Derbyshire science company gives over £28,000 to Mind after holding its own Olympics

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Derbyshire science company gives over £28,000 to Mind after holding its own Olympics
Employees of Lubrizol, a science company with a Derbyshire headquarters, have helped support large numbers of people across the country with their mental health after raising a whopping £28,282 for mental health charity Mind. Employees at the chemistry company raised the total through sponsorship after holding their own “Lubrizol Olympics,” which involved them completing the 5,882 miles between Britain and Tokyo in Japan, where the Olympic Games were held in 2021. Covid lockdowns meant that Lubrizol’s employees had to come up with imaginative ways of swimming, cycling, rowing and running the distance, before coming together in a series of joint walking challenges. Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee had set the company a £25,000 target, but staff ended up achieving a significantly greater amount. Committee co-chair Tom Grazier said at a recent charity day held at its HQ in Hazelwood near Belper: “This donation to Mind is our biggest donation ever as a company, by a significant margin. It’s been a huge effort and it’s down to how much time people have given to this, and at the end of the day, how generous our employees have been. “From myself on behalf of the committee, thank you to everyone who has been part of this. It really has been amazing to see what we can do when we come together.” The idea for the “Lubrizol Olympics” came from Chris Hart-Jones, who manages the company’s Barnsley plant. In thanks for his efforts, Chris was crowned with the company’s prestigious Christine Sewell award, given annually to someone who has gone above and beyond in volunteering their time for good causes. As well as coming up with the idea, Chris’ contribution was to complete 300 miles on his Peloton bike at home, the distance between all of Lubrizol’s sites in the UK. He said: “Many people find exercise very beneficial for their mental health which is why the idea for the Lubrizol Olympics seemed an appropriate way of raising money for this particular charity.” Then, when social distancing restrictions were relaxed, Chris organised for Lubrizol staff to come together in several joint walking challenges, including climbing Mount Snowdon; Scafell Pike, the famously gruelling 12-hour Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge and Mam Tor in Derbyshire. For many people who had joined the company during Covid, it was the first time they had actually met in person. In the end, nearly 70 employees from Lubrizol smashed their original target and achieved 8,542 miles, with more than 800 family, friends’ and colleagues’ support. Eve Kirkendall, corporate partners officer at Mind, thanked Lubrizol’s employees at their charity day. She said: “You have raised an absolutely amazing £28,282 during the last two years. We want to thank everyone for taking on these challenges, and a massive well done to all those who got involved.” The £28,282 raised for Mind could be used to help support a variety of projects, including the charity’s Side by Side online peer support community for an entire month. An average person logs on to this service 12,000 times to share their struggles, find hope and feel less alone. It could also be used for Mind to help 370 children feel less scared and alone, by funding personalised mental health support through the charity’s ‘Whole School Approach’ and to help Mind answer more than 300 enquiries to its Infoline, helping people get the answers they need to believe a brighter future is possible. As well as donating money to Mind, Lubrizol has also given £11,210 to almost 50 other charities nominated by employees, including Steps conductive education centre in Leicestershire; Belper Mencap; St Peter’s Church Clock in Belper, and the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Entry deadline extended for Midlands Family Business Awards 2023

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Entry deadline extended for Midlands Family Business Awards 2023

The deadline for the UK’s only independent, not-for-profit annual awards for family businesses, the Midlands Family Business Awards, has now been extended until 20th March.

Returning for 2023 after a three year break due to the pandemic, the awards is now entering its second decade to celebrate and shine a light on our region’s great family businesses.

Organised by The Wilson Organisation – a third-generation Nottingham-based family business – the awards are the Midlands’ only initiative dedicated to celebrating and recognising the success, achievements and innovations of the region’s family run and owned businesses.

With 10 categories to choose from, there are accolades suitable for businesses of all sizes, across all sectors. Categories include Family Business of the Year, Best Small Family Business, Rising Stars, Employer of the Year, and Director of the Year. There is also Fastest Growing Family Business, Construction and Property Excellence, Manufacturing Excellence and Digital Excellence.

New for 2023, the organisers have added the Sustainability Award, which will highlight the very best of the region’s environmentally-minded family businesses.

Submissions are judged by an independent panel led by a family business leader and all finalists are entered into the People’s Choice Awards, which is decided purely by public vote.

Move Against Cancer is the chosen charity that the awards will be supporting this year, with all profits from the awards evening donated.

The black-tie awards ceremony is being held on 29 June and will be a summer event held at Kelham Hall near Newark.

Having previously attracted over 300 guests, including sponsors, judges and finalists, the evening is a real celebration of the achievements of family businesses and is the ideal opportunity to bring teams together to enjoy an evening hearing positive stories and meeting other family-owned businesses.

Group Managing Director of The Wilson Organisation and awards co-founder, Charlotte Perkins, said: “Myself and my sister Annabel are so pleased to be bringing back the Midlands Family Business Awards, after a three-year break.

“It’s fantastic to have our current Family Business of the Year, The Wilkins Group, as our headline sponsor. Thanks to Justin and the Wilkins family, we’ll see them hand over the crown to their successor, which will be a very special moment to start our second Awards decade.

“We have taken the opportunity to mix things up a bit. We have always held the awards ceremony and dinner in November but decided that a summer event would give us the perfect opportunity to have our celebration in summer-style.

“Putting your family business forward for an award can reap a host of benefits and rewards beyond the trophy and title so I encourage as many as possible to get involved and submit an application.

“There are so many family businesses that are having a remarkable impact on the Midlands region and beyond, and we can’t wait to see what brilliant work they’ve been doing. I wish all the businesses who enter the very best of luck!”

All entrants for the awards will receive a free annual membership for online platform Family Business Futures. Created in 2020 by The Wilson Organisation to support the awards, it provides a unique opportunity to learn from family business experts, and to discuss family and business issues in a safe online environment, with a like-minded network.

Businesses encouraged to set-up shop in vacant Ilkeston and Long Eaton retail units through Golden Hello grant scheme

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Businesses encouraged to set-up shop in vacant Ilkeston and Long Eaton retail units through Golden Hello grant scheme
Businesses will be encouraged to set-up shop in vacant retail units in Ilkeston and Long Eaton through a new Golden Hello grant scheme. The scheme is one of a number of projects being rolled out by Erewash Borough Council over the next two years following a successful bid for a share of the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. The project, set to launch this summer, will provide grants of up to £2,000 for new or existing businesses occupying empty shops to help pay for quality signage and other shop front improvements with the purpose of: • Bringing empty shops back into use; • Supporting businesses by helping to pay for essential set-up costs; • Improving business viability by enhancing their ‘shop appeal’; • Improving the look and feel of Ilkeston and Long Eaton town centres; • Support with a marketing strategy Councillor Bryn Lewis, lead member for Town Centres at Erewash Borough Council, says: “Residents have consistently told us that they want empty shops brought back into use, but the council can only achieve this by encouraging local start-up and expanding businesses to take up the vacant units and bring them back to life. “This project will do just that, by encouraging more investment into our town centres, including independent and boutique premises, to provide more customer choice.”

Former market hall site to be transformed for leisure use

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Former market hall site to be transformed for leisure use
The former market hall site in Coalville could be transformed into a commercial leisure facility. North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC), which owns the building, is currently marketing the site with the aim of attracting investment in Coalville. Feasibility studies show that the location of the former market hall, which stands on the edge of the town centre next to the main car park, means that it is prime for re-use as commercial leisure activity, like a cinema. The building has been empty since 2021, when the indoor market relocated to Marlborough Square. Now the council is looking for investors to transform the area, with the addition of a leisure attraction. Whilst Coalville has a new leisure centre, a theatre, escape rooms, a gaming lounge and a range of independent and chain shops, as well as pubs, restaurants, bars and a nightclub, there are limited family leisure attractions. Councillor Richard Blunt, leader of NWLDC, said: “Coalville has a very active, growing population, and we are told over and over how people would love to see a cinema or similar attractions within the town centre. “Through the Coalville Regeneration Framework, we’re looking to invest, or support investment in a range of schemes that will improve the town – this is one of the most prominent. “If we can turn this empty site over to the private sector for investment in leisure, this can only be a good thing for the town.” Formal offers to acquire the site are invited, with a deadline of 17 April. The council hopes to announce a preferred bidder for the site in late spring / early summer.

Plans to transform Leicester’s Pilot House approved

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Plans to transform Leicester’s Pilot House approved
Plans to transform Pilot House in Leicester have been approved. The £11.4m proposals, initially revealed in 2020, will see the cluster of heritage buildings on King Street redeveloped into a home for creative businesses, with an atrium and cafe sitting alongside office space. The city council proposes to deliver the phased refurbishment of the former factory, to create office and workspace to meet demand from inward investment, the professional sectors and creative/design businesses.
It is hoped that Pilot House will build on and extend the success of the city’s LCB Depot in the Cultural Quarter and will be a hub providing workspace, events, exhibitions and host key projects and services to support the growth of its business communities. Speaking on the plans, City Mayor Peter Soulsby previously said: “This project will transform a group of architecturally significant heritage buildings into a landmark destination that will become a source of pride for Leicester. “Not only will it contribute to the wider regeneration of the Belvoir Street, Market Street and New Walk areas, and complement exciting new developments like the Gresham Building, but it will also create and support hundreds of high quality new jobs.”

Rolls Royce reveals Raynesway site redevelopment plans

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Rolls Royce reveals Raynesway site redevelopment plans
Plans to redevelop the South Wing at Rolls-Royce’s Raynesway site in Derby have been submitted.
The company is looking to demolish existing buildings to construct up to 19,110 sq m (GIA) of manufacturing and ancillary office floorspace, to ensure that its submarine business at the Raynesway Estate is in a position to fulfil contracts with the Ministry of Defence. The development site currently comprises a 4-storey office building which has prior approval to be demolished, support buildings, two portacabins and hardstanding comprising footpath, roadways and trees / planting.
Routine inspections of the South Wing building have indicated that it is no longer fit for purpose, with several structural defects.
Outline planning permission is therefore being sought for the replacement of South Wing along with additional manufacturing floorspace. The proposed development will create an additional 30 manufacturing jobs, as well as accommodating approximately 450 existing office employees.

East Midlands Railway returns to UK ownership

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East Midlands Railway returns to UK ownership
The management team at Abellio UK has acquired the company from Nederlandse Spoorwegen, the Dutch state-owned rail operator. It marks a significant milestone in the UK transport sector and transfers the company, which includes East Midlands Railway, to domestic ownership after approximately 20 years. A multi-disciplinary team from RSM advised Managing Director Dominic Booth who has been at Abellio UK since 2007. He, along with the management team, will continue to run Abellio UK’s existing operations and franchises through a newly created company called Transport UK Group Ltd. Transport UK Group Ltd will serve millions of passengers a year, operating more than 60 London bus routes and four UK rail passenger services (East Midlands Railway and West Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia and a 50:50 joint venture with Serco on Merseyrail). Dominic Booth, Managing Director at Abellio UK (now Transport UK Group), said: “We are thrilled to return key public transport services back into UK ownership. While our name will change to Transport UK Group, our values remain the same. We will continue to play a key role in the country’s transport sector, ensuring the provision of our award-winning services to passengers around the UK and driving innovation to develop a low-emission UK transport network. “I am grateful to RSM for the breadth and depth of their advice to the management team to ensure the successful completion of the transaction. They worked closely with the team to understand a range of complex issues and provided clear, concise advice to senior management, as well as support along the way.” Natalie Ord, partner at RSM UK, said: “This deal brings the provision of vital services fully into UK ownership and offers a framework for continuity, certainty and confidence for all key stakeholders. Dominic and the team have a strong track record in the industry and their experience will be instrumental in their plans to drive long-term growth opportunities. “This was a complicated cross-border transaction with many moving parts, highlighting the importance of an integrated team of specialist advisors. Abellio UK has been a valued client of RSM’s for many years and it has been fantastic to support Dominic, Ed, Alan and the team through this journey. We wish them all the best.” The deal completed on 28 February 2023 following receipt of all formal regulatory approval from partners including the Department for Transport, Transport for London, and Merseytravel. Regulatory consent has been submitted to the Office for Rail and Road and this is expected to be issued 28 days after completion.

Nottingham Venues host ‘beam’s Great Supplier’ showcase

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Nottingham Venues host ‘beam’s Great Supplier’ showcase
Delegates from 90 organisations within the UK’s business events, accommodation and meetings sector have visited Nottingham for beam’s winter ‘Great Supplier’ showcase. Hosted at Nottingham Venues’ East Midlands Conference Centre (EMCC), the event showcases the leading venues and agents within the sector which is worth £31.2 billion annually to the UK economy. The biannual event promotes best practice and education between venues and offers the opportunity for suppliers to network with their agency counterparts, promoting product knowledge and building genuine and integral relationships. beam, the leading membership organisation within the business events sector, chose the EMCC for the national event due to its proven track record in hosting such events, and the combination of conferencing facilities and hotel accommodation available at the 4* Orchard Hotel on the same site within the 300-acre University of Nottingham campus. The EMCC has recently undergone a £2.1 million refurbishment programme and is on course for a record year, with strong demand for conferencing and events facilities from organisations across the UK as the sector continues to recover from the pandemic. Being chosen to host the beam winter supplier showcase is significant for Nottingham Venues as Melissa Sobo, Director of Sales explains: “We want more companies to choose Nottingham as a destination for conferences and events as this will bring commercial benefits to the whole city. Raising awareness of the first-class facilities available at the EMCC, alongside our other venues to beam members is a step in helping us to achieve that aim. “beam’s Great Supplier Winter Showcase is always held at a venue which is considered to be amongst the best in the UK and one which can accommodate all needs of its members. We are therefore delighted that Nottingham Venues and the EMCC was chosen. It’s another sign that our progress in developing our destination since the re-brand and re-launch in the summer of 2022 is being recognised and people like what we have to offer.” Ryan Doyle, beam Board Member, says: “Nottingham Venues provided BEAM and our members with the perfect canvas for the event, with their auditorium and event space to allow for a free-flowing seamless event, accompanied by a delightful dinner and luxurious accommodation all under one roof. “Sustainability is at the heart of BEAM and echoed across the industry and we feel our ethical values aligned perfectly with Nottingham Venues and their sustainability initiatives.” Nottingham Venues is a collection of independent venues specialising in meeting and events, set in the grounds of the University of Nottingham campus. All venues, including the East Midlands Conference Centre, the Jubilee Hotel and Conferences venue, Campus Venues and the 4* Orchard Eco Hotel were brought together under one brand in July 2022 with the aim of providing an unrivalled guest experience.

Midlands inbound deals hit 15-year high as overseas investment gathers pace

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Midlands inbound deals hit 15-year high as overseas investment gathers pace
In 2022, the number of inbound cross-border deals for Midlands-based companies reached its highest level in 15 years, with 91 deals completed across the region, according to the latest analysis from Deloitte’s Cross Border Deals Radar. The research, conducted quarterly in collaboration with Experian Market IQ, tracks inbound and outbound M&A activity between investors and corporates in the Midlands and overseas. The results from 2022 reveal that inbound dealmaking across the Midlands was at its highest volume since 2007, when a record 93 inbound deals were completed. Inbound investment into the Midlands Manufacturing remained the region’s most targeted sector for inbound investment, accounting for 41 per cent (37) of all inbound deals. This was followed by the professional services sector, with information & communication and financial & insurance companies accounting for 16 and seven inbound deals respectively across the year. The West Midlands in particular saw a substantial rise in inbound deal activity, with 51 deals completed in 2022, representing a 28 per cent increase on inbound activity in 2021, when 40 deals were completed. This rise in activity saw at least £7bn of foreign investment into the regional economy. Meanwhile, 40 inbound deals were completed across the East Midlands, representing an 11 per cent increase on 2021 volumes. Overall, the Midlands placed third in inbound deal activity across the UK, with only London (190) and the South East (114) seeing more inbound investment in 2022. Outbound investment from the Midlands Outbound investment also posted record highs in 2022, with deal volumes at the highest levels this century. Midlands-based businesses completed 54 deals for overseas companies in 2022, beating the previous record set in 2000 when 50 outbound deals were completed. East Midlands businesses led the way for overseas investment with 31 deals, almost twice that of 2021 when there were 16 transactions. Mirroring inbound activity levels, the manufacturing sector was the most active industry for outbound investment, accounting for 13 deals in 2022, followed closely by the financial services sector, with 12 deals. Nick Carr, corporate finance director at Deloitte, says: “Despite a generally challenging year for businesses across the UK, it is great to see the Midlands record such strong growth in both inbound and outbound investment, which is testament to the international competitiveness of companies in the region. “Whilst the Midlands’ traditional manufacturing base is still the leading source of deal volumes, it’s also encouraging to see a more diverse mix of sectors being invested in, with a large number of deals across TMT, financial services, healthcare and life sciences. This reflects the evolving industry picture across the wider Midlands. “Looking to the year ahead, the economic and geo-political headwinds from 2022 have impacted business confidence and it’s likely we’ll see that reflected, to a certain extent, in more subdued domestic and cross-border deal activity. “Regional transaction volumes are unlikely to climb at the rate they did last year, but it is not all doom and gloom. There is appetite from businesses to grow, and it’s clear that the Midlands remains a highly competitive market for foreign investment, helping to connect the region to the wider global economy.”

Waste and recycling business secures multi-million-pound funding package to drive expansion plans

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Waste and recycling business secures multi-million-pound funding package to drive expansion plans
A Burton business specialising in waste and recycling management has secured a multi-million-pound funding package from HSBC UK to drive its expansion plans, helping customers to improve their carbon footprint and achieve zero waste to landfill. This will prove fundamental to reducing the amount of waste produced by companies that ends up in landfill. Zero waste to landfill is achieved through a combination of reusing and repurposing waste as well as turning residual waste into energy. This provides an essential boost to the environment as landfill waste is the most significant contributor of greenhouse gasses in the waste management sector. Willshee’s Waste & Recycling Limited will use the funding from HSBC UK to re-finance the recent modernisation of its three depots, and to fund future growth and modernisation of its large fleet of vehicles and sites based in Staffordshire and Derbyshire. Willshee’s expects to achieve its aim of reaching £30 million turnover in 2023. Having increased turnover by 20 per cent per annum over each of the last few years, the business is forecasting turnover of £50 million by 2026 which will involve additional sites, additional equipment, further job creation and potentially acquisitions. John D’Aubney, finance director at Willshee’s, said: “As well as enabling us to help more businesses reach zero waste to landfill, the partnership with HSBC UK will be fundamental in helping us grow the business and expand our workforce, and enhance our services to customers in the region. The assistance provided by our relationship director Rakesh Patel has been incredibly valuable and we look forward to a long, mutually beneficial relationship going forward.” Debbie Harper, area director at HSBC UK, added: “Willshee’s provides a critical service and does so in a responsible way by ensuring minimal waste ends up in landfill. HSBC UK is committed to supporting businesses like Willshee’s that are leading the way to create a more sustainable future.” Willshee’s is a family-owned company based in Burton-on-Trent. Established in 1984 with just one lorry and ten skips, the company now boasts a large fleet of modern vehicles and three state-of-the-art recycling centres.

6 things business leaders can do to create a safe workplace

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6 things business leaders can do to create a safe workplace
Your business wouldn’t be where it is today without your employees. To encourage your employees to keep delivering good results, you need to provide them with a safe working environment. Regardless of the industry you work in, or what your employees do for a job, there is still a chance that they’ll get injured or ill at work. Therefore, you need to take steps to keep your employees protected and safe. Make sure that the office is clean, and if you get a report of any issues, ensure that you carry out repairs as soon as possible. Our tips will help business leaders to create a safe workplace for their employees. Keep Up With Regular Inspections To maintain an excellent level of safety in the workplace, you need to keep up with regular inspections. Some of the things you should always look out for are problems with gas, electricity or plumbing. With companies such as Trade Facilities Services, you can arrange an inspection and apply for the renewal of your Electrical Safety Certificate. If the inspection goes well, you can rest assured that your employees are safe from any critical incidents. On the other hand, if the result isn’t as good, you can come up with a plan of what needs to be done in order to create better conditions for your employees. Ensure That The Workplace Is Clean Keeping the workplace clean shouldn’t be seen as a safety precaution. Instead, make it a standard throughout the company. Even though your business has a cleaning team, you should encourage the rest of the employees to look after their workplace. If they have lunch in the office, they should pick up anything left behind. And when they notice that there is a spillage in the hallway that might put others in danger, they should get in touch with the cleaning team. They should also try to keep all the pathways clear of clutter. That way, other employees and site visitors might be able to avoid tripping and causing injuries. Provide Your Employees With Appropriate Training To boost the safety of your employees, you need to make sure that they know how to work with their equipment. If they are responsible and hold on to the right procedures, they might become more productive and protect other employees at the same time. In order to achieve such a feat, you need to provide your employees with appropriate training. When you’re onboarding employees, train them to understand your policy and procedures. And if you want to bring in a new piece of equipment or machinery, you should organise a training session that would help your employees to learn how to work with the new addition. Deal With Repairs As Soon As Possible When you find out that some of the equipment got broken or that there is something wrong within the building, you need to resolve the issue as soon as possible. If you delay the repairs, you might put the health and well-being of your employees in danger. However, if you schedule the repairs promptly, you might be able to protect the people in the building from any harm. To make sure that the repairs don’t interrupt your employees, try to schedule them outside working hours. That way, your employees might be able to focus on their work, and your business should be able to keep running without any significant interruptions. Encourage Employees To Take A Break As an employer, you’re legally obligated to provide your employees with time for rest during the day. But when your employees have many tasks to finish and are busy, they might want to skip their break completely. If they feel stressed and tired, they might start making mistakes. And in the end, it might cost your business clients, money and possibly employees. To make sure that your employees are at their best throughout the day, encourage them to take breaks regularly. Even a small coffee break can help them to come up with fresh and more creative ideas. When your employees feel relaxed and full of energy, they might be able to provide your clients with better results and help your business grow and gain more recognition. Conclusion: Get Your Employees On Board All of your efforts might go in vain if your employees aren’t on board with your policy and procedures. To boost the safety of everyone in the building, you need to make sure that your employees know the rules and have the proper training to keep themselves and others away from harm. And when you and your employees keep the workplace clean, you might reduce the risk of accidents happening. Once you get all of your employees to do their bit and help you with your efforts, you might be able to create a working environment that is safe for all of the workers and any site visitors you might receive.

trentbarton’s MD retires

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trentbarton’s MD retires
trentbarton and Kinchbus Managing Director Jeff Counsell retires today (Tuesday 28 February) after 24 years with the company and almost half a century in the bus industry. And with impeccable timing, last week Jeff received his bus pass and vowed to use it well: “I’ll still be riding on the buses, and not just because it has been my job for so long. I’m a passionate believer in all public transport.” Jeff, who started out in buses as a 15-year-old apprentice, said: “Retirement is a strange feeling but it’s starting to sink in. I will miss the people terribly. I will miss interacting with our people and with our customers.” Jeff started as a 15-year-old engineering apprentice at Lancashire United Transport in the 1970s. He joined trentbarton in 1999 as engineering director and progressed to director of service delivery before becoming Managing Director in 2009. His role directing both operations and engineering also encompassed the two companies’ relationships with national and local government, an aspect which has been of prime importance during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. “The last three years have been hard for so many people and for the bus industry. Covid and its aftermath kept me very busy but away from the parts of the job I love the most – being out and about with our people at depots, bus stations and on board. “I have been very privileged to have had my career and the opportunities that came my way. It’s a great industry for moving around, experiencing different companies and regions. “I didn’t set out from the engineering shop floor with a plan. It has been about being supported, seeing the ways onwards and upwards and taking them. I’ve learned so much along the way in places like the North East with what became Arriva. “It’s a relatively small industry. There are tens of thousands of buses in the UK but everybody knows each other. I’m still in contact with people I worked with in the 1970s and those connections run deep across the industry. “Bus operators are nothing without their people and that’s been central to running trentbarton. We look after our people. And I leave very optimistic that public transport has a great future. It may be different, but constant innovation will get us there.” Brian King, chairman of trentbarton’s parent group Wellglade, said: “Everyone at trentbarton wishes Jeff a wonderful and well-earned retirement. He leaves with our thanks for his many years of hard work and dedication to the company, its people and our customers. “Jeff can be very proud of the many awards and accolades won by trentbarton during his tenure and also by the high esteem he is held in by so many in the UK bus industry and in the business community. We’re all the better for having worked with Jeff.” Jeff said: “I’m looking forward to spending more time with my parents, my wife and my daughters and enjoying seeing my grandchildren grow up.”

Revenue up as profits slip at Travis Perkins in challenging year

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Revenue up as profits slip at Travis Perkins in challenging year
Travis Perkins, the Northamptonshire-based builders’ merchant, witnessed “robust revenue growth of 8.9%” in 2022, while profits slipped in what the company says was a challenging year with rapidly changing market conditions. According to full year results for the year to 31 December 2022, revenue sat just under £5bn, growing from £4.6bn in 2021. Adjusted operating profit of £295m, meanwhile, was down from £353m in 2021, impacted principally by lower year-on-year property profits and a £15m charge related to restructuring activities in the fourth quarter. Pre tax profit hit £245m, down from £305.6m in 2021, while total profit after tax was £192m, dipping from £241m. Despite this the year reportedly saw a “solid performance” in Travis Perkins General Merchant, “continued strong performance” from the group’s specialist distributors – BSS, Keyline and CCF – and a return to “good growth” in the year’s second half for Toolstation. Nick Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Group delivered a resilient trading performance in 2022 which is testament to the capability of our colleagues and the strength of our market leading propositions. I would like to thank our teams for their hard work throughout the year and their flexibility to meet customer needs amidst rapidly changing market dynamics. “In the second half of the year we made some difficult decisions in response to the weaker trading environment and we continue to be watchful of market trends, working closely with our customers and suppliers to stay on the front foot. “Investment continues in our strategic growth programmes including selectively exploring new destination branches for the Travis Perkins General Merchant, rolling out Toolstation in both the UK and Europe and investing in growing our value-added services, notably Hire, Benchmarx kitchens and our Staircraft business, always being mindful to flex the pace of the programme to reflect market conditions. “Whilst it is early in the year and macroeconomic uncertainty remains, the combination of our diverse end market exposure, appropriate cost actions and further market share gains driven by continued strategy execution, will enable the Group to deliver another resilient trading performance in the year ahead. “As a market-leading distributor of building materials products, we continue to benefit from long-term strategic growth drivers in our markets including new environmental and safety legislation and commitments from both public and private sector customers to deliver against net zero targets. We are committed to being at the forefront of both decarbonising the construction industry alongside developing the next generation of talent to create value for all of our stakeholders.”

Nottingham Trent University research project to give electric vehicle batteries a ‘second life’

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Nottingham Trent University research project to give electric vehicle batteries a ‘second life’

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is part of a £4.5 million research project to establish a process to recycle or reuse electric vehicle batteries to help prevent up to nine million tons of battery waste per year going to landfill.

A £582,000 grant has been awarded to the university’s Advanced Design and Manufacturing Engineering Centre (ADMEC) as part of the European-wide REBELION project which looks to give used electric vehicle Lithium-ion batteries a ‘second life’ or recycle them in a more efficient way.

Research shows that with reconditioning, the majority of electric vehicle batteries would be able to last another ten years after their capacity has fallen below 75 per cent. But the majority are sent to landfill and many of the first generation electric vehicles will soon reach their end of life.

The project – which is supported by the European Horizon programme and incorporates 11 organisations from across Europe – will also establish how recycling electric vehicle batteries could create a major source of Lithium-ion on the continent.

The main aims of the project include developing:

  • Technology to sort used batteries into those suitable for a ‘second life’ and those which should be recycled
  • Automated methods to dismantle batteries so that they can be recycled more efficiently
  • A safety protocol for the recycling and reusing process and designing safety box containers for safe battery transportation and storage
  • A standardised labelling system to provide data on second life batteries
  • An analysis of how well the proposed models of recycling and repurposing perform
  • A roadmap to the market for individual and joint business models

The NTU team will develop the information communication technology (ICT) platform and infrastructure. The team will also develop methods in relation to traceability of batteries, digital battery passports, ecolabelling and the calculation of eco-cost and eco-savings.

The team will also contribute to repurposing second life batteries in lighting products.

Partners in the project include Universitat Politechnica de Valenica, Accurec-Recycling, Sig de Raee Y Pilas Sociedad Limitada, Ona Product SL, Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia, University of Birmingham, Fondazione Icons, Erion Energy, Erion Compliance Organization Scarl and Volkswagen Group Italia SPA.

Professor Daizhong Su, head of ADMEC which sits in NTU’s School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment (ADBE), said: “With the increased volume of electric vehicle batteries coming towards their end of life, it’s imperative that there’s a quick and accurate way to predict a battery’s future life in order to maximise second-life applications.

“Recycling is the most environmentally-friendly way to deal with batteries after their second life and has the potential to turn them into a major economic resource in Europe, with a value of up to £23 billion per year, as the raw materials they contain can be used for further manufacturing.

“This is an exciting project which has the potential to make the electric vehicle industry even more sustainable and help prevent up to nine million tons of battery waste per year going to landfill by 2040. We look forward to working with our partners to help create sustainable solutions for many of the future challenges of the electric vehicle industry.”

G F Tomlinson supports local Nottingham community with access to central sanitation facilities

Tess Egginton
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G F Tomlinson supports local Nottingham community with access to central sanitation facilities

As part of the company’s commitment to delivering social value, Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has supported Arena Church to deliver sanitation facilities at its Nottingham City Centre premises, which will be open in the near future.

The church, which is based on Western Street in the Hockley area, currently provides refuge, shelter and hot refreshments for vulnerable Nottingham residents who need it most.

G F Tomlinson has worked with local sub-contractors alongside pastor, Jono Kirk, from Arena Community to convert previously unused space into a shower and washer / dryer facility for vulnerable Nottingham residents to use who lack access to basic sanitation facilities.

The vital additions will act as an extension of Arena Church’s mission to ‘Go, Grow, Love and Serve’ in Nottingham City, and facilities will be on hand ready for when the church launches its new ‘Care for a Coffee’ initiative once funding is secured.

‘Care for a Coffee’ will provide warm, safe spaces for vulnerable people to get a weekly hot meal, with an option to clean and dry clothes and make the most of a ‘shower hour’.

Kevin Dodds, construction director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are great advocates of the work that Arena Church do for the local area, and are proud to have been involved in the delivery of vital sanitation facilities in the building, helping to support vulnerable communities.

“We hope those who need it most are reassured that there is a safe space where they can spend time, have a hot meal and use the shower and washing facilities.”

Jono Kirk, pastor at Arena Church, said: “We at Arena Church, Nottingham are so thankful for the work that G F Tomlinson and all subcontractors have carried out, transforming previously unused space to make an incredible difference to the lives of people with no access to such facilities. 

“We believe this will act as a springboard in Arena Church Nottingham’s mission to serve the city and will really help in bringing our new ‘Care for a Coffee’ vision to life. Without G F Tomlinson and all they have done, this wouldn’t be possible. A big heartfelt thank you to all involved.”

G F Tomlinson recruited the services of Prime Flooring Solutions, Amptron Electrical Services, Browns Builders Merchants, and SV Timber to work alongside them to deliver the works at Arena Church, which started in mid-January and completed in February.

Despite soaring energy costs, only 29% of UK manufacturers consider net zero to be a priority

Tess Egginton
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Despite soaring energy costs, only 29% of UK manufacturers consider net zero to be a priority

Energy prices are negatively impacting the majority of UK SME manufacturers, according to the latest Manufacturing Barometer survey by SWMAS. But, with the government’s ambitious target to achieve net zero by 2050, are SMEs on course to succeed?

This quarter’s statistics indicate half of respondents (51%) see net zero as a positive expansion for UK manufacturing. However, less (42%) are confident this will actually be beneficial for their individual business.

Almost three quarters of manufacturing firms have said they are already working towards net zero (73%), although only a very small number of these businesses (2%) actually know the carbon footprint for the products they supply, and just 3% have a detailed carbon footprint ready for their organisation. 50% of manufacturers have started, but are yet to formally establish any metrics, and an additional 23% have so far only attained a basic carbon footprint for their organisation.

Nick Golding, Managing Director at SWMAS, says: “Profitability remains a challenge for most firms, particularly with the current energy crisis which is showing no signs of waning. It is understandable that for most, implementing the new net zero standard isn’t a priority with other challenges being faced, particularly when planning and implementing a scheme to neutralise their carbon footprint will cost additional time, resources and money.”

Only 37% of respondents have actually taken a pledge for their business to achieve net zero but, encouragingly, three quarters of these firms aim to reach this at least 10 years before the government’s 2050 target. On the other hand, over 70% of the firms questioned reported that the transition to net zero is not a current priority for their business.

There are still many barriers being faced by manufacturers dominating their current and future business focuses. As many as 64% do not think the benefits outweigh the cost of implementing low carbon improvements and almost half (44%) have said there is nothing driving them to prioritise net zero over other issues in the business. This is further backed up by the fact that over three quarters of responding businesses said none of their customers have asked them to provide their carbon footprint data.

How will carbon footprint credentials benefit UK manufacturers? Almost half (48%) have said they think being able to promote their net zero ambitions will help them win future work. Furthermore, 27% believe this would attract potential employees at a time when the competition for skilled workers is at an all-time high.

Nick adds: “These findings indicate some optimism from UK manufacturers despite the ongoing challenges around price increases, supply chain disruption, and skills shortages. It’s clear that many firms see the benefits of achieving net zero, but there are a number of challenges that could be preventing their progression.

“There are lessons for policymakers to consider, particularly in relation to simplifying planning requirements for onsite energy systems such as solar and wind as well as incentives for these technologies to support the manufacturing transition towards a net zero future.”

Cawarden hosts an employment event with a difference

Tess Egginton
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Cawarden hosts an employment event with a difference
Ahead of National Careers Week in March, Cawarden employees were invited to bring their sons, daughters, nieces, nephews and grandchildren to a special behind-the-scenes look at one of its Leicestershire sites to provide an early taste of the demolition industry and an insight into what their family member does for a job. The visit to the site of a former leisure centre was led by Managing Director, William Crooks – who is also the current standing president of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC). The children, aged between two and five years old, donned their hi-vis and hard hats for their first-ever tour of a demolition site. During the visit, the children learned about site safety and the reasons why protective clothing is worn on-site. They explored the different jobs and skills involved in demolishing a building and got to meet the site manager, machine drivers and labourers. The importance of recycling building materials was also talked about. William Crooks, Managing Director of Cawarden, said: “We had a wonderful time meeting the children and showing them around our demolition site. I don’t think you can ever be too young to learn about demolition and it was great to witness the children’s interest and engagement during the visit. My sons grew up on-site and this event provided the perfect opportunity for Cawarden employees to bring their children to work. “All the children loved looking at the big demolition machines working and all intently observed – something I still don’t get bored of seeing. We discussed the different jobs on the site and we talked about the importance of being safe when building work is taking place in their communities – which we complemented with activities back in the site office. I was really impressed by the knowledge of the older children and pleased at how much they all enjoyed and learnt from the experience. “With the skills shortage growing in our sector, as well as the challenges in recruiting young, diverse talent, it is essential that we find ways to inspire the next generation – and today’s event is just one of the ways we’re supporting this goal.” When asked what their favourite part of the day was, one child, aged four and a half, said: “It was really exciting to see the big machines in real life.” Another child, aged five, said: “I loved seeing the diggers working.” The children left the site with a goodie bag which included a copy of the children’s book ‘When I Grow Up’ along with a new perspective of a demolition site.

Pop-up businesses could feature in Nottingham’s revitalised Broad Marsh plans

Stuart Pearcey
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Pop-up businesses could feature in Nottingham’s revitalised Broad Marsh plans
Pop-up businesses could set up shop in Nottingham’s Sussex Street, Collin Street and Listergate, and potentially stay in the area long-term as Nottingham City Council wishes to revive streets around the Broad Marsh area. The council is looking for ideas from potential operators. Proposals are at an early stage, but could involve independent traders, food and drink outlets, entertainment including seasonal events and opportunities for local producers, suppliers and artists to showcase themselves. The aim is to provide opportunities to temporarily use sites initially for up to five years, with a view to starting to establish some of the new activities from towards the end of this year. The move comes as the area continues to be redeveloped, with the new Central Library due to open and work on the Green Heart area starting later this year. Public realm improvements like those already carried out on Carrington Street and Sussex Street will also get underway on Collin Street, connecting the new library and new college via amphitheatre-style steps and offering a fresh new gateway to the city via the Green Heart area and Listergate. More than a million people pass through the area every year, including visitors to the city coming from the train station, tram system and new Broad Marsh bus station and car park, along with thousands of students at the new Nottingham College. The aim is to create new destinations to attract others and give everyone a reason to stay, by providing a taste of the activity that the area will ultimately deliver when the full vision is realised over the next 15 years. The three proposed sites are a 450sqm area at the bottom of the amphitheatre steps on Sussex Street near Nottingham College, and 700sqm spaces on Collin Street across from the new library and the Lister Square part of the new Green Heart area. City Council Leader David Mellen said: “We’ve made fantastic progress on our plans to completely change the look and feel of this part of the city. Streets that were once filled with traffic are now pleasant places to be, students are enjoying the new college, and the new bus station and car park are up and running in a modern building where the new central library will open later this year. “Work on the Green Heart and Collin Street improvements will also get underway this year – but we know that it will be some years before the vision for the whole site will be fully realised. Rather than wait, we are keen to start to find ways to animate the area, make it a destination in its own right and give people reasons to linger and enjoy it rather than simply passing through. We want to hear from organisations with ideas for what could help to animate the area, for an initial period of up to five years, with a view to becoming part of the Broad Marsh experience long-term.”

Castle Donington company acquires Heathrow-based freight specialist

Tess Egginton
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Castle Donington company acquires Heathrow-based freight specialist
International freight forwarding company Spatial Global has acquired Hollyport Logistics for an undisclosed consideration, advised by Browne Jacobson. Spatial Global, which is part of the Keswick Enterprises Group, is headquartered in Castle Donington and was founded in 1980. Hollyport Logistics is based near London Heathrow and was founded in 2010. Hollyport provides freight and customs services in various sectors, including the IT sectors and operates various international transport services including air, road and sea freight and custom clearance. It also has a dedicated storage, handling and delivery service within a third-party location (3PL) operation in Amsterdam for EU shipments. The transaction will enhance both parties’ capabilities of international & domestic freight movements, warehousing capabilities and customs brokerage and will offer access to a wider range of carriers. The Browne Jacobson team comprised partner and head of the firm’s Manchester office, Peter Allen who led on the transaction along with associate Harpinder Nahl. Senior associate Lincoln Darlington advised on real estate aspects and associate Christian Burchardt advised tax. Peter Allen said: “There is great synergy in the values of both Spatial and Hollyport. They both have solid market strengths in providing high quality logistics and delivery solutions to a diverse customer portfolio, so it makes sense for Hollyport to come into the Spatial fold, in a move that offers both businesses a fantastic opportunity to bolster their international and domestic freight operations.” Mike Wallis, executive chairman of Spatial Global, said: “The opportunity to acquire Hollyport arose and very early on we saw a business built on the same values that we work to. We are very pleased that all staff at Hollyport Logistics Ltd will remain as they are vital to the process and relationship with the customers and suppliers. We are happy to have a Heathrow base going forward.”

Council loan could trigger regeneration of area surrounding Derby railway station

Stuart Pearcey
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Council loan could trigger regeneration of area surrounding Derby railway station
Derby’s Council Cabinet members intend to provide a £500,000 loan to property and regeneration firm London and Continental Railways, who want to buy Midland House, near to Derby Midland Station. It’s thought the acquisition could spark significant regeneration of the city’s Railway Conservation Area and create a more attractive gateway into the city centre. The building is currently owned by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities who have declared it “surplus to requirements”. The former industrial land between the River Derwent and the railway lines on the east side of Derby station has now successfully developed into Pride Park, home to many rail-related businesses, including East Midlands Railway. Following the publication of the Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands in 2021, Derby station area now has HS2 East status and forms part of the HS2 Growth Strategy for the East Midlands. LCR is wholly owned by the Department for Transport and works in partnership with local authorities, Network Rail and Homes England. The company has invested millions of pounds transforming underused public sector properties, particularly around railway stations and transport hubs, into vibrant destinations. The company also delivered a new Business Park at the former Rail Technical Centre (RTC) in London Road, Derby. Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council said: “The opportunity to support the purchase of Midland House, an important building close to the station, is really good news. Any step towards the improvement of the area around the railway station is most welcome. “This is another example of how we have supported regeneration development in the city. The investment should tie in well with other improvements expected, through developments around main stations within the HS2 programme. “Before Easter we should know where the headquarters of Great British Railways will be located which, if Derby is indeed selected, would further add to the potential improvements, to what is a crucial development area of Derby.” The emerging regeneration masterplan for the station area will be the subject to public consultation, as will any subsequent planning applications associated with Midland House and/or the wider area. Built in the early 1870s, Midland House was originally the headquarters of the Midland Railway. Along with Midland Hotel and the remaining Railway Cottages, it is one of the city’s unique rail heritage buildings on the west side of Derby rail station.
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