Double framework success for rg+p

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Double framework success for rg+p
Multi-disciplinary design practice, rg+p Ltd has secured two framework positions providing architectural and employer’s agent services to housing provider, Midland Heart. rg+p will now sit on a panel of preferred consultants for Midland Heart under its three-year Development Consultancy Panel. The £4.4m framework will cover a range of projects across the Midlands, where Midland Heart owns around 34,000 homes across 54 local authorities. “Our working relationship with Midland Heart extends just over a decade and has included some of the Midlands’ most well-known housing projects such as the regeneration at Wolsey Island, Green Lane Road and St Mary’s Allotments in Leicester,” explains rg+p’s director, Rob Woolston. “I’m told only ten teams were due to be selected for this framework so it’s excellent news our experience in this sector has allowed us to stand out in this competitive tender process.” One of rg+p’s first projects under the new Midland Heart Development Consultancy Panel is the delivery of Hill Top Farm in Earl Shilton, Leicestershire. This will provide 50 much needed affordable homes on a derelict farm estate where rg+p previously secured planning consent in late 2022.

Multi-disciplinary built environment consultancy secures £40m investment

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Multi-disciplinary built environment consultancy secures £40m investment
Multi-disciplinary built environment consultancy Ridge and Partners, which has offices in Leicester, has secured a significant investment of more than £40 million from Horizon Capital.
Horizon’s investment supports Ridge in delivering the next phase of its ‘Quality, Innovation and Growth’ vision, which sets a strategy for expanding expertise and nurturing talent in a progressive way.
The success of this strategy is clear in Ridge’s recent expansion from 577 people and £61 million turnover in 2020 to 1,000 people and a forecast £105 million in 2023 across its 13 UK offices. Strategic acquisitions in the last three years have included Scott Hughes Design and Projex.
Ridge’s broad multi-disciplinary offering to clients, which includes depth in architecture, building services, engineering, planning, surveying, sustainability and transport, will be expanded by investing in talent across its core disciplines as well as through new acquisitions. New acquisitions will complement Ridge’s existing practices and develop new services to enhance its track record of strong client relationships. Strategic opportunities include the digital revolution, the net zero carbon and social impact agendas and changing ways of living, working and learning. Through its investment in Ridge, Horizon Capital is adding built environment services to its portfolio of 14 technology services, business services, software and data companies. Adrian O’Hickey, senior partner, Ridge, said: “This is a transformational deal for Ridge – a catalyst for some of the most ambitious changes in our strategy. We’ve already been successful in turning up the dial on this business, introducing new initiatives and developing our people. We want to continue that progress, with the benefit of new investment, while maintaining our core values of quality, collaboration and agility all the way.
“Progressive growth is crucial for us and that means creating better and more sustainable places while offering cutting edge services for our clients and career opportunities for our colleagues. “Horizon Capital’s focus on professional services and technology makes them a strong fit for Ridge and protects the personal culture of our 75-year-old business. Horizon understands the personal touch that distinguishes the Ridge culture and our willingness to exploit the latest technology to work more efficiently and more accurately.”
Luke Kingston, managing partner, Horizon Capital, said: “Horizon is providing the first institutional capital to Ridge in its 75-year history. Its partners have already taken opportunities for sustained growth in recent years, and we will help them to be even more ambitious in the firms and talent they reach out to.
“This professional expertise will be vital in the next few years as the UK upgrades its infrastructure and brings its building stock up to net zero standards. The winners in this market should be the consultants who have the trust of their clients and a track record of maintaining the highest standards throughout their businesses.”

Regional entrepreneurs join Star Trust as patrons

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Regional entrepreneurs join Star Trust as patrons
East Midlands charity, Star Trust, has welcomed several new business leaders and entrepreneurs as patrons and trustees. Star Trust is run by local business owners and entrepreneurs. Since its launch more than ten years ago it has donated more than £777,000 and awarded grants to 100 East Midlands-based charities. Kavita Oberoi OBE and Tony Hillary have joined as patrons of the charity. Mrs Oberoi is the founder and Managing Director of two Derby businesses – Oberoi Consulting, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of IT and clinical support services to the NHS and pharmaceutical industry, and Oberoi Business Hub in Pride Park, which provides serviced office accommodation and back-office support services. Tony Hillary is the founder of Hillary’s Blinds which, since its launch from his converted garage at home in Nottingham in 1971, has grown to become one of the UK’s leading window dressing specialists. Tony sold the business in 2001 and has become a successful investor in various sectors under Hillary’s Investments. Both will be working alongside established patron Tim Storer – joint Managing Director of his family business, Pukka Pies Ltd – to champion the charity, help decide where money should be donated and participate in fundraising activities. Two new volunteer board members have also joined Star Trust – Lincolnshire-based and award-winning entrepreneur Sarah Louise Fairburn and David Ryley, head of David Ryley Wealth in Nottinghamshire. Star Trust founder Steve Hampson said: “We are delighted to welcome our new patrons and board members who join a loyal and committed team of volunteers with the sole focus of supporting local charities. “We organise up to three high profile events a year – the most recent of which was a motoring day which raised more than £45,000. “All the money raised is then granted to small charities across the East Midlands region who apply for funding and both our patrons and board members have an important role in ensuring that the money is allocated for maximum benefit to local communities.” Kavita Oberoi added: “I am honoured to be working alongside such like-minded entrepreneurs from across the region who share my ethos to improve the lives of vulnerable people in our local communities. “Our Derby Breakfast Club continues to be a huge success – ensuring children start the day with a healthy meal and Oberoi Consulting now has its own foundation to support charities and organisations across the world with a focus on women and girls. “I regard this role as patron of Star Trust working well in tandem with this existing work and I look forward to playing an active role in this very successful charity.”

£1m boutique apartment hotel boost for Chesterfield

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£1m boutique apartment hotel boost for Chesterfield
Empty Grade II listed office and shop units in Chesterfield town centre could be transformed into a nine-apartment boutique hotel through a £1.02 million investment by Voeberg Hospitality. The Sheffield-based company has submitted a change of use planning application to Chesterfield Borough Council to convert two former offices at 39 and 39A Holywell Street, and the neighbouring former hairdressers at 41 Holywell Street into apartments for holiday lets and use by business travellers. The Grade II listed Georgian buildings – opposite the Holywell Cross car park and Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – would be sensitively converted into one two-bedroom and eight one-bedroom apartments for use as short-stay accommodation and be called Holywell Hotel. Emily Smith, director of Voeberg Hospitality, said: “The Holywell Hotel development offers an opportunity to bring a high-quality boutique apartment hotel to an area of Chesterfield town centre that needs investment to bring historic empty buildings back into everyday use. “The location of the Northern Gateway, with its good links to Chesterfield railway station, offers the opportunity to attract visitors and business travellers wanting to visit the Crooked Spire in Chesterfield, as well as the Peak District National Park and South Yorkshire. “While Chesterfield has existing hotels and B&Bs we believe there is an unmet need in the local market for a boutique apartment hotel of this type. We intend to work with other local businesses to create cross-promotional opportunities for the benefit of our guests.” The plans submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council seek permission to make some minor structural alterations while predominantly keeping the overall layout of the three buildings. There will be considerable investment to repair the buildings, including restoring the sash windows, renovating the doors and conserving all the listed features. Working alongside Covest Architecture and Planning and Design Group, each property would be converted to provide three self-serviced apartments, with a bedroom, kitchen, dining and bathroom facilities. There will be access to an outdoor amenity space, cycle storage and laundry facilities. Instead of having a traditional reception desk the properties will operate as a ‘smart hotel’ with self-check-ins, keyless entry and a digital portal which will provide guests with relevant information about their stay. Emily added: “My husband, Ryan, and I began investing in property in Scotland five years ago. Last year, we took the decision to move our family and business to this area and have continued to invest and develop residential properties in Chesterfield. “We chose to invest in Chesterfield because it is a growing and forward-looking place, while also being a historic market town. The people of Chesterfield have a very open and welcoming approach and seem keen to assist businesses that support the sustainability of the town centre. “We look forward to making a contribution to that growth by bringing another part of the town centre back into active use through the development of Holywell Hotel.”

Image Scan reports return to first half profits

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Image Scan reports return to first half profits
First half pre-tax profits have returned at Image Scan, the specialists in X-ray imaging for the security and industrial inspection markets. According to interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2023, the firm achieved a profit before tax of £16,000, in comparison to a £345,000 loss in the same period last year. Revenue at the Leicestershire-based company, meanwhile, was 85% higher at £1.4m, growing from £790,000. Vince Deery, Chief Executive Officer of Image Scan, said: “We are pleased with the financial results for the first half of the year. “The half year performance demonstrates a substantial improvement over the same period last year with the higher levels of activity reported at the commencement of the financial period successfully converted into contracts and delivery of product to customers. “With careful cost management and continued improved market activity and product innovation we hope to maintain the momentum to deliver a full year in line with market expectations.” The news comes as, as part of the Board’s succession plan, Dr Richard Leaver has stated his intention to resign as vice chairman, leaving the Board at the end of the financial year.

Mattioli Woods invests in Lincoln mortgage advisor

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Mattioli Woods invests in Lincoln mortgage advisor
Mattioli Woods, the specialist wealth and asset management business, has acquired 50.1% of the issued share capital of White Mortgages Limited in a £425,000 deal. The Leicester-based company has also entered into an option agreement with directors Steven White, Mark Sutton, and Robert White which entitles Mattioli Woods to acquire the remaining 49.9% of the firm, which would increase the deal value up to £2.625 million. Founded in 2011, Lincoln-based White Mortgages specialises in providing independent mortgage advice, whilst also offering bespoke protection advice, and employs nine staff, all of whom will remain with Mattioli Woods following completion. In the year ended 31 March 2023, White Mortgages generated revenues of £680,000 with a profit before taxation of £350,000. Michael Wright, Group Managing Director of Mattioli Woods, said: “Our investment in White Mortgages is an exciting extension to our existing client proposition and is another step forward for Mattioli Woods as we continue to expand our operations. “Over the past six-months we have seen significant changes in the economy, none more so than immediately after the Government’s mini-budget last September and the impact it had on the mortgage market, with a leap in mortgage interest rates, the withdrawal of many mortgage products and a rapid tightening in lenders’ underwriting criteria. “By bringing Steve and his team into the group, we are better positioned to help those clients looking to finance a new property purchase or re-finance existing lending.” Steven White, director of White Mortgages, added: “We are very excited to partner with a like-minded management team with high growth ambitions. “The sale will help accelerate our growth plan by broadening our proposition with the support of Mattioli Woods. We will continue to place integrity; reliability and a commitment to excellence at the heart of our business.”

Derby City Lab secures lease extension

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Derby City Lab secures lease extension
Derby City Lab, a space created to engage, inform and inspire people about plans to shape the city going forward, is set to continue after Clowes Developments, which owns the building, agreed a lease extension. The venue, based in St James Street, first opened its doors back in July last year. It is based on the concept of ‘urban rooms’, which have appeared in various cities around the world to help local communities better understand the evolution of their place and engage them in shaping its future. Since opening, Derby City Lab has played host to a rolling programme of exhibitions focused on future pipeline projects and ideas, as well as events. After its opening exhibition, which showcased plans by Down to Earth Derby for a nature-led regeneration of the city centre, the lab has hosted exhibitions by a range of organisations and businesses, including the University of Derby, Derby City Council and Culture Derby. The lab has been made possible thanks to a partnership between Marketing Derby, the university, the city council, Lathams and Clowes Developments. Amy Burton, inward investment executive at Marketing Derby and Derby City Lab lead, said: “We’re so thrilled to be able to continue the City Lab in its current home on St James’s Street in the heart of Derby city centre, to engage the people of Derby with its future.” Kevin McFarlane, associate director at Clowes Developments, said: “As a long-standing landlord of properties in Derby city centre, we are pleased to be able to support the recent push to occupy empty premises by backing initiatives like this.”

Hortons’ Estate snaps up Joules’ Corby distribution centre

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Hortons’ Estate snaps up Joules’ Corby distribution centre
Hortons’ Estate Ltd has completed its second acquisition in a matter of weeks after securing a multi-million pound deal for the Northamptonshire distribution centre of retailer, Joules.The independent property company has acquired a 19.8 acre site on Oakley Hay Industrial Estate, Saxon Way West in Corby.The site comprises two distribution warehouse buildings totalling c.275,000 sq ft which are let to Joules. Additionally, there are c.3.2 acres of open storage land with development potential, which is currently let to TUTS (UK) Limited.James Slater of Hortons said that once the current leases come to an end, the company intends to significantly improve the existing buildings and develop further high-quality industrial/warehouse accommodation.Oakley Hay Industrial Estate is located in an established distribution area, just four miles south west of Corby town centre and benefits from road accessibility via the A43, with links to the A14 and M1 motorway.The acquisition follows Hortons’ recent multi-million pound purchase of Sinfin Commercial Park, an industrial and logistics estate near Derby city centre.James Slater said: “This is an excellent site in a strategic East Midlands location. It offers the prospect of future rental growth as well as being extremely well positioned for future development.“Over the next 24 months we will be carrying out a series of improvements to the existing buildings that will provide occupiers with grade A accommodation with enhanced sustainability, through the reuse of the main building elements. Our hope is that the site will retain existing distribution jobs in Corby and create new employment opportunities.“We are continuing to expand our investment and development portfolio in the Midlands, with a particular focus on high-quality industrial and logistics locations with development potential.”Hortons was advised by Antony Leech of TT&G Partners.

Market Harborough distillery falls into administration

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Market Harborough distillery falls into administration
Union Distillers, a producer of artisan gins, vodkas, and absinthe, that sold to supermarkets and general consumers across the UK from its distillery in Market Harborough, has entered administration. The business was a subsidiary of the British Honey Company Plc and, due to a decline in sales and key customer contracts coming to an end, was no longer able to meet financial obligations. Simon Stibbons and Geoffrey Rowley of FRP Advisory were appointed as joint administrators to Union Distillers Ltd on 21 April 2023 and, subsequently, The British Honey Company Plc on 25 April 2023. Although a sale process has been undertaken for Union Distillers, no interested parties wished to take the business forward. The joint administrators are now in the process of winding down operations with an anticipated end date of mid-May 2023, with the redundancy of all employees. Simon Stibbons, partner at FRP and administrator of Union Distillers Limited, said: “Union Distillers had been trading since 2012 and introduced a new simplified business model to drive sales through more bespoke and no-alcohol brands. “However, changes to some of its key client contracts resulted in a decrease in sales and, without sufficient working capital, Union could no longer trade. “We’d encourage any interested parties to come forward and speak to us. We will continue to work with the impacted staff to make sure they access the appropriate support through the Redundancy Payments Service.”

NAHL sells subsidiary

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NAHL sells subsidiary
NAHL, a Kettering-based marketing and services business focused on the UK consumer legal market, has sold its wholly owned subsidiary, Homeward Legal Limited. Homeward Legal utilises online marketing to target homebuyers and sellers in England and Wales to generate leads and instructions which it then passes to panel law firms and surveyors in the conveyancing sector for a fixed cost. The subsidiary, which has 6 employees and has been a part of NAHL since 2015, is considered non-core to the group’s principal focus in Consumer Legal Services and Critical Care and its sale will allow the group to further focus on its key growth areas. During the year ended 31 December 2022, Homeward Legal generated £1.2m in revenue and £13,000 operating profit. The purchaser of Homeward Legal is Richard Rickwood, a former Managing Director of the group’s Residential Property business. James Saralis, CEO of NAHL, said: “The sale of Homeward Legal is a good outcome for all stakeholders. It is in keeping with our strategy to build a sustainable and profitable business in the medium term and will allow us to continue to develop the two core elements of our business, Consumer Legal Services and Critical Care. “We are confident that under its new ownership, Homeward Legal will uphold its customer and colleague first approach and wish the new owner and staff every success for the future.”

£1.65m deal completed for Northampton manufacturing and distribution facility

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£1.65m deal completed for Northampton manufacturing and distribution facility
Deeley Group has sealed a seven-figure deal to acquire a manufacturing and distribution facility in Northampton. The business has acquired the freehold of a 13,145 square foot industrial warehouse on Lodge Farm Industrial Estate in a deal worth £1.65 million. Unit 1 Barn Way will be retained in the company’s growing property investment portfolio and has been purchased from Oheka Services Ltd. The property is occupied by specialist moulding company Burnetts Manufacturing Limited – which provides solutions for rubber, plastic and silicone components. The business has a 15-year lease on the site until 2037. Eleanor Deeley, joint Managing Director of the Deeley Group, said: “This deal presented a great opportunity to enhance our commercial property stock and to continue to invest in our core locations across the Midlands. “The deal was completed in just two weeks which demonstrates our agility and fluidity as a business to take these opportunities, and we would like to thank the other parties involved for supporting what was a very smooth process. “Lodge Farm Industrial Estate is fully-let and that speaks to its already great location and boasts fantastic transport links, and these credentials will only be further strengthened by forthcoming infrastructure work nearby. “This a great addition to our investment portfolio and we are pleased to be further expanding our footprint in Northamptonshire.” Lodge Farm Industrial Estate is adjacent the to A428 Harlestone Road and benefits from excellent transport links to the A45 and M1. Tom Bromwich, partner at commercial property specialists Bromwich Hardy, acted for Deeley Group on the acquisition. He said: “We were delighted to be able to complete this acquisition so swiftly for our partners at the Deeley Group. This is an excellent investment for the group, sitting in a superb location and with an excellent tenant. Its potential for the future – particularly in light of the planned infrastructure work – make this an outstanding deal in every respect.” Cherry Elliott and Darrell Aldridge, of Higgs LLP, completed the legals on the deal. TDB Real Estate acted on behalf of the vendor.

Automotive supplier makes seven-figure investment in Nottingham manufacturing facility

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Automotive supplier makes seven-figure investment in Nottingham manufacturing facility
Vestatec UK, a specialist in metal forming and assembly, has made a seven-figure investment to improve its manufacturing facility in Nottingham. The Colwick-based business, and supplier to some of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers, has invested almost £2 million to expand the 20,000 sq ft facility and enhance its global service offering. Mike Bylina, Managing Director at Vestatec, said: “This is a truly exciting development in Vestatec’s ambitious growth plans as we continue to be a leading Tier 1 supplier to the global automotive supply chain. “Our Nottingham-based site is a hub for creating bespoke interior trim for some of the most prestigious brands in the world, which is a true testament to the city’s legacy in UK manufacturing.” Vestatec is one of the only manufacturers in the UK to specialise in highly complex metal forming, etching and assembly, creating precision components to meet the requirements of high performance and aesthetic applications. Part of its seven-figure investment includes the development of its new Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) coating facility and the company’s first robotic system to offer more affordable and flexible services for both new and existing customers. Mike continued: “In recent years, we have invested heavily in the right people, tools and equipment to elevate our capabilities. “We believe that this next stage will help to cement Vestatec’s position within the automotive industry, while broadening our service offering to support a variety of other sectors. “By developing our factory, we are able to expand our capabilities and bring a core service in-house, removing the need for support from additional suppliers and taking another step out of the logistical process for our customers. The additional equipment will also allow us to speed up production and reduce costs for our customers. “Our next steps are to invest in the future and continue on our mission to ensure Vestatec is the partner of choice for metal forming and specialist coatings across the globe.”

Nottinghamshire student accommodation refurbishment project shortlisted for energy efficiency award

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Nottinghamshire student accommodation refurbishment project shortlisted for energy efficiency award

A major refurbishment project being undertaken by Clegg Construction in partnership with the University of Nottingham has been shortlisted for an East Midlands Energy Efficiency Award.

The £10.2m scheme, which comprises the sustainable refurbishment of the University’s historic Florence Boot Hall building to provide students with accessible, comfortable and modern student accommodation, has been announced as a finalist in the Large-Scale Project of the Year category, which recognises schemes over £250,000 in value that will deliver considerable energy savings.

A raft of energy efficiency measures has been implemented to help improve the thermal and low carbon efficiency within the 1920s-constructed building via a fabric-first approach. These include air-source heat pumps to replace gas-fired systems, a Building Management System, upgrades to roof insulation, as well as LED lighting throughout.

In addition, over 380 new triple-glazed windows (which are in keeping with the surrounding historical aesthetic) on the University Park campus replace PVC units installed circa 20 years ago.

The project is targeted and forecast to achieve BREEAM ‘Very Good’, and has been overseen by Chris Jamison, senior site manager at Clegg Construction, who is a BREAAM-Accredited Person and whose extensive knowledge and experience delivering schemes to BREEAM standards has been instrumental in the delivery of the project.

In testament to the many energy-efficient technologies and measures installed throughout the building, its Energy Performance Asset Rating is forecast to increase significantly from E to B. It is estimated that the fabric-first approach to decarbonising the building equates to a reduction of 380 tonnes of CO2 per year. This aligns with the University of Nottingham’s carbon management plan (to be net zero by 2040 with an interim target for 2030), with Clegg’s own sustainability agenda, as well as the UK’s pledge to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Throughout the duration of the project, which is due to complete in summer 2023 for the new intake of students, Clegg enjoyed a considerable degree of engagement with the local and wider community in a wide range of areas, including hiring a 16-year-old school leaver on a four-month placement as a trainee site manager, the use of local subcontractors and suppliers, as well as hosting visits from architecture, engineering and business management students, plus descendants of the Boot family.

The hall of residence was the first female hall at the University and was founded by businesswoman and philanthropist, Florence Boot, wife of Boots the Chemist founder Jesse Boot.

The scheme has also seen Clegg and the University of Nottingham closely working together to protect the natural environment through tree protection orders, the retention of existing hedges and planting, and the careful relocation and preservation of Pipistrelle and Whiskered bats.

Other members of the project team include Maber architects and Couch Perry Wilkes consultants.

Now in their tenth year, the Energy Efficiency Awards aim to provide public recognition for the excellent work the energy efficiency sector is doing in undertaking energy efficiency schemes that help cut carbon emissions and reduce fuel poverty, and to help encourage best practice within the energy industry as it works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They are held on a regional and national basis each year.

The awards ceremony will take place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd May at the Radisson Blu East Midlands Airport Hotel.

Simon Blackburn, Managing Director at Clegg Construction, said: “Clegg is pleased to be delivering this important project for the University of Nottingham. Florence Boot Hall marks the latest in a long line of high-quality schemes that Clegg has managed on behalf of the University during our partnership of over 20 years.”

Belper school extension reaches completion

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Belper school extension reaches completion
Derby-based project managers, construction cost consultants and building surveyors Armsons Barlow have completed work on the extension and refurbishment of Belper School and Sixth Form Centre. Work on the project included the construction of a first-floor extension over the existing sixth form centre and alterations to the ground floor space to provide additional teaching facilities for the school. The new extension will provide a range of new high quality teaching facilities for staff and students. A second storey has been added to the original sixth form centre, with the installation of a new steel frame along with new foundations, structural alterations, new roofing and flooring, new windows and the installation of timber rainscreen cladding. The ground floor layout has also been altered. Armsons Barlow worked alongside Derby-based architects YMD Boon, structural engineers Jackson Purdue Lever, mechanical and electrical engineers DGMEP Services and contractors Kingfisher Construction on the project. Belper School is the main secondary school in the Belper area and caters for more than 1,200 students. The additional space will enable it to open its doors to more students. Commenting on the completion of the project, Sally Walters, director of Armsons Barlow, said: “The addition of a second storey to the building will create more high-quality teaching and recreational space for staff and students. “We’re pleased to see construction work on Belper School & Sixth Form Centre completed. Thanks go out to our colleagues at YMD Boon, Jackson Purdue Lever, DGMEP and Kingfisher Construction for helping to create such a fantastic addition to the school.”

WBR Group strengthens WBR Tax with tax director and tax manager appointments

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WBR Group strengthens WBR Tax with tax director and tax manager appointments

Leicester-based WBR Group (WBR), the independent provider of SSAS services and tax experts, has appointed Tom Lodge to the position of tax director and Akshay Vaghela as tax manager.

Tom will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the WBR Tax function, with 11 people reporting to him, making it one of the largest tax teams in Leicester and the Midlands. He will be a member of the Executive Board, headed by David Downie and will also report to the main board on all tax related matters.

Tom joined WBR Group in 2019 and has over 10 years’ experience in the tax sector. He started his career within Grant Thornton’s tax compliance unit where he qualified as a tax technician before transferring to their private client and entrepreneur advisory team in Birmingham where he qualified as a chartered tax adviser.

Tom has advised on a wide variety of tax planning opportunities. However, his main focus is corporate reconstructions and sales where he applies his technical understanding, and research skills, to identify creative solutions and tackle any tax risks.

Akshay joined WBR Group in 2021 as a senior associate with a particular specialisation in restructuring. He joined the firm from Wilson Wright where he was a tax supervisor.

Tom Moore, CEO, WBR Group, said: “We are delighted to appoint Tom to the newly created role of tax director and Akshay to the role of tax manager. Tom has been with the business for 4 years and has been an invaluable member of the team, with a strong appreciation for technical detail, taking a keen interest in case law and future developments of tax policy.

“With his deep understanding of the legislation and wider concepts he is able to advise on complex situations. His extensive experience and knowledge of the tax landscape will be invaluable as we continue to grow WBR Tax. The promotion of Tom and Akshay further strengthens our tax team and demonstrates our commitment to providing our clients and professional connections with the highest level of expertise and service.”

Tom Lodge said: “I am honoured and thrilled to take on the role of tax director at WBR Group. I look forward to leading our talented team and providing our clients with innovative and effective tax solutions. I am excited to be part of the executive board and to contribute to the continued success of WBR Group.”

“Positive” first quarter for Breedon

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“Positive” first quarter for Breedon
Trading during the first quarter of 2023 has been “positive” for Breedon, the construction materials group, according to a new trading update ahead of the business’s Annual General Meeting. The Derbyshire-headquartered company highlighted encouraging levels of enquiries, while revenue during the first quarter was 10% ahead of the same period last year, or 7% on a like-for-like basis. Breedon noted that it thus continues to trade in line with expectations. Rob Wood, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our performance in the first quarter demonstrates the resilience and flexibility of our team and business model. Our teams have stayed close to their customers and we continue to manage our cost base prudently, enabling us to grow revenue while fully recovering input cost increases. Longer term, our end market exposure remains underpinned by structural growth dynamics. “Our vertically-integrated, local operating model enables us to respond nimbly to market conditions and, whilst the economic backdrop remains uncertain, we are encouraged by our trading performance to date. As such, we expect to deliver results in line with the Board’s current expectations.”

Building Better Opportunities scheme helps almost 9,000 economically inactive people to find work or training

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Building Better Opportunities scheme helps almost 9,000 economically inactive people to find work or training
An innovative programme that connects local authorities, businesses and other key agencies with the aim of tackling long-term unemployment has supported 8,908 economically inactive people across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. The D2N2 Building Better Opportunities (BBO) scheme, which comprises three distinctive projects promoting social inclusion, has helped 1,102 of these individuals to progress into employment, assisted 864 into long-term education or training, and enabled 492 people to independently search for jobs. Funded by the European Social Fund and National Lottery Community Fund, BBO – which ended last month after six years – has been led by a consortium of voluntary and community organisations across the country. In the D2N2 region, four stakeholder managers were employed or seconded to East Midlands Chamber and hosted within the four upper-tier councils, with a remit to co-ordinate the £31m programme across the wider employment and skills landscape. The Chamber has also played a central role in connecting individuals with employers, and promoting an inclusive recruitment agenda among businesses that have skills gaps. East Midlands Chamber’s head of employment services Paul Needham said: “It’s fantastic to be able to reflect on the tremendous work of the BBO programme in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, where the lives of many people have been transformed because of the support it has offered them. “Our stakeholder managers have been remarkable additions to the employment and skills landscape in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire over the past five years, generating new person-centric ideas and influencing system change in how we tackle the issue of long-term unemployment. “At the Chamber, we have been keen to promote the inclusive recruitment agenda among the business community. With our members telling us about the skills shortages that are consistently holding them back from growing, expanding the labour pool to encompass people from a wide range of backgrounds can bear fruit by filling vacancies with employees who have received support to address barriers to work and turn their lives around.” The three employment and skills projects are: · Opportunity and Change: A £9.8m support programme led by Framework for people with multiple and complex needs, such as homelessness, substance abuse, at risk of offending, mental ill health and domestic abuse victims · Towards Work: Led by Groundwork Greater Nottingham, the £14.6m scheme provides a personalised service to help people overcome barriers to work and take their first steps towards employment · Money Sorted in D2N2: Led by St Ann’s Advice Centre, the £6m project helps people experiencing financial difficulties to feel more in control of their finances. Examples of the methods used to support people into work and training have ranged from funding for buying computer equipment in order to study for qualifications through to paying for dental treatment to address poor oral health that had been a personal barrier to work for someone lacking in confidence. Projects have also helped people who are homeless or ex-offenders into work. In addition, the BBO programme has helped participants to wipe out more than £10m in debt and, on average, grew participants’ weekly disposable income from £18.62 to £92.17 over a six-month period through personal finance education. Paul added: “These projects have provided us with many learnings, which we will take forward in our other workstreams within the Chamber’s employment support programmes, in which we work in collaboration with Government and work agencies to give people a helping hand into sustainable work and training.”

Press for Attention PR backs Responsible Business of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023

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Press for Attention PR backs Responsible Business of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
Press for Attention PR has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, backing the Responsible Business category for a further year. Speaking with Business Link, Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, said: “We have proudly sponsored this category for many years now because we think that it is crucial that companies that proactively demonstrate that corporate responsibility is an important part of their culture should be recognised. “Without being too political, the past weeks have brought further attention to the impact that we as individuals and companies can have on our planet. Change is in the air and that is being welcomed and embraced by employer and employee alike and will play an increasing role in purchasing, hiring and procurement decisions. CSR is not (or certainly should not be) a box-ticking exercise, it is part of being a responsible organisation and I look forward to learning more from our finalists.” The awards, which will take place on Thursday 28 September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. Nominations are now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards. To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include: Nominations end Thursday 31 August. Find out who last year’s winners were here.

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:

Transformation of Derby’s historic Friar Gate Goods Yard site takes step forward

Tess Egginton
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Transformation of Derby’s historic Friar Gate Goods Yard site takes step forward

The landowner for the historic Friar Gate Goods Yard in central Derby has selected Wavensmere Homes to collaboratively bring forward development proposals for the derelict 11.5-acre (4.96Ha) site, which includes two landmark Grade II listed buildings.

The site has been in the ownership of the Clowes family for 40 years, with a number of options for redevelopment proposed but not progressed, due to heritage considerations and commercial viability.

The site, which is accessed off Uttoxeter New Road, is now set to be transformed into around 275 homes, plus a significant element of mixed-use commercial space, which will bring about the restoration of the Grade II listed Bonded Warehouse and Engine House. A planning application is currently being prepared, in consultation with Derby City Council and a range of stakeholders.

Thomas Clowes, director of Derbyshire-based Clowes Developments, said: “We are very pleased to be working with a highly innovative developer, who not only has a reputation for restoring heritage assets and revitalising previously used land, but already has a strong legacy of success here in Derby.

“Birmingham-headquartered Wavensmere Homes has become one of this city’s most prominent residential developers, with the £170m multi-award-winning Nightingale Quarter becoming one of the finest regeneration and restoration assets in the region.

“The Wavensmere team had the vision to transform the former Derby Royal Infirmary on London Road – which had laid derelict for a decade – into the vibrant new community it is today. The public, the Council, and all stakeholders can be reassured that the team will be applying the same collaborative approach and huge investment injection to Friar Gate Goods Yard.

“We would like to mention Cawarden, the specialist contractor, who orchestrated the recent stabilisation works to the listed structures, as well as other site preparation, to allow ourselves and Wavensmere Homes to finally bring the site forward.”

Glancy Nicholls Architects has been appointed to design the mixed-use scheme, which will reflect the significant opportunity for exemplary placemaking. The latest green energy features will be incorporated into the design for the new homes and commercial space, to enable the highest EPC rating of A to be targeted. The proposed development would also be compliant with the new Part L building regulations.

James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Clowes Developments to reanimate this landmark, centrally located site.

“The design proposals that we are currently working up are ground-breaking and provide solutions for bringing the two badly fire-damaged 150-year-old listed buildings within the Goods Yard back into use. A key marker of success will be introducing innovative energy saving technology that keeps the future running costs to occupiers to a minimum.

“We hope that the people of Derby will once again get behind the collaborative efforts being made to create something truly special here. It is vital that Friar Gate’s two important heritage assets are finally removed from English Heritage’s ‘at risk’ register.”

The proposed development site sits just outside the Friar Gate Conservation Area, which features notable Georgian townhouses with high-quality brickwork and fine architectural detailing. The Friar Gate Goods Yard was intended as the main goods depot for the Great Northern Railway line, to handle coal, livestock, timber, and metals. Designed in 1870, and entering operation in 1878, the Bonded Warehouse building contained extensive warehouse space and offices. It was used as a store for the American Army in WWII to house ammunition and other supplies.

The Engine House was also built for the Railway by Kirk & Randall of Sleaford. It is Italianate in style and built from Welsh slate roofs. The Engine House supplied power to the hydraulic lifts and capstans at the Bonded Warehouse. The site first became derelict in 1967, and over time became overgrown and fell into a poor state of repair. An arson attack took place at the Goods Yard in 2020, which exposed the whole inner steel structure of the two historic buildings.

The collaborative development agreement was brokered by Russell Rigby of Derby-based property agents Rigby and Co.

Joules relaunch accelerated but further jobs at risk

Tess Egginton
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Joules relaunch accelerated but further jobs at risk
Following NEXT and Tom Joule’s acquisition of Market Harborough-based Joules out of administration in December, the relaunch of the lifestyle group has been accelerated – but jobs may be at risk. Moving to a new digital platform, the originally proposed launch date was March 2024, but “significant progress in reducing the lead times for the delivery of TOTAL PLATFORM (TP)” now means Joules can launch its TP site much earlier than expected, with a launch date now planned for October 2023. The TOTAL PLATFORM focusses on providing website, warehousing, distribution, contact centre, online advertising and retail services, with a significantly wider scope of planned services for Joules, including NEXT product systems, finance, payments and accounting systems, and HR systems. While the transition to the TOTAL PLATFORM is intended to deliver material cost savings to Joules, with the decision to deliver much broader services to the business, significantly greater savings are anticipated. However, as a result of these changes, a number of tasks performed by Joules personnel will be absorbed into NEXT teams or no longer be needed. How many jobs are affected is not clear. NEXT says: “Where roles are no longer required, NEXT will be working with those affected to ensure that they are considered for any suitable vacancies at NEXT, whose Head Office is located close to Joules’ headquarters in Market Harborough. It is anticipated that those remaining with Joules (i.e. the Senior management, Product and Marketing teams) will continue to work from Joules’ existing offices.”
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