WBR Group (WBR), the independent provider of SSAS services and tax experts, has made two senior appointments to its leadership team. David Downie joins as Managing Director of SSAS & Actuarial and Peter Collier as Director of Marketing and Distribution. The Group has offices in Leicester, Bolton and Salisbury.
David has over 30 years’ experience in the financial services sector, with most of those years spent working within the pension and SSAS industry. He is a fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, Chairman of the ACA Individual and Penson Savings Committee and was most recently Chief Actuary at Rowanmoor where he has worked for over 29 years.
In his role David will lead the SSAS and Actuarial division of the business, further strengthening the technical knowledge and expertise within the Group. As a fast growing business that is acquisitive for the right books of business, he will also support the future expansion plans of WBR.
Peter Collier has over 25 years’ experience in the pensions industry. He has held a number of senior roles across marketing, business development and strategy functions within the pensions and wealth management industry. Previously, he was Head of Marketing Strategy at Brown Shipley, most recently Peter was Business Development Director at Hurley Partners (latterly Mattioli Woods).
Peter Collier
In his role at WBR Group Peter will be developing a clear brand identity and proposition for the newly named WBR Group and lead the strategy to build on the already strong relationships with financial advisers and other professional advisers such as accountants and solicitors.
The news follows the recent completion of Rowanmoor Executive Pensions Limited’s book of 3,500 SSASs. The firm has also taken the opportunity to rebrand the business to WBR Group to reflect the larger organisation.
David Downie, Managing Director of SSAS & Actuarial, WBR Group, said: “I very much look forward to my next challenge as MD of our SSAS and Actuarial propositions at WBR Group. Having seen the developments WBR Group have made in becoming a well-respected and entrusted provider in the pensions industry I can say that I am genuinely excited to be joining the team to help drive them further forward.”
Peter Collier, Director of Marketing and Distribution, WBR Group, said: “I am pleased to be joining WBR Group at such an exciting time for the business. WBR has a unique and highly relevant proposition and whilst we are already well-known for our traditional SSAS offering there is so much more to attract the attention of clients and their advisers. For example, our DB SSAS is particularly noteworthy given the imminent rise in Corporation Tax rates. We will look forward to increasing market awareness of this opportunity.”
Martin Tilley, Chief Operating Officer, WBR Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome David and Peter to the WBR Group. Due to our rapid growth and particularly acquisitions that include the SSAS books of James Hay and Rowanmoor, it is important to have a strong leadership team and to expand this to meet the firm’s changing needs.
“That is why we are pleased to welcome David and Peter to the business. Both David and Peter have experience, expertise and with previous connections to the Board, we have shared values and the same vision for our service offering.”
As part of its forecasts for the year ahead, JLL has highlighted that the stabilisation of inflation and interest rates will prompt more investment activity in H2 2023.
Investment volumes for 2022 reached £48.6bn in 2022, a 22% decline on 2021 volumes of £62.7bn, and 8% below the 10-year average of £53.1bn according to JLL.
Looking towards capital flows for the year ahead, JLL has predicted that activity will improve in the second half of the year and that the focus will gradually move from yield shifts to income resilience – in particular occupational risks and the divergent potential for rental growth. It is expected that activity will be orientated towards core assets where rental income is regarded as most secure.
Regarding sources of capital targeting UK real estate, Asia-Pacific buyers, particularly those from Singapore and Hong Kong are anticipated to represent an elevated proportion of buyers in 2023 compared to recent years. German buyers will also re-emerge as opportunities arise. The huge, energy-driven flows of capital into Middle Eastern Sovereign Wealth Funds could mean they become major players as the year progresses.
JLL cited that occupiers are set to seek partnerships with landlords in order to achieve their goals and reconcile increasing costs with their ambitions to transform and upgrade their real estate in 2023. There will also be an increasing appetite in areas such as life sciences for partnerships with investors, developers, local authorities and educational and research institutions – which will help drive forward regeneration.
Leasing markets will see polarisation and pockets of rental growth according to JLL, with rents most buoyant in the ‘super-prime’ segments. Occupier demand for offices will focus on high quality space with superb sustainability and design credentials – which means investors will too. This is expected to highlight major obsolescence problem in the secondary market as rental growth continues to polarise. Whilst in industrial it will remain a landlord’s market; the imbalance of supply and demand, particularly in the mid-box and urban logistics sectors, will mean we will see relatively resilient rents. The only complication in this picture is the business rates revaluation which will bring instant benefits for the winners – mostly those in the retail sector – and a slower ratcheting of costs for subsectors that have seen recent rental growth.
Jon Neale, head of UK research at JLL, said: “2023 is going be a difficult year for many businesses, but there will be some tentative evidence of green shoots in the second half, particularly in the core investment market. But if companies solely focus on survival, rather than on longer-term trends, they will struggle; the pressures that have begun to emerge during the last cycle – sustainability, urbanisation, greater occupier selectivity and more demanding requirements – will only intensify in the next one. The polarisation that has been seen over the past few years will intensify over 2023, but that may just be the start.”
Stuart Smith, director, JLL in the Midlands, said: “Make no bones about it, 2023 will be challenging for the Midlands’ real estate market. But it will also present some fantastic opportunities and it is more than able to bounce back convincingly – a mix of great transport links, proximity to London and thriving business and student communities make it an attractive place for foreign direct investment, which will prove a catalyst for recovery.
“A renewed focus on the Midlands across all sectors in the region’s major cities and their surrounding areas, make it ripe for a fast recovery when inflation eases and interest rates return to normal.”
Stephanie Hyde, Chief Executive, JLL UK, added: “Despite the ongoing headwinds, the majority of investors and corporates alike have set clear objectives and targets for decarbonising buildings, and 2023 will be the year in which these ambitions turn into actions. Small and medium sized businesses will also start to develop and implement sustainability strategies en masse, spurred by the mounting evidence of the financial, social and environmental returns. However, given cost pressures it will become clear that increased tenant and landlord collaboration – through engagement as well as financing – is imperative to making progress possible.“Reinvention and repurposing will be a major theme of development in 2023, even if immediate activity is constrained by economic conditions. Investors have been watching the retail sector for some time, and values have now reached a point where large-scale reimagining is possible. There will be generational opportunities in this sector. “The levelling up agenda may falter given economic conditions but the underlying drivers behind it will intensify. The significant role that private sector partners play in delivering regeneration projects will be all the clearer as local councils see revenues fall and look to maximise the economic and regenerative potential of the assets that they own.”
Landscape architecture practice Influence Landscape Planning and Design has bolstered its team with four new appointments, following a 25% business growth last year and a strong pipeline for 2023.
Jake Haywood, Angus Lilburn, and Isabel Stratton all join the East Midlands-based firm as design assistants, while Lydia Reynolds joins as administrative assistant.
Chartered practice Influence provides expertise in project management, environmental planning, feasibility and concept development, master planning and urban design, landscape design, visual impact assessment, expert witness and arboriculture.
The hires come following the significant growth of the company last year, which was due to an influx of projects in the Midlands, London and the North West, and a strategy to work on schemes which align with the wildlife, heritage and regeneration ethos of the practice. Influence is expecting a similar growth trajectory this year.
Managing Director, Sara Boland, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Angus, Jake, Lydia and Isabel to our team, who join us at an exciting time.
“We invest in young people each year by welcoming year-out students and their talents and ideas have always impressed us, so with this in mind and our increased portfolio, we wanted to permanently expand our junior workforce and nurture them through the business.
“Our new recruits are working alongside myself and the team on landscape design and planning projects. On the technical side they will be producing figures, graphics, assessment work, and assisting seniors when onsite, and on the design side, detailing and producing technical drawing.
“It’s important for us as a practice to broaden people’s knowledge of landscape architecture, and to show the younger generation that it is an integral part of developing projects – the younger that we can engage people, the better.”
After studying for his BArch undergraduate degree, Angus developed an interest in how the natural environment affects psychology. At Influence, Angus will be assisting the senior design team in producing landscape masterplans, details, visualisations, and report writing.
Isabel specialises in landscape management, which is crucial for maintaining landscapes once built. She will be helping Influence expand its services in this area.
Jake joins after completing his A-Levels in product design and geography and will be assisting the team with designing and planning.
Alongside her role at Influence, Lydia is studying a built environment course. She will be assisting on project work, as well as supporting company secretary Ruth Berry.
The new hires will all increase Influence’s ability to deliver projects from pre-planning right through to construction and maintenance.
Phenna Group has acquired a majority stake in DM Safety & Health.
Headquartered in Nottingham, Phenna Group’s aim is to invest in and partner with selected niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) companies that serve a variety of sectors, ensuring customers’ peace of mind by delivering first class assurance services.
This acquisition augments its health & safety services and adds geographic, capacity and complementary services to Phenna’s service offerings.
Formed in 2008 and based in Stockport, Greater Manchester, DM Safety & Health operates across the UK as a health and safety consultancy specialist offering a variety of services covering Construction Design and Management Regulations, Principal Designer, Quantity Surveyor, Project Management and Support Services.
The business offers a variety of CDM support packages including the role of principal designer and also support for site residency in terms of health and safety, QS and project management.
DM have a team of multi skilled experts who are safety qualified with a background in trade, enhancing the company’s service offering in the context of construction and engineering frameworks. The company counts leading listed companies as well as public sector clients amongst its customer base and serves these customers throughout the UK.
Darren McHugh, Managing Director at DM Safety & Health, said: “I am thrilled and excited to start 2023 by committing my long term future to the partnership with Phenna Group. Whilst I engaged with several potential partners and the decision was always going to be a big one for myself and my family, it was made easy when I met with Paul and his team.
“I’ve been blown away by their enthusiasm, ambition and drive for helping me grow the business. It’s been a pleasure dealing with them throughout the process and I’m looking forward with confidence to what we can achieve together and to working with the wider network in Phenna Group companies.”
Paul Barry, Group CEO of Phenna Group, said: “I’m thrilled that Darren has decided to partner with Phenna Group and I’m looking forward to working with him and his experienced team to help them achieve their ambitious growth targets.
“Since my first meeting with him and through all subsequent discussions I’ve been thoroughly impressed by his drive and enthusiasm to push his business to a higher level. That coupled with his infectious personality, make him an ideal fit within our Group and I’m excited to see where we can take the business. I’m sure he’ll work well within the broader Phenna Group network.”
Phenna Group were advised by Johnston Carmichael and Avonhurst. DM Safety & Health were advised by Ballard Evans Corporate Finance and TLT LLP.
Daily flights between East Midlands Airport and Belfast City will start from March 26th this year, with Emerald Airlines as the carrier.
The firm, operator of the Aer Lingus Regional network, will start with a daily service, and will increase up to double daily from mid-April.
Ciarán Smith, Head of Commercial at Emerald Airlines said: “As the demand for travel options from Belfast only increases, this new route will no doubt be warmly welcomed. Earlier this week we announced that we will be adding 15,000+ seats immediately across our existing network from Belfast City, and we will continue growing these services in the months ahead.”
Steve Griffiths, East Midlands Airport’s MD, said: “This news will be well received by the passengers who make use of this popular route which is an important part of our domestic offer. We look forward to working with the airline as they seek further opportunities to grow their operation here.”
With more flights and more choice for the travelling public, the airline is progressively bolstering its Summer 2023 Schedule. Emerald Airlines will add 180,000+ extra seats this Summer from Belfast City Airport, operating over 400 weekly flights this Summer to and from Belfast.
Landlords of private rented properties covered by two new licensing schemes in the Charnwood area of north Leicestershire are being encouraged by their borough council to apply for licences under its Additional and Selective Licensing schemes to drive up standards across privately-rented homes in the area.
Landlords and letting agents with properties in the borough are being urged to check the new licensing requirements and apply online. If they have properties which are affected by the schemes, then they must apply for a licence.
Additional Licensing is a borough-wide scheme for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) which do not already hold a mandatory licence and are occupied by three and four unrelated persons.
Selective Licensing in the Hastings and Lemyngton wards in Loughborough focuses on privately rented accommodation and aims to improve standards. Selective Licensing requires all landlords operating within the two wards to licence their property.
The new schemes will enable the Council to work with landlords to ensure their properties are suitable for tenants to live in and are being managed effectively.
The licence fee per application is £700 for five years which will be only used to cover the costs to run the licensing schemes.
Cllr Paul Mercer, the Council’s lead member for private housing said: “I would urge landlords to familiarise themselves with the licensing schemes to make sure they don’t fall foul of the new requirements.
“The changes mean more privately rented homes in the borough will need to be licensed and it is the duty of landlords to comply.
“A large number of landlords and letting agents operating in Charnwood are responsible, care about their tenants and manage their properties well.
“However, there are some properties which are not being managed appropriately and can impact the tenants and the local neighbourhood.
“We have invited landlords to join a virtual session to learn more about the schemes and find out more about the application process. There is still time for people to sign up for the session.”
The Council is committed to working with landlords to ensure they are aware of the schemes and understand what is expected of them. Ultimately, properties affected by the schemes must be licensed and if landlords do not apply for the required licence, the Council can take action including issuing fines of up to £30,000.
The Council can also act to enforce conditions of a licence associated with a property if they are breached.
A virtual landlords forum will take place via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, February 7 at 6pm.
The new chair of East Midlands Chamber’s board of directors believes the region’s businesses will demonstrate their resilience despite the challenges 2023 will bring,
Kevin Harris, Leicester office managing partner at audit, tax and consulting services firm RSM UK, took over from Ian Morgan as chair at the beginning of this month – a role he’d been waiting for as Chair Elect since last June.
He was previously chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership for four years, and is a former president of the chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.
He said: “Without doubt, this is going to be one of the most challenging years for East Midlands businesses. Many would be forgiven for being battle-weary as the cost-of-living crisis, and the impact of the pandemic and Ukraine war, are leaving deep imprints on the ability of local companies to survive and thrive.
“But I have a huge amount of optimism in our business community. Despite the difficulties, they are showing their mettle and resilience in the face of adversity and getting on with what they do best, which is running their businesses in local, national and international markets.
“However, they can’t do that in isolation, which is why taking up the mantle of chair for the Chamber in 2023 is a privilege with purpose.
“Our region’s businesses need an environment in which to flourish, to invest in skills and capital, and boost productivity.
“They are a vital part of the UK’s GDP and important for job and wealth creation. The levelling up and devolution agenda locally needs to remain high on the UK’s agenda, and my role will be to champion this and many other issues our local businesses need to succeed.”
Ian Morgan, who is also the chairman of Derbyshire County Cricket Club and deputy chairman of transport company Wellglade Group, said: “It has been an immense honour and privilege to chair East Midlands Chamber for the past four years. It is the leading business representation organisation with over 4,000 members and some 12,000 businesses affiliated to it in one way or another.
“Successfully guiding, advising and supporting the business community through Brexit, Covid-19 and the aftermath of both is the hallmark of the Chamber’s work, and I am proud to have played my part.
“It has a well-motivated, dedicated team led by chief executive Scott Knowles, and a first-class senior management group together with an outstanding board of directors with whom it has been a pleasure to work.
“In passing the baton on to Kevin Harris, I know the Chamber is in very good hands. Kevin is a long-standing board member, a recent past president and he is part of the organisation’s very DNA. The local business community could not have anyone more experienced or dedicated to the future of local business than Kevin and I wish him every success.”
Global and domestic supply chain pressures outrank access to labour, rising interest rates and mounting costs as the top concern facing over half (54%) of mid-sized businesses over the next six months, according to latest research from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO.
The bi-monthly survey – which looks at the challenges and opportunities facing mid-sized businesses – reveals the significant disruption UK businesses must confront, with a third (34%) experiencing delays due to complex customs regulations as a direct result of Brexit. The same number (34%) have seen the cost of goods sourced from the EU increase, while nearly a quarter (24%) have stopped sales to the EU completely. A rising number of COVID-19 cases and recent lockdowns in China have also caused delays for almost two in five businesses (37%).
While supply chain disruption is the biggest challenge facing firms, increasing costs are also a cause for concern. One in three (34%) report that raw materials and goods have become more expensive. The cost of importing or transporting materials and goods has also climbed for 31% of mid-sized businesses, rising to 40% in the property and construction industries. Most alarmingly, a quarter (25%) of firms are unable to source the goods and materials they need.
Faced with acute supply chain pressures and rising costs, businesses are taking action. Almost a quarter (23%) are onshoring their supply chain as they seek to reduce their dependence on importing goods or working with overseas suppliers. Even more (28%) are passing on rising costs to customers by increasing prices, with the same number planning to downsize their business to cut costs.
With access to labour ranked the second greatest challenge facing mid-sized businesses, skills and remuneration have become a top priority. One in three (32%) are investing in upskilling or retraining staff to tackle the skills gap and workforce shortages. 29% are introducing more flexible working and 33% will increase pay this year, with 8% doing so in line with or above inflation. Meanwhile, 12% are providing separate or one-off payments aimed at supporting employees through the cost-of-living crisis.
In the face of these challenges, businesses remain determined to drive growth. 36% are seeking new direct investment or equity financing for this reason, while nearly 39% expect to launch new products or services this year.
Ed Dwan, partner at BDO, said: “Medium-sized businesses are battling rising costs, supply chain problems and difficulty accessing labour amid a nationwide skills shortage. Whilst they are striving to remain resilient, existing resources can only go so far to help drive growth or investment in skills and innovation.
“These businesses are the engine of the UK’s economy and they should not be overlooked. Without the right support to help manage lingering labour and productivity challenges, they could see a knock-on impact on plans for improving productivity in the months ahead.”
Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group, which aims to invest in and partner with selected niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) companies that serve a variety of sectors, has acquired PKI Solutions.
This acquisition adds new complementary services and strengthens Phenna’s Cyber Security offering, a key tenet of its future growth plans.
Formed in 2014 and based out of Portland Oregon, USA, PKI Solutions is the world’s foremost cybersecurity specialists providing public key infrastructure (PKI) products, services, and training to give organizations confidence in their identity and encryption systems.
PKI forms the basis of all modern authentication trust on the Internet and is a critical component underpinning security for the Internet of Things (IoT). For nearly a decade, PKI Solutions has partnered with organizations around the world to design, deploy, and operate their PKI.
Mark B. Cooper, Managing Director at PKI Solutions, said: “I am thrilled to be joining Phenna Group, who share my high growth ambitions for the business. The continued focus on customer success, world-class delivery of consulting services, and the expansion of PKI Spotlight throughout the enterprise market were critical when finding the right partner for us to move forward.
“Their unique, autonomous business model really resonated with me and from my first call with Paul and the Phenna team I was convinced they would be a great partner for PKI Solutions. I am excited and confident in the future opportunities as part of Phenna Group, to continue to expand our innovations, products, and services to our customers around the world.”
Paul Barry, Group CEO of Phenna Group, said: “I am delighted that PKI Solutions will be joining Phenna Group to strengthen our presence in the Cyber Security market and extend our international presence.
“Mark has been thoroughly professional to deal with throughout the process and I’m looking forward to welcoming him and his highly experienced team to Phenna Group. This deal adds new public key infrastructure (PKI) capability to our broader cyber offerings and gives us presence in the West Coast of the U.S., which I’m delighted about.”
Phenna Group were advised by RSM UK Corporate Finance LLP, Avonhurst and Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. PKI Solutions were advised by Paine Pacific LLC, Scarborough McNeese Oelke & Kilkenny PC, Stoel Rives LLP, and SNK Consulting PC.
Chesterfield’s Green Arch Consulting is working alongside the Central Bank of Nigeria to help the organisation in its transition to a low carbon future.
The business’s founder, Emma Knight-Strong is a registered expert on sustainable finance and Green Transitions through the UK Government’s “Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions” programme (UK PACT).
Funded by the UK’s International Climate Finance, the UK PACT programme has provided funding for projects and skill-shares across three continents since 2018.
In 2022, Green Arch Consulting undertook a review for the Central Bank of Nigeria to help them evolve the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles, which are a set of principles designed to accelerate the transition to a lower carbon, climate resilient economy.
In January 2023, the business was commissioned to undertake further work to progress the update and evolution of these principles in line with international best practice.
Emma Knight-Strong, who lives and works in Chesterfield, will be carrying out a series of virtual workshops with the Central Bank as well as external stakeholders within the Nigerian financial space. The results of the workshops will be fed into, and Green Arch Consulting will be advising on, the redrafting of the principles.
Emma, founder of Green Arch Consulting, said: “Sustainability is increasingly an imperative for businesses to consider – this is driven by increasing regulations and policies driving in that direction, the very real physical impacts that climate change is having on businesses and their supply chains, as well as an overwhelming shift in public opinion on the topic.
“The financial world is increasingly heavily regulated in this area, resulting in significant pressures on the businesses and assets that they finance to consider sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues in a way never before seen.”
After entering administration on 11th November 2022, Derbyshire-based bicycle manufacturer and retailer Stanton Bikes Limited has sold its business and assets as a going concern to Stanton Bicycles Limited, a new company owned by Daniel Stanton.
Stanton Bikes Limited is well-regarded both nationally and internationally within the biking industry for designing, manufacturing, and selling hardtail and full-suspension bicycle frames.
The deal comes after Stanton Bikes Limited entered administration on 11th November 2022 after Dean Nelson and Nick Lee, Business Recovery and Insolvency Partners at PKF Smith Cooper, were appointed as Joint Administrators.
Speaking on the sale, Dean Nelson, Business Recovery and Insolvency Partner at PKF Smith Cooper, stated: “We are pleased to announce that the business and assets of Stanton Bikes Limited have been sold and will now continue to trade. Since it opened in 2011, Stanton Bikes has continued to establish a global presence in the biking world. However, recent financial difficulties have left the business in a perilous position.”
Dean added: “As the Joint Administrators, we always sought to sell the business as a going concern, so we are thrilled with this outcome protecting the brand, goodwill and employment. I am sure the revival of a household name like Stanton Bikes will be welcomed in Derbyshire and beyond.”
RammSanderson has announced a strategic investment partnership with Phenna Group to help it achieve its next phase of growth.
Since establishing in 2014 directors Oliver Ramm, Nick Sanderson and Anthony Mellor have grown the business to have over 50 staff and become a market leader in Ecology, Arboriculture and Flood Risk Assessments. Its client base is a range of public and private sector clients, including national infrastructure and large-scale housing and commercial developments.
Headquartered in Nottingham, Phenna Group’s aim is to invest in and partner with selected niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC), and Environment, Social & Governance (ESG) companies that serve a variety of sectors, ensuring customers’ peace of mind by delivering first class assurance & consultancy services.
This acquisition augments RammSanderson’s market-leading Built Environment and Infrastructure platforms and adds geographic and complementary services to its extensive service offering, whilst strengthening and adding greater organisational capacity to its wide range of environmental and consultancy services.
Oliver, Nick and Anthony are excited to see the next growth phase of the business be realised with its new partner. “We’ve come a long way since establishing and are incredibly proud of and thankful for our team and reputation amongst our clients and peers. We have an exciting business plan for the next 5 years and have selected Phenna Group to partner with in order to support the three of us to spearhead this plan.”
Paul Barry, CEO of Phenna Group, stated: “Since my first meeting with Oliver, Nick and Anthony, I’ve been very impressed with their ambitions for their business and I’m really excited the RammSanderson team will be joining Phenna Group. They are a very experienced group, and their range of services will be highly complementary to those currently offered from our Infrastructure Division. I’m really looking forward to working with Oliver, Nick, Anthony and the wider team.”
Oliver, Anthony and Nick commented: “We are delighted to be joining Phenna Group and selected them as our partner due to their unique approach whereby our autonomy and identity are retained, whilst being a vehicle for our continued growth.
“We have been talking to Paul and the Phenna team for some time and whilst this has been a big decision for us, we are very confident we have selected a great partner to support us in the next stages of our growth and development. They have been easy to deal with throughout the process, always acting with integrity and transparency.
“Their operating model and culture will be a great fit for us and we are very excited about them supporting our growth journey. Our decision to partner with Phenna Group provides the Company and all of our team with exciting new opportunities for growth and development, whilst the company realises its full potential yet retains its identity, ethos and spirit.”
Phenna Group were advised by Johnston Carmichael and Avonhurst. RammSanderson were advised by Smith Partnership and Cedar and Co.
South Staffordshire Plc (SSPlc), an integrated services group that operates two regulated water companies and a range of complementary non-regulated businesses that serve essential services markets, has acquired a majority 92.5% shareholding in Infrastructure Gateway Ltd (IGL), with an option to acquire the remaining 7.5% in 2026.
Backed by its shareholder, funds managed by Arjun Infrastructure Partners, this acquisition for SSPlc marks a key milestone in the growth of its clean energy business, which already includes electric vehicle charging infrastructure and turnkey ground source and district heating services, to further support its customers’ decarbonisation goals.
Based in Kettering, Infrastructure Gateway Ltd, the independent multi utility infrastructure provider, currently serves residential housebuilders and commercial developers across the East of England.
One of a select group of UK companies accredited under the Lloyds Register, and holding Multi Utility Registration Status, IGL is also one of the UK’s top three providers of water connections to Ofwat appointed NAVs (New Appointments and Variations).
Phil Newland, CEO of South Staffordshire Plc, said: “This acquisition brings a highly complementary capability to our existing services, helping us to further strengthen our energy infrastructure and decarbonisation offerings.
“The expertise and passion of the IGL team has meant the business has already achieved a market leading position, and we’re excited to welcome the IGL team to our Group and to support the next chapter of their development as part of our overall growth strategy.”
Steven Draper, Managing Director of Infrastructure Gateway Limited, added: “We are delighted to join SSPlc and look forward to our future as part of the Group. We already have a strong regional client base, and SSPlc is the perfect fit to help us drive further growth opportunities; expanding our services nationwide and into next generation essential infrastructure markets.”
Dan Walker, Alex Odlin and Gregg Pendlington of Dow Schofield Watts’ corporate finance team advised SSPlc while James Killing and Tom Rowe from the transaction services team provided financial due diligence to the company.
Andrew Smith and Gweni Rees-Evans of Shakespeare Martineau provided legal advice to SSplc.
Derbyshire-headquartered Bowmer + Kirkland has been awarded places on two further national frameworks, enabling it to bid for more public sector projects.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) Construction Services Framework covers projects up to £30 million and will include new build, refurbishment and minor works for the MoJ, HM Courts and Tribunals Services, HM Prison and Probation Service, the Legal Aid Agency and the Home Office.
The Crown Commercial Services Offsite Framework will provide a four-year stream of work with a value of £10 billion. It aims to support the public sector to innovate, drive efficiency and continue to work towards Net Zero Carbon targets. The focus will be on health, housing, education, justice and defence.
Bowmer + Kirkland’s success means that its construction division is now a supplier on 15 Frameworks.
Main Board Director responsible for Frameworks, Chris Arno, said: “Once again our success is down to the hard work of many people. We have proved our worth as a successful framework contractor through our work with the Department for Education. Bowmer + Kirkland is now well established as a public sector contractor alongside our extensive experience for private clients.”
Nottingham City Council has welcomed the Government’s decision to continue with the current arrangements in place for overseeing ongoing improvements at the authority rather than appoint commissioners.
The decision means that the Improvement and Assurance Board chaired by Sir Tony Redmond will remain in place to support the council in implementing its ‘Together for Nottingham’ improvement plan.
Council leader, Cllr David Mellen, said: “We very much welcome the Government’s decision which reflects that the current arrangements in place are working.
“The council has already made many of the improvements expected of us by the Improvement and Assurance Board and the Government. In particular, we had agreed a balanced budget and medium term financial plan prior to the soaring inflation and energy costs that have affected the finances of households and councils up and down the country – and we are well on the way to balancing the budget for a second year.
“We recognise there is much more work to do to increase the pace of the changes and to put the council on a solid financial footing despite the huge budget pressures we and all councils are facing currently.”
The council’s Chief Executive, Mel Barrett, said: “We have previously said that our strong preference was to continue working with the Improvement and Assurance Board, with its balance of support and challenge, but that we were committed to working effectively with whatever arrangements Government put in place so that the intervention can be as successful as possible in as short a time as possible.
“We very much welcome the continued involvement of Sir Tony Redmond as chair of the Improvement and Assurance Board. We are committed to working together to address the need to reduce the council’s cost base whilst ensuring that we are providing economic, efficient and effective Best Value services to the people of Nottingham.”
The significant progress on improvements made over the last two years has included:
Initially agreeing a balanced budget for the current year and Medium-Term Financial Plan for the next four years, prior to the huge increases in inflation and energy costs seen over the last few months. Plans have been fully worked up to do this again in March
Reducing debt levels and increasing the disposal of property assets to fund council projects and priorities
Identifying and responding to issues with unlawful HRA misallocation – commissioning and implementing recommendations from two independent reports
Carrying out a review of council-owned companies including bringing Enviroenergy in-house; selling Thomas Bow and transferring housing services and revenue and benefits back to the council
Working with bodies such as the Local Government Association and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy on implementing best practices at the council
Investing in staff through leadership development programmes and best practice transformational change programmes, alongside leading private sector partners. This has provided significant opportunities for under-represented groups, reflecting the diversity of Nottingham as a city.
Livingbridge, the mid-market private equity investors, has sold its Nottingham-based investee, Red Box Recorders Group Limited to US firm Uniphore Technologies Inc.
The combination brings together Red Box, the dedicated voice specialist with over 30 years’ experience in empowering organizations to capture, secure and unlock the value of enterprise-wide voice, with Uniphore, the global leader in conversational artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.
Red Box will continue to operate from its base in Nottingham.
Livingbridge partner, Adam Holloway, said: “This has been another successful technology investment for us, building Red Box from a UK compliance specialist into a global business with a leading proposition for enterprises seeking sovereignty over their data and access to a new world of AI and automation solutions.
“The combination with Uniphore brings clear strategic benefits, accelerating value for the group’s customers in a dynamic and fast developing market. We are hugely thankful to the leadership team and skilled employees of Red Box and wish them every success in the future.”
Richard Stevenson, Red Box CEO, said: “The support from Livingbridge to invest in our latest platform, Conversa, has been instrumental in Red Box’s transformation, allowing us to respond to and exploit new opportunities and service global enterprise customers.
“They have been strong and value-added partners for the business throughout. We are excited about the next chapter as part of Uniphore as AI and automation becomes increasingly embedded in the way businesses operate and grow.”
Livingbridge and Red Box were advised by James Clark and Gordon Beveridge of Obair Partners (Corporate Finance) and Amie Norris of Pinsent Masons (Legal).
Pax8, the US cloud commerce marketplace, has acquired Derby’s Bam Boom Cloud, a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central services organisation.
The acquisition creates a new market opportunity for managed service providers (MSPs) to easily add new lines of business services offerings leveraging Bam Boom’s Microsoft Dynamics expertise.
“Business process automation is on the rise, and the Bam Boom acquisition will enable us to create new simple go-to-market strategies and services for partners to build on their Microsoft Dynamics technology offerings,” said John Street, Chief Executive Officer at Pax8.
“Together, our people, cloud marketplace, programs, services, and resources will enable MSPs to capitalize on the market opportunities with Business Applications solutions and add new revenue streams to their organizations.”
According to Forrester, Microsoft business applications services will hit $10.3 billion in 2025. The applications will continue to see significant growth supported by the fast-growing services ecosystem.
Bam Boom has more than 135 employees across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, India, and Canada, with expansive knowledge and expertise in cloud solutions. Bam Boom offers affordable, fixed monthly pricing and fixed-scope technology solutions designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The company is the Global 2022 Microsoft Partner of the Year, Dynamics 365 Business Central.
“We are excited for Bam Boom to join Pax8 to scale our technology solutions to the channel ecosystem,” said Vicky Critchley, CEO at Bam Boom. “Bam Boom is passionate about helping businesses be as sustainable as possible and build a strong foundation with reliable, cloud-based accounting solutions with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Pax8 will enable us to expand our reach and help more businesses grow with Microsoft business solutions.”
Two Derby businesses have moved to Oberoi Business Hub in Pride Park to pave the way for further growth.
Titan Investigations has moved its head office operations to the Hub due to its easily-accessible location and conference facilities where the company also holds regular certificated surveillance training courses for its own staff and other private investigators.
Titan Investigations was founded eight years ago by former police detective Simon Henson following a successful career in police covert operations combating serious organised crime and counter terrorism.
The company now employs 273 operatives across the UK operating from nine offices located between London and Manchester – offering a wide range of electronic and physical private investigation services from marital investigation to tracing missing persons as well as corporate investigations from fraud to process serving.
TM Health Care Services, which provides supported accommodation for vulnerable young people aged 16 to 18 in Derby, Nottingham and Stafford, has also expanded into a new head office at Oberoi Business Hub.
The company was set up earlier this year by trained nurse Tanya Makina to provide specialist support for young people with complex needs including care leavers and unaccompanied asylum seekers.
Titan Investigations’ Simon Henson explained: “When I first set up Titan Investigations, I had a virtual office at Oberoi Business Hub to handle our post which was an invaluable service.
“Since then, we have grown rapidly and I am delighted to have now expanded into Oberoi Business Hub with modern serviced offices, high quality meeting and conference facilities and superb support from the Hub team.
“The training side of the business is growing particularly quickly. It is raising standards across the industry not only in the UK but across Europe and further afield and also nurturing talented operatives to meet our operational demand.
“Pride Park is therefore the perfect location for us. As well as being Derby’s most prestigious business address, it is well served by road and rail links with fast access to the UK’s motorway network and internationally from East Midlands Airport.”
Tanya Makina continued: “Our offices at Oberoi Business Hub are excellent value for money with high speed broadband included. We require 24/7 access and always feel safe coming and going at whatever times we require.
“This has enabled us to better structure the business and paves the way for future growth.”
Oberoi Business Hub manager Jodie Brady concluded: “Titan Investigations and TM Healthcare Services are perfect examples of how businesses can thrive and grow with the flexible support and services available through our Hub community.
“We look forward to being part of their ongoing success stories in future years.”
Business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP has moved into its new Grade A office space in Leicester at Waterloo House.
The firm moved into its new location on Wednesday 1st February, from where it will provide the regional business community with specialist, sustainable, and community-oriented support.
Grant Thornton’s new site will ensure that the firm’s Leicester team has an agile space tailored to contemporary working requirements. Previously based at the nearby Regent House, Grant Thornton selected Waterloo House for its high-quality specification, green credentials and collaborative working facilities.
The new location also coincides with the appointment of Phil Sayers as East Midlands practice leader for the firm. Phil has a comprehensive understanding of the local business landscape and community, having joined the Grant Thornton team in Leicester in 2012.
Phil has played a key role in ensuring the office fit-out has carefully considered the needs of the team. This means that it features the latest technology to enable flexible working and collaboration, recognising the important role office space plays in the firm’s hybrid-working model.
Helping the firm’s presence grow across the whole of the East Midlands region and developing the team will be key aspects of Phil’s new role.
Phil Sayers, practice leader at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: “We are motivated to develop and support our people, giving them the best tools, expertise and working-environment required to reach their full potential.”
Waterloo House ensures that employees and clients are provided with the optimum working environment. It provides employees with a mixture of desks, breakout areas, soundproofed phone booths, quiet and social working areas, and technology-enabled meeting rooms. A large, drop-down screen will also allow speakers to remotely present to the entire office when required.
The new office also includes a designated wellness area as well as prayer room.
Phil Sayers added: “This move not only illustrates Grant Thornton’s promise to provide the very best for our talented teams, with an office designed to reflect the needs of our people, but it also exemplifies the firm’s commitment to Leicester’s vibrant business landscape.
“The East Midlands is a hive of entrepreneurial companies. The whole team is looking forward to utilising this new office to connect in ever more innovative and supportive ways with the region’s business leaders in order to help them achieve their ambitions.”
Located on Princess Road, Waterloo House will provide Grant Thornton with 3,500 sq ft of office space.
Cubo, the flex office operators, has announced plans to open four new sites by the end of Q2 2023.
The privately owned boutique operator currently operates in Derby, Nottingham, Birmingham, Leeds and Sheffield and plans to almost double its footprint over the coming months.
As part of the company’s aggressive growth plans, prime locations in Edinburgh and Manchester have been identified and selected, alongside additional sites in Birmingham and Nottingham, where it already operates.
Plans are now underway to launch in each of those core cities by the summer.
Cubo was launched in 2020 and is rapidly establishing itself as a key provider of high-end flex office and co-working space in the Midlands and Yorkshire.
The company, which was launched by property investors Marc and Rebecca Brough, provides an experience-led lifestyle offer to meet the changing needs of businesses – from hot desking to a designated desk, private office, or entire floor, all available on flexible terms.
Member benefits include large communal spaces, private areas, break-out spaces, kitchens, an inclusive barista service with beer on tap, along with a programme of free networking events.
These latest expansion plans come at a time where the flex office market is experiencing unprecedented growth with demand for serviced space growing by 25% in 2022 alone.
Commenting on Cubo’s expansion plans, Marc Brough, CEO of Cubo, said: “After enjoying a hugely successful 2022, we have taken the decision to accelerate our expansion plans to meet the growing needs of both existing members and other corporate occupiers who have committed to work with Cubo as the business grows a nationwide platform.
“Whilst we are currently working on the launch of four new workspaces, we are also earmarking other provincial cities where we want Cubo to have a presence and more announcements will be made in due course.
“Cubo is a becoming a highly sought after space for many businesses because of its unique way of working and opportunities. We look forward to capturing more of the market for hybrid working in 2023 and beyond.”
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