100 jobs to be created as fried chicken restaurant plans to open drive-thru at £30m mixed-use development in Nottingham
One of the first UK drive-thrus for a US fried chicken restaurant is planning to open at a £30 million mixed-use development in Nottingham.
Popeyes® already has a branch in Upper Parliament Street in Nottingham city centre and is planning to further its presence in the city at Teal Park.
The site, off the Colwick Loop Road in Netherfield, has been jointly developed by Warwickshire-based AC Lloyd Commercial (ACL) and Nottingham-based Henry Davidson Developments (HDD).
They have exchanged contracts with Popeyes® for the 2,500 sq ft unit which will contain a 65-seating area, drive-through, car-parking and click and collect bays.
A planning application is currently being prepared and if planning approval is successful, work would begin later this year on converting the premises into another Popeyes site.
100 jobs would be created when it begins trading in the spring of 2024.
Popeyes’ pace of openings is seeing the chain expand across the UK at a faster rate than comparators which have also recently landed from across the pond.
Mark Edwards, Managing Director at AC Lloyd Commercial, said Popeyes®, which is famous for its Louisiana chicken, would be a welcome addition to the retail units already based at Teal Park.
“Popeyes® has continued to grow in popularity across the UK since it opened its first branch in London in 2021,” he said.
“They are starting the next stage of their growth plans by introducing drive-thru restaurants and, providing planning is approved, this will become among their first in the UK.
“Teal Park is a thriving mixed-use development with a diverse range of businesses and it would be great to add Popeyes® to the site.”
Richard Croft, director at HDD, added: “This has been a really successful project which is highlighted by the range of businesses which have opened units as well as the mix of international, national and local companies that are now based here.”
Teal Park is also home to Aldi, Birds Bakery’s, Pizza Triangle, Valley CiDS charity shop, a state-of-the-art care home, and a trade and industrial park.
Tom Crowley, CEO at Popeyes UK, added: “The sustained demand we’re seeing for Popeyes is incredible, it’s great to see how enthusiastically the UK has welcomed us, and we’re particularly proud to be opening our first drive-thru locations this year. Following the success of our Upper Parliament Street restaurant which landed in Autumn 2022, opening a drive-thru location locally was an obvious choice for us. We’re looking forward to expanding our offering in Nottingham.”
University of Nottingham donates research ambulance and supplies to support those living in Ukraine
The University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering has donated a research ambulance and medical supplies to Ambulance Aid to support those living in Ukraine.
19 medical oxygen concentrators, which produce a continuous supply of oxygen and negate the need for regular bottled gas deliveries, were donated by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and loaded into the ambulance, with a further 30 also due to be donated.
Professor of Bioengineering Donal McNally, who coordinated the donation, said: “We used the ambulance as a testbed for technologies to make transporting very premature babies less stressful and safer. Now that this project is over, it is fantastic that it is going to continue saving lives and I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to this incredibly important cause.”
Launched in March 2022, Ambulance Aid’s mission is to fund the purchase of former ambulances and deliver them in partnership with Medical Aid Ukraine to where they are needed most. To date, 16 ambulances filled with medical supplies have already been delivered to Ukraine, with volunteers driving them across Europe to get there.
Claudine Pearson, Volunteer Director at Ambulance Aid, said: “Our strength comes from teamwork. So many local people have stepped up to do what they can, where they can. I’d like to express my thanks to those who have continued to support the cause, meaning we are able to deliver on the gifting of this vehicle from the University of Nottingham to help save lives in Ukraine.”
The ambulance and supplies will be driven out to Ukraine early next month after it’s undergone service checks, joining the 16 other ambulances already serving there.
Professor Sam Kingman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Engineering, added: “After a successful project I’m happy to see our research ambulance being put to another crucial cause and would like to congratulate Donal for coordinating such a fantastic assortment of supplies for Ambulance Aid. The fact he’s been able to collect such an impressive variety of equipment is a testament to how many people want to aid those affected by the war in Ukraine.”
North Northants allocated £1.1m of funding for rural communities and businesses
Rural communities in the local area will receive funding boosts after North Northamptonshire Council received confirmation of £1,161,812 from central Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.
NNC’s funding allocation will be used to launch a capital business grant scheme and a capital grant scheme for rural areas of North Northamptonshire. The funding runs to March 2025. Central Government has identified areas of North Northamptonshire which are classed as ‘rural’ with all areas apart from the larger towns of Corby, Desborough, Kettering, Higham Ferrers, Rushden and Wellingborough eligible for funding.
The Rural England Prosperity Fund is a top-up to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, of which North Northamptonshire has secured £4.8 million and has two key objectives – ‘supporting local business’ and ‘community and place’.
The Rural Fund provides capital funding to:
- support new and existing rural businesses to develop new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy. This includes farm businesses looking to diversify income streams
- support new and improved community infrastructure, providing essential community services and assets for local people and businesses to benefit the local economy
Scenariio signs up to global consortium to shrink firms’ carbon footprint
IT and smart building technology firm Scenariio has become the second UK firm to sign up to a global consortium aiming to enlighten firms on ways they can save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
The firm, based in Derby’s Siddals Road, has joined the PoE (Power over Ethernet) Consortium – a global industry trade group set up last year to promote PoE.
Its aim is to advance PoE education, advocacy and to share best practice so that more countries can learn about the ways in which it can save them money and reduce their carbon footprint.
Scenariio, which installs smart building technology and infrastructure, has become only the second UK firm to join the consortium.
PoE has been used for years to power telephones and laptops and is increasingly being used in smart building schemes to enable owners and operators to monitor and control heating, lighting and security via devices linked to the internet.
It saves money because there is no longer a need for a separate power source to each device, meaning there is no need to employ an electrician, no need for extra wiring, no need for safety approval and no need to modify building plans.
Scenariio believes UK firms could be wasting thousands of pounds on electrical installation costs because they are unaware of the full range of capabilities of ethernet cables.
It believes the country has fallen behind other nations in its understanding of how the cables can be used to a greater extent by carrying electricity as well as data to devices with increased power demands such as LED lights, security cameras, AV and monitors.
MD Rob Pritchard said: “It is accepted that a traditional telephone cable provides electricity for the telephone as well as carrying the signal, and this same cable can power a number of devices at the same time, including LED lights, sensors and security cameras, without a separate AC supply.
“Installing only one type of cable on one infrastructure network from a central comms room reduces complexity and opportunities for issues.
“This makes it much more flexible and cost-effective and saves significantly on installation and cabling, but for some reason the take-up is still relatively low in the UK.
“We want to change that, which is why we’ve joined the PoE Consortium. It’s still early days but there are some major names involved and we’re very pleased to be lining up alongside them.
“In the low-carbon, post-lockdown world, smart buildings are the future and if UK companies are to deliver the cost savings and sustainability strategies they’re being required to achieve, then innovations such as power over ethernet is vital to their chances of doing so.”
Speculative North Derbyshire business park under construction
Construction is now underway on a multi-million pound scheme to unlock land for employment in Clay Cross near Chesterfield.Roe Developments is set to transform the second phase of Wingfield View Business Park, which will see the creation of around 65,000 sq ft across 16 high specification industrial / logistics units, offering units from 2,000 to 12,000 sq ft. The estate will offer high quality employment and business premises, available for occupation from Q3 2023. Interest has been strong to date, with several units now under offer.Harry Orwin-Allen, senior surveyor at Knight Frank in Sheffield, which is marketing the park with FHP Property Consultants, said: “Our client Roe Developments has already proved the demand for high quality, new build industrial and warehouse opportunities in this area, with Phase One a single industrial terrace having been successfully delivered and either sold or let prior to construction having completed.“The park offers competitive lease terms and freehold sale values, with units being built to a specification to meet modern occupiers’ requirements and to provide the highest standard of industrial and warehousing space available in the area.”Wingfield View follows the successful development of the Railway View Business Park in Clay Cross by Roe Developments which is now 100 per cent let.
Planning granted for Langley Mill industrial scheme
Some 70,000 sq ft of prime industrial space has been given the green light in Langley Mill.
The scheme, named Total Park Nottingham, will be brought forward by Total Developments and comprise two units of 30,000 sq ft and 40,000 sq ft, available on a leasehold basis.
Construction work is expected to commence in early Q3 2023 with around a nine month build programme.
NG Chartered Surveyors and M1 Agency are marketing the site jointly.
Richard Sutton, Managing Director of NG, said: “With consent now secured for 30,000 sq ft and 40,000 sq ft, Total Park Nottingham will be a welcome addition to the region’s stock levels with demand in this sector the highest it has ever been.
“We are now actively targeting small and medium-sized companies looking to expand into high-quality industrial units under 50,000 sq ft.”
Investment means TEK Seating is a cut above the competition
Leicestershire-based TEK Seating has invested £125,000 in new machinery to satisfy rising demand and take additional control of its production process.
Increased competition for the vehicle seat manufacturer was also a driver to expanding its in-house capabilities for further growth. The investment has been supported with a grant* of £25,000 from the LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub.
TEK Seating, part of TEK Group with TEK Military Seating and SitSmart, is the UK’s biggest independent supplier of vehicle seats based in Rearsby, Charnwood. The business began in 1972 and makes seating for commercial transport such as HGVs, taxis, buses and trains.
The 15,000 sq ft site includes an R&D department to create its own seat designs and work on trim development. There’s another site in Tunbridge Wells, though manufacturing is all done at Rearsby which also includes orthopaedic office and military seating as well as high-end seat trims for Morgan cars and Ultima sports cars, to name but a few.
Instead of outsourcing for their large volume work, TEK Seating’s new automated cutting machine now means it can all be done in-house.
Sean Magee, operations director, explained: “We were subcontracting out elements of production – the cutting of leather hides or other material – together with the laminating process where foam is added to the back.
“We’d buy the hides and have them sent to us. We’d have to check them, send them to a third party, have them cut and laminated. They would be sent back to us, checked again and then we’d be able to build the seats. This was a fairly time-consuming part of the manufacturing process.”
Apart from the saving in transport costs and reduction in its carbon footprint, which is significant, it means its manual cutting technicians don’t have to work on large volume jobs anymore, which took a long time. Thanks to the new machinery, their time will be better spent on higher-skilled, lower-volume cutting. The new machine also means cutting is now 30 times faster, saving around 10 days in the whole process improving efficiency, productiveness and competitiveness.
Sean added: “We’ve also invested in a laminating machine. We can keep it all in-house, so we can manage the quality, lead times and production much better. Crucially this investment means we’ve safeguarded two jobs and created two more.
“Using the Business Gateway was a straightforward process. We were guided through everything by our Business Adviser Juan Pardo, who was professional and knowledgeable. The Business Gateway provided all the support we could have hoped for.”
TEK Seating is on an upward trajectory and plans to expand the current premises by another 12,000 sq ft in the year ahead.
To find out more about support from the Business Gateway visit www.bizgateway.org.uk, call 0116 366 8487 or email growthhub@bizgateway.org.uk
The Business Gateway Growth Hub service is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by a partnership that includes Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership Limited (LLEP).
*grant is now closed for applications, free business advice still available.
Housebuilder completes construction at Waltham on the Wolds development
Construction work is now complete at Bellway’s Waltham Heights development in Waltham on the Wolds, where all the homes have been sold.
Bellway East Midlands has built 60 homes at the site off Melton Road, comprising 38 properties for private sale and 22 affordable homes for local people through rent or as starter homes.
The housebuilder has delivered a range of one to five-bedroom houses and a collection of two-bedroom bungalows on the seven-acre site.
Kenny Lattimore, Sales Manager for Bellway East Midlands, said: “We’re happy to have completed construction at Waltham Heights and pleased to have created a brand-new development which has turned into a fantastic new community.
“We have received lots of excellent reviews from housebuyers who are happy with the quality of their new home and delighted with the service they have received from Bellway. This is testament to all the hard work that the site team has put in over more than three years to create this lovely new neighbourhood.
“Bellway is very proud to have delivered 60 much-needed new homes to the village, more than a third of which are affordable properties for local people who want to stay in the area but who cannot afford to buy their own house.
“The legacy we are leaving in the village is not restricted to new housing but also includes an investment of more than £1 million in local services and infrastructure. As part of the planning agreement for the development, we are making a series of payments including £781,000 towards primary education, over £185,000 for secondary education and £26,400 for local healthcare.”
Develop Training invests £500k to upgrade Derby centre
Develop Training, the accredited providers of compliance, technical and safety training, is to invest £500k to fully refurbish its Derby training centre.
The centre, which is located in the heart of Derby with good transport links to the M1 and A38, is currently undergoing a major refurbishment, which will see the complete refresh of all of its classrooms to include state-of-the-art technology as well as a full overhaul of all offices, communal facilities such as reception, toilets, café and breakout area, and some of the practical training areas.
Once the 16-week project is completed, Develop Training will be able to deliver more courses for local and nationwide businesses covering a range of compliance and safety training across a number of industries including utilities and construction, defence, healthcare, facilities management and telecommunication.
Matt Gray, operations manager at Develop Training, said: “We’re thrilled to be undertaking this ambitious project to update our centre in Derby. We look forward to being able to deliver more courses from these enhanced facilities to better serve the needs of our valued clients in the coming years.
“The level of investment in our Derby centre demonstrates our commitment to delivering quality training to our regional customers for many years to come.”
Listed Midlands companies record five profit warnings in Q1 2023 – the lowest number since 2021
Listed companies in the Midlands issued five profit warnings in Q1 2023, nine less than Q4 2022 – a decrease of 64% – and the lowest number of warnings since Q2 2021, according to the latest EY-Parthenon Profit Warnings Report.
Nationally, profit warnings issued by UK-listed companies between January and March 2023 reached their highest first quarter total since the early stages of the pandemic in 2020, with 75 warnings issued.
The report reveals that the number of warnings issued in the first quarter of 2023 exceeded the 72 issued in Q1 2022 and that quarterly profit warnings have remained above the 10-year quarterly average, excluding 2020, for five consecutive quarters. The highest number of Q1 warnings was in 2020, when 305 were issued.
Persistent economic uncertainty has played a significant role in many of these profit warnings. More than a third (35%) of profit warnings cited delayed, reviewed, or cancelled contracts, up from 21% in the same period in 2022, as customers paused or cut spending amid volatile and unreliable demand.
The report found that since the start of 2022, 98 companies have issued at least two profit warnings, while a significant cohort of UK companies have faced particularly challenging conditions after entering the three warning ‘danger zone’. Of the 31 companies that have issued three warnings since the start of 2022, 29% have since delisted or are in the process of being sold. This marks a greater-than-average market dropout rate, as typically just one-in-five companies delist within a year of their third warning, most due to insolvency.
Dan Hurd, a partner at EY-Parthenon in the Midlands, said: “While the Midlands has seen a fall in the number of profit warnings this quarter, uncertainty remains across industries. Inflationary pressures in energy, labour and other input costs continue to have an impact across the supply chain. Businesses that took on increased borrowing during the pandemic may now find themselves particularly vulnerable to higher interest rates.”
Jo Robinson, EY-Parthenon partner and UK&I turnaround and restructuring strategy leader, said: “Economic forecasts may have seen some improvement in recent months, however the extraordinary strength of headwinds over the last two years has left some businesses facing recession-like conditions. This has taken its toll on business confidence and, as pressures move through the supply chain, we’ve seen a higher number of companies warning of delayed or cancelled contracts in comparison to the last quarter. “This economic uncertainty risks prolonging recovery, even as forecasts improve. Many companies may struggle to build momentum as they contend with increased working capital demands and finance costs. “We would normally expect to see insolvency activity peak nine to twelve months after a profit warning peak, so the coming year will be crucial. While the UK economy appears to be turning a corner, recovery is not guaranteed. Businesses should continue scenario planning and building solid operational and financial foundations to withstand further shocks and capitalise on growth.”Technology and Telecoms warnings at a three-year high as sector faces volatility
One-in-five (22%) of Q1 profit warnings were issued by UK-listed companies in the technology and telecommunications sectors with warnings almost tripling year-on-year to 16 in total.
FTSE Software and Computer Services companies issued nine profit warnings in total, the sector’s highest level of warnings since Q2 2020, while warnings from telecoms sectors were the highest since 2018. These sectors have been particularly vulnerable to cost-cutting and uncertain demand, with contract issues cited in over two-thirds (69%) of technology and telecommunications sector warnings.
Many technology companies have also faced difficulties in accessing capital, as increased interest rates, recent turbulence in the global banking markets and other external headwinds create a challenging fundraising environment.
A reprieve for retail but challenging times ahead
Remaining sectors with the most warnings in Q1 2023 were FTSE Retailers (5), FTSE Travel & Leisure, and FTSE Electronic & Electrical Equipment, FTSE Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, and FTSE Media (all with 4).
The five warnings from FTSE Retailers marks a decrease from the nine issued in both Q4 2022 and Q1 2022, representing the sector’s lowest quarterly total since Q4 2020. However, persistent inflation, high interest rates and tightening consumer spending will challenge an already delicate sector.
Almost a third of listed retailers (30%) have issued two or more profit warnings since the start of 2022, well above the 8% all-sector total. Of the consumer sector companies that moved into the ‘three warning’ danger area since the start of 2022, 30% have gone into administration or have been put up for sale.
Seven units on Northampton industrial park acquired by £150m urban logistics investment fund
A portfolio of seven fully-let units totalling 55,780 sq ft on Crow Lane Industrial Park in Northampton has been acquired by a £150m multi-let urban logistics investment fund.
Managed by property investment company JR Capital and asset manager Chancerygate, the fund has acquired the industrial estate from asset management company Columbia Threadneedle Investments. All values relating to the transaction are undisclosed.
Crow Lane Industrial Park is situated three miles east of Northampton town centre on Hartburn Close and benefits from quick links to the A45 dual carriageway, M1 and A14 (A1/M1 link).
The seven units range from 3,225 sq ft to 28,665 sq ft. Current occupiers include building materials supplier Wolseley UK, independent electrical wholesaler Midshires Electrical and Lighting and frozen and chilled food same day delivery service Route 1 Fulfilment.
Commenting on the acquisition, Chancerygate asset management director, George Jerram, said: “Our investment in Northampton is indicative of the confidence we have in the local market for urban logistics property. It is an excellent fit for our investment and asset management strategy.
“Demand for urban logistics accommodation remains strong both regionally and nationally. Crow Lane presented us with a great opportunity to enhance the geographical spread of our portfolio with an established asset in an excellent location.
“We are active asset managers and will be looking to further enhance the site for the benefit of our occupiers and investors.”
JR Capital and Chancerygate’s £150m fund has a five-year life and is targeting industrial, warehousing and urban logistics investments across the UK in lot sizes of £5m to £15m.
The partners’ first fund, which totalled £100m, secured 18 assets ranging from Dundee to Exeter over a two-year period. The assets comprised 150 units totalling more than one million sq ft.
JR Capital’s head of investment, Michael Ferris said: “We are pleased to have completed on the second acquisition for the new fund.
“Crow Lane Industrial Park is well located in Northampton and will provide the fund with a well-diversified income stream and opportunities to add value in the near term.
“We remain extremely bullish on the UK multi-let industrial sector due to the favourable macroeconomic fundamentals and the recent adjustments to pricing has created a buying opportunity for us.
“We expect to be active over the course of this year as we continue to scale our platform with Chancerygate to more than £200m.”
Allsop acted on behalf of Chancerygate and JR Capital, while Collingwood Rigby acted for Columbia Threadneedle Investments.
Workforce challenges outrank inflation and interest rates as a top concern for mid-sized businesses
Workforce challenges such as skills and labour shortages outrank rising costs and interest rates as one of the top concerns facing mid-sized businesses in the next six months, according to the latest research from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO. Nearly a third (32%) say it is one of the three biggest challenges they face, second only to supply chain pressures.
The bi-monthly survey – which looks at the challenges and opportunities facing mid-sized businesses – reveals that almost half (48%) are experiencing skills or labour shortages. Nearly two-thirds (61%) cannot recruit enough entry-level staff, with even more (73%) struggling to plug gaps at a lower-managerial level.
Two in five mid-sized businesses (42%) say it is too expensive to hire new staff because of costs including immigration bureaucracy, National Insurance contributions or higher salary expectations from candidates amid the cost of living crisis. A third of firms (35%) are struggling to recruit enough people due to immigration restrictions, rising to 43% of hospitality and leisure businesses. A further 41% are unable to replace staff who retired during the COVID-19 pandemic, with data from the ONS showing a mass exodus of over-50s from the workforce between March 2020 and November 2021.
These mid-sized businesses – defined by BDO as firms with revenues between £10m and £300m that are privately owned, backed by private equity or listed on the AIM market – employ eight million people and provided a quarter of UK jobs as of March 2023, according to further research.
In the face of labour shortages, more than a quarter (26%) are offering existing staff opportunities to retrain, while a third (32%) plan to invest in upskilling over the next five years. A similar number (30%) will use more freelancers to access particular areas of expertise.
In a bid to expand their access to talent, businesses are exploring new hiring methods. One in five (23%) are recruiting more staff through trainee schemes or apprenticeships, while over a quarter (27%) are offering specific incentives to attract more diverse hires, including childcare vouchers or health and wellness support.
One-fifth (20%) are removing academic criteria from job adverts to broaden their candidate pool and 25% are exploring new working patterns such as four-day weeks. A quarter (25%) also expect to see an increase over the next five years in the number of workers aged over 50, as firms prioritise upskilling and retention.
With workforce challenges adding to existing economic pressures, businesses are turning their attention to artificial intelligence and other technological solutions. A fifth (21%) plan to trial or allocate budget for automation and new technologies over the next six months in order to increase efficiency, while more than a third (36%) plan to increase spending on AI in the next five years.
Against this backdrop, businesses are looking to the Government for fresh support. As firms struggle to hire and momentum grows around AI, over a quarter (26%) would like to see investment from the Government in automation to help businesses increase efficiency and cut costs.
A fifth (20%) are calling for immigration policy changes, such as faster processing and additions to the Shortage Occupation List, to plug skills and labour gaps. A similar number (21%) want to see the Government broaden the variety of post-16 education options, while a further fifth (20%) hope to see tax cuts for companies in areas where the regional economy is performing less well.
Ed Dwan, partner at BDO, said: “Workforce issues have the potential to be a real drag on UK productivity. While it’s heartening to see mid-sized firms invest in more diverse hiring and upskilling existing staff, these challenges clearly aren’t going to go away overnight.
“Skills gaps and worker shortages have a real impact on firms’ productivity, output and morale, and could cause a slump in business confidence over the long term. Businesses need a helping hand from Government if they’re to overcome this and achieve the growth we know they’re capable of driving as the UK’s economic engine.
“More investment in areas such as high-quality apprenticeships, or incentives for people to train in areas where skills shortages are most severe, could have a huge impact.”
CBI suspends all policy and membership activity until June following fresh allegations
The CBI (Confederation of British Industry) has suspended all policy and membership activity until an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in June as dozens of companies, including Rolls Royce, are leaving the organisation or pausing their memberships following allegations of rape and sexual assault.
It follows reports in the Guardian that a second woman had made a rape allegation against two CBI workers, and comes after a series of historic misconduct claims over recent weeks.
A statement from the CBI board said that it “shares the shock and revulsion at the events that have taken place in [the] organisation, and at past failures that allowed these events to happen,” with the organisation planning to put forward proposals for a refocused CBI at the June EGM for its membership to decide on its future role and purpose.
The CBI said: “We are deeply sorry and express our profound regret to the women who have endured these horrific experiences.
“We have listened carefully to what our colleagues, members and stakeholders have said over recent days and weeks. We have heard loud and clear a demand for far reaching change.
“We want to properly understand from our colleagues, members, experts and stakeholders how they envisage our future role and purpose. As a result, we have taken the difficult but necessary decision to suspend all policy and membership activity until an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in June.
“At the EGM we will put forward proposals for a refocused CBI to our membership for them to decide on the future role and purpose of the organisation. This work and the cultural reform will be the entire and urgent focus of the organisation over the coming weeks.
“Our members have told us in recent days and weeks that they believe in the importance of a collective voice to inform national policy and the unique role that an organisation like the CBI can play in public life. But much needs to change if we are to win back their trust so we may continue to represent business at this critical time for the country.
“We are taking steps to address our failings but recognise these are not yet sufficient to sustain the confidence of our colleagues, members and of the broader business community. We know it will take time to rebuild trust in our purpose and culture. And to give our team and former colleagues the space to heal.”
Some business leaders have called for the CBI to disband.
“The Awards are a fantastic boost for businesses” – MKM joins sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
MKM has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, backing the Commercial Development of the Year category.
Speaking with Business Link, Gavin Moody, Branch Director at MKM Nottingham, said: “MKM are proud to be sponsoring the Commercial Development of the Year category at the annual East Midlands Brick Awards. It is important to us that we celebrate the construction industry’s achievements and highlight local business development in this way. East Midlands Business Link do a great job with these awards, shining a light on the area and bringing businesses together.”
Sam Shipman, also Branch Director at MKM Nottingham, added: “Each MKM branch takes great pride in supporting its local construction community, helping to ensure these commercial developments are brought to life with the highest standards.
“The Awards are a fantastic boost for businesses and so easy to enter. It is a great opportunity for companies in the area to celebrate the amazing work that they have been doing and share their successes with the wider industry.”
The awards, which will take place on Thursday 28 September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools.
Nominations are now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
To be held at:
Sam Shipman, also Branch Director at MKM Nottingham, added: “Each MKM branch takes great pride in supporting its local construction community, helping to ensure these commercial developments are brought to life with the highest standards.
“The Awards are a fantastic boost for businesses and so easy to enter. It is a great opportunity for companies in the area to celebrate the amazing work that they have been doing and share their successes with the wider industry.”
The awards, which will take place on Thursday 28 September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools.
Nominations are now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
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
- Overall winner
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – 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 County Cricket Club 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:
Asbestos trade association welcomes Kriss Akabusi to host awards event
In July the UK Asbestos Training Association, based at the Markham Vale Environment Centre near Chesterfield, will welcome former athlete Kriss Akabusi to host its 15th Anniversary Awards ceremony on Friday 7 July 2023 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport.
The UKATA 15th Anniversary Awards ceremony will recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations in the asbestos industry.
Awards will be presented in a range of categories, including:
- Contribution to the Community Award
- Customer Service Excellence Award
- Commitment to People/Workforce Development Award
- Excellence in Innovation
- Rising Star Award
- Industry Associate of the Year
Water company gives charity £9,000 to support families after the loss of a child
Severn Trent’s Community Fund has awarded a £9,000 grant to Nottingham-based charity Zephyr’s to provide nature-based play and well-being sessions for families dealing with the loss of a baby or child.
The grant has enabled Zephyr’s to work in partnership with Boots & Brambles Forest School to run monthly sessions throughout 2023 for people of all ages. So far the sessions have welcomed almost 20 different families, with more attending on each occasion.
The ‘Into the Woods’ sessions see children, parents and grandparents gather outside and take part in gentle activities to remember their children who have died. The sessions have also seen children and adults who have been through similar experiences, enabling them to make friends and build a network of support that can also grow away from the monthly activities that Zephyr’s provide.
Alongside the outdoor sessions, Zephyr’s offers bereavement counselling, peer support and creative activities. the organisation’s founder and MD Carly Williams said: “Just as parents might struggle to navigate a life after the loss of a precious child, children can also find it tough. A child learning to cope with the loss of a brother or sister might feel very lonely and confused. Our sessions in the woods are really relaxed, playful and fun, and everyone knows that they’re taking part in activities with a circle of people who understand what they’re going through.
“Not all therapeutic support takes the form of talking therapies so we’re extremely grateful to Severn Trent for this funding that has already opened up our services to many people who hadn’t seen what we do before.”
Severn Trent Community Fund Officer Sue Heyes said: “Making a positive difference to the local community is at the heart of everything we do at Severn Trent so we’re delighted to be able to help fund what will be life-changing sessions provided by Zephyr’s and Boots & Brambles Forest School.
“It is evident what need there is in the local community for these sessions – everyone knows how devastating the loss of a family member can be, and it is wonderful that children and families in the area now have access to these vital activities.”
University appoints alumni to lead business start-up programme
Loughborough University’s business incubator LUinc has recruited two entrepreneurial Loughborough graduates to lead on its business start-up programme.
Alex Taylor and Andres Urena will lead a project to encourage and support aspiring entrepreneurs from across the region to explore business start-up, recruiting cohorts of new business founders and working with them directly to help develop and progress their businesses. As business start-up leads they will connect with key stakeholders and regional partners, including with colleagues in the Loughborough Enterprise Network, Charnwood Borough Council, Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, and Charnwood Campus, to promote the start-up support available through LUinc facilities based at Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park and in Loughborough Town Centre. A crucial part of their work will be to equip entrepreneurs with skills, knowledge, resources and networks to rapidly test, validate, setup and grow new businesses. In turn, this will support the rejuvenation of the local economy by helping start-ups to generate new jobs, value and innovations. Alex said: “Loughborough played a key role in helping start my own entrepreneurial journey, so the opportunity to support future founders was one I could not turn down. Turning an idea into reality can be tough, but is incredibly rewarding, and with the support available from myself, Andres and LUinc. there has never been a better time to get started.” Incubator manager Pete Hitchings said: “As founders in their own right, we’re really pleased that Andres and Alex have joined our team to be able to inspire and support new business owners originating from the University and the wider region. We’re always seeking new entrepreneurs to join our community so please do get in touch if you think we could help.” Alex and Andres will each spend three days a week working as part of LUinc, with their remaining time devoted to their respective businesses. Alex, who studied International Business at Loughborough University, is the founder of Endeavours Adventures, an adventure, tour and charity challenge provider that curates bucket-list experiences for students, corporates and individuals. Since launching the business in 2019, Alex has organised treks, runs and climbs in the UK and abroad for over 50 different groups, and helped to raise over £500,000 for charity. Andres, a Loughborough University London graduate, is a serial entrepreneur with expertise in digital advertising, information design and internet of things (IoT). Andres’ latest venture, Everywhere Tech, aims to improve internet connectivity by developing next-generation technology that integrates Wi-Fi in every room of new houses. Andres chose to relocate from his home country of Peru to Loughborough to take his business to the next level.SMEs get free advice on lots of topics at Business Gateway Growth Hub event
Energy audits, apprenticeship advice, and wellbeing at work strategies were just some of the topics covered at a free conference to help SMEs navigate the current cost of doing business.
Around 150 people attended Leicester’s Morningside Arena on Tuesday for the one-off conference organised by the Business Gateway Growth Hub.
It was hosted by Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership Board Members Sonia Baigent and Glynis Wright, and saw attendees depart he venue with practical tips and advice from more than a dozen expert speakers.
Attendees were also able to meet representatives of 17 local organisations offering free business advice and support on a selection of stalls set up for the event.
Sonia, Chair of the LLEP’s business board and herself a business owner, said: “My own work in business consultancy makes me very aware of the challenges currently being faced by SMEs. Therefore, it was really encouraging to see colleagues from across the business community come together to share practical tips, advice and contacts with other small businesses.
“Hopefully, by applying some of what they picked up at the conference, our local business owners will go on to strengthen their position.”
Glynis said: “There was a really positive mood among the business owners who came along to the event and confidence that things are not as bleak as we are sometimes told. “We had some really interesting and insightful questions from the floor as our guests took advantage of the expertise that was made available. “All of our speakers offered practical suggestions on reducing costs, tackling various challenges, and encouraging growth. Sonia and I are very grateful to each of them for giving up their time – without charge – to enable fellow local businesses to benefit from their expertise.”SME owners received numerous top tips from the speakers, as well as networking breaks to meet other businesses and discuss the free support on offer from a host of local service providers.
More than 98% of Leicester and Leicestershire businesses employ fewer than 50 people, so talks were tailored to offer targeted advice.
- Get hints and tips from 11 of the presentations on the Growth Hub website now.
Marchini Curran Associates delivers landmark design works for £6.7m expansion of Leicester cinema and arts venue
The award-winning architects and interior designers at Marchini Curran Associates, have led on design services for the expansion of the independent Phoenix cinema and art centre in Leicester.
The pivotal scheme, funded by Arts Council England, Leicester City Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), alongside independent funding organisations, has transformed the city centre venue with an extension of the Midland Street site, which has been the cinema’s purpose-built home since its relocation to Leicester’s Cultural Quarter in 2009.
The project, which started in September 2021 under the Scape National Construction Framework has involved adding two new cinema screens, a large digital art gallery, extended café bar, a multi-purpose events space and rooftop terrace bar, to accommodate more visitors and expand the programme of this much-loved independent cinema and arts venue which has been part of Leicester’s cultural scene for 60 years.
The client design brief was a fully inclusive environment catering for the diverse spectrum of user groups, staff, and visitors – to create a multi-functional space that changes its personality from the day into the evenings.
The integration of spaces was key and the concept of the building was designed to counterbalance the enhanced box office within the existing building with a new café bar space, forming a bookend within the new extension, to create a seamless harmonisation between old and new.
To achieve this Marchini Curran introduced a new two storey spine wall that runs from the two existing cinema screens through the building to link the gallery, café bars and new screens together. A feature staircase runs up the side of the spine wall giving visual access to the upper floor roof terrace, allowing natural light to penetrate the centre of the ground floor dining area.
Andrew Bull, director at Marchini Curran Associates, said: “Phoenix is an integral part of the city, offering invaluable space for the independent film and arts scene to thrive and we’ve treasured delivering architectural and interior design works for such a renowned cultural arts space in the city of Leicester.”
John Rance, Phoenix Chief Executive, said: “People love the new spaces. The reactions of our diverse customer groups and stakeholders has been very positive.”
Andrew Bull, director at Marchini Curran Associates, said: “Phoenix is an integral part of the city, offering invaluable space for the independent film and arts scene to thrive and we’ve treasured delivering architectural and interior design works for such a renowned cultural arts space in the city of Leicester.”
John Rance, Phoenix Chief Executive, said: “People love the new spaces. The reactions of our diverse customer groups and stakeholders has been very positive.” Leicester law firm helps local businessman successfully secure huge £60 million deal
DWS Legal has successfully helped secure one of the largest international business deals in the East Midlands, after co-ordinating the £60 million acquisition of REVIEWS.io.
The sale saw AppHub, an e-commerce-enabled platform and major player in US software, acquire the Leicester-based reviews website from owners Callum McKeefery and Nicole Albano late last year.
Overseeing the completion of the sale was fellow Leicester-based business DWS Legal, the legal firm that supported REVIEWS.io since it launched more than 10 years ago.
DWS Legal CEO Sameer Karim said: “When I took over DWS, Callum was my first ever client. I feel like we’ve been on a journey with him, we’ve watched REVIEWS.io grow and so it only seemed right that we coordinated the deal that would shape not only the future of the business but of Callum and Nicole’s too.”
Founded by husband and wife duo Callum and Nicole, from the comfort of their kitchen table in 2012, REVIEWS.io now has more than 70 staff worldwide, with teams based in Leicester, Irvine, Sydney and Berlin.
REVIEWS.io was designed to be a platform that builds trust between brands and customers, giving consumers the opportunity to publish genuine reviews of a service or product, which in turn drives sales.
Having developed more than 8,000 customers, including some of the most well-known brands in the e-commerce industry, REVIEWS.io echoes the mission of AppHub to build software that enables e-commerce success.
As part of the deal, Callum has become a board member and key shareholder in AppHub.
“When Callum approached me about the deal, DWS Legal quickly became an extension of REVIEWS.io. I immediately parachuted all of the relevant support around him and in essence, we basically became his virtual in-house legal department,” Sameer explained.
“As the deal progressed, Callum practically lived here – we were making international calls around the clock.
“DWS Legal became I suppose, in some way, a safety net for the business because he knew it was in good hands.”
Recalling the moment that saw the deal close, Sameer said it was a “very emotional time.”
He said: “I remember so vividly when Callum signed those final documents. He turned to me and said ‘I’ve just sold’, and we gave each other a hug. I almost felt like it was my deal too – we’d all worked tirelessly to make sure everything was managed efficiently.
“We’re not your usual legal firm at DWS. We provide a personal approach and we really care about all of our clients. Our ethos, our drive and our passion for successfully getting the best results for people just like Callum, is what gets me up in the morning.
“For us as a legal firm, the deal has been poignant in helping to mark what has been our most successful financial year to date. This deal demonstrates our capability and commitment here at DWS Legal, and we look forward to supporting more businesses, as we continue into 2023.”
The deal means that Callum and Nicole, who have recently become parents to new-born River, will have more time to care for seven-year-old Hudson, their first son together, who has a rare mitochondrial condition.
“Selling REVIEWS.io was one of the toughest decisions I have ever made, however, having the freedom and finances to do whatever we can to help our son will always be our priority,” said Callum.
“Sameer was an integral part of the deal, and without him by our side throughout the process, it would not have been as seamless and quick – I’m absolutely sure of that.
“We had lawyers and professionals working within both America and the UK, and Sameer basically pulled everyone together and managed the sale from our end.
“His knowledge, his attention to detail and his dedication to his clients are second-to-none, I can’t fault him. It was clear – and we have always felt this when working with Sameer and the DWS team – that their priority is always the client, rather than simply pushing a deal through.”
Callum said Sameer has been his “trusted soundboard,” an “advisor” and “a helping hand” from the moment Reviews.io was first launched.
“Back in 2012, Sameer was the one setting up our first ever terms and conditions, and most recently, he has helped us complete a £60 million sale. He really has been on this journey with us.”
