Bulwell Levelling Up funding welcomed for Nottingham but disappointment as Broad Marsh misses out again
Nottingham City Council’s Leader has welcomed the Government’s announcement that the authority’s bid to the Levelling Up Fund for a £20m project to improve Bulwell town centre has been given the green light but has expressed his disappointment that Broad Marsh has missed out yet again.
Cllr David Mellen said: “Nottingham had bid for a total of £57 million for Bulwell, Broad Marsh and the Island Quarter from round two of the Levelling Fund last year but didn’t receive a penny so we’re pleased that it’s finally been announced today that Bulwell will receive funding. Bulwell town centre is an important part of the city which serves several communities, and we welcome this much needed investment.
“However, it’s a big disappointment that the site of the former Broad Marsh shopping centre has once again been left out. It’s one of the most significant city centre development sites anywhere in the UK which would bring major benefits to local people including up to 1,000 new homes and more than 6,000 jobs.
“Much progress has already been on made on transforming the area with the new Central Library opening next week alongside the new car park and bus station, the Nottingham College city hub, improvements to the surrounding public spaces and work on the Green Heart city centre park due to start soon.
“Funding from Levelling Up Fund would have helped develop the wider Master Plan for the area. This work will continue including how best to secure support from the public and private sector.
“Our original bid for Bulwell involved improvements to key amenities and links to transport services including enhancing green space and public realm alongside the River Leen; improvements to the market place and better connectivity between Bulwell Bogs, the tram stop, bus station, market place and high streets.
“We need to review the detail of the Government’s announcement and re-test that the original plans are still deliverable against the new timeline and factor in the impact of inflation since the initial bid was submitted nearly a year and a half ago.”
Transformation of former DWP building complete
Ashfield District Council have completed the renovation of the former DWP building on High Pavement, Sutton.
The finished building, now named High Pavement House, was transformed by the Council, and is the second project completed as part of their £6.27 million Future High Streets Fund. The former DWP building was previously renovated in 2019 by a private investor but following the pandemic, the building was left empty until 2022 when work started.
The top floor of High Pavement House now houses 14 modern office units which are ready to be let to start ups, established businesses, and people looking for a professional workspace.
To help businesses flourish at High Pavement House, Ashfield District Council are offering a rent relief grant to offset the first three months rent. The grants, funded by the Council’s £3.2 million UK Shared Prosperity Fund, range from £250 – £960, depending on the size of the unit.
Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “We are extremely pleased to have completed another Future High Streets Funded project that will make a real difference to Sutton, and the wider District.
“We are investing time and money into supporting local businesses because we want them to succeed in Ashfield. High Pavement House is perfectly suited to cater to a range of business needs.”
High Pavement House also benefits from 24/7 access for members and the office units, as well as a shared social space with kitchen facilities on the ground floor.
High Pavement House will also be home to Ashfield’s Makerspace, which is set to open in spring 2024. The Makerspace is a unique workshop space for like-minded people to get together and share tools, equipment, and skills.
The Makerspace will be kitted out with top end machinery and equipment for woodworking, metalworking, CNC, laser, 3D printing, screen printing, ceramics, textiles, digital embroidery, a podcast studio, electronics, and a variety of other crafts.
Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Regeneration, Growth and Local Planning, said: “Everyone knows how excited I am to see the Makerspace for Ashfield, it’s such an interesting concept, one that will benefit so many people. It will allow people to access tools, equipment and skills that they wouldn’t have at home.
“Whether you have a DIY project that you need specialist equipment to complete, you’re a complete beginner and want to learn a new skill, or if you’re a making pro, everyone will be welcome.
“The completion of the building works marks the next stage of the project. We can now start to bring in the machines and equipment and begin to create the space. We will be able to open the doors for an open evening in the Makerspace in the new year, keep your eye on the Makerspace Facebook page for the date.”
Auctioneer racks up record results and shares £2m with staff
Nottingham-headquartered national auction house, John Pye & Sons Ltd, has seen record results from its latest financial year end, racking up significant increases in turnover, auction receipts and new bidder registrations.
For year ending 31st July 2023 the firm saw auction receipts hit £119 million and turnover reach £45 million, up 36% on the previous year. And, with new bidder registrations up 90% year on year it has been a record year all round.
Announcing the annual results, Adam Pye, Managing Director at John Pye & Sons, said: “These are incredible figures for our business. The team has worked so hard on several high-profile projects and achieved more than we ever thought possible during the period.
“I’m so pleased to report that we have again built upon the success 2022 and am happy to confirm that we’re in the fortunate position of being able to share discretionary bonuses with colleagues in their November pay.”
Last year the family business paid out in excess of £1,300,000. Based on this year’s results, the John Pye Board has agreed to the largest profit share in its history, at £2,000,000.
Mather Jamie smash charity goal
Having set out to raise £12,000 for charity, specialist land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie has smashed this goal, so far reaching nearly £19,000 plus Gift Aid.
The money will be donated to three East Midlands charities; One Roof Leicester, LOROS and Rainbows.
The main event this year for Mather Jamie, who are based in Loughborough, was another Top Gear style Bangers & Cash challenge which involved twelve teams from Mather Jamie and their clients travelling from Loughborough to North Norfolk via various checkpoints with additional points awarded for completing activities.
Vehicles chosen this year included old London taxis and a number of battered soft tops with a maximum purchase value of £1,000.
The activities that had to be undertaken enroute included brake tests, wheel changes, buying a pork pie in Melton Mowbray, photos at Rutland Water and at various beach locations.
Teams also had to play a round of crazy golf in Hunstanton and decorate the interior of their car in a theme. Additional points were awarded for least amount of fuel left in the tank on arrival at the final destination.
Bonus points were awarded for cars boasting the highest mileage, team members taking a dip in the sea, reaching other random ‘what3words’ check points released during the trip, and for rescuing other teams.
Meanwhile having to lift the car bonnet, police stops, wrong fuel, parking fines or tyre changes resulted in point deductions. After the event all of the cars were sold off and all monies raised gifted to the chosen charities along with several kind donations.
Commenting on the event, organiser Robert Cole said: “Whilst this was a fun event and a good team occasion, more importantly we raised a significant sum for some truly worthy causes. Each charity does fantastic work for the local community and based on this year’s achievement we will definitely set the bar higher next year!”
If you would like to donate please visit the Mather Jamie charity page: https://www.matherjamie.co.uk/charity-fundraising/
Make UK welcomes news of Government financial boost of SME in manufacturing
The CEO of manufacturers’ organisation Make UK has welcomed news of a financial fillip for SMEs across the country with the government announcement of £4.5 billion in funding for British manufacturing to increase investment in eight sectors
He’s Stephen Phipson, who said: “Make UK has long campaigned for Made Smarter to be a fully national scheme so that all SME manufacturers can benefit from the expertise the programme delivers and we are delighted at today’s decision from government to commit to a national rollout.
“Made Smarter has already transformed thousands of companies in the North East, North West, West Midlands and Yorkshire & the Humber and now it can help turbo-charge industrial digitalisation in SMEs across the whole of the country.
“The end-to-end specialist support the programme delivers has successfully helped smaller businesses dramatically boost productivity, improve energy efficiency, drive growth, upskill roles and deliver new jobs in digital skills to create workforces of the future which will allow Britain’s smaller manufacturers to continue to grow and remain globally competitive.”
The funding will be available from 2025 for five years, providing industry with longer term certainty about their investments.
Over £2 billion has been earmarked for the automotive industry and £975 million for aerospace, supporting the manufacturing, supply chain and development of zero emission vehicles, and investment in energy efficient and zero-carbon aircraft equipment.
Alongside this, the government has committed to £960 million for a Green Industries Growth Accelerator to support clean energy manufacturing, and £520 million for life sciences manufacturing to build resilience for future health emergencies and capitalise on the UK’s world-leading research and development.
With the entire manufacturing sector making up over 43% of all UK exports and employing around 2.6 million people, this funding is targeted at the UK’s strongest, world leading sectors; including where the industry is undergoing fundamental changes to remain at the forefront of the global transition to net zero, like the move to zero emission vehicles in the automotive industry.
The Green Industries Growth Accelerator investment will support the expansion of strong, home-grown, clean energy supply chains across the UK, including carbon capture, utilisation and storage, electricity networks, hydrogen, nuclear and offshore wind. This will enable the UK to seize growth opportunities through the transition to net zero, building on our world-leading decarbonisation track record and strong deployment offer.
The funding forms part of the Prime Minister’s pledge to grow the economy, and his focus on making decisions for the long-term, ensuring this funding doesn’t just focus on the most successful sectors today but looks ahead to how to keep pace internationally and build the UK’s expertise for the industries of the future.
Two units snapped up at urban logistics scheme near Leicester
Two units have been taken at Genesis Park in South Wigston, near Leicester, including an 18,570 sq ft unit by healthcare company Fresenius Medical Care to open a new dialysis clinic.
Genesis Park is 128,180 sq ft urban logistics scheme delivered and owned by developer Chancerygate and comprises 15 units ranging between 4,800 sq ft to 18,570 sq ft.
Fresenius Medical Care is a provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases. The company provides care for more than 344,000 patients globally, with 50 dialysis clinics in the UK and 42 production sites globally.
The company has signed a 15-year lease on the unit and is converting it to create a 49-bed renal dialysis unit with training and consulting rooms, which is due to be operational in Autumn 2024.
Alongside this, a 12,300 sq ft unit at Genesis Park has also been sold to an owner occupier for an undisclosed price.
One further unit at the scheme is currently under offer meaning there are 12 units remaining, ranging between 4,800 sq ft and 9,975 sq ft available on a freehold or leasehold basis.
Chancerygate’s senior development director, Matthew Connor, said: “The level of interest throughout the development’s build has been high, and now construction is complete interest in the remaining units is continuing to grow.
“We’re very pleased to have completed on these two deals, showcasing our expertise in working with prospective occupiers on both a freehold and leasehold basis. The letting to Fresenius Medical Care further evidences the diverse range of businesses our Grade A accommodation is suitable for.”
191 apartments planned for site near Nottingham train station
Plans for new apartments on Nottingham’s Waterway Street, in place of a vacant 1970’s two storey office building, have been submitted to the city council.
The proposals for the site near Nottingham train station come from Rainier Developments, and would see the demolition of the existing Waterway House building and construction of a new build development comprising 191 apartments.
The scheme would offer 122 one bed and 69 two bed flats over a block of three to eight storeys. A courtyard would serve as an amenity space for residents, incorporating green spaces.
The development would provide 22 car parking spaces and 4 disabled parking spaces, as well as 191 cycle parking spaces within cycle store rooms.
The 0.62-acre site on Waterway Street was purchased by Rainier Developments from Nottingham City Council at the start of the year.
At the time, Will Blacker, land director at Rainier Developments, said: “The area around Nottingham train station has been given a new lease of life in recent years via commercial, residential and student developments, and we are excited at the prospect of being able to add to this by helping to potentially transform an unused brownfield site.
“We will now use our extensive planning expertise to apply for planning permission for a modern redevelopment to support not only the wider regeneration of the area, but also the ongoing demand for homes.
“As a company we are keen in investing in sites that we know have the potential to enrich communities, such as this one in Nottingham, and we are actively seeking other sites nationally.”
Administrators appointed to loan provider
Ed Boyle and Rob Spence from Interpath Advisory have been appointed joint administrators to Nottingham-based Morses Club Limited and Shelby Finance Limited.
The two companies provide short-term consumer loans, with Morses Club providing home collect credit and Shelby Finance providing loans online under the ‘Dot Dot Loans’ brand.
The companies have been under sustained financial pressure for some time, a situation which was exacerbated in recent years by Morses Club facing a significant number of customer redress claims for unaffordable lending.
In order to address these issues, the management team worked strenuously in seeking to restructure the businesses. As part of this restructuring, in May 2023, Morses Club entered into a Scheme of Arrangement to provide a mechanism to maximise redress payments to customers and to also allow the businesses to continue to operate.
However, Morses Club has been unable to complete the refinancing of its existing debt facilities and therefore the directors took the decision to appoint administrators to the businesses.
As a result of the insolvency of Morses Club, the Scheme automatically terminates early.
Shortly prior to the appointment of the joint administrators, all new lending ceased, but the companies continue to collect outstanding loans from customers.
The company employed approximately 373 staff who worked remotely. While the joint administrators have retained 272 staff across the two businesses to assist them while they assess options for the businesses, 101 redundancies have been made.
The joint administrators will be working with the employees affected over the coming days to provide them with any support they need.
Matthew Montague Architects makes senior promotions
Derbyshire architects, Matthew Montague Architects has promoted two employees; Paul Myers becomes associate architect and Chris Bayliss becomes an associate.
The practice, which has offices in Longford, near Ashbourne, has been established for 25 years. The promotion of Paul and Chris strengthens the management team of the practice, which continues to grow following the successful acquisition of some significant projects and clients in 2023.
Paul completed his RIBA Part I at Lincoln University in 2012, following a year placement in London, he completed his Part II studies at the University of Kingston; joining the practice in 2015 as a Part II architectural assistant. Paul completed his RIBA Part III at The University of Nottingham, graduating in 2018.
Since joining the practice Paul has been involved with a wide range of different projects, covering all stages of work from preliminary design through to production information and contract management. Paul has worked with Repton School, Hanson’s Auctioneers and Marketing Derby.
Paul’s designs are influenced by Scandinavian and Nordic architecture, he has worked on several housing developments including the award-winning Elms Barns in Newton Harcourt, Leicestershire and Quarndon Hall.
Principal architect, Matthew Montague said: “Paul’s industry knowledge and experience is a great asset to the practice, he has worked across several sectors, designed some excellent buildings and managed several complex projects.”
Chris joined the practice as an architect assistant in 2014 after completing a BSc (Hons) Architecture & Environmental Design at Sheffield Hallam University.
Since joining the practice in 2014 Chris has gained significant experience in housing, education, sport and commercial sectors, designing and technically detailing some of the practice’s most notable work. He is currently working on projects at Lonsdale House for The University of Derby, a housing development in Hulland Ward and several large scale one-off houses.
Matthew added: “Chris’ flair for modern, distinctive design is a great addition to the practice; the work he is delivering on one off houses at the moment is very exciting. I am delighted to promote both Paul and Chris, it’s very much deserved.”
Midlands developer awarded for response to climate crisis
A Midlands housing developer has received national award recognition for its response to climate change.
Northamptonshire-based Cora were crowned winners of the Just Transition Award at the Edie Net-Zero Awards in London on Wednesday, November 15.
The award recognises businesses making strides in their journey to becoming net zero, with Cora having set targets to halve its carbon emissions by 2030 ahead of its 2050 net zero ambitions.
As a profit-with-purpose housebuilder, Cora has invested heavily into green policies – including its Grow Local programme, which allocates procurement preferences to smaller suppliers within a 50-mile radius of its developments.
It also recycled 96% (374 tonnes) of construction waste in 2021 while planting more than 9,000 trees and shrubs on its sites.
Luke Simmons, Managing Director of Cora, said: “At Cora we are dedicated to creating amazing places – and we can’t do that without having a key focus on the environment.
“All of us have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint and take steps to building a greener world. We are thrilled to receive recognition for our hard work with this prestigious award.”
Judges also commended Cora for its use of solar energy to power its compounds and for plans to use off-site construction for 80% of home completions by 2025.
Research is continuing into innovative wastewater heat recovery systems for its homes, with a target also set to stop the installation of fossil fuel heating systems.
This is not the first time Cora has been recognised for its environmental credentials, having also won a Gold Award for sustainability at the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards earlier this year.
Luke was also named Climate Champion of the Year at the Unlock Net Zero Live Awards.
Luke added: “We are continuing to show the industry the benefits of prioritising sustainability and our social responsibilities.
“The feedback we are receiving from our customers is incredible and stands testament to the quality of our homes. We will continue to innovate, improve and inspire others with our work in 2024.”
Cosworth appoints new MD for Advanced Propulsion and Full Vehicle Programmes division
Cosworth has appointed Simon Wilding as Managing Director of the company’s Advanced Propulsion and Full Vehicle Programmes division, Delta Cosworth. Wilding joined the company in November and is based at Cosworth’s Silverstone facility.
This strategic move is a natural continuation of Cosworth’s journey of developing a large and diversified range of high-performance, alternative propulsion solutions.
Wilding brings almost 30 years of experience to support the growth of the business, focusing on full vehicle programmes, advanced propulsion systems and high-performance battery solutions.
Wilding was headhunted by JLR in 2020 to lead a newly established Propulsion department within Special Vehicle Operations, dedicated to the delivery of high-performance ICE and BEV powertrain systems for Halo vehicles.
Prior to this, his 25 years’ experience at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains culminated in the position of Head of Automotive Division and Chief Engineer. During this time, he was instrumental in the delivery of numerous significant programmes, including the Kinetic Energy Recovery System.
This brought exceptional, groundbreaking hybrid technologies to Formula One for the first time, and was raced in 2009 season by the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One team. Following on from these programmes, Wilding headed the delivery of the HV battery for Mercedes-AMG’s first electric vehicle: the Mercedes-AMG SLS E-Cell and latterly the hybrid Formula One powertrain for the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE hypercar.
Delta Cosworth has been part of the UK’s booming motorsport industry for almost two decades. As well as being highly proficient in the design, development and manufacture of high-performance battery solutions, the company has diversified into the development of other sustainable propulsion applications, such as the Cosworth Catalytic Generator. It has embarked on a number of new projects in recent years, including partnerships in the defence industry with Babcock and the Defense Innovation Unit.
The appointment of Wilding marks the beginning of the next chapter for Delta Cosworth. The company plans to continue the growth of its existing advanced propulsion and full vehicle capabilities.
Wilding replaces outgoing Managing Director, Simon Dowson, who departs the company after almost 20 years.
Wilding said: “I am very excited to be joining Cosworth at such an important time in its history. The company is already in an active pursuit to become the leader in the industry, and I believe my experience in growing skilled teams in this area will help to realise these great ambitions.
“Cosworth’s developments in electrification are incredibly exciting, and only just beginning to demonstrate the levels of growth I think we can achieve. Everyone has been very welcoming – it is a real sort of family feeling – and I cannot wait to truly get stuck in and continue the Cosworth legacy.”
Cosworth CEO, Hal Reisiger, said: “Simon brings extensive OEM experience into our business, which will underpin the next growth chapter for our Advanced Propulsion and Full Vehicle Programmes offering.
“It shows the continued momentum of Delta Cosworth as we continue to broaden our reach and demonstrate our capabilities and expertise in new and established markets. We’re delighted Simon shares our same vision and drive to achieve this.
“As Simon Wilding comes in, I would like to thank Simon Dowson for his commitment to Cosworth after the acquisition of Delta Motorsport – he has been a hugely valuable member of the senior leadership team, and we wish him all the best in his next venture. We are all excited to see what the future holds for Delta Cosworth.”
Last plot at Castlewood Business Park achieves practical completion as Hines take ownership
Lead contractor, Roe Developments have achieved practical completion on the last remaining plot at Castlewood Business Park as part of the development funding deal between Clowes Developments and Hines.
Site owners, Clowes Developments instructed Roe Developments to build the 76,680 sq ft standalone unit as part of the 1.36 million sq ft portfolio with global real estate investment, development, and property manager, Hines.
The brand-new commercial unit was designed by IMA architects and comprises of a 72,386 sq ft single storey warehouse and 4,294 sq ft office and welfare space which is split over two floors and front of the building. The unit benefits from a large secure yard to the side with two level-access loading bays and eight docks.
There is a car park to the front of the building with five disabled bays and four EV charging stations. The roof is designed to carry photo voltaic panels subject to the occupier’s requirements. Additionally, this unit boasts floor to ceiling double glazing in the warehouse and 10% roof lights creating a brighter environment for warehouse workers.
In total, the partnership is developing eight state-of-the-art warehousing and light-industrial units covering a total of 126,347 square metres (1.36 million sq ft) across the East Midlands.
In 2022, the first of the units, a 195,000 sq ft warehouse was delivered at Dove Valley Park in South Derbyshire. In 2023, to date, a 342,000 sq ft unit has been delivered at East Midlands Distribution Centre and an additional three units totalling 268,000 sq ft have been handed over at Fairham Business Park.
With the latest completion at Castlewood, there remains only two plots at Dove Valley Park which are due to achieve practical completion early next year.
Greg Cooper, Managing Director at Hines in the UK, said: “The completion of Castlewood is another important milestone for our partnership with Clowes, with over 75% of the portfolio now successfully delivered.
“We are delighted to be developing best-in-class buildings that meet the needs of today’s occupiers, with Castlewood achieving BREEAM ‘excellent’ certification and including EV charging infrastructure and the ability to support the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.
“The quality of the offering at Castlewood is reflected in the strong interest we have received from several occupiers. We look forward to continuing our work with Clowes to deliver the remaining space at Dove Valley Park in early 2024.”
James Richards, development director at Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd, added: “Castlewood has been a brilliant site since we started development in 2010. Plot 10 is the last plot to be developed at this flagship site.
“With excellent transport links and direct access to the main arterial route through the Midlands, it’s no surprise that Castlewood has welcomed a number of nationally recognised names including Parker Knoll, Co-Op and Alloga but also provided a unique opportunity for local businesses to grow and expand such as CST, ConSpare, Charles Pugh and many more.
“We are extremely proud of this development, and we wish Hines all the best with their new unit.”
Nottingham University Business School research shows company mergers may increase investment and innovation
New research from Nottingham University Business School (NUBS) has shown that some company mergers may promote product innovation and benefit society, contrary to previously held opinions.
In previous research, merger decisions, which see companies merge to create a single firm, have been criticised for removing competition in the market and for their adverse effects on innovation.
Antitrust authorities, which challenge company mergers, prevented mergers due to their possible adverse effects on innovation and competition, previously supported by research in this area.
Professor Arijit Mukherjee, from Nottingham University Business School, challenges this in his new research paper, published in Economics Letters, and suggests that mergers may increase product innovation and benefit society in the presence of passive cross ownership – where businesses hold non-controlling shares in rival businesses.
Competition among businesses encourages them to invest a significant amount in the research of competitors. Both passive cross ownership and cooperative research tend to reduce investments by reducing competitive behaviour or, in other words, creating more collusive behaviour among the businesses.
On the other hand, mergers between businesses creates an upward pressure on investments in research by increasing the profits of the businesses. The intensity of competition in the product market plays an important role to determine the net effect.
In an industry with severe price wars, mergers may increase product innovation and benefit society in the presence of passive cross ownership or cooperative research.
Professor Mukherjee said: “Challenging mergers due to their adverse effects on innovation is a complex matter. This research explains how passive cross ownership and cooperative research contribute to this complexity.
“The intensity of competition in the product market plays an important role for the innovation and welfare raising effects of a merger. These factors make decision making by antitrust authorities difficult.”
Antitrust authorities may actually reduce product innovation and the betterment of society by preventing mergers in these industries when there is a severe price war among the businesses. Over £2.6m for city projects supporting local prosperity
A network of over 30 groups and organisations is set to receive over £2.6m in funding to deliver advice, support and training for Leicester businesses, people and communities.
The local projects will be supported through Leicester City Council’s allocation of cash from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
An open call was launched in May 2023, inviting bids for projects under two categories – Supporting Local Business or People Skills and Communities. Voluntary and community sector organisations in Leicester, together with the council, the city’s universities and business support organisations, were able to bid.
A total of 12 projects – six in each category – have now been approved and will receive funding ranging from £75,000 to over £300,000. They will be delivered by a network of over 30 groups and organisations and will offer a varied programme of support for local businesses and people.
Deputy city Mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on climate, culture and the economy, said: “Whilst this is a relatively modest amount of funding, the expertise within the projects being supported means we are well placed to deliver huge value to local businesses and community organisations.
“Taken together, these projects represent a programme that will help strengthen the city’s prosperity by delivering advice and support directly to local businesses, communities and people during very challenging economic times.”
The 12 Leicester projects supported through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund are as follows:
- Empower Biz – a comprehensive business support programme led by The Race Equality Centre aimed at individuals running a business who are of African or African-Caribbean heritage. Will include improvements to the African Caribbean Centre, in Highfields, to create a black business hub and co-working space.
- Everyday English – an innovative ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) programme led by Leicester Adult Education and delivered in partnership with community groups and venues across the city.
- ExSEL – a project led by Leicester Social Economy Consortium to support the expansion and development of social enterprises across the city.
- Futures – careers advice, guidance, employability support and entry-level training targeted at long-term unemployed and economically inactive people.
- Growth accelerator for social entrepreneurs – a programme of expert training, consultancy and support to help social entrepreneurs grow their business, delivered by the University of Leicester’s School of Business, in partnership with the Cooperative and Social Enterprise Development Agency and Community Enterprise Engine.
- Leicester Accelerator – a business support project delivered by East Midlands Chamber to help local businesses enhance their digital and low carbon business skills.
- Leicester Productivity Programme – expert help and advice for local small businesses to support growth and help identify areas where productivity can be improved, delivered by leading business support organisation Exemplas.
- Moneywise Living – one-to-one support for people to gain financial and digital skills to help deal with the rising cost of living, delivered by Reaching People – a membership organisation of over 35 local voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations.
- NBV Enterprise Solutions – expert advice aimed at early-stage businesses – trading for between one and three years – to support survival and growth.
- Positive Communities 2 – a project aimed at supporting people into employment delivered by the Bangladesh Youth and Cultural Shomiti charity working with seven local grassroots organisations.
- Twin Training Limited – one-to-one support and training to help people with basic skills and ESOL training.
- Zinthiya Trust – support for the most vulnerable households in Leicester to help strengthen their finances during the cost-of-living crisis. Will provide money and energy advice, to help reduce household bills.
Council to invest in Retford Market
Proposals to invest more than £400,000 in Retford’s market are being put forward by Bassetlaw District Council as it seeks to modernise its approach, broaden its appeal and protect the future of the town’s historic market.
Traditionally held on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the markets have been a significant part of Retford’s heritage since King Henry III granted its first charter in 1246. The Council is now taking action in order to safeguard this legacy and ensure that the market retains this tradition, and is financially viable for many years to come.
The Council is now asking the public, market traders, local businesses and local stakeholders for their views on two proposals that could create a semi-permanent market, and provide additional trading opportunities through the historic Buttermarket, located in Retford Town Hall. This will take place as part of a six-week consultation, which runs from Friday 17th November until Tuesday 2nd January 2024.
Funding provided by the Government’s United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), in addition to Capital Funding from the Council, has allowed the Council to put forward proposals to install new bespoke, semi-permanent, multi-purpose market stalls on the Market Square in Retford Town Centre; and repurpose the Buttermarket to provide an additional indoor trading space.
The Council’s proposals are:
Proposal 1
To install bespoke, semi-permanent, multi-purpose market stalls on the Market Square in Retford Town Centre.
The primary use of the proposed, multi-purpose stalls will be to host traders who attend the current traditional market days of Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Installing semi-permanent stalls would also provide the potential for extra trading opportunities for current or new traders on non-market days, subject to the Council’s approval.
When not in use, the stalls could also be converted to seating areas for organised events throughout the year, and for use by local businesses as part of the night-time economy.
Proposal 2
Repurpose the Buttermarket to provide an additional indoor trading space.
Repurposing the Buttermarket, located in Retford Town Hall, could provide an additional indoor trading space that could compliment planned traditional markets, or be used independently for bespoke markets and standalone events, including hospitality.
Cllr Jo White, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “This significant investment will allow us to safeguard the sustainability, vitality and viability of its three market days in Retford, and open up additional opportunities to traders and local businesses.
“The proposals could enable traders and local businesses to expand or diversify their offering, in addition to turning the market square, and Buttermarket, into a year-round, multi-functional space.”
A budget of around £175k for Retford Market is proposed, in addition to a budget of £227k to regenerate the Buttermarket proposal. This would create a total investment of more than £400k for Retford Markets.
Cllr Julie Leigh, Cabinet Member for Identity and Place, said: “Nationally and locally, markets have been in decline over the last 10 years, with the Council’s income from markets reducing year on year. Added to this, the costs of running our markets have increased significantly.
“This funding, in addition to investment from the Council, has allowed us to put forward proposals that will enable us to arrest this decline, making the market more sustainable, securing its future provision, and moving towards a position of financial stability.”
Currently the overall cost to the Council to provide a market in Retford each year, after income, stands at £153,000. The aim is to reinvigorate Retford Market so that it provides a sustainable income, allowing the Council to reinvest into the market for the future.
Financial assistance launched for North Northamptonshire businesses looking to reduce carbon emissions
North Northamptonshire Council have launched a new grant scheme to help local businesses invest in measures to increase energy efficiency, move to a lower carbon economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Small or medium sized businesses can now apply for grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 towards 50% of project costs, with the remaining amount to be match funded by the business.
The funding can be used for:
- lighting and lighting controls
- heating and heating controls
- insulation
- energy efficient machinery and equipment (e.g. air compressors)
- solar panels
- heat pumps
- biomass boilers
- energy storage
- building energy management systems
Work starts on major Mansfield council housing project
Construction work has begun on a major council housing project to revitalise an estate in Mansfield.
Mansfield District Council’s £7.7m redevelopment scheme on the Bellamy estate will see 22 affordable homes built, to be rented to families on the council’s housing list.
Part of the estate’s upgrade is already complete with a new play park and learn-to-ride cycle track opening earlier this year.
This next stage, led by Mercer Building Solutions, will see the construction of eco-friendly, affordable houses built around the newly installed village green area.
It will see the demolition of existing shops and five flats in Egmanton Road and a new single-storey parade of retail outlets with a convenience store, café and takeaway built to replace them.
There will also be a community orchard planted and a new traffic-calmed through road connecting Thorpe Road and Egmanton Road, which will allow for improved bus connections through this part of the estate.
The project will support new employment and supply chain opportunities for local people and businesses, in line with the council’s procurement policy.
Cllr Anne Callaghan, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “It is so exciting to see this major project taking shape. It will make a massive difference to the quality of life for everyone on this estate as well as providing fantastic, much needed, high quality new homes for families.
“This has been a complex project to bring together and Mansfield District Council staff deserve a lot of credit for their work behind the scenes.”
The council’s in-house architects have designed the homes in line with government carbon reduction targets and the Future Homes Standard, which is expected to be adopted nationally by 2025.
The standard requires new homes to have low-carbon heating and high energy efficiency, resulting in considerably lower carbon dioxide emissions than properties built to current Building Regulations.
The houses, comprising three four-bedroom semi-detached houses, eight three-bedroom semi-detached houses, nine two-bedroom semi-detached houses and two two-bedroom detached houses, will be offered at affordable rents and will be owned and managed by Mansfield District Council.
The work is expected to be completed in phases over the next couple of years.
More Bassetlaw start ups secure Enterprise Grants
Bassetlaw District Council is continuing to award Enterprise Grants to start-up and pre-start-up businesses across the district, and since April this year, nine businesses have secured a total of £14,510 to help with business costs such as marketing, equipment or uniforms.
Businesses applying for the scheme can be awarded a grant of up to £2000 or a discretionary one-off grant of £500.
Just some of the businesses to be awarded grants this year include:
- Obviously Optical
- The Mobile Pizza Company
- The Cleaning Lady
- The Ruddy Duck Printshop
- Summit Signs
Dr. Martens appoints non-executive director to new chief brand officer role
Northamptonshire shoe brand Dr. Martens has appointed non-executive director Ije Nwokorie to the role of chief brand officer.
On appointment into this role, Ije will cease to be a member of the Board and will step down as a member of the Audit and Risk, Nomination and Disclosure committees.
The newly-created role of chief brand officer will be a key member of the global leadership team, reporting into Kenny Wilson, CEO, overseeing the Global Marketing, Product and Strategy functions. The chief brand officer will be responsible for setting the overall brand strategy, vision and direction for the next phase of Dr. Martens’ growth.
Ije will join Dr. Martens as chief brand officer from Apple Inc, where he has been senior director, Apple Retail since January 2018. Prior to this he spent 11 years at global brand consultancy Wolff Olins, where he was latterly CEO, leading teams in offices in San Francisco, London, Dubai and New York. He is currently also chair of non-profit organisation charity: water UK.
Paul Mason, chair, said: “Ije has been a tremendous non-executive director since he joined the Board in January 2021. He has deep insight and understanding of brands and has extensive global DTC experience. I am delighted that he’ll be joining the leadership team as chief brand officer, a role for which he is perfectly suited.”
Kenny Wilson, CEO, said: “Ije is a visionary brand storyteller and this, along with his infectious passion for Dr. Martens, makes him the ideal person to lead the next era of our brand development. I am delighted that he will be joining my team in a permanent full-time position of chief brand officer, which will be a crucial role to enable us to become a £2bn revenue brand.”
Ije Nwokorie said: “I’ve always loved Dr. Martens and it’s been a real privilege getting to know the brand from the inside as a non-executive director. Dr. Martens is defined by its rebellious, authentic and creative nature, all of which makes me really excited to be joining Kenny and the team early in the new year and to get to work.”
Optima UK appoints new head of professional services and engineering divisions
Optima UK, the recruitment, training, and business advisory firm, has appointed Susan McAdam to head up its professional services and engineering divisions.
Susan brings a wealth of experience to the post, having clocked up more than 15 years of professional recruitment experience working with a range of businesses from SMEs through to major blue chip companies.
Larraine Boorman, the CEO of the Leicester-based, internationally-operating company, said: “Susan has an excellent track record of delivering success based on developing professional teams and building strong customer relationships.
“We’re delighted that Susan has joined Optima. Her strong skillset, drive and ambition will be important assets as we are continuing to grow across all divisions. Our services are very much in demand across many sectors, so we need the very best people as we move forward.”
Susan said: “Optima felt like the right fit for me, as our ethics and outlook are very much aligned. My aim is to ensure that the whole team has the necessary skills and tools to make sure we can all reach new levels.”
