Ideagen to make fourth acquisition of 2023
Company fined £1.275m after man crushed to death
Revenue and profit rise at Microlise
Nottingham-based Microlise Group, the provider of transport management software to fleet operators, has seen double digit growth as supply chain issues begin to ease.
According to unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2023, revenue grew 10.5% to £33.9m, from £30.7m in the same period of 2022. Pre-tax profits, meanwhile, increased 5.7% to £1.5m. The results follow Microlise’s first acquisition since IPO, of Vita Software for £1.86m.Nadeem Raza, CEO of Microlise, said: “Microlise delivered another strong performance during H1 2023 as we successfully executed our growth strategy. We secured new customers in our key geographies beyond the UK including France, Australia and New Zealand, expanded our customer base, and efficiently integrated our latest acquisition.
“We have successfully navigated the company through global supply chain issues and subsequent delays in new vehicle availability, maintaining strong relationships with our valued customers. We are seeing significant improvements in all these situations, which we expect to have normalised by the start of 2024.
“During the second half of the year, our focus will remain on investing in growth, expanding our product portfolio, and growing our strong customer base and geographical presence. Whilst it is sensible to look to the future with a degree of caution, given the continuing global macro-economic challenges, the Company’s positive trading performance during the period and proven ability to navigate these challenges, underpin the Board’s confidence that the Group’s performance for FY23 will be in line with market expectations.”
Kettering logistics firm enters administration
New business support service for Hinckley and Bosworth
Staveley town centre regeneration plans released
Revised proposals for the multi-million-pound regeneration of Staveley town centre have been released by Chesterfield Borough Council, following Government approval to allocate additional funding to the project.
The six-million-pound Staveley 21 project has been in development over the last year following publication of the Staveley Town Centre Vision Masterplan which received strong public support in November 2021.
The proposals – which are funded through the Staveley Town Deal – were shared at a meeting of Staveley Town Council on Tuesday night.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We know everyone has been keen to see the council’s proposals for Staveley town centre and I’m delighted that we are now able to share these. As a package the proposals seek to enhance the town centre – opening it up for new uses that will encourage more people to visit whilst also supporting existing retailers, market traders and high street businesses.”
A range of visuals have been prepared to bring the proposals to life with a particular focus on the new pavilion building and how the marketplace will look and could be used by different audiences.
The new pavilion building sits between the Staveley Miners Welfare building and Staveley High Street. Of modern design but one that is also reflective of Staveley’s heritage, the building will form a striking new focal point in the heart of the town centre. Several uses for the building are currently being considered including as a potential site for Derbyshire County Council’s relocation of Staveley library and also for retail, leisure, and business start-up uses.
As an enlarged public open space, the marketplace will be designed as a flexible environment to support existing uses such as Staveley Town Council’s regular markets but also as a setting that can be used to host a wide range of new events to encourage more people to visit the town centre.
Tiered outdoor seating will be introduced to support outdoor theatre and open-air cinema screenings, and play equipment installed to help make the marketplace more attractive to families.
New paving, lighting, street furniture and planting will help create an enhanced atmosphere and visitor experience at any time of day or night whilst new signage will help connect the town centre with Staveley’s other visitor attractions including the Chesterfield Canal and Staveley Hall.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, continued: “Town centres across the country are changing and our proposals reflect this need to adapt. We have already secured a main contractor to deliver the project and our aim is to achieve planning permission in Spring 2024. In line with the Government’s requirements, we plan to be on site in Autumn 2024 and for all of the construction work to have been completed by the end of 2025.
“Ahead of this, we are committed to carrying out extensive engagement on the proposals to ensure that we capture the views of all stakeholders and make appropriate adjustments ahead of submitting the necessary planning application.
“We’re also still seeking applications for the shop front grant scheme which we launched in February. A total sum of £600k is available to support shop owners and landlords to make improvements to their premises.”
Ivan Fomin, chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The delivery of the Staveley 21 project is a big first step towards realising the Staveley Town Centre Vision Masterplan which received strong public support in November 2021.
“It’s exciting to see Chesterfield Borough Council move the project forward into this next phase, which reflects the Staveley Town Deal Board’s vision and ambition for Staveley town centre.
“These are significant proposals which will ensure Staveley town centre is a place where local people and visitors will want to spend time whilst also supporting local businesses to grow not only now but in the future.”
Free eco scheme to help local fleet operators
Local schools join Derby engineering firm for National Manufacturing Day
Property professionals will gather tonight for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023!
Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
Most Active Estate Agent – sponsored by OMS
BB&J Commercial
Mather Jamie
FHP Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by MKMHBD – Power Park, Nottingham
Henry Brothers Construction – SportPark Pavilion 4, Loughborough
Bolsterstone Group Plc, Chesterfield Borough Council – One Waterside Place, Chesterfield Responsible Business of the Year – sponsored by Press for Attention PR Cawarden G F Tomlinson Aspbury Planning Limited Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Sterling Commercial FinancePhoenix Brickwork UK Ltd – St Marks student accommodation, Lincoln
Elms Developments – Elms Phase Two Ltd
St James Securities, Grainger – The Condor, Derby
Deal of the Year – sponsored by Mather JamieRushton Hickman Limited – Branston Locks deal
Bassi Group Nottingham Ltd – Job saving Pizza Hut takeover
Rigby & Co – Aida Factory deal
Developer of the Year – sponsored by WardChevin Homes
Clowes Developments
Brackley Property Developments
Architects of the Year – sponsored by Blueprint InteriorsIMA Architects
Matthew Montague Architects
Influence Landscape Planning and Design
Excellence in Design – sponsored by CawardenChevin Homes – Amber Farm
Marchini Curran Associates – Phoenix cinema and art centre
Trident Construction Services – Lark Hill Retirement Village refurbishment
Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services LtdHBD – Power Park, Nottingham
Henry Brothers Construction – SportPark Pavilion 4, Loughborough
Elms Developments – Elms Phase Two ltd
Contractor of the Year – sponsored by RammSanderson CawardenEE Smith Contracts
Bowmer + Kirkland
The Overall Winner, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
To be held at:
McLaren Construction appointed on £8bn Procure Partnerships Framework
McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has been appointed to two of the four lots awarded to McLaren nationally on the £8bn Procure Partnerships Framework.
Procure Partnerships Framework has operated a national contractor framework for the last four years across 11 regions, and this second iteration covers four disciplines; construction, decarbonisation and retrofit, demolition and site preparation and infrastructure.
Under the construction discipline, the McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) division has been appointed to deliver public sector projects from £15m-£30m in the East Midlands and £30m+ in the West Midlands.
The contractor is one of 87 appointed to the second-generation Framework which will run from 1 November 2023 for four years.
McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) secured its place on the Framework through a rigorous selection process encompassing several critical assessments, including: PAS91 Selection Questionnaire, Financial Standing Checks, Relevant Experience, and Commercial Assessments, alongside Quality Assessments – covering aspects such as cost management, health and safety, sustainability, social value, and performance management.
Gary Cramp, Managing Director at McLaren Construction (Midlands & North), said: “The new iteration of the framework is set to transform public and private sector procurement. McLaren Construction is proud to have been selected to deliver high-quality public sector schemes.
“Both McLaren Construction and the Framework have a shared priority of delivering projects that have a strong emphasis on generating social value, and we are looking forward to what will be achieved for communities in the next four years.”
Robbie Blackhurst, Director and Founder at Procure Partnerships Framework, said: “It was of paramount importance to us that the new framework addresses the growing needs of the industry, whilst ensuring clients have access to specialist contractors for their projects.
“McLaren Construction has an extensive portfolio of delivering successful construction projects, and we’re delighted to welcome them back onto the second iteration of the Procure Partnerships Framework.”
McLaren Construction London and South have also been appointed to two lots covering £30m+projects in the East of England and Southeast.
£1m high street revitalisation celebrated by Stapleford businesses
Local business owners are celebrating the success of a £1m grant scheme that has transformed Stapleford’s high street.
Through the £21m Government-funded Stapleford Towns Fund, 75 businesses have received a share of a £1m Town Centre Recovery Fund pot aimed at regenerating and revitalising the high street after the economic downturn of the pandemic.
Beneficiaries include Peak My Body fitness centre, Sewing Bee, Wake Cup Café, Millepede micropub, Larry’s Bar, Rowells, Gurkha Nights, Affinity Dance School and Little Driver’s Play Centre.
Grants have enabled external building and signage work to many businesses to modernise their premises and improve the look of the high street, as well as internal decoration, accessibility and energy efficiency improvements, equipment, furniture and marketing.
Business owners came together at the first of a series of business networking events on Monday night (25 September) to share their achievements and network with each other and business experts from East Midlands Chamber, Nottinghamshire County Council and Broxtowe Borough Council.
Paul Sweeney, Vice Chair of the Stapleford Towns Fund Board, said: “Stapleford is a fantastic town with so much potential. This £1m fund was designed to boost the long-term prosperity of the high street and these grants, many co-funded by business owners, have not only made the town more visually appealing to residents, shoppers and investors, they’ve improved things like energy efficiency, accessibility and marketing, that will have a long-term impact too.”
Mike Millers of Peak My Body, has benefitted from the grant and the Stapleford gym has been open to everyone who wants to improve their fitness, including a GB American football athlete and an up and coming teen boxer from the town.
Mike said: “The business grant has helped grow membership of the gym and install app access for members so they can come to the gym around their own schedules. It would have taken eight to 12 months to do this on my own, the scheme has been fantastic.”
Darren Henry, MP for Broxtowe and Stapleford Towns Fund Board Member, said: “It was fantastic to meet so many local business owners and hear about the huge impact these grants have had on their businesses. Stapleford has a great community spirit which was very much evident at this networking event and I have no doubt that Stapleford has a prosperous future ahead.”
24-hour cycle challenge fundraisers celebrate after raising £2,000 for Mesothelioma UK
New bidder steps forward for Pendragon
Former BAS Castings site acquired by George Dutton
Last chance to secure tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
Most Active Estate Agent – sponsored by OMS
BB&J Commercial
Mather Jamie
FHP Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by MKMHBD – Power Park, Nottingham
Henry Brothers Construction – SportPark Pavilion 4, Loughborough
Bolsterstone Group Plc, Chesterfield Borough Council – One Waterside Place, Chesterfield Responsible Business of the Year – sponsored by Press for Attention PR Cawarden G F Tomlinson Aspbury Planning Limited Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Sterling Commercial FinancePhoenix Brickwork UK Ltd – St Marks student accommodation, Lincoln
Elms Developments – Elms Phase Two Ltd
St James Securities, Grainger – The Condor, Derby
Deal of the Year – sponsored by Mather JamieRushton Hickman Limited – Branston Locks deal
Bassi Group Nottingham Ltd – Job saving Pizza Hut takeover
Rigby & Co – Aida Factory deal
Developer of the Year – sponsored by WardChevin Homes
Clowes Developments
Brackley Property Developments
Architects of the Year – sponsored by Blueprint InteriorsIMA Architects
Matthew Montague Architects
Influence Landscape Planning and Design
Excellence in Design – sponsored by CawardenChevin Homes – Amber Farm
Marchini Curran Associates – Phoenix cinema and art centre
Trident Construction Services – Lark Hill Retirement Village refurbishment
Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services LtdHBD – Power Park, Nottingham
Henry Brothers Construction – SportPark Pavilion 4, Loughborough
Elms Developments – Elms Phase Two ltd
Contractor of the Year – sponsored by RammSanderson CawardenEE Smith Contracts
Bowmer + Kirkland
The Overall Winner, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
To be held at:
Historic bakery’s future safeguarded
Allen Jackson Bakery Limited, part of Lifft Group Limited, has acquired Chesterfield’s Jacksons the Bakers in a deal which has secured the historic bakery’s presence in the town and safeguarded dozens of local jobs.
With its history dating back as far as the late 19th century, Jacksons supplies a wide range of wholesale clients including schools, supermarkets, and English Football League Clubs, operating out of its head office, bakery and factory shop in Clay Cross.
The business also has a retail shop in Chesterfield town centre and is well known across the region for its quality baked goods, as well as its support of the local community including supplying Ashgate Hospice with fresh bread and cakes for patients and staff free of charge.
The acquisition, which completed earlier this month for an undisclosed sum with a turnaround time of just two weeks, follows news that the company had gone into administration amidst challenging trading conditions following the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, including rising energy costs.
Andrew Fielder from Chesterfield law firm Banner Jones, and Andrew McDaid from Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers, advised Allen Jackson Bakery Limited on the purchase of the company’s trade and assets.
Looking to the future the company’s new owners say they hope to build on its heritage and success over the years in order to establish new contracts with local independent pubs, restaurants, and cafes.
Commenting on the deal Allen Jackson Bakery Limited founder and Lifft Group Limited Director, Giles Allen, said it formed part of group’s strategic growth ambitions to expand its portfolio of businesses which operate commercial fleets and companies specialising in transport training.
He added that the move was also aligned to the group’s ethical, social and governance values (ESG), and its commitment to invest in companies that can help to create sustainable job opportunities in the local area.
“Jacksons the Bakers is a wonderful bakery which employs great people. It has an impressive heritage dating back more than 100 years, and a long-standing reputation for supporting the local community,” Giles commented.
“Like many businesses it has faced some challenges in recent years, brought about by the pandemic and increasing operating costs, but it also has an expansive, loyal customer base and there is considerable opportunity for further growth and expansion.
“We are delighted to be bringing Jacksons into the group, and to have secured the company’s continued presence in Chesterfield. We hope everyone in the community will now get behind the business and help us to grow by buying local.”
Andrew McDaid, Partner at Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers who acted as a representative for Giles in his negotiations with the administrators, added: “It great to work alongside ambitious, entrepreneurs such as Giles who share our passion for Chesterfield and want to improve the economic prosperity of the area.
“At a time when there has been so much in the press about businesses shutting down, resulting in thousands of redundancies, we are pleased to have been able to work together quickly to ensure that jobs were safeguarded, and the business moves forward.”
Andrew Fielder from Banner Jones added: “Banner Jones is delighted to have acted for Allen Jackson Bakery Limited in its acquisition of Jacksons the Bakers. The purchase has secured the future of a well-respected local business and protected the jobs of the business’s employees.
“We wish the new owners every success moving forwards.”
Largest Leicester letting of the year made
Revenue and pre-tax profits rise at Yü Group
Bobby Kalar, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We have kept our promise and delivered profitable, sustainable growth in H1 2023 and I look forward to doing the same in H2 2023 and beyond.
“I’m pleased to report another set of excellent results reflecting our continuing strong and predictable performance. Keeping in mind this is our sixth consecutive and consistent set of results improvement, our ability to sustainably grow the business is well proven and we are now firmly in the scale stage of our journey.
“Our financial KPI’s continue to perform ahead of expectations. Revenue is up by 51% to £194.9m, cash has increased 133% to £36.6m, average monthly bookings have increased by 259% to £51.3m and EBITDA has grown over 400% to £13.7m, compared to H1 2022. We now forecast a new record performance to follow in H2 2023 and we expect to see EBITDA over £33m for FY 2023, up from current market expectations of c£19m.
“Our Yü Smart business is now fully embedded and delivering impressive results since its launch in January 2023 and I’m pleased that meter installation numbers are growing by the month. I expect the Group to have installed at least 10,000 meters by the end of this year. I believe the integration of Yü Smart to the supply business will be a game changer in terms of the Group’s ability to better understand customer usage and payment habits.
“We have strong foundations, a proven strategy and great momentum in a substantial market. We look forward to continuing to deliver in H2 2023 and beyond.”
“Exceptionally challenging” period sees pre-tax profit slip while revenue rises at Mortgage Advice Bureau
Peter Brodnicki, Chief Executive, said: “It has been an exceptionally challenging year with interest rates continuing to rise. This has clearly impacted consumer confidence, resulting in many people deciding to delay their house purchase, whilst for others there is understandably a reduced level of urgency. This has created a toughening market for mortgage brokers as the year has progressed, compounding the damaging impact of the mini-budget last September.
“However, against this difficult backdrop I am pleased with how MAB has significantly outperformed the market, with the organic business performing above expectations. To ensure we are in the best possible shape when market conditions improve we have continued to carefully invest across the entire Group to deliver optimal business and adviser efficiency. This has also been a priority with Fluent, where the short-term impact of such a significant downturn has been more strongly felt, and indeed magnified due to the business having been in such a strong growth phase at the point it was acquired by MAB.
“MAB has an exceptionally strong track record of outperformance, and the progress made this year in the development of new lead opportunities for Fluent and the rest of the Group will underpin our plans to deliver continued market share growth in 2024, even if difficult market conditions continue to prevail.
“There is a great deal to be positive about and our lead initiatives, including the addition of Fluent to the Group, will continue to strengthen our addressable market and growth plans, whilst offsetting the potential impact of any downward cycles in the future.”
Meet the sponsors: the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
Meet the sponsors of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
OMS – sponsor of Most Active Estate Agent
Trading for over 25 years, OMS was founded by Clive Ormerod to build on his extensive experience and to provide consultancy and training services to the highest possible standards and with a culture that is recognised as highly ethical. With a clear focus on listening to its customers, OMS has grown through developing solutions that meet customer needs and aspirations.
Today, OMS has a core team at its head office and training centre in Leicestershire, as well as a number of other training venues throughout the Midlands and UK and a network of specialist associates, enabling it to provide a broad range of expertise to public and private sector organisations of all sizes.
A returning sponsor, backing Most Active Estate Agent, the winner of OMS’ category will be the Estate Agents who has had the biggest impact on the commercial property sector over the last 12 months, whether that be in deals done, quality of any given deal, or excellent customer service.
Speaking with Business Link, a spokesperson for OMS said: “OMS are delighted to be sponsoring the Bricks Awards again this year, an annual East Midlands event. It is wonderful to see and hear about all of the nominations within the awards and how they have made a great impact on the area with their work and projects completed and we are proud to be a part of it.”
MKM – sponsor of Commercial Development of the Year
MKM is the UK’s leading independent builder’s merchant. Founded in 1995, it has branches across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom from Redruth to Elgin, Norwich and Llandudno.
Each site is run independently by its Branch Directors and their hand-picked teams, supported by a Central Support office in Hull. Branches benefit from the local knowledge and expertise of their outstanding teams to provide excellent service. By building relationships with customers, they have a true understanding of individual customer needs, and the flexibility to meet these.
A new sponsor for 2023, the winner of MKM’s category will be the commercial development that has gone above and beyond in fulfilling the criteria of the build, in terms of design and construction. This can include special requirements, features or elements that make the commercial development stand out from the crowd.
Speaking with Business Link, Gavin Moody, Branch Director at MKM Nottingham, said: “MKM are proud to be sponsoring the Commercial Development of the Year category at the annual East Midlands Brick Awards. It is important to us that we celebrate the construction industry’s achievements and highlight local business development in this way. East Midlands Business Link do a great job with these awards, shining a light on the area and bringing businesses together.”
Press for Attention PR – sponsor of Responsible Business of the Year
Press for Attention PR’s founder, Greg Simpson, quite simply thinks that PR is ‘broken’. It appears out of reach for so many businesses but it does not need to be like this. Greg established the agency in 2008 having spent the previous decade announcing business news to the regional and national press, or receiving it as a former journalist. He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan.
As well as being a former journalist, Greg has been a marketing manager for a £60m business, and is the author of The Small Business Guide To PR. This background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s and consultant’s perspective.
Returning to sponsor the responsible business award for another year, the winner of Press for Attention PR’s category will have demonstrated corporate responsibility in their field, working in harmony and for the betterment of the local community in which it operates and setting a shining example for the rest of the supply chain.
Speaking with Business Link, Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, said: “We have proudly sponsored this category for many years now because we think that it is crucial that companies that proactively demonstrate that corporate responsibility is an important part of their culture should be recognised.”
Sterling Commercial Finance – sponsor of Residential Development of the Year
Established in the year 2000, Sterling Commercial Finance have been arranging commercial finance for its clients for over 20 years. Its professional team are from a commercial banking and accountancy background and have extensive experience in Commercial Mortgages, Property Funding, Business Loans, Invoice and Asset Finance. Sterling also source funding for Company Acquisitions and Management Buy-Outs.
Over the years, it has become increasingly difficult for a business to approach their existing bank for funding. As an independent commercial finance brokerage, Sterling can help you source and secure finance from its panel of Challenger Banks, Specialist Lenders and Alternative Finance providers.
Sterling is another repeat sponsor, backing residential development of the year. The winner of Sterling Commercial Finance’s category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to providing much-needed housing in the East Midlands. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Speaking with Business Link, Nic Rotton of Sterling Commercial Finance said: “At Sterling Commercial Finance, we are delighted to continue our support as sponsor for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023.
“As property finance specialists, it is fascinating for us to see the wide-ranging developments taking place across the region with design, functionality and sustainability at their heart.
“We are proud to continue our affiliation with the Residential Development of the Year category for the fifth year and we look forward to celebrating with everyone.”
Mather Jamie – sponsor of Deal of the Year
Mather Jamie is a well established and specialist land development and property consultancy based in Loughborough, Leicestershire. It prides itself on providing a comprehensive range of Director-led advisory services to landowners, occupiers, developers and investors nationwide.
Mather Jamie is one of the East Midlands’ leading commercial and agricultural surveyors and valuers. Principal services include strategic land development advice, acting as rural estate managers and letting agents, and commercial property agents.
The winner of Mather Jamie’s category will be the deal that has truly pushed the boundaries over the last 12 months – from jobs created to complexity, size and scale. However, that’s not to say the biggest deal will automatically win; the deal which has had most impact in the East Midlands is what we’re looking for. The winning deal will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver a great outcome for all concerned.
Speaking with Business Link, Amy Biddell, Director and Marketing lead from Mather Jamie, said: “We attended the event for the first time in 2021 when we were shortlisted for ‘Deal of the Year’, then in 2022 we were nominated for and won the ‘Most Active Agent of the Year’ category.
“We were delighted to win, and since then have witnessed first-hand the benefits of raising our brand profile through this awards platform. It was a natural progression for us to sponsor the ‘Deal of the Year’ as this will help to promote our services to an elite audience of landowners, property developers and building contractors.”
Ward – sponsor of Developer of the Year
Specialists in metal recycling and waste management, Ward aims to prevent 100% of the waste it collects from ending up in landfill. With a turnover in excess of £300million Ward is the largest independent metal and waste recycling company in the Midlands with multiple sites nationwide. Stretching from London to Middlesbrough it can provide UK coverage for metal and recycling solutions.
An ISO accredited, multi-award winning, fourth generation family-run business, Ward has been established for over 80 years and now employs over 400 people locally with a fleet of more than 120 modern vehicles.
Ward is returning to sponsor developer of the year for another year. The winner of Ward’s category will be the developer that has truly pushed the limit over the last 12 months. Their scheme(s) will have shown to not only be a success, but that there was true demand for them. The winning developer will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver award winning results.
Speaking with Business Link, Donald Ward, Operations Director at Ward, said: “Each year the Bricks Awards get better and better. The quality of entries gets even tougher to judge. It’s a real celebration of the achievements of businesses in the building and construction sector across the East Midlands. We’re pleased to be sponsoring the Developer of the Year award again this year and look forward to getting involved.”
Blueprint Interiors – sponsor of Architects of the Year
Workplace consultants and commercial office interior fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors offer award-winning, people-focused office design and fit out with the aim to create environments that have a positive impact on those that use them.
Blueprint’s work involves transforming average spaces into inspiring workplaces that prioritise wellbeing and where people feel empowered to achieve their goals.
A returning sponsor, the winner of Blueprint Interiors’ award will be the architects who have had the greatest impact on the region, be it in a single development or a series of them. Originality, the ability to rise to a challenge or initiative shown in accomplishing a difficult brief, this award celebrates our architects.
Speaking with Business Link, Ben Dawson, Business Development Manager at Blueprint Interiors, said: “We have been involved in the awards since 2019 either as an award nominee or a sponsor. We continue to be impressed with both the quality of award submissions, but also the event, which attracts the elite of our region’s construction and property professionals. It is therefore the ideal platform to promote our own expertise as workplace consultants and commercial office fit-out specialists.”
Cawarden – sponsor of Excellence in Design
Cawarden is a family-owned and operated specialist contractor with over 35 years of experience in delivering exemplary projects.
It has a rich history of successfully delivering demolition, land remediation and earthworks projects across the UK. These activities remain its core business. However, its capability continues to grow to meet the changing needs of its valued clients.
Today, Cawarden offers a range of services that can be tailored to clients’ requirements. Cawarden can fulfil a one-off service or integrated ‘destruction to construction’ solution – resulting in value-engineering, programme efficiencies and value for money.
A returning sponsor, the winner of Cawarden’s category will be the developer who has shown true originality in design excellence across a scheme or schemes over the last 12 months, whether this be aesthetically, functionally or in any other manner.
Speaking with Business Link, William Crooks, Managing Director at Cawarden, said: “In our role as a specialist contractor, we work closely with clients to facilitate the development of new schemes and regeneration projects throughout the UK, including in Derby, our home city. We thrive on meeting complex challenges to pave the way for new structures to rise up and repurposing existing buildings to give them a new lease of life.
“So we are delighted to be back this year as a returning sponsor to the showcase of the region’s property and construction sector, The Bricks. The Excellence in Design award is an exciting opportunity to recognise the developers who have shown originality in design excellence and we’re thrilled to sponsor and judge this category once again.”
Viridis Building Services Ltd – sponsor of Sustainable Development of the Year
Viridis Building Services are experts in helping you create sustainable, appealing and cost-effective buildings. They understand how every single detail in the construction of a building can impact our environment. Working in partnership with architects, builders, project managers and their clients, they provide intelligent, innovative and, above all, sustainable building services to projects across a wide range of sectors.
From designing in core sustainable principles at the earliest stages of projects, through to delivering low-carbon, low-cost lighting, water and energy systems, Viridis are ensuring the East Midlands spearheads Sustainability and Environmental Design.
Returning to sponsor sustainable development of the year, the winner of Viridis Building Services’ category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to sustainable development in the East Midlands, whether this be in an environmental development, social enterprise or a scheme which will benefit the region in other ways, so long as it benefits the future generation.
Speaking with Business Link, a spokesperson for Viridis Building Services Ltd said: “We are proud to sponsor the Sustainable Development of the Year award at the East Midlands Bricks Awards for another year. We promote this award in particular because of its relation to us as a business and how it fits within our values. Sustainability isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are and to be able to live this through this award makes us proud to be involved.
“Through this award we are ensuring the East Midlands is leading the market through sustainable design. We understand the passion from those involved towards this award and we know the great pride in delivering these outcomes. Therefore, to present this award allows us to promote this type of design and ensure innovative, collaborative and pragmatic solutions are provided. This not only helps promote those involved in the design stages, but also to promote those who will be using the spaces in the future.
“We look forward to attending the event to reveal the winner. We feel the awards bring the East Midlands together, not just within the Sustainable Development of the Year category, but for all the categories – we are proud to be part of the East Midlands Bricks Awards to promote the area and molding its future.”
RammSanderson – sponsor of Contractor of the Year
RammSanderson are ecology, arboriculture, and flood risk consultants, providing services to a wide range of public and private sector clients across all scales of developments. They are founded on the principles of customer service, technical excellence and pragmatic solution-based consulting.
RammSanderson was established by Oliver Ramm, Nick Sanderson and Anthony Mellor in 2014. Since then they have grown to a team of 50 staff over offices in the East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire and Northern Ireland.
A returning sponsor, celebrating the contractors who work on the project, RammSanderson’s award celebrates builders, construction companies and the contractors themselves, and nominees are those who have gone above and beyond the word of the contract to deliver a truly exceptional service.
Speaking with Business Link, a spokesperson for RammSanderson said: “RammSanderson are thrilled to be sponsoring the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, backing Contractor of the Year, for the second year in a row.
“RammSanderson are a specialist, leading environmental consultant providing services to the planning and construction sector for ecology, arboriculture, and flood risk on a full range of projects. We pride ourselves in working closely with our clients and their team of consultants and contractors to deliver projects that run smoothly and achieve valuable environmental and ecological gains.
“By sponsoring this award we want to celebrate the contractors who go above and beyond the word of the contract to deliver a truly exceptional service.
“We are excited to see what the nominees have accomplished, to celebrate their achievements and get the chance to network with property and construction professionals from across the region at the Bricks 2023.”
Streets Chartered Accountants – sponsor of Overall Winner
Streets Chartered Accountants is a well-established and widely respected mid-tier, top 40 UK firm of Chartered Accountants, advising a diverse portfolio of entrepreneurial growth companies, high net worth individuals and third sector not for profit organisations.
Nicholas Associates Group offers talent management solutions from apprentice to boardroom appointments. The combined group operates from locations across the UK. Brands include Apprentice Employment Agency, Stafforce, Cra-Cro Site Services, Nicholas Associates, Ashley Kate HR & Finance, Main-Board, NA Software and Olano.
Backing the Bricks for the first time this year, the business is the event’s drinks sponsor.
Speaking with Business Link, a spokesperson for Nicholas Associates said: “Nicholas Associates is thrilled to be sponsoring the prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to recognising and celebrating excellence in the construction and property sector.
“By sponsoring this event, Nicholas Associates aims to support and elevate the exceptional talent and ingenuity within the industry we have worked closely with since 1977.
“Through our involvement, we seek to foster collaboration, facilitate networking opportunities, and provide a platform for knowledge sharing among industry professionals. We firmly believe that acknowledging and celebrating achievements can inspire a culture of excellence that drives progress and innovation throughout the sector.
“We are looking forward to celebrating with all the category nominees and winners on 28 September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.”
Tickets can be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 here.
East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 When: Thursday 28 September 2023, 4:30pm – 7:30pm Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground Keynote speaker: Matt Wallace, Director of Estates and Building Services at Leicester City Council Dress code: Standard business attire Tickets: Available here Parking: Due to the Notts V Middlesex 4 day County Championship fixture, parking will likely be limited at Trent Bridge on the day, therefore parking has been made available for Bricks guests at the Notts Sports Club, Holme Road, NG2 5AA (by Nottingham Rugby Football Club), quoting “Bricks Awards” to any parking and gate stewards.