Enter outstanding schemes for Commercial Development of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023

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Enter outstanding schemes for Commercial Development of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
Shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, nominations will close on Thursday 31 August for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards. With 10 categories available to enter, the independent awards and publicity programme recognises development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. Amongst this year’s categories is Commercial Development of the Year, which can be entered here. The commercial development that has gone above and beyond in fulfilling the criteria of the build, in terms of design and construction will be the winner of this category. This can include special requirements, features or elements that make the commercial development stand out from the crowd. Last year the award was won by Galliford Try Construction for Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park. Judges said of the development: “What an amazing building to have in Nottingham. This development has helped Nottingham step into the 21st century with a new modern car parking management system, 720 roof mounted solar panels making it the greenest car park in the country. It really is a worthy winner for the Commercial Development of the Year award.” Jon Marston, Managing Director of Building East Midlands, Galliford Try Construction, who took home three awards at the 2022 event, said: “We are immensely proud of the work that has taken place at Broad Marsh car park, and the recognition it has received at the East Midlands Bricks Awards is just reward for the efforts of the team. I congratulate all those involved for their achievement in winning these three awards.” Clowes Developments, for Etiquette Park, and Henry Brothers, for the Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service joint HQ, were named runners up for the category. This year’s Commercial Development of the Year award will be sponsored by MKM. Speaking with Business Link, Gavin Moody, Branch Director at MKM Nottingham, said: “MKM are proud to be sponsoring the Commercial Development of the Year category at the annual East Midlands Bricks Awards. It is important to us that we celebrate the construction industry’s achievements and highlight local business development in this way. East Midlands Business Link do a great job with these awards, shining a light on the area and bringing businesses together.” Sam Shipman, also Branch Director at MKM Nottingham, added: “Each MKM branch takes great pride in supporting its local construction community, helping to ensure these commercial developments are brought to life with the highest standards. The Awards are a fantastic boost for businesses and so easy to enter. It is a great opportunity for companies in the area to celebrate the amazing work that they have been doing and share their successes with the wider industry.”

Submit your nominations for Commercial Development of the Year here before entries close on Thursday 31 August.

Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region. Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Estate Agent, Contractor 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, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here. The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will also receive a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.

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:

Kirkby chosen for banking hub

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Kirkby chosen for banking hub
Kirkby in Ashfield has been chosen as a location for one of 68 new banking hubs across the UK. The banking hubs are shared spaces on the high street that allow customers of multiple banks to deposit and withdraw money, get face-to-face help, and carry out regular banking transactions. They also have a private room available for one-to-one discussions. Ashfield District Council submitted the bid to LINK, who set up the banking hubs, in February 2023 after three banks closed their doors in Kirkby town centre. To allow greater access to cash in Kirkby, the Council has applied for planning permission to put a cash machine in Moor Market. The new banking hub will complement this service, allowing more residents and business access to their money, without having to travel out of Kirkby. Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Regeneration and Planning, said: “We are over the moon to have been successful in our bid for a banking hub for Kirkby. We know that so many residents have struggled with the lack of face-to-face banking in Kirkby since the banks closed, and the banking hub will make a huge difference to people’s lives. “It’s not just residents who will benefit from this hub, our small businesses will also be able to utilise it. When we get more information we will share it with residents but for now just watch this space.”

Urgent need for safety checks following rise in East Midlands farming fatalities

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Urgent need for safety checks following rise in East Midlands farming fatalities

A risk management expert is urging the region’s farmers to improve their health and safety standards after official figures revealed the East Midlands has the highest number of work-related fatal injuries across England’s agricultural industry.

Latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal that four people in the region’s agricultural sector were killed in 2022/23.

Alex Cormack, of Lycetts Risk Management Services, said: “It’s tragic that the number of deaths in the region has increased. Some fatalities can be attributed to freak accidents, but others could be avoided by adopting a more rigorous approach to safety.”

Across Britain, there were 21 fatalities in agriculture – two fewer than last year.

Cormack said: “The drop in the number of fatalities is encouraging, but I would urge those who work in the industry to remain vigilant, and to avoid becoming complacent. Agriculture is still a dangerous industry to work in, coming second only to construction in the number of annual fatalities.”

A third of all fatal injuries in agriculture were caused by people coming into contact with cattle. This was followed by being struck by an object/falling from height, contact with machinery/contact with a stationary or fixed object, and contact with a moving vehicle/being trapped by something collapsing.

Fatalities in the East Midlands included a 45-year-old employee struck by an object at a farm in Worksop, an 82-year-old Matlock farm worker falling from height, and a 60-year-old farmer in the Hope Valley killed after coming into contact with a fixed/stationary object.

Cormack said: “Over the last five years, 64 per cent of all fatalities in the sector involved the self-employed. This suggests that although employers may be conscientious about health and safety measures and training for their staff, they are not giving their own personal safety enough attention.

“The ‘cost-of-business’ crisis is putting a lot of pressure on the agricultural industry, and there could be a danger that in order to make savings, or to save time, some people may be tempted to take risks. This could leave families devastated, and businesses ruined.

“To help prevent such tragedies occurring, risk assessments should be thorough, all appropriate training should be undertaken, and safety policies should be implemented.”

Professional services ‘challenger’ backs buy-out at Nottingham insolvency firm

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Professional services ‘challenger’ backs buy-out at Nottingham insolvency firm

A Midlands insolvency and restructuring firm has undergone a management buy-out backed by DSW Capital plc, the company behind the Dow Schofield Watts professional services network. 

Bridgewood employs a team of 14 at its offices in Nottingham’s Park Row and serves businesses in the Midlands and beyond. The deal gives control of the firm to founder Robin Tarling and insolvency practitioners Andrew Smith and Tom Grummitt, whilst also providing an exit for its original investors.  

The firm is now a member of the Dow Schofield Watts network – the first in the Midlands – and will operate under the name of DSW Bridgewood.

Bridgewood was established in 2010 by Robin Tarling, who had previously worked for corporates in financial services and telecoms including Vodafone and Egg Bank, and with backing from external investors.

Robin Tarling is confident the transaction will secure Bridgewood’s succession plan and bring a new dimension to the business. He said: “The buy-out is an ideal scenario for all concerned. It enables Andrew and Tom, who are key members of the leadership team, to take a stake in the business and gives us the autonomy to pursue our growth plans going forward, while providing a return for our seed investors.  

“Being part of the Dow Schofield Watts network will also give us access to a strong support team and bring opportunities to expand our services, including into other types of advisory work and commercial financial broking. 

“It has been a smooth, timely and seamless process with DSW. They have been responsive, quick to understand our business model, and their emphasis on strong cultural synergies was critical in informing our decision to join the network.”

James Dow, CEO of DSW Capital, said: “Expanding into the Midlands has been a key focus for DSW and we are delighted to have attracted such a high quality team. The arrival of Bridgewood provides a platform for us to accelerate our growth in the region.  

“We believe the increasing scrutiny and regulation facing some of our larger competitors, in combination with the current market conditions, will enable us to attract more high-quality professionals. We look forward to welcoming more Midlands teams on board in the future.” 

DSW now has 107 professionals in ten offices in the North West, Leeds, Reading, London, Scotland as well as Nottingham following the addition of Bridgewood to the DSW Network.

Atlas charts new territory with Derby move

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Atlas charts new territory with Derby move
An Ilkeston-based composites components manufacturer has chosen Derby as the home for its growth plans. Atlas Composite Technologies will be taking up occupation of a modern industrial unit following a deal brokered by Salloway Property Consultants. The new building, which comprises c. 30,000 sq ft of workshop and office space, is located in a high-profile location on Millennium Way, Pride Park, directly opposite DCFC’s Pride Park Stadium. Hugo Beresford, the surveyor at Salloway who was responsible for the deal, said the transaction was far from straight-forward. “My client was the existing tenant who had sub-let to another company. The sub-lease was coming to an end but the timings did not align with Atlas’ requirements. In the end we had to negotiate a surrender with the Landlord, simultaneously with the grant of a new lease to Atlas. “I am delighted to have been able to put this deal together, not only because it releases my clients from their obligations under the old lease but also because it secures new premises for a successful and growing manufacturing company which enables them to fulfil various exciting new contracts.” Atlas Composite Technologies are an established UK composites manufacturer, based in Ilkeston, who manufacture complex composite components for industry sectors such as aerospace engineering, motorsport, defence, satellite communications and research and development.

Opening set for new West Bridgford 200 Degrees coffee shop

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Opening set for new West Bridgford 200 Degrees coffee shop

Nottingham’s independent coffee roasters 200 Degrees have confirmed that their new shop in West Bridgford will open to the public on Saturday 22 July at 9am.

The growing company have been eyeing sites in West Bridgford for some time and jumped at the chance when the perfect property popped up on Central Avenue following the relocation of Oliver Bonas. Rumoured to have fought off several larger chains (in an arm wrestle) to nab the deal, this is 200 Degrees’ fourth shop in Nottingham, and 20th overall.

Managing Director Stephen Fern said: “When growing our footprint in our home city, it really was a no-brainer to look for opportunities in West Bridgford. It’s close to our roastery on Meadow Lane, it’s home to our co-founders, and we know we already have lots of supporters in the area – mainly because they’ve been suggesting we open there for quite some time.”

As is now traditional for 200 Degrees shop openings, the first 200 customers through the door will be treated to a free drink. The first 50 people in the queue will also receive exclusive goody bags, with artwork designed by Nottingham artist (and 200 Degrees barista) Jess Williams.

Two of those bags will contain either a Gold or Silver ticket, and the holders will take home the dream prize for any coffee lover – a Sage Barista Express machine, or an Opal Pod machine. Other prizes include a free three-month coffee subscription, and a free barista course.

Rutland Chamber of Commerce appoints new membership development executive

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Rutland Chamber of Commerce appoints new membership development executive
Rutland Chamber of Commerce has recruited Oliver Hemsley as its new membership development executive. Oliver has become an essential member of the team as it supports Rutland businesses to come together, make connections, share knowledge, and grow. Oliver said: “Rutland needed a focal point to help bring brilliant and different business services together. I strongly believe Rutland Chamber of Commerce can provide this and will help the county grow together, supporting businesses of all sizes and sectors across the county and giving them new opportunities.” Oliver’s hiring comes as Rutland Chamber of Commerce implements plans of strategic growth to continue its offerings and help create a sustainable and connected economy for Rutland businesses. Oliver added: “I’m very pleased to be working with Rutland Chamber of Commerce and having the opportunity to utilise my connections and enthusiasm to support local businesses and help them grow and succeed.” In addition to his current role at the Chamber, Oliver is both a county councillor and non-executive director for Citizens Advice in Rutland. After spending much of his life working in Rutland and more recently supporting businesses in Rutland, Oliver looks forward to using his contacts and experience to bring success to the local businesses. Simon Beardsley, Chief Executive of Rutland Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted to welcome Oliver to the Rutland team and look forward to seeing him work with businesses in Rutland and helping them succeed. Oliver brings a wealth of qualities to the table and his knowledge and experience will be vital as we continue to grow and develop.”

Nottingham software firm receives growth investment and completes merger

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Nottingham software firm receives growth investment and completes merger
Nottingham software firm NoBlue has received a growth investment from specialist software & services focused lower mid-market growth investor, FPE Capital LLP and merged with NetSuite Solution Provider Elevate2. NoBlue has focused on Oracle NetSuite since 2011 and was recognised as EMEA Oracle NetSuite Partner of the Year in 2022. The company has offices in the UK and Spain and customers around the world. It specialises in supporting digital transformation, leveraging Oracle NetSuite, whether clients require Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Professional Services Automation (PSA) or Commerce, or a combination of all of these. Elevate2, founded in 2015, is the largest independent NetSuite Solution Provider, headquartered in London, with a further office in the Philippines. It has extensive experience in NetSuite, as well as supporting the implementations of other business applications including Oracle Fusion, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, and Sage. Paying homage to both businesses’ history and cultures the combined business will trade under the name NoBlue2. Ian Irwin, founder of NoBlue, has become CEO of the group, with Alex Lester, founder of Elevate2, becoming COO. With FPE’s support, the combined business is now planning to invest further into application development and related services, and to scale the business further internationally. This investment is the fifth investment from FPE Fund III – the firm’s third specialist software and services fund, the successful final close of which was announced in May 2022, at a raised hard cap of £185m. As part of this investment, Glenn Timms is appointed as non-executive chair of the group. A serial chair, Glenn has extensive experience of helping private equity backed technology and service orientated businesses scale-up within rapidly changing UK and US markets. Ian Irwin, founder at NoBlue, said: “We identified that FPE was the right partner, not just on its track record of backing software companies and its expertise in the next stage of growth that we are targeting, but also in helping us with key initiatives such as moving further into international markets. “Additionally, our merger with Elevate2 is a key enabler in our ambitious growth strategy. Elevate2 have displayed impressive growth, serving well a large and diverse portfolio of customers. The additions this merger brings to our project delivery, and leadership, teams are an important step to provide us a solid platform for continued and accelerated growth.” Alex Lester, founder at Elevate2, added: “This is great news for the whole Elevate2 team and our customers. The synergies between NoBlue and Elevate2 are very strong and will benefit our team and customers alike. We are all very excited about the combination and the future growth opportunities.” Glenn Timms, chair, said: “It is a fantastic opportunity to be asked to join the business as non-executive chairman. The businesses have already each developed market leading positions that generate material value for their clients and the combination is poised for significant future growth. I look forward to working with the team and to supporting them as we scale further.” Dan Walker, partner at FPE, said: “FPE is delighted to have completed this investment into NoBlue2, our fifth from Fund III. Our investment focus is on enabling software founders and teams to go through a second stage of growth and scaling after they have established their business and reputations in a chosen B2B sector. “We consider the opportunity for ERP and related applications to be significant and growing, and could quickly see the value that Ian and Alex had built in their respective businesses, and the power of the combination. We are excited to be working with them on the next part of this journey and to further build the group organically and via acquisition.”

Contractor selected to deliver home retrofit programme

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Contractor selected to deliver home retrofit programme
Longhurst Group has appointed Morgan Sindall Property Services to help deliver a new project to improve the energy efficiency of hundreds of homes. The contractor, which already provides responsive repairs and planned maintenance services in Longhurst Group’s eastern region, will help the housing group to upgrade a total of 581 homes over the next two years, thanks to grant funding from the Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF). The scheme will tackle selected homes located throughout the East Midlands, North Lincolnshire and West Norfolk which all currently have an energy rating below EPC C. The improvement works that will be considered include solid and cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, replacement windows and doors, draught-proofing and the installation of low-carbon heating methods. Marcus Keys, executive director of growth, development and assets, said: “Following a rigorous tender process, we’re pleased to have appointed Morgan Sindall Property Services as the contractor to help us deliver this exciting project. “We already work with Morgan Sindall Property Services and we look forward to extending that to this project and getting the scheme started. “It will not only help us on our journey towards decarbonisation as an organisation, but also reduce running costs for our customers by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. “We’ve already started surveying the affected properties and we’re now ready to hit the ground running, with work set to start next month.” Paul Reader, director at Morgan Sindall Property Services, said: “We’re proud to be working with Longhurst Group on this important project to decarbonise homes, making them healthier and more comfortable for residents to live in. “The project will also enable us to provide employment and other opportunities to residents across the Group’s regions.”​​​

Shoe Zone raises profit expectations after “exceptional month of sales”

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Shoe Zone raises profit expectations after “exceptional month of sales”
Shoe Zone has raised its profit expectations after an “exceptional month of sales.” The company says trading has significantly exceeded management expectations due to continued strong demand with volumes up double digit on last year, despite no price increases on Shoe Zone’s core ranges. The business has also experienced margin improvements due to the lower container rates and favourable foreign exchange rates with management expecting these improved margins to continue for the rest of the financial year. As a result, the firm now expects adjusted profit before tax for the financial year ending 2 October 2023 to be not less than £13.5m.

500,000 sq ft logistics facility to be developed at Symmetry Park Kettering

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500,000 sq ft logistics facility to be developed at Symmetry Park Kettering
Tritax Symmetry it is to speculatively develop a new 500,000 sq ft cross dock logistics facility at Symmetry Park, Kettering: Kettering 500. Main contractor Buckingham Group has been appointed to deliver the building which will be built to Net Zero Carbon in Construction and target a minimum BREEAM Excellent and EPC A rating. Work will commence on site in July with practical completion scheduled for April 2024. This facility marks the second unit to be brought forward at Symmetry Park, Kettering. In February 2023 a facility of 312,875 sq ft was completed and pre-let on a 15-year lease. Speaking about the decision, Jonathan Wallis, development director and head of Tritax Symmetry’s Northampton office, said: “Our decision to speculatively develop Kettering 500 is a direct response to extensive research into the occupational market which highlighted a supply vs demand imbalance in the 500,000 sq ft size bracket. “Kettering 500 will showcase a best-in-class institutional specification, together with Tritax Symmetry’s own high design and sustainability standards. “Symmetry Park, Kettering represents a new era of logistics development, with wellbeing, sustainability and power security playing a fundamental role in the design. It is this customer and employee-based approach that has helped us attract multi-national organisations whose ESG values very much mirror our own and give us the confidence to commit to further speculative development.” James Harrison, international partner at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “This bold decision from Tritax Symmetry demonstrates its confidence in the UK logistics market and the strength of the A14 corridor as a logistics warehouse location. This facility is being built to meet the demand of businesses looking to occupy a building with the very best ESG credentials in an established logistics hot spot.” Symmetry Park, Kettering is located on a 136-acre site alongside Junction 9 on the A41 and has outline planning consent for 2,310,000 sq ft of logistics floor space. Cushman and Wakefield and BNP Paribas Real Estate are joint letting agents for Symmetry Park, Kettering. The project team includes Stephen George + Partners (architect), Trinity Property Consultants (project manager), Buckingham Group Contracting (construction), Feasibility (quantity surveyor), Framptons Town Planning (planning consultants), WSP (Highways and Structural Engineers), EDP (landscape and ecology) and Hannan Associates (Mechanical Engineers).

Submit your entry now for Contractor of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023

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Submit your entry now for Contractor of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
With nominations OPEN until Thursday 31 August for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards, shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, there are 10 categories available to enter, offering an opportunity showcase outstanding businesses, teams and projects at the prestigious event. One such category is the ever-popular Contractor of the Year, which can be entered here. Celebrating the contractors who work on the project, this award celebrates builders, construction companies and the contractors themselves, and nominees should be those who have gone above and beyond the word of the contract to deliver a truly exceptional service. Last year the award was won by Cawarden, who also took home Responsible Business of the Year. After the 2022 event, William Crooks, Managing Director of Cawarden, said: “It was fantastic for Cawarden to be presented with not one but two prestigious awards at this year’s Bricks Awards. “We received the Contractor of the Year title for the second year in a row, which is absolutely fantastic to be recognised again for our project and service delivery expertise. Despite the challenging landscape, we’ve had an exceptional year, achieving sustainable growth whilst delivering a diverse range of projects for some of the UK’s leading clients. “A big thank you to the judges and congratulations must also go to all the other award finalists and winners. The event was a real showcase for the regional property and construction sector, and we are more than proud to be part of it!” Honourable mentions for the category in 2022 included Galliford Try Construction and Enrok Construction. With this year’s Contractor of the Year award once again sponsored by specialist, leading environmental consultant RammSanderson, the company said: “RammSanderson are thrilled to be sponsoring the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, backing Contractor of the Year, for the second year in a row. “By sponsoring this award we want to celebrate the contractors who go above and beyond the word of the contract to deliver a truly exceptional service. We are excited to see what the nominees have accomplished, to celebrate their achievements and get the chance to network with property and construction professionals from across the region at the Bricks 2023.”

Submit your nominations for Contractor of the Year here before entries close on Thursday 31 August.

Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region. Other award categories open for entry 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, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here. The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will also receive a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.

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:

Wavensmere Homes sales and marketing director joins Marketing Derby Board of Directors

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Wavensmere Homes sales and marketing director joins Marketing Derby Board of Directors

Donna Smith, sales and marketing director of Derby housebuilders, Wavensmere Homes, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for Marketing Derby. Wavensmere Homes has well over 1,500 homes on site or proposed across four locations within Derby, including its £175m Nightingale Quarter scheme – one of the city’s major urban regeneration projects.

The invitation to join the Board of Directors came from John Forkin MBE, the Managing Director of Marketing Derby. Founded in 2006, the award-winning, non-profit organisation exists to promote Derby as a great place to live, work, and do business. The organisation’s key focus is inward investment in Derby to drive its continuing growth and development.

Donna Smith joined Wavensmere Homes as sales and marketing director in 2018. Prior to this, she held a senior director role at Connells, one of the largest estate agents in the UK. Donna has played an integral role in Wavensmere Homes’ investment in Derby, establishing firm relationships with both the business community and home buyers. Donna has become a known ambassador for the city’s regeneration, and champions it as a thriving place to call home and invest in.

John Forkin MBE, Managing Director of Marketing Derby, said: “We’re thrilled to have Donna join the Board of Directors for Marketing Derby. Wavensmere Homes is making a huge investment in our city, with over £250m of development activity.

“The housebuilding firm has become not just part of enhancing the cityscape visually, but Donna and the rest of the team have shown a real passion and commitment to supporting our city. This is seen through their successful regeneration of historic landmarks, the delivery of quality new homes, and through their passion for what our city as a whole has to offer.

“Donna joins us as the residential development representative on the Board and will play an integral part in our continued work to support Derby’s economic growth and success.”

Donna Smith, sales and marketing director at Wavensmere Homes, said: “Having worked closely with John and the team for the past few years – as Wavensmere Homes has immersed itself into the fantastic city of Derby – it’s a privilege to now join Marketing Derby’s Board of Directors.

“Since we first started the remediation and construction work at Nightingale Quarter four years ago, we’ve really seen Derby flourish. There’s no doubt in the increasing demand for quality homes from local people and those wanting to move into or back to the city, and we are proud to be playing an integral part in supplying that demand.

“I’m passionate about supporting Derby on its continuing journey of growth and development, and Wavensmere Homes will be actively regenerating and building here for many years to come.”

Football fundraiser’s fourth annual event raises more than £2,000 for hospice

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Football fundraiser’s fourth annual event raises more than £2,000 for hospice
The fourth annual five-a-side football fundraiser organised by fleet firm Silverstone Leasing has been declared a huge success, raising more than £2,000 for a much-loved local charity. Businesses from across Northamptonshire rallied their troops for the popular event at Daventry Football Club, which saw eight teams compete for the much-coveted winner’s title. It was Euro Building and Maintenance Contractors who scored an impressive hattrick win, taking the trophy for the third consecutive year. Stonhills Estate Agency were named runners up. Silverstone Soccer has collected more than £8,400 for Cynthia Spencer Hospice since its inception just before the pandemic in 2020. The charity drive is the brainchild of Ryan Bishop, sales manager at Silverstone Leasing, who combined his love of football with his local business contacts to raise much-needed money for the hospice. Over the years, Ryan has been thrilled by the support the event has had from the Northamptonshire business community. He said: “We are over the moon to have raised such an incredible amount of money through Silverstone Soccer over the last four years for the amazing team at Cynthia Spencer Hospice. “The families who need the services of the hospice are going through unimaginable pain and heartache and Cynthia Spencer do such valuable work in supporting them when they need it most. “Silverstone Soccer is fantastic for those who like a kickabout, as well as those who want a fun and lively way to network. We enjoy hosting the event as much as the participants enjoy playing. “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone that has supported the event, not just in 2023 but over the years. It is wholly appreciated by us and by the hospice.” Nina Gandy, corporate partnerships fundraiser at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, said: “Silverstone Soccer has established itself as a key fixture in the corporate events calendar benefiting Cynthia Spencer Hospice. Ryan and the team at Silverstone Leasing put on a remarkable event each year, consistently exploring ways to enhance support and fundraising efforts. “In the past four years, the event has generated an impressive amount equivalent to more than 16 days of care for our hospice patients. Our partnership with Silverstone Leasing is one we deeply value. Without their unwavering support, the continuity of our services would be greatly compromised.”

PR firm gains new partner and shareholder

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PR firm gains new partner and shareholder

A Castle Donington public relations firm has agreed terms with ex-journalist Phil Stubbs to become a new partner and shareholder following a recent growth spurt.

Founded in Ilkeston in 2011 by Managing Director Tina Clough, Poppy PR has seen significant expansion over the past year, with a host of new client wins.

Coming in as the firm’s new director and business partner, Phil will work alongside Tina to help guide the company through its next period of growth.

Phil, a former political editor for the Derby Telegraph, launched his own PR consultancy, Stubbs PR Limited, in 2008, and has also been working as part of the Poppy PR team for more than two-and-a-half years.

Having quickly established a strong working relationship, Tina and Phil decided that a more formal, joint approach was beneficial for both parties and would better help fulfil Poppy PR’s business ambitions. Legal advice surrounding the deal was provided by Derby-based Smith Partnership.

Tina said: “I’m delighted to officially welcome Phil on board as a shareholder in the business. After more than a decade of steering this ship single-handedly, it feels the time is right for me to share the wheel.

“Phil’s knowledge, skills, experience and application have been invaluable since he started working with me. I can’t think of anyone better to enter a partnership with. This new arrangement will really cement our already excellent working relationship and will hopefully help to catapult Poppy PR into an exciting new chapter in our fabulous journey.

“PR has been my absolute passion for as long as I can remember and there has never been a more exciting time for Poppy-PR. Our clients love our honest approach to PR and the fact that we are so approachable. We have had some outstanding successes for our clients over the last year – some really big ‘pinch me’ moments.  

“From Chris Evans trying Project D doughnuts on air, to Hodgkinson Builders going toe-to-toe with Love Island at the Broadcast Awards, to the ladies at Married at First sight collaborating with Letterbox Love.” 

Tina added: “My job is a dream and it still excites us to get such results for clients.”

Phil said: “Working with Tina and the rest of the Poppy PR team has been like a breath of fresh air for the past couple of years. I’m so looking forward to this new challenge. As many self-employed people will understand, it’s not always easy to keep all the balls in the air on your own, particularly when you are lucky enough to be very busy.

“Our decision to join forces came out of just a passing conversation I had with Tina after a particularly busy workday – about whether she should expand the business, future plans, work-life balance and so on.

“It quickly became apparent to both of us that the best solution for both of us was staring us right in the face. It was certainly a no-brainer as far as I was concerned.”

31 jobs saved as Nottinghamshire engineering firm sold

Tess Egginton
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31 jobs saved as Nottinghamshire engineering firm sold
Restructuring professionals from specialist business advisory firm FRP have completed the sale of Lindhurst Engineering in a deal that preserves 31 jobs. Sutton-On-Ashfield-based Lindhurst manufactures bespoke machines and structural fabricated products for use in the utility, construction and transport sectors. Ben Jones and Raj Mittal were appointed as joint administrators to Lindhurst Engineering Company Limited on 5 July 2023 following inflationary and cashflow pressures despite a strong order book. Following their appointment, the joint administrators completed the sale of the business and certain assets to ECS Engineering Services Limited.

Pub People accelerates expansion

Tess Egginton
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Pub People accelerates expansion
The Pub People Group, led by Andrew Crawford and backed by investment manager Downing LLP, has accelerated its expansion plans by making several freehold acquisitions. In September 2022, Downing became the majority shareholder in the Alfreton-based group and committed to funding further growth through acquisitions and investment into the existing business. Downing also provided the funds to refinance the group’s bank debt from NatWest in May 2023. Pub People has increased the size of its pubs’ freehold estate by c.50% to 30 pubs, including an acquisition of a portfolio of five pubs in June 2023, from one of the UK’s largest tied pub landlords, that the group had operated on a tied-leasehold basis for over ten years, and has several other freehold acquisitions in the pipeline. Downing has set aside a significant amount of capital for further acquisitions and investment, with no near to medium-term requirement to raise funding from third-party lenders. Despite a substantial number of pubs being available in the market, the group notes it is focused on acquisitions where it believes it can deploy capital investment to rejuvenate underinvested or undermanaged pubs to achieve minimum net weekly sales of £10k. Pub People MD Andy Crawford said: “The recent acquisitions and investment underlines our commitment to expanding our high-quality estate of pubs. I am very excited to progress our discussions for further acquisitions in the coming months, which will support the group’s bid to become a market leader in its chosen regions. “I value the support from Downing, which will allow me and my team to take the group into the next phase of its evolution.” Pub People chairman Mark Crowther added: “Since joining the group last year, I have been very impressed with Andy and Sarah’s experience and market knowledge. The Pub People team has performed strongly and helped increase the size of the group’s freehold estate by c.50% in under a year. “I am confident that the group will continue to expand as opportunities become available, thus creating a high-quality leading regional pub business.” Gautam Chhabra, investment director at Downing, said: “Pub People has performed strongly despite the current economic uncertainty and conditions, and its success is a testament to the focus of its management team. “The group’s management team and Downing will continue to evaluate new acquisitions and investment opportunities, and we are committed to substantially increasing the size of the group’s freehold estate and geographical footprint. “We believe we can continue to execute deals that are attractive for sellers and us and especially for the local communities these pubs serve.”

East Midlands unemployment rate drops to 3.3% but record wage rise reflects challenges for businesses

Tess Egginton
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East Midlands unemployment rate drops to 3.3% but record wage rise reflects challenges for businesses
The East Midlands’ unemployment rate has dropped for a second consecutive month to 3.3% for the period between March and May 2023, new figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show. It fell by one-tenth of a percentage point from the previous reporting period to April, moving in an opposite trajectory to the UK unemployment rate, which rose from 3.8% to 4%. The region’s economic inactivity rate – which measures the number of working-age people who have dropped out of the labour market for reasons such as retirement, caring duties, long-term ill health or studying – dropped by three-tenths of a percentage point to 21.2%, the lowest level in a year. East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Despite some mild concerns earlier in the year that the unemployment rate was rising, it appears to have stabilised around historically very low levels, which reflects the great resilience of the East Midlands business community amid some very tough challenges. “Rising economic inactivity has been one of the greatest concerns over the past year as it led to a dwindling labour market, which has restricted capacity – and therefore the ability to grow, raise productivity and bring prices down. “While this rate remains significantly above pre-Covid levels, it’s pleasing to see this has now come down by just under 1.5% in the past nine months, giving firms more room to manoeuvre. “Our own research backs this up but also illustrates persistent challenges, with our Quarterly Economic Survey showing seven in 10 businesses that attempted to recruit between April and June experienced problems in filling roles, compared to eight in 10 at the end of 2022.” Nationally, regular pay grew by 7.3% during this period, a record annual increase despite lagging behind inflation, which stands at 8.7%. Scott added: “While recruitment problems may be easing slightly, the record rise in wages suggests firms are still facing major cost pressures as the labour market tightness has forced employers to pay more for people at a time when they are being hit by inflation and surging interest rates. “This is perhaps why future recruitment prospects are less optimistic, with a net 6% decline in East Midlands businesses adding to their headcount for the next three months. The proportion of firms intending to invest in training also declined by 3%, with business confidence fragile. “What we desperately need is a dedicated Government policy that supports companies to invest in their people, whether that be in upskilling their existing workforce or reskilling prospective employees to fill skills gaps. “In our Business Manifesto for Growth, we have set out a list of policies we believe will make the required difference, including introducing flexible incentives for businesses that invest in staff training and bringing forward the introduction of the Lifelong Loan Entitlement to support retraining and the retainment of an older workforce. “We must also tailor policies to recognise the diversity of people who are out of work and avoid a one-size-fits-all solution. We would also like to see Government work with businesses to offer support, and share best practice, on what a flexible and inclusive workplace looks like as this is another vital ingredient in enticing people back to work.”

£25m build-to-rent loan kickstarts homes creation in Leicester

Stuart Pearcey
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£25m build-to-rent loan kickstarts homes creation in Leicester
Property developer Monk Estates is to create 171 homes at a historic site in Leicester with financial backing of a £25m build-to-rent loan secured through collaboration between Housing Growth Partnership, Pluto Finance, and the MAF Finance Group. The build-to-rent loan will be instrumental in supporting the repurposing of an Edwardian factory and the construction of two interconnected new build apartment blocks. Spanning four storeys, the redeveloped former hosiery factory will be transformed into a modern and stylish residential hub, blending heritage with contemporary design. Next to the factory, the two interconnected apartment blocks have been designed to integrate with the existing structure, enhancing the development’s architectural appeal, and helping to reduce overall massing. Upon completion, the development will feature 171 residential units, as well as an associated commercial unit which will be available to serve both residents and the surrounding community.
MAF Finance Group co-managing director Dave Chapman said: “Both our property director Paul Delaney and I are extremely pleased to have been involved in arranging the funding and introducing the client to HGP and Pluto Finance, working with all parties, to structure this exciting deal. “This is the second transaction in the build-to-rent sector in which we have assisted Robert and Sam Monk of Monk Estates, and we look forward to seeing the Hylyfe Leicester scheme flourish alongside Hylyfe Nottingham which is already progressing well.” Monk Estates director Sam Monk added: “Despite a very challenging market within the finance sector, MAF has once again provided us with top tier service and advice throughout the entire process, from early feasibility through to completion. “The company has been instrumental in providing us with both initial and long-term development funding, helping us to achieve our goal of creating 1,000 apartments, developed, managed and retained.” Established in 1991 and based in Nottingham, Monk Estates is a family-owned property development and investment company. It works on projects across a range of sectors including residential, student accommodation, industrial, office, leisure and retail. Now part of Begbies Traynor Group, MAF Finance Group (previously Midlands Asset Finance) was established in 2009 and spans the complete financial market across the UK, working to support the SME and larger corporate markets to source funding across a range of products.

Nottingham City Council faces £26m budget gap

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham City Council faces £26m budget gap
A report to Nottingham City Council’s Executive Board on 18 July highlights the significant additional pressures on the authority’s budget this year as it meets increasing demand for the services it provides to support vulnerable children and adults. All councils are facing extreme pressures on their budgets due to the huge and unexpected rise in inflation, a staff pay award agreed nationally, the cost of homelessness driven by the cost-of-living crisis and years of reduced core Government funding. An early assessment of the 2023/24 budget points to a provisional £26m funding gap which the council will seek to address in the coming months. This work is heavily dependent on achieving savings through an ongoing transformation programme and the council says it is “working hard to ensure this stays on track.” The council, because it is under the scrutiny of a Government-appointed Improvement and Assurance Board (IAB), has a duty to set a four-year financial plan and clearly demonstrate financial stability. As part of its work to improve financial management, the council has brought reports forward to its Executive Board next week looking back at last year’s budget, assessing the current budget situation and looking forward to the medium-term financial plan which runs to 2027/28. This early assessment gives the council the chance to get a good financial grip, strengthen resilience and bring the budget back in line in the coming months to avoid another overspend. These reports show:
  • A £10m overspend at the end of the 2022/23 financial year, which it is proposed will be met from the council’s financial resilience reserve
  • A £26m budget gap opening up in the current budget that needs to be addressed before the end of next March
  • A gross budget gap for 2024/25 of £51m and £58.7m over the four-year period is inferred but latest estimates based on ongoing work suggest there will be a revised net budget gap of £16m to £17m.
The council has identified areas it will focus on to help it deliver a balanced budget and medium-term financial plan, including best value reviews and service redesign in certain key parts of the organisation, as well as looking at efficiencies, assets, income and debt. These form part of a new ‘One Council’ approach under its transformation programme which is delivering the improvements and efficiencies required by the IAB. Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance & HR, Cllr Audra Wynter, said: “Like all councils, we are operating in a very volatile economic climate, with inflation, rising energy and fuel costs and an increased demand on our services driven in part by the cost-of-living crisis, all combining to make budget setting extremely difficult. “This is on top of the continued reduction in core Government funding over recent years and increased reliance on Council Tax for income, which creates a particular problem for places like Nottingham, where the predominant property types don’t allow us to raise sufficient funds. “There are also issues that led to the appointment of an Improvement and Assurance Board which continue to have an impact on our financial resilience. As part of our drive to improve financial management, we have prudently taken an early look at our budget situation so we can identify any problems and take action to address them. “The identification of a £26m in-year budget gap is significant and serious, and some difficult decisions about transforming the way we deliver services and doing some things differently will be needed, along with strong financial discipline. “We are determined to do so, set a balanced and realistic budget over the medium term, and keep the council on a sustainable financial footing.”
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