Government commitment to Ivanhoe Line welcomed
North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) has welcomed a response from the government that confirms investment in the Ivanhoe Line in Coalville and commits to looking at the future of services running to Leicester.
Following a motion debated at Full Council on 14 November, NWLDC wrote to the Department for Transport and Network Rail encouraging them to explore opportunities to complete the second phase of the line from Coalville to Leicester, and to assess the feasibility of adding a station in Moira.
In response, the government has outlined its commitment to delivering the Ivanhoe Line, confirming the project is focussed on reinstating services between Coalville and Derby. Considerations about extending the service from Coalville to Leicester are also being progressed.
NWLDC says it fully supports the work to reopen the line and is committed to working with the Campaign to Reopen the Ivanhoe Line (CRIL), Network Rail and the government to see passenger rail services returned to the district.
Councillor Michael Wyatt, NWLDC Deputy Leader, added: “I’m delighted the minister has replied so quickly to our concerns about the Coalville to Leicester link.
“Not delivering the whole line would be a missed opportunity especially when businesses are looking for greater commercial opportunities and we know the public want to travel between Coalville and Leicester.”
£2.5k council grants for flooded Erewash businesses
The latest government-funded grants for businesses affected by the flooding that hit Erewash are available via the borough council’s website after the Department for Business and Trade confirmed the scheme with local authorities.
The business grants are worth up to £2,500.
Flooded residents who applied to the council for aid in the wake of Storm Babet have so far received £171,277.
The aid to residents has seen £500 sums given out in Community Relief Grants. Nearly 200 victims of October’s flooding have benefitted to the tune of almost £100,000.
That total has been supplemented by close to £75,000 in Council Tax relief. All the money has been clinched from central government.
Erewash Borough Council Leader James Dawson said: “The flooding was a nightmare for those affected – and we have been working hard to get these payouts out. The business grants are sorely needed and we are pleased to have at last got the green light to give flood-hit firms this vital boost.”
First transatlantic flight using sustainable fuel powered by Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce engines have powered the world’s first transatlantic commercial flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
A Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787, powered by Trent 1000 engines, successfully completed the flight from London Heathrow to JFK International Airport, in New York, this week.
The milestone was achieved thanks to a Virgin Atlantic-led consortium, which included Rolls-Royce, along with Boeing, Imperial College London, University of Sheffield, ICF and Rocky Mountain Institute, in partnership with Department for Transport.
Simon Burr, group director of engineering, technology and safety at Rolls-Royce, which has its civil aerospace site in Derby, said: “We are incredibly proud that our Trent 1000 engines powered the first ever widebody flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel across the Atlantic.
“Rolls-Royce has recently completed compatibility testing of 100% SAF on all our in-production civil aero engine types and this is further proof that there are no engine technology barriers to the use of 100% SAF.
“The flight represents a major milestone for the entire aviation industry in its journey towards net zero carbon emissions.”
The Flight100 project aims to prove that SAF is a safe drop-in replacement for fossil derived jet fuel and a mid-term viable solution for decarbonising long-haul aviation.
SAF has a greenhouse gas emissions reduction of around 70% when compared against standard jet fuel over its life cycle. This week’s flight was powered by SAF made from waste fats that cannot enter the food chain.
In December 2022, Virgin Atlantic and its consortium were awarded up to £1 million by the UK Government, following a Department for Transport challenge to support the industry in achieving the first transatlantic flight on a commercial aircraft powered by 100% SAF.
Report to highlight long-term economic benefits of planned fusion energy powerplant in Notts
A new, in-depth report is set to investigate the full economic benefits of the UK’s prototype fusion energy powerplant due to be built at West Burton near Retford.
The ambitious project – Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production, known as STEP – is being led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).
Fusion offers an inherently safe and virtually limitless source of clean electricity by copying the processes that power the sun.
Ongoing partner work on this project includes a strategic collaboration group chaired by Sir John Peace, chairman of Midland Engine, which includes UKAEA, Nottinghamshire County Council, Bassetlaw District Council, Midlands Connect, The Energy Research Accelerator and the University of Nottingham.
The group recently recommended that an economic impact assessment report should be the first of three new reports. The other two will focus on the strategic vision and a transport infrastructure study.
Working closely with UKAEA, Midlands Engine, and a number of local authorities, Nottinghamshire County Council will now lead the process of commissioning the report on behalf of all partners with the aim of getting the best research for maximum value for money.
Keith Girling, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, said: “Fusion energy has the potential to deliver a near limitless supply of low-carbon energy across the globe for generations to come. Our county and region will be at the heart of this so will reap some of the incredible benefits.
“Initial research tells us that this project will create massive growth and investment and thousands of skilled jobs and lucrative opportunities for the local supply chain to help construct the plant.
“Given this is a world-class project, we need this in-depth report to reveal the full extent of these benefits in the long-term and provide partners a benchmark to monitor these benefits.
“It will give us crucial insight to help us make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime project in terms of our future investment plans and environment and economic policies.”
Paul Methven, CEO of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd, responsible for the delivery of STEP as part of UKAEA Group, said: “STEP is a vital and exciting opportunity to lead and deliver a new solution for the climate, which will help keep Britain at the forefront of the commercial delivery of fusion.
“The development of our vision for the West Burton site to 2050 and the critical role that STEP has to play in levelling up is fundamental to the success of the programme.
“We are committed to supporting regional leaders to ensure the collective opportunities are realised to deliver that social and economic impact.”
UKAEA will fund half of the report, with the other half made up of contributions from the Nottinghamshire County Council, Bassetlaw District Council, Lincolnshire County Council and West Lindsey District Council.
£35m apartment building completed at Derby’s Nightingale Quarter
Wavensmere Homes has completed the largest apartment building within its Nightingale Quarter scheme in Derby city centre.
The £35m Fox House is the second stand-alone apartment building to complete at the £175m scheme this year, together with 35 houses. In total, the keys to 395 new Nightingale Quarter homes have been handed over to purchasers during 2023.
90% of the 209 apartments at Fox House were sold off-plan and are now becoming occupied. The ground floor of the building contains a co-working space, which is currently being fitted out as a communal facility for the residents of all 925 homes across the 18.5-acre site.
The second of two restored iconic Derby Royal Infirmary pepper pot buildings – built in 1894 – will accommodate The Fulton Partnership’s £1m Pepperpot restaurant, opening in January 2024.
Construction is also well underway for Dalton House, which will contain 67 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Situated at the front of the development, overlooking London Road, construction work on a final residential building is due to commence in May 2024.
Craig Gee, construction director for Wavensmere Homes, said: “Fox House is the largest of the eight apartment buildings at Nightingale Quarter, which we can proudly say is one of the UK’s most significant city centre regeneration projects.
“Taking 26 months to construct using a steel frame, 240,000 Ibstock bricks, and 519 windows, Fox House rises to five storeys. Located at the rear of the scheme in an elevated position, it looks onto the rest of the development and adds so much to the sense of community and grandeur.
“Boasting a DE1 postcode, Nightingale Quarter has transformed Derby’s city living offering. Many residents walk to work in the city centre, while others commute, but all will be spending their free time and disposable income locally.
“This is leading to an upsurge of quality shops, restaurants, bars, and leisure amenities. What’s more, we have heard firsthand how these energy-efficient new homes are helping Derby’s major employers to attract new recruits.
“2024 will be equally exciting at Nightingale Quarter, as we look forward to the launch of the Pepperpot restaurant and the co-working space, the completion of Dalton House, and the start of construction work to the final phase.”
Derby Royal Infirmary closed in 2009 and the site was redundant until Wavensmere Homes received planning consent from Derby City Council and commenced work in late 2019. The vast development has been sympathetically designed by Gould Singleton Architects to incorporate the restoration of the iconic Victorian ‘Pepper Pot’ buildings.
While Pepper Pot North will feature the new restaurant, Pepper Pot South will be transformed into a residents’ gym and community meeting room. The gym will be available to all those living in the apartments and houses, with the low running cost split across the service charge for the 925 homes.
Midland Lead chooses Safe and Sound for Christmas charity support
Swadlincote-based family-run Midland Lead has chosen Safe and Sound as a recipient of its 12 Days of Community Christmas initiative.
The company, which supplies construction firms across the world with building products made from recycled lead, has donated £1,640 to the Derbyshire charity to support its work with children and families whose lives have been affected by child exploitation.
The support from Midland Lead will be used specifically for intensive 121 support for young people and families, seven art therapy sessions and 11 Hope Boxes, developed in partnership with Colleague Box, which are given to young people with positive messages and activities to support them on their transformational journey into adulthood.
Furthermore, Safe and Sound have been able to double the donation having been chosen to be part of Big Give – the online match funding programme.
Francoise Derksen, HR Manager of Midland Lead, said: “This Christmas, we’ve made a list of local charities we would like to support during our 12 Days of Community Christmas. For 12 days, Midland Lead will be giving away something to help our neighbourhood.
“From Christmas chocolates, a donation to a mental health charity, bags of food, art therapy sessions and Secret Santa toys, we hope that with these small donations we can make a difference to the local charities in our community – so that they can do even more of their amazing work.”
Safe and Sound CEO Tracy Harrison said: “Christmas is traditionally a time for businesses to show their support for charities and local communities and we are very honoured that Midland Lead has recognised the value and positive impact of our work.
“We rely heavily on the generosity of businesses, organisations and individuals to keep pace with the growing demand for our services across Derbyshire. It is only with this support, that we can continue to support and protect the children, young people and their families whose lives have been affected by child exploitation.”
Profits and revenues drop at Dr. Martens in first half results
Northamptonshire shoe brand Dr. Martens has seen a “mixed trading performance” in the first half of the year, according to its CEO.
Results for the six months to 30 September 2023 show a dip in revenue to £395.8m, in comparison to last year’s £418.6m, primarily driven by weakness in USA wholesale.
Pre-tax profits, meanwhile, halved to £25.8m from £57.9m, which the company said reflects EBITDA performance together with higher depreciation and amortisation as a result of continued investment into IT projects, DCs and new stores.
Kenny Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We saw a mixed trading performance in the first half of the year. We made good progress with our strategic priorities, continuing to invest in the business and our people to drive sustainable long-term growth.
“During the period we focused on controlling the controllables: we delivered significant supply chain savings, successfully transformed our North America distribution network, opened 25 new stores, and launched a Dr. Martens UK repair service.
“The DOCS strategy of brand control and prioritising more profitable sales via our own stores and websites continued to deliver, with Direct to Consumer (DTC) revenues up 11% in constant currency, representing half of Group revenues.
“We saw a continued strong DTC performance in EMEA and APAC. In the USA, where there is an increasingly difficult consumer environment, our results have been more challenged, led by weakness in wholesale.
“We have strengthened the Americas leadership team and they are taking action, including refocusing marketing and improving our ecommerce trading capabilities. It is likely, however, that given the challenging backdrop it will take longer to see an improvement in USA results than initially anticipated.
“Notwithstanding the clear challenges we face in the USA market we remain very confident in our iconic brand and the significant growth opportunity ahead of us.
“I am delighted that I’ll be joined by Giles Wilson as Chief Financial Officer and Ije Nwokorie as Chief Brand Officer in the new year, bolstering our leadership team.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the dedicated and passionate people of Dr. Martens for their exceptional hard work in H1 and their continued support as we enter the busiest period of the year.”
Trading in the second half to date has been mixed, the business noted, with the start of the Autumn/Winter season impacted by warm weather and weaker traffic overall. However, in both EMEA and APAC, the business says it has seen improved trading in more recent weeks. Dr. Martens added: “There is a large part of the financial year still ahead of us, however, given the backdrop, we expect that full year revenue will decline by high single-digit percentage year-on-year, on a constant currency basis. “Assuming this revenue outturn, we expect FY24 EBITDA to be moderately below the bottom end of the range of consensus expectations, with PBT also impacted by c.£5m higher net finance costs in addition to this lower EBITDA. “Given macro-economic uncertainty, we are withdrawing our previous guidance of high single-digit revenue growth in FY25. Our medium-term expectations are unchanged, underpinned by the significant white-space growth opportunity and our iconic brand and product range.”Wilko’s new boss reveals plans to open up to 300 new shops
Wilko’s new boss has revealed plans to open up to 300 new shops following the historic Nottinghamshire retailer’s collapse.
The owner of The Range, Chris Dawson, which acquired the wilko brand, website and its intellectual property, announced that deals are underway to reopen 50 closed wilko stores, while speaking to PlymouthLive.
These are currently “with the lawyers,” and come in addition to three which will open in the next two weeks, but there are plans for around 300 in total, primarily opening where they were before.
The plans were shared while Dawson and CEO Alex Simpkin visited the Plymouth wilko outlet.
Simpkin told PlymouthLive that while wilko had 406 stores, “we don’t see that, our intelligence says we will do just under 300.” He noted that they do not know how long this will take.
The news comes after ex-wilko boss Lisa Wilkinson, granddaughter of the founder of wilko, was put in front of MPs, with accusations that the business collapsed due to family greed.
She noted feeling “devastated” and placed some blame on the impact of last year’s mini budget, which increased the interest rate on a loan wilko was trying to secure with Macquarie, making it infeasible. Staying open during the pandemic was further noted as one of the company’s biggest mistakes.
Lisa Wilkinson added that the business had in the end failed due to running out of cash.
Microlise Group makes second acquisition of the year
Microlise Group, a Nottingham-based provider of SaaS-based transport technology solutions to fleet operators, has reached an agreement to acquire Enterprise Software Systems (ESS), a transportation management system (TMS) solutions firm.
Founded in 1997 in the UK, ESS has a proven track record as a leading provider of TMS solutions to enterprise clients such as Culina Group and GXO, helping customers manage their transport operations from order receipt to invoice creation.
ESS is majority founder-owned, has 42 full-time employees and delivered revenues of approximately £5.1m and an adjusted EBITDA of £1m during the 12 months to 31 August 2023, with net assets of £2.6m. Approximately 75% of revenue is recurring based on long-term contracts with the balance made up of non-recurring set up fees.
It follows Microlise’s acquisition of Vita Software earlier this year, a provider of TMS solutions to smaller and pallet/parcel network customers.
Under the terms of the acquisition, Microlise will pay an initial £7.65m cash payment due on completion and a maximum deferred contingent consideration of £0.85m, payable in cash after 6 months from completion and dependent on any claims.
The vendors will also receive a further £3m from existing ESS cash reserves on completion so that the company acquires the business on an effective cash and debt free basis. The acquisition is expected to immediately enhance earnings on completion.
The acquisition remains conditional upon no objections being raised by the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The Board of Microlise expects this process to conclude, and the acquisition to complete, within three months.
Microlise CEO Nadeem Raza said: “We are delighted to announce ESS as our second acquisition of the year, and our largest to date. The acquisition showcases our commitment to strengthening our TMS offering, which we will now be able to provide to businesses of all sizes.
“ESS immediately increases our recurring revenues, enhances our earnings, and will provide numerous upsell and cross-sell opportunities. We look forward to updating the market on progress in this respect and on the integration of ESS into the wider Group.”
East Midlands business confidence dips to lowest level in UK
Business confidence in the East Midlands fell nine points during November to 29%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking – conducted between 1st-15th November, before the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement announcement on Wednesday 22nd November.
Companies in the region reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down one point at 38%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 15 points to 21%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 29%.
East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as introducing new technology (35%), evolving their offer (33%) and investing in their team (30%). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. A net balance of 30% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up one point on last month.
Overall UK business confidence rose three points in November from 39% to 42%, the third consecutive monthly increase, while firms’ outlook on the overall UK economy increased four points to 38%. Businesses’ optimism in their own trading prospects also continued the upward trend for the second consecutive month, rising three points to 48%.
Companies’ hiring intentions reached their highest level since May 2022, with 35% of firms intending to increase staff levels over the next 12 months, up three points month-on-month.
Firms in London reported the highest level of business confidence, jumping nine points to 56%, followed by the North West (54%), Yorkshire and the Humber (50%) and the North East (48%). Companies in the North West reported the biggest uptick in business confidence, increasing 20 points month-on-month to 54%.
Firms in the services industry reported an increase in confidence to 46% (up three points), the highest level for over two years (since September 2021), reflecting broad-based optimism in the sector. Retail confidence also rose for a second month to 42% (up five points), while sentiment among manufacturing firms reached a five-month high of 45% (up nine points) in contrast with recent shortfalls. Construction firms’ confidence improved for the first time in three months to 35% (up four points), but this still lags other sectors.
Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “While confidence in the East Midlands has fallen this month, it’s good to see businesses’ optimism around their own prospects remain strong. It’s also pleasing to see that firms plan to invest in growth, with many seeing opportunities for expansion by investing in new technology.
“Firms that explore new technology, such as AI and automation, can see huge benefits such as reduced costs and boosted profits. We will be by the side of local companies to counsel on the technologies which can have the greatest impact for their specific business, and provide the funding needed to realise these opportunities.”
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence rising to a 21-month high shows the resilience of UK companies, as both trading prospects and economic optimism continue to rise.
“It’s encouraging to see signs that wage expectations may be stabilising, even against the backdrop of hiring intentions increasing to an 18-month high. Price indicators in the survey are similarly up, with our data continuing to show that firms are still safeguarding their profit margins in response to past rises in interest rates, wage increase pressures, and the prospect of higher energy prices again this winter.
“Our next survey in December will reveal how firms are digesting the measures announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement last week as they navigate the busy festive season and make plans for 2024.”
Section 114 report issued as balanced budget not possible for Nottingham City Council
Nottingham City Council’s chief finance officer has issued a report under Section 114(3) of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 because, in his professional opinion, the council isn’t able to deliver a balanced budget for this year, which is a legal requirement.
A report discussed at the council’s Executive Board meeting on 21 November outlines the council’s latest financial position and highlights that a significant gap remains in the authority’s budget, due to issues affecting councils across the country, including an increased demand for children’s and adults’ social care, rising homelessness presentations and the impact of inflation.
At the halfway point of the year, the council is forecasting a gross General Fund pressure of c£57m which is partly being mitigated from one-off in-year management and corrective actions (including use of previously approved reserves) reducing the net forecasted pressure for the year to c£23m.
Past issues relating to financial governance which led to the appointment of an Improvement and Assurance Board, and an overspend in the last financial year have also impacted on the council’s financial resilience and ability to draw on reserves.
This situation has led the council’s Corporate Director for Finance and Resources and Section 151 Officer, Ross Brown, to issue a Section 114(3) report to all councillors today.
The council has emphasised that it is not “bankrupt” or insolvent, and has sufficient financial resources to meet all of its current obligations, to continue to pay staff, suppliers and grant recipients in this year.
A meeting of all councillors will now need to take place within 21 days to consider the report and an immediate prohibition period takes effect from today. Until councillors have met, spending controls already in place will be further tightened, with the practical impact being that all spending that is not already contractually committed or otherwise agreed by the Section 151 Officer is immediately stopped.
The council noted that Senior Officers and Members remain committed to continuing to work with the Improvement and Assurance Board and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to put the council on a stable financial footing for the future.
Spitfire Homes crowned Small Housebuilder of the Year
Spitfire Homes, which has two collections of design-led homes in Northamptonshire, has been crowned Small Housebuilder of the Year at the Housebuilder Awards 2023.
Spitfire is doubling down its investment in the region, with 44 new homes available in the village of Kislingbury and work now underway at a new neighbourhood at Malabar Farm in Daventry.
The 120 acre Daventry collection, Malabar, already has outline planning permission for up to 1,100 new homes in partnership with Crest Nicholson, meeting rising demand for homes due to employment growth, investment activity and strong connectivity links in the area.
The wider scheme will also incorporate 50 acres of public open space along with plans to deliver a new primary school, nursery and community centre, alongside food and retail units.
The Midlands-based housebuilder impressed across four categories at the Housebuilder Awards 2023 and was a finalist in the best refurbishment project and best design for three storeys or fewer categories. It also featured in the best marketing shortlist, with its sales director Matt Vincent a finalist in the Housebuilder Star category.
Ben Leather, Managing Director at Spitfire Homes, said: “We pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking and modern homebuilder that specialises in the creation of sustainable, high-quality homes. We’re passionate about design and customer service, and we believe we have the skills and experience to blend the latest interior trends with practical modern-day living.
“To be recognised as one of the best housebuilders in the country gives everyone at Spitfire Homes a great sense of pride. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to this magnificent achievement, as well as Housebuilder for commending us for our commitment to excellence.”
Project supports over 200 Leicestershire businesses to cut carbon
A scheme set up to help businesses reduce their carbon emissions has supported over 200 firms in Leicester and Leicestershire with funding totalling more than £1.1million.
The Green BELLE project has provided grants of up to £10,000 as match-funding to 205 local small and medium-sized companies to help cover the costs of low carbon, energy-efficient improvements to their premises.
The scheme, which was part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), is now closed.
Over its six years, the project has supported the installation of measures worth almost £3million, backed by private investment of around £1.8million. This has helped achieve carbon savings of around 1,500tCO2e – equivalent to the total carbon footprint of around 450 typical homes.
The types of measures supported include solar photovoltaic panels, low-energy LED lighting, insultation, double glazing and energy efficient heating.
As well as cutting their carbon emissions, businesses have benefitted from lower energy bills, with support from Green BELLE helping to achieve a total estimated reduction in operating costs of almost £700,000 across the project. About 100 new jobs have also been created at businesses that have taken part in the project.
The sorts of sectors supported by the Green BELLE scheme include arts and entertainment, education, food, construction and retail, with manufacturing accounting for almost 40 per cent of the grants awarded.
Deputy city mayor for climate, economy and culture Cllr Adam Clarke said: “The Green BELLE scheme has given local small and medium-sized businesses the support they need to become more energy-efficient, cut their carbon footprint and benefit from lower running costs.
“We have ambitious plans to help make Leicester a net zero and climate ready city. The Green BELLE scheme has demonstrated that with the right support we can welcome all kinds of local firms on board and show them that becoming more energy efficient is good for business and for the city. The feedback we have received from businesses taking part has been very encouraging.
“But we know there is still more that needs to be done. It is important that local businesses continue to be offered support to invest in low carbon, energy efficient improvements and that will require significant and ongoing support from the Government.”
Full house at Derby office building
Full occupancy has been achieved at Pentagon House in Derby.
Earlier in the year FHP announced some 21,500ft2 had been let in three separate deals. Now a further 8,592ft2 has completed, bringing two new tenants into the building.
Pentagon House is a high profile modern office building located in central Derby. The offices are situated just off the A52 at Pentagon Island, fronting both Sir Frank Whittle Road and Stores Road.
The building comprises a four storey property extending to approximately 30,000ft2 and provides newly refurbished accommodation with a modern reception and parking.
Darran Severn of FHP Property Consultants says: “Its great that we have achieved full occupancy at Pentagon House and even better, within a 12 month period. The building offers high quality air conditioned accommodation with an excellent parking ratio of one space per 250ft2.
“The ground floor suite has been let for a term of 5 years whilst the suite on the second floor has been let on a short term basis to a company who are currently refurbishing their existing offices. They will vacate in Q2 2024 and we are already in strong conversations with another Derby business to take this space.
“There has been good office activity throughout 2023 with the key drive being that tenants are looking for higher quality space with parking and close to amenities.”
Plans submitted for new facility for world’s fastest growing sport
Padel Tennis – the fastest growing sport in the world – is being brought to the centre of Mansfield by the Dubai-founded World Padel Academy (WPA).
WPA has secured their first fully owned UK venue at One Call Stadium, home to EFL League Two promotion challengers Mansfield Town Football Club (MTFC).
Padel Tennis is an urban style racket sport played in a glass and steel mesh walled court and is a mix of tennis and squash.
WPA have submitted a planning application to Mansfield District Council to develop a brand new bespoke Padel Tennis facility that will include four covered courts and a small clubhouse, providing amenities and social spaces to help create a fun experience to engage the local community.
Mansfield Town Football Club Chairman, John Radford, said: “I’ve been playing Padel regularly for a few years now in Portugal and it’s one of the most enjoyable sports you can play.
“Padel encourages teamwork, discipline and healthy competition. It’s very easy and a great way to keep active.
“Playing it regularly helps develop healthy fitness habits and I know the people of Mansfield will really enjoy the game. I’m very much looking to playing Padel at the club.”
The £1 million project is a significant investment into the town and is set to add an inclusive and accessible sports venue that the whole community can enjoy, with no limits on age or physical abilities.
Mansfield’s CEO, Carolyn Radford, said: “We are so pleased to be working with World Padel Academy as Padel will be a really exciting addition to the football club. This project fits with our vision to provide more for Mansfield and it will doubtless help enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of our community.”
WPA Mansfield will provide group activities, coaching programmes for beginners through to Academy level players and will deliver a calendar of tournaments year-round for all levels, which will help grow the next generation of GB players and professionals.
James Bowring, Chief Operating Officer, WPA UK, said: “WPA’s expansion strategy into the UK market is extensive as we are working hard to secure a network of venues across the country, but I have to say, I’m very excited to be launching our first fully managed UK venue in my hometown and introduce this amazing game to Mansfield.”
For the last six months WPA have added their expertise to grow the Padel community at Nottingham Padel Centre and the appetite for the game is developing rapidly, to the point where it’s challenging to book a court during peak hours.
Like Nottingham, WPA Mansfield will boast four Padel courts in 2024 but with one major differentiator, a purpose-built canopy structure will be erected to protect players from adverse weather, so Padel can be played all year round with no interruptions.
Theatre launches drive to raise further cash to realise revamp plans
After receiving £10 million of Levelling Up Fund money to develop the venue, Derby Theatre has launched a drive to raise further cash.
The funding the theatre has been awarded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities had originally been earmarked for a new learning theatre called ‘Assemble’ at the Assembly Rooms.
However, after the scheme was deemed unviable, the Government agreed that the £20 million it awarded for Assemble could be divided equally between revamping the existing Derby Theatre and Guildhall Theatre.
Now, Derby Theatre, which is based in Derbion, has revealed major plans to refurbish the venue – and enhance its facilities, including the addition of a brand-new studio theatre.
However, the overall cost of the redevelopment will need additional investment. To raise that extra cash, it has launched a campaign called Derby Theatre: New Horizons.
Sarah Brigham, Chief Executive and artistic director at Derby Theatre, said: “Derby Theatre is approaching its 50th birthday in 2025. This funding will allow us to secure the next 50 years of high-quality theatre in our city.”
Derby Theatre has said it plans to use its Levelling Up funding to develop its performance, community, participation and learning spaces.
As well as the new studio theatre, which will be a versatile space for the theatre to present innovative work, there would be an improved space for learners and the community, plus improvements to the audience experience in the main auditorium.
Sarah said: “We welcome nearly 100,000 people a year through our doors to see shows and 25,000 to take part in workshops and learning activity, so we are delighted that we will be able to use this funding to offer an even better experience to our customers and encourage more people to visit us for the first time.”
As well as announcing plans for the revamp, Derby Theatre has also revealed details of its New Horizons campaign, which aims to generate support and additional funds for the project.
The campaign will look to reach out to local communities, audiences, businesses, friends and stakeholders from the region.
Marketing Derby throws weight behind city centre apartments scheme
Marketing Derby has given its backing to plans for a major new apartments scheme in Derby city centre.
Last month, Wavensmere Homes and Wilson Bowden Developments submitted a full planning application to Derby City Council to build Cathedral One, which will consist of 186 one- and two-bedroom apartments.
The nine-storey building would be constructed on vacant land bounded by Full Street to the west and the River Derwent to the east.
In the letter of support for Cathedral One submitted to the city council’s planning department, John Forkin, Managing Director of Marketing Derby, writes: “Marketing Derby is delighted to see plans submitted to bring 186 new homes onto this important site, which has laid vacant for too long.
“Wavensmere is a proven contributor to Derby’s regeneration, and we couldn’t think of a more appropriate developer for this sensitive riverside site, contributing significant benefit and positive impact to the setting of Grade-I listed Derby Cathedral and the Museum of Making and UNESCO Derwent Valley World Heritage Corridor.”
The development site was previously occupied by a police station, which was constructed in the 1960s and demolished in 2013.
Phase One of Wilson Bowden’s Full Street development was completed in 2016.
It included the refurbishment of Riverside Chambers office complex, delivery of 46 new apartments at Number One Cathedral Green, and a Premier Inn hotel.
The remaining parcel of land had been earmarked for an office development of up to 100,000 sq ft, but it is now being brought forward by Wavensmere Homes for Cathedral One.
In addition to the apartments, 2,000 sq ft of mixed-use space has been accommodated at ground floor level to overlook Cathedral Green and Full Street.
A range of uses are earmarked for this space, including a new café and residential facilities such as a gymnasium, co-working zone, and concierge point.
Currently, Wavensmere Homes is delivering the £175 million Nightingale Quarter residential scheme, which features more than 900 houses and apartments.
The company has also submitted plans for the historic Friar Gate Goods Yard site in central Derby, which could be transformed into 276 houses and apartments, and over 110,000 sq ft of commercial space.
Franklin Ellis Architects has designed the scheme.
Growing company walking on air after industrial park move
An East Midlands-based compressor sales, hire, installation and maintenance firm is expanding after moving onto the Moorgreen Industrial Park on the outskirts of Nottingham.Air Compressor Maintenance, which has taken Unit 5 at Chestnut House on the industrial park, has been established over 30 years and covers the whole of the East Midlands.Alicia Lewis, surveyor at NG Chartered Surveyors, acted on behalf of a private landlord to complete the deal.She said: “It was a pleasure to help Air Compressor Maintenance to move into their new home. This is a great outcome for Dan, Sam and the team to realise their growth ambitions as the company expands – as well as our landlord client.“Air Compressor Maintenance is a quality tenant in a quality new premises. The team at NG wish them well for the future.”
£3m funding secured to deliver ‘game-changing’ new approach to skills development in Leicestershire
Further education colleges across Leicester and Leicestershire have been successful in securing £3m in Government funding to enable them to a respond to an East Midlands Chamber-led skills initiative published last summer.
The new programmes, to be delivered as part of the Government’s Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), will aim to develop future green and digital skills across the city and county.
Following the bid by a consortium of colleges, the Department for Education has awarded £3.07m to further education colleges to deliver a range of programmes responding to the Leicester and Leicestershire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), published in August.
Work led by Leicester College, North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, Loughborough College and SMB College Group will focus on addressing four priority areas in skills needs for the area – decarbonising transportation, green leadership skills, digital upskilling and employer skills training – via new initiatives.
These areas were earmarked for intervention in a series of recommendations that followed a trailblazer project for the Leicester and Leicestershire LSIP. Launched in autumn 2022 and led by the Chamber with its partners, it aims to bridge the gap between the skills and attributes employers need in their workforce and what is on offer from local educators.
An innovative new data-led approach was developed by the Chamber, which led to the creation of Insight Unlocked, a “collective skills intelligence observatory” that pulls together insights from existing data sources around job adverts, occupation projections and qualification levels.
A mobile app was also used to engage businesses via short daily surveys on their live requirements for skills, knowledge and behaviours, with findings from this pilot published in summer 2023.
Chris Hobson, director of policy and insight at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Businesses have been telling us for a long time now that skills gaps are one of the biggest issues holding them back from achieving sustainable long-term growth.
“The Leicester and Leicestershire LSIP is a game-changing initiative in shaping future skills, knowledge and behaviours by aligning local education with the needs of local employers, with the overall aim of improving employability.
“Having provided the evidence base through our innovative data-led approach, we are delighted that colleges have now received funding to address some of the issues identified, with a key focus on developing the green and digital skills that will be needed in the future.
“This will help us to establish Leicester and Leicestershire as the best place in the country for developing people with the skills needed for businesses to thrive, the economy to grow and individuals to succeed.”
Examples of activities in each of the four areas of the Leicester and Leicestershire LSIP are:
· Decarbonising transportation: Skills training for staff at levels three to five in green transport technologies to support a step-change in becoming carbon-neutral. New qualifications will include IMI Level 3 electric and hybrid system repair and replacement, and IMI Level 4 in diagnostics, testing and repair of electric and hybrid vehicles and components.
· Green leadership skills: Collaborative development of short, contextualised Level 3 courses, including a new green leadership health check tool for leaders, managers and decision-making staff within organisations to assess the viability of implementing sustainable energy, waste and building technologies.
· Digital upskilling: New easy-access, flexible short courses between levels three and five for digital skills in business, including digital marketing, social media, cloud computing, data analytics and an introduction to artificial intelligence.
· Employer skills training: Review further education training across Harborough and the surrounding districts, including adult provision and English as a second language across Leicestershire. Data scientists will analyse training needs of industry to gain a deeper understanding of the area and how to engage employers.
Verity Hancock, principal of Leicester College, said: “The next stage of the LSIF is a real funding boost that will extend support for colleges and training providers such as Leicester College. It will enable us to offer more high-quality training opportunities and help to develop the skills base in key local industries.”
LSIPs were introduced by the Department for Education to support more people to gain the skills they need to secure rewarding careers, while ensuring the training on offer better meets the current and future skills needs of local areas.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “This investment is about boosting local industries, building people’s skills and ultimately futureproofing our economy and the career prospects of the next generation.
“Our local skills projects will bring together regional organisations, businesses and education providers to respond to the specific needs of employers, building an increasingly skilled workforce and growing local economies.
“Whether it is green skills, construction, engineering or digital, thousands more people can now gain the skills they need to secure good jobs closer to home. These are long-term plans that will ensure every area can have a brighter future.”
Law firm recruits Leicester financial litigation partner
Howes Percival has added Leicester financial litigation partner Alistair Haggerty to its Dispute Resolution team in the city.
Alistair specialises in financial litigation with an emphasis on secured asset recovery, including property, plant and machinery and domestic and commercial vehicles, and has a wealth of experience litigating claims in the County Courts, High Courts and Court of Appeal as well as appearing as Solicitor-Advocate in County and High Courts across the country.
Howes Percival partner Katie Summers said: “We are absolutely delighted to bring Alistair to Howes Percival. He has a wealth of experience in secured asset recovery, including property, plant and machinery and vehicles.
“He also has significant expertise in the area of enforcement, in particular receiverships. This is a specialism we are looking to develop and provide clients with a holistic approach to their secured assets and the recovery of the same as and when required.
“We are looking to work with commercial lenders, funding houses and brokers who may know of companies who would benefit from the recovery expertise Alistair is able to provide.
“Conditions in the property market, particularly, have been difficult of late and those who have lent money in return for security over property, need to act quickly in these scenarios. Having people who know this market and how best to realise an asset, is key to ensuring a safe return for any sums loaned.”
