Alternative protein research exploring using peas to make sustainable plant-based cheese has received funding from Innovate UK to develop commercial processes for new products.
‘Cheese from Peas’ is a new product being developed by researchers from the University of Nottingham and spin-out company The Good Pulse Company who are developing techniques to turn yellow peas grown in the UK into a sustainable plant-based cheese.
This latest funding of over £300,000 from Innovate UK adds to over £370,000 in investment from scientific research organisation Rothamsted Research through their programme SHAKE Climate Change, and from food technology venture capital investors Big Idea Ventures. The grant has allowed the company to hire researchers from the university and also bring further expertise from other academics working on adjacent research areas.
Dr Vincenzo di Bari, Assistant Professor in Food Structure and Processing at the University of Nottingham has been leading research that is looking for ways to develop a new generation of functional, minimally processed ingredients from legumes for applications such as plant-based cheese that is healthier and higher in proteins than existing cheese alternatives in the market.
“We are focused on creating a product that is tasty, has excellent nutritional value and that is also sustainable. From research we previously carried out we have identified yellow peas as an ideal ingredient to achieve this because of its composition and availability in the UK,” said Dr Vincenzo di Bari, Assistant Professor in Food Structure and Processing at the University of Nottingham.
“This is a key step towards our goal to deliver healthy products manufactured using sustainable UK grown crop. We are now focused on developing technologies to be able to process the peas at a commercial level with minimal processing or extra ingredients.”
Yellow peas are a niche crop in the UK and are traditionally used for soups, stews and casseroles. They contain high-quality protein and are a good source of iron. Pea protein also contain essential amino acids that your body cannot create and must get from food.
The Good Pulse Company has already developed over 100 prototypes of plant-based cheese made from pulses using their proprietary technology and processes, as well as processes for making naturally gluten-free baked goods from pulses that are high in proteins and great in taste.
In addition to the successful funding, the company is now part of the prestigious EIT Food Seedbed programme and have also achieved key strategic milestones such as securing a major collaboration agreement with one of the largest dairy cheese companies in Europe to co-develop prototypes of cheese using their functional ingredients from pulses and unique processes leading to large scale pilot production trials, filing a first patent in the USA, and shown potential scalability of the technology and processes to other pulses and food applications.
“Vegan cheeses are often ultra-processed in nature with poor nutritional value and mostly made from coconut oil, modified starches, and artificial additives. We are addressing this with new types of ingredients blends from pulses that are tailored specifically for making plant-based cheese. We also aim to look beyond just nutrition and to help strengthen local supply chain of pulses and have a positive social impact on farming communities,” said Cesar Torres, an Exeter Business School MBA alumnus and Founder & CEO of The Good Pulse Company.
The Business School at the University of Nottingham has also been involved in research projects to support the business development. Three MBA consultancy projects were completed in September 2023 that looked into existing markets of plant-based cheese and baked goods and the company has also employed candidates from the programme MSc Food Production Management as interns during the summer as well as sponsoring projects for this programme.
Dr di Bari adds: “Creating new food products is challenging and the market is hugely competitive but we believe these new cheese products made from our unique ingredients and technology are completely unique and will offer a tasty, sustainable alternative to what is currently available.
“With the backing of industry partners and this additional funding we can push the research further to have a commercial product within the next 12 months. For this, the company will open its next investment round in early January 2024.” Six new hires strengthen APSS team
Lincolnshire-based commercial design and fit specialist APSS has appointed six new staff to strengthen the team and add new skills to the business.
Sean Cuffley has returned to APSS in a new role as commercial manager. With 18 years’ experience of the industry and his existing knowledge of APSS, Sean will be mentoring newer staff and passing on his expertise. His appointment will help speed up internal processes and ensure projects are completed within budget.
Luke Krossoy has started as a site joiner in the company’s commitment to upskilling the workforce. While in a bid to combat the labour shortage in the construction industry, Finley Davis and Ben McGarragh are welcomed to APSS as joinery apprentices as part of its programme to develop the next generation of workers which is crucial to future-proofing the business.
Finley and Ben will be gaining hands on experience learning a unique trade whilst continuing to study at Lincoln College. Luke will be responsible for ensuring that projects are installed on site as efficiently as possible while meeting the highest quality standards.
Designer, Caitlin Maginess has joined the in-house design team, and brings with her a wealth of knowledge of building regulations for new builds, extensions and conversions. She will inject fresh ideas into the business and enable the team to take on additional and more complex work.
Project manager Mark Barnes has more than 20 years’ experience overseeing construction and interior fit out projects. With his knowledge of on-site joinery, he will be an asset to the team ensuring that customer projects are completed as efficiently as possible and within the agreed timescales.
Managing Director Laurence Barrass said: “We’re committed to delivering the best possible service to our customers and supporting our team by adding new strengths and capabilities. These new appointments focus on key disciplines out on site and in the office, helping to support the management team.
“We have an impressive work culture within the business which is proven when staff return to us like Sean has recently. We are thrilled he has come back to the APSS family and with the combined skills we now have in the business, we will be able to provide an even better service to our customers.
“As an SME, our customers are everything to us. Having staff who are willing to go the extra mile for them is an important part of who we are as a company.”
For over 25 years, APSS has specialised in commercial interior designs, office fit outs, retail refurbishments, healthcare and educational interiors. The company supports its clients to refurbish their workplace and ensure the best use of space, boosting productivity.
Developer completes on Leicestershire business park
Rothley Lodge Commercial Park in Leicestershire has been completed by Rotherhill Developments, with the site now fully occupied.
The occupiers include national pharmacy group Day Lewis Plc, industrial automation component distributor BPX Electro-Mechanical Co. Ltd, and Selective Marketplace Ltd, a privately owned company with two premium womenswear brands.
Situated on the outskirts of Leicester, near Loughborough, Rothley Lodge comprises four industrial buildings totalling 223,000 sq ft. The premises range from 35,000 to 128,000 sq ft and were made available to businesses on a leasehold or freehold, design and build basis.
The 14-acre industrial site was acquired from Samworth Brothers on 14 July 2017, with funding provided by a syndicate of investors from Mattioli Woods.
Located off the A6 Loughborough Road to the north of Leicester, between Mountsorrel and Rothley, the site has links to the A46 Northern Bypass and Junctions 21 and 22 of the M1.
Paul Bagshaw, owner and Managing Director of Rotherhill Developments, says: “We are delighted to have completed on the Rothley Lodge industrial scheme and to have welcomed three growing businesses as occupiers. Rothley Lodge provided a unique and rare opportunity for occupiers to design and build to meet their needs and requirements.
“In the current market, there are few opportunities for local owner occupiers to purchase on a freehold basis, and most recently built units fail to cater for businesses seeking smaller industrial accommodation.
“Having recognised the lack of supply of high-quality, bespoke industrial space in the sub 150,000 sq ft region, we set out to develop a site capable of accommodating a range of growing businesses.”
“Situated on Leicester’s gateway, with strong surrounding road links and infrastructure, Rothley Lodge is in a prime commercial location,” Paul adds, “and we look forward to continuing to support our occupiers in facilitating the next phase of their expansion plans that are set to fuel the creation of new local jobs.”
Ben Aspell, business development manager at Custodian Capital, the property fund management subsidiary of Mattioli Woods, says: “Custodian Capital Limited, through the Mattioli Woods Private Investors Club, was delighted to support Rotherhill Developments in funding the industrial development project at Rothley Lodge.
“Over the period of the project, we have seen the UK exit the European Union, suffer a global pandemic, and experience the repercussions of the Ukrainian War but still Rotherhill has managed to forward sell and build four units ranging from 35,000 sq ft to 128,000 sq ft.
“There still seems to be a distinct lack of quality industrial stock available in the market – be that new or secondary – which is continuing to push rents upwards. The growing focus on ESG from both occupiers and investors is likely to mean that much of the secondary supply will become obsolete over the next few years, creating a further strain on existing stock.”
Paul Walsh, Managing Director of EM Pharma, part of the Day Lewis Group, says: “We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter in Rothley. It provides us with the space we need to expand our operations and places us in a state-of-the-art facility that will enable us to continue pushing the boundaries of pharmaceutical innovation.
“We remain steadfast in our mission to provide high-quality products while embracing the opportunities the convenient new location offers for expansion and development. We have already welcomed new skilled team members that have joined from the local area, and we’re excited about the fresh perspectives and expertise that they can bring to the business.”
Mark Vernon, investment/development executive at LondonMetric Property Plc, adds: “We were delighted to fund two units at this well-located logistics scheme and to work with Rotherhill on the development.
“The buildings have been finished to a high specification by Warwick Burt and we were really pleased that EM Pharma decided to lease both units to create a leading-edge manufacturing and distribution facility for its growing business.
“It was an enjoyable project to be involved with and we appreciated the hard work of Paul Bagshaw and his team. We look forward to a long-term relationship with EM Pharma and the Day Lewis Group.”
Ben Blackwall of Atlas Real Estate and Steve Jelfs of Fusion Building Consultancy advised LondonMetric Property on the acquisition. Benchmark Property Ltd provided quantity surveying and project management services to Rotherhill in respect of the construction of all phases of the development.
How to turn a losing situation into a major win: by Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR
Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, shows you how to make the most of award losses.
Earlier this year I made a confession. I’m a loser. In fact, I’m technically a serial loser because what I’m about to admit to has happened before.
I made it to the national final of the Enterprise Nation Awards and once again, I did not prevail. In fact, this is becoming a bit of a habit, I have made it before and lost then too.
What a loser! Why would I ever admit to this? Simple, it is because I get frustrated by what I predict will happen this week at this publication’s annual “Bricks” awards – of which I am one of the judges.
NB: they will be a few weeks gone by the time you read this so see if I’m correct about the below.
You see, I know that there will be plenty of people reading this column that would quietly hide this “failure.” They don’t want to be seen as “losers” or “runners-up” or perhaps more accurately, not winners.
That’s how a lot of people see awards. It is a risk/reward question to some. In fact, some people are so paranoid about this “risk” that they won’t even blog about making a final or a shortlist ahead of the big event in case people “find out we didn’t win.”
Take a look at “The Bricks” this year. As a judge of one of the categories, I always take a close interest in what the entrants get up to pre and post awards. Being harsh, most of them don’t get up to much whatsoever. Why? Fear of failure? Lack of confidence? Lack of resource? All of the above?
NEWSFLASH – most people don’t actually follow your every move, noting what you post about your goals, ambitions, wins and losses. Oh, and by the way you made the final!
Take a look at my case. There are thousands of PR consultants out there in the UK and I made the top 5. In the country. Does that mean there are people better than me? Yep. Does it mean I’m better than most? Yep!
On the way to the final, I posted on social media, blogged and ran webinars mentioning the fact that I was in the final. Do you think that some of that might have been noticed? You betcha.
I’m “confessing” to my failure here right now. More awareness of my loss. Am I a masochist? No, I’m a marketer. Often mistaken!
Now, will SOME people go “oh well, Greg’s only in the Top 5 in the UK, probably not worth speaking to.” Well, SOME might. In fact, you might (boo hiss!). Or you and many more people might think “I’ve been meaning to speak to him” or “our PR is pants, this guy must be half decent.”
So, loathe as I am to say that it is the taking part that counts, sometimes, it is. So long as you do something with it.
Yours inconsolably better than most,
Top 5 PR consultant in the UK.
A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press for Attention PR in 2008.
He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective.
See this column in the October edition of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.
Derby IT firm makes ‘life-changing’ donation for African school children
Derby IT services provider Infuse Technology has donated laptops to a school in The Gambia to help transform education for disabled children studying there.
The children, aged 5 to 15 years old, all suffer from sight impairments. The laptops will help the disabled children to see text more clearly and learn more effectively.
The donation is part of a wider fundraising project organised by the Rotary Club of Leicester Impact Group. Chair of the group and passionate philanthropist Diana Esho has led fundraising efforts for Wullinkamma Lower Basic School since visiting The Gambia in 2015/2016, fundraising for school meals and powdered milk for babies who have lost their mothers.
Paul Howard, Managing Director at Infuse Technology, said: “When I heard Diana was looking for laptops to send to a school in Gambia, I knew we had to help.
“IT is a fundamental part of our day-to-day lives but largely taken for granted, making it easy to overlook the impact it can have, especially in communities where tech is hard to come by. We hope the children enjoy their new laptops and that our donation contributes to providing a more fulfilling education.”
Diana Esho, Managing Director at Easy Internet Services Ltd, said: “We would like to thank Infuse for their generous donation, which will support 15 disabled children in The Gambia.
“The laptops will prove life-changing for these children, who will now have a much better opportunity to receive the education they deserve and become productive members of the local community.”
Bank of England’s interest rates policy now hitting East Midlands businesses
The impact of high inflation and rising interest rates is now being felt in the economy as demand slows for East Midlands businesses, new data shows. Research from East Midlands Chamber shows both domestic and international sales, as well as advanced orders, have dipped in recent months.
While growth in the workforce remained similar in the three months to September compared to the previous quarter, future prospects for employment have dropped by a third – suggesting the region’s low unemployment rate could be set to rise slightly.
The business representation group’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q3 2023, delivered in partnership with the University of Leicester School of Business, also shows investment intentions – a key ingredient in driving forward productivity and reducing inflation – remain low and business confidence is subdued.
East Midlands Chamber’s director of policy and insight Chris Hobson said: “Following a strong first half of the year, the results of the latest Quarterly Economic Survey suggest the impact of 14 consecutive interest rate rises between November 2021 and this summer may be starting to have effect, as we can see with slowing sales activity and employment projections.
“In a further sign the heat has come out of inflation, the percentage of businesses anticipating they will need to put up prices has fallen to 30% – almost half of what it was 12 months ago. The pressure from the price of raw materials, utilities and labour costs has all softened, with only a small increase in businesses reporting greater price rise pressures from the fuel pump.
“For several quarters now, the results of this survey have run counter to the wider mood music in the economy. However, for the first time since the start of the year, the Chamber’s State of the Economy Index – a barometer measuring a combination of activity and sentiment indicators – has dropped back, albeit only slightly.
“With regards to what this all means, next quarter’s results will be telling. The September decision by the Bank of England to keep interest rates as they are has been welcomed by many businesses. They feel the Bank’s desired impact – to soften demand – is already being felt, with a lag time between rate decisions and any actual effect taking hold.
“Key now will be to see how far the slowdown will go. Any talks of a recession are premature, and with inflation now coming down steadily – and the uncertainty of a General Election on the horizon – it is important the economy can find its new level quickly and confidence can return to consumers and businesses alike.”
Key findings from the Quarterly Economic Survey Q3 2023 for the East Midlands, which was completed by 296 organisations between 21 August and 14 September 2023, included:
· UK and overseas sales each fell by a net 2% and 14% respectively between the second and third quarters of the year, with no movement in advanced UK orders growth and a net 1% drop in international advanced orders
· 63% of businesses added to their headcount in Q3 2023, compared to 62% in the previous quarter and 60% before that to illustrate a slight growth in the region’s workforce. However, employment prospects look weaker going forward with the proportion of businesses expecting to recruit falling by a net 8%
· Many employers continue to face challenges with filling job vacancies – 58% of organisations attempted to recruit and, of those, two-thirds (67%) experienced problems in finding suitable staff
· Rising prices resulting from cost pressures for energy, raw materials, people and fuel continue to ease, with a net 27% of businesses expecting they will be forced to raise their own prices – down from a net 31% the previous quarter and net 52% in the first three months of 2023
· Worries over access to cash also eased slightly, with a net 1% increase in firms saying cashflow was up
· Intentions to invest in plant and equipment increased for a net 4% of companies, but was down by a net 4% for investment intentions in people
· Business confidence shows a mixed picture, with confidence in turnover prospects down by 2% compared to the previous quarter but up by 1% for profitability expectations.
Professor Mohamed Shaban, associate dean for business and civic engagement at the University of Leicester School of Business, said: “The findings from the Quarterly Economic Survey Q3 2023 for the East Midlands are unsurprising and almost identical to our expectations in the second quarter, after the increase in the base rate trend to curb inflation in the past few months.
“Most investors envisage marginal or no increase in the interest rates soon. The critical question that currently swirls inside investors’ heads is how long interest rates will stay at such a level. The longer the period, the longer the economic slowdown will be, as investors will opt to delay investments until they observe a reverse in the upward trend.
“For the next few quarters, we expect investors and consumers to discount political signs and hints more in their investment and consumption decisions than monetary policy actions.
“It will be all about the political climate and financial market stability at home and abroad, particularly in the United States, in the next two quarters. Many people will identify signs of a U-turn on UK green policies, including a delay on a plan to boost the number of electric cars on Britain’s roads.
“Political uncertainty will play a somewhat augmented role in the firms’ decisions to invest and recruit. If we add the current high levels of interest rates and tense financial markets to such an unfavourable formula, the result is concerning – and we can expect little or no improvement in the business sentiment or growth indicators for the next quarter.”
Midlands manufacturers eye demand uptick as optimism lags behind wider sector
Leaders in the Midlands’ manufacturing sector are the least optimistic about experiencing an uplift in demand in the next 12 months, according to new research from specialist business advisory firm FRP.
Three quarters (75%) of manufacturers surveyed in the region were confident that demand for their products would increase over the next 12 months – below the national average of 87%. Despite a challenging year for the sector, nine in 10 (90%) Midlands businesses are confident they will be able to continue trading over the next 12 months.
The results feature in a new national FRP report, Against the odds: The future of UK manufacturing, which points to a resilient sector that is looking to invest in advanced technologies to help stimulate new growth. FRP conducted a similar study at the end of 2022, which found that manufacturers were far less optimistic about their prospects.
Investment confidence returns
With inflation beginning to ease, the vast majority of FRP’s respondents in the Midlands – which range from SMEs to major employers – are convinced of the robustness of their supply chains, with the vast majority (85%) expecting suppliers to continue trading successfully through the year ahead.
Their top investment priority is increasing output and/or productivity through the creation of new jobs (31%), which speaks strongly of manufacturers’ willingness to develop the sector’s workforce, while over a quarter (27%) plan to seize the opportunity presented by automation and AI.
While just over one in 10 (13%) say they are already using AI, machine learning or automation to its full potential, 58% believe there is the potential to apply it more widely in their organisation.
Still, challenges remain for Midlands manufacturers – chiefly increasing energy costs (46%), the cost of materials (29%) and the availability of labour (21%).
In response, manufacturers are planning a range of measures including increasing prices for customers and distributors (46%), extending terms with suppliers (31%) and – more positively – introducing or expanding the use of automation or AI in production (27%).
Raj Mittal, partner in the Restructuring Advisory team at FRP in the Midlands, said: “The past year has been a difficult one for the region’s manufacturing sector, so it’s encouraging to see such a high proportion of respondents confident in their ability to successfully trade through the next 12 months – this despite confidence in future demand lagging that of manufacturers in other regions.
“There is still uncertainty though, particularly within the automotive sector, which had made great strides towards meeting the initial 2030 ban on petrol and diesel combustion engines ahead of the Government’s decision to extend the deadline.
“Experience shows that businesses which continue to invest through economic uncertainty usually emerge best positioned to benefit from more stable conditions, so it’s encouraging to see such a strong appetite to do so amongst the region’s manufacturers.
“Looking at the results of this report, I’m confident that manufacturers have the plans in place to succeed, with a singular focus on their long-term growth and prosperity.
“The results reflect what we are hearing anecdotally across FRP, as many of the supply issues firms reported last year have now been resolved to a large extent, with the most pressing concerns now on the demand side of the scale. We would hope to see at least a small recovery in demand as inflation eases and consumer confidence stabilises.
“While we await those changes to take effect, it’s heartening to see manufacturers exploring the potential of new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence. The cost of adopting AI can be high and include a lengthy payback period. But, for those that have access to funding, it is something they should be looking at to drive efficiencies and free up human resource.”
Hear about changes to the way the self-emloyed and those in business partnerships are taxed
A webinar taking place this week, on Thursday 12 October (11.00am – 12.00pm), will discuss the changes to the way the self-emloyed and those in business partnerships are taxed.
HMRC, His Majesty”s Revenue and Customs, has introduced changes to the basis period, the defined timeframe used to calculate the taxable profits for taxing the self-employed and those in business partnerships. The changes relate to this tax year, 2023/24 and beyond.
This special webinar, led by Streets tax partner Michael Ball, aims to provide a clear understanding of what the basis period is, the recent changes, who it affects, when it takes effect and considerations for those affected.
This presentation will be recorded and available on demand for those not able to join us live. Simply register to receive a link to watch on demand.
Learning Curve Group acquires White Rose Beauty Colleges
Learning Curve Group (LCG) has acquired White Rose Beauty Colleges, which has an education and training centre in Chesterfield.
White Rose was founded in 1996 and has helped thousands of learners gain the skills and experience they need for successful careers in the beauty industry. It delivers a wide range of Beauty Therapy, Holistic Therapy, Sports Massage and Make Up Artistry courses.
LCG, which already had hair and beauty academies across the North East of England and London, saw the addition of a further 3,500 learners each year in nine new locations and 170 employees as part of the transaction.
Amber Massey, Director of Hair and Beauty Academies at LCG, said: “We saw the acquisition of White Rose as a huge growth opportunity, which would also cement our position as one of the country’s largest, most diverse and fastest growing training providers.
“The acquisition allowed us to also expand geographically, hitting a region that we didn’t previously have a huge presence in. But we now have over 60 locations across England, adding to our apprenticeship, community and adult education offerings.
“Our Learning Curve Group Hair and Beauty Academies were awarded Hair and Beauty Apprenticeship Provider of the Year at the 2021 AAC Awards, and Training Provider of the Year at the 2023 VTCT Awards.
“We want to leverage our expertise in the industry, with White Rose’s expertise in beauty therapy and makeup artistry to establish ourselves as the UK’s leading Hair and Beauty provider.
“We have now successfully rebranded White Rose Beauty Colleges to come under our umbrella brand of Learning Curve Group Hair and Beauty Academies. So, our academies have now had a makeover of their own with their names and branding completely changed.”
New help to support manufacturing SMEs to slash energy costs
The High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult has launched its pilot Manufacturing Energy Toolkit nationwide to support UK manufacturing SMEs with their energy costs.
As the winter sets in, the cost of energy will be a key concern for businesses of all shapes and sizes across the UK. With the Manufacturing Energy Toolkit, the HVM Catapult is opening its doors to help manufacturers make their processes more energy efficient, cutting their energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions while improving profitability.
The Manufacturing Energy Toolkit is a guided assessment or roadmapping process undertaken by HVM Catapult experts. The aim is to build a full understanding of an SME’s energy usage and energy sources in production, as well as potential efficiency-boosting solutions.
HVM Catapult experts begin with a fully-funded visit to an SME production site for an in-depth assessment of its energy mix and usage. Using technology from the pilot’s supplier Pressac, the experts identify key energy inefficiencies in the production line and offer energy-saving suggestions. HVM Catapult also analyses the greenhouse gas emissions of an SME’s energy usage, providing data that can help build a stronger market position on sustainability.
In a regional pilot run by WMG, an HVM Catapult industry innovation centre based at the University of Warwick, the Manufacturing Energy Toolkit saved SMEs between 12% and 46% of their energy costs. Manufacturers save on average 21% of their energy costs, and in one notable case, HVMC experts achieved a 90% energy saving from a single machine.
Katherine Bennett CBE, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, said: “SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy, but they often have to shoulder the greatest burden under external pressures like seasonal energy price rises. That’s why the HVM Catapult is offering free support to help manufacturers become more efficient – both environmentally and financially.
“The Manufacturing Energy Toolkit will give SMEs the expert insights they need to make smarter, more sustainable choices in their factories and on their production lines. The results speak for themselves, with companies saving over 20% of their energy costs on average.
“The HVM Catapult is ready to help manufacturers up and down the UK to save money and become greener with easily-adopted, cost-effective solutions.”
Mark Lawrance, director of strategic accounts at Nottingham-based Pressac, said: “Pressac are pleased to be involved in this great initiative and firmly believe the use of our technology combined with the expertise of the HVM Catapult will deliver tangible benefits. This is a great example of British technology supporting and strengthening British manufacturing in the global transition to the net zero economy.”
Leicester & Leicestershire Property & Construction Luncheon sees success
The first property networking event held in Leicester on October 6th was a resounding success, with positive feedback from industry executives. The event, held at the City Rooms in Leicester, was an opportunity for property professionals to network, share insights, and learn about the latest developments in the city.
The event was attended by over 90 delegates from various sectors, including developers, investors, consultants, contractors, architects, and agents. The attendees heard from two key speakers: Richard Sword, strategic director at Leicester City Council, and Andrew Smith, director of planning, development and transportation at Leicester City Council.
The pair presented the programme of change for the city along with the impending masterplan, encouraging businesses to shape the future strategy.
Richard Sword said: “Leicester is undergoing a transformational-change, with ambitious plans to create a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable city. We are delighted to have the support and involvement of the property industry in delivering our vision. This event was a great platform to showcase our achievements and aspirations, and to hear from the experts and innovators who are driving the sector forward.”
Andrew Smith added: “Leicester has a lot to offer, with a diverse and growing economy, a young and skilled population, a rich cultural heritage, and a strategic location in the heart of the country. We are committed to creating a high-quality built environment that enhances our city’s identity and attractiveness. This event was a valuable opportunity to begin engagement with the industry and to seek their input and feedback on our plans.”
Sponsoring the event was the multi-disciplinary consultancy firm Pick Everard. Matt Hall, national director at Pick Everard, said: “We are proud to sponsor this event and to support the property networking initiative in Leicester & Leicestershire. As a firm that has been operating in the city for over 157 years, we work extensively with our supply chain partners and have a strong commitment to the city and the county.
“We have delivered many successful projects in the city and across the region, working collaboratively with our clients and partners. We look forward to continuing our involvement in the growth and regeneration of Leicester and Leicestershire.”
The event was organised by Met Events in partnership with Team Leicester, a non-for-profit organisation that aims to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, relationship building, and business development for its members in the property sector.
Rob McGuinn, chairman at Team Leicester, said: “We are thrilled with the outcome of our first property and construction event. It was a fantastic turnout and we received very positive feedback from our attendees and speakers. We hope that this event will be the start of many more to come in Leicester & Leicestershire and continue to foster our strong and dynamic property community.”
The event was attended by the corporate executives of all the county local authorities, who are keen to showcase their areas at future events. The next Property and Construction Luncheon is to be held on March 6th, 2024, with further details to be announced in the coming weeks.
102 new homes set for Radcliffe-on-Trent
102 new homes are to be delivered in Radcliffe-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, after planning permission was granted for a £61m development.
Called Hackett Grange and located off Nottingham Road, the 13-acre development will include a mix of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes.
Of the 102 homes, 30 per cent have been designated to affordable housing. Avant Homes has also committed to a community contribution of £950,000 to support education and local services, and a sustainable travel plan.
Work at Hackett Grange is anticipated to start this December with the first residents expected to move into their new homes in autumn next year.
Avant Homes East Midlands Managing Director, Ben Felton, said: “Radcliffe-on-Trent’s proximity to key motorway links and strong local community means there is high demand for new homes in the locality.
“Our development at Hackett Grange will aim to satisfy this demand, so we are pleased our plans have been approved by Rushcliffe Borough Council.”
Historic Leicester city centre streets set for revamp
Three city centre streets, at the heart of Leicester’s historic Old Town, are set for a revamp with work beginning on Grey Friars.
Leicester City Council will carry out work to improve the look and feel of St Martins, Hotel Street and Grey Friars as part of its extension of the city centre pedestrian zones.
All three streets were originally made traffic-free on a temporary basis in summer 2020, as part of a range of measures to help cafes, restaurants and other businesses in the area bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The changes have helped to create new outdoor seating areas and more space for shoppers in the historic streets close to St Martins Square and Leicester Market.
Since then, the changes have proven popular with visitors and businesses and, following consultation, the city council successfully secured legal permissions to make the temporary measures permanent in August 2022.
Now, the city council is set to invest over £1million in a range of improvements to the area, to bring the popular streets up to the same standard as nearby Peacock Lane and neighbouring streets in the Old Town area, linking to Leicester Cathedral and the King Richard III Visitor Centre.
Work will begin on Grey Friars on Monday (9 Oct), where footpaths will be widened and the main carriageway raised to improve access and safety for people who are walking, wheeling or cycling. Grey Friars will be closed to all traffic during the works, which are expected to take around nine weeks to complete. Well signed diversions will be in place. Access to shops, business and homes will be maintained.
Work will pause for the busy Christmas period, before improvements begin on St Martins and Hotel Street early in the new year. This will see the main carriageway of St Martins resurfaced in high-quality porphyry stone to match streets in the Cathedral precinct. Hotel Street will be improved with a raised carriageway to improve pedestrian access and connections to Leicester Market.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on climate, economy and culture, said: “St Martins and the nearby Lanes are home to a great many brilliant independent businesses. It is vital that we continue to support local businesses like these by investing in high quality, people-friendly streets and spaces.
“These historic streets, at the heart of the city’s Old Town, close to the market, cathedral and Richard III Visitor Centre are also an important and popular destination for visitors to the city.
“By investing in these improvements, we will create a much safer and more attractive environment and encourage more people to walk, wheel or cycle to, in and around the city centre. We know that creating healthy streets like this can increase retail spend by as much as 30%, as well as provide cleaner air that’s good for people’s health and good for the planet.”
Council launches £300,000 grant scheme to support local economy growth
Melton Borough Council has developed the Discretionary Business Grants Fund which will see £300,000 worth of grants go to supporting business start-ups, business growth, the high street and retail sector and developing the tourism economy.
The new growth fund is utilising money that was secured through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). Through the scheme local qualifying businesses will be able to apply for capital grants of up to £15,000.
The fund has been designed to support businesses with projects that meet certain criteria, details of which are available on the council’s website. It provides opportunities for businesses in the area to access the financial support needed to help grow their business and create job opportunities for local residents. Applications are welcomed from all sectors across the borough.
Applications have opened for submission from local businesses across the borough and will close on Wednesday 1st November 2023 at 11:59pm.
Logistics hub plan knocked back
An outline planning application for a new logistics hub at St Johns, Enderby, has been rejected by Blaby District Council planning committee members.
The decision was made to refuse permission for the Enderby Logistics Hub at the meeting on Thursday 5 October.
The application, from the Drummond Estate and Inverock Trust, included plans for four warehouses, offices, gatehouses and, potentially, a training and education centre.
The hub would have been used as a storage and distribution centre with new access off Leicester Lane.
The site had been assessed and earmarked for employment use during the last local plan accepted in 2019.
However, after lengthy discussion and representations from objectors as well as the applicant, planning committee councillors decided to reject the proposal.
Councillor Lee Breckon, chairman of the planning committee, said: “While the recommendation from officers was for approval, Councillors were not satisfied with the proposals before them and the potential impact on the local community. Disappointingly, the majority decision was to refuse the application.”
Auctioneer secures wilko plant and machinery sales
Nottingham-headquartered national auction house John Pye & Sons has been appointed by the joint administrators of wilko Ltd to manage the sale of plant and machinery following its closure.
National budget homeware retailer Wilko Ltd was founded in 1930 in Leicester and comprised 400 stores across the UK. In August 2023, the retailer appointed Jane Steer, Zelf Hussain and Edward Williams of PwC as joint administrators to oversee the sale of its assets after it went into administration.
The administrators have since appointed John Pye Auctions to manage the sale of plant and machinery from wilko’s two distribution centres in Worksop – Nottinghamshire and Newport – Wales covering 1.2m sq ft and 880,000 sq ft, respectively. Comprising of pallet racking, recycling and handling equipment, all items will be sold via online auction from Newport, Wales as well as across various John Pye sites.
Everything from Godswill baling presses, waste compactors and conveyor systems to tractors, roll cages, access equipment, IT and photographic studios will be included in the lots.
Offers are also being invited for the Mecalux Pallet racking from both distribution centres, with the auctioneer already experiencing interest from high street retailers and logistics companies.
Charles Loake, associate director, joint head of John Pye Business & Property, said: “The wilko staff we have been fortunate to work with have been a true credit to the firm to the very end, supporting us with all stages of the asset removal and sale processes.
“We are always very sorry to see a long-established business facing this situation. Wilko has earned a strong reputation as a much-loved high-street retailer over the years, and we will do our best to secure the best outcomes for these assets under these challenging circumstances.
“We are also very proud that the administrators recognise us as a leading auctioneer with an extensive sales network. We have the systems and expertise to manage these assets with the highest level of efficiency through our online network. Our UK-wide footprint of over 1,000,000 sq ft of sale space and a nationwide workforce of over 700 staff ensures we can handle the largest of insolvency cases.”
The appointment is the latest in a series of high-profile retail administrations that John Pye has been brought in to manage, including MADE.com and Moore Large earlier this year.
Another deal sealed at Fairham Business Park as works commence on site
Works have begun at Plot A4, Fairham Business Park as FHP secure a deal for the 100,000 sq ft plot.
The unit will be neatly located next to the stand-alone units totalling 260,000 sq ft purchased by international property investment and asset management company, Hines and a custom built 56,000 sq ft facility for Scientific Laboratory Supplies.
The brand-new purpose-built premises will be comprised of a 95,379 sq ft warehouse with 12,292 sq ft office and welfare space over 3 storeys, situated at the front of the building. There will be 84 car parking spaces at the front of property with 10 electric vehicle (EV) charging bays.
There will also be a large service yard to rear with 10 dock levellers and 4 level access to meet the needs of the occupier. Clowes will be providing a fully photovoltaic (PV) ready frame. The unit is expected to be ready for occupation by the summer of 2024.
Tim Gilbertson, director at FHP Property Consultants, commented on the deal: “It’s fabulous to see the ongoing development of Fairham Business Park continue at pace following completion of the latest deal for a 100,000 sq ft standalone building.
“This deal quickly follows on the heels of the letting and completed building for Scientific Laboratory Supplies and will be the fifth building on Fairham Business Park with completion due and handover of keys set for mid-2024.
“The continuity of development on site is startling as TanRo will now be building out their fifth building on the site without ‘downing tools’ and we hope, with ongoing discussions with a number of parties for further buildings on the site, that they can continue building well into mid-2024 and beyond without a break.
“This says something about the fantastic transport links of Fairham Business Park and its positioning outside of Nottingham’s workplace parking levy and I am confident that we will bring forward new occupiers and news of further details in the near future.”
Ben Hall, director at IMA Architects, added: “It’s fantastic to see the next phase being brought forwards at Fairham to deliver this unit for a bespoke occupier, and having seen the changes on site over the past 18 months the next phase will continue the fantastic progress the business park is making.
“IMA Architects are delighted to continue the relationship with Clowes Developments with regards to this next phase and look forward to seeing work progress.”
University receives £1.4m grant to develop fintech hub for the East Midlands
The University of Nottingham’s Inclusive Financial Technology Hub (INFINITY) has been awarded a new £1.4 million grant from Research England to develop a fintech hub at the heart of the city.
The Hub will contribute to developing the next generation of financial technology start-ups and firms by creating a pathway for university-inspired research to give rise to early-stage commercialisation ventures in financial services.
Provided by Research England’s Connecting Capability fund, the grant is designed to support levelling up and contribute to the UK’s tech sector. The Hub aims to become a focal point for Nottingham’s thriving financial services sector.
The award will fund the creation of an agile pathway for commercialisation of financial technology research, taking early-stage research-inspired commercial propositions on a journey to being realised as live commercial prospects.
Concurrently, it will provide training and support for academics at an early stage in the commercialisation journey, overcoming the barriers to engagement. The Hub brings together an existing ecosystem of three leading Midlands-based universities with financial technology expertise (Nottingham, Birmingham and Warwick).
Situated on the University’s new Castle Meadow Campus, the hub will co-locate alongside Nottingham University Business School and local businesses, including KPMG, who are relocating their Nottingham office to the new campus. Castle Meadow Campus will create a unique environment in which students and businesses creatively engage and innovate together.
Professor John Gathergood, the co-director of INFINITY, said: “We are delighted to receive this support from Research England, which will allow us to work with businesses to develop a unique environment in which university-inspired research can be translated into next generation financial services.”
“It is brilliant news to hear about this new grant from Research England. We hope this grant will allow the INFINITY hub to expand on its work and strengthen the university’s ties with businesses and offer great opportunities for our students in Nottingham,” said professor Jane Norman, provost and deputy vice chancellor at the University of Nottingham. Businesses come together to empower Nottingham’s future with support for Epic Partners
Countryside Partnerships, the mixed tenure developer, has joined forces with partner Gatehouse Investment Management and groundwork contractors C3 Construction and ATD to provide £4,500 of support to Epic Partners, a dedicated charity focused on enriching the lives of disadvantaged children in the Nottingham Area.
Epic Partners is an influential charity in the Nottingham community, acting as a vital conduit between local neighbourhoods, families, and educational institutions.
Operating under the shared vision of fostering a brighter tomorrow, Epic Partners offers physical activity packages to schools addressing both physical and emotional well-being. It also holds regular community events and projects, both during school terms and holidays, bringing people together and breathing life into Nottingham neighbourhoods.
Pete Bewley, Chief Executive Officer at Epic Partners, said: “Investing in the well-being of our children and youth is an investment in the future. Thanks to the incredible support from Countryside Partnerships, Gatehouse Investment Management, C3 Construction, and ATD, we are empowering the next generation in Nottingham.
“Their generous donation of £4,500 to Epic Partners not only enriches the lives of disadvantaged children but also nurtures a brighter future for our community. Together, we are building a foundation of hope, happiness, and opportunity through youth activities that will echo positively for generations to come.”
Lee Parry, Managing Director, North East Midlands, Countryside Partnerships, said: “We are thrilled to join forces with our partners and contractors to offer this support to Epic Partners.
“The charity’s commitment to inclusivity dovetails with Countryside’s partnership model, providing high quality mixed-tenure developments that deliver positive social impact for the neighbourhoods in which we work. We share both vision and commitment to working with and supporting local communities in the Nottingham area.”
Paul Stockwell, Managing Director of Gatehouse Investment Management, said: “A major focus at all of our locations is the creation of thriving communities, where everyone is welcome and able to take advantage of the local amenities.
“Epic Partners is a fantastic organisation, helping to extend these benefits to as wide a range of people as possible, and as such it is a huge pleasure to be supporting its work in Nottingham.”
Sam Adams, technical director, C3 Construction, said: “C3 Construction are proud to work together with Countryside Partnerships to support Epic Partners. The services and activities that Epic Partners provide are now more important than ever and we wish them continued success into making a real difference in the community of Nottingham.”
Work starts on affordable housing development in Market Harborough
Platform has begun work in Market Harborough to offer more affordable housing opportunities.
Construction company Lindum are building 38 homes on the site at Naseby Square following planning permission being granted by Harborough District Council. The development will have a mixture of homes available for rent and shared ownership.
Representatives from the three groups attended the site recently to mark the start of the work and see how the plans will be brought to life.
Platform’s Chief Operations Officer Marion Duffy was in attendance and told the group: “It’s fantastic to see work starting on this site and we are grateful to both Harborough District Council and Lindum Group for their work in getting us to this important stage.
“The plans represent the opportunity to deliver affordable housing for the area that will go long way to helping people get the foundations that come from having a place to call home.”
The homes are due to be ready in the Spring of 2025.
