Derbyshire accountancy firm makes fifth acquisition of 2023
Cooper Parry has welcomed financial planning firm, Chamberlyns, to the Cooper Parry Wealth (CPW) team.
Is is the Derbyshire accountancy firm’s fifth acquisition of 2023, following deals with ihorizon and Acclivity in the Tech & High Growth space in February, the addition of London-based financial planning firm, Future Perfect, to the CPW team in April, and the arrival of Haines Watts London and its associated audit and advisory businesses in September.
The deal takes CPW to over £1.3bn assets under management, with a headcount of around 70, while CP now consists of over 1,150 individuals.
Ade Cheatham, CEO, Cooper Parry, said: “2023 began quickly and we’re showing no signs of slowing down. As well as being a high-calibre, specialist financial planning firm, the Chamberlyns team have successfully embarked on their own acquisition journey in the past.
“That experience is sure to prove useful as we continue ours, and given the cultural similarities between our businesses, I know the benefits for all parties and our clients will be huge.”
Stephen Jones, Cooper Parry Wealth CEO, added: “Chamberlyns is a business I’ve known and respected for many years since myself and Michael Smith (CEO) first met in a best practice group in March 2010.
“I’ve watched their progression closely since then and admired their principles of true financial planning and evidence-based investing because our businesses share so much common ground.
“Having met the rest of the Chamberlyns team over the years, I knew they’d be a perfect fit as we continue our deals through 2023 and beyond, positively impacting more lives and building a legacy to be proud of.”
Michael Smith, former Chamberlyns CEO joins CPW as Head of M&A and Proposition.
He said: “It feels like ideal timing for both businesses. There’s no question to me that Cooper Parry Wealth is one of the leading financial planning and wealth management businesses in the UK. And, as part of the wider Cooper Parry Group, it has that infrastructure and multi-disciplinary offering that would benefit Chamberlyns and our clients.
“We’re excited to be joining a business combining pedigree and continuous innovation in the early stages of its acquisition journey, and I’m sure we’ll go from strength to strength.”
Freeths Nottingham advises on completion of EG Group’s UK sale to Asda
Law firm Freeths, led by its Nottingham office, has advised on completion of EG Group’s £2.07bn sale of its UK operations to Asda.
Founded by Issa brothers in 2001, EG Group is a British retailer which operates filling stations, convenience stores and fast-food restaurants across Europe, the United States and Australia.
The successful transaction was led by Freeths UK Real Estate legal team, Partner Atiyya Khaliq and Managing Associate Michaela Mason, together with Managing Associate Zac Clayton, Associates Samuel De La Bertauche, Hayley Bunt, Nicole Hendy and Elliott Thorne, and Legal Assistant Poppy Hinton, supported by colleagues from Freeths’ Glasgow office including Partner Paul Ockrim, Director Gary Georgeson and Associate Pamela Gorman. The team worked alongside corporate lead counsel Skadden.
Commenting on the deal, Atiyya Khaliq said: “It’s been wonderful to work with the EG Group team and its corporate and tax advisers Skadden and EY on this sale which has been testament to the business and its stakeholders all working together to complete the transaction. This deal has really played on the strengths of our Freeths national Real Estate capabilities.
“Marking a new chapter for EG Group, we look forward to seeing what’s next in store.”
East Mids law firm sees turnover rise 19%
Law firm Howes Percival’s turnover increased 19% in 2023, according to its latest annual results. The result follows a period of sustained growth, with turnover now up 33% over the last three years.
The firm, which has offices in Leicester and Northampton, has seen turnover increase from £23.6m in 2020, to £31.3m this year.
The growth has been across all offices and all practice areas with Corporate, Commercial and Banking turnover up 74% in three years, Employment Law 23%, Property 25%, Litigation 31% and Private Client 15%.
In August, Howes Percival confirmed it had created 50 new roles in the last two years to meet increased demand for its services.
Over the next two years, the firm plans to continue recruiting across all six offices, creating a further 50 additional new roles, including partners, solicitors and support roles.
Howes Percival Chief Financial Officer, Fayaz Sattar said: “This is a fantastic result, and I am pleased with our performance over the last financial year, given the wider economic situation in the UK. We had been targeting a figure just over £28m in 2023, so to have exceeded our plan quite significantly is testament to the efforts of the entire team.
“Looking forward our core markets are holding up well and have remained resilient, despite inflation in general and the economy as a whole. We obviously can’t control the wider economic factors, but we can ensure that we are a well-diversified firm, investing in our fee earner expertise, IT and back-office infrastructure to continue to provide the most competitive and attractive offer we can to clients.”
Howes Percival Chairperson and East Mids partner, Geraint Davies continues: “We really are thrilled with this result given the unprecedented economic times we are in. Everyone has worked incredible hard so it is great to see the results reflect this. We are continuing to take market share in all our locations and there is real momentum behind the firm at the moment. We will be investing further through 2024/25, in our people and in the business itself, to meet the client demand we are seeing and deliver further growth.
“Our strategy has been to invest in our teams and the business as a whole for a number of years now, and without doubt, we are seeing the results of that plan. Our people are central to everything we do. We want to be a firm that attracts the best talent and is seen as the place to nurture and develop your career from trainees through to partners and at every level for our non-fee earner teams. We have that infrastructure in place now and it is one of the key reasons we are performing so well as a business.”
Countryside Partnerships welcomes new Managing Director for North East Midlands
Countryside Partnerships, the provider of mixed-tenure housing, has welcomed Lee Parry as Managing Director for the North East Midlands.
Lee joins Countryside Partnerships from Keepmoat Homes where he worked as Construction Operations Director, before becoming Interim Managing Director.
In his new role he aims to unlock and maximise both complex brownfield sites and appropriate greenfield sites, working in partnership with local authorities, housing associations and private rented institutional investors to bring much-needed multi-tenure new housing to the region.
The North East Midlands business has ambitious site acquisition targets for 2024, with a minimum target of securing at least six new sites with or without detailed planning permission in place. These sites will be located within Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and North Derbyshire.
Adam Daniels, Divisional Managing Director, Countryside Partnerships Midlands, said: “I am delighted to welcome Lee Parry to head up our North East Midlands team. He brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision to tackle the region’s need for high quality homes across a range of tenures. I look forward to working with him to further develop our partnership building division across the North East Midlands.”
Lee Parry, Managing Director, North East Midlands, Countryside Partnerships, said: “I’m extremely proud to be taking the reins for North East Midlands. It’s a privilege to be working with such a great team and I look forward to continuing to grow the business. My focus is firmly on addressing the region’s chronic shortage of affordable mixed-tenure housing.”
Wellie brand bought by French footwear manufacturer
Wellie brand Evercreatures has been bought by French footwear company Rouchette as part of a deal for its parent company Astbury Collections.
It is a first overseas purchase for the French company, which had previously been a supplier to Evercreatures.
The purchase of the Lincolnshire-based business will bring significant inward investment of up to £500,000 from Rouchette as it looks to bolster its presence in the UK.
Tony Bailey, a co-director of Astbury Collections, will join Rouchette as its sales and marketing director in the UK. He said: “This is a great deal for both brands. Rouchette want to expand faster into the UK and approached us last year about a sale to use the infrastructure already in place.
“Now the deal has been completed, it will see considerable investment in new products, innovation, infrastructure and staff. For current UK customers, they will see the benefit with a new range of stock and new designs for Evercreatures.
“I am already engaged in talks with major retailers, predominantly garden centre chains, who are looking to secure stock in 2024.”
Evercreatures was founded in 2004 and has consistently produced eye-catching fashionable wellies for men, women and children as well as a range of accessories.
Rouchette, which is known for its robust rubber footwear in a range of designs for the garden, maritime and lifestyle sectors, was established in 1990 by Jean-Louis Rouchette.
Sébastien Rouchette, managing director and son of the founder, said: “I’m proud to announce our first overseas acquisition with the purchase of Astbury Collections and its flagship rain boot brand Evercreatures.
“It was quite natural for us to buy a well-known brand in the world of footwear. This is a new stage in the company’s life, which promises to be an exciting and extremely rewarding project.”
National recognition for Nimbus Disability director
A director of Derby-based social enterprise Nimbus Disability and vice chair of Mansfield’s Portland College has been named as one of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK – working to break the stigma around disability to create a more accessible and inclusive world for all.
Mark Briggs PLY, who lives in Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, has been named in the Digital and Technology category in recognition of his work to develop the internationally-recognised Access Card.
The Disability Power 100 celebrates ambition and achievement and plays a role in changing society by recognising the strengths and talents of disabled people who are pioneers, changemakers and influencers.
The 100 finalists were selected by an independent judging panel chaired by Andrew Miller MBE from more than 1,500 public nominations. The top 10 and all-important top spot, will be announced on 8 November from The Drum, Wembley.
Previous winners of the Disability Power 100 number one spot have included comedian and presenter Alex Brooker, campaigner and peer Baroness Jane Campbell, BBC disability journalist Nikki Fox.
Mark has been instrumental in the massive growth of the Access Card which has been recognised with The Queen’s Award for Innovation and is held by hundreds of thousands of people in the UK and beyond who register their accessibility requirements.
Nimbus originally created The Access Card, the first accessibility scheme of its type in the world; offering a universal and consistent way of disabled people evidencing and communicating their access requirements to providers quickly and discreetly.
Powered by ‘NOS’, a bespoke software system that translates its holder’s disability/impairment or access requirements into symbols which ultimately means that when booking online, it informs providers quickly and discreetly about the access requirements that individuals need. It has realised a simplistic way for disabled people to book online and protect those reasonable adjustments for those who require them.
It is already widely recognised at the majority of the UK’s leisure and tourism venues with a large number allowing online integration and booking for disabled customers including Buckingham Palace, The NEC Resorts World Arena and Alton Towers as well as at venues in the USA, Europe and New Zealand.
Mark works alongside Nimbus Disability managing director Martin Austin MBE who was named in the Disability Power 100 last year.
Mark said: “Nimbus is run by disabled people for disabled people and our mission through the Access Card is to provide a universal, digitised way of communicating all verified access requirements, from eligibility to essential companion tickets to the necessity for wheelchair-accessible facilities and so much more.
“Our system enables each access requirement flagged to be integrated directly into ticketing systems to remove the need to continually call ‘special’ booking lines and fill in ‘special’ booking forms or answer personal and invasive questions over the phone.
“Ultimately our operating system lessens the administrative burden on disabled people at the same time as opening up equality of access to online ticketing solutions from West End theatres to theme parks.
“I am deeply honoured that I, and therefore the whole team at Nimbus Disability, have been recognised in this way.
“The Disability Power 100 is an important way to highlight disabled role models and advocates across a number of sectors whose work is changing society.”
UK manufacturing sector risks falling behind international rivals on AI and automation
Britain’s manufacturing sector is warning the UK risks falling behind its international rivals in the race to embrace cutting edge technologies such as AI and other game changing automation seen as vital to Britain’s industrial future.
The warning was made on the back of a major survey published by Make UK and Infor.
The survey shows that companies are fully committed to investing in AI, Machine Learning and other automation to improve productivity, processes and efficiency. However, despite this, a majority of manufacturers believe the UK is falling behind competitors and hampered by access to key technical and digital skills, as well as short term policy incentives which do not match investment cycles or expected returns on investment (ROI).
In response, Make UK is calling on Government to reform the Apprentice Levy to help expand Britain’s technological skills base, roll out a widely proven scheme to help boost digital adoption by SMEs and introduce a better approach to the tax system with policies which match the average investment cycle of manufacturers and expected ROI.
Verity Davidge, Director of Policy at Make UK, said: “The adoption of AI, automation and other game changing technologies by manufacturers is rapidly accelerating and will provide vital pieces in solving the productivity puzzle. But, there is still more to be done to match our competitors, especially among SMEs who face far greater hurdles in adopting digital technology.
“As well as tackling the digital skills barrier which remains the biggest hurdle, Government should roll out the Made Smarter scheme across the UK. This has a proven success in delivering step change for SMEs on their automation journey.”
Andrew Kinder, SVP, Industry Strategy, Infor, added: “We are seeing a substantial shift in the adoption of digital automation as manufacturers seek to improve efficiency, instill agility and drive greater productivity. While generative AI is still in its relative infancy, intent to capitalise on it is incredibly encouraging with many companies saying they are ‘aware of and planning to use’ the technology.
“Actions, however, speak louder than words. While the government clearly has a role to play in supporting AI adoption, manufacturers have an opportunity to take control in bridging the gap between intent and value in creating first-mover advantage. The technologies are now widely available, affordable and come with a typically fast return on investment, which all help manufacturers compete in increasingly challenging conditions.”
According to the survey, more than half of companies (55%) have already implemented, or are planning to implement, AI and Machine Learning to automate decision making processes and improve operational efficiency. In addition, four fifths of companies have already introduced, or are planning to introduce, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality techniques in areas such as design and prototyping.
More than three quarters of companies (76%) have invested in automation, while almost six in ten (59%) plan to increase their expenditure this year compared to last. Furthermore, a fifth of companies plan to automate between a quarter and half of processes in the next two years, while a further quarter plan to automate between 10% and 25%.
These investments are aimed at improving manufacturing processes (65% of companies) and product design & development (49%) with companies seeing significant benefits of improved productivity (60%) greater labour efficiency (49%) and a similar number seeing better quality.
However, despite this positive picture, 40% of companies believe the UK is falling behind competitors in adopting automation. Robot density in the UK is currently at 101 units per 10,000 workers, below the average of 126 units globally. Overall, the UK ranks 24th globally and is the lowest of the G7 nations.
According to the survey, significant barriers to investing in automation are a lack of technical skills cited by almost half of companies (48%) and a similar number integration and data challenges (41%). More than a third of companies cite high costs and workplace culture (38% and 36% respectively) as barriers.
In addition, the survey shows a clear mismatch between policy incentives designed to boost investment and the expected ROI. More than eight in ten companies expect up to five years for a positive impact of investment. In contrast, more than half of manufacturers (56.4%) believe Government policies are not sensitive to the time needed to see a ROI.
To help address these barriers and boost further automation, Make UK has made the following recommendations:
- Roll out the successful Made Smarter scheme nationwide. This is a proven scheme to help with the adoption of new technology in manufacturing businesses. It should also extend the remit of Made Smarter to include industrial decarbonisation to aid energy efficiency and transition to net zero.
- Make full expensing capital allowances permanent to enable businesses to plan investment over long leads.
- Expand the R&D tax credit to include capital expenditure to spur further digitalised R&D.
- Government should work with business organisations and sector specific bodies to help SME engagement with the successful Catapult Centres. This is especially important given the geographic distribution of the centres and would help more SMEs take advantage of their world leading facilities.
Next upgrades profit guidance as third quarter sales beat expectations
Leicestershire retailer Next has further upgraded its profit guidance for the year following better than expected sales in its third quarter.
Full price sales from August to October were up 4% on last year, £23m ahead of anticipated levels (expected to be up 2%).
Next is thus increasing full year guidance for profit before tax by £10m to £885m.
The company said: “Sales growth has been variable. We believe the volatility in sales performance is a result of changing weather conditions rather than any underlying changes in the consumer economy. In an Autumn season cooler weather is good for sales, warmer than average weather depresses sales. Over time the average performance is a better indicator of underlying consumer demand than any one week.”
The retailer also now expects full year sales of £4.74bn, up 3.1% on last year.
Milestone transaction achieved at Pride Park
Regional commercial property consultants Rigby & Co have completed one of the largest office-based transactions in Derby in recent years on Pride Park in the city.
Acting on behalf of Derby College Group, Rigby & Co have successfully negotiated a sub-letting of an area of 40,000 sq ft within the college’s Johnson Building to the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust.
The letting has enabled Derby College Group to relocate part of its curriculum and estate into the nearby Roundhouse complex. Work is currently underway to deliver a new automotive centre at the Stephenson Building following the securing of a £3.5m Government grant.
A new Institute of Technology (IoT) centre is being built at the same location, which will provide world class training in engineering, manufacturing, and digital skills.
The Hospital Trust had spent two years looking for a consolidated base that would fulfil a range of functions including records storage and office/training and administration purposes.
Commenting on the letting, Heather Kelly, deputy chief executive of Derby College Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust into the Johnson Building.
“We have instructed Rigby & Co to market the rest of the building, which will be available for occupation from Summer 2024.”
Russell Rigby, managing director of Rigby & Co, added: “This deal is a great outcome for both Derby College and the Trust – two of Derby’s leading employers, both of whom are going through challenging times in reorganising their real estate.
“We are now actively looking for an occupier for the balance of the building which extends to around 45,000 sq ft of high-quality offices, storage and space.”
Geldards LLP represented Derby College Group, and Browne Jacobson represented the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust.
Corporate insolvencies hit twenty-year high
A perfect storm of economic issues has led to the highest Q3 corporate insolvency figures in more than two decades, with a combination of rising costs, director fatigue and increased creditor pressure meaning more firms are now turning to a corporate insolvency process to resolve their financial issues.
This is according to the Midlands branch of insolvency and restructuring body R3 and follows latest statistics published by the Insolvency Service which show that there were 6,208 seasonally adjusted corporate insolvencies in the third quarter of 2023, which is a 10.2% increase on the 5,635 in Q3 2022 and 54.8% higher than the 4,010 in Q3 2021. The Q3 2023 figure is also 41.3% higher than the Q3 2019 pre-pandemic figure of 4,393.
R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome said: “The key driver behind the numbers is the rise in Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations, which have reached their second highest figure on record and the highest number ever recorded in Q3.
“After years of battling through the pandemic, supply chain issues, increasing costs, rising inflation and requests for higher wages, many directors have simply had enough and are calling it a day while that choice is still theirs.
“Compulsory liquidation numbers have reached a four year high – partly because of legislation preventing them and then making the winding-up petition threshold higher in the aftermath of the pandemic, but also because these firms are now under their own pressures and are calling in debts in the hope of balancing their own books.
“Trading conditions are particularly tough right now, with the upcoming Christmas period a crucial time for a large number of firms. This year could be make or break for many local businesses, especially those in retail and hospitality.
“Our message to anyone who is worried about their personal or business finances is to seek advice as soon possible. We know that it can be a hard conversation to have, but speaking to a qualified advisor when worries are in their early stages can provide more potential options for resolving them than waiting for the problem to worsen.
“Most R3 members will give a free initial consultation to prospective clients so they can learn more about their situation and outline the potential options for resolving it.”
Electrical contractor relocates after 33 years in Nottingham HQ
A fast-growing electrical contractor is relocating after 33 years in its Nottingham headquarters.Peel Electrical is one of the first tenants at the second phase of the Stanton Forge light industrial scheme in Stanton-by-Dale, Ilkeston, Derbyshire.The company has moved into the 1,400 sq ft Unit 5 at Stanton Forge, in a move which will see it grow and expand as a business.Russell Peel, operations director at Peel Electrical, said: “While it is sad to say goodbye to our Nottingham base for so many years, the new HQ at Stanton Forge helps us present ourselves to existing and potential clients as positively as possible.“The clean, fresh and vibrant look of the second Stanton Forge is fantastic. The new unit is a blank canvas which allows us complete freedom of design.“What’s more, the new address is more local to many of our staff, affording them shorter travel times and less spent on fuel.”Russ said that Peel Electrical will build a mezzanine floor area in Unit 5 for office staff, while downstairs the company will continue the growth of its panel shop within the BMS side of the business. There is also the potential to create more jobs due to the increased floor space, which enables Peel to increase the orders it can take.NG Chartered Surveyors Managing Director, Richard Sutton, brokered the deal on behalf of the developers and landlords D M Hartshorn Investments.Richard said: “I’d like to welcome Peel Electrical to the second phase of Stanton Forge. Russ and his team are incredibly forward-thinking and they saw right away the benefits of moving to this fantastic scheme would have for the staff and wider business.“We look forward to announcing more new tenants at Stanton Forge over coming weeks.”
Chamber secures £8.9m funding to deliver new generation of business support
Businesses in the region are to receive a significant boost to their operations with a helping hand from East Midlands Chamber’s new generation of business support.
The chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire has secured £8.9m of public funding until March 2025 to deliver its Accelerator project, which aims to provide one seamless point of entry for relevant business support.
It comprises key activities under the strands of net zero, innovation, digital and finance, with the aim of helping companies at all stages of their development to start, sustain, grow and innovate.
The East Midlands Chamber Accelerator project brings together a number of publicly-funded contracts including the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), a key part of the Government’s levelling up agenda to enhance communities, businesses and skills; Innovate UK EDGE, which helps innovative SMEs to grow and achieve scale; and Made Smarter East Midlands, which assists manufacturers in switching to advanced and automated technologies.
Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The East Midlands Chamber Accelerator programme has been carefully designed to provide businesses across the district with the right support, at the right time.
“At the heart of the project is a team of locally-based advisers and specialists, employed by the Chamber, who will offer high-intensity support to businesses seeking to grow, create new jobs or exploit technology to improve performance.
“Working with an adviser or specialist will be a key ingredient for businesses interested in taking advantage of Accelerator support and a diagnostics report will show them where best to point their energies.”
Council eyes acquisition of large brownfield site in Northampton
West Northamptonshire Council is taking steps to purchase the former St James Bus Depot and ensure the large brownfield vacant site benefits from regeneration.
The brownfield site has stood vacant to the west of Northampton Town Centre for more than a decade. As part of the wider extensive regeneration of Northampton, this area has been identified as one which could significantly benefit from redevelopment.
Since West Northamptonshire Council was made aware of Church’s Shoes’ intention to sell the site, the Council has been working closely with them. As one of the last remaining brownfield sites in Northampton, on a key route into the town centre, it is important for local businesses and the local community to make sure that the best regeneration and economic potential of the area is realised.
WNC has engaged with Church’s to agree on the purchase of the building and is now looking at the future viability of the site through a feasibility study to ensure that any future development meets the needs of residents while maintaining the historic character of this landmark.
Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at WNC, said: “The former St James Bus Depot boasts a prominent large brownfield site, central to Northampton Town Centre. This historic landmark has been vacant for some time, during which Church’s has added land to the site and carried out some remediation work.
“We have engaged with Church’s on the sale of this site in order to be able to bring forward a viable scheme which will benefit our residents. We are committed to retaining the historical and iconic frontage of this site and will be working with key partners to ensure that the area is empathetically regenerated.
“As part of the delivery of this scheme, we will seek to provide much-needed high-quality homes to accommodate the needs of our growing communities. The views of our residents are essential to ensure that this site meets the needs of our local community, and we will be looking at opportunities to hear their views on the coming months.”
Rutland hotel operator ordered to pay over £195,000 after serious employee accident
A hotel operator in Rutland has pleaded guilty to a breach of health and safety law and been ordered to pay more than £195,000 after a serious accident at work which left a man with life-changing injuries.
The prosecution arose from a serious accident at Barnsdale Hall Hotel on 24 May 2021 (trading as Barnsdale Hall Hotel (Resorts) Ltd). On that day, two employees of the Hotel, including a Mr Andrew Veasey, were tasked with removing a loose tree branch. This was done by raising Mr Veasey up with a non-integrated working platform.
The platform was attached to a JCB vehicle parked across a slope. As a result, when the platform was raised, the vehicle toppled over and crushed the roof of a car before plummeting into a bank, causing Mr Veasey serious injuries. Mr Veasey had to be resuscitated at the scene and sustained life-changing injuries which mean he is no longer able to care for himself.
With the full support of Mr Veasey and his family, an investigation into the incident was undertaken by Peterborough City Council, on behalf of Rutland County Council. This investigation revealed significant deficiencies in the Defendant’s risk assessments, level of training and instruction, safe use of machinery and system of work when carrying out non-routine tasks such as the one in question.
The case was heard at Leicester Magistrates Court on 19 September 2023, where the defendant pleaded guilty to a Section 2 offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, whereby it is the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees.
Barnsdale Hall Hotel was ordered to pay a fine of £146,700, together with £50,000 awarded for costs and a £190 Surcharge.
Councillor Christine Wise, Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Community Safety, said: “This is an extremely serious case where failure to put appropriate health and safety measures in place has caused life-changing injuries to an individual, as well as irreparable damage to a family that will never be the same again.
“The sentence imposed on the Defendant following their guilty plea should serve as a clear warning that employers have a duty of care towards their staff and action will be taken in response to breaches of health and safety law.
“The employers in question have taken all of the required regulatory action required in response to the findings of our investigation. However, nothing can return Mr Veasey to full health and so it is important those responsible are held accountable to the full extent of the law.”
Gold for Alstom, Gleeds and Toyota at Ministry of Defence Awards
Fourteen of the East Midlands’ greatest champions for our Armed Forces have been celebrated at a glitzy award ceremony held in the Officers’ Mess at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks.
Winners of the Ministry of Defence’s prestigious ‘Gold Award’ for 2023 include Alstom, Gleeds and Toyota Manufacturing UK.
Campbell Cain Wealth Management, Everyone Health, Fred Sherwood Group and Rail Operations Group have also been awarded the highest accolade in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for recognising the value of Defence personnel in their business.
Completing the list are Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Northamptonshire Police, Nottinghamshire Police, SRC UK, United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Wescom Group and West Northamptonshire Council.
Partnerships between Defence and civilian employers are a fundamental foundation of the UK’s Reserve Forces.
Thousands of such partnerships exist to support and advocate not just the Reserves but former and serving Armed Forces personnel and their families and Cadets across the East Midlands.
Some of these are informal, whereas others are formally recognised by entry into the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
Each year the most extraordinary champions are awarded the Ministry of Defence’s highest accolade for employers – the Gold Award – which this year took place in Grantham on 19th October for the East Midlands.
This honour recognises organisations which proactively demonstrate their Forces-friendly credentials as part of their recruiting and selection processes. They also, amongst other policies, provide Reserves within their workforce with at least 10 days of additional paid leave for training.
In return, employers benefit from members of staff who return with new qualifications and skills.
For 2023, each recipient was handed their award by Lieutenant General Tom Copinger-Symes CBE, Deputy Commander of UK Strategic Command.
They were joined by special guests His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenants of Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and Northamptonshire and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire.
The Officers’ Mess unique charm provided a backdrop to what was a special occasion.
A display of light field guns courtesy of 103 Regiment Royal Artillery, a visit from The Mercian Regiment’s mascot Lance Corporal Derby, support from military musicians and also the Prince William of Gloucester Detachment Army Cadets added to the ceremony’s distinct atmosphere.
Fred Hopkins, Head of Engagement at East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, said: “Achieving the Gold Award is a remarkable accomplishment and I would like to congratulate our 2023 winners.
“We are very proud of the support and advocacy our Gold holders provide to Defence, especially for Reserves and Cadets.
“I very much look forward to building on these mutually-beneficial partnerships and establishing even more through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in the years ahead.”
Kirstie Lawrence, Regional Employer Engagement Director at East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, added: “Award holders in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme celebrate the excellence of Defence people in the workplace routinely, having seen it for themselves and now gaining Gold for promoting it to others who have since shared that success. So it was a wonderful experience to thank them.”
Vestatec appoints new quality manager
Nottingham-based metal forming and PVD coating specialist, Vestatec, has appointed Claire Lloyd to the role of quality manager.
With most of its products being delivered into the heavily regulated automotive sector, this is a key role in the organisation, taking the lead to ensure that the company stays compliant with the ever-changing standards and expectations set by its global customer base.
Bringing a wealth of experience following an extensive career in the manufacturing industry, Claire joins the team from Guildford Performance Textiles, where she spent some 30 years taking on the role of quality systems engineer before moving into a product testing role.
Commenting on her appointment, Claire said: “I’m delighted to have joined such a fantastic team here at Vestatec. In what has only been a short time at the company so far, I can see the care and dedication of each and every person in the business which is clearly shown through the end product.”
The recent appointment comes as the company’s current quality manager, David Marriott looks to step down from his role as he approaches retirement.
Claire added: “I’m looking forward to utilising my industry experience to support the company in its quality management programme continuing the great work that David and the team have implemented to date, and ensuring that only the highest quality products leave our facility on their way to our loyal customers.”
On the approach to his retirement, David said: “Having begun my career in manufacturing back in 1974, I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to spend the final years of my career with the team here at Vestatec.
“The family ethos of the organisation is truly unique. Everyone is an individual from the team making the parts, booking in the material, loading the trucks, or those in management – everyone knows one another and is treated as a family.”
Plans submitted to turn Derby office building into apartments
Plans to transform a Derby office building into apartments have been submitted to the city council.
If approved the property on Curzon Street would be converted into 14 one-bedroom flats.
It comes as the applicant has struggled to find businesses to take on the lease of the building post-pandemic.
A planning statement submitted by Wilson Architects says: “The application seeks to change the use of an existing commercial office space into residential accommodation. This decision was aided by the fact the applicant is struggling to find companies to take on the lease of the building.
“To preserve the building’s continued use and maintenance as well as ensuring a continuous return on investment the applicant has taken the decision to convert the building into affordable accommodation.
“After analysing the site’s context, it is clear the building is perfectly situated for residential use, as it benefits from easy access to a multitude of amenities, employment prospects and transport links.
“The idea is to attract young working professionals, operating within the city or further afield. Therefore, we established that residential use would be suitable for the site.”
Derby brewery places pub arm into administration
Derby Brewing Company’s pub arm, Real Brewing Pub Company, has been placed into administration amidst a challenging trading environment and “unreasonable behaviour of the HMRC.”
The brewery will not be affected and will continue to operate with two sites the Hole in the Wall, Mickleover & NOTSA, Aston on Trent continuing to be operated by Derby Brewing under a new pub company.
Three sites will close with immediate effect, The Clubhouse, Derby, The Pig Lichfield & The Pointing Dogs, Matlock.
A statement from Derby Brewing Company says: “It is with huge sadness and regret that we have to announce that Real Brewing Pub Company, the pub company arm of Derby Brewing Company has today entered administration. The brewery will not be affected and continue operate going forward with two of our sites the Hole in the Wall, Mickleover & NOTSA, Aston on Trent continuing to be operated by Derby Brewing under a new pub company.
“It has been an extremely challenging trading environment over the last couple of years, including the pandemic, increased loan burdens on the back of this, ongoing recruitment challenges, soaring interest rates, supplier cost increases, cost of living crisis resulting in reduced trade and huge increases in the cost base with uncapped energy contracts.
“In spite of these challenges we had a plan in place to continue to steer through this however the business has HMRC arrears predominantly from the pandemic, like many in the industry, the HMRC had been working with us however this recently changed and the debt was demanded to be paid back within a short period, which meant the we could no longer continue to trade.
“Sadly our two freehold sites The Greyhound, Friar Gate & Derby Brewing Tap House, Derwent Street will be sold to clear the arrears to meet their timeframe. Both will remain open and be sold as going concern safe guarding jobs and are now being marketed by the administrator.
“Three of our sites will unfortunately close with immediate effect, The Clubhouse, Derby, The Pig Lichfield & The Pointing Dogs, Matlock.
“As detailed the Hole in the Wall & NOTSA will continue to be operated by us, again safe guarding the team.
“Thankfully in all cases staff will be paid and there will be an opportunity to continue Derby Brewing’s story all be it in a different and smaller guise.”
Paul Harris, MD, Derby Brewing, added: “It is with huge regret that we have been unable to steer the business through this extremely challenging period. We have unfortunately joined a growing list of operators to close previously successful businesses.
“The final nail in the coffin was a combination of the government allowing energy contracts five-fold previous levels to remain in place once their 50% support was removed and the in our view unreasonable behaviour of the HMRC.
“We are extremely sad for the team members who have lost their jobs and the dismantling of a business we as a family have been built over nearly 20 years.”
Trevor Harris, director of brewing, said: “This is an extremely upsetting situation for the team and family, we are pleased however that we have been able to continue the name of Derby Brewing, returning the business into a smaller family operation where we hope to build from.”
Preferred developer revealed for £130+ million Northampton regeneration project
West Northamptonshire Council has confirmed that national regeneration developer, Cityheart is their preferred development partner to bring forward the Four Waterside and Marefair sites.
Working in a joint venture partnership with West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) Cityheart will deliver a transformational and ambitious scheme for the town centre.
Situated at the entrance of the town from Northampton’s railway station, the Four Waterside and Marefair scheme is one of the largest brownfield developments in the county with two sites totaling five acres. Work is anticipated to start in 2025 to unlock this space, providing a new hotel, grade A office space for new and existing businesses, high-quality homes and improved paving and planting to elevate the area.
With nearly 20 years of experience, Cityheart works in partnership with councils across the country to rejuvenate towns and cities, including the £135 million Galleries town centre redevelopment in Wigan. This eight acre, highly sustainable mixed-use regeneration site providing a new market and hotel, high-quality homes, leisure venues, co-working space and events space.
This is Cityheart’s first appointment via the Pagabo National Framework Agreement for Developer Led schemes (Region: East Midlands Lot 3c [£40m+] = Mixed Use).
WNC has secured a £1.5 million grant from The Towns Fund and a further £7 million from the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone, to help deliver the project which will contribute to the wider transformation across the town. This funding will enable the development to be brought forward and have a significant impact on the local economy with a projected £130 million gross development value.
The Towns Fund is part of the Government’s plan for ‘Levelling Up’ the UK economy and the Council has secured £24.9 million to invest into transforming Northampton’s Town Centre.
Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth, said: “We are delighted to announce that we are working with Cityheart to deliver this significant development. Their expertise will be invaluable in transforming the two vacant brownfield sites and providing high-quality facilities to meet the needs of our local community and benefit our local economy.
“This area has stood empty for too long, and we are excited to now begin the relevant preparation before we start work in 2025. Once complete, this development has the potential to have a transformational impact upon Northampton town centre and beyond.”
Andrew Sanderson, development director of Cityheart, said: “This superb site will open up the gateway to the town centre from the rail station and will be transformational for Northampton.
“It will deliver waterside residences and highly sustainable workspace, enhancing the living experience for people in the town centre. Cityheart is extremely proud to be appointed as preferred developer and we look forward to making a start on the project before the end of the year.”
East Midlands business confidence up
Business confidence in the East Midlands rose five points during October to 38%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in the region reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up one point at 39%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up eight points to 36%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 38%.
East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (42%), introducing new technology (29%) and investing in sustainability (28%). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. A net balance of 29% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 24 points on last month.
National picture
Overall UK business confidence rose three points in October from 36% to 39%, and firms’ outlook on the overall UK economy increased four points to 34%. Businesses’ confidence in their own trading prospects also continued the upward trend, rising four points to 45%.
Companies’ hiring intentions reached their highest level since May last year, with 32% of firms intending to increase staff levels over the next 12 months, up six points month-on-month.
Firms in Yorkshire reported the highest levels of business confidence, jumping 12 points to 52% – the highest reading for the region since March 2022. Companies in the South West reported the biggest uptick in business confidence, increasing 26 points month-on-month to 47%.
Following a fall in confidence in September, the retail and service industries both saw an increase in business confidence, with retail business confidence increasing by five points to 37% and services rising seven points to 43%. Levels are still lower than seen in August, however, when retail business confidence was at 44% and services at 42%. Manufacturing confidence was 36%, unchanged from last month when confidence rose to a three-month high. Construction fell for a second month in a row to 31% (down five points).
Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It’s fantastic to see business confidence increase in the East Midlands as we head into the final quarter of the year. There’s been a significant jump in businesses expecting to hire more staff over the next 12 months, as many firms look to meet the seasonal demand of the winter period.
“As always, we’ll be by the side of the region’s firms to ensure they have the cashflow they need to grow their teams. While the talent market in many industries remains tight, businesses need to ensure they can offer potential staff a competitive salary, as well as opportunities for upskilling and development. By ensuring they have headroom in their finances, businesses will be able to recruit the staff they need to meet demand and maximise opportunities for growth.”
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence this month reflects a more positive outlook as we head into the important festive period, with trading prospects and economic optimism both at their second highest levels this year.
“The level also underlines the wider upward trend of steadily rising confidence in 2023. If you look at the year in quarterly time periods, confidence has steadily risen from 20% in the first quarter, 26% in the second and in September an average of 27% in the third.
“However, our data shows that firms are still safeguarding their profit margins in response to the possibility of interest rates remaining high, wage increase pressures, and the prospect of higher energy prices again this winter.
“Therefore, businesses will be keeping a keen eye on the forthcoming Autumn Statement and Bank of England policy announcements as they navigate through a challenging economic period ahead.”
