Developer wins appeal following refusal of major Beeston mixed-use scheme

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Developer wins appeal following refusal of major Beeston mixed-use scheme
Proposals for a major mixed-use scheme of student accommodation and commercial space in Beeston are set to go ahead, after being refused last year, thanks to a successful appeal. The initial decision to block the eight storey scheme in July 2022 came despite recommendations for approval by the planning officer. Detailing why the plans were refused, the planning committee noted that there was “concern about the amenity of students living in the accommodation because the rooms were very small, and the intensity of occupation was too high for the size of the site.” It was also highlighted that there would be an impact on neighbour amenity because of the lack of car parking provided on the site and because the students would only be in occupation for part of the year. The design of the building was also considered to be “unimaginative and inappropriate as a gateway building to Beeston.” The refusal of the controversial development was praised by Beeston Civic Society, who, in response to the appeal, set up a petition to uphold the decision. The 419-student bed space scheme from Midlands-based developer Cassidy Group, planned for Station Road, next to the Arc Cinema, is now set to go ahead. Cassidy previously said that the scheme at the edge of Beeston town centre would breathe new life into a derelict site and bring increased footfall and economic benefit to local retailers. They added that it would also free up much-needed housing in the town, currently occupied by students, for family homes.

Plans in to bring new life to college site with residential scheme

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Plans in to bring new life to college site with residential scheme
Plans to bring new life to a former college site in Nottingham have been submitted to the city council. 55 homes would be created on the Castle College site on Carlton Road, with Keepmoat Homes behind the proposals.
The new scheme would include detached and semi detached houses, and up to four storey apartment blocks. Eight one bed, 24 two bed, and 23 three bed homes would be provided. The college was demolished around 2009 and the site allocated for residential development. Previously the land held a brick works and clay pit. A planning statement says: “The proposal includes the redevelopment of the site with a scheme for 55 dwellings including demolition of the existing building and hardstanding, upgrading the existing access, new drainage and highways infrastructure, substation and open space.
“The proposals will provide much needed homes including family homes on an underused, previously developed site that will support the Government’s objective of significantly boosting the supply of housing. “The proposals have been informed by a full range of supporting technical reports, which confirm that there are no significant adverse impacts that cannot be mitigated.”

Kind-hearted colleagues swap creature comforts for concrete floors to support homeless charity

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Kind-hearted colleagues swap creature comforts for concrete floors to support homeless charity
Kind-hearted colleagues from PA Housing raised more than £2,000 after giving up their beds for a night in support of a campaign to help homeless people in Leicestershire. Six charity champions from the social housing provider swapped their creature comforts for the concrete floors of Leicester City Football Club’s King Power Stadium as part of YMCA Leicestershire’s first ever Sleep Easy initiative. Simon Hatchman, executive director of resources, Emma Macnish, director of people, Erica Myers, HR operations manager, Charlene Curtis, income team manager, Josh Ingram, internal recruiter, and Marco Cardoni, junior communications officer, joined 50 other fundraisers who participated in the event. They smashed their original target to raise £250, collecting an impressive £2,281 in sponsorship. All the money raised through the event will benefit local young people and adults who are experiencing homelessness, enabling YMCA Leicestershire to continue to run and, importantly, expand its vital services. This includes providing safe supported housing for homeless young people aged 16-25, as well as mental health support, and personalised skills sessions to help them to move forward positively with their lives. The charity also offers a safe and welcoming environment at YASC for rough sleepers of all ages, providing them with home comforts such as a cup of tea, breakfast and clean clothes, as well as advice on finding suitable accommodation and support for issues such as poor mental health, unemployment, and loneliness. Emma Macnish, director of people at PA Housing, said: “The Sleep Easy event was an extremely humbling experience for all of us and one that will stay in our memories for a long time. “Although we knew that giving up our beds for one night wouldn’t replicate the harsh reality experienced by people who sleep rough across the county, we really wanted to play a part in helping to improve the lives of those who face that challenge on a nightly basis. “At PA Housing we are passionate about our community, so it was great to be able to extend our commitment to helping those in need beyond the working day and support the incredible work carried out by YMCA Leicestershire.” Emma Knight, fundraising and communications manager at YMCA Leicestershire, added: “The PA Housing team showed great camaraderie sleeping outside at the stadium and generating an incredible level of donations, which will make a big difference to people experiencing homelessness. “They genuinely care about their local community and we couldn’t have wished for a better bunch of people to help make our first ever Sleep Easy such a buzzing success.” Since its launch in 2010, 7,000 people across the country have taken part in YMCA’s national Sleep Easy campaign, raising over £1.5 million to fund local YMCA services.

Inflation remains at historically high levels

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Inflation remains at historically high levels
After falling in April, inflation in the 12 months to May 2023 was unchanged at 8.7%, as current cost and price pressures persist, with households and businesses feeling the pinch. Inflation had been expected to decline to 8.4% year on year, but now, to bring it under control a further interest rate rise from the Bank of England is expected by many. Higher prices for air travel and recreational goods and services were a key contributor to inflation over the month, while this was offset by a fall in the cost of petrol and food prices not rising quite as quickly as they have been. ONS Chief Economist, Grant Fitzner, said: “After last month’s fall, annual inflation was little changed in May and remains at a historically high level. “The cost of airfares rose by more than a year ago and is at a higher level than usual for May. Rising prices for second-hand cars, live music events and computer games also contributed to inflation remaining high. “These were offset by a fall in the cost of petrol. Food price inflation remains high, but the rate has eased slightly this month with costs rising more slowly than this time last year.” Meanwhile core inflation – which takes out of consideration volatile items like energy and food costs – disappointingly rose in May to 7.1% from 6.8%, the highest reading since 1992.

Raise your business’s profile at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023

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Raise your business’s profile at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
Raise the profile of your business by submitting an entry for Business Link’s prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023! Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and outstanding developments, the annual awards attract leaders from across the region and are the perfect way for businesses to promote the work they are completing and create more buzz. Award categories include: most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner. A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening that will also provide plenty of opportunities to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. Nominations for the event are open, and now is the perfect time to make your submissions, ahead of the deadline (Thursday 31 August). 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:
After winning the Deal of the Year award at last year’s event, Trevor Wells, director at Wells McFarlane, said: “For Wells McFarlane, the Broadnook Garden Village deal involved more than a decade of work, requiring extensive collaboration and detailed local knowledge to navigate its numerous complexities. The sale completed in July [2022] and will allow for the creation of an entirely new community comprising homes, businesses, a primary school, leisure facilities and natural open space. It’s fantastic news that our years of hard work are now recognised as the East Midlands’ most significant deal of 2022. We would also like to thank East Midlands Business Link for organising such a successful and well-attended event.”
Find out who last year’s winners were here.

Book your tickets now

Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on Thursday 28 September 2023 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region, and hear from Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, our keynote speaker. Dress code is standard business attire. Thanks to our sponsors:                                                             To be held at:

New future beckons for County Hall as alternative uses sought

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New future beckons for County Hall as alternative uses sought
Ideas for alternative uses for Derbyshire County Council’s headquarters are being sought, as it looks to make the most of the historic building to bring a new lease of life for Matlock and the surrounding area. The County Council have asked a team of advisors to seek expressions of interest from developers, hotel operators and others for their ideas on options for the future of the historic complex of buildings. The over-riding objective is to deliver the best outcome for the long-term use of the complex so that it contributes to the vitality of the town of Matlock and makes a significant ongoing contribution to the economy of the area. Deputy leader, councillor Simon Spencer, said: “We want to give County Hall a new lease of life that will capitalise on the special nature of the historic buildings and the uniqueness of Matlock being on the fringe of one of the UK’s most popular tourist attractions – the Peak District. “We are asking for ideas from investors, developers and business operators, but we are at the start of a journey. Nothing is going to change overnight, and if we do find a new future for the building then we will enter into a period of consultation, including needing to seek planning approval. “We are just not using the building to its full potential, particularly post pandemic, when many of our employees are working from home for several days a week. This does give us a once in a lifetime opportunity to make the most of this wonderful building. “Our vision for County Hall involves transforming the current buildings, and the fabulous landscaped setting into a world class hotel and venue coupled with spaces for local businesses, new homes for local people, a revitalised Winter Garden, and opportunities for the community to hold events, meet formally, or simply just to convene.”   Every option suggested by businesses and developers for the future of the building will be considered, and they could include:
  • hotel, conferencing and associated facilities to attract short and long stay visitors, to support events, and cater for the business community across Derbyshire, the East Midlands and beyond
  • flexible office space in new and/or refurbished space on site for the council
  • additional office facilities to support, for example, local public sector partners
  • residential units to meet local demand
  • co-working space and studios for the creative sector
  • facilities for the local community
Councillor Spencer added: “Our long-standing commitment to the town will remain. Our vision for County Hall includes the council remaining on site in either a new, low energy building on a much smaller footprint, or a dedicated space within the existing buildings that can be repurposed to meet current and future needs. Or potentially a combination of both options. The scale of the current County Hall complex allows many, mutually supportive uses to co-exist without compromise.”   An expression of interest document has been circulated and anyone interested is asked to contact either David Couch, email david.couch@realestate.bnpparibas or Harry Douglass, harry.douglass@realestate.bnpparibas by 21 July 2023. Engagement with the market will provide important information about the viability of alternative uses of County Hall. Before any decisions are made on the future of County Hall, a full consultation will be held and any potential changes will also need planning approval.

National business award success for Leicester school

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National business award success for Leicester school

New College Leicester’s business development manager, Wayne Allsopp, has scooped an award at the prestigious Education Business Awards.

Wayne was named as Business Development Manager of the Year at the awards ceremony, which took place in London on Wednesday 14 June. Wayne was presented with his award by former Team GB Athlete Donna Fraser.

It was a case of double success for New College on the night. In addition to Wayne Allsopp winning his award, New College Leicester was also named as a finalist in the ‘School Sports Award’ category. This is in recognition of its excellent sports provision, including its facilities, external partnerships, and its focus on making sport accessible for all.

Wayne is the driving force behind New College’s sports provision and commercial strategy and everyone at New College is delighted that his tireless work in raising standards of provision and outcomes for children at the school has been recognised by his industry peers.

Set in New Parks in Leicester, an area of above average levels of social deprivation, New College Leicester places itself at the heart of the local community through sport. Following significant investment and established community partnerships, more than 2,500 people now use its outstanding sports facilities weekly. This includes one of the best gymnastics facilities in the UK, a purpose-built outdoor cycle track, gym, sports halls and a café that is open to the public.

The school also recognises that health and wellbeing are essential if students are to do well at school. Given that negative health outcomes are prevalent for many in New Parks, the school has placed sports, health, and wellbeing at the core of its strategy to help provide a rounded education and improve the lives of its students.

It is this commitment to getting the New Parks community active, both its students and local people, that led to New College being named as a finalist and Wayne winning his category.

The School Business Manager Award is given to an individual whose business leadership skills and commercial outlook have had a positive impact on the school’s budgeting and strategic decision making.

Wayne’s ability to realise the link between a strong sports offering, its benefits to local people and the positive commercial impact this brings to the school is one of the reasons he has been shortlisted.

Wayne says: “I am thrilled to have won the award and that the hard work the team at New College has put into improving our school has been recognised. We are proud of New College and what we are achieving for the New Parks community, so its fantastic to know our work is considered to be amongst the best in the UK and something others may look to replicate to improve outcomes for children.

“We are extremely proud of our asset-based community development approach to sport. Working in partnership to develop excellent sporting facilities that drive benefits for both the community and school is delivering tangible results for thousands of people.

“For the vast majority of people who can only dream of participating in an Olympics or a World Cup the school is working hard to make sport accessible for all of them. What Loughborough University is doing for elite sport, New College Leicester is doing for school and community sport, and we are proud to have been recognised for that at a national level.”

Liz Kendall MP, who supported the school’s application, says: “The school serves a community that faces significant levels of social disadvantage, deprivation and child poverty.

“Staff work tirelessly to overcome these barriers and the use of sport has been a particularly effective tool to boost aspiration, promote healthier lifestyles and encouraging parents and the wider community to get involved in the activities of the school. Sport is used to help unleash children’s wider talents, showing them if they work hard they can be successful.

“In other words, it acts as a hook, inspiring students to achieve better results in other subjects. The links New College have created with local primary schools enable this work to begin early, which is crucial to improving the life chance of children in this part of my constituency.

“I fully endorse New College Leicester’s nomination for these awards. It sends a strong message to the many unsung heroes, both at the school and in the community, who rightly deserve recognition for their tireless effort.”

This is the second time in as many months that New College Leicester has enjoyed award success. In May, Edwina Maguire, the school’s English as an Additional Language and Teaching and Learning Lead, was named as a finalist in the prestigious Times Educational Supplement (TES) Awards.

Eventful times for business

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Eventful times for business
Companies the length and breadth of the UK are becoming increasingly brow-beaten by a seemingly relentless deluge of gloomy economic news. Leadership teams grappling with rising costs, will be drawing up efficiency plans in a bid to identify how they can achieve more with less. When it comes to increasing effectiveness there are a selection of obvious business levers to pull, but there are also some simple yet deceptively powerful principles that can help make big impacts to bottom lines. Improving customer retention can contribute to impressive increases in revenues of between 25% and 95%. Keeping staff is another way for businesses to make gains, as reducing staff turnover means less hiring costs, increased productivity, and delivers a better customer experience. Achieving retention takes creativity particularly given that quiet-quitting, rapidly diminishing attention spans and time poor audiences are growingly prevalent considerations. As well as the more obvious choices of reward and recognition, delivering great customer service, loyalty, referral incentives and so on. A good old-fashioned face to face can be incredibly powerful when it comes to both winning and keeping clients or staff. The pandemic was a catalyst for change and served as a reminder that there really isn’t any substitute for human contact no matter how high-tech a virtual setting may be. Karis Hildred is an events specialist who manages an award-winning venue and events operation, she shared some insights saying: “We were honoured most recently with a bronze award from the M&IT which has been a superb stamp of approval for our venue. “The last few years have been eventful to say the least with most people adapting roles and rapidly upskilling to take events online through the pandemic. Now, in a post Covid world, like many, we are bracing ourselves. “We’re holding on to the hope that our industry won’t be affected again on such a massive scale as we enter a potential economic crisis. But we’ve found that organisations are still focusing on planning events and their priority is ensuring that every one of their guests gets maximum value from attending. Clients are looking for the wow factor that simply cannot be delivered online. “We’ve seen a huge increase in full day event bookings which incorporate experiences. Our venue and events centre is housed in a beautiful 200 year old building owned by a fourth generation family of coffee roasters, Stokes Tea & Coffee. This is fantastic for us as we can include tours of the onsite coffee roastery followed by tastings or ‘have a go at latte art’ classes at the Barista Academy located in the same building. “These dynamic elements allow the event organisers to interact with their guests in exciting and informal ways. Being able to provide such a wide range of unique options as well as a full range of events and venue services is valuable to our clients. “Shared experiences allows them to break down barriers and interact with their clients, along with having the right facilities to do the important stuff and deliver those key messages. Attendees want to walk away with something extra that cannot be delivered through a screen. Clients want to see, smell and taste an event and organisers stepping into this new field want to deliver these experiences with exceptional customer service.” Debbie Connelly, Head of Awards and Conferences Operations, Northstar Meetings Group, organisers of M&IT Awards, said: “From galvanising workforces to spreading knowledge and inspiring innovation, the meetings and events industry has played a crucial role in rebuilding economies in the aftermath of the pandemic. “Our latest research shows that, while business remains challenging, optimism about the continued return of in-person events continues to grow. That’s because, ultimately, you can’t replicate the in-person experience online – the special buzz you get when people are in the same room. At a time when hybrid working has become the norm, events like the M&IT Awards play an even more crucial role in bringing people together and celebrating success.” Budgets are tightening and the competitive environment is hotting up, so finding ways to cut through the noise and stand out from the crowd is crucial. The newfound popularity of in-person conferences is not just a result of people missing these interactions but rather that businesses are seeing real benefits. Businesses are using events to elevate their company brand, convert sales opportunities more rapidly, build contact lists and data, strengthen existing relationships to realise greater potential and value, build a collaborative approach to a collective problem or challenge, generate new leads and so much more. Putting on an event or arranging a conference doesn’t have to be costly, complicated or cumbersome. Using professional organisers and setting clear objectives is a focused way of achieving real results. The next 12 to 18 months look set to be far from plain sailing for all businesses everywhere. But resisting the urge to batten down the hatches and using ingenuity to reach the people that count in personal ways can make all the difference. Karis’ Top Tips For Event Success: 1. Have clear objectives – share these with your event organiser to achieve concrete outcomes. 2. Do something different – choosing the best venue with great facilities is a good start but consider what else is on offer to make your event unique and memorable. 3. Make it worth it – budgets need a pay back and so do your attendees – consider what’s the value for both. 4. Plan ahead – it may seem obvious but allowing enough lead-time will take your event from good to great. 5. Share the load – choose an organiser and venue with the solid facilities, expertise and the flexibility to make your event unique to elevate your brand and be remembered long after the car park is cleared. Find out more at: Wedding Venue | The Lawn | England (lawnlincoln.com)

Burton RBS building sold to aid Solesmith brand expansion

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Burton RBS building sold to aid Solesmith brand expansion
Burton upon Trent commercial property agents and consultants, Salloway have completed the sale of a 5,671 sq ft two storey modern office/retail property in Burton town centre to local business, Solesmith. The move opens up an opportunity to grow a corporate merchandise and embroidery services side to the thriving business. The property is located at 38-41 Station Street, Burton and was formerly occupied by RBS, with recruiter Pertemps previously occupying the first-floor space. Solesmith are a local, well-established cult personalised gifting brand, conceptualized and founded by proprietor Lauren Dorling in 2014 when she realised there was a huge gap in the personalised gift market, an often-overlooked fashion accessory and gift opportunity – Great Socks. As the sock business has grown, ranges have been developed to include underwear, slippers, homeware and cosy loungewear with magical personalised touches. Solesmith now have gift ranges that they design and make for major high street brands such as Next, Joules, Dunelm and John Lewis. Lauren Dorling, proprietor of Solesmith, said: “What started as a sock brand has grown amazingly. All of our gifts are designed, photographed and personalised to order in our local workshop by our experienced, lovely skilled team. “We have invested a lot in technology and systems but are at capacity in our current business premises in Burton and have been struggling to find the right property locally to purchase for our very much needed business expansion and relocation. Luckily, Salloway were able to provide us with the solution to our property needs! “The new premises offer Solesmith room to grow as a design and online gifting business with more space, and an in-house photography studio. Alongside that we will have more focus on growing our sister brand Podsmith.co.uk, which specialises in corporate merchandise, workwear, embroidery services and product brand development for fellow independent businesses. “The new property is ideally located in Burton town centre to enable us to offer potential customers an interactive retail showroom facility to visit, to see first-hand the unique products we offer and to discuss personal design requirements for individual personalizing of our range of gifts and merchandise. We feel really passionate about our local area and working closely with other local businesses and customers to collaborate and grow opportunities here. “It was great to work with Salloway, another Burton business who really knows the market here and who helped the sale.” Responsible for brokering the sale, Anwar Hussain, associate partner at Salloway, added: “As a former bank comprising just under 6,000 sq ft, this property attracted a lot of interest. It really is great to see a local independent business become established not only in the local market but thriving nationally through its supply to major High Street brands and its online presence. We wish Lauren and her team the very best.”

Leicester-based technology innovator establishes new head office in the city

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Leicester-based technology innovator establishes new head office in the city
Cyferd, an innovative software company, has set up a new head office and AI research hub in a historic building close to Leicester city centre. 
Cyferd’s game-changing software can generate applications in seconds with just a few keywords, providing businesses across all sectors with a comprehensive suite of advanced tools that can help them to improve their operations and stay ahead of the competition on a global scale. 
The decision to set up in Leicester reflects the company’s commitment to the UK tech sector and its passion for helping underrepresented groups advance their journeys to successful careers in technology. The new head office is based in the Grade-II listed former Fielding Johnson Hospital building on Regent Road, close to the city centre and Leicester’s two universities. 
By establishing its head office in Leicester, Cyferd is committed to providing employment opportunities for local people and contributing to the city’s growing technology sector. The move is a testament to Cyferd’s belief in the potential of Leicester as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. 
The company’s founder and CEO, Ranjit Bahia said: “We are thrilled to be establishing the new tech hub of the UK, here in Leicester. Our vision is to bring together the brightest and best minds from all corners of the country in our new AI R&D facility. We aim to inspire the youth of Leicester and the UK, and show them that they could have a bright future ahead in the world of tech at our Leicester hub.” 
With the establishment of its head office in Leicester, the technology start-up is poised for continued growth and success in the field of AI. As the company continues to develop ground-breaking solutions, it is committed to encouraging the next generation of tech pioneers by starting outreach programmes into primary and secondary schools to encourage interest in STEM subjects and careers in tech. 
Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “I’m very pleased that Cyferd has chosen to make its head office in Leicester, thereby joining what is the largest cluster of creative and digital businesses outside London. “With two local universities at the forefront of design and technology on their doorstep, they certainly have a wealth of local talent to recruit from, and I welcome their commitment to developing local educational and job opportunities in this exciting sector.”

Work starts on second phase of Oadby residential development

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Work starts on second phase of Oadby residential development

Work on phase two of the Horwood Gardens development in Oadby is now under way.

The scheme being built by Ashberry Homes – part of the Bellway Group – is named after the first curator of the University of Leicester’s Botanic Garden, Arthur Horwood.

Horwood Gardens is bringing 71 homes for private sale and 46 affordable homes available for local people through low-cost rent or shared ownership.

Phase one included the construction of 45 private properties, and all the affordable homes, and now work has begun on the remaining 26 three, four and five-bedroom houses, which occupy a smaller site on the opposite side of Gartree Road.

Shirley MacLeod, sales manager for Ashberry Homes, said: “Work at Horwood Gardens is advancing extremely well, as we can see from our progress on phase one and the start of construction on phase two.

“This is great news for this part of Leicestershire as there is certainly demand for new housing here and in particular for high-quality, well-designed properties.

“The range of homes here has proved to be very attractive. There is something for every kind of buyer, whether they are purchasing their first home, upsizing to accommodate a family, or looking to downsize into a modern and more efficient property.

“Horwood Gardens is already an integral part of the Oadby area as a neighbourhood and a community is forming. And it is very fitting that it is named after Arthur Horwood as people in the area are rather fond of the Botanic Garden, which was transferred to Oadby in 1947 and is still here to this day.”

The scheme is part of wider 310-home project which is being delivered jointly by Ashberry Homes and Bellway. Work started towards the end of 2020.

The developers are investing more than £987,000 in local services and infrastructure through the contributions agreed as part of the planning agreement, including funding for bus passes, healthcare, primary and secondary education, as well as library contributions, allotment contributions and Coombe Park Pavilion contributions.

Miller Homes makes divisional managing director promotion

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Miller Homes makes divisional managing director promotion
Ben Massey has been promoted to divisional managing director for Miller Homes, leading the company’s regional offices in East Midlands, South Midlands, and Yorkshire. Ben joined Miller Homes in 2001 after completing his degree in residential development at Nottingham Trent University. Over the last 22 years, he has progressed through the company, becoming land director for the Midlands regions in 2013, before achieving promotion to the post of regional managing director for Miller’s East Midlands office and its South Midlands office, which opened in Northampton in 2022. As divisional managing director, Ben will oversee the East Midlands and South Midlands regions, as well as taking on responsibility for the Yorkshire regional office, based in Wakefield. Ben Massey said: “I’m very pleased to be taking on this new role at Miller Homes, working with our excellent teams across three unique and distinctive regions. I look forward to developing our presence in the South Midlands, where we will be celebrating our first completions this summer, while continuing to deliver top quality homes at new and existing sites in the East Midlands and Yorkshire. “At Miller Homes, we take great pride in the work we do, building the best houses possible for our customers and maintaining strong relationships with contractors and landowners across the UK. It’s a real privilege to continue my professional journey with Miller as a divisional managing director, building on the invaluable experience I have gained to date with the company.” Stewart Lynes, Chief Executive Officer at Miller Homes, said: “Since joining the company in 2001, Ben has made an excellent contribution to our work in the East Midlands, and more recently, he has played a key role in setting up a new regional office in South Midlands. “His promotion to divisional managing director is well deserved and I’m sure he will work hard with the three regional teams to continue to grow our reputation as a quality homebuilder that customers can trust and rely on.”

Double award glory for Northamptonshire housebuilder

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Double award glory for Northamptonshire housebuilder

A Northamptonshire housebuilder is celebrating after winning big at a local business awards ceremony.

East Haddon-based Cora took home the gold award in the Sustainability category at this year’s SME Northamptonshire Business Awards, while Managing Director Luke Simmons scooped silver in the Business Person of the Year category.

The business creates developments throughout the Midlands, focused on sustainability and building energy efficient homes for the future.

The shift in focus comes after the business rebranded from Barwood Homes late last year.

Luke said: “We are absolutely thrilled to take home such prestigious awards, in recognition of all the hard work put in over the last year.

“Everyone at Cora is committed to sustainability and creating amazing places that support our environment. We are proudly Northamptonshire-based, so winning a local award makes this feeling that extra bit special.”

Cora has invested heavily in renewable energy alternatives on its sites, while it is also researching innovative new ways to heat its homes using waste water recovery systems.

It has also contributed more than £11,000 towards nature preservation in the last year while planting over 9,000 trees and shrubs.

The business also recognises its social responsibility and puts great emphasis on training apprentices and graduates, while setting targets to hire more people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

It has also set a goal of designating 50% of its homes for affordable housing over the next two years.

Luke added: “As a business we recognise the impact our industry has on the world – and we want to make it a better one.

“We are proving that investing in sustainable practices and delivering on our social ambitions can have a real impact not just on our customers, but us as a business too.

“This is a very exciting time for our business and I speak on behalf of the whole team when I say we are looking forward to extending our reach further throughout the Midlands and beyond.”

Shoosmiths’ Wealth Protection and Disputed Wills and Trusts teams transfer to Rothley

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Shoosmiths’ Wealth Protection and Disputed Wills and Trusts teams transfer to Rothley
Law firm Shoosmiths has transferred its Wealth Protection team and members of its Disputed Wills & Trusts and Court of Protection teams to Rothley Law following a strategic review. The 41-strong team joining Rothley includes three former Shoosmiths partners Adam Draper, Melissa Maple and Lucy Taylor, and legal director Charlotte Dunn. The transfer follows a strategic review by Shoosmiths in 2022 which led to the firm’s decision to withdraw from the consumer facing High Net Worth and Family markets. Subject to client agreement, ongoing matters and relationships will be transferred to Rothley. Chairman of Rothley Law, John Verrill, said: “We are delighted to bring onboard the High Net Worth, Disputed Wills and Trusts and Court of Protection teams from Shoosmiths. This is a major cornerstone of our growing Rothley consumer practice. “The quality of the client work being produced by these teams is incredibly high and the level of care, passion and quality they bring to their clients is exceptional, producing a culture of ‘above and beyond’. We look forward to working with these teams in innovative ways, to grow and develop these disciplines and to win increased market share. “We thank Shoosmiths for the ease of transition of these valued partners and staff and we will maintain a complementary offering for their firm to ensure that they can remain a broader service port of call and refer such opportunities to Rothley with confidence in future.” Peter Duff, chairperson at Shoosmiths, said: “They are a first class team and we fully expect to maintain close relationships on both a personal level and also for the benefit of our mutual clients. We wish the team and Rothley Law every success in the future.”

Motor Source ESFL champions crowned

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Motor Source ESFL champions crowned
Teams from the West Midlands Police, North Wales Police and London Fire Brigade have been crowned this season’s champions in the Motor Source ESFL in the women’s league, men’s open age and veterans leagues. An epic day of football took place at the beginning of June, and not just the FA Cup Final, no, it was the finals day for the Motor Source Emergency Services Football League! Playing at Broadhurst Park Stadium in Manchester on Sunday 4th June, the final matches from the Women’s, Men’s Open Age and Veterans Leagues took place, with the West Midlands Police Women’s Team, North Wales Police Men’s and London Fire Brigade Veteran’s coming out victorious and taking home the trophies. Final Scores: Women’s Final – West Midlands Police 5 – 0 London Fire Men’s Open Age – North Wales Police 1 – 0 Thames Valley Police Men’s Veteran – London Fire 1 – 1 Met Police with London Fire winning on penalties. Players from the winning teams shared what this means to them after their victories: West Midlands Police Women’s FC West Midlands Police Women’s FC Coach London Fire Brigade Veterans FC The Motor Source ESFL was set up in 2019 by two Detective Constables who work for West Yorkshire Police, Andy Smurthwaite and Pete Overton, with the aim to bring together the police service, the fire service, the NHS and the prison service in a competitive UK wide league and the only league of its kind in the UK! It was during the duo’s involvement in the running of the West Yorkshire Police Team that they realised how limited fixtures were and the difficulties in arranging games. Each of the respective Emergency Services have their own competition but surprisingly there were none that brought the 999 community together. From here the idea of the Emergency Services Football League was born! Title sponsors of the league, Motor Source Group offer new car discounts for Emergency Services personnel, saving them on average £6,019 each on their new cars, and have been supporting the ESFL from its initial days. CEO Steve Thornton said: “It has been our pleasure to be closely involved with the ESFL again this season. Seeing all of the teams really dedicate themselves to their league and matches, and then what it means to them to be involved in the finals day is just brilliant. “The ESFL is a great incentive to bring people together from all Emergency Services and give something really positive to help boost their health and well being too.” Find out more about the ESFL and register your team here: https://www.esfl.co.uk/register/

East Midlands company receives global award during 40th anniversary year

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East Midlands company receives global award during 40th anniversary year
Michael Howard, founder and Managing Director of Frontier Software plc, has collected a prestigious award at the Global Payroll Association (GPA) Awards held on 8 June in Edinburgh, Scotland. Described by the GPA as a ‘disruptor in the payroll industry’, Michael was presented with the Judges Award, in special recognition of Frontier Software’s 40 years in the provision of payroll software and services worldwide. At the event, which celebrates the global payroll industry, a delighted Michael collected the award from CEO Melanie Pizzey and judges David Spencer and Ana Ronco-Dumas. Michael, who founded Frontier Software in 1983, said he was honoured and especially proud to receive the award during the company’s 40th Anniversary celebrations. Michael flew in from Melbourne, Australia to celebrate with solution providers and payroll professionals from across the globe, and then departed the next day for the office in Manila, Philippines. Upon accepting the award, he thanked both the GPA and judges for recognising his active role within the payroll industry, and the work of Frontier Software, saying: “I am very proud of the company and all that it has achieved.” He added: “Payroll is critical to every business and across 40 years Frontier Software has never stood still. There is always more that we can be doing, and we must keep listening, learning, and developing our solutions in line with the technology, legislation, and the demands of existing and potential new customers.” In a market where providers come and go, Frontier Software has remained a constant that can be relied upon and trusted to deliver when it comes to payroll software and services. With a focus on payroll and HR and an ambition to provide first class products and customer service, the company goes from strength to strength with the indefatigable Michael Howard at the helm!

Next ups sales and profit guidance as trading beats expectations

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Next ups sales and profit guidance as trading beats expectations
In an unscheduled update Next has revealed better trading than expected, upping its sales and profit guidance for the year. The Leicestershire-based company said: “Trading in the last seven weeks has been materially better than the guidance we issued in May and we are updating the market accordingly.” Full price sales in the first seven weeks of the second quarter were up 9.3% versus last year. It compares to Next’s guidance of -5%. In the period, Next has beaten its full price sales estimates by £93m. As a result the firm said: “We are upgrading our full price sales guidance for the full year by £137m and our full year profit guidance by £40m to £835m.” Next has put the reason for the improved performance down to the onset of warmer weather, particularly coming after a wet and cold April, and, in an inflationary environment, increases in annual salary uplifting household income. Next added: “We do not think it is a coincidence that sales stepped forward so markedly at a time of year when many organisations make their annual pay awards.”

Frasers Group take 8.9% stake in Currys

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Frasers Group take 8.9% stake in Currys
Frasers Group is further growing its retail portfolio, taking an 8.9% stake in electricals retailer Currys. It comes just a week after the Shirebrook-based business acquired a strategic stake of 18.9% in online electricals retailer AO World Plc. The £75m investment was said to be the culmination of productive talks over the last two years about establishing a strategic partnership. Frasers has since upped its stake to 21.3%. Through the investment, Frasers Group said it would benefit from AO’s “valuable know-how in electricals and two-man delivery,” helping to drive growth in the firm’s bulk equipment and homeware ranges. In turn, Frasers said AO will have the opportunity to benefit from its expertise and ecosystem. Frasers Group has also announced a £70m maximum share buyback programme. Earlier in the month it was revealed that up to 200 jobs could be slashed at Frasers Group’s Shirebrook headquarters and in London as the retail giant tries to streamline processes.

Growth Hub celebration event sells out as European business funding support draws to a close

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Growth Hub celebration event sells out as European business funding support draws to a close

All tickets have now been reserved for a one-off event celebrating business growth success in Leicester and Leicestershire.

The LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub organised the event to mark the conclusion of a partnership project – part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) – run by Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Chamber, and the LLEP.

The event, on 23 June, will feature a host of local businesses and service providers.

It will be hosted by Jim Willis, Managing Director of digital agency Bulb Studios, and will include updates on future business support available from Leicester City Council, the county, and the LLEP.

The end of the project, on 30 June, means that the Business Gateway Growth Hub will return its focus to signposting local businesses to support available locally, regionally, and nationally.

Keynote speaker Tajinder Banwait will tell guests about the journey of her fragrance brand, Urban Apothecary London, from kitchen table in Leicester to 30 international markets.

Tajinder, honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise last year in recognition of excellence in international trade, will also share tips as businesses from across the city and county gather to recognise outcomes of the Business Gateway Growth Hub.

Tickets have sold out for the showcase, which takes place at the Holiday Inn, St Nicholas Circle, from 9.30am to 2pm on Friday 23 June.

There is now a waiting list and anyone with a ticket who will not be able to attend is asked to let event organisers know.

Tajinder said: “I’m looking forward to sharing my story with the Leicester and Leicestershire business community, and in doing so I will hopefully inspire others. 

“I’m proud of how far I’ve come and of Urban Apothecary’s Leicestershire roots and connections. By returning to where it all started for me I hope to encourage other local entrepreneurs to follow in my footsteps.”

A mini expo at the event will outline the Growth Hub’s ongoing offer and signpost businesses to further support.  

Those attending the event will gain tips on business growth and be able to network with other business owners and entrepreneurs over a buffet lunch.

New associate director for Armsons Barlow

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New associate director for Armsons Barlow
Derby-based project managers, construction cost consultants and building surveyors Armsons Barlow have appointed Ryan Thompson as associate director. Ryan takes on the new role eighteen months year after joining the company as a senior quantity surveyor. Prior to joining Armsons Barlow, Ryan spent 10 years working as a quantity surveyor and project manager and gained experience of delivering a variety of schemes ranging in value across several sectors. Coming from a main contractor’s background, Ryan also has a strong grounding in managing costs, from estimating through to final account stages, including tracking and appropriately valuing variations. Since joining Armsons Barlow, he has delivered a diverse range of project management, quantity surveying and cost management services to both private and public sector clients. Ryan is currently managing several high-profile projects, including the new office HQ for Molson Coors Brewing Company and a new 127,000 sq ft warehouse for storage and logistics firm ATL. In his new role as associate director, Ryan will manage a small team of surveyors and lead the company’s services on a portfolio of schemes for one of its key clients. Commenting on his new role, Ryan said: “I’m thrilled to have been appointed to the role of associate director at Armsons Barlow eighteen months after I joined the company. “In my new role I hope to use my experience over the past decade to continue to deliver the highest levels of services to our broad client base across the UK. “This marks a new chapter for me at Armsons Barlow, and I look forward to continuing to learn and work alongside a great team of colleagues.” Josh Toon, director of Armsons Barlow, added: “We’re delighted to announce Ryan as associate director and are confident that he’ll thrive in his new role. “His progression from senior quantity surveyor to associate director in such a short space of time is testament to his hard work and commitment to the company and its clients. We look forward to seeing his continued progression over the coming years. “Ryan is a real team player, which enables us to provide clients with a consistently first-class service and achieve the most cost-effective delivery of their project objectives.”
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