12 benefits of video for businesses
One of the most effective ways to engage with customers and promote your brand is through video. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of video for businesses and why it should be a crucial part of your marketing, as well as a few tips for how to incorporate video advertising into your strategy.
1. Increases Engagement and Reach
One of the primary benefits of video for businesses is that it can significantly increase engagement. Videos are more interactive and engaging than text-based content. They capture attention and can effectively communicate your brand message. Video content is more likely to be shared on social media, which means it has the potential to reach a wider audience.
2. Improves SEO Ranking
Google’s algorithm favours websites that have relevant and engaging content. By incorporating video content into your website, you can increase the time visitors spend on your site. This sends a positive signal to search engines that your website is providing value to users and, in turn, boosts your SEO ranking and starts creating a snowball effect that leads to more and more website traffic. Furthermore, video content can increase backlinks, which can improve your website’s domain authority.
3. Builds Trust, Credibility and Brand Authority
By showcasing your products or services in action, you can demonstrate their effectiveness and reliability, which helps to build trust and credibility with your audience. Videos also provide an opportunity to showcase your brand’s personality and values, which can help build an emotional connection with your audience. Creating high quality video content can even establish your business as industry leaders and build brand authority, particularly if your content is informative and educational.
4. Increases Conversions
Video content has been shown to increase conversions. By providing potential customers with an in-depth look at your products or services, you can convince them to take action. Videos can also provide a clear call-to-action, which leads to higher conversion rates.
5. Return on Investment
Creating video content does not have to be expensive. So long as you hire a professional videographer, instead of making brand-damaging low quality videos on a phone, you are likely to see very good ROI on video production. Our recommended local video production company, Glowfrog, can be hired from as little as £600 depending on the video content you would like.
6. Appeals to Mobile Users
By creating mobile-friendly video content, you can more effectively target mobile users and increase engagement with your brand. You can make your videos more mobile-friendly by creating multiple versions of your video, e.g. in 1:1 (square) and 9:16 (portrait) which take up more ‘real estate’ on a phone screen.
7. Demonstrates Products and Services
Video content allows businesses to showcase their products or services in action. This can help potential customers better understand how the products or services work and what value they offer. By providing a visual demonstration, you can increase the chances of customers making a purchase.
8. Provides an Emotional Connection
Video content can evoke emotions and create a sense of connection with viewers. By telling a compelling story or showcasing your brand’s values, you can create an emotional bond with your audience. This can increase brand loyalty and lead to repeat business.
9. Stand Out From The Competition
Video content provides a unique way to help increase brand awareness by showcasing your brand’s personality, values, and products. By creating memorable and engaging videos, you can increase brand recognition and stand out from your competitors.
10. Provides Analytics
Video content provides valuable analytics that can help you to track the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns. With tools such as YouTube Analytics and Google Analytics, businesses can track the number of views, engagement rate, and other key metrics. This data can help you to optimise your video content and improve your overall marketing strategy.
11. Enhances Customer Support
Video content can also be used to enhance customer support. By creating instructional videos and tutorials, businesses can help customers troubleshoot common issues and answer frequently asked questions. This can improve the customer experience and reduce support costs.
12. Diversifies Marketing Strategy
Video content can be used for various purposes, including product demos, customer testimonials, and brand storytelling. By experimenting with different types of video content, you are inherently diversifying your marketing strategy, plus you can identify what works best for your target audience.
In summary, video content offers a range of benefits for businesses, from improving SEO ranking and increasing conversions to enhancing customer support and building brand authority. If you’re interested in hiring our local recommended video production company, please visit www.glowfrogvideo.com.
Metal roofing fabricator expands with new factory investment
Metal roofing fabricator Corrivo, has invested more than £2 million into a new 10,000 sq ft manufacturing facility, including a range of new machinery.
Based in Burton, Corrivo has opened another manufacturing facility in addition to its existing factory, which will expand its capacity for flashings, gutters and other metal fabrications.
Paul Foster, Managing Director, says: “After experiencing consistent growth for the last few years, we wanted to increase the output of our production to keep up with demand. This investment in a new factory will allow us to continue delivering our exceptional service levels to customers, while increasing the level of products we can offer.
“The new 10,000 sq ft facility will help us manufacture even more products without taking away our core business principles of getting products to customers quickly.”
Having already moved into the new premises, Corrivo has already taken delivery of a range of new machinery, including an Amada punch machine.
“We’re a fast-moving company, and we’ve already invested in a range of new machinery for the new location, some of which has already arrived. We don’t want to waste a minute and have already started manufacturing in the new premises.
“Our new punch machine will also allow us to expand the range of products we can offer. Working to any CAD design, we can now manufacture a wide range of perforated and punched fabrications for a range of projects.”
Architects get the go-ahead to transform Derbyshire’s “secret” mansion into a luxury family home
A Derbyshire house which hit the headlines when planners discovered it had been built in secret and disguised as a humble cow shed is set to be transformed into a luxury family home.
Ashbourne-based Matthew Montague Architects has been granted planning permission to re-model and renovate Shedley Manor, a six-bedroom home complete with sweeping drive and countryside view on the edge of Yeaveley.
The work, which is expected to start later this year, will create a new entrance, porch and a double storey bay window at the front, with remodelling inside, new windows and bi-folding doors.
But it will also see the removal of the property’s most famous feature – the green metal cladding which ensured it looked like a cow shed, fooling council planners for years before its secret was discovered in 2016.
Shedley Manor was the tongue-in-cheek name given to the property by its owner, fraudulent businessman Alan Yeomans, who built it at the end of his mother’s garden, away from the prying eyes of neighbours and Derbyshire Dales District Council planners in 2002.
It was only when his illicit business dealings came to light – culminating in him being jailed for six years for drugs and money laundering offences 14 years in 2016 – that Shedley Manor was discovered, with the story hitting the national headlines.
The home, along with thousands of pounds of artwork, was seized and sold at auction and Matthew Montague Architects secured planning permission for the property to be knocked down and replaced.
However, although the building was renamed Carr Wood House, the plans were never realised.
Instead, it was sold to new owners last year who have decided to embrace its past and change the name back to Shedley Manor while instructing the firm to draw up plans to convert it into a more liveable and attractive property.
Matthew Montague, principal architect at Matthew Montague Architects, said: “Shedley Manor has one of the most colourful and unique histories of any home in Derbyshire and we’re delighted to be able to give it a new lease of life with the full approval of the council, of course.
“The fact that it had to double as a farm shed means that it has a few unusual features, including a hidden entrance and lack of windows down one wall, which our plans will rectify to give it the appearance of a house at long last.
“If every building tells a story, then Shedley Manor is a whole book-full of stories, and we’re looking forward to opening a new chapter. We’re very proud of our plans for this most unusual of properties and we have no doubt that it will become a much-loved family home.”
Jobs saved as buyer found for Mansfield packaging firm
A buyer has been secured for iTEC Packaging (Mansfield) Limited – securing 78 jobs.
Martyn Rickels, Simon Farr and Allan Kelly of specialist business advisory firm FRP were appointed as joint administrators to iTEC Packaging (Mansfield) Limited on 5 April 2023 and have now secured a sale of the business and its assets to Alpla UK Limited, a global leader in innovative packaging solutions.
iTEC Packaging was a plastic packaging designer and manufacturer that provided compression moulding and injection moulding of closures for the dairy industry, as well as the food and beverage sectors. The company faced financial pressures following difficult trading conditions and was placed into administration.
The sale of the company will see all 78 employees transferring to the new owner, Alpla UK Limited.
Commenting on the acquisition, Jens Seifried of Alpla UK said: “With the acquisition of the iTEC Packaging (Mansfield) business, the global packaging and recycling specialist ALPLA is expanding its expertise as a packaging system provider in the UK market.
“The plant in Mansfield manufactures closures for dairy bottles which are made from HDPE using compression moulding and injection moulding processes. With our global know-how, with this acquisition we can increasingly offer the UK dairy industry sustainable, efficient and innovative packaging solutions.”
Martyn Rickels, joint administrator of iTEC Packaging (Mansfield), said: “iTEC Packaging was a long-established business and player in the dairy supply chain so we’re delighted to have secured a new buyer.
“Alongside the transaction to sell the sister business in Chester-Le-Street, this has helped save nearly 200 jobs in a short space of time, as well as protecting the customer base with ongoing production.
“We wish Alpla UK and its team every success as they take the business forward.”
James Cameron, Samantha Latham, Samantha Poulton and Faith James of Pinsent Masons provided legal advice to FRP Advisory.
Visuals of Wavensmere Homes’ proposed Friar Gate Goods Yard redevelopment revealed
Wavensmere Homes has released computer generated images of how the 11.5-acre historic Friar Gate Goods Yard in central Derby could look if the green light is given for the derelict site to be redeveloped. A public consultation process has been launched welcoming local opinions on the plans.
The landmark site could be transformed into 274 houses and apartments, alongside the restoration of the Grade II listed Bonded Warehouse and Engine House to create potential health and fitness space, a restaurant/café, a flexible office space, and other amenities.
The plans also include new areas of Public Open Space, including play spaces and pocket parks. A new multi-purpose public realm and community space is also proposed for the area adjacent to Friar Gate Bridge, with retention of some of the original railway arch facades.
New vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access would be created at various points around the site, from Uttoxeter New Road, Great Northern Way, and Friar Gate, with the Mick Mack cycling route also extended.
Friar Gate Goods Yard has been in the ownership of the Clowes family for 40 years, with a number of options for redevelopment proposed but not progressed, due to heritage constraints and commercial viability. Following the public consultation period, Wavensmere Homes and Clowes Developments will be in a position to submit a commercially viable planning application to Derby City Council this summer.
James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “We are very pleased with how quickly our design team has worked to create the inspiring visuals for how Friar Gate Goods Yard could be reanimated. Our plans are commercially viable, while maximising the amount of new Public Open Space, and investing millions into saving the two badly fire-damaged 150-year-old listed buildings.
“In addition to our masterplan visuals, cross-section plans of the houses can be viewed on the Friar Gate website, to illustrate the innovative designs and energy saving technologies that we are seeking to implement. We hope that the people of Derby will engage with the consultation process and welcome the collaborative efforts being made to create something truly special here.”
Glancy Nicholls Architects is designing the mixed-use scheme, with a huge emphasis being placed on the significant opportunity for exemplary placemaking. The latest green energy features will be incorporated into the design for the new homes and commercial space, to enable the highest EPC rating of A to be targeted. The proposed development would also be well in excess of the new Part L 2021 building regulations.
The site sits just outside the Friar Gate Conservation Area, which features notable Georgian townhouses with high-quality brickwork and fine architectural detailing. The Friar Gate Goods Yard was intended as the main goods depot for the Great Northern Railway line, to handle coal, livestock, timber, and metals. Designed in 1870, and entering operation in 1878, the Bonded Warehouse building contained extensive warehouse space and offices. It was used as a store for the American Army in WWII to house ammunition and other supplies.
The Engine House was also built for the Railway by Kirk & Randall of Sleaford. It is Italianate in style and built from Welsh slate roofs. The Engine House supplied power to the hydraulic lifts and capstans at the Bonded Warehouse. The site first became derelict in 1967, and overtime became overgrown and fell into a poor state of repair. An arson attack took place at the Goods Yard in 2020, which exposed the whole inner steel structure of the two historic buildings.
The Goods Yard redevelopment proposals promote sustainable development through the use of low carbon materials, modern methods of construction, and renewable energy generation. The environmental impact of the project is being carefully considered, with the vast proposed green spaces designed to create a new green oasis within Derby city centre, with significant opportunities for biodiversity enhancements and retention of the majority of the mature trees on the site.
Northamptonshire mechanical and electrical design company sold
Northamptonshire-based mechanical and electrical design company AVUS Consulting Ltd has been sold to Wintech Group Ltd, with KBS Corporate advising on the deal.
AVUS, located in Corby, specialises in the delivery of design solutions, offering a complete service package from feasibility studies through to the production of detailed drawings.
The business was founded in 2003, has developed its practical-driven ethos over the course of two decades and is now undertaking projects valued up to £60 million in the commercial, industrial and residential sectors.
Martin Fern, Managing Director of AVUS, made the decision to sell the business to facilitate his retirement plans while allowing design engineer Sarah Southgate to absorb his responsibilities.
Adam Nelson, KBS Corporate deal executive who oversaw the transaction, said: “My initial impression of AVUS was very positive. It was an attractive opportunity within a growing market and I was eager to present it to the right people.”
KBS Corporate document writer Daniel Calderbank worked with Adam during the marketing process to highlight the scope of the opportunity.
“AVUS’ expertise and diverse range of services have put it at the forefront of its industry,” said Daniel. “We made sure this was easily recognised across the marketing materials for potential buyers.”
Wintech was the successful acquirer and is currently expanding its group to diversify its service portfolio and extend its client reach.
With over 40 years of experience, Wintech is recognised as a Centre of Excellence for façade engineering.
Adam Nelson added: “This was Wintech’s first acquisition through KBS. I introduced them to our process and we were able to collaborate very well together.”
Moving forwards, Adam is confident a deal has been achieved that will benefit both AVUS and Wintech while optimising growth potential.
“I am very satisfied with the outcome of the sale,” said Adam. “We achieved a good valuation for AVUS, as well as a suitable target working capital and surplus cash figure for both parties through effective communication. I wish them the very best in the future.”
Both Martin Fern and Paul Savidge, Managing Directors of AVUS and Wintech respectively, commended KBS’ approach throughout the transaction and Adam Nelson’s invaluable role during the process.
Paul Savidge said: “Martin and I are both really pleased with the outcome and excited to see what we can now make of the future. I think Adam has done a fantastic job in keeping things moving and getting us over the line. Many thanks again to KBS — it’s very much appreciated.”
Lincoln shopping centre snapped up
Lincolnshire Co-op and Wykeland Group have acquired Waterside Shopping Centre in Lincoln.
The two organisations have come together in a 50/50 partnership to secure the prime retail and leisure destination in the heart of Lincoln city centre.
The 130,000 sq ft Waterside scheme is 95% let with an impressive line-up of leading retailers including H&M, Next, New Look, Superdrug, O2, Office and Skechers.
Following the success of the Cornhill Quarter development, the purchase extends Lincolnshire Co-op’s role in the regeneration of Lincoln and also brings Wykeland’s property asset management experience and expertise to the city.
The partners will work together to operate Waterside Shopping Centre as a primarily retail scheme, while also aiming to develop the centre’s leisure offering.
Lincolnshire Co-op head of property Kevin Kendall said: “Working together with other local organisations, we’re proud of the schemes we’ve developed which boost the economy of the city and county, improve the local environment and provide a range of valued services.
“We’re always looking for opportunities where we could further support the retail and leisure offer within Lincoln and this partnership with Wykeland, focusing on a key site, is a perfect fit.”
Dominic Gibbons, Managing Director of Hull-based Wykeland, said: “We have been looking for opportunities such as this in high-quality locations and we’re delighted to have come together with Lincolnshire Co-op to acquire the Waterside Shopping Centre.
“We see this as a highly attractive asset in a vibrant city centre location benefiting from significant and ongoing investment, particularly the neighbouring Cornhill Quarter scheme where Lincolnshire Co-op have undertaken a fantastic regeneration scheme.
“This is great news for Waterside, as the centre is now in the hands of organisations with outstanding track records of commercial property asset management and development in Lincolnshire and the wider region.
“We share the same values, as investors with a long-term view and a deep commitment to supporting local communities. We look forward to working together to ensure Waterside makes the fullest possible contribution to Lincoln’s exciting future.”
Waterside draws from Lincoln’s 104,000 population and benefits from the city’s strong visitor economy and significant student presence. The centre has an estimated overall customer base of 376,000 people in its wider catchment area.
Living Without Abuse charity awarded £14,840 for office refurb
Local charity, Living Without Abuse (LWA), is celebrating after being awarded almost £15,000 in funding from the Severn Trent Community Fund to refurbish their Loughborough and Leicester offices.
LWA supports victims of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The funds will enable LWA to provide its hardworking staff with areas for mental wellbeing and relaxation, as well as a welcoming safe space for clients escaping trauma.
LWA has offered domestic abuse services since 1977 and is made up of paid staff and volunteers who provide a range of services to the local community, whilst managed by a team of volunteer Trustee Directors. The charity actively works to tackle the issues of domestic abuse head-on, whilst raising awareness and hosting numerous events and campaigns each year to support more victims.
This funding from the Severn Trent Community Fund, which awards grant money to improve the three elements of community wellbeing – people, places and environment – means there will now be modern, relaxing staff lounges and wellbeing areas at both offices. In addition to this LWA will offer a welcome and safe one to one counselling room at its Leicester office, for victims of domestic abuse and their families, along with a breakout room which will be used to provide therapy sessions.
Tammy Clinton-Harris, operational manager, says: “Having the funding to add separate spaces for staff break times has been vital for our staff and organisation to fully embrace trauma informed practice.
“Delivering services as we do and supporting vulnerable victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence can have an impact on staff’s emotional health and wellbeing. Vicarious trauma can be prevalent in this sector.
“The breakout space that we are creating will be a fundamental part of staff wellbeing to ensure they are practising in a safe environment and have space to step away and have adequate break times.
“The 1-1 space for service users will ensure we can deliver support sessions and counselling sessions in a calm and welcoming environment with fewer triggers. Service users have been part of the planning for the 1-1 space to make it feel homely and inclusive.”
Report enabled by Leicestershire foundation seeks to bring down re-offending while plugging labour shortages
Support from the Randal Charitable Foundation has helped enable a major report which is calling for 50,000 prison leavers to plug the current labour shortage.
The new report by thinktank The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) highlights that Britain would save billions of pounds of taxpayer money and plug many of its more than one million job vacancies, if it doubled-down on efforts to get prisoners into work when they leave jail.
The Leicestershire-based foundation collaborated with the CSJ to bring forward the report, which highlights that, of the nearly 50,000 people leaving prisons in the UK each year, only three in ten have a job six months later.
Those who struggle to find work are at serious risk of reoffending, which perpetuates the cycle of crime that blights so many families and communities.
Dr (Prof) Nik Kotecha OBE DL, founder of the Randal Charitable Foundation, said: “I’m immensely proud that our partnership with the CSJ has led to this ground-breaking report, which is now being considered by the Justice Minister.
“If enacted, it will go further and faster towards addressing the staggering £18 billion annual cost of reoffending, as research shows that being in employment is proven to help break the cycle of crime.
“Plugging labour shortages will also provide enormous benefits to the economy, as the Chancellor labelled employee shortages as a major threat to economic growth in his most recent Budget.
“But it’s more than that besides – it can help shape steps to support a long-neglected community – for meaningful remediation in an area of very real need in our society. We can and we should tackle this – as businesses, as communities and as policy shapers – together.”
The government will now consider recommendations including releasing more prisoners on licence to take up jobs and greater access to vocational qualifications, according to The Times newspaper which broke the story as its front page splash this May.
As well as wider releases for employment purposes, the report goes on to call for better education in the UK’s prison system, more digital technology, a wider range of vocational qualifications and earlier access to student loans.
Policy director of the CSJ, Joe Shalam, added: “If implemented, our recommendations would represent a major step forward. Because while the need to restore control and order in our prisons remains an urgent priority, the power of these measures is that they are focused on restoring something altogether more profound. Hope.”
The Randal Charitable Foundation has worked in partnership with the CSJ for a number of years. Through the foundation’s work with the national think-tank’s Policy Unit and Dame Carol Black, an additional £900m in Government funding for drug treatment services and to rebuild the treatment system has been recured, over a 10 year period. This was the biggest increase in funding for drug treatment services in 15 years.
Wellibus excursions to continue following donation
A donation of over £1,000 means that day trips put on by the Wellibus can resume after being put on hold due to lack of funds.
A project run jointly by local housing association, Greatwell Homes, and the Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd saw 10 clothing banks being placed across Wellingborough and surrounding areas.
Since the beginning of the project in July, nearly 17 tonnes of clothes, shoes and textiles have been donated. These donations equated to £1,299.40 of funds which has now been donated to the Wellibus.
The Wellibus, run by Shire Community Services, provides door to door transport to shops and local areas, as well as hospital trips for those who cannot drive, and has previously included day trips and excursions.
Jonathan Ekins, the Managing Director of Shire Community Services, said: “This donation will go towards re-starting the day trips and excursions again.
“These trips were really popular as it was a chance for people who don’t have much social interaction, or who may not be able to drive themselves, to get out together as a group. We have previously done trips to the beach, Market Harborough and Milton Keynes Shopping Centre but these have had to stop due to lack of funds. We’re excited to be able to get these back up and running again.”
Each year, SATCoL divert over 250 million items to good uses, including over 60,000 tonnes of textiles. The funds that Greatwell Homes receive from the use of the clothing banks will be donated to a local charity on an annual basis.
Plans submitted for new student accommodation scheme in Nottingham
Plans for a new student accommodation scheme at 265 Ilkeston Road, Nottingham, have been submitted to the city council.
“The site is currently occupied by vacant and neglected buildings, which has a negative impact on the surrounding area. The proposed scheme reinstates the historic street pattern, frames views along Ilkeston Road and creates active frontages to the surrounding streets.
“The architecture makes reference to the existing architectural style along Ilkeston Road, respecting the setting of the adjacent assets. The proposed development will provide 141 bedroom spaces with excellent space and amenity standards.”
Events and performance venue on the cards for Nottingham’s Island Quarter
The Conygar Investment Company has revealed further plans for Nottingham’s Island Quarter with a “potentially destination defining, events and performance venue” on the cards.
“To further support the placemaking strategy for The Island Quarter,” Conygar said that it is advancing discussions with a national operator for the possible use of the site’s existing heritage warehouses as an events and performance venue. It hopes to be in a position to confirm arrangements later this year.
It comes as construction progresses on a 693-bed student accommodation development at The Island Quarter, planned for completion in the summer of 2024, while detailed planning permission has been secured for two hotels, 247 build to rent apartments and 30,000 square feet of co-working space and, subject to documenting the section 106 agreement, a 249,000 square foot bioscience building.
More recently, Conygar says it has held “constructive discussions” with Nottingham City Council to agree in principle the parameters for a sitewide masterplan that will guide and support the future planning applications at The Island Quarter.
“This has resulted in a scheme which, subject to the granting of detailed consent and local demand, will enable the overall size of the development to increase up to approximately 3.5 million square feet,” the company says.
Elsewhere, the restaurant and events venue at 1 The Island Quarter has now been operational for just over six months, with the Cleaver and Wake restaurant recently promoted by The Times newspaper as being in its top 30 new waterside restaurants.
1 The Island Quarter – which had a delayed opening in a challenging economic environment and has operated to date only during the seasonally quieter winter months, with pressure on disposable incomes – has achieved solid revenues in line with projections, of £1.65 million.
However, the delayed completion of the development, due to various material and contracting issues, resulted in the events operation being unable to take advantage of the late summer and Christmas trade. This delay, when compounded by the phased opening, intentional overstaffing as operations were fully tested and margins being squeezed as a result of continuing inflationary pressures have resulted in an initial gross loss for the period, before administrative costs, of £0.1 million.
Coventry autonomous transport tech solutions provider acquires Leicestershire firm
Aurrigo International, a provider of autonomous transport technology solutions, has acquired Leicestershire-based GB Wiring Systems Limited, specialist providers of electrical wiring harnesses and assemblies for the automotive industry, in a £250,000 deal.
The acquisition will complement Aurrigo’s existing automotive business, allowing for improved supply chain logistics for key automotive products, whilst also enhancing the group’s broad core design and manufacturing competencies for the benefit of its autonomous and aviation technology divisions.
GB Wiring has been operating for 11 years as a complete wiring solution supplier of electrical wiring systems for the automotive and industrial sectors; whilst there is no cross over of customer base, there is strong synergy between the existing products and skills of both Aurrigo and GB Wiring.
For the year ended 31 August 2022 GB Wiring reported turnover of approximately £665,000, profit before tax of approximately £74,000 and had net assets of approximately £100,000.
Graham Keene, director of corporate development, Aurrigo, said: “This acquisition brings us enhanced capabilities and capacity in our core automotive area of wiring harnesses and electrical components. In addition, we will continue to leverage these capabilities which we have used so successfully in developing our autonomous and aviation divisions.
“Given our successful track record of acquiring businesses, we are confident of smoothly integrating GB Wiring to ensure continuity of service for its established customer base and are delighted to be welcoming GB Wiring’s skilled team into the group.”
Mark Robson and Mike Francks, directors of GB Wiring, said: “Aurrigo is a long-established leader in automotive electronics and we are pleased to be joining the team. We are confident that our capabilities and expertise can enhance Aurrigo’s existing offering and will ensure that there is a smooth transition for both our staff and our customers.”
GB Wiring staff will become employees of Aurrigo, including directors of the company who will remain with the combined business to ensure a smooth transition.
GB Wiring will continue to operate from its existing premises.
Dr Martens hits £1bn revenue milestone
Iconic British footwear brand Dr Martens has hit a major revenue milestone, according to preliminary results for the year ended 31 March 2023.
Revenue at the Northamptonshire company passed £1bn for the first time, though pre-tax profits dipped to £159.4m from £214.3m in the prior year and profit after tax slipped to £128.9m from £181.2m.
It follows “operational mistakes” in America and issues at the firm’s LA Distribution Centre.
EBITDA was down 7% to £245m due to slower revenue growth, continued investment in new stores, marketing and people, and £15m costs associated with the Los Angeles distribution centre problems, while profit before tax declined more than EBITDA due to higher depreciation and amortisation, a £3.9m impairment charge and a £10.7m charge from the FX translation of Euro bank debt.
Kenny Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We achieved annual revenue of £1bn for the first time, up 10% and up 4% in constant currency. Reaching this milestone is testament to the strength of our brand, our long-standing DOCS strategy and the hard work and dedication of our fantastic people globally. “Direct to consumer is now more than half our revenue and the Dr. Martens brand remains strong with all key metrics either ahead of, or in line with, last year. In EMEA and Japan, where we executed our strategy well, performance was very good with encouraging momentum going into the new financial year.“In America, against the backdrop of a challenging consumer environment, we made operational mistakes, such as the move to our LA Distribution Centre, and how we executed our marketing campaigns and ecommerce trading.
“We have undertaken detailed reviews to understand why these issues occurred and have begun to embed the lessons learned into the business. We are fixing the issues in America, including a significant strengthening of the team there, and returning America to good growth is our number one operational priority.
“We are focused on the successful execution of our proven DOCS strategy, which we will underpin with continued investment in the business and our people to support our increasing scale and capitalise on our iconic brand’s strength.
“The board retains its conviction in the strategy, long-term growth and cash generation of the business. It is therefore proposing to maintain the final dividend at 4.28p per share and will seek shareholder approval at the AGM to commence an initial share buyback programme of up to £50m.”
Law firm makes raft of promotions
Regional law firm Sills & Betteridge LLP has promoted five fee earners to Partner level and three to Associate, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the firm’s management and development. Partnership appointments go to the firm’s Head of Crime Christopher Hogg and his Department Manager Katie Scott, Matrimonial Solicitor Emma McGrath, who heads up the Skegness Family Team, and Conveyancers Diane Coultas, who joined the firm through its merger with Bridge Sanderson Munro, and Tracy Wray who has been with the firm for almost 40 years. Kelly Credland is also to become a Partner. Kelly is the firm’s Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Leadership Team. Family Solicitor Ailsa Tennant, Family Emergency Team Paralegal Grace O’Neill and Conveyancer Talisa Hammond are to become Associates. Senior Partner Karen Bower-Brown said “I would like to offer my congratulations to each of our new Partners and Associates, in whom we recognise commitment to the firm and ambition to be our future leaders. “Some of my colleagues have reached these milestones having joined us at the very start of their careers, but what really stands out to me as the firm’s first female senior partner in 260 years is the number of women – eight of the nine appointments – who are rising through the ranks, in testament to how inclusive and progressive the firm has become.” The firm also reports a pleasing year-end position, in line with growth expectations from some senior hires across the business and expansion into Yorkshire – with exciting relocation and refurbishment plans very much underway for a number of its offices across the East Midlands. It continues to explore opportunities in new markets across the region.
Annual charity bunkers challenge reaches £35k of £100k target
Now in its third year, the annual three bunkers challenge has raised £35,000 of its £100,000 target, and with further donations still being pledged organisers hope this year’s £40k target will be achieved.
The 2023 challenge was held on Friday 26 May and involved teams from six East Midlands businesses completing 27 holes of golf on three golf courses in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham.
Organised by Bev Cook from Simple Marketing Consultancy, the teams taking part this year were from Shakespeare Martineau, Macildowie Recruitment & Retention, MKM Building Supplies, Fiscal Engineers and Breeze Corporate Finance.
Each team recorded the best two scores from Morley Hayes, Charnwood Forest and The Nottinghamshire and had any bunker shots deducted from their final score. The winning team was Simple Marketing Consultancy represented by Bob Johnson, Jon Steel, Paul Pownall and Bev Cook.
Commenting on the challenge, James Taylor from Macildowies said: “I was delighted to be invited to take part in this year’s event. It was superbly organised and fun to be a part of. Whilst we took the golf seriously, the most pleasing part was being able to raise money for Big C Little C and help the event get closer to its overall fundraising target.”
‘Big C Little C’ was established in 2018 to encourage businesses in the East Midlands to help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured and all children and young people are free to lead a happy and normal life.
In 2020, Bev Cook, during her year as Lady Captain of The Nottinghamshire, agreed to arrange a golf event called “The Three Bunkers Challenge” based on the format of the “Three Peaks Challenge” and chose Big C Little C as her nominated charity.
The event has been successfully held for the last three years and so far has raised nearly £40,000. Bev has committed to hold the event until £100,000 is raised. After the 2022 event she was nominated and won an ‘Esther People Awards’ which was presented by Dame Esther Rantzen.
If you would like to donate to one of the teams please use this link: https://giving.give-star.com/microsite/big-c-little-c/big-c-little-c-golf-day
Nottinghamshire to be showcased at international events exhibition in London
Nottinghamshire is to showcase its comprehensive events and conferencing offer once again at this year’s Meetings Show, which is being held at the ExCel Centre in London on 28 and 29 June.
The Meetings Show is the UK’s largest event and conference trade show, with Nottingham being represented alongside some its leading event venues over the two days.
This year, the region’s official convention bureau, Meet in Nottingham will partner with the National Ice Centre & Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, Nottingham Venues, The Island Quarter, Goosedale and the Mercure Nottingham Sherwood to showcase the very best of Nottinghamshire’s diverse events and conferencing offer. And of course, it wouldn’t be team Notts without the help of the legendary Robin Hood dropping by to help out!
The team will head to this year’s Meetings Show, and have the opportunity to meet with event planners, organisers and buyers who are looking to book their future national or international conference or event. Using their expert knowledge, they’ll show buyers why Nottingham should be their destination of choice, provide venue recommendations, and obtain rates and availability for specific event enquiries.
The 2022 Meetings Show generated 200 potential leads from businesses, associations and event organisers who were interested in Nottingham as a location for their events. These all-important contacts create a line of fresh new leads which will hopefully mean new events coming to Nottinghamshire.
Events manager for Meet in Nottingham Rachel Stewart said: “We’re really looking forward to attending this year’s Meetings Show with our amazing stand partners. We’ve secured a great mix of venues that demonstrate the region’s wide range of options for buyers.
“As the official convention bureau for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, The Meetings Show is the biggest trade event in our calendar. Last year we had over 200 leads for events, many of which we’re still in discussion with about bringing to Notts.
“Nottinghamshire is a great destination for corporate events and conferences. We’re a destination that has a proven track record for hosting a wide variety of events that fall within various sectors including sport, research, life science and academia. This is due to our two world-class universities, strong medical links through our two NHS Trust hospitals and various sporting venues and stadiums.”
Kylie Costall, who works as head of sales and hospitality for The National Ice Centre & Motorpoint Arena, added: “The Motorpoint Arena Nottingham are very excited to join Team Nottingham for a third year at The Meeting Show!
“It is a fantastic opportunity to join forces with Nottingham venues to promote our incredible city, whilst providing the opportunity to see many contacts from around the UK in one venue, and of course we look forward to meeting many new contacts along the way.”
Liam Morgan, sales & marketing manager at the Island Quarter, said: “We are extremely excited to be joining The Meeting Show as The Island Quarter in partnership with Meet in Nottingham this June and are delighted to introduce Phase 1 of the Island Quarter to the national and international corporate and events market.
“The team and I are looking forward to talking to you about our dedicated event space on the top floor of the iconic 1 The Island Quarter building, Upstairs at Cleaver & Wake. This high-end event area has been specifically designed for corporate and private events for up to 200 guests.
“Visit Nottinghamshire and Meet in Nottingham have been a huge supporter of the launch and growth of Upstairs at Cleaver & Wake and the entire Island Quarter future development, and we look forward to meeting you at the show.”
The business tourism sector is worth a huge £20bn to the UK economy every year with international events being especially valuable. International guests typically spend more money and stay for longer; adding additional value to the hospitality sector; with hotels, restaurants, attractions, and transport infrastructure all benefitting.
IMA Architects flex design muscles with £1.9m gymnastics project
Leicestershire-based architects, IMA Architects, has successfully delivered a brand-new, purpose-built gymnastics facility for Rugby Gymnastics Club.
IMA has been part of a team including KAM Project Consultants and BWB, on behalf of Sport England, that has worked with the Gymnastics Club to realise the 19,655 square foot scheme at its new home on Kilsby Lane.
IMA Architects was part of the design and delivery team consisting of main contractors, Wilten Construction, and Civil and Structural Engineers, Jackson Purdue Lever. As Architectural Consultant, IMA oversaw the coordination of the project.
Joe Travers, associate director at IMA Architects, said: “We have enjoyed working on this project to deliver a purpose-built gymnastic facility for a thriving club. At IMA we’re well known for our attention to detail and commercial awareness in seeing projects through to completion, and we have worked with Wilten as main contractor and the Gymnastic Club to produce a building which is both fit for purpose and financially viable, that accommodates the Gymnastics Club’s required layout.”
Construction at the site started in August 2022 and practical completion for the first phase of works was achieved on 6 February 2023, with the Gymnastics Club due to relocate to its new home in the coming weeks.
Simon Barnett, project manager at Wilten Construction, said: “The project has resulted in a massive improvement on the Club’s previous facilities which had become inadequate for the current needs of members. The new building allows them to have more gymnasts and facilitate holding their own events and competitions.”
Rugby Gymnastics Club is a long-established Gymnastics Club in Warwickshire, which is dedicated to training young gymnasts, both boys and girls of all levels and ability from pre-school through recreational to elite standard and competitive squads. It offers children the opportunity to experience gymnastics in a safe and friendly environment with tuition provided by professional coaches. The new building will enable the Club to expand the sport into a wider community.
With an estimated construction cost of £1.9m, the Club has generated the majority of the funds from the sale of its existing premises as well as various fundraising schemes and donations. It has also received circa £500,000 in funding from Sport England. Anyone interested in supporting the project with donations to help fund internal fit out and contribute to the rest of the venture is encouraged to contact the Club directly.
Gill McKee, development director at Rugby Gymnastics Club, said: “We are thrilled with our new home and can’t wait to fully move in. We are an ambitious club with over 1,000 members so needed an amazing facility to match our aspirations. We currently have a waiting list of 500 gymnasts, so the new facilities will allow us to approve more memberships and provide gymnastics facilities to more people in the local area.”
Lucy Litwinko, director at KAM Project Consultants Ltd, said: “We are pleased to see the project come to fruition, on time and on budget. We hope that the facilities will inspire the next generation of Team GB athletes in the future. It would be fantastic to know one of the gymnasts started their careers at the facility we had a role in creating.”
Demand high at Stud Brook as developer gets ready to name contractor
Groundworks are nearing completion at Clowes Developments’ 20-acre Stud Brook Business Park in Castle Donington.The mixed-use scheme will include employment, amenity, office and industrial units for sale or let ranging in size from 1,500 to 45,000 sq ft – as well as a high-quality retail offer.Clowes Developments have brought forward fresh site branding for Stud Brook Business Park ahead of naming a contractor to deliver the units at the start of Autumn. It is anticipated that construction work on the units will begin in September.James Richards, development director at Clowes Developments, said: “It’s great to see Stud Brook Business Park coming to life. Our infrastructure and groundworks contractors JC Balls & Sons are nearing completion which will enable the next phase of construction to start by the end of Summer. The enquiry schedule of interest parties is full, and we have a number of freehold and leasehold deals lined up and committed to the legal process.”Tim Gilbertson of FHP Property Consultants and Richard Sutton at NG Chartered Surveyors have been instructed as agents on the scheme.Richard said: “Stud Brook is one of the East Midlands’ most exciting mixed-use developments, and we’re delighted once again to be working with our colleagues at Clowes Developments to secure the deals that will make it a thriving business hub.“We’ve been proactively marketing the units at Stud Brook and demand has been huge. I’d urge any interested parties to contact myself or my colleague Charlotte Steggles for more information on this exclusive opportunity, or our joint agent partners – Tim Gilbertson and Darran Severn at FHP.”Tim added: “We really think this scheme will fly out of the doors as it ticks so many boxes for occupiers, fantastic road access being next to the M1 and A50, equally distant from Derby, Nottingham and Leicester so easy for staff to get to, and of course sitting almost next to East Midlands Airport. “The units will look great given the quality of construction Clowes always bring to new schemes and we can’t wait to see these new units progress. Demand is strong already as you would expect from such a fantastic opportunity.”
Nottingham Venues’ Orchard Hotel shortlisted at UDine Awards
Nottingham Venues’ Orchard Hotel has been shortlisted in the upcoming UDine awards.
The 4* eco hotel, located next to the East Midlands Conference Centre within the grounds of The University of Nottingham, has been named as a finalist in the University Hotel of the Year category, which recognises those hotels linked with universities that provide an excellent experience for their guests.
The Orchard Hotel comprises 202 bedrooms, 6 meeting rooms, a restaurant and welcomes thousands of business and leisure guests each year. It has been built to the highest environmental standards and has achieved a BREEAM rating of excellent. In December 2022 the hotel was awarded Greengage’s ECOsmart Silver accreditation.
Tom Waldron-Lynch, general manager of Nottingham Venues, says: “The Udine Awards are a landmark event within the university hospitality sector, and I am delighted that The Orchard Hotel has been shortlisted.
“Whilst we enjoy strong links with the University of Nottingham, the hotel welcomes thousands of business and leisure guests each year and, in many ways, our setting and facilities are one of Nottingham’s best kept secrets. Fingers crossed we can scoop the award on the day.”
The UDine awards are a joint initiative between Inside Foodservice and University Hospitality Seminars. The annual event celebrates excellence in the university hospitality sector and recognises the organisations that are leading the way in the industry.
The awards will take place at The Orchard Hotel on Tuesday 20 June 2023 and will be hosted by celebrity chef, restauranteur and TV host Simon Rimmer.
