Allergen-free snacks, a physiotherapy app for children with disabilities, and flashcards to help refugees overcome language barriers are just some of the business ideas that have won national entrepreneur awards and a share of £75,000 in seed funding.
After pitching their ideas to an expert panel, as part of the Ingenuity Programme run by the University of Nottingham and sponsored by Nuffield Health, the start-ups are among 17 UK fledgling businesses that have won awards.
Jared Spencer, a University of Nottingham alumnus, won the University of Nottingham Impact Entrepreneur of the Year award, for his business ‘RIDDIM’, which addresses the rise in allergens as the most common chronic disease in Europe where many people with allergies struggle daily with the fear of possible asthma attack, anaphylactic shock, or even death from an allergic reaction.
RIDDIM is a dietarily inclusive, culturally relevant snack company which draws its inspiration from the flavours and the stories of the Caribbean to produce a range of tasty snack products free from 13 of the 14 major allergens.
Katie Michaels, a Loughborough University alumni, won the National Health Champion award (£5,000 sponsored by Nuffield Health) for Moti Me, which aims to help children with disabilities.
She has identified that a lack of access to physiotherapy and physical activity sessions guided by healthcare professionals can be detrimental for children with disabilities in achieving their developmental milestones and how parents often struggle to continue the exercises at home.
Moti Me includes a handheld device, mat and guidance app to support parents or caregivers and their child with special needs to practice physio and carry out developmental exercises in the home environment. Katie also won the Shakespeare Martineau Legal Prize (£2,000 of in-kind legal support provided by Shakespeare Martineau).
Richard Holmes, a student at York St John University, won the overall Impact Entrepreneur of the Year award (£10,000 sponsored by Nuffield Health) for his business, Global Anthem, a hand gesture flashcard system that enables effective communication for refugees and migrants facing language barriers.
Richard also won the Yorkshire and Humber Champion (sponsored by Santander Universities UK); the Shakespeare Martineau Legal Prize (£2,000 of in-kind legal support provided by Shakespeare Martineau); and the Engineers in Business Prize (£1,000 provided by Engineers in Business Fellowship).
“I am delighted with the outcome of the 2023 Ingenuity National Competition and the positive, meaningful impact of the programme this year,” said Claire Mulholland, senior business development and Ingenuity Programme manager at the University of Nottingham.
“The Ingenuity Programme team are so incredibly proud of our 2023 Changemakers and their commitment to developing businesses focussed on improving health, tackling climate change and building stronger communities.”
Claire continued: “Thank you to our participants, alumni, corporate, community and university partners, mentors, judges, contributors and other valued members of our Ingenuity Programme network.”
Ben Davies, organisational development director at Nuffield Health, said: “Nuffield Health is incredibly proud to have partnered with Ingenuity on this programme. Partnerships really are the key to maximising the positive impact we can have at a national, regional and local level.
“One of the ways we are starting to tackle the UK’s major health, social and environmental challenges is by supporting innovative start-ups with a social mission at their core.
“We are delighted to play our part in supporting up and coming entrepreneurs that are making such a meaningful impact in their communities. All of the participants should be incredibly proud, and I look forward to seeing how these fantastic programmes develop in the future.”
Run by the University of Nottingham and in partnership with Nuffield Health, the Ingenuity Programme provides start-up skills and training, networking, mentoring, and routes to funding for early-stage impact-driven businesses to make social and environmental change. The most impactful ideas are awarded a top prize and receive a share of £75,000 funding to help them in the early stages of their entrepreneurial journeys.
The programme supports participants to turn ideas for change into exciting new ventures and adopts an agile and flexible approach to ensure we are diverse, inclusive, and accessible.
The Ingenuity Programme is designed to demystify entrepreneurship and support those not currently served by existing services available in Nottingham and in the UK’s start-up landscape. This includes engaging with and supporting underserved and underrepresented groups both from within the university and its local communities.
A rise in the number of East Midlands start-up businesses and a fall in the number of companies with late payments makes for cautious optimism in the region amidst a sluggish UK economy.
According to research from the Midlands branch of R3, the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, East Midlands start-ups rose by 3.7% last month, from 2,335 in April to 2,422 in May.
R3 Midlands’ figures, which are based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe, also show that the number of East Midlands companies with late payments on their books fell over the same period.
R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a director at law firm Thursfields, said: “These are encouraging statistics for our region and show that there is still scope for growth in the current environment.
“The decrease in the number of local businesses with late payments is further positive news, particularly as the business economy is still facing the challenges of stubbornly high inflation, rising costs of materials and wages as well as a squeeze on consumer spending.
“Should significant cash flow difficulties arise, however, it’s crucial for business owners to take relevant professional advice. There is a significant amount which can be done to rescue and support local businesses, beyond traditional insolvency solutions, if help is taken early enough.”
Planning has been granted for Projekt Renewable to land in Grimsby. Supported by myenergi, RWE Renewables UK and the Town Deal, phase one of this ground-breaking scheme promises not only to celebrate the opportunities presented by sustainable energy production in the area and be a catalyst for the green economic regeneration of the town but also to bridge the gap between industry and community with a summer offering for everyone to enjoy.
With the aim of bringing together Grimsby’s celebrated small businesses this summer in a pop-up style programme of events, Projekt Renewable will ensure this hub of discovery is the centre of attention during the coast’s high season this year.
An immersive educational and cultural destination, Projekt Renewable will be landing – quite literally – in Alexandra Dock within a matter of weeks.
Projekt director, Richard Askam, added: “It’s taken two years of hard work to get to this stage and now, over the next weeks, we’ll bring Phase One of Projekt Renewable to life. Designed to allow everyone to see and hear the opportunity that already exists in our area but is still largely hidden.
“It’s time to write the next chapter in Grimsby’s history, and that is as a world leader in renewable energy. A huge thank you goes out to everyone that has been involved and supported so far, especially Richard Dowson who has been instrumental in getting Projekt off the ground.”
North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “On behalf of everyone at the council, I would like to thank all the individuals and partners who have had the vision and determination to make Projekt Renewable a reality.
“The success of our young people will define North East Lincolnshire’s future and we need them to see the opportunities that are on their doorsteps and be inspired to take those opportunities. Projekt Renewable will do just that.”
The driving force behind the delivery of Projekt Renewable is WhiteCrate – the container architecture design and production company – having successfully delivered many projects, pushing the boundaries and perceptions of the humble shipping container and creating destinations and spaces, throughout the UK and Europe; including innovative markets in Altrincham and Wolverhampton, Hatch in Manchester and even the Fan Park at Liverpool FC.
And while residents and visitors are being urged to soak up the summer programme, local music and pop-up food and drinks vendors that appear, Jon Flowerdew, Managing Director at WhiteCrate Ltd, explains that this is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the goals, they have set for Projekt Renewable.
“WhiteCrate is incredibly proud to be delivering this transformative regeneration project in Grimsby, as we work together to create a vibrant new destination,” said Jon. “It is a testament to the vision and dedication of all involved that we are shaping a future where communities can thrive, and where Grimsby can shine a light on its thriving renewable energy industry and the opportunities it creates for the region and the UK.
“This project represents WhiteCrate’s commitment to revitalising urban spaces, fostering economic growth, and creating a lasting legacy and destination that will benefit generations to come.”
The first step in a phased destination project, created to inspire young minds and the local community, the launch and summer programme are just the beginning of what will be an ever-evolving narrative.
Emma Brigginshaw, Head of Sustainability and Ethics at myenergi, said: “At myenergi, we are focused on removing the barriers to a greener future. Our mission is a commitment to pioneering a simple transition to renewable energy, so we are passionate about showcasing the benefits of renewable energy and showing people how they can harness these benefits for themselves, to gain greater energy independence.
“We are proud to support Projekt Renewable, which will not only help educate and inspire future talent and the local community but thanks to its facilities, will be able to share this message with a much bigger audience nationwide.”
Guy Middleton, General Manager for the RWE Grimsby Hub, added: “As a founding patron of Projekt Renewable, we are delighted to have reached this important milestone for the project.
“Projekt Renewable is such an important resource for the local region and the wider renewables industry and we are so excited to be a part of it! It is vital that we can demonstrate what the renewables industry has to offer the younger generation and encourage them to consider roles in our industry if we are going to meet our net zero targets.”
Chloe McKeown, Social Media and Marketing Manager at Mockingbird Street Food, said: “This project is something Mockingbird would love to wholeheartedly champion. A celebration of both Grimsby’s rich history and its exciting future within the renewable energy industry, we love the community focus at the core of Projekt Renewable.
“As a company, Mockingbird are fully committed to all things ‘Great Grimsby’ and it’s fantastic to see the plans in place to raise youth aspirations within Grimsby and beyond, which will without doubt inspire the next generation of very proud, successful Grimbarians.
“The message that Grimsby and its surrounding areas are cool and accessible, but also aspirational is something we try to regularly promote as part of our brand ethos, and something we are delighted that Projekt Renewable shares.”
The team and patrons supporting Projekt Renewable aim to bring emerging careers in renewables to life with an immersive experience that the community and schools can get deeply involved with. VR experiences and hands-on demonstrations of the jobs available in the Humber ‘energy estuary’ will be housed in the trio of containers, which will also function as workspaces for local businesses and creatives.
The Projekt team is also looking to launch their own Projekt-podcast utilising the on-site studio. Hosted by Richard Askam in the first instance, the podcast will shine a light on those already invested and working within the renewables sector and also showcase how the local community can create user-generated content, powerful in its own right, allowing the people to ‘own’ the space and connect with it on a deeper level.
Officially supported by the home-grown talent that is to be found at RWE Renewables UK, myenergi, North East Lincolnshire Council, the Crown Estate, WhiteCrate, Forrester Boyd, Wilkin Chapman, Knapton Wright, Docks Academy and Mockingbird, the collective vision is for Projekt Renewable to gain national significance.
With the ability to beam into primary and secondary schools and further and higher education establishments up and down the country, but starting with the local area, Projekt Renewable plans on using hand-picked experts in the purpose-built dedicated studio to create their own PRG Studio Content.
Bursting with relevant but exciting content and connecting with schools throughout the full academic year, Projekt Renewable will be bringing the renewables industry alive for school children and the younger generation, educating with purpose and creating UK homegrown talent and the next generation of renewable energy experts.
Blue Light Card, the discount service for the NHS and Emergency Service community, has appointed Alidad Moghaddam as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Blue Light Card was founded by Tom Dalby and Steve Denny in 2008, with a mission to save its members money as a thank you for what they do for others. Tom and Steve will be taking advisory positions within the Leicester business, whilst remaining as board members of Blue Light Card and Trustees of the Blue Light Card Foundation.
Alidad, who was previously on the leadership team at Trainline, has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation in the digital space. He brings years of experience in various leadership positions at high-growth consumer focussed technology companies.
Speaking on his appointment, Alidad said: “I’m excited to be a part of a company which focuses on giving back to those who tirelessly serve our communities, by helping them save money and manage their cost of living.
“I look forward to helping shape the company’s growth strategy, expand its partnerships with leading brands, and enhance its value proposition for its members.
“I will also continue to nurture our reputation as a great place to work by fostering a culture of gratitude, respect, and mutual support across colleagues, members and partners.”
Tom Dalby, former CEO, said: “Both Steve and I couldn’t be prouder of how far Blue Light Card has come over the last fifteen years.
“The staggering savings and experiences that we continue to deliver for our members are true to our original mission and are a testament to the dedication of the talented people we have been working alongside since we started out.”
Baroness Morgan of Cotes has praised the Leicester and Leicestershire careers team tasked with bridging the gap between schools, colleges, and businesses.
The former Loughborough MP, now chair of the Careers and Enterprise Company, says the work of the LLEP Careers Hub is a “shining example” of what can be achieved.
Careers hubs boost their local economies by bringing local employers together with education providers. In doing so, they deliver a quality standard in careers advice as young people plan their next move in life.
Baroness Morgan introduces the Leicester and Leicestershire Careers Hub Impact Report 2018-23, which is published this week. “The Leicester and Leicestershire Careers Hub is a shining example of what we wanted to achieve,” she writes.
“The LLEP Careers Hub – like so many nationwide – provides educators with opportunities to engage purposefully with employers. I want young people to be confidently prepared for the future, through a system that’s ready for the future too. Careers Hubs are a key part of that vision.”
The local Careers Hub works closely with the national Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) in ensuring that every young person in its area is informed about the choices available to them post-education.
It also works with a host of Enterprise Advisers – local business leaders who go into schools to talk about jobs, careers, apprenticeships, and other opportunities in industry.
A celebration event is being held this week to mark the achievements of the Careers Hub during its first five years.
LLEP Chief Executive Phoebe Dawson said: “Much progress has been made by our Careers Hub since it launched in 2018 and the LLEP Board recently agreed to extend its funding through to August 2024.”
Some of the gains have been replicated nationally.
A big part of the journey towards ensuring all schools and colleges have stable careers programmes began in Loughborough. The Bridge to Work pilot was set up when Baroness Morgan was Education Secretary.
Her foreword to the report recalls: “At that time, employers were telling us young people did not have the skills they needed. Young people were telling us they felt unsupported as they prepared to enter the world of work.
“I’d become involved with the Bridge to Work scheme running in my Loughborough constituency. It was bringing employers into schools, raising aspirations, and boosting social mobility – it was scaled up and applied at a national level.
“The LLEP Careers Hub – like so many nationwide – provides educators with opportunities to engage purposefully with employers. That builds understanding of local sectors, pathways, and careers. And that grows regional economies.”
Those attending this week’s event will hear about the significant impact of the Careers Hub, including the number of schools in Leicester and Leicestershire with a stable careers programme having increased by 63% since the hub launched.
A Northamptonshire-based financial planner has moved into a brand-new office following a period of rapid growth, which saw his turnover increase by 270% in just two years.
Conor O’Sullivan, of O’Sullivan Financial Planning, has also had an influx of new clients, maintained profit margins and not raised prices following the pandemic.
He has hired four new members of staff for the firm’s new Lamport Manor base.
There are now three Certified Financial Planners in the firm, which puts them in the top five per cent of UK advisors, and Conor himself has recently been awarded the much-coveted Chartered Wealth Manager status.
The team work closely with business owners and high net worth individuals to manage their investments and assets to create and maintain the life they want. This includes pensions, insurance, estate planning, savings and investments.
Moving into an office space will allow Conor to provide greater career development opportunities for his team, which he hopes to grow further in the coming months.
Conor, who is also a Northamptonshire Chamber board member, said: “All our advisors are in the top echelon of our industry, which makes me immensely proud.
“It is important to me that we offer a first-class service which we tailor to the needs of each individual client to help them reach their goals.
“The growth the business has experienced in the past 24 months is because we deliver this bespoke service daily – testament to the hard work of the team.”
Plans to bring back to life a long-time redundant factory on the edge of Derby city centre have taken a massive step forward.
Damien Walters Limited, working in conjunction with MARV, have completed the purchase of the 80,000 sq ft former Aida factory on City Road at Chester Green from Derby City Council.
The process follows twelve months of detailed work between Derby City Council and a team of locally based consultants working with Damien Walters.
With temporary planning permission already in place for part of the building, a detailed planning application will be submitted shortly to fully repurpose the site with construction work expected to begin at the end of Q4, 2023.
The proposal puts forward that Derby City Gymnastics Club and Gym will relocate from Chapel Street with a new stunt training academy to be incorporated into the new gym.
Three film studios are to be created within the older part of the building, which runs down the full length of City Road. The final phase involves the delivery of a new world class rehabilitation centre for elite sports participants and the wider stunt industry.
Commenting on the completion of the purchase, Damien Walters said: “We are absolutely delighted to have concluded the purchase of this property, and I’d like to pay huge thanks to all the people working on both sides of the deal for all their hard work.
“We have already been rehearsing one major movie in the building and anticipate further rehearsal and production work to take place over the summer and into autumn, when we hope to secure planning to then deliver the first phase of the major building project at the beginning of next year.”
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism at Derby City Council, added: “We are working hard to build a really healthy, proud and vibrant Derby and this investment is great news.
“It’s a positive show of confidence in the city and its people. These are ambitious plans which, if approved, will bring welcome diversification to the city economy, and create exciting jobs and opportunities for the people of Derby.”
Russell Rigby, Managing Director of Rigby & Co, who brokered the property deal, added: “We have been working hard for the past three years to try and secure the very best fit in terms of property, to enable Damien and the wider team to deliver something that once complete, will be truly jaw dropping.
“This level of investment in the mixed-use property will launch Derby onto the global map for film production, and stunt training.”
Damien Walters Limited was represented by Rigby & Co, working with Geldards LLP. Derby City Council were represented by Freeths.
Work is underway at the latest phase of Dove Valley Park, the 200-acre industrial and distribution development in Foston, South Derbyshire.Clowes Developments and their professional team including IMA Architects, CDS Engineers, and Savills, acting as Employers Agent, are bringing forward site 10A, a 4,231 sq m plot located on the southern area of Dove Valley Park south of the A50. IMA Architects is providing all architectural services and acting as Principal Designer on the scheme.
The development will see the construction of a new £8m facility that will become the new home of Terinex Flexibles, an OGM Holdings Group company. Terinex Flexibles is a leading supplier of printed flexible packaging films and solutions used within the food, pet food and medical packaging industries.
The 46,000 sq ft, state of the art premises, will feature production, warehousing and research and development facilities. The building will also include advanced sustainable energy systems to recover heat for re-use, and solar panels for generating power to operate the factory. OGM Holdings is aiming to create the most sustainable, low carbon footprint, flexible packaging factory in the UK.
Completion of the building is expected in January 2024 and will bring further employment opportunities to the area.
Dove Valley Park Ltd, a subsidiary of Clowes Developments, has been developing the business park for a number of years and is already home to occupiers including Top Hat, JCB, Müller, Futaba Ltd and GXO.
Marc Freeman, director at Clowes Developments, said: “Dove Valley Park is a fantastic location for logistical enterprises, benefiting from easy access to the A50. The site continues to grow in popularity with occupiers, creating valuable employment opportunities in South Derbyshire.
“We are looking forward to delivering the new site for Terinex Flexibles. Clowes Developments is currently constructing a further 270,000 sq ft across the site which will enhance the existing offering for perspective occupants.”
Jack Mellor, associate at IMA Architects, said: “This is our latest project with Clowes at Dove Valley Park, and we are proud to be playing our part in creating a thriving business location. Being involved in the site, from the planning stage to completion, means we are able to create premises bespoke to the needs of the end user, something that was important to Terinex Flexibles.”
Paul Wightman, group Managing Director of the OGM Group, said: “Our new location for Terinex Flexibles will facilitate the further growth of our business and we are looking forward to adding to our team in South Derbyshire.
“The new site will be more than double the size of our current factory and will accommodate new equipment, our expanding team and increased R&D capabilities to benefit our food, petfood and medical packaging customers.
“Reducing the environmental impact of industry in the UK is both a moral obligation and a business necessity. We aim to build the UK’s best flexible packaging factory with the lowest environmental footprint producing very high quality products. We can’t wait to move in next year.”
The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) will preserve its legacy – and continue to provide services – as work begins on the transition of core functions.
Directors have tasked new Chief Executive, Phoebe Dawson, to collaborate with partners on identifying which LLEP functions will be required in future. Work will then commence to transition those functions into alternative accountable bodies.
It comes after the Government indicated that central funding for local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) nationwide will be withdrawn at the end of March 2024. The Chancellor described during the Spring Budget his intention for LEP services to be delivered by local government from as early as April 2024.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities subsequently wrote to LEPs to confirm the decision and establish the scope of each LEP’s existing work and relationships.
LLEP directors met soon after the Chancellor’s announcement to begin forming a plan for meeting the Government’s deadline. Their outline for working with core stakeholders on the transfer of powers was then ratified at a LLEP Board meeting on 13 June.
The LLEP Board agreed to form a transition group, chaired by Phoebe, to work with key partners on transferring LLEP functions while building on gains made over the years.
Andy Reed OBE, co-chair of the LLEP, said: “Phoebe has been a valuable recent addition to the LLEP team and will focus on finding ways to further progress the many good things the LLEP has delivered over the years.
“The announcement during the Spring Budget was not unexpected and we had been talking with stakeholders for more than a year. What is important now is that we build on that collaboration with more formal talks to agree our approach ahead of the Government funding deadline in nine months’ time.”
Anil Majithia, co-chair of the LLEP, said: “It’s really important that we maintain our service delivery as the cost of doing business continues to challenge so many. LLEP officers will ensure smooth transition as our teams continue helping local businesses towards increased productivity, investment-readiness, and growth.”
Phoebe started as Chief Executive in May and has since been meeting staff members, delivery partners, and other stakeholders to discuss the local approach.
She said: “Government has put a timeline in place and therefore transition planning must commence promptly. Not only will this preserve our legacy, and provide the best outcomes for all of our stakeholders, it will also give greater clarity to our team members in relation to their own futures.”
Plans are being made to maintain core functions through to March. Funding has also been agreed to provide Careers Hub support through to August 2024 – the end of the next academic year.
“Team members are naturally concerned about the uncertainty around their own functions,” Phoebe added. “The Board has ratified transition, and we will provide that transition with an updated Delivery Plan setting new objectives for each of the team.
“This will maximise the value of functions within our existing portfolio, while also positioning us to continue seizing upon opportunities as we move towards March 2024.”
The Delivery Plan will be presented to the LLEP Board at its meeting in August.
Workspace consultants and commercial office interior fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors has completed the fit-out of an iconic high-profile 1950’s office building located on the A5 in Nuneaton.
Formerly the original HQ of HORIBA MIRA, the building underwent refurbishment and has been leased as a temporary solution to a Swedish automotive brand, who will eventually move to a brand-new purpose built complex within MIRA Technology Park, one of the UK’s leading locations for automotive research and development.
The overarching objective was to be sympathetic to the key features of a 1950’s building whilst also modernising the interior office space to ensure HORIBA MIRA was able to retain its tenant and continue occupancy within the technology park.
Delivering the design vision meant stripping out several areas where over the years lowered ceilings and office partitioning had been added. When the ceiling in the reception area was removed an amazing double height space was revealed. This feature is now a central focal point which ‘wows’ visitors and helps to convey a positive first impression.
Internally the style takes its lead influence from the building’s iconic original crittal windows.
The entire space has been transformed, including a wide variety of functional desk spaces, break out rooms and meeting rooms. Functional features such as toilets and showers have been refitted with modern energy efficient equipment.
Mark Rogers, Facilities & Maintenance Manager at HORIBA MIRA, said: “Blueprint Interiors has delivered a great result and we’re delighted with the transformation of the building. We now have the wide variety of workspaces that we required with the building modern, people-focused and climate-controlled with an exceptional main reception.”
Chloe Sproston, Creative Director from Blueprint Interiors, added: “The deadline, the budget and some of the 1950s features found during the strip out meant the project presented some unusual challenges, making it truly unique.
“It’s given both us and the client great satisfaction to know we’ve breathed new life into a special space that will continue to live for many more years to come. We are very pleased that the feedback about the transformation has been summed up by the client in just one word – amazing!”
Based in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire Blueprint Interiors has previously been involved in the commercial fit-out of the social hub within MIRA Technology Park and has recently completed projects for other high profile brands including The Melton Building Society, Gleeds, Roythornes Solicitors, Worldline and Futures Housing.
Geldards has advised Derbyshire-based Arctic Cabins on its transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
A family-run business established over twenty years ago by owner Gareth Parkinson and his Finnish wife Virpi, Arctic Cabins takes inspiration from the Scandinavian lifestyle which places sturdy wooden shelters, often with a central BBQ, in communities and national parks as refuges to be used by the community.
The trend for homeworking since the pandemic, coupled with a gardening boom, has seen the demand for practical home office solutions and additional living space skyrocket, and Arctic Cabins have experienced a huge surge in demand for their versatile wooden cabins as a result.
Manufactured in Derbyshire, the company relies on its skilled carpenters and craftspeople to produce a high quality range of cabins and BBQ huts and its product range has grown over the years, to include the Cabin Master brand which offers bespoke insulated garden rooms which are hand crafted to customers’ exact specifications.
Protecting the hard-won business legacy built up by a dedicated workforce over the decades, was a primary consideration for Gareth when planning for his exit from the business. Keen to secure the future of the business, protect staff jobs and retain highly skilled employees, a transition to an Employee Ownership Trust was the right solution for Arctic Cabins.
An Employee Ownership Trust hands ownership of the business to employees, rather than a sale on the open market, and trustees are appointed to ‘look after’ shares in the business on behalf of the employees.
The rise in popularity of Employee Ownership Trusts has grown enormously over the past two years, with business owners becoming alive to the benefits that EOTS can offer. They prove to be an effective model to realise a succession plan for business owners, which puts employees at the heart of the decision.
Geldards advised Arctic Cabins on the formation of an Employee Ownership Trust and the purchase by the EOT of the entire share capital.
Andrew Evans, partner at Geldards, said: “It was great to be instructed by Gareth and the team at Arctic Cabins as long time clients of the firm, and take them through the challenges of a transition to employee ownership. The positive feedback from the initial presentation to all the staff and the enthusiasm of the employee trustees emphasised the suitability of Arctic Cabins for employee ownership. I look forward to continuing to work with Arctic Cabins in the future.”
Acquisitive retail giant Frasers Group has reportedly appointed its founder Mike Ashley as a consultant.
Mike Ashley stepped down as a director of the Shirebrook-based business last year, and will now, according to The Sunday Times, advise the firm on supply chain and operations.
The Sunday Times notes that while Ashley will not be paid for his consultancy services, the agreement may raise concerns that he is acting as a shadow director. The company is understood to have taken legal advice.
Frasers Group has recently undertaken a flurry of investments, upping its stake in electrical retailer AO to over 22% and snapping up an almost 9% shareholding in Currys, alongside others.
Approval has been granted by Charnwood Borough Council for the creation of a new Space4 timber frame factory – believed to be the biggest in the UK – on the edge of Loughborough.
Following approval from Charnwood Borough Council on 22 June 2023, the state-of-the-art facility will bring up to 120 new jobs to Loughborough and the surrounding areas, whilst also utilising the latest automation technology as part of the manufacturing process. The factory will produce timber frame units for up to 7,000 homes a year and is set to be in full operation towards the end of 2025.
Gareth Wicks, Managing Director Designate at Space4, said: “We’re delighted to have received approval for our new Space4 facility and I want to thank Charnwood Borough Council for their support. Not only will the development deliver up to 120 new jobs, it will also further our goal to place sustainable practices at the very heart of our developments.
“We’re committed to creating vibrant, successful communities with the environment in mind. We’ll continue to work in partnership with the Council and other stakeholders to ensure our new Space4 factory delivers real benefits for local industry and the wider Loughborough community.”
The new Space4 facility will be placed on the Garendon Park Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE), a community of over 3,000 homes on the Garendon Park estate. Across the whole of the SUE, a cumulative figure of over £43m will be paid to support local infrastructure delivery and ensure economic development.
Dan Endersby, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes North Midlands, said: “Approval for the new Space4 facility at our Garendon Park development comes at a particularly exciting time as we welcome our first residents and continue to build our presence in Loughborough.
“Garendon Park will be one of Persimmon’s flagship communities, with over 3,000 homes, employment and leisure facilities, and a range of preserved historic monuments around the site.”
Car manufacturer KIA is set to drive into St Modwen Park Derby, with the City Council giving the nod to its plans for a nationwide training centre.
It means KIA’s existing training centre in Nottingham will be relocated.
Utilising a 39,590 sq ft unit, the new training facility would train members of staff employed in KIA’s UK dealerships and workshops, including a mix of apprentices and adult learners.
15-17 full time staff will be employed at the site including tutors, centre manager and administrators.
The facility will be operated by Skillsnet who manage a number of similar sites in the UK including the Ford academy.
The facility will contain eight training rooms provided at ground and first floor level, together with a theatre/presentation room. The ground floor will also contain a ‘mock-up showroom’ and a large workshop area with a number of workshop bays and test areas.
It is anticipated that the facility could accommodate up to 100 trainees per day.
Smiths Property Experts have acquired and taken over the sales operation of competitor NB Estate Agents in Loughborough.
The takeover is part of a wider plan that affords both Smiths and NB clients greater marketing reach, along with access to even more industry experience.
NB have a history of excellence in estate agency, as one of Loughborough’s leading independent firms, with offices located between the ring road and Church Gate.
Tom Smith, Managing Director of East Midlands-based Smiths Property Experts, said: “We are beyond excited to announce this news. As a long-operating competitor, I know only too well that the team have worked tirelessly at NB to establish a fine reputation driven in large part by sales manager, Anna Law.
“Anna is staying in seat and brings years of experience and a determination to succeed on behalf of her clients. Clients past and present, you have my word that we will continue to add to the foundations laid by Anna and the team moving forward.”
Anna Law said: “Having met Tom, Lucinda, and the team at Smiths, I am confident that we will strengthen relationships with our clients and become a force to be reckoned with in our market. For NB clients nothing will change; I am here to provide the support, service, and results that we are known for with an experienced and motivated team.”
Nottingham specialist pharmaceutical services company, Oncimmune Holdings, has revealed a new plan for delivery of refocused growth and changes to its board and executive leadership team.
It comes after the recent divestment of Oncimmune Limited to Freenome Holdings, Inc., which strengthened Oncimmune’s cash position and provides its ImmunoINSIGHTS services business with guaranteed minimum revenues for at least the next two years from Freenome, as well as allowing Oncimmune to restructure and partly repay its loan with IPF Partners.
It also follows losses widening to over £11m at Oncimmune, with administrative and research & development expenses jumping, in the firm’s 2022 financial year, despite a slight revenue rise.
Oncimmune’s Board believes the company is now poised to enhance shareholder value by: refocusing commercial efforts towards higher value customers and Oncimmune’s core services offering, continuing to penetrate key customers with whom Oncimmune has long term contractual relationships, partnering with key technology suppliers on cross-selling opportunities, launching new biomarker tools as well as novel service offerings for measurement of certain biomarkers, and carefully controlling and optimally utilising its operational cost base and central overheads.
As part of the refocussing of Oncimmune’s business, Dr Adam M Hill will be stepping down as CEO and as a director of the company.
Pending the appointment of a permanent successor, the Board has appointed Ron Kirschner, the company’s general counsel and company secretary, as acting CEO, and a director of the company.
The company is actively recruiting for additional resources in its leadership team.
Alistair Macdonald, Oncimmune’s chairman, said: “The Board would like to thank Adam for his foresight, perseverance and hard work, often in challenging conditions, over the last five years. I also welcome Ron to his new role.
“Since joining Oncimmune three years ago, Ron has been an instrumental part of the company’s operational and strategic leadership, providing close support to the Board throughout. The Board is grateful to Ron for stepping up to lead the company as it refocuses and as it builds a new senior executive team.
“Certain of the company’s shareholders have recently engaged the Board and executive team to contribute their views on the future strategy of the company, for which I am grateful. The Board believes that the plan we set out today is the one best designed to capitalise on the company’s resources and create value for all shareholders.
“I, and the rest of the Board, will continue to engage with our wider stakeholders to ensure that we remain attentive to all views as we deliver best-in-class service offerings to our customers.
“Whilst the current headwinds in our sector are expected to lead to a tough end to our financial year ending August 2023, the Board believes that the company now has a solid foundation in place from which to launch the new plan to deliver growth through FY2024 and beyond.”
Adam Hill, Oncimmune’s outgoing Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to lead Oncimmune for the last five years. As I transition to a new opportunity, I look forward to seeing the new team drive the next stage of the organisation’s journey.”
Teams from Rolls-Royce have visited the University of Derby’s Markeaton Street site to tour a specialist laboratory space used by the global leader in complex power and propulsion systems to develop and evaluate new technologies.
Representatives from the company viewed the new Rolls-Royce Technology Hub, where experts from the Rolls-Royce Central Technology Group have co-located with the University of Derby’s community of staff and students.
The facility is home to two key Rolls-Royce teams drawn from Central Technology and Repair Technology, each of which has a worldwide brief. The role of the Central Technology Department is to identify technologies which could be of use to any division of Rolls-Royce.
An exciting array of futuristic technologies are being developed and evaluated in the facility, some of which are the first of their kind in the world. They include robotics, metrology systems, electronics and sensor development, machine vision, spectrometry, and Internet of Things. The development of several tools in the lab has been co-funded by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, under the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme, REINSTATE.
The event coincided with the University’s Engineering Degree Show, giving visitors the opportunity to see work produced by Rolls-Royce apprentices and other students at the University.
Rolls-Royce and the University already work together on several world-class projects including the Nuclear Skills Academy at Infinity Park.
Dr Louise Richards, Deputy Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at the University, said: “Our partnership with Rolls-Royce provides a range of mutual benefits. Rolls-Royce’s ground-breaking work in the Technology Hub provides opportunities for University staff and students to engage with and learn from innovation and research.
“We are also exploring ways to build on the success of our apprenticeships partnership to provide practical placement opportunities for our on-campus students.”
Mike Wingfield, Technology Hub Lead at Rolls-Royce, said: “Having access to the facilities at Markeaton Street has been a game-changer for us; it has enabled us to develop technologies we’d previously not been able to progress.
“We enjoy engaging with the staff and students at the University and hope to further involve many more students in our technology projects going forward. The ability to have this involvement with the University while still being local to two of our major sites is very valuable.”
The University’s site at Markeaton Street provides a base for academics, students and apprentices on its engineering, computing, and mathematics courses as well as the creative arts. The site features state-of-the-art STEM research and innovation facilities including hi-tech electronics laboratories and engineering workshops.
Midlands businesses are being forced to put the brakes on growth plans, as nearly nine in ten companies (88%) admit difficulty in accessing capital is impacting their business.
According to BDO LLP’s bi-monthly Economic Economy surveyof 500 mid-market businesses, over a quarter (27%) of regional companies are struggling to finance expansion plans, with nearly a quarter (23%) finding it difficult to invest in the technology or software they need to improve the business. More than a fifth (22%) admit that a shortage of funding means they’re facing the prospect of having to make redundancies or scale back the business.
The survey by the accountancy and business advisory firm, also highlighted the ongoing challenges facing Midlands businesses. Over the next six months, record levels of inflation will continue to blight regional companies, with over a third (35%) saying higher overheads and increased operating costs are their number one concern.
As businesses in the region contend with a growing list of problems, the task of covering higher operational costs is one of the top business priorities for more than a quarter of regional companies (28%), with a further 28% also looking to offshore as much of their supply chain as possible, in a bid to tackle the disruptions being faced. In addition, nearly a quarter (22%) intend to restructure their workforce, including making redundancies, as Midlands companies look to take action over the next six months.
Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “As a result of the tough economic conditions that continue to hamper regional businesses, companies are facing a real need to raise funds within the next two years, in order to kick-start their growth plans.
“Against a challenging backdrop, Midlands businesses are having to explore every option when it comes to raising additional finance, with many struggling to access the capital they need. For nearly a third, the equity capital markets are the most appealing source of funding, with revenue-based finance and Government support schemes also high up on the list.”
Mid-sized companies, which employ eight million people and provide around a quarter of UK jobs according to further research, are now calling on the Government to support them with rising costs and improve access to capital to make the UK a more appealing place to do business.
Bellingall added: “So far, mid-market businesses in the Midlands have shown real grit and determination to fend off the challenges that continue to rain down on them.
“However, many are reaching tipping point. The need for greater capital is critical for a significant proportion of businesses, not just to finance growth plans, but also to address key issues such as investing in staff retention, repaying debts, improving salaries and, importantly, recruiting new employees with the right skills and experience.
“Midlands businesses cannot tackle these challenges in isolation. Business leaders in the region believe more can done be to address their concerns, to help to drive growth, and to ensure the UK remains an attractive place to do business.”
Nottingham-based AI startup Blueskeye AI, which is developing software to help pregnant women monitor and improve their mental health, has won a national technology award for its work.
The company was named “Emerging Tech of the Year,” by UK tech network, Digital Leaders. BlueSkeye was chosen from a shortlisted field of ten competitors for the award at a ceremony at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on Thursday evening, 22 June.
The Award recognises the development of an innovative technology, design or process that has produced a major improvement in business performance and impacted the market.
BlueSkeye, a spin out from the University of Nottingham, uses AI to analyse minute changes to people’s face and voice over time which can reveal the early tell tale signs of depression. The technology has developed from 18 years of research by founding CEO professor Michel Valstar. The technology has been used by 200,000 mums so far and the company is working with Nottinghamshire NHS Trusts to undertake clinical trials.
Collecting the award for BlueSkeye AI, professor Valstar said: “We’re absolutely thrilled and delighted for BlueSkeye to be recognised for its innovative use of machine learning to help clinicians, patients and their friends and families assess, treat and monitor mental health.
“UK Mental Health is in crisis, around 1 in 5 women experience a perinatal mental health problem and our technology addresses this significant need. We are developing software to the highest, clinical, standards to support clinicians, mums and mums to be.
“Winning shows how far we’ve come since our foundation in 2019. It’s a testament to the hard work and talent of our whole team and a validation of the work we’re doing.”
The Digital Leaders Awards, now in their eleventh year, are designed to celebrate the 100 leading individuals and companies who are working to secure the UK’s digital transformation.
Providing an ideal opportunity to shout about your business’s achievements, enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 NOW – ahead of nominations closing on Thursday 31 August.
The prestigious event, organised by East Midlands Business Link Magazine, is an independent awards and publicity programme recognising 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.
The annual awards attract leaders from throughout the East Midlands and are the perfect way for businesses to promote themselves and those they work with. Indeed winning one of these awards will add considerably to a company’s or individual’s brand and enhance their commercial reach significantly.
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.
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 time to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region.
After winning the most active agent award at last year’s event, Amy Bidell, director at Mather Jamie, said: “Apparently this category had so many entries that whittling it down to the three finalists was really hard to do, but we were told that we were chosen as the outright winner because of the our impressive track record of supporting clients to maximise the value of their property assets for the longest timeframe.
Victoria Golborn, Mather Jamie, Amy Bidell, Mather Jamie, Sue Alland, Mather Jamie, and Rob Day, Blueprint Interiors
“Judges were also impressed by our commitment to the community, particularly our fundraising efforts during our 30th anniversary year when over £55,000 was raised for local charities.”
She added: “It would not be right to accept this award without giving credit to everyone in our commercial, development and agricultural teams who have worked so hard to make this award win possible by providing a high level of strategic land development advice as well as rural and commercial agency and property management services.”
To nominate your (or another) business/development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, please click on a category link below or visit this page:
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.
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