UK businesses have almost £59 billion worth of assets sitting idle
New research reveals UK businesses have nearly £59 billion worth of capital tied up in working assets and equipment they no longer need.
As pressure mounts to find new ways to reduce the cost of doing business, reuse specialist, Ramco, is urging businesses to contribute to the circular economy and find new homes for idle items – rather than letting them go to waste.
The new data shows 67% of respondents – as many as 3.7 million UK businesses – admit they have good quality, working equipment they no longer need. The survey also revealed individual organisations could have an average of over £10k worth of assets sitting idle.
Conducted by Censuswide, Ramco’s research highlights 75% of senior managers dislike the idea of unwanted equipment being scrapped or left to ruin in their business. Despite this, 59% say they have disposed of working equipment by sending it to landfill in the last five years.
With demand for second-hand business assets at the highest point in Ramco’s 26 years of operation, founder and MD Neil Sanderson says the research findings are frustrating: “The second-hand market for consumer goods is booming through platforms like eBay, Vinted and the rise of fashion rental. It’s the same picture for the commercial second-hand market so to discover businesses have such huge capital tied up in good assets they no longer use when costs for doing business are rising, is hard to hear.”
Topping the list of second-hand business equipment sought by Ramco’s buyers are electrical goods, followed by industrial and plant machinery. And 66% of businesses say they regularly seek to purchase second-hand equipment before looking to buy new.
Neil continues: “It’s frustrating to see how much untapped potential there is when it comes to second-hand business goods. From catering equipment to plant machinery and vehicles, across the country there’s a mountain of good quality items being unused and left to ruin.
“As the cost of doing business spirals, we’re urging businesses to use this opportunity to review their assets and where they’re no longer needed, give them a new lease of life instead of letting them go to waste. It’s an opportunity to reduce an organisation’s carbon footprint, minimise storage costs and generate capital. None of us can afford to waste resources – for the planet and for profit.”
To help organisations see the potential in their unwanted equipment, Ramco has launched a new value finding tool to illustrate the carbon savings and financial return which can be generated by giving assets a new lease of life.
Business confidence remains steady in East Midlands reveals new report
As Business confidence fell in six of the UK’s twelve regions and nations, the East Midlands has managed to hold steady reveals a new report.
The Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking reveals that firms’ expectations for wage growth eased back this month, with the proportion expecting 3% or more for their staff in the next twelve months falling to 26% from 29%. Nevertheless, pay growth expectations remain high relative to pre-Covid outcomes and suggest that difficulties persist in finding the right staff to fill vacancies.
Hiring intentions rose for the first time in five months. Firms’ expectations regarding their staffing levels for the year ahead improved for the first time in five months. Nevertheless, with the net balance trending lower in recent months, it still points to slower employment growth ahead for the economy. Forty-two percent (up from 39%) anticipate a higher headcount and 21% (down from 23%) forecast a smaller workforce. The resulting net balance rose to 21%, from 16%, a three- month high but still lower than the first half of the year.
Business confidence in the manufacturing sector across the UK fell for a fifth straight month, down 1 point to 13%, the lowest since February 2021. Weaker confidence was also evident among firms in retail and services. Confidence in the retail sector declined 6 points to 9%, while services confidence edged down 1 point to 16%, both the lowest since early 2021. Construction confidence moved up 10 points to 20%, but it remains weaker than in the first half of the year.
London, the North West and the West Midlands were the most upbeat regions, with confidence above the UK average and rising by between 8 and 16 points, while the East of England and Wales also recorded stronger confidence, albeit from a lower base.
Commenting on the figures, Hann-Ju Ho, Economics & Market Insights for Lloyds Bank Corporate & Institutional Banking says: “While business confidence has marginally fallen this month, along with a drop in forward looking economic optimism, it is encouraging to see businesses still looking to increase their headcounts. However, cost pressures remain evident as businesses raise prices to protect their margins and wage pressure continue to be impactful.”
Paul Gordon, MD for SME and Mid Corporates for Lloyds Bank Business & Commercial Banking adds: “While confidence has marginally decreased this month, this also comes at a time of great economic uncertainty. The fact that it has only fallen by 1% suggests that businesses are showing resilience. As we head into the winter months and pricepressures continue, energy price increases will start to bite and we are seeing continued pressure on pay expectations…”
Former Aston Martin VP joins Browne Jacobson Manufacturing & Industrials sector board
Law firm Browne Jacobson has appointed former Vice President and Chief Planning Officer (CPO) of Aston Martin Lagonda, Nikki Rimmington as its first Non-Executive Director (NED) of its Manufacturing & Industrials sector strategy board.
This is one of several sector-driven appointments for the firm’s corporate sector in recent months which includes leading General Counsel (GC), Anneliese Reinhold as the firm’s first Non-Executive Chair of its corporate sectoral strategy board.
Working closely with partner Declan Cushley who leads the firm’s corporate sector market group, and partner and head of Browne Jacobson’s Corporate Manufacturing & Industrials sector, Paul Kirkpatrick, Nikki brings significant expertise in strategic planning and implementation, corporate finance, project delivery, operational performance management and business transformation which will support the firm and its lawyers in driving the Manufacturing & Industrials sector strategy, which is part of the firm’s wider corporate sector strategy.
Nikki has over 20 years’ experience predominantly in the automotive and industrials sector but has worked across various other business service lines during her career. Nikki is currently the Strategy Development Director for InoBat Auto – a European company specialising in the pioneering research, development, manufacture and recycling of innovative electric batteries. Before that, Nikki spent 13 years working in multiple roles at Aston Martin which included being Vice President and CPO where she was responsible for product lifestyle planning, the implementation of major revisions to the product plan, leading on business performance analysis and being involved in a significant restructure of Aston Martin’s planning function. Before that, Nikki worked as an associate at A.T. Kearney Management Consultants and spent five years at Jaguar Land Rover as a vehicle safety integration engineer.
This appointment endorses the firm’s commitment to making the legal profession more diverse and inclusive. It also follows on from its official partnership with O Shaped in May 2022, which is an innovative movement with a mission to drive positive change within the legal sector.
Speaking on the appointment, Declan Cushley, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Nikki as the NED for our growing Manufacturing & Industrials sector. She has had a very successful career in the automotive industry, working with some of the UK’s finest motor brands and has a deep understanding of market changes and trends including the challenges that the assembly line and supply chain is coming up against, the technological landscape and the key legislative changes that are changing the face of both the UK and global automotive sectors, as well as the wider industrial sector.”
“Nikki’s appointment underpins our commitment to bolstering our Manufacturing & Industrials offering and to being an O Shaped law firm that is striving for effective change, not only in the legal landscape but across the sectors and industries we are supporting .”
Paul Kirkpatrick added: “Nikki is an absolute expert in her field and was an essential part of Aston Martin’s ambitious and successful growth strategy over a 13-year period so we are pleased to welcome her to our board, where she will support us to work even more creatively with our broad manufacturing client base and gain a deeper understanding of how this fast moving sector is going to transform in the future and what impact this will have on our clients and on the consumer.”
Nikki commented: “Browne Jacobson has a strong reputation for continuously providing its clients with creative solutions to complex problems. They have extensive experience of working with some of the world’s leading brands and suppliers, helping them make the right decisions for their business and connecting them to the right commercial opportunities. They are also deeply invested in having a positive impact on a host of societal issues that affect their clients such as sustainability, so I am pleased to be supporting this dynamic and forward looking firm and practice in continuing to deliver great results to its clients.”
Browne Jacobson’s national Manufacturing & Industrials practice has a diverse range of specialist industry knowledge from our experience of advising and representing a rich portfolio of world-leading brands and household names from across the automotive and the food and drink sector. The team works with manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, national retailers, restaurant chains and principal businesses within the supply chain. The team specialise in business-critical projects, multi-jurisdictional data protection and privacy issues, commercial issues, regulatory and compliance matters, mergers and acquisitions, trading arrangements, brand protection, competition issues, property management and a variety of employment matters.
GXO Logistics expands into 170,000 sq ft facility in Wellingborough
Logicor, a leading European owner and manager of logistics real estate, has let its 170,598 sq ft Wellingborough distribution / production facility to GXO Logistics, on a new long- term lease.
Wellingborough170 will be used by the leading supply chain partner to help their customers fulfil increasing orders.
Located on Park Farm Industrial Estate to the West of Wellingborough, a strategic logistics location in the East Midlands, with access to the M1 and A14 East Coast ports, Wellingborough159 is positioned in an established industrial and logistics park. Nearby occupiers including TNT, DHL and Co-Op.
Jack Garrett, Senior Asset Manager – UK, Logicor comments: “Increasing numbers of occupiers are being attracted to the connectivity credentials offered by this location, along with its strong population growth and highly skilled local workforce.
“GXO Logistics already have a presence nearby and know the area well, making this refurbished, high-quality distribution facility the ideal choice for them.”
Burbage Realty and DTRE advised Logicor.
All remaining employment and trade units snapped up at Nottingham development
A leading investor in UK urban logistics has completed the acquisition of all the trade and employment units at a mixed-use development at Teal Park in Nottingham.
Northwood Urban Logistics has purchased the third and final phase from joint-developers Warwickshire-based AC Lloyd Commercial (ACL) and Nottingham-based Henry Davidson Developments (HDD).
Selling the six large employment units totalling 116,835 sq ft is the final part of the deal, meaning the specialist investor in UK logistics sites now owns the entire park with the exception of Storage Giant.
Northwood Urban Logistics had already acquired phase one and two of the 56,511 sq ft trade park which includes Toolstation, Screwfix, Howdens, Trent Valley Windows, Trent Vehicle Charging, Karcher UK and Paintwell.
Mark Edwards, managing director at AC Lloyd Commercial, said Teal Park was proving to be a huge success for businesses from a wide range of sectors.
He said: “This was our first major development in the East Midlands and the Teal Park site has proved to be a fantastic success.
“The final piece of the jigsaw has been the legal work on selling the final phase of the employment and trade units to Northwood Urban Logistics which has been completed, and Teal Park is certainly thriving.”
Richard Croft, director at HDD, added: “The final six employment units which range from 9,606 sq ft to 31,553 sq ft are now under the ownership of Northwood Urban Logistics who will have responsibility for marketing the site. The development is a real success story for the local area, so far Teal Park has attracted a number of high-quality operators and I’m sure it will go from strength to strength.”
Multi Million proposal for retirement/care village in Lincolnshire
Plans for a new retirement/care village in Welton have been submitted to planners by Saunders Boston Architects on behalf of Lace Housing.
The plans allow for some 62 apartments featuring communal and staff facilities, and 10 bungalows complete with gardens, vehicle access and parking.
A design and access statement states: “The main objective of the proposed development is to enable older people to live as ordinary a life as possible in their own homes”
It continues: “The proposed accommodation will be purpose built to meet the changing needs and requirements of older people. Residents will able to access support and enablement services.
The company is looking to develop land to the north western edge of the wider development, bordering Prebend Lane to the east to encompass up to 72 extra dwellings; specifically for elderly residents.
The design of the development, according to the developer, seeks to create a modern, relaxed, spacious and welcoming addition to the housing stock within the town using a mix of local materials and spatial planning to integrate the proposals into the existing fabric of the town and the surrounding new development.
The development will also promote the feeling of a community that integrates residents of both the apartments and the bungalows with the wider development through the creation of new high quality public spaces and pedestrian links through the site.
An essential element of the service is the effective management of both the accommodation and access to a provision of support services that allow residents to regain and retain a level of independence.
The design of the facilities provided also ooks to offer older people a wide range of social, recreational and intellectual opportunities. It will be designed to offer flexibility so that some space is available for additional uses, which may be demanded in the future.
West Lindsey planners will discuss the proposal at their upcoming meeting.
Co-op completes £600m sale of forecourt estate
The Co-operative Group has completed the £611m sale of their petrol forecourts estate to Asda as stated on the London Stock Exchange this morning.
The transaction includes 129 petrol forecourt sites, spread across the UK and represents 5% of Co-op’s retail estate of 2,564 stores.Recently appointed Shirine Khoury-Haq, the Chief Executive at the Co-op Chief Executive at the Co-operative Group comments: “This transaction is in line with our strategy to move away from operating petrol forecourts and supports our vision of Co-operating for a fairer world while building our core leading convenience business.
“I would like to thank our incredible colleagues in these stores, and we will work closely with Asda to ensure a smooth transition.”
The transaction is due to complete in Q4 2022, although the acquisition is subject to review by the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA).
The co-op has stated that its primary focus is on developing further its leading core convenience proposition, and the proceeds from the sale of its relatively small non-core petrol forecourt business, will be used to:
· Reinvest into Co-op’s leading core convenience business centred around its retail estate, as well as its growing wholesale, franchise and e-commerce operations, including new convenience stores in the heart of more communities
· Invest in Co-op’s pricing, store operations, technology, and logistics
· Support the reduction of Co-op’s net debt
Reopening the Ivanhoe Line would have significant business benefits, says East Midlands Chamber
A bid to reopen a passenger railway line between Burton upon Trent and Leicester has taken a significant step forward – and East Midlands Chamber says there could be significant benefits for businesses along the route.
The Campaign for Reopening the Ivanhoe Line (CRIL) has led a movement to restore the 31-mile line, which was sacrificed in the 1960s and 1970s as part of the Beeching Cuts – when British Railways chairman Dr Richard Beeching closed thousands of stations and hundreds of branch lines to make the nationalised railways profitable again.
After receiving Government funding to conduct a feasibility study on its reopening last year, the Department for Transport announced in June that CRIL’s scheme was among nine – chosen from 39 schemes – rail projects authorised to move on to the next stage as part of the Restoring Your Railway initiative.
Network Rail will now provide funding to conduct a detailed study of the costs of construction and scrutinise the benefits as part of a full outline business case. If this confirms the line’s viability, it will carry out design work and, subject to Government approval, work could begin in mid-2024 should it receive parliamentary approval ahead of a potential opening 2026 opening date.
The route includes eight possible railway stations – in Drakelow & Stapenhill, Castle Gresley (for Swadlincote), Moira, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Coalville, Ellistown, Meynell’s Gorse and Leicester South. However, at this stage of the project, only Gresley, Ashby, Coalville and Leicester South are included in the business case Network Rail is reviewing.
East Midlands Chamber is now supporting CRIL to engage with businesses along the route, with a member of the group presenting at a recent forum for Leicestershire-based members.
The Chamber’s chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Following the monumental efforts from the CRIL team of volunteers to reopen this historic railway line, bringing the project into the scope of Network Rail is a welcoming development and will raise hopes it can be brought to life.
“While there is still a long way to go, bringing this important rail route back to life would provide a boost to the economy for the many communities along the route by opening up further connections with the rest of the region and country.
“Improved connectivity would enable companies to tap into a wider labour pool across Derbyshire and Leicestershire. The proposed Leicester South station, meanwhile, would complement Leicester City’s plans for an expanded King Power Stadium and wider development scheme.”
Network Rail and Campaign for Reopening the Ivanhoe Line want to engage with businesses
CRIL, which was founded in 2019, will support Network Rail as a member of the programme board by engaging with local politicians and businesses. The relevant local authorities will decide on where stations, access and car parking are located. The group’s business liaison manager Stacey Ash said: “The decision to take our project to the next stage is a fantastic boost for the communities along the Ivanhoe Line, which could benefit from improved journey times and better connectivity across the region, regeneration of areas surrounding stations and a healthier environment. “We now need to engage even more closely with our local stakeholders, including businesses and residents, to help us understand their needs so we can fully articulate the benefits a reopened Ivanhoe Line will deliver.” A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We welcome the opportunity to work with all stakeholders along the line to further develop the business case to justify the reopening of the Ivanhoe Line to passengers, building on the work done so far by CRIL. “We encourage businesses to think about how a reopened line may be incorporated into their future business plans and to feedback via CRIL any economic or employee benefits they feel it might bring to them.” To speak with CRIL about how the Ivanhoe Line would support their business or employees, contact Stacey Ash at crilbusinessliaison@gmail.com. For more information on the CRIL, visit www.ivanhoeline.org.Two weeks to go until the East Midlands Expo!
In just two week’s time, on Monday 14 November 2022, the free to attend East Midlands Expo will return!
Taking place at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, the established event of over 20 years has everything you require for a great day of business generation, with the chance to meet more potential clients in one amazing cost effective day, than it would take months out on the road.
A well targeted exhibition and networking opportunity, aimed at the construction, property, business, investment, finance, professional services and related B2B markets, register to attend the event for free here.
The day, for which Business Link is a proud partner, will begin with exhibitor breakfast networking, with the exhibition opening to attendees at 9am.
A seminar will take place between 10:45am and noon with BSP Consulting’s directors Mark Rayers and Tony Goddard lined up to present ‘Sustainability and how engineering plays its part’.
Not to be missed, a special networking lunch (for which tickets can be purchased here) will then take place between 12:15pm and 2:15pm, and the exhibition will close at 3:30pm.
For more information on exhibiting at the event click here.
To register to attend the event for free click here.
To secure tickets for the networking lunch click here.
From property agents to developers, architects, contractors, investors, PR firms, and more, see the list of current exhibitors here.Businesses advised to act now ahead of 2025 landline switch off
Businesses are being urged to act now ahead of the switch off of the UK’s analogue phone network in 2025.The move will see the traditional landline system transfer to a fully digital phone network in order to meet the demands of modern internet and mobile technology, with telephone wires and buried copper cables becoming a thing of the past.
Colin Hewitt, BT Product Specialist with Integrity IT Solutions, is advising any businesses which still rely on the analogue network to make the switch to digital now so they can take advantage of better connectivity and communications.
He said: “The transition to a digital phone service has been underway for some time, with many businesses and organisations having already made the move.
“This is an opportunity to not only ensure that you are ready for the future but also to make the most of the improved connectivity which comes with it. From making calls on any device from anywhere on the same number, to linking business applications with video calls and chat, the technology is there to help your business operate more efficiently and effectively.”
In 2015, Openreach announced that the existing copper Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) network would be switched off by the end of December 2025, with calls instead routed over Internet Protocol (IP), a faster, more reliable and more cost effective voice system.
Colin said: “These traditional technologies have been the backbone of the UK’s landline network for decades but we’re now demanding much more from them than they were designed to deliver. It’s a similar situation to when the UK switched from analogue to digital television in 2012.
“Although 2025 may seem like a long time away, from September 2023 Openreach will not install any new PSTN or ISDN lines so it’s worth looking into the alternatives sooner rather than later so your business isn’t caught out.”
Colin said upgrading to a digital system offered opportunities to change the way you communicate.
He said: “It’s not just about doing what you do now but digitally; it brings new ways of working. For example, rather than simply choosing like-for-like hardware replacements, consider how your current set up could be improved, taking into account how your team currently uses technology.
“Most businesses use phone lines for more than just calls so you’ll need to identify items such as alarms, door entry systems, payment terminals or cash machines and plan how these devices will operate in the future.
“By making the move to digital now, you will see immediate benefits to your business including reduced ongoing costs, seamless maintenance and upgrades to software and services, and better security thanks to the reliability and flexibility of cloud-based applications.”
The 2025 switch off covers the whole of the UK, including any rural areas where broadband is not currently available. As part of the process, these areas will be upgraded or services accessed via alternatives such as 5G solutions.
Nottinghamshire homebuilder helps pupils look on the bright side for walk to school month
Pupils at Brinsley Primary and Nursery School in Brinsley have recently received a donation of hi-vis kit bags from David Wilson Homes to help them shine bright during Walk to School Month in October.
The Nottinghamshire housebuilder gifted the school 35 of the bags for its pupils to use whilst walking to and from school, ensuring they can be easily seen on the roads as the darker nights draw in.
Walk to School Month takes place throughout October each year and encourages pupils to celebrate the journey to school on foot.
According to figures from the 2021 National Travel Survey (NTS) and 2020-2021 Active Lives Survey (ALS), the number of children walking or cycling to school is falling. In 2021, 46% of children aged between five and 16 walked or cycled to school, a decrease from 50% in 2020.
The Government’s Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy features a target to increase the percentage of children that usually walk to school to 55% in 2025.
Jason Osprey, Head Teacher at Brinsley Primary and Nursery School, said: “One of the things we always try and encourage is for children to be more active. This is part of our whole child focus – academic achievement, healthy body and mental health.
“We are very grateful to David Wilson Homes for their kind donation. The hi-vis kit bags will be very useful when we take children out on local walking visits, as well as visits further afield.”
Brinsley Primary and Nursery School is located near the homebuilder’s Old Mill Farm development, and the donation of hi-vis kit bags is another part of David Wilson Homes’ outreach to the local community.
Walking to school benefits children and their parents by increasing exercise and saving money on fuel, and it can even increase social interaction with other families who choose to walk to school and prevent stress by not driving during the rush hour.
Mark Cotes, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes North Midlands, said: “We want to ensure pupils in the local communities remain visible now the darker nights are here, and our donation has hopefully encouraged them to safely practice Walk to School Month.
“This is a campaign we actively support each year as we endeavour to help local school children in their efforts to commute on foot, and the hi-vis bags have proven to be both effective and practical.”
Lincolnshire Council compete against 250 authorities to win FSB Local Government awards
North East Lincolnshire Council has just been awarded a prestigious national award after winning the best in region in England for its support for the local small business community.
North East Lincolnshire Council was among 250 councils in England who entered the inaugural Local Government awards run by Britain’s biggest business representation group, and it emerged triumphant in the ‘All Round, Small Business Friendly’ category.
Local authorities from across England responded to the call when FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) launched their inaugural Local Government awards sponsored by Maybe*, which were aimed at celebrating and recognising those that had made the biggest impact on local SMEs during the Covid crisis and beyond.
Over the last few years, North East Lincolnshire Council has led a new approach to providing a comprehensive business support offer to small and medium enterprises, catering to varied needs of small business.
Paula Gouldthorpe, FSB Development Manager for South Yorkshire and the Humber said “It is really pleasing to see North East Lincolnshire Council rewarded for their consistent hard work and effort to help businesses through what has been a very challenging couple of years. This was amid a high-quality field of entries by local councils! “Both the quality and quantity of entries from this region and beyond was incredibly high so the Council, its teams and individuals involved in supporting the business community should feel very proud to be among the winners. We look forward to continuing to work with them – and all our other business-supporting councils – to ensure we have a vibrant and strong local small business community.”
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “Small businesses are the real lifeblood of our local economy, with more than 95% of all businesses in North East Lincolnshire employing under 49 people. This award is testament to the great work that many people put in and to the partnership and collaboration across our borough.”
In its round up, the FSB praised the joint approach to supporting small and medium enterprises and said that the collegiate, holistic approach has been transformational and created an environment conducive to long term success for local businesses.
Projects highlighted included business workshops and events, business festivals, sector specific Business Growth Advisors, start-up programmes, managed and coworking spaces an Investment Hub and access to Business Investment Advisors.
In recent years, a range of support for our small businesses has been put in place with partners, that includes:
e- Factor: A local, not-for-profit social enterprise founded in 2010, offering business workshops, business events such as the ‘Great Big Small Business Festival’, tailored 1-1 support via sector-specific Business Growth Advisors, and important programmes such as Smarter Energy NEL, and the Start Up Academy Programme launched in 2021 which provides a comprehensive 12-month support programme for new businesses.
Investment Hub: A unique service created in 2016, this small team has a combined 100 years’ background in finance. They put businesses in contact with commercial lenders including banks, finance companies, gap funders and peer to peer lenders to help their business move forward. The team invests their time and knowledge in supporting local, small businesses to achieve their goals, for example, Hub Advisors will attend and support business owners in-person when they speak to commercial lenders.
Business Investment Advisors: Business Investment Advisors provide a set 12-week programme to small business owners to access £1,000 in funding for specialist support. They know that the needs and circumstances of every business is unique, and they find creative solutions to support businesses to achieve their goals
The council’s economy and growth team: With access to information about commercial property being offered to market we are able to match this with local business needs and requirements and present tailored property portfolios of available land/property that matches their specification. Our InvestNEL website offers businesses a raft of information, and we offer regular newsletter updates on activities and opportunities for local business.
The Council also runs a number of Business Centres, ideal for small and micro businesses across the borough.
Vikki Wilson, who manages the Council’s business centres, said: “In a place like ours with so many small businesses thrive, it’s easy to see why Business Centres are popular. Their flexibility of office sizes, provision of communal facilities and opportunities to collaborate with other small businesses make them a compelling choice of workplace.
“With break-out rooms and conferencing facilities for up to 64 people on-site, locations like the Innovation Centre on Grimsby’s Europarc make the high-quality workspaces and services associated with big corporations accessible for the area’s many micro-businesses.”
£1.8m investment transforms former convent into rehab centre
A 300 year old former convent has been renovated and refurbished into a state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility.
The £1.8 million refurbishment has transformed the former Convent of the Holy Name, in Oakwood, Derby. The Georgian building’s interior has a new wing of ensuite bedrooms, a modern kitchen for residents, and the chapel has been repurposed into a discussion and break-out room.
The centre, due to open at the end of October, will be run by the charity and housing association Phoenix Futures, which helps vulnerable individuals recover from drug and alcohol addiction.
The nuns who previously inhabited the convent left in May last year for a new home in Yorkshire. The community had been in the Derby suburb for more than 30 years.
The new rehabilitation centre has 38 private rooms, with a team of staff supporting residents with their psychological and social needs, said James Armstrong, Phoenix Futures’ director of marketing and innovation.
James said: “Everyone has potential to make change. This residential service is designed for people who have struggled to access treatment and make the changes they desire in the community. It is one of the only residential facilities to offer support for drug, alcohol and mental health needs on one site.
“For the last decade residential treatment services have been closing due to lack of funding. This will be the first since the new drug strategy was introduced last year to address the inequality of access for people with more complex needs.
“We will work with partners to provide therapeutic support on a one-to-one and group basis, with professional support workers, to help reduce the blame and shame there can be around addiction.
“Residents will be encouraged to support each other and to develop their living skills by being involved in running some aspects of the building, working together as a self-supported community to achieve positive results.”
Deadline extension for Pendragon takeover bid
The London Stock Exchange has agreed an extension on the deadline for Pendragon’s takeover bid by Hedin Group, so that the Swedish based firm can conclude discussions and due diligence with the firm.
The deadline extension gives the firms until 5pm on November 21st, 2022 by which time Hedin must then decide whether to make a formal takeover bid for the car giant which owns Evans Halshaw and Stratstone.
Hedin Group, whose board includes Trevor Finn – the former Pendragon Chief Executive of Pendragon, initially announced its interest at 29p per share but has since this, declaring via the London Stock Exchange that it would consider a takeover bid of 35p per share.
In the meantime, Pendragon which found itself embroiled in a $60m ransom demand after a cyber security breach, has stood fast on its intentions not to make payment to the cyber gang. But the threat is still hanging over the heads of the Pendragon board.
Cost-saving technology in abundance at Midlands Machinery Show
High input prices, labour shortages and environmental pressure are all driving the need for increased efficiency on-farm, and agricultural suppliers are responding.
At the Midlands Machinery Show on 16-17 November at Newark Showground, visitors will find technology that improves performance, precision and safety of machinery. There will also be time-saving innovations for operators, software that optimises input use and apps designed to provide information for more informed decision-making.
The latest JCB Fastrac will be making its Midlands Machinery Show debut. It will sit alongside a selection of other JCB handlers exhibited by Sharmans Agricultural and G&J Peck.
“The Fastrac has always had strong appeal with its unrivalled ride comfort, great all-round visibility, and fast working and road speeds, says managing director of Sharmans, Scott Barclay.
“With the new iCON version, it’s also up with the best in terms of tractor and implement control and guidance, with an enhanced transmission contributing to a more enjoyable, more productive experience for the operator.”
Pecks and Sharmans also plan to exhibit some of JCB’s world-leading range of Loadall telescopic handlers. Earlier this year, the range was expanded with the new 542-70 AGRI Pro which is said to significantly increase productivity potential for large farming enterprises and contracting businesses.
Burdens Group will be showcasing New Holland’s new T7 Heavy Duty with PLM Intelligence tractor. The latest model has a wide variety of features designed to optimise efficiency. IntelliTurn, for example automates steering during headland turns, selecting the optimum route to minimise time and compaction. It can be combined with the HTS II control, which records and stores all implement sequences and operations at the headland.
When it comes to manure handling, the rising cost of synthetic fertilisers has increased demand for the FBS18 Manure spreader, says Amy Taylor at Richard Western. “It is a rear discharge spreader which has horizontal beaters with spinning discs. It is designed to handle all types of farmyard manures, sludges and waste product,” she says.
Alongside the manure spreader, Richard Western will be showcasing the BTTA16/28HS bale trailer with a safe lock bale clamping system, developed to allow farmers to load bales quickly and safely. Also on display will be the SF18HS Suffolk trailer fitted with a hydraulic roll-over sheet – a more effective, quicker and safer way to cover loads than the conventional manual easy sheet.
Root crop growers will find a range of innovations at the event, too. Tong Engineering has recently announced its latest product development – an advanced optical sorting option available on all new models of its popular field loader machine, the FieldLoad PRO.
“With rising costs and an increasing need for growers to streamline their post-harvest operations to get tractors and trailers off the roads, carting less soil and generally minimising crop mileage, the demand for our FieldLoad PRO has continued to increase since its launch in 2018,” says Charlie Rich, sales director at Tong Engineering.
“Recent results have been very impressive, both in terms of the amount of labour that can be saved at this stage of the post-harvest handling process, as well as the potential reduction in storage costs as only good crop is being stored,” he notes.
Technology at the event isn’t limited to machinery hardware. Visitors will also find exhibitors demonstrating a range of software and apps designed to improve accuracy and arm growers with information.
Lemken, for instance, will be showcasing its digital solution, iQBlue, designed to make work more efficient, both in the field and in the office. The easy-to-install module is a cost-effective alternative to upgrading kit, so users can benefit from optimised implement performance and automatic data management.
Cost-efficiency has also been at the heart of Drone Ag’s latest development – the Skippy Scout Android app. Like it’s iOS counterpart, the Android app gives users real-time reports on plant counts, green area index (GAI), crop health and flowering ratio- saving time and providing deeper actionable insights which can enhance crops yields and profitability.
“By introducing the Android app, we have been able to design new features like creating field boundaries,” says Drone Ag founder Jack Wrangham. “Android devices are also far cheaper than Apple, which will enable more users to access the app at a lower price using existing phones, tablets or computers.
“Skippy Scout automates drone flights using field maps to navigate a drone to points of interest. Users need not have any experience of flying drones or a license* because Skippy will fly the drone for them,” he explains. “Our image analysis takes only minutes after the drone has completed its flight to present high resolution photographs and crop data. This means that users can identify problems with crops, like weeds or pests, more quickly by viewing the leaf level images on their phone or tablet.”
R&D investment plunges to new lows says new report
The UK’s share of global research and development (R&D) investment has fallen by a fifth since 2014, according to new analysis of the most recent data by IPPR.
The drop, from 4.2 per cent to 3.4 per cent, has occurred despite consecutive prime ministers talking up science and innovation as a core part of their growth strategies – from David Cameron’s ‘jewel in the crown’ to Boris Johnson’s ‘science superpower’.
The UK only places 11th in the OECD in terms of total R&D investment as a percentage of GDP, well behind countries like Austria, Switzerland and the USA.
Had the UK’s 2014 share of global R&D investment been maintained, it would have been £18 billion – or 26 per cent – higher in 2019.
According to IPPR research, the UK would need to invest an additional £62bn this year – from public and private sectors – to overtake Israel as the leaders in R&D spend.
Additional modelling by IPPR indicates that state investment fuels private sector investment. For example, if the UK government invested a further £1bn in R&D, private sector investors would contribute an extra £1.36bn over 10 years. The UK is currently 34th out of 36 in the OECD for attracting inward private investment.
The Institute argues that if the government wants to pursue a growth agenda, investing in health sciences is significantly more effective than reducing corporation tax. No sector invests more in R&D, globally, than the life sciences.
Changes in ONS methodology announced earlier this month (October) have dramatically increased official estimates of public and private R&D spend, but the UK remains far behind international leaders.
The revised methodology means the UK has now technically met the government’s target of 2.4 per cent of GDP invested in R&D – although more by luck than judgement. However, IPPR argues that genuinely additional R&D investment is vital to overcoming the UK’s chronic lack of growth and low productivity.
The Institute recommends government urgently sets a new stretching R&D target. Researchers have modelled three potential trajectories it could now follow:
- ‘Somewhat ambitious’ – Meeting 3 per cent of GDP by 2027, building on aspirations set out by the CBI, the European Commission and opposition political parties (albeit not in the context of the ONS’ revised R&D estimates). To achieve this, government would need to invest £1 billion extra in R&D, above and beyond existing commitments, by 2027. Private investment would also rise by £0.8 billion in the same year
- ‘More ambitious’ – Meeting 3.5 per cent of GDP by 2030, which would bring us to around the level of R&D investment in Sweden, the USA, and Taiwan. To achieve this, government would need to invest £8.5bn extra in R&D by 2030. Private investment would also rise by £8.3bn in the same year.
- ‘Genuinely world-leading’ – Meeting 5.4 per cent of GDP by 2030, putting the UK firmly in a global leadership position by reaching levels close to South Korea and Israel. To get here, public investment rise would need to increase by £43.1bn by 2030. Private investment would rise by £41.9bn in the same year
- An NHS workforce retention strategy, to ensure the capacity and headspace needed to focus on innovation
- Supporting NHS staff to spend more time on clinical research. New IPPR analysis shows the UK has eight times fewer government researchers than Germany
- A stronger life science skills pipeline, including through reform of the apprenticeship levy
Chesterfield Royal Hospital wins major regional award for work with apprentices
The hard work and dedication of apprentices from the East Midlands, their employers and mentors have been celebrated at a special ceremony; with Chesterfield Royal Hospital winning one of the top awards at the event.
150 people attended the Regional Finals of the National Apprenticeship Awards in Leicester. They are one of nine regional awards across the country, with the winners from each shortlisted for the National Apprenticeship Awards finals which will take place in London on 30th November.
The awards give both individuals and businesses the chance to showcase the many benefits of apprenticeships: These include the opportunity to gain skills for life, earn while you learn and boost your employability.
Angela Borman, Chair of the East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, co-hosted the ceremony. She said: “It was amazing to celebrate the talented apprentices, as well as their employers and mentors here in the East Midlands.
“Having worked in the delivery of apprenticeships for the whole of my career, I passionately believe they are a great opportunity. These awards showcase how they can help people thrive.
“We’ve got some amazing employers who work hard to ensure that the delivery of apprenticeships here in the East Midlands is first class. I am proud to be working with them to continue this success.”
The awards are also an opportunity to promote the work of the East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network – a group of local employers and apprentices who champion the awareness of apprenticeships.
The free-to-join network allows employers to learn from each other and have input into Government thinking and policy on the skills agenda.
The winners are:
Small Employer of the Year – Dental 22
Large Employer of the Year – Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Macro Employer of the Year – Travis Perkins PLC
Recruitment Excellence – Nottingham City Homes
Rising Star of the Year – Niall Hutton – Capwell Grange Care Home
Intermediate Apprentice of the Year – Julia Jones – John Lewis Partnership
Advanced Apprentice of the Year – Ali Amin – Shawpak (Riverside Medical Group)
Higher or Degree Apprentice of the Year – Evie Marsden – Kier Construction
Apprentice Champion – Kimmy Kimani Hobbs – Milton Keynes College
Application submitted for additional 100 sq ft of industrial and warehouse space at Markham Vale
Henry Boot Developments has announced it has submitted planning to create more industrial and warehouse spaces at one of the area’s flagship regeneration schemes, Markham Vale.
The plans propose a further 107,250 sq. ft. of industrial and warehouse space across four buildings, adding to the existing portfolio of properties, which has seen the likes of Great Bear, Daher Aerospace, Gist and many other companies locate their operations at the site.
Markham Vale is a 200-acre site which HBD is delivering in a joint venture with Derbyshire County Council. It is one of the region’s flagship industrial schemes, attracting new businesses and creating thousands of new jobs.
Speaking of the latest application, Development Surveyor at HBD, Richard Hinds said: “It is great to get plans underway for this next stage of development at Markham Vale.
“It’s a very successful industrial and logistics location, which means demand has remained high for new space – our robust financial backing and our strong track record for delivery means that we are able to continue progressing new schemes throughout the more challenging periods for the economy, injecting much-needed Grade A space into the market.”
Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration Councillor Tony King added: “Plans for four new buildings at Markham Vale is a strong signal from our property partners, HBD that the site will continue to attract a wide range of businesses. Markham Vale plays a key role in helping to deliver on our commitment to building a strong, diverse, and green economy by creating jobs for local people and attracting local, national, and international businesses.”
Green Light on commercial premises after second application
Display by Design, the Leicester-based shop fitting design and manufacturing company, has been given the green light by planners to extend the business’ commercial property use class, enabling them to provide 27,750 sq ft of surplus space at its Chartwell Drive premises to other businesses looking to grow in the area
Planners had previously denied the application due to perceived issues over lorry manoeuvring and localised congestion. Marrons Planning, acting on behalf of Display by Design worked with the transport consultancy DTA to develop a solution for the site, ensuring all buildings at the premises could be independently serviced and accessed by lorries with shared turning areas.
Emma-Leigh North, finance director at Display By Design, said: “We’re thrilled to have our planning application approved so the space at our £4 million site does not go to waste.
“After Covid and now the uncertain economic environment the country is facing, it is great to have the flexibility to be fluid with the space we have to allow the business to thrive and continue to be competitive within the market.”
Sachin Parmar, associate director at Marrons Planning, said: “This was a challenging project and required significant collaboration and negotiation with the local planning and highways authorities to ensure the impact of the plans would be positive. Often after a planning application is rejected, it’s tough to get it approved second time – that’s where creativity, teamwork and experience were essential.
“Not only have we benefitted the client with this solution, but we’ve also benefitted the local economy, providing opportunity for new businesses to operate in the area in this high-quality commercial space.”
Following approval there will be a new arrangement for servicing space, which will include a clearly defined HGV turning area, independent HGV servicing bays for each unit, additional car and cycle parking, EV charging points and extended pedestrian routes.
Simon Parfitt, director at DTA Transportation, said: “We’re thrilled to have helped provide a solution to increase the opportunities at this site. Our technical appraisal has helped identify a more commercially flexible arrangement for how goods and people move around the site, with more efficient use of the existing site’s service yard freeing up space while also delivering sustainable enhancements for the site.”
Henton & Chattell swoop for new premises in Nottingham
FHP have sold a mixed office and industrial property on Abbeyfield Road on Lenton Lane Industrial Estate to one of the largest garden machinery distributors in the UK. Henton & Chattell have acquired three buildings on the Lenton Lane Industrial Estate from FHP intending to utilise the 40,000ft² warehouse for their own purposes to expand their additional growth.
The property was sold on a long leasehold interest with an average unexpired term of circa 43 years from Nottingham City Council and was income producing, producing a rent of £287,500 per annum with the sale price agreed understood to be in excess of £3 million.
John Proctor of FHP acted on behalf of Abbeyfield Estates on the sale.
