Workplace expansion development moves ahead at Space City
The plan to expand innovative workspace at Space City Leicester is taking shape with Leicester City Council’s expansion of its existing Dock and Dock 2 workspace hub with two new Dock-style office buildings and a terrace of high-quality manufacturing spaces.
The steel frame of the first of the new buildings in place, with construction of the entire scheme due to be complete by spring 2024.
The two new offices will provide space for up to 45 businesses across 4,000sqm, with the purpose-built industrial units providing an additional 2,000sqm of workspace across nine units.
A range of energy efficiency measures will mean the new buildings will be net carbon zero. These include roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps, super insulation, and low-energy LED lighting. The new buildings will require no gas heating. Twelve chargers will also be installed for electric vehicles in a new parking area.
The £16.5million project is supported by £13million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) is also providing £3.5million towards the project from Enterprise Zone retained business rates.
Andy Reed OBE, LLEP Co-Chair, said: “Investing in creating a sustainable ecosystem for regional businesses is at the heart of our Economic Growth Strategy. The high occupancy rate at the existing Dock buildings gives us great confidence that dozens more exciting new businesses will move into these new energy-efficient workspaces when they open next year.”
The new buildings have been designed to complement the look and feel of the original Dock workspace buildings which they are being built next to.
Once complete, the new buildings will become part of an expanded Dock campus, which is managed by the city council. The existing Dock buildings are home to around 50 businesses, with 90 per cent of the available workspaces currently occupied.
The new development is part of Space City Leicester, one of the largest and most connected Enterprise Zones for space-related activities in the UK. It will be home to space research, production, manufacture and development as well as non-space related knowledge economy businesses, those working towards decarbonisation, innovative start-ups and established businesses looking for grow on space.
Biomass business snapped up in multi-million pound acquisition
Flush Energy Limited has looked to Lincolnshire for its first acquisition, as the start-up business seeks growth opportunities in the biomass sector.
Flush Energy has secured a multi-million pound funding package comprising private equity investment as well as debt finance to assist with its growth plans, following its acquisition of the business and assets of 3F Pellets Limited (in administration), a manufacturer and supplier of wood-based pellet products including biomass heating pellets.
Flush Energy is now focussed on returning the Lincolnshire-based plant to production and targeting further acquisition opportunities.
Led by corporate partner, Philip Ashworth, a multi-disciplinary team at Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP comprising Nicole Waldron (corporate), Samuel Peake (property), Nick Wilson (employment) and Fiona Phillips (tax), advised Flush Energy on the acquisition from joint administrators, Andy Pear and Milan Vuceljic of Moorfields Advisory.
Andrew Jackson also advised Flush Energy on the private equity investment and debt finance package.
The insolvency and reorganisation team at international law firm Clyde & Co LLP, led by partner Andrew Foster and assisted by Tristan Cox-Chung (legal director), Andrew Robertson (senior associate) and Lily Pidge (associate), were instructed by the joint administrators on the acquisition.
Clyde & Co’s corporate team, led by partners Simon Gamblin and Rob Lowe, provided legal advice to the debt funders.
Grant Lodge, CEO of Flush Energy, said: “We are delighted to have concluded the acquisition of the Lincoln pellet plant and are making swift progress with getting it back into production and yielding RHI income.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Philip Ashworth and his excellent team at Andrew Jackson Solicitors, who we expect to be a key part of our team, helping us with our growth plans in the coming years.”
Philip Ashworth said: “We are absolutely delighted to have assisted the team at Flush Energy on its first acquisition. It has been a complex transaction involving various regulatory issues, raising private equity and debt funding. Flush Energy is now well placed to grow the business, which offers a solid customer base from a fantastic location.
“It has been a pleasure to act for Grant and his team and we are confident that they will make significant in-roads into the biomass sector over the coming months.”
Last chance to enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 – nominations close TODAY
With nominations closing TODAY (Thursday 31 August) for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, this is your last chance to shine a light on property and construction businesses, professionals, and projects in our region!
An opportunity to reward the hard work of your team, boost morale, and showcase your successes, the Bricks celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of the East Midlands, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools.
We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes.
The glittering awards ceremony revealing winners will take place on Thursday 28 September, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, also offering the perfect chance to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. The event will additionally feature Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, as keynote speaker.
Nominations for the awards close TODAY. To enter your (or another) business/development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, please click on a category link below or visit this page:
To be held at:
- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
Find out who last year’s winners were here.
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on Thursday 28 September 2023 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region, and hear from Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, our keynote speaker. Dress code is standard business attire. Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
Businesses urged to give the gift of Hope in new charity partnership led by Derby agency
Businesses are being urged to give families the gift of ‘Hope’ in a new charity partnership spearheaded by a Derby PR agency.
The me&dee charity has launched a new sponsorship scheme allowing businesses to give families ‘Hope’ – a special keepsake elephant with a voice recorder in the zip-up pouch contained in its ear, which has been used by hundreds of families to record poignant last messages of loved ones, often children.
The device allows families with a potentially life-limiting diagnosis to record the voice of a loved one, providing huge comfort in times of bereavement. The elephant has even been used to record the voice of a very ill boy’s snoring, which his mum listened to after he had sadly passed away.
Now the charity is urging businesses to lend support with a 12-month sponsorship of the adorable elephant, with the offer of one Hope embroidered with a business’s logo as the ideal friendly companion around the office.
The first business to offer sponsorship of Hope is Derby-based Penguin PR.
Maria Hanson MBE said: “In times of bereavement, having Hope the elephant can be enormously comforting to families.
“Hope has been so popular with our families since we first started giving her five years ago. Families started putting little notes in her ears which gave me the idea that we could include a voice recorder. It was prompted by one of the people we help who said what they dreaded most was that they would forget how their loved one’s voice or laugh sounded.
“Since then providing Hope has turned into one of the most powerful things we can do for people. We have had family members recording their heartbeat into Hope’s voice recorder so that if the worst happens, that comforting record of the person who has left us can live on.
“We give Hope too all of our families who are facing short, uncertain or challenging futures. We recently lost a little boy at Burton Hospital. His mum wanted to record his snoring, so that she can hug Hope and listen to him snoring.
“We are now working closely with families at Royal Derby and Burton hospitals who really appreciate being given a Hope keepsake when they are going through tough times together. She is much, much more than a cuddly toy. She helps families keep memories alive, and you can’t put a price on that. And if you get businesses to the office, you might be able to talk about ‘the elephant in the room’!”
Simon Burch, director of Penguin PR, said: “We love working with me&dee and we are delighted to sponsor this worthwhile charity with our sponsorship of Hope. She looks very smart with her Penguin PR logo emblazoned on the front and it’s good to think we are helping families by providing another 12 Hopes through a year’s sponsorship scheme.
“It would be great to see other companies following suit and ordering their own branded ‘Hopes’ too – anyone’s company logo would look great!
“We know how much it means to Maria and her charity to know they can provide comfort to families too.”
Gifting a Hope for 12 months with the option of a specially branded keepsake with your company logo costs £35 a month.
Law firm’s sustainability initiatives – steps towards a greener future?
Climate conscious law firm Sills & Betteridge LLP are delighted to announce the introduction of a range of energy saving, carbon emission reducing initiatives. Its largest undertaking is the recent installation of 79 solar panels to its central Lincoln Head Office with the aim of generating 1/3 of the site’s total energy usage – for 4 months of the year, solar energy will fully power the 4 floor office. Derrick Denton, Director of UK Alternative Energy of North Hykeham in the city who managed the project said of the install “With Sills and Betteridge now occupying the whole of Aquis House, the challenge was to find a solar solution to help reduce the energy use within the building. A total of 79 x 405 W Canadian solar panels giving a system size 30.37kw, 3 x 10kw Solis inverters have been installed using a flat roof mounting system. This system has been equally split throughout the building and connected to the consumer units within the plant room. This system should see 25,000kwh of electricity generated each year and should see a saving of around six tons of CO2 every year. All the inverters are online, and the system can be displayed and monitored from anywhere in the world”. Another investment has been the purchase of a new MG ZS Electric Hatchback car, bought to replace one of the firm’s diesel vehicles. It will be used by members of the firm to attend client appointments, external meetings and events. A charging point has been installed at Aquis House which clients are welcome to use when they are when visiting for appointments. The firm aspires to have a fully electric fleet by 2025. Remote working and online video meetings are encouraged to help reduce avoidable travel across the region. Such methods became very popular with both clients and employees, further to their introduction during lockdown. Digital and paper-light file management and document storage are another efficiency that the firm is embracing, to cut down on paper consumption and the cost of print and archiving. Document management system iManage is being rolled out across the firm to support its main practice management system. Even the firm’s website www.sillslegal.co.uk is green, as verified by The Green Web Foundation, an independent non-profit organisation which tracks how much of the internet runs on green energy. Developed by DBS Internet Marketing, the site minimises the use of resources (and therefore energy) through quick download speeds and user-friendly navigation on all classes of device – and their hosting partner OVH used either renewable or low-carbon energy for 77% of its power last year with plans to increase it to 100%. Chief Executive Officer of Sills & Betteridge, Martyn Hall said “Like many law firms, we are working hard to understand the impact of our operations and working methods on the environment and are actively seeking to reduce our overall carbon footprint with the initiatives and best practices outlined above. Our team have welcomed the new projects and we look forward to introducing more across the wider firm.”
East Midlands business confidence lowest in UK
Business confidence in the East Midlands fell five points during August to 25%, the lowest reading of all UK nations and regions, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in the region reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 13 points at 24%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up two points to 27%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 25%.
East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as investing in their team (44%), diversifying into new markets (32%) and evolving their offer (28%). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. A net balance of 27% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 12 points on last month.
Overall UK business confidence increased to its highest level since February last year, jumping 10 points to 41% in August. All 11 regions and nations reported a positive business confidence reading in August, with nine regions and nations reporting a higher confidence reading month-on-month.
Optimism in the UK economy also increased in August by 16 points to 37%, and the number of businesses expecting an increase in their trading prospects rose by three points to 46%.
Businesses in London reported the highest levels of business confidence at 52% (up 20 points month-on-month), its strongest reading in 14 months. Firms in the South East reported the second highest reading at 47% (up 17 points month-on-month), followed by those in the South West at 46% (up 12 points month on month).
The construction, retail and service sectors all saw a rise in business confidence in August. Services gained 12 points to reach a 22-month high of 42%, while retail firms were up nine points to 44%, an 18-month high. Construction firms’ confidence also increased by 11 points to a four-month high of 42%. In contrast, manufacturing confidence fell for a second consecutive month with a 4-point decline to 30%, taking it to the lowest level since April 2023.
Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Despite a slip in confidence in the East Midlands this month, businesses remain focused on the future. They continue to identify opportunities for growth, in particular focusing on developing their teams.
“In order to ensure they have the capital to attract, retain and train talent, businesses need to keep a close eye on their cash flow as we go through the latter half of the year. Lloyds Bank will be by the side of the region’s firms to support them with the financial tools they need as they invest in their workforce and the future.”
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The bounce in economic optimism this month is the standout point. Our analysis shows that businesses felt relief that interest rates may be reaching their peak, alongside hopes that measures to tackle inflation are having an impact.
“With trading prospects remaining stable, and hiring and wage intentions also rising, the macro environment for small businesses and those outside the manufacturing sector is more upbeat.
“From the data, large firms and manufacturers are experiencing some degree of caution, which is likely to reflect the wider global economic environment and, for manufacturing, the rotation of spending towards services.”
SLG secures four new sites as Midlands portfolio expands
The Strategic Land Group (SLG) has continued its expansion into the Midlands, agreeing terms for land promotion agreements for four new sites totalling 76 acres.
Its latest four sites span Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Leicestershire and, combined, could deliver more than 300 new homes and 440,000 sq ft of commercial space.
SLG is already actively promoting three sites in the region, including a scheme in Stone, which would deliver 130 new homes, a site in Market Drayton where planning is in for 125 properties and a potential scheme in Newcastle-under-Lyme consisting of circa 90 homes. All three are now proposed housing allocations in emerging Local Plans.
Headed up by Managing Director Paul Smith, SLG is currently working with a portfolio of 16 sites.
Paul said: “We have seen considerable growth in our portfolio across the Midlands during the last 12 months as landowners seek to maximise the value of their land or diversify holdings that are no longer used for farming. Developers are still keen to acquire well-located sites bordering established towns and villages, particularly given the shortage of suitable sites.
“The housing crisis has reached an acute level and it is more important than ever that councils and developers work together to build new homes in the right places. Failure to do so not only has a huge impact on the young and their aspirations to own their own home, but also carries implications for economic growth, particularly in less prosperous areas.”
Nottingham training provider MP Skills apprenticeship all ‘good’, says Ofsted
Eastwood-based MP Skills, a training provider for the mineral products industry, has been rated a ‘Good Provider’ by Ofsted inspectors.
The recent three-day inspection covered several aspects of the provision of the Level 2 mineral processing mobile and static plant apprenticeship. The inspection included the apprentice learner experience, course content, mentoring and safeguarding. Throughout the inspection the quality of education was reviewed along with behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership, and management of the apprenticeship.
The inspection report noted:
- Apprentices are enthusiastic about their courses.
- Apprentices develop positive relationships with their learning mentors.
- They benefit from a rich curriculum that is informed by the frequent conversations that MPQC staff have with a range of employers in the sector.
- Leaders and managers use their extensive industry experience to select the course content that is most useful to apprentices.
- Apprentices develop their knowledge and skills and become valued employees with several gaining promotion and additional responsibility.
- Learning mentors provide opportunities for apprentices to visit a range of sites so that they can learn about environments, working practices and job roles across the whole sector.
- Arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Derby-based large format print, graphic and signage firm MX Display received heartfelt thanks from Derbyshire hospice
Derby-based large format print, graphic and signage firm MX Display has received a delivery of birthday cakes from staff at a Derbyshire hospice.
MX Display, which is based in Derby’s Meteor Business Park, was sent the surprise package of ice-topped muffins – after brightening up the interiors at Treetops Hospice and supporting the charity with its new branding.
Staff at MX Display, which is based on Mansfield Road, created brand-new fascia signs and window graphics and installed them at a total of 17 Treetops charity shops across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. The firm donated all the signs to Treetops Hospice and members of the MX Display team installed them for free.
The massive delivery of cakes to MX Display was organised to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Treetops Hospice, which offers nursing care and emotional support to adults with life-limiting conditions, those who’ve been bereaved, and their loved ones.
David Lister, Sales Director at MX Display, said: “We had no idea that we were going to receive the cakes from Treetops Hospice. It was a lovely surprise for staff, and we were very grateful.
“The team enjoyed the treats, and it was extremely kind to be recognised for the support we have given Treetops over the years.
“We helped with the charity’s rebrand and created new fascia signs and window graphics. We also worked to enhance the Wellbeing Space and counselling centre with murals and designs for patients to enjoy.
“This charity is close to our hearts and that is why we wanted to support the outstanding work it does in our local community.”
MX Display installed a large textured 3D mural of a tree in the hospice counselling centre. This is where clients come for bereavement and life-limiting illness counselling.
The team also created a three-metre tall bespoke illustration of silver birch trees and birds for the hospice Wellbeing Space which welcomes hundreds of patients and visitors through its doors every month.
Julie Heath, chief executive at Treetops Hospice, said: “We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone at MX Display for their incredible generosity. They’ve helped us to rebrand all our charity shops across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and the additional design work around our site provides a warm welcome to patients and visitors.
“We are very proud of our new Treetops brand which we launched last year. At the time, we couldn’t justify the spend on big things like rebranding our shop signs. That’s when wonderful businesses like MX Display stepped in to help and we are extremely grateful for their support.”
Since the launch of MX Display in 1996, the business has specialised in the production and installation of high-quality interior branding graphics, signage and displays across the East Midlands and beyond.
It focuses on delivering high calibre print for a diverse range of clients including the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, the University of Derby, Chester Zoo, and blue-chip companies including Coca-Cola, Triumph Motorcycles and Liverpool Football Club.
David said: “We love the fact that our work at MX Display is so varied, and we are always excited to bring unique designs and ideas to life.
“We very much enjoy meeting clients and discussing our bespoke graphics and signage solutions and we thoroughly enjoy getting creative for people. Week by week, month by month, we continue to grow our client base across the UK.”
Elevate secures £11.9m Paragon Bank finance for historic Derby Silk Yard development
Elevate Property Group has secured an £11.9 million finance facility from Paragon Bank’s Development Finance division for the development of The Silk Yard, a 258-strong apartment scheme in the centre of Derby.
Located on the corner of John Street and Castleward Boulevard, the building consists of a selection of studio, one, two and three-bed apartments and is already proving popular with over 35% reserved.
The Silk Yard, which is ideally positioned between the city centre and the railway station, will be built across three phases, with construction expected to be complete within two years. It will usher in new life at this landmark historic site, a site that has been home to manufacturing for the past 200 years.
With more than 100 years of combined development experience, Elevate has a proven track record in regenerating urban sites into much-needed city centre living spaces that leave a positive legacy.
Previous schemes have ranged from mid-century conversions and contemporary new builds to transforming forensic science labs and even the painstaking restoration of one of Birmingham’s last remaining Georgian villas in Old Heaton House.
The Silk Yard deal was led on behalf of Paragon by Relationship Director Toby Burgess, with support from Portfolio Manager Joshua Mann, and marks the sixth collaboration between Paragon and Elevate.
Steve Dodd, Chief Executive of Elevate Property Group, said: “The Silk Yard is in the prime DE1 area of the city and offers a collection of high quality, contemporary apartments.
“All are spacious, light-filled homes, built for a new generation of living and are ideal for young professionals, commuters, downsizers, and investors.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Toby Burgess, Joshua Mann and the Paragon Development Finance team on these fantastic properties. Paragon shared our vision for the development, took the time and care to understand our requirements, and delivered an ideal financing facility that will bring ideal properties to Derby city centre.”
Toby Burgess, Paragon Bank Development Finance Relationship Manager, said: “The Silk Yard is an innovative development that ideally reflects our passion for supporting bespoke developments in ideal locations – and I’m delighted to have worked closely with Elevate to make this development a reality.
“As a part of the FTSE250 Paragon Banking Group, Paragon Development Finance is ready to support developers throughout the UK in responding to the growing demand for high-quality homes that meet today’s needs. I look forward to following The Silk Yard’s success and seeing the benefit our partnership with Elevate will bring to Derby.”
The £50m Silk Yard development, which has been designed by architects Corstorphine & Wright and is being built by Bode Contracting, is the first time Elevate Property Group has developed in Derby.
Nominations close TOMORROW for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
With entries closing TOMORROW (31 August) for East Midlands Business Link’s prestigious Bricks Awards, don’t miss this opportunity to raise the profile of your business by submitting a nomination!
Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and outstanding developments, the annual awards attract leaders from across the region and are the perfect way for businesses to promote the work they are completing and create more buzz.
Award categories include: most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner.
A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening that will also provide plenty of chances to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region.
After winning deal of the year at last year’s event, Trevor Wells, director at Wells McFarlane, said: “For Wells McFarlane, the Broadnook Garden Village deal involved more than a decade of work, requiring extensive collaboration and detailed local knowledge to navigate its numerous complexities. The sale completed in July [2022] and will allow for the creation of an entirely new community comprising homes, businesses, a primary school, leisure facilities and natural open space. It’s fantastic news that our years of hard work are now recognised as the East Midlands’ most significant deal of 2022. We would also like to thank East Midlands Business Link for organising such a successful and well-attended event.”
To enter your (or another) business/development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, please click on a category link below or visit this page:
To be held at:
- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
Find out who last year’s winners were here.
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on Thursday 28 September 2023 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region, and hear from Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, our keynote speaker. Dress code is standard business attire. Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
Significant funding boost to allow Nottingham researchers to unlock sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing
Researchers from the University of Nottingham have joined forces with biotechnology company HydRegen for a project that will unlock sustainable biocatalytic hydrogenation – allowing the process to be scaled up and improved for industry use.
The focus of the feasibility study will be on the intensification of metallo-enzyme production and aims to lower the cost of production for three enzymes that are critical to the production of the chemical building block quininuclidinol, which is used in the production of many important drugs and other end-products.
Metallo-enzymes are exceptional tools for industrial biotechnology as they can carry out effectively a broad range of useful reactions. Their production however is more challenging than other enzymes and requires tailored research.
By validating the cost and sustainability metrics for quinuclidinol manufacture, a ‘license-ready’ bio-based manufacturing route for quinuclidinol that meets the needs for reshoring key active pharmaceutical ingredients production can be produced.
Dr Simone Morra, Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham, said: “I started collaborating with HydRegen back in 2022 and I’m excited to continue working with them on this new project. My team and I have a deep expertise in novel hydrogenase enzymes that can cycle dihydrogen and hydrogen ions.
“These are the enzymes of interest to HydRegen due to their unusual balance in ease of production and ease of handling. We have the know-how and facilities in enzyme production spanning from early-stage academic research through to evaluation of scalable enzyme production in bioreactors to transfer to HydRegen as part of this collaboration for process intensification and scale up of metallo-enzyme production.
Dr Rhiannon Evans, Head of Enzyme production and Molecular Biology at HydRegen, said: “We are excited to embark on this exciting project with Dr Simone Morra, and his team at the University of Nottingham.”
Dr Evans continued: “This has the potential to make a step-change in HydRegen’s ability to lower cost and increase scalability of hydrogenase production.”
The BBSRC, EPSRC and Innovate UK are supporting 34 feasibility studies across the UK to develop and improve sustainable biomanufacturing. The programme aims to enhance UK global competitiveness by supporting research and innovation that focuses on developing new and disruptive sustainable biomanufacturing products and processes that will support UK biomanufacturing in becoming net zero and resource efficient, resilient, and responsive, technologically advanced and digital by 2050.
Dr Simone Morra, Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham commented: “This is the third grant we’ve received to collaborate with HydRegen, showing that applying our academic research to an industrial setting can prove incredibly fruitful – and I look forward to seeing what this new study reveals.”
Funded jointly by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Innovate UK, the teams will tackle the challenges in manufacturing readiness of current technologies, by intensifying and scaling enzyme production with a focus on applying it to a demonstrator process for quinuclidinol production.Local stakeholders meet with council bosses to discuss East Midlands devolution plans
Local leaders from a range of sectors came together this month to discuss the progress of East Midlands devolution, as plans to give the region extra powers and funding gather pace and momentum.
The event, held on Friday 18 August, saw Chief Executives at Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council provide updates on key elements of the region’s proposed devolution deal, including transport, skills and adult education, housing, and net-zero.
Stakeholders representing a broad range of interests across the region – including business, universities and colleges, and emergency services – were given the opportunity to put questions to senior officers at the four councils.
The event was held ahead of several major devolution milestones over the coming months. For the proposed East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to come into existence, new legislation is required from the Government, which is anticipated to be in place before the end of the year.
Detailed devolution proposals would then be sent to the Government for approval, meaning that EMCCA could be a reality from spring 2024, with the first ever election for a regional mayor – covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham – taking place in May 2024.
Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, said:The East Midlands has historically received the lowest levels of public funding in England. The fact that the East Midlands has consistently delivered GDP growth close to the UK average, from very low levels of investment, is testament to the commitment and ingenuity of the thousands of SMEs that are the backbone of the region’s economy.
Devolving decision-making powers over how funding is spent to local areas is an important step and a once in a generation opportunity to organise ourselves in a way so that it’s easy for Government to provide us with the funding we need to grow our local economy, productivity and wealth.
Greg Broughton, Sustainable Growth and Place Manager at the Environment Agency (East Midlands), said:Reflecting on the recent devolution stakeholder event, it was abundantly clear that there is a strong collective enthusiasm and drive to seize the opportunity for devolution to work together, to collaborate in new ways and to make the changes needed to transform the region.
I was particularly pleased to hear that tackling environmental inequality and climate change is at the heart of the commitment to build a resilient and vibrant future for the people and places of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and I am excited to be part of building this new vision.
If the plans go ahead, the EMCCA – spanning two counties and cities – would be the first combined county authority in the country, with a new elected regional mayor at the helm, representing around 2.2 million people.
Devolution would provide the region with a guaranteed income stream of at least £1.14 billion, spread over a 30-year period.
More funding is expected to become available once the EMCCA is formed – so far, £18 million has been awarded to the area as early investment during devolution negotiations, which is being spent on improving local housing, transport and skills provision.
Thanks to devolution proposals, the East Midlands has been invited to establish an ‘Investment Zone’, which will attract £80 million of support over five years, with tax incentives for businesses to help boost economic growth right across the region.
Emma Alexander, Managing Director at Derbyshire County Council, said:Devolution would unlock major benefits for our region, including extra powers and funding around a range of issues including housing, transport, skills, adult education and the environment.
It is vital that we engage with key stakeholders every step of the way in this process, which is why I was delighted to see so many partners and colleagues in attendance at our event.
Adrian Smith, Chief Executive at Nottinghamshire County Council, said:I’m hugely optimistic that the way partners are working together means we will ensure that everybody across the length and breadth of our region will benefit from this unprecedented opportunity.
We have a great many strengths on which to build and the new funding and powers we will bring to the East Midlands will help us improve living standards, business growth, transport, the environment and health and wellbeing.
Paul Simpson, Chief Executive at Derby City Council, said:It’s important to recognise that our devolution deal is just the beginning of our aspirations for more powers and funding for the East Midlands.
We’re focused on building on the deal, as other areas like the West Midlands and Greater Manchester have done, so it was fantastic to connect with local business groups, organisations and partners at our stakeholder event as we develop this ambitious vision.
Mel Barrett, Chief Executive at Nottingham City Council, said:It is vital that we work closely with partners and stakeholders to ensure that our region makes the most of the new powers and funding that would become available as part of our once in a generation devolution opportunity.
Nottingham Forest announces new chairman
Nottingham Forest has today announced significant changes to the Board structure of the Club and its chairmanship.
Nicholas Randall KC will step down from his role as Chairman with immediate effect and will be appointed as a non-executive director on the Club’s Board. Following six years in the role, Nicholas has handed over the chairmanship to Tom Cartledge, Chief Executive Officer of Handley House Group.
Nicholas Randall KC played an instrumental role in the leadership, growth and development of Nottingham Forest following the acquisition of the Club by Evangelos Marinakis in 2017. His dedication to the role of rebuilding the Club under new ownership, and the strides he made in strengthening relations between the Club and the city of Nottingham will leave a lasting legacy that will be remembered by all associated with Nottingham Forest.
In acknowledgement of his achievements, Nicholas has been invited by Evangelos Marinakis to remain on the Board of Directors in a non-executive capacity. He will also remain a trustee of the Nottingham Forest Community Trust and continue his work as the Club’s representative on a number of FA and Premier League committees.
Incoming Chairman Tom Cartledge, who is a life-long supporter of Nottingham Forest and lives in the area with his family, brings with him a wealth of experience in real estate, retail, economic investment and business leadership. Born in Nottingham and educated in the city, Tom now runs his family business based in the county.
As the Club continues its ambitious plans for growth off the pitch, Tom’s business expertise make him the perfect successor to the role. Since the acquisition in 2017, Tom has had close involvement in an advisory capacity to the Club’s ownership on infrastructure and expansion projects, including those for the proposed redevelopment of The City Ground. As a passionate Nottingham Forest fan, his vision for the club’s future align seamlessly with the values and ambitions held by the owner.
Commenting on the transition, Nicholas Randall KC said: “It has been an incredible privilege to serve as the Chairman of Nottingham Forest. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together.
“I would like to thank Evangelos Marinakis and Socrates Kominakis for giving me the opportunity to be the Chairman of this wonderful Club for the past six years and for the incredible support, investment and commitment they have shown to both me and the Club, which has been changed beyond recognition in the past six years. I also extend my sincere thanks to our loyal and dedicated staff and, of course, to our magnificent supporters. I could not have asked for more, through the good times and the bad, during my six years in post.
“I am delighted that Tom has accepted the offer to become Chairman of the Club. I have no doubt that he will bring the enthusiasm, energy and commitment to the role which is now necessary to take the Club forward in this next period of its history. Not only does he have an outstanding professional and business background but he has been a Forest fan all of his life. He is an outstanding candidate.”
Tom Cartledge expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying: “I am truly honoured to take on the role of Chairman at Nottingham Forest. This club has a rich history and a passionate fan base, as I know first-hand having been a proud season ticket holder for 40 years! Over the course of my life, I have moved home, moved jobs, moved schools, and moved stands but I would never move clubs; Forest and family are my constant.
“I am incredibly proud that my wife and my boys are all Forest fans too. This is our second home and there isn’t a day in our house when Forest isn’t mentioned!
“The first time I met the owner, he asked why the city had got used to accepting average instead of excellence. His plan was to change that through hard work and passion and no one can question the achievements to date. But now it’s time to kick on to the next level on and off the pitch.
“The owner’s passion for the Club is infectious, we both believe that there is so much more to do – with our role in the city, with our fans, with the infrastructure of the Club and, of course, with our performances and ambitions on the pitch. We share a vision for this great Club of ours both domestically and internationally. I can’t wait to get started.”
Speaking about the work of the outgoing Chairman, Tom said: “I first met the Chairman and then CEO over dinner in Nottingham, just a few months after the takeover. In those six years we have developed a close friendship and he was the very first person to congratulate me on the appointment. The Chairman should be proud of what the club has achieved under his guidance and I will forever be thankful for his support.”
Tom will continue as CEO of his family group of businesses trading across the world which, in turn, will help create more opportunities globally to promote Forest.
Cambridge & Counties Bank secures new £20m facility
Leicester-headquartered Cambridge & Counties Bank has secured a new £20m facility to increase its volume of competitive lending to smaller businesses.
The investment, made by British Business Investments, is a new £20m Tier 2 capital facility for Cambridge & Counties Bank Limited. Funds raised from the facility will enable Cambridge & Counties Bank to increase its volume of competitive lending to smaller businesses over and above levels it might have otherwise been able to provide.
British Business Investments is a wholly-owned commercial subsidiary of the British Business Bank, that aims to increase the supply and diversity of finance for smaller businesses across the UK by boosting the lending capacity of a range of finance providers. Since it was established in 2014, British Business Investments has committed more than £3.3 billion to providers of finance to UK smaller businesses.
The British Business Bank has been supporting Cambridge & Counties Bank since 2018, with a £100m guarantee through the ENABLE Guarantee programme, renewed in March 2023.
Leicester-headquartered Cambridge & Counties Bank specialises in providing lending and deposit products for smaller businesses. It was established in 2012 and lends to smaller businesses to invest in their own commercial premises, and to experienced commercial and residential property investors. It also provides finance for smaller businesses to acquire essential assets such as equipment, plant, machinery, or vehicles, using hire purchase and finance lease facilities.
Judith Hartley, CEO, British Business Investments, said: “At British Business Investments, our mission is to increase the overall supply and diversity of finance for smaller businesses across the UK. This £20m Tier 2 facility to Cambridge and Counties Bank supports that mission and will help more smaller businesses across the UK access the capital they need to grow.’’
Andrea Hodgson, Chief Financial Officer, Cambridge & Counties Bank, said: “When we were established in 2012, our aim was to create a responsible and competitive lender which had all the hallmarks of a traditional, customer-centric bank but one combined with the speed, efficiency, and innovation of a contemporary and agile institution.
“Last year, our loan book passed £1bn for the first time, almost all of which was lent to our valued SME customer base. We greatly value our long-standing relationship with the British Business Bank and are grateful to it for its latest investment in our new Tier 2 issuance programme. As we progressively draw down on this, we will deploy the additional regulatory capital to further support our UK SME client base with their own financing and growth ambitions.”
Peddler Market Chesterfield to host exclusive business networking event
The popular Peddler Market in Chesterfield is getting ready to welcome businesses from across the town and region to Peddler Connect, an exclusive networking session at its next market in September.
The event, which is one of the UK’s leading street food markets, launched for the first time in Chesterfield back in June and was enjoyed by visitors from Chesterfield and further afield, who enjoyed a wide range of food, drink, crafts, and live entertainment.
Visitors will once again be able to enjoy the buzz of Peddler Market in the scenic and historic setting of Chesterfield town centre next month, and the event has partnered with Destination Chesterfield to ensure businesses hear how they can get a slice of the action.
A free, informal networking session is being hosted on Friday, 15th September, offering delegates an exclusive opportunity to meet and purchase food and drink before the event opens to the public.
Luke Hood, Head of Marketing at Peddler Events commented: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming businesses to our next event in Chesterfield and are delighted to be playing our part in helping to create connections, which will benefit the local economy.
“On top of that, guests will be able to sample some of the amazing food, drink, and entertainment on offer, ensuring they can enjoy networking with a twist in a relaxed and informal setting. Our launch event in June was a huge success, and we can’t wait to welcome more people to Peddler Market Chesterfield this time around.”
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield added: “It has been fantastic to see the popularity of Peddler Market since its launch in the town this summer. We are pleased to be supporting firms by bringing them together in a unique setting and helping them to make those all-important links which businesses thrive on. I would encourage anyone in the business community to come along and enjoy the afternoon.”
Find out more about the networking event and book your place at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/peddler-connect/
Charity receives £1,500 donation from Northampton Homebuilder
Home-Start Northampton, a charity that provides support for families with young children in Northamptonshire, has received a £1,500 donation from Barratt Homes to assist with its work.
Established in 1973, Home-Start is a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under five years of age. Volunteers offer regular support, friendship, and practical help to families in their own home, helping to prevent family crisis and breakdown. The donation came as part of the Barratt Developments Plc Charitable Foundation, which is designed to support national and local charities, large and small, across the UK to leave a legacy in the communities in which the housebuilder operates. The donation will directly help support families in need by providing much needed summer outings for children who most likely wouldn’t go on holiday without them. It will also fund training for volunteers, meaning more expert support can become available to help families through challenging times. Zoe Reynolds, Manager at Home-Start Northampton, said:“We were absolutely delighted to hear we had been chosen to receive a donation from Barratt Homes. “For a large business to support local charities in this way is amazing, and it enables us to continue the work we do in the local community, ensuring vulnerable people receive the support they need. “It is our belief that children need a happy and secure childhood, and that parents play the key role in giving their children a good start in life, helping them to achieve their full potential. Through the offer of support, Home-Start empowers parents to grow in confidence, strengthen their relationships with their children and widen their links within the local community. “Our approach works with over 88% of families we support reporting an improvement in all areas of parenting, family life and children’s wellbeing and development. “We work tirelessly for those we support, so it’s especially great to see our work recognised through donations such as these. Everyone at Home-Start Northampton, staff, volunteers and our supported families would like to offer Barratt Homes our most sincere thank you.” Simon Francis, Managing Director at Barratt Homes Northampton, said:“As a leading housebuilder we strive to support the communities in and around the areas in which we build, and we are delighted to be able to offer Home-Start a donation to support the fantastic work it does. “Home-Start’s efforts align perfectly with Barratt Homes’ values of building stronger communities and creating sustainable futures for families across the county.”Scientific Laboratory Supplies get the keys to purpose-built premises at Fairham Business Park
Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS) has agreed a long-term lease with Clowes Developments for a purpose-built 56,000 sq ft property at the brand-new Fairham Business Park. The unit has recently achieved practical completion by lead contractor, TanRo, and the keys have been handed over to the client. SLS’s fit-out contractors are currently on site, completing the necessary works with the aim of being fully operational at the start of 2024.
SLS first began trading in 1991 and has since grown to become the UK’s largest independent supplier of laboratory equipment, chemicals and consumables. Having outgrown their headquarters in neighbouring town, Wilford, SLS wanted to remain local but make the move to a purpose-built facility.
The 56,000 sq ft building located on ‘plot A’ at Fairham Business Park sits prominently close to the entrance to the business park and has direct access to the A453 via Mill Hill Island. SLS’s bespoke unit will span 56,000 sq ft in total, incorporating approximately 12,000 sq ft of office space. There’s a large, secure yard with two loading docks and two-level loading doors to assist with their distribution and logistics requirements.
On a particularly wet and muddy Tuesday afternoon at the start of November last year, members of SLS’s leadership team met with Clowes Developments’ Development Director, James Richards and his team of professional advisors to officially ‘cut the sod’ and start construction. Now, eight months on, SLS is setting up their unit, ready for operations.
Tim Gilbertson, Director at FHP Property Consultants who negotiated the deal with SLS and Clowes Developments, commented, “It is a pleasure to see SLS choose Fairham for their relocation. Having worked with SLS many times over the years, I have seen first-hand the success of their business. I remember vividly my first conversation with them regarding Fairham and how, once they had seen the location of the site, enthused they were, which is why we have interest not only from SLS but so many other companies at present and are speculatively developing stock. They, like so many others, have been blown away by the connectivity of the site being outside of Nottingham’s Workplace Parking Levy but benefiting from a location that provides access to a dual carriageway link to the M1 motorway and Nottingham City Centre whilst having bus and tram stops and park & ride scheme next door to the site and being within spitting distance of East Midlands Parkway Station and of course East Midlands Airport.
It is a delight to see the way in which we have moved that first conversation through to reality and I look forward to seeing SLS grow still further at Fairham Business Park.”
James Richards, Director at Clowes Developments added: “It’s been a long time coming, but finally, Fairham is really starting to take shape. SLS will occupy the fourth unit to be built at Fairham Business Park and we are thrilled to have them on board. Fairham will become a place like no other, a combination of one million square foot of commercial development connected to a residential scheme for 3,000 brand new homes and a neighbourhood centre at the core knitting Fairham together as one. We look forward to announcing more businesses choosing to make Fairham Business Park their home over the next few months.”
Dellner Building in Burton on Trent sold for £2.9 million
Savills, on behalf of Ravensbourne Limited, has sold the Dellner Building on Wellington Road in Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, for £2.9m to a private investor. The sale price represents a net initial yield of 6.5%.
The property comprises a modern manufacturing unit extending to 32,365 sq ft which includes c.3,000 sq ft office space across two floors. The property occupies a site extending to 1.91 acres with 35 car parking spaces, two EV charging points and direct access off Wellington Road. It is let in its entirety to Silentbloc UK Limited for a term of 10 years from 1 June 2020 at a rental of £200,000 per annum.
The property is located within close proximity to the A38, which provides easy access to the Branston Junction of the A38 and national motorway network. Nearby occupiers include Wickes, B&Q, The Range, Unilever and Holland & Barrett.
Victor Ktori, head of office and commercial department at Savills Nottingham, comments: “This is a great manufacturing and office building in Burton on Trent which has an excellent location with strong roadside prominence. The investment offered the buyer a high quality building with great income in a sector in high demand.”
Dutch Software house Energy21 builds UK market presence with acquisition of Loughborough software provider Jules Energy
Energy21, a Dutch data insight company operating in the energy sector, has acquired Loughborough company Jules to provide the expanded organisation with an operating foothold and growth in the UK market.
The East Midlands firm together with Dutch branch partner Ecedo has been added to the Energy21 group expanding its employee numbers to over 100 including a UK-based operations, product and sales team. The company will continue trading under the Jules brand.
With annual revenue of around €20m this year and clients across Europe and the UK, Energy21 has established itself as one of the leading technology partners for European energy companies and consumers. It counts German chemicals giant BASF and Swedish renewables company Vattenfall among its clients.
Jos den Broeder, CEO at Jules, commented: “The acquisition of Jules by Energy21 will enable us to further grow our business and to offer a wider range of software solutions to existing and new customers in the UK and Europe.
“Becoming part of the Energy21 group brings a strong brand with an impressive track record to the UK. This positions Jules even better towards the energy supplier market, giving business prospects of at least doubling revenues in the next two years.”
The acquisition follows a rising demand for software-driven solutions across the energy sector which is growing in complexity due to rapidly changing market requirements. This includes implementing the energy price cap, the introduction of flexible contracts, and the rise of EV charging demand and EV-sharing.
With the addition of Jules’ software, Energy21 can now offer a new solution to energy suppliers and their clients. Their energy procurement platform enables business customers to independently manage electricity and gas positions. This enables the energy supplier to serve many customers in a scalable and cost-efficient way.
Alongside the Jules deal, Energy21 has also acquired Dutch SaaS company Ecedo.
Ecedo’s acquisition follows strong growth in recent years. For over a decade, the company provided software solutions to energy suppliers for traditional and dynamic contracts. With its cloud-based software, it assists more than 15 energy companies with managing, registering, and invoicing around one million customers.
Michiel Kuiper, CEO of Energy21, added: “These two acquisitions align well with Energy21’s strategy to be the go-to technology partner for energy companies. By adding the software solutions and expertise we can deepen our product offering and geographic presence. This will allow us to support more clients with more specific solutions in the energy value chain.
“Together, the group serves approximately 50 customers, from new challengers to established multinationals in Europe and the United Kingdom. What connects the teams? Passion for the energy market, deep expertise, and the ability to deliver business-critical software services securely and effectively. We are very pleased to welcome the knowledgeable teams of Ecedo and Jules.”
The acquisitions are supported by majority stakeholder Vortex Capital Partners. Jorre Bonjer, operating partner at Vortex Capital Partners commented: “Energy21, Ecedo, and Jules provide business critical software solutions that are developed based on deep market knowledge and many years of experience. With the further expansion of the product portfolio and the growing international footprint, the group is even better equipped to support current and new customers in the rapidly changing energy market.”
