Acquisition instrumental in Trent’s future growth

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Acquisition instrumental in Trent’s future growth
Record Electrical Associates Ltd (REA) has been acquired by a pressure and temperature instrument specialist, having been advised by KBS Corporate deal executive Oliver Rigby during the process. REA operates from dedicated facilities in Stretford, Manchester, and offers high-quality analogue instruments to international businesses. The company was initially founded over 100 years ago and has successfully cemented itself at the forefront of a niche sector. REA has been sold as part of Alan Johnson and Christopher McGrail’s retirement plans, both of whom maintained active roles as directors in the business. “This was an exciting opportunity to represent a long-standing company,” advised Oliver. “I worked alongside Alan and Christopher to identify a quality buyer that would preserve REA’s legacy.”
The successful acquirer is Trent Instruments, a Nottingham-based pressure and temperature solutions provider. Trent is a leading supplier of locomotive horns and the exclusive agent in the UK and Europe for Nathan AirChime. “Trent is an excellent buyer for REA,” said Oliver. “The two companies benefitted from a prior relationship which helped secure a great deal.”

Jobs saved with the sale of homeware company

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Jobs saved with the sale of homeware company
Leonard Curtis, in conjunction with S T Bennett & Co, has sold a long established homeware designer and producer which entered administration on 24 May. D Mason Limited, a company funded by investors Baaj Capital LLP, has swooped for David Mason (Design) Limited. Operating from three premises in Chesterfield, the company had operated successfully for over 60 years developing and designing products for the wholesale market together with the creation of bespoke ranges for high profile clients. The homeware company, whose brands included David Mason Design, Foxwood Home and The English Tableware Company, had suffered from the adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic and associated inflation. As a result of the need to shut down operations for a short period and subsequently increased shipping costs, cash flow and product pricing was adversely effected. Following a discrete AMA process to market the opportunity, without damaging the underlying business, the joint administrators, Alex Cadwallader of Leonard Curtis and Stewart Bennett of S T Bennett & Co, assisted by solicitors Crowell Moring LLP, completed a sale of the core business, brands and assets enabling seven employees to retain their jobs. Alex Cadwallader said: “I am pleased to confirm that we were able to complete a sale of this well-established business, both maximising the return to creditors and successfully transferring seven jobs to a new employer.” Jas Singh, owner and director of Baaj Capital, said: “This exciting acquisition accelerates Baaj Capital’s plan to invest across a wide spectrum of business opportunities. The Homeware Sector being only one area of interest. “Baaj Capital has actively funded acquisition of both distressed and solvent companies through many sectors over the recent past. David Mason Design incorporates both specialist product and innovative design with a reputation for quality and finish, and represents an exciting addition to the businesses trading with Baaj Support. “Our thanks go to the Leonard Curtis and ST Bennett Team and Company Management for their help in delivering this project.”

Cabinet approve proposals to bring Northampton Railway Station multi-storey car park back on track

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Cabinet approve proposals to bring Northampton Railway Station multi-storey car park back on track
Plans to increase spaces and provide improved facilities at Northampton Railway Station, by building a new 1,198 space multi-storey car park (MSCP), have moved forward as West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) approved proposals at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 13 June. WNC is working closely with Network Rail and its development partner, BlocWork to bring forward the new MSCP which will provide much-needed parking in this area increasing capacity from 800 to 1200. Following cabinet’s approval in December 2021, plans have altered while the Council has responded to lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine, and cost inflation. As such, the terms of the lease were not agreed. Therefore, the Council stepped in to deliver proposals which will see the Council manage the facility offering best value for money for residents. Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at WNC, said: “There is a real need for a new multi-storey car park to replace the current arrangements which currently exist at Northampton Railway Station. By creating a multi-storey car park we can make space available for future development which will further enhance this area. “Over the last 18 months we have been closely monitoring the vast increase in inflation and responded to the affects of the pandemic and are now in a strong position to bring forward this development and manage the facility in-house. “Working with Network Rail and Blocwork, we can create a facility which is much better for rail users who access the station by car.”

Former martial arts world champions join WBR Group’s Leicester office as it continues to grow tax and finance capabilities

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Former martial arts world champions join WBR Group’s Leicester office as it continues to grow tax and finance capabilities
It is rare for a business to find itself with one former world champion. However, WBR Group (WBR), the independent provider of SSAS services and tax experts, has announced the appointment of two former world champions in martial arts to its Leicester office: Sofija Radionova as group deputy head of finance and Jainali Vyas as tax associate. Sofija, a former world Karate champion works alongside main board director Rocky Leanders. She has over nine years’ experience in the finance sector and is MAAT, now studying for her ACCA examinations. Jainali is a former 2X Taekwondo world champion achieving her black belt 3rd dan in her early teenage years. She has joined recently promoted tax director, Tom Lodge, and the wider tax planning team in Leicester. Like Sofija, Jainali is also studying for her ACCA qualification. Rocky Leanders, Chief Financial Officer, WBR Group, said: “Not everyone who works at WBR Group must be a martial arts expert, but we certainly enjoy having two join our team at the same time – and in the same office! “We are delighted to have Sofija and Jainali on board and their joining takes WBR Group to 150 employees. Their great sporting success is a testament to their professional attitude, and I am delighted to welcome both as we strengthen our tax and finance capabilities across WBR Group. “Achieving world champion status in any arena requires huge dedication and focus – we have no doubt they will be great additions to our fast-growing team in Leicester.”

Mather Jamie appoints new commercial valuation surveyor

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Mather Jamie appoints new commercial valuation surveyor

Loughborough-based specialist land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie has recently appointed David Cooney as a commercial valuation surveyor.

David has extensive valuation experience having joined the company from Deloitte where he was part of the property valuation team. He has also worked for the Valuation Office Agency as a district valuer, in addition to working within the valuation teams at Avison Young (GVA), Lloyds Bank & Norwich & Peterborough Building Society.

In these roles he dealt with valuations for developments, investments, tax, due diligence reviews, and audit reviews of valuations for financial statements. He also advised clients in relation to mergers and acquisitions of businesses to review property assets and liabilities.

In his new role at Mather Jamie he will provide similar advice and deal with all aspects of property valuations and lease reviews.

David said: “I am delighted to be joining Mather Jamie as I really wanted to get back to working in a local professional team rather than large corporate organisation as I think you feel much more part of a team. The advice given can also be more valuable as it impacts the outcome for local landowners and businesses and may affect several generations of the same family.”

In his spare time David enjoys skiing, cycling, classic cars and has abseiled for charity. In July he is raising funds for SOBS (survivors of suicide bereavement).

Change at the top for Fidler & Pepper Lawyers

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Change at the top for Fidler & Pepper Lawyers

Fidler & Pepper Lawyers, known for handling Conveyancing and Private Client matters, has revealed a change in leadership.

CEO Mark Slade steps into the role of chairman and chief technology officer, while Matt Slade, currently head of conveyancing and business development director, takes over as CEO.

Mark has been at Fidler & Pepper for nearly 40 years, becoming managing partner in 2002 and then CEO when it switched to become a limited company in 2018.

Over the years, he has driven the company forward, often with bespoke technology he developed leading the way.

For example, it was the first law firm to use text messaging to keep clients informed of updates, was the first to offer online case tracking, was the first to offer conveyancing quotes online, and the first to do Wills online.

Mark’s new role will see him continuing to focus on his passion for developing technology that benefits the company and its clients.

Mark said: “I am immensely proud of being at the helm of Fidler & Pepper through the years, taking it forward not only as a client-focused business but one where people value it as a place to work.

“We’ve been able to look at where we are, make strategic decisions based on our strengths, and steer the company to its current success.

“My new role will see me focus my efforts on developing technology that will help to shape the business into the next era and beyond.”

Matt Slade has been at Fidler & Pepper for nearly 31 years, and has been key to its ongoing success, particularly in conveyancing where it has cemented itself in the top 50 conveyancing firms in the country.

He said: “I’m proud of the work that Mark has done, and it’s an honour and a privilege to become CEO. Fidler & Pepper has a wonderful team of people, working in both our Conveyancing and Private Client teams.

“I’m looking forward to leading the firm, working with the directors and colleagues. Together, we will take the business forward.”

The company has four offices, all in Nottinghamshire, employs around 140 people, and has a team of directors who head up different aspects of the operation.

Auctioneer bolsters legal team

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Auctioneer bolsters legal team
Auction house, John Pye & Sons Ltd, has boosted its in-house legal team with the appointment of Claire West as legal counsel. The appointment follows a period of sustained growth for the business and comes as it looks to realise its ambitious expansion plans. Claire will be based at the firm’s Nottingham head office, reporting to Rosalind Keen, head of legal, who joined the business in 2020 in a newly created role to enhance the firm’s in-house legal capabilities, particularly in tendering for government related work. In her new post, Claire will support the legal requirements across the whole business, focusing on commercial law. She will provide clarity on contracts and terms governing relationships between the business, its clients and customers. She will also be responsible for reviewing and negotiating contracts and improving terms and conditions. Claire brings 25 years’ experience to the business, having trained at a national law firm before working in-house and then joining Nottingham Trent Law School as a commercial law lecturer. Speaking about her appointment, Claire said: “It’s great to be joining the John Pye team. The business is going from strength-to-strength and I’m looking forward to leveraging my legal experience to help take on some of the legal workload across all parts of the business.” Rosalind Keen, head of legal at John Pye, said: “We’re extremely pleased to welcome Claire on board. Having a lawyer of her calibre supporting the team will help strengthen our partnerships and improve operations so we are primed to meet our targets. “It’s an exciting time for the business and we’re looking forward to Claire joining us on the journey.”

Significant growth for Geo Green Power as demand for renewable energy soars

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Significant growth for Geo Green Power as demand for renewable energy soars
Renewable energy specialist Geo Green Power is experiencing significant growth as an increasing number of companies look to reap the benefits of green energy solutions to reduce energy costs and meet sustainability goals. Turnover for the East Midlands-based business tripled to £12m in the financial year to 31 March 2023 driven primarily by the commercial sector, particularly in solar, as it secured major contracts with companies such as Inchcape, the UK’s biggest car dealership, which services brands such as Mercedes, Jaguar, Audi and Land Rover. Geo Green is installing solar energy systems across large parts of Inchcape’s estate as well as renewable systems at data centres, warehouses, distribution centres and other businesses with high energy costs. The company based in Wysall, Leicestershire has taken on additional office and warehousing space to support its growth plans. The 4,300 sq ft of extra space will house the increasing volume of materials needed to service the work carried out nationwide. The bigger office space will allow the company to continue its recruitment with the number of employees set to total more than 100 for the first time. James Cunningham, MD, Geo Green Power, said: “Modern renewable energy systems have become even more efficient in recent years and at the same time installation costs have fallen. Payback is now typically within five years due to the significant reduction in energy costs that customers experience. “Add that to mounting evidence of the damage done by fossil fuels, huge increases in energy costs and the threat over energy security that’s emerged from the war in Ukraine, and it means the calculations stack up even more. For businesses in particular, renewables make more sense than ever before.”

Civil engineering sector set for growth in the Midlands – but key issues remain

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Civil engineering sector set for growth in the Midlands – but key issues remain

The civil engineering sector in the Midlands is set to grow in the coming year – but labour shortages, rising costs and a drop in road projects are key issues for firms in the region.

Midlands firms have contributed to the Civil Engineering Contractors Association’s (CECA) latest workload trends survey and it reveals how the sector is expected to fair in the coming 12 months.

More than half the firms surveyed (53 per cent) said that orders had risen with 28 per cent saying that their order books had decreased.

Areas such as renewable energy works, water & sewerage and railways have grown but preliminary works and motorways & trunk roads have seen a drop off.

On balance, 30 per cent of businesses expected workloads to increase in the next year and this trend will continue to impact the already tight labour market, according to the survey.

Firms in the civil engineering sector reported an increase in staff over the past year and, on balance, 43 per cent were forecasting a rise in skilled operatives and 38 per cent were expecting an increase in wider staff employment.

That is contributing to a rise in staffing costs – 6.1 per cent for engineering staff and 4.7 per cent for administrative staff.

Other costs also continue to rise although the rate of the increase has slowed compared to a year ago.

Aggregates, bricks and clay products have all risen by seven per cent or more. Fabricated steel is also up by seven per cent although it was rising by more than 13 per cent a year ago.

The rate of inflation has also dropped on timber and plastic but it is still relatively high at 7.7 per cent and 6.3 per cent respectively. The rate of increase on fuel prices has also fallen sharply but is still more than four per cent.

Lorraine Gregory, regional director of CECA Midlands, said: “This survey offers a real insight to the way civil engineering firms have performed over the last 12 months and, crucially, their expectations for the next year.

“There is no doubt that costs are still a big headache and, while the rate of inflation has fallen compared to 2022, businesses have still seen a substantial increase on materials and general running costs.

“On balance, companies believe they will grow over the next year and, of course, that means increasing their headcounts.

“However, as we know, the labour market is already extremely tight and with more firms looking to grow, it is only going to get tighter.

“I’d encourage firms to get in touch with us here at CECA as we can support on training and, also, chat through areas of best practice on how to grow a workforce by looking at different ways to recruit.

“On the whole, the sector remains positive in the Midlands but it’s vitally important that those issues raised start to be addressed.”

CMP Legal raises over £900 for Ashgate Hospice with charity pub quiz

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CMP Legal raises over £900 for Ashgate Hospice with charity pub quiz
Chesterfield-based CMP Legal, a niche commercial law firm that specialises in corporate, commercial, dispute resolution and employment law, held a Charity Pub Quiz at The Midpoint Bar in Chesterfield on 8 June 2023 to raise vital funds for Ashgate Hospice. Over 50 people attended the event which included banks, accountants and clients. The evening included a Charity Pub Quiz followed by a Charity Raffle, all in aid of Ashgate Hospice. The event was a huge success and raised £945.47. Jason Skelton, co-founder of CMP Legal, said: “Ashgate Hospice are such a beloved charity, and we are delighted to have played a small part in raising much needed funds towards the incredible end of life care and support they provide to the local community.”

Planning granted for £14m residential development in South Normanton

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Planning granted for £14m residential development in South Normanton

Housebuilder Honey will deliver 50 new two, three and four-bedroom homes in the village of South Normanton, near Alfreton, after being granted planning permission for a £14m development.

Called Amber and located on Lees Lane, the 4.5-acre development is the Sheffield-based housebuilding company’s first since launching last October.

Amber will feature 14 housetypes which Honey says have all been specifically designed to combine “style, substance and sustainability” for the benefit of buyers. Prices will start from £184,950 for a two-bedroom mid-terrace home.

Work at Amber has already commenced with the first residents expected to move into their new homes in March next year.

As well as providing new homes for the area, Honey is also making a £160,000 contribution to initiatives that will benefit the local community.

Honey was founded by former Avant Homes Chief Executive Officer, Mark Mitchell. Commenting on the proposed development, he said: “Our focus at Honey is to ensure all our homes provide buyers with an ideal combination of style, substance and sustainability which is unmatched at its price point.

“We are hugely excited to now be able to start building and make our homes available to buyers for the very first time. South Normanton is an excellent location for us to launch our high build quality, high specification new homes.

“We had a significant number of enquiries via our website when we announced we had submitted planning for Amber. We are now contacting those prospective buyers and would ask anyone else who is considering buying a Honey home at Amber to register their interest with us as soon as they can.”

The Access Group fast tracks expansion plans by partnering with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

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The Access Group fast tracks expansion plans by partnering with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

The Access Group, the Loughborough-headquartered provider of business management software, is fast-tracking plans to expand operations into Malaysia later this year through a new partnership with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the government agency leading the digital transformation of the Malaysian economy.

The partnership will be formalised during London Tech Week when representatives from Access along with other industry leaders join Malaysia’s Minister of Communications and Digital, YB Fahmi Fadzil, to set out ambitions to collectively shape the future of Malaysia’s digital economy.

For Access, the partnership with MDEC will propel the group’s plans to enhance its presence in the APAC region and support the opening of a new Global Operations Centre (GO Centre) in the capital Kuala Lumpur later this year.

Following the official opening in June of the Access GO Centre in Romania supporting EMEA, the establishment of a GO Centre in the Asia Pacific region is fundamental to the group’s global expansion, and Malaysia’s thriving digital economy and stable business landscape offer an attractive location for a new hub, ideally positioned to support Access’s ongoing global expansion.

Chris Bayne, CEO of The Access Group, said: “This is an exciting development for Access and we are grateful for MDEC’s support which will propel our growth in APAC. Kuala Lumpur offers a compelling proposition for our new GO Centre with its fantastic business environment and exceptional talent pool.

“Over the next four years the Access GO Centres will support 40% of our global staffing needs. Having these strategically located offices keeps momentum growing. It gives our teams a workplace they can genuinely be proud of while positioning the business in an excellent place to execute strategic growth and drive acquisitions across multiple regions, languages and time zones.

“Our ambition is to create a global ‘backbone’ of GO Centres which will provide international management, access to diverse talent and regional infrastructure to execute the group’s sustainable growth more easily.”

Mahadhir Aziz, Chief Executive Officer, MDEC, said: “The Global Operations Centre (GO Centre) is a resounding affirmation of Malaysia’s position as a competitive powerhouse for high-value investments and propels us closer towards our goal of firmly establishing Malaysia as the digital hub of ASEAN.

“We are delighted to welcome Access Group into Malaysia and we are committed to supporting their ambitious goals of igniting growth in the digital economy via the Malaysia Digital (MD) national strategic initiative and various catalyst programmes.

“Access not only represents a monumental leap in enhancing Malaysia’s innovative capabilities, but also signifies confidence in Malaysia’s robust and enabling ecosystem, our pool of digitally skilled talent and expertise, and establishing Malaysia as the destination for unparalleled digital excellence.

“We look forward to playing an integral role in the growth of Access in Malaysia, wider APAC and beyond.”

Access entered the market in Malaysia in 2018 through the acquisitions of iCare, Sage’s local businesses and Volcanic and currently employs around 150 people across three offices in both Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

The new Access GO Centre will create hundreds of jobs in the region, partnering with regional universities to hire the best talent, drive innovation, develop skills and provide international management to support teams in both APAC and the UK.

The Access Foundation which supports charities in regions where Access has a presence already supports Malaysia’s leading cancer charity – the National Cancer Society Malaysia’s ‘Home Aways from Home’ initiative – and will announce further support for local charities later in the year.

Hearthstone Investments snaps up Derby residential properties

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Hearthstone Investments snaps up Derby residential properties
Hearthstone Investments’ private equity fund, Hearthstone Residential Fund 2 (HRF2), has snapped up residential properties in Derby as part of £93 million worth of acquisitions over the past year for the private rented housing specialist. 66 properties have been acquired on the Kedleston Grange Estate in Allestree, Derby. A cross-office multi-disciplinary team of lawyers from Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) advised Hearthstone, led by real estate partner, Tom Willows, and associate, Stephanie Mallery, with support from Josh Fraser (planning solicitor), Chelsie Rapley (trainee solicitor), Abigail Langstaff (apprentice solicitor) – all based in Newcastle – Fiona Oliver (solicitor, Southampton) and Ben Brooks (associate, Plymouth). Hearthstone is a long-standing client of WBD with the firm having advised the company from 2019 to 2022 on significant multi-site deals with national housebuilders. Helen Simons, investment director at Hearthstone Investments, said: “Our growing portfolio now numbers over 1,800 houses and apartments, in targeted communities across the country. “In partnership with our investors, we are committed to ensuring those who choose to rent their homes can benefit from some of the best stock in their local area, with the confidence that their homes will be energy efficient, well maintained and well managed.”

Sustainable warehouse completed at St. Modwen Park Lincoln

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Sustainable warehouse completed at St. Modwen Park Lincoln

St. Modwen Logistics has completed work on a £15m, 111,000 sq ft sustainable warehouse, as part of the fourth phase of development at St. Modwen Park Lincoln, which could save occupiers more than £90,000 a year in operational energy costs.

Delivered by Caddick Construction, Lincoln 111 becomes the biggest unit at the site, demonstrating St. Modwen’s confidence in the Lincoln and Newark region following the success of the Park since the first unit was completed back in 2019.

In total, St. Modwen Logistics has invested £35m to deliver 411,000 sq ft of space at the Park in this period, with the likes of logistics giant DHL, retailer Furniture Village and international ice cream distributor NIC all occupying space at St. Modwen Park Lincoln.

Built to St. Modwen Logistics’ ‘Swan Standard’ guidelines for sustainable construction, Lincoln 111 is rated ‘Excellent’ by sustainability certification body BREEAM and comes complete with more than 1,000 sq m of solar PV panels installed as standard to help prospective occupiers to meet their own ESG targets.

Energy generated from these panels will fully power the building’s 5,300 sq ft of Grade-A offices, making them net zero carbon in operation. Combined with other energy-efficient features which are incorporated in the design process, Lincoln 111 has been awarded an EPC A+ rating, helping occupiers to reduce their operational costs.

Reserved matters planning consent has also been achieved for the fifth and final phase of development which will see the capacity of the Park total 740,000 sq ft in the coming years.

Ben Silcock, leasing & development manager, St. Modwen Logistics, said: “We are always striving to develop industry-leading warehouses in fantastic locations for our customers and Lincoln 111 is a prime example of this.

“As well as being near to the vital A1 interchange and benefitting from crucial infrastructure works in the region of late, the building is also best-in-class when it comes to both the quality of the development and its sustainability credentials.

“With extra power capabilities and reduced operational costs thanks to the installation of solar PV panels, it would be the perfect home for any businesses looking to expand their operation to the East Midlands or upgrade to a highly-efficient building.”

Dominic Towler, surveyor at Cushman & Wakefield, added: “Lincoln 111 is the largest speculatively built unit available within a 20-mile radius and adds much-needed supply to the area. The building’s sustainable design also offers exceptional cost savings for occupiers looking to relocate from less efficient and inferior stock.

“Phases 1 to 3 have demonstrated that demand for space in the area is buoyant with both local and national occupiers taking units within the Park, and we again expect the unit to be of significant interest to similar occupiers.”

Lincoln 111 features eight loading docks, two level access doors and 12.5m of clear internal height, as well as 48m yard depth. In addition, 20% of the building’s car parking spaces will have EV car charging points installed and the Park offers a provision of cycle spaces, encouraging greener travel amongst employees.

How do you really get value from strategic planning? By James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants

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How do you really get value from strategic planning? By James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants
James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, breaks down the process of strategic planning. There seems to be renewed vigor to embark on strategic planning sessions by both private sector and third sector organisations, their Boards and senior leadership teams. Whether this is the result of needing to get to grips with pressures facing them around workforce challenges, supply chain issues, rising costs or simply in what seems to be an ever-changing world, there does seem to be a need to determine the overall direction of travel. In any event, who could disagree with taking time out to spend time on the business as opposed to in the business. The process of strategic planning for some may involve some form of facilitated away day, with exec and non-exec directors, for others it might be spending time in the office, or working from home to develop a plan. Regardless of the choice of approach, the process for developing the strategic plan invariably is the same. In essence the best starting point is looking at where we are now, and perhaps reflecting on the last plan. By looking at what has been achieved and the challenges faced we can then start to look at what the future looks like. It’s always useful to consider whether the prior years have been as intended, expected or desired. Before diving into future strategy, it is also good to review or consider the purpose of the organisation. Whilst many will probably look to re-visit their ‘mission’ increasingly it seems to be more appropriate and effective to focus on ‘purpose’ – the reason why the organisation exists not just for its customers and those that own or run it, but also its wider stakeholders. In essence, what is the reason for your organisation’s being! Looking ahead to the future we start to consider the what, why, when and where of what you are looking to achieve. This tends to be determined by having an in-depth understanding of the environment in which you operate, the opportunities presented and the challenges you face. Having prepared a draft, which doesn’t have to be War and Peace, many find it useful and beneficial to review this with the wider members of the team, perhaps even external stakeholders. This engagement piece certainly can play a role in honing the plan as well as potentially getting greater buy in to its delivery. Whilst Boards and senior teams may determine and detail an organisation’s overall strategy, and promote the same, its delivery or rather the how you make it happen tends to be more the work of the wider team. Looking at the overall approach to strategic planning is always a good thing. If you are embarking on a strategic planning session soon it is also worth looking at why plans don’t work, don’t come to fruition or deliver what was intended. There are a number of key reasons why strategic plans don’t deliver – these include the fact that from the start they were ill conceived, even perhaps delusional in their expectations. This could be down to a failure to really get into the weeds and base it on detailed data and intelligence. It could also be down to the mindset or influence of one or more individual’s overpowering influence and/or personal desires or goals. Often strategic goals are not realised because they are too broad or ill defined, there is no clear or easily communicated strategic intent or direction. Moreover, there is a long list of desires, activities as opposed to a single or limited number of objectives. Certainly, a failure to communicate effectively and bring alive the strategy can lead to a failure to deliver. How many plans have been produced that just sit on the bookshelf or in a file on the computer? It can also be the case that when looking at delivery of the plan, consideration wasn’t really given to the resources and skills needed to deliver it. There are no doubt many more reasons why strategic plans are not realised, but we will finish on the fact that many fail to actually use the plan as a management tool measuring performance and outcomes against the plan on a regular basis. See this column in the June edition of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.

The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023: “an important date in the diary of every property and construction professional in this part of the world”

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The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023: “an important date in the diary of every property and construction professional in this part of the world”
The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership is urging property and construction leaders to enter Business Link’s East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, and keep Lincolnshire on the property and construction map. “I’m delighted to see the East Midlands Bricks Awards back for another year and going from strength to strength,” said Professor Neal Juster, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership. “These prestigious awards are an important date in the diary of every property and construction professional in this part of the world. They shine a light on the outstanding work that is done in the property and construction sector across the East Midlands. “We feel it’s important for Greater Lincolnshire businesses to shout about their success, so we urge property and construction leaders to enter these awards, attend the event and keep Lincolnshire on the property and construction map!” With nominations open until Thursday 31 August, now is the ideal time to enter your (or another) business/development for the awards. To do so – click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include: Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September, in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region. The event will also feature Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, as keynote speaker. Tickets can now be booked for the awards event, which runs from 4:30pm – 7:30pm – click here to secure yours. Network with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. Dress code is standard business attire.
  Thanks to our sponsors:                                                             To be held at:

Planning consent achieved for 213 Oakham homes

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Planning consent achieved for 213 Oakham homes
Property consultancy Carter Jonas has secured planning consent on behalf of Pigeon for up to 213 new homes, amenity space, allotments and areas for outdoor play and landscaping on land off Burley Road in Oakham, Rutland. Planning permission was granted by Rutland County Council. Of the 213 homes, 64 (30%) will be affordable housing. The scheme will also provide a circular walk and perimeter trail, areas of wetlands where nature can flourish, two children’s play areas and allotments. The development will be attractively landscaped, providing substantial areas for informal recreation in addition to pedestrian and cycles routes to the nearby Co-op, Burley Road and Burley Park Way. Pigeon’s vision for the site is to create a beautiful and sustainable neighbourhood, which provides links for walking and cycling to Oakham, set within a network of green spaces. Kimberley Brown, associate partner at Carter Jonas in Cambridge, said: “Carter Jonas’ Planning and Masterplanning teams were extremely pleased to achieve this planning permission. This is a well considered scheme which provides much needed homes, including affordable housing, in an environment which prioritises nature and sustainability and is entirely fitting with its surroundings.” Rob Snowling, director at Pigeon, said: “Pigeon is delighted that planning permission has been granted for a high-quality landscape and design-led sustainable scheme at Burley Road, Oakham. The scheme will make a long-lasting positive addition to the town and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the team at Carter Jonas for all of their hard work in helping to achieve this successful outcome.”

East Midlands civil and structural engineering company makes duo of promotions

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East Midlands civil and structural engineering company makes duo of promotions

East Midlands-based civil and structural engineering company BSP Consulting has promoted two members of its team.

Pedro Navarro has been made an associate, while Oliver McElroy has been promoted to principal engineer.

Both are members of the civil engineering team at BSP Consulting, with Pedro working in the Nottingham office and Oliver working out of the Derby office.

BSP director Tony Goddard said: “These promotions are in recognition of their tireless technical work within the civils team and their proven ability encouraging and developing younger staff, managing project finances and going the extra mile to nurture positive client relationships.

“On behalf of everyone at BSP Consulting, I’d like to congratulate Pedro and Oliver and wish them well in their new roles.”

Pedro has been with BSP since June 2017, while Oliver joined in November 2020.

Smaller businesses in the East Midlands raise £98m in equity investment

Tess Egginton
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Smaller businesses in the East Midlands raise £98m in equity investment
Smaller businesses attracted £98 million of announced equity investment across the East Midlands in 2022, according to the British Business Bank’s annual Small Business Equity Tracker. Published today, the report has revealed that there had been 58 announced equity deals in the region – but because of the downturn in the market, the East Midlands attracted 37% less in investment on the previous year. Despite the downturn and fall in investment, the number of deals in the East Midlands in 2022 remained relatively stable, and was the second highest annual total on record. The British Business Bank allocated 2.1% of its equity deals to the region, compared to 2.0% across the wider equity market. In areas outside of London, the number of deals fell by 10% in 2022 to 1,337 deals. The total investment value in these areas also fell by 11% to £5.8bn. The decline in the number of deals is twice as fast as the decline experienced in the London region. The biggest concentration of investment is once again focused in London, and this highlights the need of the Bank’s regionally focused programmes including the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) which plays an important role in increasing the supply of finance in the Midlands. Dr Sophie Dale-Black, UK Network Director, Midlands at the British Business Bank, said: “2021 was an incredibly strong year for equity investment in the East Midlands and it is positive to see such a huge amount of equity investment coming into the region to help smaller businesses to grow and this shows there is still a desire for that to continue. “But, as we start to feel the economic downturn, the decline in investment in 2022 reflected concern about the overvaluation of deals, and the effects of higher inflation and rising interest rates. “The Bank continues to back smaller businesses in the region and will monitor these changing equity finance conditions carefully, and stands ready with programmes such as the Midlands Engine Investment Fund to support finance markets in the region.”

The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant funding to YMCA Derbyshire for new project Past:Present Future

Tess Egginton
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The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant funding to YMCA Derbyshire for new project Past:Present Future
YMCA Derbyshire has received support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for a new employability project inspired by local heritage ‘Past:Present:Work’. Thanks to National Lottery players, the project will support 30 young people who have experienced homelessness and/or barriers to employment/learning. These project participants will be YMCA Derbyshire residents or young people engaged in training and education programmes at YMCA Key College. The project aims to engage the young people in exploring key heritage and conservation sites in Derby and Derbyshire to understand the employment opportunities linked to these in the past and present. This will be done through projects, 1-1 coaching, group activities and essential work placements/volunteering to facilitate each young person’s successful journey into employment. Cromford Mill, the Museum of Making, and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust are partners within the project each providing workshops, delivered by their education teams to explore their sites and resources to inform and excite project participants. Gillian Sewell, Chief Executive of YMCA Derbyshire, said: “YMCA Derbyshire is immensely grateful for the support from National Lottery players and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This funding will enable young people who may not have the opportunity to visit and engage in activities related to their local heritage to access these places and learn about their rich history. “We are excited to be working with our three project partners, Cromford Mills, The Museum of Making, and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to explore the past and present of employment within the local area and take our participants on a journey to explore this. The project will enrich their knowledge and skills to build their CV’s and assist them in finding meaningful work for the future.”
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