Northampton IT specialists secure place on prestigious public sector framework
Public sector IT specialist Kingsfield has been awarded a place on Crown Commercial Service’s G-Cloud 13 framework, an extensive digital marketplace which will see Kingsfield become a go-to provider for the public sector nationally.
G-Cloud 13 offers public sector customers the ability to purchase cloud-based computing services at rates cheaper than in-house, saving time and the need to go through lengthy tender processes.
Crown Commercial Service supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2021/22, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits equal to £2.8 billion – supporting world-class public services that offer best value for taxpayers.
The framework is available to all Public Sector organisations, such as the NHS, local and wider government, charities, and education providers. Customers can simply log onto the digital marketplace and filter by their needs and budget to find the most suitable solution from a list of thousands of accredited providers.
Kingsfield has secured places on Lot 2: Cloud Software, and Lot 3: Cloud Support, providing applications that are accessed over the internet and hosted in the cloud, as well as supporting customers in the set up and maintenance of their cloud software or hosting services.
Kingsfield Managing Director, Brian Boys, said: “We’re incredibly pleased to have been awarded a place on the latest G-Cloud network. To be able to provide these Cloud-based IT solutions to Public Sector organisations, who do such vital public services up and down the country, is a huge privilege, and it signifies another milestone in Kingsfield’s journey.
“In such a short span of time, our Midlands-based team of specialists has grown exponentially, with a number of new frameworks being awarded, and revenue growing by almost 231% in 2022. To secure two lots on G-Cloud 13 is a testament to the hard work of our team, during what was a difficult period for the wider industry over the last twelve months.”
Derbyshire science company Lubrizol helps give happy days to 60 Derby children
A Derbyshire science company is helping put smiles on the faces of Derby children with complex needs, by supporting them to enjoy a grand day out by the seaside.
Science company Lubrizol, whose UK headquarters is based at Hazelwood near Belper, has helped pay for 60 children and 17 carers from a Derby special school to enjoy a day out in Skegness, arranged by Happy Days Children’s Charity.
Founded by three mums in 1992, Happy Days pays for special days and holidays for children in the UK who are living with mental, physical and emotional challenges.
It helps nearly 25,000 children with additional needs each year.
Rob Cox, fundraising and marketing manager for the charity, said: “Days out like this give children a chance to have fun, but also it’s a really important opportunity for them to get out of their normal environment, use social skills and have contact with people they may have never met before. Things like buying an ice cream can be a big deal for them.”
Happy Days organises and funds a wide range of activities for the thousands of children it supports, including trips to the seaside, theatres, zoos, museums, outdoor activity centres, sporting events and other educational and cultural activities.
The charity receives no government funding and relies entirely on support from companies like Lubrizol and an army of volunteers.
Rob said: “Some parents don’t have the finances even to afford a simple day trip, especially with the cost of living situation we’re now seeing. One reason we’re able to do this is the access to all of the doctors, nurses and support staff who give up their time to accompany children on their trips.
“We have thousands of volunteers all over the country. As we receive no government funding, we’re 100 per cent reliant on the generosity of companies like Lubrizol to fund our activities – thank you to each and every one of them.”
Tom Grazier, co-chair of Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee which provided funding towards the Happy Days Skegness trip, said: “It’s very important to us at Lubrizol that we give back to the communities where we work. We do this not only by giving up voluntary time but also in making financial contributions to good causes we come across.
“It’s great to know that we’ll be supporting what looks to be a great day out by the seaside for 60 children and their carers. This particular charity really spoke to us as it was clear what great work it does. We hope that everyone from Derby going on this trip has a fantastic time in Skegness!”
Walkers makes healthy progress in sales milestone
Walkers has made “significant progress” towards achieving its 2025 health ambition, with 30% of sales now from healthier snacks.
In April 2022, the crisp giant set out an ambition to make 50% of Walkers snack sales come from healthier alternatives by 2025, targeting 30% to come from products that do not classify as high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) and 20% from snacks sold in portions of 100 calories or less per packet.
The company is over halfway to reaching this goal, after only a year into an initial three-year investment of £35 million to drive product innovation and reformulation. Non-HFSS snacks now account for 15% of Walkers’ overall sales, and portions of 100 calories or less account for a further 15% of sales. Two-thirds of all new products launched last year were not classified as HFSS.
A major step towards this progress was the launch of Walkers 45% Less Salt, the business’s first potato crisp to not be classified as high in fat, salt or sugar. Despite only launching last year, 45% Less Salt has already become a popular brand with sales over £30 million. As a result of its success, the range is set to grow with the new arrival of 45% Less Salt Delicate Prawn Cocktail.
“Walkers has long been a leader in the development of healthier snacks, and last year we stepped up our efforts, setting our boldest ambition yet. I’m immensely proud of how far we’ve come in a year by reshaping our portfolio,” said Jason Richards, general manager of PepsiCo UK & Ireland.
“We’ve done this through a combination of innovation with new products such as Walkers’ 45% Less Salt and Popworks, reformulation of established family favourites Walkers Baked and Doritos Dippers, and offering a broader range of our most loved brands in portions of under 100 calories or less.
“This shows there’s an increasing appetite for healthier choices in the UK. Our R&D team in Leicester has met this demand for healthier choices without compromising on our trademark taste and quality. We know there’s more work to do, and we remain confident that we can reach our ambition, dramatically shifting our snacks portfolio towards healthier alternatives.”
D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership leads panel discussion at Leeds trade event
The huge potential of devolution for the East Midlands region will be showcased at a major UK trade event in Leeds on May 16th-18th.
D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership is to lead a panel session at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum 2023 to discuss upcoming devolution in the East Midlands for businesses and investors.
The D2N2 region, covering Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, has an industrial and manufacturing track record and is at the forefront of economic development, with the East Midlands Freeport and the East Midlands Development Company recently established.
The region is on track to become the home of the UK’s newest and largest combined authority in 2024. The D2N2 area sits in the heart of the country and is very well connected, and benefits from proximity to infrastructure assets such as East Midlands Airport, the M1 and fast rail links, and its central location means that almost 90% of the UK is accessible within a four hour drive.
The panel session will provide the opportunity for delegates to hear from speakers representing D2N2 LEP, the East Midlands Development Company and key businesses in the region, who will share their insights on the benefits and opportunities devolution will bring to the East Midlands.
Delegates will have the opportunity to get involved in the discussion about what the private sector can bring to complement and enhance the newest and largest devolution deal in England, set to leverage at least £38m per year over 30 years.
The panel session will be chaired by Nicolle Ndiweni, Inward Investment and Business Expansion Specialist, Invest in Nottingham, and the panel will include:
• Will Morlidge – Chief Executive, D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership
• Andrew Roberts – Regional Head of Acquisitions, Yorkshire & Central, Harworth Group
• Andy Dabbs – Board Director, Whittam Cox Architects
• Sir Chris Haworth – Chairman, East Midlands Development Company
• Ellie Hinds – Business Development Manager, Scape Group
• Steve Wooler – Chief Executive, BWB
Will Morlidge, Chief Executive of D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership said: “The East Midlands devolution deal is not just about driving more funding from the Government into our region: it is also a very clear signal from Government that the East Midlands is the vibrant industrial heart of the UK and is a great place to invest. Together with the rest of the panel, I am really looking forward to discussing the unique opportunities that devolution will unlock for businesses and investors in the region and beyond.”
John Forkin, MD of Marketing Derby, added: “As well as championing Derby and Derbyshire, we also regularly collaborate with our partners on projects that benefit the wider region, such as the East Midlands devolution deal, which we are fully behind. Over the years, we have achieved some notable successes, attracting major companies, both national and international, bringing thousands of new jobs to this part of the world and we are excited about the huge potential to do so going forward.”
Multi-million-pound partnership celebrates taking aerospace industry to new heights
A multi-million-pound partnership, which brought academia and industry together to instigate innovation and mechanical excellence in the aerospace sector, has come to an end after making multiple advances in technologies.
The Cornerstone Prosperity Partnership, led by the University of Nottingham alongside industry partner Rolls-Royce and academic partners University of Oxford and Imperial College London, was awarded £13.5 million in funding by the EPSRC and partners in 2017 to advance six key areas of mechanical engineering science. Since then, Queen’s University Belfast has also joined the partnership due to its expertise in structural behaviour.
The partnership advanced mechanical engineering science, bringing low carbon aircraft propulsion closer to reality, and supported the exploration of new designs that improve efficiency, reduce noise pollution, and lower gas turbine engine weight, through work in the following areas:
- High power-density contacts
- Impact and intelligent failure management
- Advanced static and dynamic load management
- Exploiting aero-structural interactions
- Innovations in thermal management
- Electro-mechanical interactions
- Influence of platform behaviour on sub-system design
Company’s clay donation supports £5.3m canal restoration project
The restoration of the Chesterfield Canal will shortly take a great leap forward, thanks to a huge donation of clay from Suon Ltd supporting a £5.3m major works programme by the Chesterfield Canal Trust.
The funds from the Staveley Town Deal will allow for rebuilding the historic Staveley Puddlebank, an 800-metres structure stretching across the Doe Lea Valley.
It was built in 1776 out of clay dug by hand and moved in wheelbarrows. The structure was 10 metres high when it crossed the river Doe Lea. It was partially bulldozed in 1972, hence the need to remodel it.
The value of the clay runs well into seven figures. It is currently at Foxlow, just north of Barrow Hill. The total volume is 160,000 cubic metres. If this was all heaped onto the pitch at Wembley Stadium, it would be as high as a seven storey building or five double decker buses. If it was piled onto the centre court at Wimbledon, it would be over 800 metres high. That’s the same as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building or nearly three times the height of the Shard, Britain’s tallest building.
The Chesterfield Canal Trust says it is incredibly grateful for this wonderful gesture by Suon, and also to the Chatsworth Settlement which has waived its right to the royalties that it held upon the clay.
Nicholas Wood, Estates Director for Chatsworth, said: “We are very happy to have been able to support the Chesterfield Canal Trust with this project, and we hope it will help enable future generations to enjoy the canal for many years.”
Chesterfield Canal Trust’s Development Manager, George Rogers, said: “Purchasing and transporting suitable materials from other sources would be prohibitively expensive and cause untold disturbance to the local population. Without this incredibly generous donation, the project simply couldn’t proceed in its current form and so the Trust is very grateful for the support and generosity of Suon and Chatsworth. We look forward to continuing our long history of working together to enable the restoration of the canal”.
Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It’s fantastic to see project sponsors working together to achieve the overall objectives of the Town Deal. This is an important donation that will help ensure the canal can continue to be enjoyed by local people and visitors, whilst making use of this natural resource in the local area.”
Suon Ltd, Chatsworth Settlement Trustees and Chesterfield Canal Trust support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Recognise the exceptional work of property and construction businesses at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
With nominations now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards, take this opportunity to showcase your business, team and projects by submitting an entry for the prestigious event.
Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry, award categories include: most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner.
Shine the spotlight on your team, reward their efforts, and boost morale.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region.
After winning an award at the 2022 event, Steve Rayner, partner at Rayner Davies Architects, said: “It was great to be named Architects of the Year at this year’s East Midlands Bricks Awards. To have the recognition of our peers in the industry, in our 30th year in practice, was especially satisfying. I would recommend anyone to get involved in this excellent annual event. A big thank you to everyone that has supported us over the years and a big thank you for the award.”
To nominate your (or another) business/development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
To be held at:
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:
Safety award secured by Nottingham pizza producer
Nottingham’s The Pizza Factory operated by the Two Sisters Food Group at Gateside Road in the city has won a gold award in the RoSPA award scheme.
The award is amongst a number secured by the company at its UK sites, recognising efforts to ensure that employees get home safely.
The RoSPA Health and Safety Award scheme is the largest occupational health and safety awards programme in the UK. Now into its 67th year, the Awards have almost 2,000 entries every year, covering nearly 50 countries and a reach of over seven million employees. The programme recognises organisations’ commitment to continuous improvement in the prevention of accidents and ill health at work, looking at entrants’ overarching health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement.
While most awards are non-competitive – recognising individual organisations’ achievements – competitive awards are presented in 20 industry sectors and for specialist areas of health and safety management.
William Elworthy, Meal Solutions Divisional Health & Safety Manager, said: “We are extremely proud to have achieved these awards, our Health and Safety teams work incredibly hard to maintain very high standards in our sites.”
Green light for community centre at Towcester development
Approval has been granted by West Northamptonshire Council for the creation of a community centre at Persimmon Homes Midlands’ Towcester Grange development.
The facility will provide the opportunity for a range of community activities to be hosted at the development, which will bring 2,750 new homes to the Northamptonshire town.
Along with bringing a range of new homes to Towcester, the new scheme will also bring a range of benefits to the local area, including two new primary schools, healthcare facilities, employment land, and retail and dining outlets.
Paul Stones, technical director at Persimmon Homes Midlands, said: “We’re delighted to have received approval for our community centre at Towcester Grange and I want to thank West Northamptonshire Council for their support. Not only will the community centre provide a local hub for residents, it will also provide a meeting place for the people of Towcester more widely.
“We’re proud to be delivering a brand new development for Towcester with a range of quality homes as well as a wealth of benefits for local people.”
Senior partner retires after 44 years at Hegarty Solicitors
Martin Bloom, senior partner at Hegarty Solicitors, has retired after a career of 44 years at the firm.
Martin first joined Hegarty Solicitors in 1979 when there were just 7 people working for the firm. Starting at its old office on Lincoln Road, he was the company’s first articled clerk, now known as a trainee solicitor, and worked with Richard Hegarty. He qualified as a solicitor in 1981 and became a partner of the firm in January of 1983.
He first worked on criminal and family law matters before specialising in employment law in the 80’s. He said: “Even back at university when employment law was known as labour law, I’ve always found that area particularly interesting and enjoyable. It can be difficult and intellectually stimulating, I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of solving difficult problems.”
Other notable achievements include being appointed an Employment Judge in 1995. Martin commented that he believes to have issued over a thousand judgements over the years. He also wrote and published his own book entitled ‘Bullying and Stress in the Workplace – an Employer’s and Employee’s Guide’ in 2005, which covered areas of the law from discrimination to equal opportunities.
Furthermore, Martin has been a key speaker at various talks and seminars, with a highlight being those with Anne Corder Recruitment which he has been speaking at for more than 25 years. He recalls: “When the seminars first began there were around 20 people in attendance. When the last in-person talk happened before Covid, we had over 200 people come to the event.” Following Covid, Martin has been speaking at online Lunch and Learn sessions with Anne Corder Recruitment and has over 80 attendees every time.
He has also delivered employment law training to many businesses including HMRC, British Sugar, and Thomas Cook.
When asked about his retirement, Martin said: “Initially I’m going to have a rest! Then I plan to do some charity work, I’m going to volunteer to help children at my village primary school do some reading. I’m also going to volunteer at sports lessons at Stamford School. I plan to do some work on my garden and go on long walks with my dog Dougal.”
Katie Bowen Nicholas graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in law and recently joined Hegarty Solicitors, replacing Martin as the firm’s employment solicitor. She deals with all aspects of employment law including settlement agreements, employment contracts, consultancy agreements, unfair dismissal and discrimination claims.
Katie plans to continue the Lunch and Learn webinars with Anne Corder Recruitment and is excited to start those in June. She will also be continuing the Hegarty Solicitors E-ssentials newsletter that has been running for over 25 years.
Katie commented: “I am most looking forward to applying my passion for employment law to continue to develop and grow the department.”
Kally Singh, who succeeds Martin as senior partner of the firm, said: “Martin has worked so hard over the years to make this firm successful and we all wish him an enjoyable and relaxing retirement.”
Derby-based Watermark gets £250k loan to upgrade technology
Maven Capital Partners is to lend £250,000 to Derby-based water and waste solutions provider Watermark Systems to upgrade its technology and systems, and to buy materials.
With clients including Severn Water, Buxton Water, and Veolia, the company was founded in 1984 by Mike Roberts and Peter Swindell, and provides engineering solutions exclusively to the UK’s waste energy and water/sewage treatment sector. It provides customers with the latest in GPS scanning, 3D modelling and design, pipework installations and structural steel access equipment. The firm also supplies bespoke consultation services, with quality and health & safety considerations always a key priority.
Watermark works closely with digital design specialist Novum BIM to deliver CAD services, providing spatial design, fire strategy and pre-fabrication models for safety and viability review. This close relationship helps to increase efficiencies in Watermark’s installation times and reduces any need for potential rework, driving commercial sustainability and customer success.
Watermark MD Mike Roberts said:“There was great support from Graham Hall and the team at Maven. Their very thorough due diligence process enabled us to assess and confirm our financial requirements with confidence. Watermark’s ability to take advantage of an uplift in sales is greatly enhanced by our improved cash flow position. With turnover increasing, recruitment of new employees is now underway and our success thus far has us excited for the company’s future.”
Jonathan Lowe, Investment Director for Maven, said: “We are delighted to be able to help Mike and his team push forward with their critical growth plans through a MEIF Recovery Loan Scheme facility to close a working capital gap. Watermark is a major player in this environmentally important sector, which has a significant impact on both the local area and economy. It is a well-run and already successful SME and our fresh funding commitment will enable the firm to further enhance its service offering.”
Nottingham-based Roadgas ready to expand following acquisition
Mercuria Clean Energy Investments (MCEI), along with Pretoria Energy Group, have acquired Nottingham-based Roadgas.
Roadgas owns and operates several bio-CNG and bio-LNG stations in the UK and the acquisition will offer a new gas-fueling partner to fleet managers working to decarbonise operations. The business will continue to be known as Roadgas Limited.
Roadgas offers customers a fully integrated package to decarbonise their fleets, constructing bespoke, on-site fuelling solutions with UK-produced biomethane. The group plans to fuel more than 2,500 gas-fuelled trucks annually within five years, reducing the heavy goods vehicle sector emissions at a critical moment in the energy transition.
Roadgas has built 30 LNG, CNG, and LCNG fuelling stations in the UK and operates a number of truck and bus gas fuelling stations around the country. Roadgas’ build and operational capability will be bolstered by the financial and trading power of Mercuria and the certainty of supply of UK-produced waste-based biomethane from Pretoria.
“Pretoria is committed to producing a significant and rapid increase in wastebased biogas volumes by 2028 compared to 2021 as part of our growth strategy,” said Steve Ripley, MD. “This acquisition will advance our ability to deliver biomethane from our AD plants in the UK directly to haulage fleets in the UK, allowing fleet operators to follow their fuel supply from the field to their vehicle’s tank.”
“Mercuria is delighted to have acquired Roadgas together with Pretoria,” said James Cooper, Mercuria’s head of European Origination, Environmental Products.
“Decarbonisation of industry and transport is core to Mercuria’s commitment to global Energy Transition. The UK lacks scale in waste-based biomethane production and lags behind other European markets in the substitution of diesel for gas.
“Combining biomethane supply from Pretoria with Roadgas’ experience and reputation for design, engineering and operation of LNG and CNG refuelling stations will provide a much more transparent solution for UK truck and bus operators looking to follow their fuels’ journey from feedstock to pump.”
Roadgas MD David Rix said: “Working with Mercuria and Pretoria will allow us to fulfill the expansion plans we’ve had for the company since 2018. Through knowledge transfer and sharing of best practices, the newly expanded business will provide an end-to-end solution for fleet owners and managers.
“We look forward to a very successful partnership and to delivering more green gas refuelling infrastructure projects on behalf of our clients.”
Women in biotech come together for inspiring event
Over 70 women working in biotech came together for an energising and inspiring event: ‘Empowering Women in Biotech’ which was held in Loughborough, on 18 April.
The event set out to help women, wherever they are in the career path, realise their future goals and generate a wide network of individuals working in biotech.
Co-hosted by Charnwood Molecular and Charnwood Campus, like-minded individuals working in the biotech and life science sector, and those looking to pursue a career in this industry, were brought together to share their own experiences.
A heartfelt and inspiring keynote address by Gosia Khrais, commercial and marketing director of Charnwood Campus, set the tone for the day. This was followed by an insightful discussion with Isabel Webb, head of technology strategy at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Isabel outlined her route from lab bench to government including her motivations for having scientists at the heart of policy development.
The event also included a full programme of panels and networking, covering topics such as ‘Female Powerhouse Establishment’, ‘Diversity in The Workplace: The Importance of Having A Diverse Workplace’ and ‘Unlocking Investment Opportunities’.
“We were delighted to be involved and have facilitated such an insightful and well-attended event at our site,” said Shona Farmer, marketing manager of Charnwood Molecular. “The day was both inspirational and educational, bringing together so many talented individuals in Biotech. We were able to share our experiences and find incredible inspiration from all those involved,” she added.
The event was a collaborative effort organised in partnership with Bionow, IBioIC, Potter Clarkson, SynBioBeta and WiSB (Women in Synthetic Biology).
HMRC move to dip into crypto and digital wallets to pay tax bills
The government is considering granting HMRC new powers to recover unpaid tax directly from digital wallets.
The proposal is one of a number of measures that are being considered as part of plans to modernise tax debt collection from non-paying businesses.
While the overwhelming majority of people and businesses in the UK pay their tax on time, the latest figures from HMRC show that there is around £48bn in tax owed to HMRC but remaining unpaid. According to HMRC, the vast majority of this tax debt is owed by small and medium sized businesses.
Part of the challenge facing HMRC is the recent growth in e-commerce models which makes it harder to collect taxes from businesses that don’t conduct their business in the UK or don’t have a presence or physical assets here. The enforcement officer or bailiff turning up ‘on the doorstep’ is not an option for many virtual offices or digital only businesses.
The government intends to focus an initial consultation on the following 4 proposals:
- extending Taking Control of Goods powers to those with no UK assets or no assets at a principal place of business, so that HMRC can seize assets at other premises where their trade is not conducted such as third party warehouses.
- extending Taking Control of Goods powers to in-house leasing
- extending Direct Recovery of Debt powers to include Digital Wallets
- security deposits from businesses who are repeatedly, intentionally non-paying
“Good start to 2023” for Ibstock
Ibstock, the manufacturer of clay bricks and concrete products and solutions, says its has made “a good start to 2023 despite a subdued demand environment in both the residential new build and RMI markets.”
According to a trading update for the first quarter of 2023, EBITDA was marginally ahead of the Leicestershire-based company’s expectations, which Ibstock says reflects “disciplined management of capacity and cost, combined with good commercial execution.”
Meanwhile, Ibstock’s growth initiatives – the Atlas, Aldridge and Nostell capital investment projects – are all “progressing well.” Ibstock Futures also continues to build its market offering, with growth during the first quarter in line with expectations.
Joe Hudson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’ve made a good start to 2023, with EBITDA marginally ahead of our expectations, underpinned by strong operational discipline and good commercial execution. Market conditions were subdued through the early months of 2023, although we expect this to improve as the year progresses.
“Our major organic growth investments remain on track, with our pathfinder factory at Atlas expected to deliver the UK’s first carbon neutral verified bricks by the end of the year, and Ibstock Futures continuing to build capability and scale.
“We remain confident in our ability to respond effectively to trading conditions, and to deliver a full year performance in line with market expectations.”
Loughborough tech enabled confectionery distributor and wholesaler sold
Browne Jacobson’s corporate dealmakers have acted for the shareholders of World of Sweets and Bobby’s (IBG) on the sale of its majority stake to A&M Capital Europe (AMCE) – a move which will support the group’s growth ambitions and further its digital strategy.
IBG which is headquartered in Loughborough, is a leading brand owner and tech-enabled distributor of confectionery, baked goods and savoury snacks and also the portfolio company of Sculptor Capital Management Inc. The group supplies its products to clients in the convenience retail, speciality, wholesale and grocery channel space. It offers a multichannel and tech enabled distribution operation and works with a customer base of over 60,000 and has a brand portfolio comprising World of Sweets Bobby’s, Bonds of London, Kingsway, Crazy Candy Factory and Candy Realms. It is also internationally partnered with Pez, Nerds and Tootsie. AMCE is a pan-European, London-headquartered middle private equity investment firm. It specialises in providing financial, strategic and operational support and advice to its client portfolio of growing European businesses. Browne Jacobson’s Nottingham-based corporate partner Nigel Blackwell led on the deal, alongside senior associate Sam Sharp and associate Shania Sood. Partner Sandra Wong advised on the private equity elements whilst partner Paul Hill and senior associate James Busby gave banking advice and partner Andrew Noble advised on the tax side of the transaction. Nigel Blackwell said: “IBG’s has a strong offering in the confectionery and snacking distribution and wholesale market, a diverse client base spanning the UK and overseas and a clear and robust strategy to further grow their award winning and popular brand portfolio and digital distribution capabilities, so it is evident why AMCE wanted to partner with them. “We are pleased to have supported them in this move and are excited to see Wayne and the business push on with its strategic growth plans with AMCE’s backing through a series of key bolt on acquisitions which will further strengthen the group’s market position.” Wayne Beedle, IBG CEO, added: “We are all incredibly excited about the next phase of our growth journey. Sculptor has been hugely supportive over the last five years, enabling the business to focus on serving our customers’ needs. “As the largest distributor, importer and wholesaler of confectionery in the UK, we take pride in being great partners for our suppliers and customers. With AMCE as our new equity partner, we will further invest in our award-winning brands and by supercharging our digital capability, we will serve our customers as they want to be served. “We were pleased to have had Browne Jacobson work with us on this transaction. Not only are they specialists in the private equity space but they really know their stuff around the confectionery food and drink industries which was essential to the successful close of this deal.”Games developer makes German acquisition
astragon, a subsidiary of Team17, the games developer with offices in Nottingham, has acquired German development studio, Independent Arts.
Independent Arts has been a trusted third-party development partner of astragon for a number of years and has a strong existing relationship with the business. The acquisition brings a team of experienced ‘working simulation’ developers in-house to support current owned IP development and accelerate new IP that will launch in future years.
Supported by the wider studio knowledge within Team17, this is the first 100% owned studio acquisition by astragon.
Debbie Bestwick MBE, Chief Executive Officer of Team17, said: “This adds further conviction to our belief in astragon, showing they were a key part of our group’s performance in the first year within Team17 following its acquisition in 2022 and will prove to be an equally important part of our growth journey over the coming years.
“Led by Julia and Tim, they are an exceptional team and one of the world’s best when it comes to producing original, highly creative IP in the hobbyist ‘working simulations’ sector of the games market, as evidenced by their successful Fire, Police, Bus and Construction simulation titles.
“This is an important opportunity for the astragon team to accelerate its pipeline of new IP and add experienced, fully owned development capability to its operational footprint.”
Underfloor heating company gets cosy in new home
Commercial property agency Rushton Hickman have completed the sale of a modern two-storey office building on Granary Wharf Business Park in Burton on Trent.
Granary Wharf Business Park is an established commercial location situated on Wetmore Road. The semi-detached premises comprised 2,500 sq ft over two floors and included six parking spaces.
The purchaser, TUS Holdings Ltd, who trade as Trade Underfloor Supplies, specialise in the design and supply of underfloor heating and renewable energy heating systems for new and existing homes. The company’s systems have featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs and Restoration Man. TUS Holdings Ltd are focused on the environmental benefits and offer free training courses for installers and developers.
Agency surveyor Taylor Millington said: “The team at Rushton Hickman are delighted to have recently sold Unit 21 Granary Wharf to Trade Underfloor Supplies who are looking to expand their office space in Burton on Trent.”
Graham Bancroft, director at Rushton Hickman, said: “Despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the office market in general, this disposal shows that there is still strong demand for good quality space in well established locations such as this.”
East Midlands business confidence rises to second highest in UK
Business confidence in the East Midlands rose 18 points during April to 41%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in the region reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up ten points at 46%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up 27 points to 36%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 41%.
East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (42%), diversifying into new markets (42%) and introducing new technology (39%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.A net balance of 28% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down five points on last month.
Overall, UK business confidence climbed one point to 33% in April. Every UK nation and region reported a positive confidence reading and six out of 11 regions recorded a higher reading than last month. London reported the highest levels of business confidence at 47% (up nine points month-on-month), followed by East Midlands (up 18 points) and North East (up three points), both at 41%.
Firms’ outlook on their own trading prospects remained strong at 39% for the second consecutive month, and a net balance of 27% of businesses reported plans to increase their staff levels, up two points from March.
Ahead of the three Bank Holidays in May, firms’ optimism in the overall economy increased five points to 28% – the highest reading since June last year.
Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It’s fantastic to see the region’s businesses mark a third consecutive month of rising confidence, and to see so many firms planning to invest in new technology and explore new markets. Investments in these areas will contribute to driving growth and help give businesses the edge they need to differentiate themselves.
“For those businesses focused on growth, reviewing working capital needs, and unlocking finances tied up in inventory or stock with asset or invoice finance, can be helpful for freeing up money to invest back into the business.”
Business confidence in the service sector rose to 36% this month, the highest since May 2022, with sentiment particularly upbeat in hospitality and financial services. While the other sectors saw slight decreases, construction remained strong at 43% while manufacturing and retail remain above last year’s lowest levels.
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The recent increases in business confidence indicate that the economy entered the second quarter of 2023 with positive momentum.
“The revival in the demand for labour, which improved for the fifth consecutive month, may account for the modest uptick in wage expectations for the next twelve months.
“While firms’ concerns on overall cost pressures have eased, there is little evidence that pricing expectations have declined which may impact wider pricing decisions for the remainder of 2023.”
Streets Chartered Accountants covers directors remuneration and more in new news roundup
Streets Chartered Accountants covers directors remuneration, its podcast with the co-founders of Cognito, provides useful tax information, and more in its new news roundup.
Directors remuneration – salary versus dividend, food for thought for 2023/24For many years, director shareholders in limited companies have often been advised to take a small salary, at a rate to retain access to state pension credits and other benefits, and then supplement their income using dividends. Looking at the individual and the company together, this is a very tax effective route.
Podcast: Sisters with more than a thought when it comes to an enterprising ideaThis episode of The Streets Sessions features sisters Ellie and Zara Pickles, co-founders of Cognito, a contemporary Sushi and Japanese restaurant and bar. It explores what led them to open Cognito, the challenges they’ve faced, the role and support of the wider family and their exciting vision for the future.
Tax Rates and Allowances 2023/24Streets’ handy format Tax Rates and Allowances card is now available as a PDF online. For a printed copy please email info@streetsweb.co.uk
Tax Return Checklist 2023Download Streets’ tax return checklist which, whilst not exhaustive, does include the majority of the information required in connection with the completion of your tax return.
SmartMoney – March/April 2023
SmartMoney is the bi-monthly magazine from Streets Financial Consulting plc, Streets Chartered Accountants’ independent financial planning arm, full of news and helpful information on personal financial planning.
