that, in October 2023, we agreed to acquire 19 luxury watch showrooms, including five mono-brand boutiques from Ernest Jones in the UK. I would like to welcome our new colleagues in the luxury showrooms we have acquired from Ernest Jones.
“We believe these are great showrooms and highly complementary to our portfolio. During the balance of the fiscal year, we will be working on systems, merchandising, training and marketing in order to have the full beneficial impact from this acquisition in FY25.
“In the second half, our major showroom upgrades in the UK will reopen pre-Christmas along with the reopening of our US Rolex boutique at Millenia, Orlando. That, combined with our sequential sales improvement over the quarter means we reiterate our FY24 guidance.
“Our business is well planned and our teams full of enthusiasm for the upcoming holiday season.”
The news comes as Watches of Switzerland Group reveals its Long Range Plan, aiming to more than double sales and profits by FY28, to surpass the milestone of £3bn in revenue.Recruitment group makes £113m acquisition
The parent company of Chesterfield-based Gi Group and Grafton Recruitment, Gi Group Holding, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the European Staffing business of Kelly, a global specialty talent solutions provider, for cash consideration of up to €130 million.
The transaction – with cash consideration of €100 million and an additional earnout potential of up to €30 million – is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024, subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Under the terms of the agreement, Kelly will transition its European staffing business within its international operating segment to Gi Group Holding, providing staffing services to customers in 14 countries.
The transaction marks the 51st acquisition in Gi Group Holding’s history since 1998.
Stefano Colli-Lanzi, Gi Group Holding founder & CEO, said: “Today is an exciting step for Gi Group Holding, as we advance our ambition to grow both organically and through strategic acquisitions.
“Kelly’s European staffing business will strengthen our presence and capabilities in Europe, allowing us to scale up and draw on Kelly’s expertise in the region, while staying true to our commitment to contribute to the positive evolution of the labor market.”
Belper Town Ladies footballers score support from local science company
A Derbyshire first division ladies’ football club has scored valuable support from a neighbouring science company to help kickstart their season.
Belper Town Ladies Football Club has been going for more than 15 years and has been sponsored by local science company Lubrizol, whose UK technical centre is based a few miles down the road at Hazelwood.
From its beginnings as a group of women footballers meeting to train, the club has gone from strength to strength. It now boasts 55 players ranging in age from under-16s to women in their 40s, and has a first team playing in Derbyshire Ladies League Division 1, as well as a development squad.
This season Lubrizol has sponsored the club’s first and reserve teams with brand new kit, as well as sponsoring a match. The company has an advertising board at Belper Town Football Club too.
Ladies club chair Emma Varnam, who started playing for the club 15 years ago, said: “Lubrizol responded to one of our social posts asking for sponsors a few years ago. Both teams now are playing in exactly the same kit. It’s massive for us. People are struggling at the moment with money worries and we’re trying to make sure that football is always affordable.”
Rachel Ollier, who works at Lubrizol’s technology department, was one of the founder members of Belper Town Ladies back in 2008.
She said: “At my local leisure centre they were doing football training for ladies, as some alternative fitness. From that, there was a group of us who decided to start up a ladies football team.”
Rachel was part of the team for a few years before she had to withdraw through injury, but could not be more pleased that the club is doing so well with a strong performance in the past few seasons earning them a division one spot.
She said: “They’re winning a lot more games these days. There were times when we used to struggle to get 11 players for a team. To see it carried on and still successful is really nice.”
Now Emma would love to see more people come and support Belper Town Ladies in their 2023/24 campaign.
She said: “Come down and watch us! It’s a decent standard of football on a Sunday afternoon.”
Claire Hollingshurst, from Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee, said: “It’s with great pleasure that we are able to sponsor our local ladies football club in Belper. Encouraging physical activity and social exercise is very important to us at Lubrizol and this is a great club that is going from strength to strength. We’re very proud to support them.”
Nottingham expansion for IT support company
A company offering IT support to businesses has expanded into Nottingham, moving into offices at Bridgford Business Centre in the city.
3RS IT Solutions, which has a headquarters in Northamptonshire, is headed up by Stephen Souch, who has worked in the IT industry for 16 years.
Stephen founded his first business in the IT sector in 2013, building it up to a £1 million turnover company before establishing 3RS IT Solutions with his wife, marketing manager Leila.
3RS IT Solutions was officially incorporated in February and has grown to a team of eight with 158 clients on its books. This next phase of expansion will see the company grow its coverage of the East Midlands further, first with Nottingham, followed by Derby in 2024.
As part of the expansion, 3RS IT Solutions has hired sales executive Eliza Nowicka who will cover the Nottingham area. Eliza said: “I am hugely excited to be joining an ambitious family business at a time of huge expansion. Everyone has been so welcoming. It already feels like I’ve been working at 3RS IT Solutions for years. It feels like home.”
Home is a reason that Nottingham was identified as a site for expansion with Leila Souch originally coming from the area.
Leila said: “Nottingham is where I am from and I know the area well, as well as the colloquialisms! It was always our ambition to expand 3RS IT Solutions further geographically and it makes me hugely proud to be doing this in Nottingham and bringing jobs to the region too.”
BRUSH Group acquires European transformer windings specialist
Energy engineering solutions provider BRUSH Group has acquired European transformer windings specialist Co.Bo.T srl for an undisclosed sum.
The deal allows BRUSH to secure a vital link in its supply chain and creates extra production capacity to support the expansion of the UK electricity grid for years to come.
With increasing demand for power transformers, driven by the transition to net zero, acquiring Co.Bo.T also has the potential to optimise lead-times for BRUSH customers keen to connect to the grid.
Based near Vicenza in Northern Italy, Co.Bo.T supplies major transformer manufacturers across Western Europe – including BRUSH – and has built a strong reputation as a winding specialist in the 33kV-132kV bracket. Last year the firm invested in a major upgrade to its production line and has proven capacity to handle the entire sub-assembly manufacturing process.
And following a commitment to a multi-million-pound investment in its state-of-the-art testing facilities in Loughborough, Leicestershire, BRUSH is increasing its own in-house capabilities within final assembly and testing, ensuring its transformers continue to meet the highest standards and specifications.
Nicolas Pitrat, CEO of BRUSH Group, said: “I’m very excited to welcome Co.Bo.T to the BRUSH family. Their impressive skills and expertise will not only help boost our supply chain, but in joining the Group they will further enhance our comprehensive solutions offering, ensuring we can support our customers every step of the way.
“Our strategic partnership with Co.Bo.T, combined with the investment in our Loughborough facility, significantly increases our production capability while maintaining our renowned transformer quality.”
Davide Cornale, Managing Director of Co.Bo.T, said: “Having worked as a key supplier to BRUSH for many years, we are delighted to have the opportunity to become part of the Group.
“I am proud of what we have achieved over the past 30 years and the deal with BRUSH is a testament to the team’s expertise, the quality of our work and the high level of service we offer – that will continue in the future. The acquisition will also give us the financial backing to drive future growth and better support our customers across Europe.”
As part of BRUSH Group, Co.Bo.T will remain a standalone business, continuing to offer its winding and assembly services to the whole transformer industry. The firm employs a 40-strong team of people, all of whom will be retained. For Co.Bo.T’s existing customers, all contracts will be honoured under the new ownership, with BRUSH emphasising that it’s “business as usual.”
27,537ft² unit sold in Newark
FHP have sold a 27,537ft² unit on a 2.65 acre site in Newark, to local occupier Onebigstar (Holdings) Limited. The sale of Brunel House shows the freehold market for large industrial premises around Nottinghamshire is still strong and resilient.
FHP’s client, Rotherhill Developments, acquired Brunel House in Newark in March this year and have repurposed the premises and completed a sale to the owner occupier.
Anthony Barrowcliffe, associate director of FHP, said: “Working alongside Will Torr of HEB and Rotherhill has been an excellent experience and I am delighted to have been the one to have found the purchaser.
“There was a lot of joint effort put into this transaction and I am pleased with the outcome, not only for the vendors Rotherhill, but also for the purchaser Onebigstar.
“I am delighted that after high levels of interest we could find the right buyer for this building. This new facility will support a local business’s growth and secure their future.”
Edward Jeffery of Rotherhill said: “This property is an excellent location within an established industrial estate and benefits from strong transport links.
“Understanding the local market and demand for good quality second hand industrial space with extensive hardstanding/yard areas, we saw the opportunity to return the property to its originally intended industrial use.
“We are pleased to have sold the property to a successful Newark-based business. The building will facilitate their growth and future job creation.”
2,000 Lincolnshire jobs on the line as British Steel reveals intent to shut down blast furnaces
British Steel has revealed £1.25 billion decarbonisation proposals that unions say could see 2,000 jobs lost in Scunthorpe.
The company is planning to shut down blast furnaces at the manufacturing site, replacing them with greener and cheaper electric arc furnaces. The new furnaces could be operational by late 2025 and would replace the aging iron and steelmaking operations in Scunthorpe which the business says are responsible for the vast majority of its CO2 emissions. British Steel has started preliminary talks with trade unions about electrification, and has promised to support employees affected by the decarbonisation plans. It has agreed for its proposals to be reviewed by an external specialist on behalf of the trade unions. The company added that it is working with North Lincolnshire Council on a masterplan to attract new businesses and jobs to the Scunthorpe site, parts of which could become vacant if the proposals go ahead.£500,000 funding boost for affordable homes in Derby
Derby City Council has secured over £500,000 in Government funding to help build new affordable homes for rent in the city.
The money has been awarded by HM Government via the Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2). The homes will all be owned by the Council and managed by Derby Homes.
Two sites will benefit from the award. Plans to build 17 new homes on The Knoll, a long-vacant site on the corner of Village Street and Stenson Road, were approved on 20 October.
The BLRF2 fund has awarded £367,177 towards this development, which will be used to prepare and stabilise the ground ready for building work to begin. This involves repairing the retaining wall around the site, levelling the ground and providing a new road onto the site.
In addition, £203,509 has been earmarked for a proposed development of 17 affordable homes on the underused Drewry Lane car park, which is subject to planning consent. This is the site of a former metal works, and the funding would be used to remove contaminated earth from below the surface and replace it with clean soil.
Councillor Shiraz Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Property and Regulatory Services, said: “The BLRF2 grant is a welcome contribution towards providing much-needed, affordable social housing in the city. The value of both projects is many times more than this funding, but it recognises the challenges in making brownfield sites suitable for development.
“Subject to planning and a tender exercise, we would expect construction to start as early as next spring, with completions due in 2025. Both these sites are part of our joint programme with Derby Homes, which aims to build or acquire around 100 affordable homes per year to address the urgent need for housing in Derby.”
The BLRF2 fund is managed by One Public Estate, of which Derby City Council is a member. One Public Estate is a partnership between the Office of Government Property in the Cabinet Office, the Local Government Association, and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
It provides practical and technical support and funding for public sector partners to deliver ambitious property-led programmes in collaboration.
Planning Inspectorate upholds appeal after Lincolnshire County Council’s refusal of oil drilling proposals
Union Jack Oil, an onshore hydrocarbon production, development and exploration company, has announced that the Planning Inspectorate has upheld an appeal against the refusal of planning permission by Lincolnshire County Council for a side-track drilling operation, associated testing and long-term oil production at the Biscathorpe-2 wellsite.
The Biscathorpe project is covered by onshore UK licence PEDL253. The PEDL253 joint venture partnership will review the decision notice and associated planning conditions before providing an update on plans for progressing operations.
As part of this, it is said the operator, Egdon Resources Limited, will look to engage with the local community to ensure activities have minimal impact on local amenity.
Union Jack holds a 45% economic interest in PEDL253.
David Bramhill, executive chairman of Union Jack, said: “I am delighted to report this highly positive news in respect of Biscathorpe, one of our highest ranked projects, in which Union Jack holds a material 45% economic interest.
“While drilling the Biscathorpe-2 well, there were hydrocarbon shows, elevated gas readings and sample fluorescence observed over the entire interval from the top of the Dinantian to the Total Depth of the well, with 68 metres being interpreted as oil-bearing.
“Independent Consultants Applied Petroleum Technology also conducted analyses, confirming a hydrocarbon column of 33-34 API gravity oil, comparable with the oil produced at the nearby Keddington oilfield where Union Jack holds a 55% economic interest.
“Re-processing of 264 square kilometres of 3D seismic, indicate a material and potentially commercially viable hydrocarbon resource remaining to be appraised.
“The operator has assessed, in accordance with the PRMS Standard, gross Mean Prospective Resources of approximately 6.5 million barrels of oil. Commercial screening has indicated break-even full cycle economics to be US$18.07per barrel of oil.
“Union Jack’s technical team believe that Biscathorpe remains one of the largest unappraised conventional onshore discoveries within the UK. I thank shareholders for their patience and remain confident that both investors and the company will be well rewarded in due course.”
Derbyshire tourism awards shortlist announced
The shortlist of finalists for the 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards has been revealed, showcasing excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s tourism and hospitality sector.
Finalists have been announced in 14 awards categories celebrating the best of the local visitor economy, ranging from hotels, B&Bs and campsites to pubs, visitor attractions and unique experiences.
Matlock Farm Park has been shortlisted for a total of three awards, including the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, Team of the Year, and Visitor Attraction of the Year.
Shortlisted businesses will now go forward to the final round of independent judging before winners are revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at the Museum of Making in Derby next March.
Organised by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, in collaboration with Visit Derby as the region’s official Local Visitor Economy Partnership, the 2024 awards celebrate the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst highlighting the sector’s vital contribution to the local economy.
The 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are sponsored by digital solutions company Destination Core and Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who will be designing and handcrafting luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners.
Following the awards ceremony, Gold winners in each of the 13 core categories will automatically progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.
Jo Dilley, MD of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are a celebration of the passionate, hardworking and innovative businesses who continually raise the bar of our world-class tourism offer.
“Not only do the awards showcase the sheer quality of our tourism experiences to visitors from across the country, but they also serve as a timely reminder of the value of our visitor economy and the important role the industry plays in making the destination such a great place to live, work and visit.
“We’ve received a record number of applications this year and reaching this impressive lift of finalists is an achievement in itself. We look forward to celebrating with our finalists and partners at the awards ceremony in 2024.”
The 2024 Shortlist
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
- Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
- LEVEL Centre, Rowsley
- Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
- The Coach House, Derby
- Sheldon House, Monyash
- Underleigh House B&B, Hope
- Darwin Forest Lodges, Matlock
- Longnor Wood Holiday Park, Longnor, nr Buxton
- Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne
- Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
- Manor House Farm Cottages, Bakewell
- Pure Outdoor, Bamford
- Great British Car Journey, Ambergate
- Pub Tours Ltd, Darley Dale
- Pure Outdoor, Bamford
- The Maynard, Grindleford
- Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
- Wildhive Callow Hall, Ashbourne
- The Bull I’ Th’ Thorn, nr Buxton
- Muse Escapes Ltd, Buxton
- Pub Tours Ltd, Darley Dale
- The Blind Bull, Great Longstone
- The George, Hathersage
- The Prince of Wales, Baslow
- Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
- Stainsborough Hall Ltd, Carsington
- Waterside Barn, Bradbourne
- Fischer’s Baslow Hall, Baslow
- The Maynard, Grindleford
- The Patternmakers, Duffield
- The George, Hathersage
- Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
- Muse Escapes, Buxton
- Helena Smith Parucker, The Museum of Making
- Steph Taylor, Atlantik Inns
- Emma West, Longbow Bars and Restaurants
- Adrian Gagea, Longbow Bars and Restaurants
- Alan Hobson, The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
- Jane Redfern, Wildhive Callow Hall
- The Children’s Country House at Sudbury, Sudbury
- Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
- The Museum of Making, Derby
Frasers Group’s plan to acquire German sports retailer hits hurdle
Frasers Group’s plan to acquire SportScheck, one of the leading sports retailers in Germany, has hit a hurdle.
While the acquisition would enable Shirebrook-based Frasers to grow its presence in Germany, one of the biggest sports markets in Europe, the company it intends to buy is said to be on the brink of administration, according to Telegraph reports.
SportScheck has over 75 years of expertise in sports retail, with 34 stores in prime city locations across Germany, revenue of approximately €350m, and a loyal customer base of over 13 million visitors per year.
However it could now be put into insolvency by its financially struggling investment group Signa, which in the deal with Frasers had agreed to finance SportScheck until the transaction is completed – not expected until January – which it may no longer be able to do.
When announcing the acquisition Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers Group, said: “Acquiring the leading sporting goods retailer in Germany is a big step in our journey to becoming the number one sports retailer in EMEA – and we are delighted to do this with the full support of major global brand partners, Adidas and Nike.
“Growing and expanding our Sports business is a key focus area in becoming an international retail business. The German market represents a huge opportunity for us, and we look forward to bringing our experience, resources and relationships to strengthen the SportScheck business.”
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Land transferred for next phase of Derby’s Castleward development
Derby City Council has now transferred the final piece of land ready for work to start on phase 4 of the Castleward development.
The former Derbyshire County Transport site was the last piece required to allow the next stage of works to begin, following the acquisition of the former Tarmac site and properties on Canal Street earlier this year.
The Council took possession of the site and has now passed it over to Compendium Living, who will be carrying out clearance works in the coming months. Construction on the new homes will begin in 2024, carried out by Compendium Living’s construction partner, Lovell Partnerships.
Derbyshire County Transport has relocated to the Merlin Park development off Osmaston Road, helping bring forward the regeneration of another former industrial site, and keep this important service based in the city.
Phase 4 was given the green light by planners in May 2023 and will provide 112 new homes in the city centre, 34 of which will be affordable homes. The properties will be a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom houses, and one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Castleward is one of the city’s largest regeneration projects, providing around 800 new homes in total, alongside green spaces, a new boulevard, and new commercial units.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said: “Castleward is one of the city’s key regeneration projects as we look to bring people back to the city centre.
“I’m delighted that we’re now able to push forward with this next phase. Derby needs an attractive gateway from the train station, and these 112 new homes will contribute to that.
“Just recently we celebrated as the showhomes opened at phase three, and I look forward to seeing the next round of homes take shape over the coming years.”
Bruce Lister, Managing Director of Compendium Living, said: “As we near completion of our current phase on Castleward, we’re really pleased to have secured the final piece of land that will form part of the next construction phase, Phase 4, which is due to start on site in Spring 2024.”
Chesterfield temperature sensor manufacturer snapped up
SDI Group, the AIM-listed group focused on the design and manufacture of scientific and technology products for use in digital imaging and sensing and control applications, has acquired Peak Sensors, a manufacturer of temperature sensors in a £2.4m deal.
Peak is based in Chesterfield with a 5,300 sq ft leasehold facility, and has approximately 14 employees.
Revenues for the year ended 31 March 2023 were £2.1m, with EBIT of c.£330,000.
Peak will join the group’s Sensors and Controls division.
Ken Ford, chairman of SDI, said: “The acquisition of Peak is a further step in our group growth strategy, demonstrating again the opportunities to acquire businesses with high quality products with export growth potential.
“The acquisition is expected to be earnings enhancing in the first full year of ownership. We are delighted to welcome Roshan Aucklah, Peter Smith and their staff at Peak to the SDI Group.”
Kimberley Levelling Up Project takes step forward as planning permission approved at historic site
Kimberley’s £16.5 million Levelling Up Project has taken a major step forward after planning permission was approved for significant works at Bennerley Viaduct, including a visitors’ centre.
Broxtowe Borough Council has granted planning permission, which includes:
- The creation of an eastern earth ramp at the Viaduct.
- The creation of a cycle path and pedestrian access on this new ramp.
- A Visitors Centre which will include educational facilities, a shop, toilets, and a seating area in the summer.
- Cycle racks.
- Car Parking facilities for visitors.
New owner sought for Derbyshire pharmacies in administration
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has been instructed to sell an established pair of pharmacies in Chesterfield, on behalf of joint administrators, Christopher Latos and Richard D’Arcy.
The two community pharmacies – Dents of Chesterfield on Windermere Road and Dents Pharmacy in Saltergate – are well-established, modern, health centre-integrated pharmacies with over 100 years of trading history. Together they dispense an average of 16,000 items per month and are run by employed Pharmacists with locum Pharmacists one day per week.
The settings are available for sale on a group or individual basis.
Carl Steer, director – pharmacy at Christie & Co, who is handling the sale, says: “We expect that the sale of these two long-established pharmacies within health centres that are thoroughly modernised throughout will bring about strong interest from a mix of pharmacy operators. Interested parties are encouraged to act swiftly to meet the deadline for offers of 30 November 2023.”
The pharmacies are on the market with an asking price of £850,000.
Second round of £1.2m East Midlands Create Growth programme opens to businesses
Applications have opened for the next cohort of a £1.2 million support programme for East Midlands creative businesses.
Companies are being encouraged to apply for the second phase of Create Growth, which is funded by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).
It comes as 23 East Midlands businesses completed the first cohort of the regional business growth accelerator.
The inaugural cohort, made up of firms from across Leicester, Leicestershire, Derby and Derbyshire, and Lincoln, Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland, have benefited from a programme of focused support over the last eight weeks.
Participants ranged from marketing and design agencies to architects, theatre companies to video producers.
Businesses completed an initial business health check, attended a full-day business bootcamp – which included opportunities to network, and logged on to eight virtual masterclasses covering themes including leadership, marketing, sales, finance and business planning.
As well as the 90-minute masterclasses delivered by industry experts, all participants were also assigned a mentor offering five hours of free support.
Guy Lewis, Director at programme delivery partner CDI Alliance, said: “Our first cohort were enthusiastic, engaged and committed to the programme.
“We’ve had some really encouraging feedback about the bootcamp session, masterclasses, and support offered throughout the programme, and look forward to seeing what’s next for the businesses who took part in Cohort One.”
All of the participating businesses now have the option to complete a fully funded 12-hour investment readiness workshop, helping to prepare their firms for growth.
To be eligible for Cohort 2 of the East Midlands Create Growth programme, businesses must:
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Have turnover growth of 10% year-on-year over approximately 3 years (including either prior to or during the Pandemic)
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Employ a minimum of 2 people over the last two years (full-time, part-time or freelance)
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Have created a revenue generating product, launched a new platform or service, or reached a market of scale
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Generated sales revenue in the last 2 years
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Be trading or registered within Leicester, Leicestershire, Derby, Derbyshire, Greater Lincolnshire, or Rutland.
Warehouse upgrade attracts global engineering group
Refurbished industrial property is in good demand with the lease of warehouse and office space to a global engineering group on Leicester’s Hamilton Business Park.
Andrew + Ashwell, the Leicestershire commercial property expert, has negotiated the deal to bring engineering solutions specialist The Brush Group to the sought-after site following recent renovation.
The building, at 30 Waterside Road, occupies almost 1.45 acres (approx. 0.6 hectare) in a prominent setting close to the Hamilton Way/Thurmaston Lane roundabout, providing fast access to ring road connections for the A46 and M1/M69 motorway network.
With 21,625 sq ft of space the premises delivers modern accommodation, including a detached, single-storey warehouse and industrial unit, with integral two-storey office space, plus car parking at the front and a rear service yard and enclosure.
Constructed around a single span steel portal frame, the warehouse accommodation had been refurbished throughout. The air-conditioned two-storey offices were purpose-built to benefit from good natural light, incorporating an open-plan, first floor working area, with ground floor meeting rooms and amenities.
Kelvin Wilson, associate director at A+A, said: “We received healthy interest following the landlord’s refurbishment works to modern standards. Following competitive demand, Brush came forward and the transaction completed swiftly. The group aims to use the building for storage and distribution, alongside research and development from what is recognised as a prime Leicestershire location for communication.
“There is still a lack of good quality second hand industrial accommodation within the county and this important letting shows the benefit that an effective schedule of landlord refurbishment works can achieve.”
