- Investment of over £14million in the UK’s first carbon neutral bus station building, which opened in June as part of the St Margaret’s Gateway regeneration project
- Progress on an £80million citywide programme of investment in sustainable transport backed by £40million from the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF)
- Investment of around £25million secured through the Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme for low carbon, energy efficient improvements to more than 90 council buildings, including schools, leisure centres, libraries and community centres.
- A successful bid for £19million of Government funding towards a £47million investment in increasing the city’s fleet of electric buses to over 100, backed by local bus operators Arriva and FirstBus
- Launching an £8million programme of work that will see external insulation fitted to over 400 homes in the city, including council houses and housing association properties
- Securing £19million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund for new low carbon workspaces at Pioneer Park and Ian Marlow Centre.
Leicester among global ‘A list’ for leadership on climate action
Leicester has retained its place as a global leader on climate action, achieving a top score on CDP’s ‘Cities A List’.
It means Leicester is one of 122 cities to receive an A score from environmental impact charity CDP for bold leadership, ambition and transparency on environmental action, its response to the climate emergency, despite the pressures of a challenging economic situation.
This year, for the first time, over 1,000 cities received a rating for their climate action from CDP, with Leicester among the 12 per cent to receive the top A rating.
To score an A, a city must have a city-wide emissions inventory, have set an emissions reduction target, published a climate action plan and have completed a climate adaptation plan to demonstrate how it will tackle climate hazards now and in the future, among other actions.
CDP celebrated Leicester and the 121 other cities on the A List for showing urgent and impactful climate action, having ambitious emission reduction targets, and for building resilience against climate change. Its analysis also shows that A List cities are taking twice as many mitigation and adaptation measures as non-A List cities.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on environment and transportation, said: “We’re immensely proud to be recognised by CDP for our work on climate action and ambition to become a carbon net zero city.
“When we launched our first Climate Emergency Strategy in 2020, we were under no illusion about the scale of the challenge we had set ourselves as a city.
“As a council, we are already working hard to cut our own emissions and to support local people, schools and business to make the changes needed to help reduce the city’s overall carbon footprint. We have a good record on carbon reduction which we can continue to build on. But we know we need to do much more and to do it rapidly.
“To meet our ambitions as a city will require significant and ongoing support from the Government and local stakeholders. We all have a role to play.”
Since launching the first Leicester Climate Emergency Action Plan in 2020, Leicester City Council has led on a range of initiatives and secured external funding representing an investment of over £120million in low carbon initiatives.
This includes:
Duo of off market lettings secured at Amber Business Centre
FHP Property Consultants have secured lettings at units 13.1 and 14.4 Amber Business Centre, Derbyshire, on behalf of private clients.
Amber Business Centre is an established industrial estate situated within 10 minutes of Junction 28 of the M1 motorway via the A38. The two properties comprise mid-terraced industrial/warehouse units benefiting from roller shutter loading doors and a recent refurbishment.
Both 13.1 and 14.4 have been let on new lease terms for a period of 5 years at a rent equating to £11.00 per ft² and £10.00 per ft² respectively.
Jamie Gilbertson, surveyor at FHP Property Consultants, says: “I am delighted to have completed these lettings. Following an initial call with our client I was able to place these under offer before we had actually listed them on the market.
“We have a strong database of active enquires which enabled us to match the property with an actively seeking business. This has been an excellent result for both our client and the tenant and I wish them every success.
“There is still good demand for quality small warehouse units and we are pleasingly placing units under offer and completing transactions on a weekly basis. We still have a couple units available on the estate, one unit is 1,272ft2 and the other unit is 618ft2 but these will be in high demand.”
Fraudulent builder prosecuted
A rogue builder who defrauded three households by taking money for work which was never carried out will have to pay £57,000 to his victims.
Trevor Anthony Lawrence – who is also known as Trevor Fail – pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading at Leicester Crown Court this week, following an investigation brought by Leicester City Council trading standards officers.
The court heard how Lawrence, aged 58, was living in Bakehouse Lane, Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire, at the time of the offences, and had been trading under the name of Max Crest.
Lawrence, who now lives in Spain, was charged under the Fraud Act 2006 in relation to home improvement works in Hamilton, Leicester, as well as at two other addresses in London between January 2016 and January 2018.
Leicester Crown Court heard how Lawrence obtained large sums of money for home improvements which were either never carried out or done to a very poor standard. He also took payment for materials which he never provided or even purchased.
Investigations into Lawrence’s business began after a customer reported concerns to Leicester City Council in 2016, and two more victims came forward via Action Fraud in 2018.
In one instance the investigator was provided with a fake invoice for goods. Evidence also showed that Lawrence had submitted no tax returns during the period when the fraud was taking place.
The court was told how Lawrence had a long previous history of fraud offences committed under the name of Trevor Fail, had been made bankrupt on a number of occasions and was a disqualified company director at the time of the most recent offences.
This week, His Honour Judge Spencer KC sentenced Lawrence to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years. As part of his plea, Lawrence will pay back £57,000 to the victims. Charges against two other defendants, one of which had since died, will lie on file.
Leicester City Council’s trading standards manager, Ronald Ruddock, said: “Home improvements frauds cause a great deal of inconvenience and distress to the victims.
“It important that householders do not pay up front for works that have not yet been undertaken. Only pay after works are completed and do not transfer large amounts of money upfront in the hope of saving money further down the line.
“Make sure you carry out checks on the builders before employing them – information can be found on Companies house, the registry trust and you can make general searches of the internet and that the contract is in writing.
“We are pleased that in this case, the defendant will pay back money he took from the people he defrauded.”
Browne Jacobson welcomes former Jack Wills CEO as a non-executive director
Law firm Browne Jacobson has appointed Suzanne Harlow as non-executive director of its retail, consumer & logistics sector.
Suzanne was previously Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RSL Awards and global lifestyle brand Jack Wills. Suzanne has also held a variety of senior executive and Board positions whilst at Debenhams.
Suzanne has extensive experience within retail covering a wide range of fashion, home and premium beauty brands, both in the domestic and international markets.
This is one of of several sector-driven appointments for Browne Jacobson’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 retail, consumer & logistics sector, Roland Gray, Suzanne will bring a wealth of specialist retail NED expertise to support the firm and its lawyers in driving the retail & consumer sector strategy, which is part of the wider corporate sector strategy.
Declan Cushley said: “We are pleased to welcome Suzanne as our NED for our retail, consumer and logistics sector. She has a first-class profile in the retail industry, helping to develop and build some of the UK’s leading retail, fashion, home and beauty brands over the last 30 years. Her knowledge and expertise of the sector will be incredibly valuable to us, and a huge asset to our retail client base.
“It also endorses our O Shaped partnership commitments to being a law firm that is striving for effective change, across the legal landscape and the sectors and industries we are supporting.”
Suzanne said: “I’m delighted to be working with Browne Jacobson as they develop a deeper sector driven approach and I’m looking forward to supporting the retail, consumer and logistics team in achieving its strategic aims.”
Roland Gray added: “We know that cultural and political changes have massively impacted the retail sector in recent years, changing how, when and why consumers shop. To have someone of Suzanne’s considerable experience, gives us first-hand insight into these changes and challenges, and will help us become even more aligned to what our clients are facing. We are delighted to have her on board with us.”
200 Degrees opens doors to Derby shop this weekend
East Midlands-based coffee roaster 200 Degrees is opening the doors to its new Derby coffee shop in Derbion shopping centre, this Saturday 19 November.
Located next to Boots on the ground floor of Derbion, the new coffee shop can seat more than 60 people and has brought 12 full-time and part-jobs to Derby.
Customers will recognise 200 Degrees’ iconic fireplace, antique armchairs and rustic “Hand Made in England” feature wall. The shop will also feature a snug ‘secret’ seating area as well as tables, chairs and benches.
The new Derby coffee shop is the roaster’s 18th across England and Wales and is the 7th in the East Midlands; with shops in Lincoln, Leicester, Nottingham and at McArthur Glen East Midlands Designer Outlet.
Freshly roasted coffee, from the 200 Degrees roast house in Nottingham, will be served in the new shop, as well as hot chocolate, smoothies and milkshakes.
200 Degrees will also be serving delicious food, such as deli-style sandwiches, baguettes, cakes and pastries – including vegan and gluten-free options – which are available to eat in or takeaway.
The opening follows a successful and busy year for 200 Degrees, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary last month (October) and recently launched its new recyclable packaging and introduced recyclable coffee pods.
Rob Darby, CEO at 200 Degrees, said: “We’re thrilled about the opening of our new shop in Derby. We’ve been wanting to set up shop here for some time, being East Midlands-based, and Derbion is the perfect spot.
“Looking back at where the 200 Degrees journey started, I feel very proud of what we’ve achieved together and feel grateful for our loyal customers.
“Each new shop opening feels like such a huge win, and I’m delighted with the team’s efforts and hard work. We look forward to serving our coffee to the Derby community!”
Coffee lovers can also purchase freshly roasted beans, new coffee pods, coffee machines and home brew equipment in store, to recreate the distinctive 200 Degrees taste at home.
Frasers Group secures 1,000 jobs with Coventry Building Society Arena purchase
Shirebrook-based Frasers Group has snapped up Coventry Building Society Arena, securing up to 1,000 jobs.
Andrew Sheridan and Raj Mittal, partners at specialist business advisory firm FRP, were appointed as joint administrators of Arena Coventry Limited (ACL), Arena Coventry (2006) Limited and IEC Experience Limited.
They immediately completed the sale of the businesses, including ownership of the Coventry Building Society Arena, to certain entities controlled by Frasers Group Plc.
Joint administrator Andrew Sheridan said: “This is a pleasing outcome, which helps secure up to 1,000 jobs in Coventry and ensures that the venue will continue to play a major role in the city’s economy as a world-class entertainment and hospitality venue and home for Coventry City Football Club.
“By agreeing to sign an exclusivity agreement before the 1st November, Frasers Group was the only interested party that was able to meet the terms of the sale process. This was essential in providing the necessary funding that enabled the Arena to continue trading beyond that date.
“Without this, and the collaborative and supportive approach taken by all key stakeholders throughout the process as well as the tireless efforts of the core management team, the Arena would have been forced to close on 2nd November resulting in hundreds of job losses and a materially worse outcome for creditors. We wish Frasers Group and all involved in the Arena every success for the future.”
A spokesperson for Frasers Group said: “We are delighted with the acquisition of the CBS Arena which will complement the group’s existing portfolio of brands and investments. Through the acquisition, we are pleased to have been able to secure a long term future for the Arena, protecting jobs and supporting the local community. In particular, we are looking forward to working with Coventry City Football Club.”
A spokesperson for the Coventry Building Society Arena said: “We are delighted that Frasers Group have acquired the arena. This will see the doors of this flagship venue remain open and continue to play a strategic part in the City of Coventry’s economic tourism plan.
“It is a great result for everyone who uses the venue for business, sport, and music as we now can continue with what we do best and that’s providing hospitality at is best.
“We would like to thank all of our staff, suppliers and tenants who have worked so hard to ensure that it has been ‘business as normal’ during the past weeks. Our thanks also go to our key stakeholders, Coventry City Football Club, Delaware North UK, Coventry City Council and Coventry Building Society, for their ongoing support and collaboration.”
FRP was advised by Burges Salmon LLP during the process.
£1 million share offer announced by Derbyshire pharmaceutical company
Derbyshire-based N4 Pharma has launched a broker offer to raise a maximum of £1 million.
It is initially expected that £0.25 million will be raised in the offer, though if oversubscribed it may be extended.
The issue price of the broker offer is 2 pence per new ordinary share.
Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Limited is agent for the company.
N4 Pharma is a specialist pharmaceutical company developing Nuvec®, a novel delivery system for cancer treatments and vaccines.
Derbyshire abrasives businesses acquired
Phoenix Naylor Abrasives and Jowitt Abrasives, both based in Derbyshire, have been acquired by North West-based Trade Acquisition Partners Limited (TAP) in its first set of investments.
The deals come alongside two others in the UK abrasives and engineering sector, of West Midlands-based Swift & Whitmore Ltd, and Northern Abrasives located in Urmston, Greater Manchester.
TAP director, Ian Davidson, said: “We are delighted to have been able to acquire these long standing and successful businesses and look forward to working with the existing management teams to secure further growth through innovation and investment in both people and technology.”
The businesses have a deep rooted knowledge in the development, manufacture and distribution of abrasive and grinding solutions for multiple applications across the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.
TAP added in a statement: “TAP are delighted to open their portfolio with a complimentary mix of businesses and will be looking to add value to each of the businesses in due course.”
They are now considering other owner managed businesses seeking to exit or require additional capital to support growth or deliver a turnaround.
GMI Construction Group bolsters Midlands portfolio with over £100m of regional investment
GMI Construction Group has boosted its Midlands presence, having been awarded over £100m in projects across the region.
GMI has signed deals on projects including £30m investment at the landmark Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby, a 155,000 sq ft logistics warehouse for St. Modwen Logistics in Birmingham and a retail park in Tamworth boasting brands such as Lidl and B&M.
In Derby, work has commenced on the Becketwell development – the most significant development in Derby city centre since 2007 – which will see the completion of a GMI-built Build to Rent apartment block in 2023. GMI will also complete a bottling plant for a German client at Dove Valley, Foston, by December 2022.
As part of its investment in the West Midlands, GMI has commenced build on various sites in Birmingham, including the development of a 102-unit residential project in the Jewellery Quarter, the regeneration of the former James Cond building for University College Birmingham and the development of a new student accommodation in Selly Oak. It has also recently completed a logistics warehouse for fashion retailer, ASOS, in Lichfield.
Andy Bruce, divisional Managing Director at GMI, said: “The Midlands is a big area with even bigger potential and, as we continue to invest in the region, it’s expected to become our largest UK division.
“As we further grow our pipeline of work in the Midlands, we will be collaborating with likeminded, forward-thinking organisations that align with our key purposes of sustainability and supporting the next generation of workers.
“It’s an exciting time for the Midlands and we’re committed to supporting the region to grow and thrive in the future, mirroring the ambitions of the Midlands Engine to create positive change.”
£3m funding package sees vehicle recovery business open new Derbyshire site
National vehicle recovery operator, Richford Motor Services, is opening a new site in Derby following a £3 million funding package from HSBC UK.
Established in 1990, Richford Motor Services provides 24-hour breakdown, repair, and recovery services for light and commercial vehicles, helping keep businesses on the road.
The 65,000 sq ft site will be Richford Motor Service’s twelfth UK depot, enabling the company to store vehicles in a more centralised location and minimise the time it takes to change and deploy vehicles to meet customer demand.
The new site will also create space for repair work and a body shop, allowing Richford Motor Services to hire up to 30 new employees in a variety of roles, such as recovery drivers, roadside tech’s, and car and commercial mechanics.
Philip Richford, director at Richford Motor Services, said: “The support from HSBC UK has enabled us to invest in key areas of our business, which will allow us to offer our customers in Derbyshire a quicker and more efficient vehicle recovery service whilst promoting our company growth.”
Chirag Makwana, relationship manager at HSBC UK, added: “Vehicles of all sizes play a key role in our lives. Supporting Richford Motor Services by enabling its expansion within Derbyshire will allow the business to continue offering reliable, consistent, and affordable vehicle breakdown support and repairs to customers of all sizes in the region.”
Car parts manufacturer to support SMEs with apprenticeship training
A car parts manufacturer with sites in Leicestershire and Derbyshire is reaching out to smaller organisations across the Midlands to help them with the cost of apprenticeship training and assessment.
Plastic Omnium is a family-led independent group that operates globally and has 137 production plants in 25 countries. In the UK the company mainly produces external car parts for Jaguar Land Rover.
The business engaged North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) to recruit its own apprentices in engineering, business administration and lean manufacturing. As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives, Plastic Omnium made the decision to share resources from its Apprenticeship Levy fund to help smaller businesses that may struggle to afford the cost of training for their apprentices.
Six SMEs across the Midlands that work in engineering, construction and materials handling are set to benefit from the Levy transfer process which enables businesses with a turnover of £3m or more to pass on 25 per cent of the value of their Apprenticeship Levy for use by other organisations.
Richard Haswell, UK HR director for Plastic Omnium, said: “Since its introduction, we have used our Apprenticeship Levy funds to train apprentices and upskill team leaders and shift leaders across our business. We are delighted to be able to assist small businesses across the Midlands to build a talented workforce of their own using Apprenticeship Levy funding to help them develop new recruits or upskill existing employees.
“The college has been instrumental in helping us to identify the beneficiaries of this scheme which operate in a range of industry sectors in Leicestershire, Derbyshire and elsewhere in the Midlands. Training for the apprentices will be provided by NWSLC and costs will be covered under our Levy contribution.
“Plastic Omnium takes its corporate social responsibility very seriously and we feel strongly about supporting smaller local businesses in the community to succeed through skills development in these challenging economic times.”
Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, principal and Chief Executive at NWSLC, said: “We welcome this move by Plastic Omnium to support smaller businesses by sharing their Levy funds. It is imperative that businesses do not lose the opportunity to spend the Levy on training an apprentice or upskilling their existing workforce.
“The Levy works on the basis of ‘use it or lose it’ and if it is not spent, that money is subsumed into general taxation, meaning that the workforce could miss out on opportunities to improve their careers and UK productivity targets will not be met.
“Anecdotally, we have heard Levy-payers say that they are not familiar with the process for spending their training budget. With the inside track as a Levy-payer ourselves, as well as being an apprenticeship training provider, NWSLC is in a great position to advise on the process, including showing levy-payers how to pass on their training funds to others.”
Firms join forces to create IT “supergroup”
Derbyshire firms LogicBarn and Invictus Communications are joining forces to create an IT “supergroup.” LogicBarn, which is a digital marketing, visual media, brand, IT and software development solutions agency, is partnering with Invictus, which is an IT, telecoms and energy provider. Invictus Communications’ team of technicians currently provide support to hundreds of clients across the country. It helps businesses get connected through technology, from phone systems to internet setup. In a statement, LogicBarn said: “Here at LogicBarn, we’re always looking for ways to improve the services we provide. “And we know that there’s no better way to do that than to work alongside other incredible businesses. “At LogicBarn, we know that people are not interested in confusing jargon. When it comes to their IT solutions, simplicity is the key. “By taking our own team of expert technicians and joining forces with Invictus Communications, we’re creating a genuine IT supergroup, ready to offer some truly world-leading technical support to businesses in Derbyshire and beyond. “We’re dedicated to providing businesses with the best possible IT solutions, no matter what their needs are, and there’s no-one we’d rather be working with to achieve that than Invictus Communications.”
Grimsby councillors sign off on Riverhead Square development
Plans drawn up by Arup Landscape Design to transform Riverhead Square in central Grimsby have been approved by councillors, providing the green light for work to start on site early next year.
The remodelled area is being funded as one of the projects included in the Town Deal, the money for which was secured in 2020 and is ringfenced for specific projects.
The new designs will incorporate a lot more green space and planting, as well as providing new seating, lighting, security and a flexible event space with improved infrastructure to support future events and activities. There is also space for outdoor café seating at the entrance to Freshney Place.
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “We’re really starting to press ahead with schemes on the ground now. This, along with our plans for the other end of Freshney Place that are now in the planning system, and our acquisition of Freshney Place itself, will really make a difference to how the town centre operates.
“It is vital for our whole borough that we look at Grimsby Town Centre with a real determination to attract families and people of all ages, so we can bring vibrancy back and make it a place where people want to visit at all times of the day.”
The approval means that some Town Deal money for the scheme will be released and allow it to progress, with work starting on site early next year.
Haulage Experts let Ilkeston warehouse
Haulage Experts Ltd has swooped for a warehouse at West Hallam Industrial Estate, West Hallam, Ilkeston.
Acting on behalf of private clients, Darran Severn of FHP Property Consultants has let the property for a period of 5 years.
Unit C provides 7,830ft2 of industrial/warehouse accommodation with 4 roller access level loading doors and a self-contained yard.
Haulage Experts Ltd already works closely with other businesses on the industrial estate, which is located approximately 7 miles north east of Derby and 10 miles west of Nottingham and covers 118 acres with some 106 buildings.
Darran Severn of FHP Property Consultants says: “I am delighted to have let Unit C at West Hallam Industrial Estate. This property underwent a comprehensive refurbishment over the summer and that resulted in us getting the unit let quickly.
“Further to this, we have three new build warehouse units on the estate that are of an equally good specification and all three will be available Q1 2023.”
Derbyshire bicycle manufacturer enters administration
Derbyshire-based bicycle manufacturer and retailer Stanton Bikes Limited has entered administration.
Dean Nelson and Nick Lee, PKF Smith Cooper’s business recovery and insolvency partners, were appointed joint administrators following a petition to the court by a creditor.
Trading of the business is being continued, under the supervision of the joint administrators, whilst a purchaser is sought for either the shares or the business and assets.
Dean Nelson, business recovery and insolvency partner at PKF Smith Cooper, said: “We will be providing creditors with relevant information regarding the administration process to allow them to participate in proceedings. We are currently dealing with all enquiries. We will strive to achieve the best outcome for everyone involved at this difficult time.”
Stanton Bikes Limited has developed both a national and international reputation in the biking industry for designing, manufacturing and selling hardtail and full suspension bicycle frames.
Administrators “optimistic” of securing a future for Joules
Will Wright, Ryan Grant and Chris Pole from Interpath Advisory were yesterday (16 November) appointed 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.
It comes after the Leicestershire lifestyle brand revealed its intention to appoint administrators earlier this week.
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 say 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.”
Rapid start as new Growth Hub manager sets out support for SMEs
The LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub’s new partnerships and Growth Hub manager has hit the ground running – signalling a new approach in how the service will engage with local small businesses.
Salma Manzoor made full use of her arrival in the role coinciding with the start of Leicester Business Festival, meeting small business owners by attending nine events in her first nine days.
She will maintain the momentum over coming weeks, with plans to meet representatives of district councils, small business organisations, financial institutions, and enterprise teams from the region’s three universities.
Salma said: “It was perfect timing to start the job just before the launch of Leicester Business Festival.
“It presented an ideal opportunity to get out and about and listen to small businesses speak about their aspirations, challenges and opportunities.”
Salma started with the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) on November 1 and is now actively working to deepen the Business Gateway Growth Hub’s network of SMEs across all sectors throughout Leicester and Leicestershire.
She will use her experience of business strategy and relationship-building to find new ways of showcasing the range of support available for SMEs throughout the city and county.
The Business Gateway Growth Hub helps small businesses obtain funding, provides business toolkits, training, and programmes of support in the city and county.
Trained solicitor and former practice owner Salma worked as key account manager for Invest in Leicester’s Inward Investment team prior to starting work with the LLEP.
She supported major direct investment in the region, working for Leicester City Council with partners including the Department of International Trade and Midlands Engine to support foreign-owned companies. This fostered innovation, supported expansion, won funding, and led to the creation and retention of jobs.
Salma has previously worked for both city and county councils on commercial property, working on complex developments and regeneration projects including Space Park Leicester, Pioneer Park, Haymarket Health Clinic, and New Market Square.
She also has experience of hosting events for De Montfort University Women’s Network from the Innovation Centre and Leicester Castle Business School.
Following the conclusion of Leicester Business Festival, Salma’s attention will switch to Leicestershire Innovation Festival 23 in February.
She added: “The Business Gateway Growth Hub is leading the working group planning the Innovation Festival and it’s going to be another great opportunity to promote our SMEs.
“Innovation can be ‘new to business’ changes that increase productivity and quality of organisations of any size.
“That means small businesses too – and we’ve got a strong Growth Hub team to celebrate that happening in SMEs here in Leicester and Leicestershire.”
Manager buys Leicester pharmacy
Aylestone Pharmacy, formerly known as Jhoots Pharmacy, in Aylestone, Leicester has been purchased by its previous manager, Shahid Shaikh.
Ideally located opposite a GP surgery, with two other doctors’ surgeries within half a mile, the pharmacy provides an essential service for its local community. The business has received praise from the residents for the friendly working relationships the staff have with patients.
After managing the business for four years, new owner, Shahid, purchased the business by obtaining help of commercial finance specialist, Christie Finance.
Following the purchase, the business has been rebranded as Aylestone Pharmacy and is run and managed by Shahid and his wife Zainab. Shahid intends on maintaining the store’s customer service and relationships with residents. There are also plans to improve efficiency and bring out the full potential of the business by offering additional services and products.
Shahid Shaikh says: “Being first-time buyers, we were quite nervous about the whole process and realised that we would need expert advice to find solutions for this project. It was always a dream to own the pharmacy, something that had been an ambition for many years.
“We finally had the opportunity to make it a reality. Having worked for Jhoots Pharmacy, I got to know the customers, so it felt very special to find a business that also felt like home. In the future, we plan to introduce new initiatives and services.”
David Ward, senior director at Christie Finance, says: “It’s really pleasing to be able to assist Shahid in purchasing the business which he has run as the manager for the past four years. He knows the pharmacy and the patients and is now able to expand the business and run it how he wants to run it.
“Half of our job is to arrange the finance. The other half is to help with issues that crop up in the legal process, which is precisely what happened here – but we were able to help resolve these and get the purchase over the line.”
Enrok secures project in affordable rent sector
Derbyshire-based Enrok Construction has been appointed as principal contractor to deliver a new housing project with Citizen, one of the UK’s most trusted social housing providers.
This latest contract win for Enrok, will see the construction of 19 traditionally constructed new build homes on Wellington Road in Handsworth, West Midlands, providing affordable rental accommodation for up to 72 residents. The development will comprise of four, one bed apartments, 11 two bed houses and four three bed homes. The new development comes in response to continued demand for affordable housing in the area.
Simon Bennett, MCIOB, operations director at Enrok, says: “As a result of our recent significant growth and a strategic re-alignment within the business, we are excited to be launching our first project in the affordable rental sector. We have significant in-house experience having delivered hundreds of units as individual team members over the last 15 years and I have no doubt as to the future success of the scheme.”
Citizen owns and manages 30,000 homes for diverse communities across the West Midlands, from urban tower blocks to rural villages and towns. It is passionate about its social purpose – providing homes that are a foundation for life.
Nick Byrne, executive director of development at Citizen Housing, added: “We are pleased to be working with Enrok Construction on this 19 home development in Handsworth. The scheme is 100 percent affordable which means it will help with the demand for affordable housing in the area.
“At Citizen we want to provide good quality, affordable homes and we have partnered with Enrok who share our values as an organisation. We are looking forward to seeing the scheme develop over the next year.”
The project is anticipated to take 12 months, with work expected to start on site in December 2022 and completion expected in late 2023.
Global Brands to expand distribution centre in £2m development
Global Brands, the independent drinks company and distributor, are increasing their distribution capabilities with significant expansion to their warehouse facilities in Clay Cross, Derbyshire.
The current Global Brands Distribution Centre has 152,000 sq ft of warehouse space, employing 80 members of staff. This expansion will increase the warehouse size to 180,800 sq ft, and add 30 members of staff to the production and distribution line at the facilities. The expansion will increase total storage capabilities at the warehouse from 30 million to 40 million bottles, across 17,000 pallets.
Following extensive groundworks, the steel frame is being erected over the next two months, and a concrete slab base will then be poured and set. Works for the 28,800 sq ft extension will conclude in January 2023.
The expansion follows a sustained increase in demand versus 2019 (the last year of undisrupted trading) for the company’s portfolio of drinks brands, including VK, Hooch, Franklin & Sons, All Shook Up, Shake Baby Shake, Beviamo, Kick Energy, Lustre, and Amigos Tequila Beer.
Steve Perez, founder and chairman at Global Brands, said: “I’m thrilled to announce the expansion of our distribution facilities in Clay Cross, following a sustained increase in demand nationally and huge demand internationally for our key growth brands like Franklin & Sons. The new extension will support our growing operations with additional storage and increased distribution capabilities.
“This is just the first phase in work to continue increasing capabilities at the site over the next two years. We plan to continue investing in our Global Brands Distribution Centre to the point where we can eventually hold one product for every person in the UK.”
Alongside the current construction, Global Brands has recently purchased an adjacent piece of land for further investment into the area and facilities. The acquisition was brokered by BRM Solicitors.
Adrian Sheehan executive director at BRM Solicitors, said: “It is always rewarding to advise on a deal which will bring further development opportunities and employment to the region.
“BRM are proud to stand to shoulder to shoulder with this long-standing client and Chesterfield success story.
“It is great to see Global Brands go from strength to strength and highlights a commitment to Chesterfield.
“The Real Estate team at BRM are delighted to advise Steve and the team at Global, who are always driven and enthusiastic to get deals done quickly and efficiently.”
Steve Perez adds: “BRM have advised Global Brands for the past 35 years, from when the business was just a one-man band, through to becoming one of the largest employers in the area. This is a credit to the expertise that BRM and Adrian Sheehan offer and cater to a variety of business needs.”
