Motorpoint Group, the Derby-based vehicle retailer, has reported record first half revenues and a drop in pre-tax profit in unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2022 (H1 FY23).
Revenue increased to a record £786.7m, up 30% from £605.2m in the same period of last year, helped by market share growth, vehicle mix and price inflation. It marks progress as the company looks to grow revenues to £2bn.
Profit before tax meanwhile slipped from £13.5m to £3m, which the firm said reflects increased investment relating to delivery of strategic objectives and to maintain a market leading price position, against record margins experienced in H1 FY22.
Mark Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer of Motorpoint Group PLC, said: “I am pleased with the progress the group has made during the period, delivering record first half revenues, whilst executing on our investment strategy for growth despite increasingly difficult macroeconomic conditions.
“Providing our customers with the best omnichannel car purchasing experience is integral to what we do, and we believe this can be achieved through investment in both physical branches and technology. The ongoing success of our investment during the period is reflected in our increased market share of the 0-4 year old market and improved efficiencies across the business.
“We believe that Motorpoint is the best operator in the UK’s used car market. It has proven its ability to grow profitably over its 25 year history and right now there is a significant opportunity for the business to grow its market share whilst remaining profitable.
“As a result, in line with previous guidance, profitability levels will be lower as we continue to invest in our strategic agenda. The investments made now will enable Motorpoint to emerge from the current macro environment in a stronger position as we seek to deliver sustained shareholder value.”
East Midlands-based commercial cleaning equipment specialist Alpha Power Cleaners has announced major expansion plans, with the build of a new warehouse and workshop for their current Loughborough site.
The new warehouse will be critical in facilitating the company’s growth plans over the next few years.
Alpha Power Cleaners sell, hire, repair and service commercial cleaning machines for customers across the UK, with a hire fleet of equipment from leading brands such as Kärcher, Tennant and Mac International.
The details of Alpha Power Cleaners’ build plans
Alpha Power Cleaners has commenced construction of a new, significantly larger warehouse to replace their current warehouse and offices. Upon completion, their new warehouse will include a new workshop for repairs and servicing, and new office space to accommodate the company’s growing team.
This investment will provide Alpha Power Cleaners with more space for their hire fleet of machines, and an updated and improved repairs and servicing workshop. This will not only increase efficiency of repairs and servicing, but it will also further reduce wait times, by making it easier and faster for the team to deliver commercial cleaning equipment to their customers.
As the company doesn’t currently have another site to work at, it’s all hands on deck! The entire team is working hard to provide the same high level of service, whilst the new warehouse and offices are being built.
The project is making good progress, with the structure and flooring of the warehouse already complete. Work is now starting on the interior of the site, with plans to commence construction of the exterior later this year.
The site is due to be completed by Q3/Q4 of 2023.
Investing in the next phase of expansion
The new development will unlock major benefits, both for the team at Alpha Power Cleaners, and their customers.
Once expansion has been completed, Alpha Power Cleaners will be continuing to increase their hire fleet, giving them the capacity to reach more customers. Then, the dedicated, improved workshop will allow the company to operate more efficiently, and decrease the wait times for machine repairs and servicing.
With new bespoke repair bays, complete with scissor lifts for each service technician, the workshop team will be able to service larger industrial and commercial machines with greater ease and efficiency. This development will give Alpha Power Cleaners a state of the art workshop, market leading in their field as the workshops have been specifically designed for the maintenance of all manner of industrial and commercial cleaning equipment.
This is an aerial shot of the new warehouse floor being laid, showing 5 of 7 new repair bays.
This will lay the foundation for the ongoing future growth of Alpha Power Cleaners, as its customer base expands and its contract numbers continue to increase at the same pace.
Alongside this, across all aspects of the development, Alpha Power Cleaners is committed to supporting the local community.
“We are immensely proud of the strong relationships that we forge with the local community, and this new development will continue that people-focused approach,” commented Rob Freeman, Operations Director at Alpha Power Cleaners.
“We are committed to serving the community of Loughborough. Alongside the new job opportunities that will be available when the development is complete, including new Office Admin and Service Technician roles – we are also sponsors of the local ‘Barrow Town Harriers Under 11s Football Club’ and ‘Loughborough Rugby Football Club Under 14s’. For us, this is a key part of our company ethos and what we stand for.”
If you are interested in finding more about the new office admin and service technical roles, send across your details to Alpha Power Cleaners. These new roles are becoming available now so please email info@alphapower.co.uk for more information.
About Alpha Power Cleaners
Alpha Power Cleaners is a commercial cleaning equipment specialist, offering a wide range of services, including the sales, hire, maintenance and repairs of a huge variety of commercial cleaning solutions from all leading manufacturers.
The team has over 80 years of combined experience in the industry, and have established a long-standing reputation for quality, efficiency, affordability and reliability.
Alpha Power Cleaners serve a wide area across the UK including the Midlands, the South, Loughborough, Derby, Nottingham, Milton Keynes, Luton and London.
If you are looking to hire a commercial cleaning machine, or need advice on what machine best suits your needs, contact the team today.
Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) and De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will collaborate in extending a project to improve digital skills across Leicester and Leicestershire.
DMU has been commissioned to lead the LLEP’s Digital Skills Partnership (DSP) in delivery of the latest phase of its Digital Leicestershire project.
The University will utilise its experience to support the project vision of bringing people and organisations together to increase digital skills.
Digital Leicestershire has three areas of focus:
Upskilling digital skills of local small businesses
Increasing digital inclusion
Developing educational pathways.
The £90,000 project is the second phase of an original LLEP project which commenced during the pandemic to increase online inclusion as residents were locked down.
Many services moved online as a consequence of the pandemic, yet ONS data showed that more than 11% of the East Midlands population were non-internet users and 9% had no digital skills at all.
The new-look DSP will serve as a single portal for small businesses to access digital expertise and technical training. It will also signpost courses varying levels and lengths, as well as working to facilitate inclusion through device, skills and connectivity.
It comes after the first phase of Digital Leicestershire saw the LLEP Skills Advisory Panel (SAP) allocate £300,000 towards addressing Digital Poverty in February 2021 as part of the local Covid recovery response.
Local partners and voluntary groups were consulted about how the money should be used, with skills, connectivity, and availability of devices identified as areas of particular need.
Seven projects were funded – providing recycled devices, laptop lending, and digital buddy schemes – with the aim of supporting more than 1,200 disadvantaged people.
DMU has now been commissioned to take forward a second phase, using repurposed Growing Places Fund (GPF) money to deliver further inclusion activities including:
Getting more community organisations accessing free data
Supporting equipment recycling and lending schemes
Working with partners to access hard-to-reach groups
Engaging more businesses through Corporate Social Responsibility plans
Increasing use of online learning resources
Seeking additional funding for a digital skills strategy for schools.
Activities under the two-year project will continue to be conducted under the Digital Leicestershire brand.
Andy Reed OBE, LLEP co-chair, said: “Inclusion is a core pillar of our regional economic growth strategy and the speed of the move to digital during the pandemic left some in our communities behind.
“Addressing that gap will help to grow our region; the Good Things Foundation has estimated that every £1 invested in digital inclusion could see a return of £9.47 for the economy.”
Research for Phase 2 showed that more than 20,000 roles requiring specialist IT skills were advertised in Leicestershire over a 12-month period. By developing local skills, the project can help to provide a workforce needed by employers.
Helen Donnellan, PVC Regional Business and Innovation, DMU, said: “Digital inclusion is a real issue in Leicester and DMU has been involved in support work for many years with the city’s communities.
“We know that employers struggle to find people with digital skills and the knock-on effect this has on their ability to grow and thrive.
“This valuable work will help address this, helping people not only to gain sought-after skills but to get them into jobs.”
The DSP engages with more than 70 local individuals across the groups, with direction and thought leadership provided by LLEP digital skills ambassador Amit Sinha.
Amit, also chief technology officer for SME and Scale at Microsoft, said: “Digital skills are vital for the future economy and the LLEP partnership with DMU will provide people in our region with not only the basic skills needed for everyday life but also the technical skills required by the employers and industries of tomorrow.”
QUAD has announced that its interim Chief Executive has been given the role on a permanent basis.
Since taking on the role, Vivek Malhotra has successfully led QUAD through the uncertainty following the COVID pandemic.
He also recently led QUAD’s successful NPO application process, securing £1.4 million from Arts Council England to support the cultural hub’s work over the next three years.
A registered charity, QUAD opened to the public in 2008, and since then has been at the heart of the city’s cultural scene, as well as being internationally recognised for providing quality and excellence in the arts.
Its facilities include cinemas, gallery, café bar and workspaces.
The venue provides contemporary art exhibitions, films and events, as well as creative participatory and learning opportunities.
Mark Gregory, chair of QUAD’s board, said: “The board wish Vivek every continued success in his now permanent role as CEO, as we continue to drive QUAD’s vision through challenging times of the current economic climate.
“The board of trustees has confidence that Vivek will continue to successfully navigate and drive QUAD’s future success.”
Vivek said: “I am very pleased to have been appointed as the permanent CEO of QUAD and look forward to working with the board and team to achieve the goals of the organisation and to secure its future.”
Logicor, an owner and manager of logistics real estate in Europe, has secured a long lease with retailer, Marks & Spencer (M&S) at DIRFT 224, Daventry.
It follows the refurbishment of the c.224,000 sq ft cold store distribution facility located at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT).
Anthony McCluskie, Logicor’s director, Asset Management, UK, says: “It’s great to work with M&S again to provide this refurbished modern chilled storage for our valued existing customer. The site has undergone a full refurbishment which was delivered on time, ready for M&S to occupy ahead of their Christmas peak. M&S will join a number of blue-chip occupiers at this prime distribution park.”
JLL and Cushman & Wakefield advised Logicor.
Alongside extending the relationship with M&S, an extensive refurbishment programme has begun on three detached warehouses within a large secure site, known as CAMPUS 450, at DIRFT which will enhance the sustainability of the current assets.
As part of the work to improve the sustainability of assets across the Logicor portfolio, EV charging points, new LED lighting, and air source heating will all contribute to lowering the carbon emissions and will be targeting BREEAM Very Good.
Senior redundancies have been made at Market Harborough lifestyle brand Joules, following the appointment of administrators last week.
Retail Week reports that it has seen an internal memo noting that channels director Rimal Patel and brand and creative director Chloe Ward have both left the business, while chief financial officer Caroline York is set to leave on Thursday.
11 other staff were also said to have been made redundant on Monday, with more to follow.
Will Wright, Ryan Grant and Chris Pole from Interpath Advisory were on Wednesday (16 November) named joint administrators of Joules Group plc and Joules Limited.
At the same time, Will Wright and Ryan Grant were appointed joint administrators of Joules Developments Limited and The Garden Trading Company Limited.
Joules is one of the UK’s best-known retail brands, renowned for its premium, colourful clothing and homewear products, inspired by country living. Headquartered in Market Harborough, the group currently operates a total of 132 stores across the UK, employing over 1,600 people.
The joint administrators said they will continue to trade the group as a going concern while they assess options for the business, including exploring the possibility of a sale as a going concern.
All stores, including the group’s online store, will remain open.
Will Wright, head of restructuring at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “Joules is one of the most recognisable names on the high street, with a unique brand identity and loyal customer base.
“Over the coming weeks, we will endeavour to continue to operate all stores as a going concern during this vitally important Christmas trading period while we assess options for the group, including a possible sale.
“Since the group’s announcement on Monday, we have had an overwhelming amount of interest from interested parties. We will be working hard over the days ahead to assess this interest, but at this stage we are optimistic that we will be able to secure a future for this great British brand.”
A South African group that owns brands such as Phase Eight and Hobbs is reportedly contemplating a bid for Joules.
According to Sky News, The Foschini Group (TFG) has been in discussions with Joules for several weeks – ahead of it appointing administrators – with an offer of investing in the business in return for a substantial stake.
UK property developer Godwin Developments has announced that Loungers, a nationwide operator of all day café-bars and restaurants, has signed a lease for the biggest unit at its new roadside retail development, Ram Jam Services.
Fronting the busy northbound section of the A1 in Rutland, the restaurant will be operated under the Brightside brand, a recently announced roadside dining concept from Loungers which is being rolled out across the UK. When delivered, the 4,500 sq ft unit will be the first purpose-built Brightside restaurant which will serve c. 41,500 vehicles passing the site daily as well as residents of the local area.
Ram Jam Services is positioned alongside the main arterial route from Peterborough to Grantham, next to an established petrol station, a new bakery and is only 15 minutes away from Rutland Water – one of the largest man-made lakes in Europe. The area and wider county attract nearly 1.9 million visitors every year who favour it for its attractive countryside and outdoor pursuits.
A total of four units have been developed by Godwin at Ram Jam Services, of which three are currently under offer, leaving only one unit comprising 754 sq ft available.
Claudine Tracey, associate director, Commercial Development at Godwin Developments, said: “We are delighted to have secured Loungers’ new Brightside brand for our Ram Jam Services development. The site has historically been a thriving roadside destination and we are really pleased to be breathing new life into it, bringing amenities and consumer choice, attracting passing motorists as well as those who are travelling to and live in the local area.
“We remain very active in the roadside retail market, which is buoyant and growing rapidly. We have already built strong partnerships with all major market players in this space and we will continue to support them in expanding their networks and bringing brands closer to their customers.”
Alex Reilley, founder chairman of Loungers plc, said: “We believe that Brightside will really shake up what has become an uninspiring sector and that there is potential to roll out Brightside across the UK in the coming years. Our expertise in high-quality, great value all-day dining, developed through Lounge and Cosy Club, gives us confidence that Brightside can bring proper hospitality back to roadside dining across the UK.”
Ogle Property and Shakespeare Martineau acted for Godwin Developments on the deal. The remaining unit is being marketed by Ogle Property.
New research from the Office for National Statistics’ UK Business Counts dataset shows that Leicester and Leicestershire have performed strongly against other English local authority and regional areas in terms of the number of enterprises and businesses located in the area between 2011 and 2021.
The highlights include:
Leicester had a 98 per cent growth rate in the number of enterprises in the city, ranked 5th overall and the highest outside of London in comparison with all 152 single/upper tier authority areas
Leicestershire’s growth rate in the number of enterprises is ranked 5th against the 31 other comparable counties
The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) achieved a growth rate of 46 per cent and is the fourth highest of 38 Local Enterprise Partnership areas
The wider East Midlands region saw a percentage growth of 34 per cent in the number of enterprises – the third biggest growth out of nine regions around the country.
Mike Denby, director of inward investment and place marketing at Leicester City Council, said: “We are pleased to see the impressive performance of the city and county in terms of the number of businesses making the area their home, and staying and growing here.
“The destination offers a high quality and cost competitive investment location and growth results like these reaffirm the message that Leicester and Leicestershire is a place where world leading businesses will thrive in the long-term.”
Business advisory firm KPMG UK is set to relocate its Nottingham office, next year, to the University of Nottingham’s new Castle Meadow Campus as part of its long-term regional growth strategy.
KPMG UK’s Nottingham office supports businesses in the East Midlands with audit, tax, consulting and advisory services across a wide range of sectors – both private and public. The firm’s office, currently located on Park Row, Nottingham, hosts over 200 employees, who will move to a dedicated office at the university’s new campus, situated at the foot of the city’s historically significant Nottingham Castle.
The move strengthens the existing strategic partnership between KPMG UK and the university; and bringing a local business into the academic hub will provide an exciting opportunity to create a professional learning and working environmentfor staff and students. Bringing the daily business activity of the firm into the university environment will also unlock new opportunities for talent and skill development, shared facilities and services – including hospitality and conferencing – as well as the experience of a university-business connected environment.
Marc Abrams, senior office partner at KPMG UK’s Nottingham office, said: “This is an exciting time for KPMG in the East Midlands as we embark on the next stage of our relationship with the university. The decision to locate within the university in the city centre reinforces KPMG’s investment in the East Midlands and our ambition to expand and enhance staff experience by providing new facilities.
“With this move our clients will benefit from greater collaboration on research and innovation projects between KPMG and the university, enabling us to deliver enhanced data driven outcomes for their businesses.”
Castle Meadow Campus is the university’s once-in-a-generation landmark investment currently in development. The new campus will enable the university to have a greater physical presence in the city centre, bringing opportunities for final year and postgraduate students studying professional practice-based courses, as well as supporting jobs, investment, and growth for the city.
Margaret Monckton, chief financial officer at the University of Nottingham, said: “We are delighted to welcome KPMG into our university community. Our Castle Meadow Campus will enhance opportunities for collaboration with local business, industry and small businesses, making it easier for partners to seamlessly engage with us and develop long-term, mutually beneficial relationships, and make a positive difference for the city, while offering the best of facilities for staff and students. KPMG is a foundational partner in this exciting new venture for the university.”
Justine Andrew, head of the University Partnership office at KPMG UK, added: “The first year of our partnership has already unlocked some exciting projects for us, the university, our clients and the region. Being located within the university’s campus will be a new step for us as we look to collaborate on talent, product development and innovation. We see the Nottingham partnership playing an increasingly important role in supporting new and innovative ways of working across the UK. The move is a hugely exciting chapter for us.”
Professor John Gathergood, associate pro-vice chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Nottingham, said: “We are thrilled to enter this unique co-location relationship with KPMG which will benefit the research and innovation activity in both organisations. Campus co-location promises new ways of working and innovating, bringing university and business talent in partnership to promote research and innovation for financial inclusivity and social good.”
The relocation announcement comes shortly after the first anniversary of KPMG UK’s strategic partnership with the University of Nottingham, a partnership which drives insight for clients and supports the economic growth agenda across the East Midlands. The move allows an additional exciting opportunity for collaboration across fintech, talent and research-based client solutions.
Proposals have been submitted for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and a Build to Rent (BtR) apartment scheme on Welford Road in Leicester.
Cheswold Welford Road Limited are seeking full planning permission to redevelop James House for the scheme.
The plans involve the demolition of the existing office building at the site to make way for a student accommodation block providing 351 bedspaces, and a Build to Rent block providing 106 apartments made up of 46 one bed and 60 two bed flats.
There would also be a commercial unit on the ground floor.
Clowes Developments has reported a rise in revenue and profit in its latest annual accounts for the financial year ending 31 March 2022.
The Derbyshire-headquartered firm achieved a record breaking turnover of £119.8 million, up from £82.9m in the year prior.
Pre-tax profits meanwhile stood at £41m, growing from £22.3m.
The news comes after the firm’s acquisition of Derby County Football Club earlier this year. The directors of Clowes “consider that this is a medium-term investment to return the football club to stability and add significant value to the initial cost of circa £60m.”
Since 31 March 2022, the group has acquired four new sites along with the Pride Park Stadium, and sold a number of smaller completed new build commercial properties, sold two commercial land plots and agreed further pre-sales on six commercial units where building is about to commence or has already started.
Clowes says it continues to trade at increased levels compared to previous years due to the pre-sold commercial deals signed both during the year and since the year end.
Chairman of Clowes Developments, David Clowes, said: “Our latest figures tell an on-going and compelling story of robust financial management and cautious investment. Our buoyancy is testament to the hard work of our professional team and a vote of confidence from the market in our company’s ethos and commercial direction.”
Revenue and pre-tax profit are on the rise at Intercede, the Lutterworthcybersecurity software company.According tointerim results for the six months ended 30 September 2022, revenues totalled £6.1 million, approximately 24% higher than the £4.9 million reported for the same period of last year.
Profit before tax meanwhile hit £620,000, up from £120,000.
The news comes after Intercede’s acquisition of Authlogics Ltd, post-period end, a UK-based company bringing Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) and Password Security Management (PSM) capabilities to the Intercede Group.
Royston Hoggarth, chairman, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues for their hard work during what has undoubtedly been a busy six months, driving strong double-digit revenue growth and working towards the completion of Intercede’s first M&A deal.
“The acquisition of Authlogics enables Intercede to deliver on its strategic vision of addressing the entire authentication pyramid from Passwords to PKI.
“The Board is pleased to see such a focussed start to Phase 2 of the turnaround plan to push scalability and accelerate revenue growth.
“While the Board is cognisant of volatility in the current global macroeconomic environment, we remain confident in the group’s execution of the ‘6C strategy’ and that the outlook for the second half of FY23 remains in line with management’s expectations.“
A Burton upon Trent-based leisure business has expanded with support from HSBC UK.
Branston Golf and Country Club has utilised a £2.4m funding package from HSBC UK to assist the business with its regeneration plans, following a management buyout of the club pre-pandemic.
The transformation includes the development of a health club, 17m swimming pool, conference facilities, creche, and a 2,000 sq ft gym, alongside extensive maintenance of multiple site golf courses.
Branston Golf and Country Club has established 10 jobs across the business, created to manage and support the promotion and operation of the Club’s new and improved facilities.
With over 3,000 members, Branston Golf and Country Club has seen a 23% uplift in health and fitness memberships – and a 14% increase in golf memberships – since reopening post-pandemic in 2021.
As a result of expanding, Branston Golf and Country Club is estimating an increase of 25% in turnover to hit £5m in revenue at the end of a five-year regeneration plan.
Ben Laing, Managing Director at Branston Golf and Country Club, said: “The support from HSBC UK has enabled us to extend our investment over a longer period. Consolidating the investment in one package will enable us to drive the rate and volume of all revenue streams, resulting in steady and consistent growth across all business sections.
“As we operate in the premium segment of the market, this investment has ensured that we can deliver the highest quality of service and facilites to all our members and customers.”
Paul Armstrong, area director at HSBC UK, added: “We’re pleased to be able to support businesses from sectors that are still recovering from the impact of the pandemic, such as Branston Golf and Country Club. The Club is in a position to move forward with its exciting plans for future growth.”
The proposal was introduced by Ben Lavin at Empire Finance who worked with Mark Greasley, relationship manager at HSBC UK, in order to find a suitable funding package.
Plans to demolish a factory in Leicester to make way for student accommodation have been submitted to the City Council.
The proposals for the Gill Knitwear site at 48 Little Holme Street are to be delivered by ECE Westworks alongside Crown Student Living.
The application site is within walking distance to both of Leicester’s universities.
The planned scheme comprises 646 beds of managed student accommodation, varying from studios to multi-level cluster apartments. These would be supported by associated landscaping, ancillary and communal facilities.
The building would vary in height from seven to eleven storeys with a six-storey connecting spine.
A food waste recycling company has been fined £36,000 for the illegal spreading and storage of waste at three sites in South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, in a sentencing case heard at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 16 November 2022.
In September 2022, Whites Recycling Limited pleaded guilty to 8 offences, including the breach of environmental permit conditions related to the spreading of waste to farmland in Auckley and Blaxton, Doncaster, and Susworth, Lincolnshire, contrary to the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.
Doncaster Magistrates’ Court heard that Whites Recycling Limited, in breach of its environmental permit, spread liquid waste to fields near to Ivy House Farm, Auckley between March and May 2018; to Acomb Farm, Blaxton in November and December 2018; and to East Ferry Road, Susworth, Lincolnshire in November and December 2019.
Liquid wastes containing nitrogen and phosphates were spread on land by the company at the wrong time of year or in excessive quantities, which posed a risk of pollution to groundwater. In addition, the Lincolnshire-based company pleaded guilty to illegally storing liquid waste in a storage tank on Acomb Farm between July 2017 and April 2018.
Whites Recycling Limited is a company involved in the disposal and recycling of waste sludge and liquid waste, the majority of which are generated by the food industry. The company can lawfully spread such waste to farmland in circumstances where it can be demonstrated that land spreading will result in agricultural or ecological benefit.
Although the company had an environmental permit that allowed it to spread food waste to land for agricultural benefit, it was a condition of its permit that before it could start to store or spread waste at a location, it must notify the Environment Agency using a deployment form, and the Environment Agency must agree to the spreading.
This ensures that waste is only permitted to be spread to land when it benefits either the soil or the crop being grown in it and where it will not pose a risk of harm to the environment. If waste is spread to land without a deployment first having been agreed, or if waste is spread to land in circumstances which are not in accordance with the agreed deployment, then there is a risk of environmental harm.
In passing sentence, District Judge Young stated that the company had been negligent, in that it had failed to take reasonable care to put in place and enforce proper systems for avoiding the offences. The court acknowledged that the company had reviewed its systems and steps had been taken designed to avoid further offending. The court stated that it had to balance the need to bring home to the company’s management and shareholders the need to improve regulatory compliance, with the fact that the company had recently been operating at a loss.
The Court fined the company £36,000 and further ordered the company to pay a statutory surcharge of £170, and the Environment Agency’s investigation and legal costs of £38,008.17.
After the sentencing, Area Environment Manager Steve Lawrie said: “Our rules are in place for a good reason and to ensure that any material that is spread is done correctly and managed in a way that protects the environment. We will not hesitate to take enforcement action in future for those who breach their permits and refuse to cooperate.
“We hope this case sends a message to other land spreading operators and farmers that we take land spreading offences very seriously. Operators must follow the correct procedures to ensure they spread safely, in accordance with their environmental permits.
“We will always take action against anyone who fails to act in accordance with environmental laws and if anyone spots an environmental incident, they can report it to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 807060.”
A new app launched by Berry Recruitment in Northampton enables users to find work in seconds.
The tech is an extension of the town’s busy branch and means workers can take more control of their lives by choosing when and where they work.
The app will be rolled out nationally but Northampton has been chosen as one of the first places to benefit.
From downloading the app to accepting work is swift and simple – with employers also benefitting by filling vacancies more easily.
Berry Recruitment provides full and part-time work in sectors including industrial, office, catering and driving – and it also provides staff for large events.
Already the app is being downloaded by many who want to make a bit more money in the run-up to Christmas.
Lee Gamble, manager of Berry Recruitment, said: “The app does not replace our Northampton branch – it is an extension of it.
“Our workers can always talk to a real person; algorithms are great, but people buy from people – this hybrid solution is definitely the future for recruitment.
“Northampton is an ideal place to roll out the app because of the nature of the work the branch provides and the high number of staff we already have on our books.
“There are many employers in the area desperate for workers and we can now provide them with an even better service.
“It is extremely easy to register on the app and we still interview people face-to-face – via Facetime or similar technology, and this reassures employers.
“After it’s been downloaded the jobs are listed and people can click on vacancies and have work in seconds. It puts power literally in their hands.
“The app provides the same benefits that those who register within the branch receive.
“We have a refer-a-friend scheme and a temp of the month award, plus there are tips as well as careers and interview advice.
“We provide a route planner to help workers get to the job and it’s easy to send messages via the app so all parties involved can communicate easily.
“Clients and candidates across Northampton and surrounding areas are already using it and benefitting from it.”
The British Business Bank’s second annual Nations and Region Tracker, published today, finds usage of external finance has fallen overall across the UK as nine out of the twelve regions saw a drop in use of small business finance.
Four in 10 (40%) businesses across the UK were using external finance in the four quarters to Q2 2022 compared to 42% a year earlier, with the East Midlands slightly below at 36%, substantially lower than the 47% usage a year prior. Core debt products remain the most used and widely available across the region.
Businesses in the East Midlands secured 50 deals worth £154m of equity investment in 2021. The value of equity deals increased by 92% compared to 2020, with the number of deals up 32%.
The Nations and Regions Tracker found that businesses in the most deprived areas of the UK are more open to using finance and report higher levels of ambition for growth, whilst facing greater challenges in accessing external finance.
Nearly half (49%) of businesses in the most deprived areas have a long-term ambition to be a significantly larger business, compared to 40% elsewhere. They are also more willing to use external finance to grow (36%) than businesses in less deprived areas (33%).
However, the report found that the growth ambitions of smaller businesses in the UK’s most deprived areas are being stifled because of a lack of access to finance. Just over nine per cent of firms in the East Midlands are based in the most deprived areas of England and Wales, making them more likely to face barriers to growth.
A quarter (26%) of smaller businesses in need of finance in deprived locations did not apply. Of those who did apply between 2020-21, 16% were turned down compared to just 11% elsewhere.
Dr Sophie Dale-Black, UK Network Director, Midlands at the British Business Bank, said: For a sustainable and prosperous economy in our region to continue to grow, we want to break down particular barriers to finance so that access to finance is a level playing field for all entrepreneurs – wherever they are, whatever their gender, whatever their ethnicity.
“We know external finance is an important tool for smaller businesses to promote growth and stability. The decline in external finance usage brings to life the various economic challenges smaller businesses are facing. It is therefore important that they know what finance options are available which we are committed to help them do.”
A detailed planning application for a £6.5m transformation of the National Stone Centre (NSC) near Wirksworth, Derbyshire that draws on influences from local rock formations for the building’s form, has been jointly submitted by the National Stone Centre and the Institute of Quarrying.
The proposed new National Stone Centre will embody strong references and links to the area’s geology and industrial heritage, including the overhanging rock formations found in local gritstone outcrops, such as Black Rocks and Stanage Edge.The plans have been developed in partnership with Wirksworth-based building design and consultancy practice Babenko Associates. A cantilevered structure will allow the building to emerge from the hillside and spring out of the ground reflecting the rock formations in a dynamic way.
Phase One of the project includes proposals for a 100 seater café/restaurant; four naturally lit classrooms with a combined capacity of 120 learners; 700m2 of museum/exhibition space; a souvenir shop; Changing Places facilities; a new thematic children’s playground; and a 1200m2 open-air circular piazza for community events.
James Thorne is Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Quarrying, which has merged with the National Stone Centre. He says: “In 2021 the value of tourism to the Peak District and Derbyshire’s economy was estimated at £1.96 billion. A reimagined and reinvigorated National Stone Centre will bring new visitors, as well as providing a focal point for engaging the public, schools and colleges in the science, history, present and future of the quarrying and mineral products industry.
“We are delighted to have reached this point in the project, which makes everything feel so much more real. This planning application is the end result of over a year’s consultation and engagement with all of our stakeholders. We have listened and learned, taking on board feedback that has helped shape our application.
“We firmly believe that our plans represent an exciting moment in the history of the National Stone Centre, delivering a unique building that is both fit for purpose and inspiring for generations to come. It’s the home that such a significant collection deserves, as well as proudly representing what is now the largest manufacturing sector in the UK.”
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “We’re proud to support the Institute of Quarrying’s exciting plans for the National Stone Centre near Wirksworth. These plans signal a positive step towards their goal of creating an extraordinary new centre of excellence that will not only attract visitors from across the UK but will also support local jobs and provide unique educational opportunities that will benefit both visitors and residents alike.
“As a valued Strategic Partner, the Institute of Quarrying shares our commitment to increasing the value of tourism and promoting the Peak District and Derbyshire as a sustainable, world-class destination. The National Stone Centre is a great public asset that will help deliver these goals and more – and securing its future is so important.”
Viv Russell, president, IQ, explains: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to create a hugely exciting new visitor centre that celebrates the extraordinary role that stone plays in all of our lives, to inspire the next generation and create a centre of excellence to develop the knowledge and skills of people in the industry today.”
The aim of the NSC is to be a centre of excellence, providing a national, regional and local base for aspects related to learning and innovation about stone and allied matters. The vision is to create a destination that the quarrying and minerals products industry can use to engage its employees and other stakeholders vital to the future of the sector.
Robert Shields DL, group chairman of Longcliffe Quarries Ltd – one of the largest independent employers in the mineral products sector and based in Derbyshire, adds: “Stone and quarrying have played an important role in the industrial heritage of this area, and continue to play a vital role in supporting the local economy of Derbyshire. The National Stone Centre is a fantastic facility which celebrates this. These plans are all about building on the value of an already important centre and enhancing the skills and innovation of our local economy as well as the wider industry.”
Through school visits to the NSC’s museum and exhibitions, the site helps children understand the science in geology, the natural environment and industrial heritage. The NSC provides an opportunity to inspire the future talent the quarrying and mineral products industry needs to remain competitive and innovative.
Professor Iain Stewart is patron of the NSC. He adds: “I’m hugely passionate about how stone has shaped our world today. Securing the future of the NSC for future generations to experience and enjoy is fantastic news.”
The National Stone Centre officially opened in 1990 to inspire people to engage with the origin, industry and the history of stone. It is set within six former limestone quarries on a 40 acre Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Contractor Henry Brothers has started work on site to build a new energy and data hub for the student village at Loughborough University.
The £3.25m design and build project includes new mechanical and electrical infrastructure, external works and landscaping, housed in a single-storey building on Elvyn Way in the centre of the university’s student village.
It will provide a district heating and hot water scheme for the student accommodation and will replace Whitworth Tower, where the existing energy hub is located.
This is the latest in a number of developments that Henry Brothers has delivered for the university. The company is currently on site building the four-storey SportPark Pavilion 4 – the first Passivhaus development on the university campus.
Previously Henry Brothers successfully delivered the £30m refurbishment scheme of the W and S buildings, completed the £3.6m Towers dining facility, and was the contractor for the £17m STEMLab building, which opened in 2017.
Managing director of Henry Brothers Construction Ian Taylor said: “Over several years we have built a strong and successful partnership with Loughborough University, helping the university to upgrade and create new facilities. We are excited to have now started on site to build a new energy and data hub for the student village.”
Designed by David Morley Architects, the energy and data hub will sit into the natural slope of the land.
The work will be carried out in three phases to maximise construction during periods when students are not in residence and is due to be completed by September 2023.
Other members of the team include structural engineer Ridge & Partners, M&E consultants Axis and FPCR landscape architects.
Vaillant, the manufacturers of environmentally friendly heating and air-conditioning technology, has lifted the lid on a new multi-million-pound heat pump production line.
At a ceremony held at its Belper factory, the firm officially opened the line, making it the first manufacturer to produce both heat pumps and high-efficiency boilers in the UK.
Marking a £4 million investment in the factory’s low carbon production capabilities, Vaillant said it reinforces its commitment to ensuring that all UK homes can be heated via the most effective technology.
Henrik Hansen, Managing Director of Vaillant Group UK & Ireland, said: “Vaillant has seen many ‘firsts’ in its nearly 150-year history, and I’m delighted to now be announcing the commissioning of the company’s new heat pump manufacturing line in the UK.
“It’s a huge testament to our incredibly talented and dedicated team, and their vision and commitment to taking the business forward, that we are celebrating this latest milestone.”
The new line was opened by John Forkin, Managing Director of Marketing Derby, and Pauline Latham, MP for Mid Derbyshire.
Mr Forkin said: “Vaillant is a well-known employer in this region, and it was fantastic to see first-hand how they are supporting the UK’s net zero agenda.
“This investment sustains a proud tradition of business innovation in the area and companies such as Vaillant are leading the way.”
With the Future Homes Standard legislation coming into force in 2025, the UK heat pump market continues to see year on year growth.
Vaillant has been producing heat pumps for the UK market since the early 2000s.
Its latest addition to the Belper plant furthers the company’s vast experience in innovation and developing industry-leading heating technologies and follows a £55 million investment in its research and development facility at its headquarters in Remscheid in 2018.
The new heat pump line will be dedicated to producing Vaillant’s aroTHERM Plus air-to-water heat pump.
Mr Hansen said: “We know there is no single solution when it comes to heating our homes in the UK as the breadth of property type is diverse.
“Heat pumps are a here and now technology that can offer decarbonisation benefits. However, the future is likely to be made up of a mix of heat pump, hybrid and boiler technologies.
“Ultimately, we want to help consumers feel in a position to make an informed choice about what will work for both their lifestyle and their property.
“The widescale need to transition to low carbon is a once in a generation occurrence.
“The popularity of heat pump technology is growing at pace and is expected to continue to do so as homeowners become comfortable with the workings of lower carbon heating systems.
“This important move means we can help increase the availability of UK made heat pumps and further our support for installers via supply, training and installation guidance, as they make the shift to new heating technologies.”
Mrs Latham said: “Vaillant’s announcement is a significant boost to kick-starting a heat pump manufacturing base in the UK, and I’m delighted that it is happening in my constituency of Derbyshire.
“Home heating contributes to around a third of all UK emissions, so the savings that can be made by moving to lower carbon, more efficient technologies, such as heat pumps, is much needed.”
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