A Budget or more a spending spree as opposed spending review
James Pinchbeck, Partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, offers his assessment of the Autumn Budget.
“Listening to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Budget live, who would have thought that over the last 18 months we have experienced one of the biggest economic shocks and seen unprecedented levels of financial intervention from a government to support our economy and public welfare. It would be interesting to know if anyone has or was able to tot up the sums of money, billions and millions, pledged and earmarked in terms of public spending over the next few years.
It certainly seemed to be a Budget based on our economic and social prosperity being driven by investment in both the public and private sector. Whilst few predicted that this would be a Budget of tax hikes, it was not unreasonable to think it might have included some, or some inkling of future changes. It looks like balancing the books is dependent on business innovation and investment, along with public sector and consumer spending giving rise to tax revenues from direct and indirect taxes. With Government borrowing at a level not seen since the end of the Second World War, there is surely a risk of a bumpy ride ahead if growth targets are not achieved and levelling up doesn’t really lead to levelling up.
The current rise in inflation is being, in part, attributed to increased and renewed global demand, particularly for goods following lockdown. This has led to supply chain issues along with increased energy costs linked to increased manufacturing and supply to meet such demand. It is given this background coupled with low interest rates that inflation will settle down and so too will supply chain issues. However, perhaps workforce shortages will still be a real concern. The OBR forecast that the UK economy will return to pre-pandemic levels by the turn of the year.
Looking at the plethora of public sector spending announcements, few would disagree with much needed spending being allocated to our health service, education and infra structure projects, especially those that lead to a real levelling up. Those in the public sector will welcome the lift on the freeze for public sector pay increases.
More specific announcements, for businesses in particular, included the reduction in Business Rates for those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors including a 1-year discount of 50%, more frequent revaluations – every three years from 2023; and relief for adopting solar panels and a 12-month rate holiday on property improvements.
For those businesses looking to make capital investments, the £1m Annual Investment Allowance will be extended to March 2023, instead of ending in December.
The arts, museums, entertainment and culture sector will no doubt applaud the announcement that the covid support and recovery Creative Tax Reliefs will not only be doubled but that they will now remain in place until April 2023.
Whilst considering relief those involved in innovation, including research and development, will be delighted to hear about the enhanced reliefs available for R &D, along with increased funding available to support such activity through Innovate UK. For those undertaking research involving cloud computing and data, they will be pleased to hear that such costs are now eligible for tax relief.
Whilst the increase to the National Minimum Wage, for those aged over 23, from £8.91 to £9.50 an hour was announced before the Budget, few were perhaps aware of the pending changes to alcohol duty which focused going forward on these being ‘simpler, fairer and heathier’ – a key winner certainly seems to be English sparking wines and draft pulled beers/lagers all benefit from lower duties.
Moving on to fuel duty, but not advocating a drive to the pub, the good news as we face unprecedent prices at the pump, was that fuel duty will again be frozen.
It would be easy to think perhaps there was little in this Budget, in some ways it would be difficult not to agree. Perhaps the test will be around the impact and effectiveness of what seems to be an unprecedented public sector spending spree. In the Chancellor’s own words, it certainly seems like ‘an age of optimism’.
For further in-depth commentary of the Autumn Budget & Spending Review 2021 you can still register for our virtual presentation at 12noon till 1pm on Thursday 28th October. All those registering and unable to join us live will receive a link to the presentation recording and a digital copy of our Budget Summary.”
https://www.streetsweb.co.uk/about/events/autumn-budget-2021-spending-review/
Don’t sell carbon easily or cheaply, warns CAAV
Sequestered carbon is too important for farmers to sell it easily or cheaply, warns the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV).
With all the talk about carbon, the rise in carbon trading schemes has accelerated at pace as pressure mounts on all businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, and as farmers look to capitalise on their assets before losing Basic Payment. However, sequestered carbon is too important for farmers to sell it hastily as it’s likely it will matter more to keep it for their own businesses, explains Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser to the CAAV.
“Not only is the value of the carbon stored in farmers’ soils and woodland likely to increase in coming years, signing up to selling it might unwittingly tie them into restrictive agreements,” he warns.
“More importantly, net zero isn’t just a target for corporate organisations to achieve through offsetting. Farmers will also need to find and use their own sequestered carbon to offset their own emissions. Selling carbon early will make that harder for the farmer,” he says.
“Very basically, the simple business of being a farmer is about managing carbon, and if you are in a position where you can’t touch the carbon you have sold, this will limit your ability to farm.”
Farmers also need to consider what penalties might be included in an agreement if they are unable to meet the carbon sequestering goal, explains Mr Moody. “If you commit to plant trees or ensure a percentage of carbon in your soils in a legal agreement, and then the land is compromised by events such as fire, disease or flooding, what fines could you be subject to and what is your liability?”
Farmers also need to consider how long they would be tied in for and the impact this could have on things like developing and selling the land.
“Instead, it could be safer to enter into agreements where farmers are paid to manage land in a carbon friendly manner like improving their soils, rather than just selling the carbon,” he advises.
Even if farmers are considering their options to manage or plant woodland to sequester carbon, there are things to be wary of. “At farm level, the price is not great,” says Mr Moody. “One hectare of oak woodland could have gained £2,000 worth of carbon after 80 years with one of the main woodland carbon schemes. There just isn’t a great deal of value to sell.”
And any area of woodland farmers think they can sell the carbon from will be smaller than they anticipate, as part of it will have to be kept back as a buffer for contingency and risk management while vulnerable to failure, disease and fire.
Farmers might also unknowingly get tied into conservation designations, meaning they can’t fell trees when or if they need to. In particular, woodland under schemes will have to be replanted, even if it could be felled.
Plus, woodland won’t be properly offsetting carbon unless it’s there for 100 years, says Mr Moody. “If it’s felled before then, much of the carbon held in the tree will be lost.
“However, it’s important that carbon is stored in one way or another on farm – helping the farm to be net zero – and it might be that it’s better through soils.
“Selling soil carbon could help farmers in the short term, but fetter them in the medium and long term,” says Mr Moody. “The value isn’t as great as people assume and the constraints could be crippling. All that glitters is not gold.”
Local search firm reveals hidden property risks across the Midlands
Local property search firm, X-Press Legal Services Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire is revealing the risks that you should look out for when buying a property in the region.
Before a buyer commits to buying a property by exchanging contracts, they need to know as much as possible about it- especially anything that may affect its future value or their enjoyment of it.
Property searches are enquiries made on a buyer’s behalf by a solicitor or conveyancer to various authorities that hold information about a property, the land it sits on or factors that may directly (or indirectly) effect it.
X-Press Legal Services provides these expert property search reports to the local conveyancing sector. Producing hundreds of thousands of property search reports each year, coupled with its experts on the ground, X-Press has an in-depth knowledge of the potential risks that are particular to the Midlands and the Peak District.
Ben Wheeler, owner of X-Press Legal Services Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire comments: “Along with the common property search risks such as flooding, contamination and planning- each region of the UK has its own particular search risk given the geology and industrial history of the area.
“Over our many years of providing search reports, we have a pretty good idea of the risks our region is most likely to reveal. Our team then supports local conveyancers to deliver a complete picture of not only the property, but the area surrounding it.”
Risk factors specific to the area is mining and radon.
Ben comments: “The history of lead mining in Derbyshire dates back to the 1200s, but may have even been productive in Roman Britain- especially at Odin Mine near Castleton, the region’s oldest lead mine. There are thousands of shafts across the limestone landscape of the county, and these can cause risks with modern developments- heightening the risk of subsidence and issues with ground stability and contamination, as lead is poisonous.
“Another common risk search throughout the region is Radon – it is something which is checked for in every property search across the UK, but the Derbyshire Dales has been designated as a radon affected area. This means properties across the area have more than a 1% chance of having a level of radon, higher than the action level set by the government.
“Although a dangerous risk if not detected, once detected, it is easy to remedy, and the solutions should last for many years. Methods to solve the problem can vary, from adding or replacing ventilation bricks on outside walls, to installing a pump that blows air into the property, or adding radon-protective membranes to an extension or new development.”
In the UK last year, over £400 million was wasted on failed property transactions in England and Wales. For the consumer, this could mean one in three people losing a significant amount of money in failed attempts to buy or sell their home, and for some- this could put an end to their residential sale or purchase for good.
Ben adds: “It is important to remember that you may have found the perfect property, but that the location can have hidden risks. We have an in-depth understanding of the risks present in our region associated with property transactions, and we put that knowledge to good use with our conveyancing clients- protecting consumers buying or selling a property.”
Beckhoff brings next-generation building automation to DMC
The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC) has partnered with Beckhoff Automation Limited to bring completely automated building control to the DMC’s state-of-the-art engineering and production facility at Silverstone Park. Intended to optimise factory and office conditions as well as monitor and minimise energy consumption, Beckhoff is working with the DMC team to digitalise and automate many of the building’s key systems.
Often, important building systems like lighting, shading, ventilation, heating and cooling are designed separately, with little to no consideration of their interaction. Not only can this have a negative impact on a building’s energy efficiency, but it can also be detrimental to the building’s intended function. At the DMC, Beckhoff’s focus is on maintaining optimum conditions on the production floor and ideal working conditions within the office and meeting spaces.
Collecting high-frequency data from all available streams – including a variety of sensors throughout the facility as well as the additive manufacturing and finishing equipment itself – Beckhoff’s PC-based control platform will manage building systems in real-time. Referred to as holistic building control, Beckhoff’s solution capitalises on all available information to simultaneously maintain production quality and consistency while ensuring staff can work comfortably by regulating temperature, humidity, light and air circulation.
Beckhoff’s real-time building management will significantly reduce the DMC’s energy costs, using only what is required and precisely when needed. With fast and granular energy monitoring capabilities the system is also able to observe energy quality at the machine level, monitoring power quality while reporting any anomalies or potential issues.
The flexibility of the Beckhoff IPC platform allows integration of real-time machine data to ensure production quality and can be obtained by non-invasive means via cross-platform cloud communications from any number of sources – something that is scheduled for 2022. Beckhoff’s distributed control system will also enable continuous self-diagnostic features, collecting operational and lifetime data to provide the DMC team with valuable insight and inform predictive maintenance.
Lighting requirements will be determined via motion sensors and lux meters, with the platform automatically balancing natural and artificial light. Dimmable LED lighting in combination with deployable window shades will ensure that all areas of the building have uniform and comfortable light, with minimal glare on workstations and surfaces.
Not only are the shades used to regulate light, but also building temperature. Linked to the other building systems, deployment of the shades is dictated by a sun position algorithm that also takes into consideration shadowing from surrounding structures at different times of the year. Even within the same room, Beckhoff’s platform can adjust heating, cooling, ventilation, shading and lighting requirements to establish consistency throughout.
To provide DMC staff and visitors with real-time visual information of all systems linked to the Beckhoff platform, a large overview screen will be located in the DMC’s foyer. This highlights system activity and conditions and well as machine productivity. This critical information is also accessible via a panel on the factory floor as well as on staff smartphones, for effective remote monitoring.
Bradley McEwan, Business Development Manager at Beckhoff Automation, commented: “The DMC will be a showcase for Beckhoff’s industry-leading building automation systems. As one of the most advanced additive manufacturing facilities in the world, environmental control of the factory floor is essential to reaching and maintaining extremely high part quality. At the same time, those working in the facility’s office spaces need to be comfortable, so, we are able to monitor and manage these separately – even in different areas of the same room.
“Our platform takes advantage of data from across the facility, interpreting this enormous volume and automatically adjusting key building systems like lighting, shading, ventilation, cooling and heating for the optimal environment. We look forward to our continued work with the DMC team, refining one of the UK’s most advanced AM engineering and production facilities.”
Kieron Salter, Chief Executive Officer at the DMC, added: “The DMC is all about embracing frontier technologies, connectivity and digitalisation. It follows that the building itself be a part of this ambition. When it comes to additive manufacturing, controlling the environment in which parts are made is critical to maintaining an exceptionally high quality standard. Beckhoff’s automated platform will ensure that the building can rapidly adjust conditions in the production room in real-time – a hugely beneficial factor in part consistency.
“The system will also ensure that our team remains comfortable and productive regardless of season, weather or lighting while simultaneously minimising our energy consumption. It will be a fantastic and instrumental addition to the DMC and we look forward to continuing our work with the Beckhoff team.”
Headquartered in Silverstone Park, the DMC will realise the disruptive potential of additive and connected manufacturing. Providing serial production parts and technology solutions, the DMC was created by leading engineering company KW Special Projects and made possible through significant investment from the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP).
Award-winning wealth manager adds to senior team
Nottingham-based wealth manager Fiscal Engineers has further strengthened its acknowledged expertise in financial transition by recruiting a new member to its senior team.
David Jones has joined the multi-award-winning company as Senior Financial Planner, bringing more than 20 years of investment industry experience and insight to his new role.
As well as advising individual clients and devising bespoke strategies, he will have oversight of all financial planning at the firm and sit on the business’s Investment and Risk Committee.
He said: “I’ve been aware of Fiscal Engineers’ reputation for a long time. The company is extremely well known for the quality of its advice and how well it looks after clients.
“But what has amazed me is that the reality even exceeds the reputation. The collective focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for clients is truly exceptional.
“The overall sense of a ‘Fiscal family’ is also unique. It’s obvious that everyone here shares an extraordinary passion for going beyond expectations and seeing clients flourish.”
Jones, a Chartered Financial Planner and a member of the Personal Finance Society, has held a number of investment and advice-related roles during the past two decades.
He has worked for boutique firms such as Chesterton House and industry giants such as Standard Life. He is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment.
Fiscal Engineers founder and Executive Chairman Shane Mullins said: “The depth of our financial planning is essential to how we help clients navigate milestone periods of transition.
“Our job is to provide the expertise, structure and discipline that these landmark events demand. David brings all the skills needed to do that and makes our offering even stronger.”
Established in 2000, Fiscal Engineers has earned dozens of awards for financial planning, wealth management, financial advice and innovation during the past decade alone.
The company, which also has offices in Birmingham and London, provides bespoke services for business owners, entrepreneurs and other individuals with substantial investment needs.
Midlands PPE firm’s supply chain pledge
A leading PPE manufacturer in the UK is sending out a message of reassurance following reports about supply chain difficulties affecting other industries.
Medicom has developed a factory in Northampton to make more than half a billion medical masks for the NHS through a government contract. The company says its secure supply chain and the reliability of its production process are crucial at a time when the arrival of so many imported goods is being badly disrupted.
Medicom has deliberately sourced UK-made materials to make its masks. Material for the filters is produced in South Wales by Berry Global, which specifically opened its plant in Aberdare as part of Medicom’s deal to supply the NHS.
Medicom’s Managing Director in the UK, Hugues Bourgeois, said his company was proud to supply high-quality masks for the NHS, avoiding the reliance on imports.
“Having a robust local supply chain for this vital equipment is paramount,” he said. “That’s why it’s been so important for us to work closely with Berry Global.
“It’s understandable that some people are concerned when they hear about the challenges that various industries are facing at the moment in relation to receiving supplies of goods.
“Our secure UK supply chain means there are no such issues when it comes to making the best possible PPE for the NHS. We can reassure front-line workers that our products are there for them, when they need them.”
Medicom’s FFP3 respiratory masks are made under the internationally renowned Kolmi brand and offer a high level of protection from aerosol generated infection. They have been specially created for use by NHS frontline workers.
Feedback from users has shown the masks are lightweight and comfortable, while remaining breathable and protective over extended periods of time.
University of Lincoln showcases transformative innovation in agriculture
Technological innovation, artificial intelligence and robotics are transforming the UK’s agricultural industry and shaping the sustainable future of food produce.
Lincoln Agri-Robotics at the University of Lincoln, UK, is the world’s largest academic research centre on agri-robotics. It is a centre of international and impactful research and facilities, it is now showcasing the technology which will shape the future of sustainable food production.
In conjunction with the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), Lincoln Agri-Robotics is hosting an FPC Future conference session on Robotics and Automation in horticulture. The event is free to attend and will take place on 4 November 2021 at the Lincolnshire Showground.
The packed schedule includes eight conference sessions covering pre and post farm robotics and automation, data driven technologies, plastics and packaging, supply chain waste, carbon supply chains, vertical farming and sustainability.
Attendees will see how the world’s largest known robotic farm, ‘Robot Highways’ project, is shaping the future of UK and international farming and food production. The research aims to ensure industry sustainability by addressing labour shortages, the need for global food production and reduce the environmental impact of the farming sector.
‘Robot Highways’ is set to deliver a vision for the future of soft fruit farming, where robots will assist farmers by carrying out essential, energy intensive physical farm processes such as picking and packing fruit and treating crops to reduce critical pests and diseases, powered by renewable energy.
Tours of the University of Lincoln’s Riseholme Campus will provide a fantastic opportunity for visitors to see these technological developments – including the robotic harvesting of strawberries, a state-of-the-art refrigeration unit and various other facilities supporting projects in artificial intelligence, robotics and engineering.
An FPC Careers event will be running alongside FPC Futures. Young people are being invited to sample this exciting modern sector as attendees can find out about the ample career opportunities within the agricultural industry.
This co-located event will connect today’s up-and-coming talent with the food and flower industry’s best businesses and employers. People aged 18-30 from national universities and colleges studying across all educational disciplines are invited to attend.
Professor Simon Pearson, Director of the Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology, said:
“The University of Lincoln is at the forefront of the UK’s agri-tech and agri-food developments, with our research and teaching supporting innovation and developing workforce skills alongside partners across our food and farming sectors.
“Never has it been more important for universities and partners across the sector to work together to deliver the skills, technologies and knowledge base that our agri-food industries require to adapt to a rapidly changing and uncertain landscape.
“Therefore, we are delighted to be partnering with Fresh Produce Consortium for this inaugural agri-tech innovation exhibition and are looking forward to showing visitors the breadth of research being undertaken and specialist facilities here at our Riseholme Campus.”
Unique partnership aims to help college graduates land quality jobs
Loughborough College and Charnwood Campus Science, Innovation and Technology Park have forged a new and unique partnership to help create a careers pipeline for students.
This innovative approach will bridge the gap between classroom learning and developing the right skillset for a fulfilling career in the life sciences.
The partnership creates a pathway for learners to go straight into careers through work placements, T Levels, apprenticeships, and other commercial training in a range of sectors including healthcare, bioscience, medical equipment and devices, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.
As well as supporting student employability, it also meets the recruitment needs of local employers who will be involved in shaping the training and education received by students.
Jo Maher, Principal & CEO of Loughborough College, said: “We are delighted to have forged this important partnership with Charnwood Campus. Industry feedback is crucial to ensuring that we deliver the most relevant, innovative and up-to-date training so that our learners are highly trained when they leave us and ready to meet the needs of local employers.
“This builds on our excellent employer partnership work as Charnwood Campus boasts a wealth of outstanding employers and will present some fantastic opportunities for our learners.
“Partnerships like this are vital for the local and regional economy as we bounce back from the impacts of the pandemic, and I look forward to Loughborough College continuing to play an important role.”
Charnwood Campus Director, Gosia Khrais said: “I am pleased to announce our partnership with Loughborough College. It marks the launch of our Charnwood Life Sciences Talent and Skills Institute, of which this partnership is a critical element. We are meeting our long-term objective to help align educational centres with industry needs.
“This partnership is heavily supported by companies onsite, including Almac Pharmaceuticals, 3M, Kindeva, Charnwood Molecular and others. I am also pleased to confirm that this pilot program with the potential to become a successfully nationally replicable project has been welcomed by the Office for Life Sciences (OLS), Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and our local and regional authorities.’’
Rt. Hon George Freeman MP, Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, said: “UK science and innovation is creating exciting career opportunities for a new generation in the companies of tomorrow – all around the UK.
“When I was Minister for Life Science, I came to Charnwood to launch the Life Science Opportunity Zone – and it’s great to see how strong local leadership has grown the Charnwood Campus Science, Innovation and Technology Park. I’m delighted to be back helping to launch the Charnwood Life Sciences Talent and Skills Institute.
“This ground-breaking partnership will provide exciting new opportunities for students and help support the local cluster of exciting life science companies in this region. I look forward to seeing it progress in the months and years ahead.”
Head of Business Development at Charnwood Campus, Dr Lucy Alexander said: “Being able to develop, retain and attract life science skills in the region is essential for our life science business, and it is crucial that business and educational centres work together to deliver this, hence we are delighted to announce our partnership with Loughborough College as we develop the Charnwood Life Sciences Talent and Skill Institute.”
Global contract pharmaceutical development and manufacturing organisation, Almac Group, expanded into Charnwood Campus in 2017, creating 180 new skilled jobs. James Hurst, Almac Pharma Services’ Vice President Operations commented on the collaboration: “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership between the Charnwood Campus and Loughborough College will present for Almac. Due to ongoing client demand for our services we continue to recruit individuals in a wide range of areas including manufacturing, laboratory operations, logistics and software development and this collaboration will enable us to further guide and support our next generation of employees.”
Mille Clayton, who is currently completing an apprenticeship at Almac Pharma Services added: “Throughout my apprenticeship with Almac, I have had the unique opportunity to spend time learning about the critical aspects of contract pharmaceutical analysis which has advanced my career aspirations and capabilities significantly. The academic / industry collaboration will provide students with a fantastic opportunity to gain immediate access and insight into global businesses to support and help direct their own career pathways.”
Kevin Harris, Chair of the board of directors for the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), added: “As a key site in the Loughborough and Leicester Science and Innovation Enterprise Zone, Charnwood Campus offers fantastic opportunity for businesses, helping them to drive job creation and business growth in key UK sectors such as life sciences. I welcome this partnership as it helps local students access future job opportunities and provides them with the skills that employers are seeking in this exciting sector.”
Rapid growth for Lockwood Salads
Breaking through the traditional images of farmers and farming, comes a modern day, family-run salad-growing business based in Hinckley, Leicestershire. With the use of new technology, practices that protect the natural environment and a passion for healthy, high-quality food, the young team at Lockwood Salads are changing perceptions leaf by leaf.
With an agricultural degree, followed by hands-on and management experience at farms in England and Canada as well as an exciting year in southern Italy growing spinach, Adam Lockwood (32) knew he wanted more. Realising there weren’t many people growing baby leaf salad, he began Lockwood Salads in 2019 with 50 acres of land. The business grows baby spinach, red lettuce, bull’s blood, red chard, land cress and wild rocket.
As the business began to grow, Adam looked for support from the Business Gateway Growth Hub which is the one stop shop for Leicestershire businesses.
Before COVID, the business operated in two ways – growing and packing its own branded salad bags for wholesale markets used by food service and catering businesses, and selling crops that went straight from the field in trucks to larger suppliers who washed, packed and distributed them to supermarkets. This was during their core season which runs from April to October. The rest of the year the team would import salad from Europe, pack and send it out giving the business an all-year supply.
As hospitality businesses closed due to the national lockdown, this effectively ended the supply to this sector but when the supermarkets began to demand more with everyone staying at home, Lockwood Salads switched its focus to this side of the business. Its volume for supermarkets has risen massively from 15,000 to around 35,000 kilos a week but Brexit has also had a huge impact resulting in price wars with larger suppliers, so Lockwood Salads has not returned to importing salad on the same scale for the time being.
The business has four employees, including Adam’s partner Alice, which increases to 15 people during peak season. Growth has been rapid and the business now has 300 acres to manage. Adam regularly calls on Business Gateway adviser, Aruna Bhagwan, for advice.
He explained: “In the first year you are setting everything up – finding a farm, getting customers, growing a crop. It wasn’t easy but I knew what I had to do. I was using a loan and my own money. The second year was much more difficult with a lot more outgoings like seeds and rent, and with no reserves, cash flow was an issue. This was made harder being a seasonal business where we are spending from February but have no income until June. I turned to Aruna to help me consider a growth plan.
“She gave me advice on the different avenues of support and we were signposted to Hinckley and Bosworth Council’s Recovery Grant. Aruna helped me through the application process and we were successful in securing £15,000 towards a new robotic weeding machine, which is going to greatly improve efficiency.”
He added: “I have to say Aruna has been absolutely fantastic. From the beginning, I’ve tried to surround myself with people that can listen and advise. I count Aruna as one of those people. I can pick up the phone anytime and have a chat, it definitely helps to get an external viewpoint.”
Aruna commented: “This is such a positive team who are changing the way things are done. From using vegetable oil as fuel to reduce carbon emissions, to monitoring rainfall data to inform their decision-making. I’m so proud of what they’ve achieved. They are on an exciting upward trajectory, and it’s been a pleasure supporting them.”
Mansfield-based housebuilder celebrates growth with new Field Sales Manager
Mansfield-based housebuilder Rippon Homes is celebrating the recent appointment of new Field Sales Manager Michelle Aitken, who hopes to continue to build on the company’s previous successes.
Michelle, who lives in Lincoln, had previously been working for Redrow Homes for 14 years, before taking her new role where she’ll oversee all of the housebuilder’s developments.
With a wealth of experience in the construction industry, Michelle will be working at The Lodge at the Edge in Worksop, Marquis Gardens in Melton Mowbray, Eleanor Gardens in Navenby, Rose Gardens in Lea, Fox Hollow in Market Rasen and Queens Court in Wingerworth.
Michelle said: “Rippon Homes really appealed to me due to being a smaller, family-oriented business in comparison to a larger PLC where I was working before.
“The transition has been great. The members of staff are very close-knit, and I feel like my input is valued on wider decisions.
“No one day is the same in this job which I love. My main responsibilities are assisting the Sales Manager and supporting the site teams. I am making sure the developments are looking their best, liaising with our customers to ensure a 1st class journey. I also get to travel around a lot between the developments and the head office.
“I’m really enjoying being with the team and helping to put a smile on their face. I want to keep learning so I can be the best at what I am doing and flourish in this new role!”
Since 1953, Rippon Homes has built houses to a high standard in enviable locations while retaining the family values of care and craftsmanship the company was established on.
Ian Dyke, Managing Director at Rippon Homes, added, “We’re delighted to welcome Michelle to our team. Her previous experience in the construction industry will go a long way in helping our site teams. We look forward to seeing Michelle develop in her new role.”
Inspiring Nottingham woman named rising star at National Business Awards
Twenty women entrepreneurs have been honoured for leading the way in business at The Great British Businesswoman Awards, including Ellie Long from Nottingham who received the Rising Star Award.
Ellie was nominated for her position as an Early Careers Business Partner (EMEA & APAC) at Rolls-Royce where she is passionate about attracting and developing a diverse talent pipeline and enabling individuals to reach their potential, delivering business.
The panel of expert judges commended her ethics and efforts to challenge an industry in need of progress in regard to diversity and inclusion, with the real potential for change being in the early careers space.
The virtual event took place on the 14th and was hosted by Wynne Evans and Carol Vorderman. It saw 122 women recognised for their contributions across a range of categories from construction and creative industries through to engineering, finance and diversity.
The inaugural award ceremony stems from the Great British Businesswoman Series, a collective of industry experts seeking to educate and campaign for recognition and better opportunities for women in business, which launched on International Women’s Day.
The awards intend to acknowledge the persistent challenges for women in business, with only 2% of FTSE 250 CEOs being female, and tackle inequality by inspiring the next wave of women entrepreneurs to take action through the stories of success told of the evening’s shortlisted nominees.
However, the initiative continues beyond awards night and pledges to celebrate trail-blazing businesswomen all year-round in a community-focused programme of forums and webinars.
The awards were created by the team behind the Great British Entrepreneur Awards (GBEA). Following the success of the GBEA Awards, which in November is set to be the largest celebration of entrepreneurship in the UK, the founders felt there needed to be more attention on the influential women dominating the industry, and so brought together a panel of 46 judges to lend expertise across the varied categories.
Hundreds of people watched the live-streamed ceremony, which Francesca James from the Great British Business Woman Awards said reflected the desire for a greater focus on role models in business.
Francesca said: “It was great to hear so many stories of how women are making their mark in various business sectors across the UK. Despite it being 2021, there are still many obstacles facing women, particularly in the senior roles in business, whether that is in funding, salary or corporate representation. I hope that the success of events like this signals a turning point where more women feel comfortable talking about the barriers they face in business, and hopefully, this will lead to more equality across the working world.
“We’re proud to have hosted our inaugural awards, and hope that next year will be even bigger and better, meaning we can continue to share the stories of such inspirational women, across the UK and beyond.”
Out of 600 total nominations, 122 made the shortlist with 20 final awards given out at the ceremony. The winners for each category were:
Construction Businesswoman of the Year:
Tina Patel, Formed Architects & Designers UK Limited
Consumer Goods Businesswoman of the Year:
Anna Brightman, UpCircle Beauty
Creative Industries Businesswoman of the Year:
Sharon Whale, OLIVER Agency
Engineering & Manufacturing Businesswoman of the Year:
Karen Emanuel, Key Production
Entrepreneurial Businesswoman of the Year – Sponsored by Starling Bank:
Julianne Ponan, Creative Nature
Finance Businesswoman of the Year:
Natasha Frangos, Haysmacintyre LLP
Food & Drink Businesswoman of the Year:
Annabel Karmel, Karmel Foods Ltd.
Social Enterprise Businesswoman of the Year:
Sarah Jordan, Y.O.U Underwear
Technology Businesswoman of the Year:
Joanne Dewar, Global Processing Services (GPS)
Transport & Logistics Businesswoman of the Year:
Rachel Houghton, Business Moves Group
Utilities Businesswoman of the Year:
Penelope Hope, Rebel Energy
Young Businesswoman of the Year:
Anneka Wallington, Recognised London Limited
Rising Star Award – Sponsored by mthree:
Ellie Long, Rolls-Royce
Gamechanger in Sport Award:
Claire Nelson, Netball Scotland and Strathclyde Sirens
Team of the Year Award:
BBC 50:50
Role Model of the Year Award:
Leena Nair, Unilever
Diversity Award – Sponsored by Colt:
Catalina Hernandez, Ernst & Young
Male Advocate of the Year Award
Mark Bennett, Willmott Dixon Interiors
Female Ambassador of the Year Award:
Hannah Ingram-Moore, Maytrix Group / The Captain Tom Foundation
Great British Businesswoman of the Year Award:
Leena Nair, Unilever
Modern day rag and bone business thrives despite the worst of times
Leicester based, Industrial Wiper Company, collects unwanted second-hand clothing and fabric and creates cleaning wipers that are used across a variety of industries from food to janitorial services. Despite a turbulent year facing many market disruptions, as well as the personal and tragic loss of Managing Director, Mark Walters to cancer, this rag and bone business has not just survived but is starting to thrive once again.
Mark’s father, Mike Walters established the business in the 1960s. Back then a horse and cart were used to collect the waste fabric from Leicester companies. These days t-shirts, sheets and towelling are collected from charities, hotels and factories right across the country and imported from Europe and Asia. As in the past, the fabrics are then sorted, cut up, bagged and sold – mainly business-to-business – using distributors who sell the wipers on to the auto trade, powder coaters, sign makers, food producers and ventilation cleaners to name a few.
When Mark became ill early last year, he called on the Business Gateway Growth Hub and his cousin David Burns for help. David had previously worked as Northern European Marketing Manager for Castrol and ran a capability consulting business.
At the time, the business was facing several challenges. David had come in but with little knowledge of the market or business. There was a shortage in supply of key fabrics, and they were losing significant sums of money a year, due to a combination of factors including inefficient internal systems and procedures, spiralling costs and an unsustainable pricing structure. In addition, their long-term bookkeeper left the company plus Covid-19 and Brexit struck which meant short term closure, a drop in demand for their products and further difficulties accessing the suppliers and the fabric needed to create the wipers. The number of challenges facing the business, from both internal and external influences was unprecedented. But by working in partnership with their Business Adviser at the Business Gateway, David was able to tackle every one of them.
David said: “This was a time of real disruption and concern. But all the way through I found adviser Joanna Moore and the Business Gateway was the one place I could turn to – to ask questions, get support and find out how things were done locally. I was literally on my own with the team and she was the only person I could talk to, express concern and get help.”
As well as providing David with an outlet to discuss problems and identify possible solutions, Joanna was able to offer practical help with several key challenges. For example, she signposted David to the Leicester Employment Hub to help him quickly recruit a number of key positions within the organisation and access support from the private sector to develop their internal financial systems and processes. David was also put in touch with one of the Business Gateway’s export consultants, Andrea Collins who understood the intricacies of Brexit and helped them locate a supplier partner to bring materials into the country.
David continued: “We’ve also had help with grants. When the metal detected products we supply to the food industry started to come in short supply from Europe, we wanted to set up our own detecting facilities within our factory. Joanna helped us source and apply for an NBV grant of £1,500 towards some machinery giving us in-house capability.”
They have also updated the website using a Small Business Recovery grant and Mark’s wife Kay, who is now working at the company, has taken advantage of the Business Gateway finance workshops to build her skills in this area. “It’s been a real partnership. Each time we’ve reviewed our capability we’ve come to the Growth Hub and said, ‘this has disrupted our market, we now need to do this, can you help us?’ And each time Joanna has provided solutions we could try. That’s what I like about it. It’s enabling and assisting to deliver on the opportunities from the disruption in the market,” added David.
Joanna Moore commented: “I’ve really enjoyed working with David and Industrial Wiper Company. As an adviser, it’s lovely when you can work with a client, over a longer period. It gives you the opportunity to really get to know the business and people involved and so it is extra rewarding when you help them to overcome whatever challenges they are experiencing at that time.”
The great news is, with the help and support of Joanna and a lot of hard work and dedication from David and his team the business has managed to turn things around and is on target to move from a large loss to a net profit of £15,000 this year.
The future is looking even brighter for the business. Growth plans include working with a new partner, which processes 50,000 tonnes of clothing from their bins and shops, to secure and grow fabric supply. New non-woven products have been added to the wiper range and a consultancy service has been launched to ensure customers can optimise performance and the cost of their wiping, cleaning, and polishing requirements. Plus, all Industrial Wipers products and services can now be viewed and ordered via their recently rebranded and redeveloped website – www.industrialwiper.co.uk
Finally, David added: “The Growth Hub has been a lifeline. The emotional impact of the support we’ve had is probably an area people don’t fully understand or value. In a small business with everything that goes on to have someone to turn to, bounce ideas off, talk about the market and get feedback: to have another rational voice there, that’s of amazing value.”
Lincolnshire charity CEO completes underground cave challenge for charity
CEO Dr Emma Egging of Lincolnshire based youth charity Jon Egging Trust has completed her penultimate JET10 Challenge. The weekend saw Emma embark on an incredible four and a half hour underground scramble in the UK’s largest cave system of Ease Gill in the Yorkshire Dales.
Emma comments “It was an amazing 4.5 hrs underground in the Three Counties caving system with my brother and one of his mountain rescue team colleagues, with lots of tight squeezes, crawls, steep climbs and ascents. It was very challenging at times but a fantastic experience to be guided by a talented team of experts and to see some beautiful underground sights. One more JET10 challenge still to go! I’m so grateful for everyone’s support, helping us raise over £64,000 so far. I pushed myself to the limits today, but it has been worth it to enable us to support even more young people to step out of their comfort zones, develop their skills and achieve great things too.”
Emma, who founded the Jon Egging Trust (JET) a decade ago following the death of her husband – Red Arrows pilot Flt Lt Jon Egging – has taken on ten physical and mental ‘JET10’ challenges this year to shine a spotlight on the plight of the vulnerable youngsters supported by the trust, and to raise £100k to expand the charity’s programmes.
To get behind Emma’s latest JET10 challenge please visit: Emma’s JET10 Challenge – Jon Egging Trust
Leicestershire gin distiller launches new product to support the national forest
A Leicestershire distiller unveils an exclusive and specially produced new product to provide vital funds to the National Forest.
The National Forest Gin has been hand-crafted and expertly distilled by Leicestershire based Burleighs Gin in a partnership which will provide a donation from every bottle sold to the National Forest, to support its vision for growing a better and greener future.
Working in partnership with expert foresters, Burleighs has developed a unique botanical recipe that is inspired by the new and ancient forests surrounding the Burleighs Distillery in Nanpantan, Loughborough.
The National Forest Gin is a vibrant, earthy creation featuring elderflower, blackberries and wild cherry. Using the signature Burleighs recipe as a base, bold juniper and zesty citrus have been added to create a classic gin – which is perfectly complemented by the flavours of the forest.
Sam Watson, commercial director at Burleighs Gin, said: “Burleighs Gin is situated in the heart of the National Forest, and we have always been inspired by the beauty of our historic surroundings.
“In fact, our Signature recipe was built around unique botanicals found hidden away in the Burleighs woodland adjacent to our distillery, so it’s been a great experience to elevate this further and create an exciting new product for the National Forest itself.”
The National Forest is one of the boldest environmentally-led regeneration initiatives in the country – transforming a post-industrial landscape by creating a forest across 200 square miles of the Midlands, linking the ancient remnant forests of Charnwood and Needwood.
Since the early 1990s, 9 million trees have been planted in an area that was previously one of the least wooded parts of the country.
John Everitt, chief executive at the National Forest Company, commented: “Burleighs is a fantastic example of a business which is growing with the Forest and reflects our shared vision for a greener future. We are really proud to be partnering with Burleighs to have our own unique gin and to showcase the high-quality products being made here in the National Forest.”
Inspired by the work of the National Forest, Burleighs Gin has embarked on its own mission to become more sustainable. It has introduced biodegradable and recyclable packaging to complement its existing solar powered electricity, and all glass bottles and cardboard boxes at the site are recycled via a comprehensive recycling system.
The company has invested in portable distilling benches where guests can create their very own gin using new copper stills – water is stored beneath rather than via the mains which is passed through a purification filter, ready for use in the gin making process.
Sam continues: “We’ve made significant changes at Burleighs over the last year to improve the sustainability of the company. We’re also proud of the fact that the bottles used for the National Forest Gin have been made from recycled glass – a decision that is perfectly aligned with everything that the National Forest stands for.
“The Burleighs and National Forest collaboration is an exciting development to continue our mission to make Burleighs Gin even more sustainable.”
Local home builder launches incentive to support Worksop and Nottinghamshire’s education professionals
A local home builder is supporting those working within the education sector, who play such an important role in their communities by launching a new incentive designed to boost their efforts to buy a new home.
David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West, which has it’s Gateford Manor development in Gateford, is offering a deposit contribution of up to £15,000 off the price of a new home for anyone who works at a nursery, school, college or university.
The Education Workers scheme, which is being piloted in Yorkshire, allows buyers to receive a deposit contribution of £750 for every £25,000 spent, up to a maximum contribution of £15,000. The discount is designed to help everyone working in the education sector get onto the property ladder or secure a brand new home, as a thank-you for their hard work over the past 18 months.
The introduction of the scheme gives something back to the professionals across the region working in the education sector who have faced a challenging 18 months, during which they have had to adapt quickly to school and class closures and the challenges associated with remote teaching.
To mark the launch of the pilot scheme, the home builder is also offering £200 school fund contributions for every sale of employees of that school purchasing a home with David Wilson Homes in Worksop and Nottinghamshire.
Sam Wood, Sales Director at David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West said: “The teachers, tutors, lecturers and support staff who work in Worksop and Nottinghamshire have done a tremendous job in challenging circumstances over the last 18 months, so we wanted to thank them in the form of some extra support for those who might be looking to buy a new home. We have a range of properties available for first time buyers and growing families alike, and our sales advisors are on hand to arrange appointments and viewings around busy schedules for anyone eager to find out more.”
BAE Systems welcomes University of Nottingham as latest strategic academic partner
The University of Nottingham and BAE Systems have formalised a strategic partnership which will see the organisations collaborate on developing new and innovative digital manufacturing technologies.
A recognised leader in Industry 4.0 technologies, the University has extensive capabilities including additive layer manufacturing, lightweight materials, metrology and digital approaches to design and manufacture, as well as sustainable energy and power management systems.
Professor Andy Schofield, Programme & Technology Integration Director, within BAE Systems’ Air Sector, and Honorary Professor at the University of Nottingham, said: “We’ve had a strong partnership with the University of Nottingham for a number of years, with our teams working closely together to jointly develop next generation manufacturing capabilities that will transform the future of aircraft production.
“We look forward to deepening our relationship and exploring how the University’s world-class industry 4.0 knowledge and research capabilities can be applied to other areas of our business.”
Professor Svetan Ratchev, Cripps Professor of Production Engineering and Director of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at the University of Nottingham, said: “Formalising our strategic partnership will allow us to translate the latest research results into industrial applications, develop new technologies and deliver major societal, environmental and economic impact. It will also provide our students with more exciting opportunities to gain valuable industrial experience, enhance their knowledge and develop their future careers.”
Confirmation of the formal partnership follows a sustained period of successful collaboration in key technological areas such as ‘cobotics’, which enables people and robots to work in co-operation on complex tasks. This was born from the Integrated Autonomous Assembly Demonstrator which prototyped robotic assembly of aircraft structures and used data from digital designs to optimise manufacturing processes.
This work was led by the University of Nottingham with input from the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
Nottingham and BAEs other strategic universities are also active in research into sustainability, particularly in energy management. This is of great importance to the company, given its target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions operations across its operations by 2030 and help inspire the development of sustainable technologies for its customers.
BAE Systems continues to develop its UK university partnerships, with Nottingham becoming the company’s sixth strategic university partner. This builds on existing partnerships with Cranfield University, the University of Birmingham, the University of Manchester, the University of Southampton and the University of Strathclyde. Work begins on new affordable homes in Sleaford
Work has started on more than 60 new affordable homes on the edge of Sleaford.
The homes are part of the wider Handley Chase development in the town and will be delivered by Longhurst Group.
The Group, which owns and manages more than 23,500 homes across the Midlands and East of England and has offices in Boston, Lincoln and Grimsby, is working with Lincolnshire-based Lindum Group on the development.
In total, 64 affordable homes will be built.
Marcus Keys, Longhurst Group’s Executive Director of Growth and Development, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing more much needed affordable housing to North Kesteven and it’s great to see work underway on site.
“As a Group, we’re committed to providing the homes people want, where they’re needed the most and we’re very pleased to be working with our partners at Lindum Group to respond to the local need in this area.
“As a fully affordable scheme, this development will give local families and residents the opportunity to get onto the property ladder and have a home they can call their own. I’m very much looking forward to seeing work progress on this site and I’m excited to see our plans become a reality.”
Thirty of the homes on the development are to be offered for sale on a shared ownership basis, with the remaining 34 available for affordable rent. It’ll include a mix of two, three and four bedroom properties.
In addition, two public open spaces with new trees will be created as well as a new pedestrian link through to Rosewood Drive.
The development site forms part of the ongoing Handley Chase development, which was approved in July 2015. The wider scheme involves creating a Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) to Sleaford including 1,450 houses, a new school and commercial space.
Lindum Group Contracts Manager Gavin Parker said: “We’re really pleased to be on site at Handley Chase. Lindum Group has been working to bring forward this development for almost two years and so it’s great to be marking the start of construction work.
“The first stage of the scheme is groundworks, which will involve stripping the top soil, excavating the attenuation pond and setting out the new estate road. We intend to reuse the majority of the soil on site at a later date.
“We should be installing the first timber frames during early December. We plan to handover the homes in three phases, with the first properties completed by the end of next summer and the last finished by the end of the year.
“Once complete, these homes will be a welcome addition to the housing stock in North Kesteven and will be central to the new community that’s being created as part of the town’s Sustainable Urban Development.”
Leader of North Kesteven District Council, Councillor Richard Wright, added: “It’s fantastic to see work now underway on these new homes, which form part of the existing Handley Chase development in the town and support the wider Sustainable Urban Extension to Sleaford.
“With thirty of them for sale as shared ownership and 34 of them for affordable rent, this scheme will help ensure that the high quality homes people need are readily available and our communities can continue to flourish as a result.”
New appointment brings three decades of industry experience to DBCP
DBCP has further strengthened its team of building control surveyors at its Derby office with the appointment of Richard Buxton.
Experienced building surveyor Richard, who boasts more than 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, will be based at DBCP’s Friar Gate office in the city centre.
He joins from Erewash Borough Council where he was a Building Control Officer covering the Erewash, Broxtowe and Mansfield areas. As part of the DBCP team of Building Control Surveyors, Richard will now work with builders, architects and property owners in Derby city centre and throughout South Derbyshire.
Richard said: “DBCP offers me a brilliant opportunity to expand my skills and experience, with city-based and larger commercial projects. I’m excited for the brand-new challenge ahead in Derby.”
Richard’s role will include providing plan checks, site inspections and advice and support to clients and contractors for commercial and residential developments in the region. He will also be on call for requests to assess dangerous structures.
Prior to joining the building control sector six years ago, Richard worked within construction, however decided to retrain and completed a Building Surveying degree at Sheffield Hallam University. He is continuing his ongoing professional development with the University of Wolverhampton where he is studying a Building Control Surveying Degree Apprenticeship.
The Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Building Control Surveying was introduced in 2019. The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) and LABC created the now nationally recognised and approved Building Control Apprenticeship Standard.
He added: I’ve been in the construction industry for 32 years and working in building control for the last six years. This has given me an excellent appreciation and understanding of projects from both a developer and regulatory position. My skills and experience enables me to contribute to DBCP’s commitment to working with clients to achieve the best outcome on projects.”
£9m awarded for Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Derby
The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has awarded Derby City Council over £9m in funding – £6.875m from its Getting Building Fund and £2.2m from its Growing Places Fund – to support the development of a Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) at Infinity Park in Derby.
The Nuclear AMRC Midlands research and development facility will provide c.4,300m2 of new floorspace dedicated to research and development, which will support productivity growth and sustainable practises within the manufacturing sector and help to position Derby and the wider D2N2 region as a key advanced manufacturing and innovation hub for the UK nuclear centre and beyond.
Bringing together the University of Sheffield’s Nuclear AMRC and the University of Derby’s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Manufacturing (IISE), the facility will carry out research, innovation, supply chain development and teaching with the purpose of developing the skills and capability of businesses in the region and nationally, to support the UK Government objectives for Net Zero by 2050 and growth in manufacturing from 11% GDP to 20% GDP by 2030.
Locally, the facility will support local SMEs to improve their productivity by providing access to high quality research and development opportunities, tailored business support and opportunities to upskill their workforce, creating a broader and more resilient economic base. Workers will have access to specialist training and development to equip them for more productive and higher paid roles.
The Nuclear AMRC Midlands will deliver 70 direct jobs, support 35 collaborative R&D projects and support 100 businesses through the Fit For Nuclear supply chain development programme in its first five years of operation. Fifty learners will be supported, with a further 50 employees upskilled.
Elizabeth Fagan, chair of the D2N2 LEP Board, said: “Our recovery and growth strategy highlights the importance of low carbon growth and raising productivity levels across our region. Our investments into Infinity Park and the Nuclear AMRC will play a critical role to in developing clusters of highly productive and sustainable businesses across D2N2 and supporting local economic development.”
Andrew Storer, Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear AMRC, said: “We’re delighted to secure funding for the new facility at Infinity Park, and will continue to work with D2N2, the University of Derby and other local partners to deliver high-value jobs and support the region’s economic recovery.
“With the transition to net-zero emissions at the top of the national and international agenda, there will be huge long-term opportunities for manufacturers of all sizes in nuclear and other low-carbon sectors such as offshore renewables, hydrogen and carbon capture. It’s part of our job to help the supply chain in and around Derby to win that work.”
Former Methodist church with luxury apartments plans sold
A former Methodist church in a Derbyshire town could soon be converted into eight luxury apartments after it was sold for £177,500 in an auction.
The vacant building with an attractive frontage on West Street, Swadlincote, had a guide price of £140,000+ but attracted much higher bids, reflecting interest in the existing planning permission for the conversion from South Derbyshire District Council.
The original chapel in the Swadlincote Conservation Area was built by Wesleyan Methodists in 1816, was enlarged around 1823, then further extended in 1837, and subsequently rebuilt in 1863. It ceased being a place of worship in 2017.
Colin Totney, a land and development surveyor at Bond Wolfe, said: “We’re delighted with the price we gained for this stylish building, which is centrally located fronting onto West Street in the town centre.
“Assuming the new owners go ahead with the conversion into eight apartments, it is estimated they would have a gross internal area approaching 8,000 sq ft.
“The attractiveness of apartments in such a grand old building would be immense, with its lofty frontage, three ornate, pillar-flanked entrance doors and five arched windows above, and striking polygonal brickwork corners.”
Mr Totney added: “While this approved conversion is now likely, the property could also be suitable for other uses, although the new owners would need further permission for any such reconfiguration.”
