LLEP reaffirms support for partners as region moves towards next stage of County Deal negotiations

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LLEP reaffirms support for partners as region moves towards next stage of County Deal negotiations

Interim chair Andy Reed OBE has reiterated LLEP support for local partners as they move forward in negotiations with Government over a proposed County Deal for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

The LLEP will continue to work closely with the local authorities as they reach the best settlement for the local economy during talks over a potential Level 2 deal.

Leicestershire was one of nine areas to be invited to bid for a County Deal when the Government published its Levelling Up White Paper in February.

The extent of powers and funding to be devolved under County Deals will be pegged at one of three levels depending upon local circumstances – with Level 3 representing the greatest devolution of responsibilities.

Government requires Level 3 bids to have what it terms a Functional Economic Area. In the LLEP area this would have meant both Leicester and Leicestershire councils, with the possible addition of Rutland, operating under a single regional Mayor.

The first stage of negotiations with Government has concluded without agreement being reached for a Level 3 bid. Further negotiations will now take place over a proposed Level 2 agreement based on a non-mayoral combined authority in which Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s three upper-tier councils work together on regional projects.

Leicestershire County Council leader Nick Rushton last week told councillors that the county council would continue working with all partners, including the LLEP.

Andy Reed OBE, interim chair of the LLEP Board, said: “We must accept the situation and that the region at least has the opportunity of bidding for a Level 2 Deal. As such, the LLEP will continue to work closely with partners including county, city and district councils to reach the best agreement for our local economy.”

The Levelling Up White Paper suggested that the future role of LEPs may change under County Deals. For example, existing LEP powers over spending on local infrastructure, such as large transport and building projects, could potentially be devolved to local authorities under the terms of a County Deal.

Government has stressed that LEPs will continue to play an important role. This could include serving as a business voice, managing skills and apprenticeships, or running growth hubs to increase productivity among small businesses. The LLEP has already committed to supporting Government as it introduces its Levelling Up agenda.

Meanwhile, the Government’s £2.6billion UK Shared Prosperity Fund launched in April and will start accepting its first funding submissions in June. It replaces EU structural funds and is designed to devolve funding to local authorities to invest in communities, local business, and people and skills.

Much investment in these areas has been delivered by the LLEP over the last decade and it is now in discussions with partners as they work together to achieve the ambitions of the 12 Missions set out in the Levelling Up White Paper.

Mr Reed said: “As we await further clarity on County Deal, we will continue working with partners to invest funding in infrastructure and projects as we make our area more innovative, sustainable and inclusive.

“We will also continue working hard to ensure the voice of business is heard locally and nationally and that its opinions and ideas help shape what a good deal would look like for the Leicestershire economy.”

Mr Reed said the LLEP remains focussed on supporting the best deal possible for local business and on integrating any future County Deal with minimum disruption for services.

“There is still a long way to go with the County Deal process and final details will be months and years down the line,” he added.

“In the meantime, we are very aware of the extremely difficult economic climate residents and businesses face in the immediate future.

“Both the LLEP and the Business Gateway Growth Hub will continue doing all within their powers to support people and businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire through the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Commercial office fit-out specialists expand team

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Commercial office fit-out specialists expand team

Workplace consultants and commercial office fit-out specialists, Blueprint Interiors has expanded its team following the appointment of Kate Bennett as a project designer and Martyna Paluszkiewicz as pre-construction manager.

Kate joins an all-female design team that collectively has over 55 years of experience and degrees from three top class design universities. In her new role, Kate will be responsible for discussing and defining design briefs, space planning and specifying materials. She will then translate these ideas into visual concepts for presentation to clients for approval.

Martyna has a background in commercial fit out and joinery and will be responsible for overseeing projects from the briefing stage, right through to completion. She will ensure the scope of work is defined accurately and transfers to post contract stage, ensuring it runs smoothly and the highest quality fit-out standards are achieved.

Commenting on her appointment, Martyna said: “WorkLife Central is an amazing place to work with a friendly atmosphere and great people. From day one I have felt like part of the team and I am looking forward to making a positive contribution to the company in order to ensure our clients’ offices meet their business objectives and the design brief.”

Kate added: “I have worked across most industry sectors and so I have a wide variety of transferrable skills and experience which I’m almost certain I will be able to bring to my new role. Our ‘people first’ approach starts within our great office in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, and I can’t wait to advise other employers how they can benefit from this ethos.  By involving us during the feasibility stages of their decision we can help to ensure their space meets the needs of their people.”

East Midlands start-up businesses drop as economy bites deeper

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East Midlands start-up businesses drop as economy bites deeper

The number of new businesses set up in the East Midlands has fallen to its lowest point this year, as record levels of inflation and other key economic stressors start to impact on post-pandemic recovery.

Latest research from the Midlands branch of national insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 shows that there were 2,199 start-ups in the East Midlands in April, an 18% decrease on the March figure of 2,675, and 3% below the 2,257 statistic for February.

R3’s research, which is based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe, highlights the effect that the current climate of spiralling inflation, a contracting economy and decreasing consumer confidence is having on the region’s entrepreneurs.

R3 Midlands chair Eddie Williams, partner at PwC in the region, said: “The statistics have revealed that, during the first quarter of 2022, there was an overall increase in start-ups in the East Midlands, many of which were led by individuals who were furloughed or made redundant during the pandemic and who used the lockdowns as a springboard to venture out on their own.

“However, with news that prices are now rising at their fastest rate for 40 years and that UK inflation jumped by 7% between March and April, it appears that the region’s entrepreneurial spirit has been significantly dampened.

“With the global, national and local economies facing enormous challenge, the majority of start-ups are having to fight hard to survive and grow, particularly as they set up and bed in new operating controls and procedures as well as establish and build relationships with suppliers, customers, employees and other stakeholders.

“For those new businesses whose directors may be worried about its situation, the sooner professional advice is sought, the more opportunities may be available to support a company’s survival and future success. Many R3 members offer a free consultation to those who are looking for such help and want to explore their options.”

MHR supports The Queen’s Green Canopy amid ongoing sustainability drive

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MHR supports The Queen’s Green Canopy amid ongoing sustainability drive

John Mills, president and founder of MHR International, the HR, payroll, finance, and learning expert, has marked the company’s celebrations of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by planting a new tree in the grounds of MHR’s headquarters as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy, a national initiative inviting people to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’.

The new hornbeam tree has been planted among 107 other mature hornbeam trees at MHR’s Ruddington Hall HQ in Nottinghamshire, which all sit in a 19-acre section of the grounds now named the ‘Queen’s Green Canopy Garden’ in honour of the occasion. The Jubilee tree planting not only celebrates the landmark anniversary, but also forms part of MHR’s continued commitment to sustainability, having been listed among the top 500 most sustainable companies in the Midlands.

This latest initiative forms part of MHR’s ongoing investment in both conservational and environmental maintenance, having undertaken significant work to protect and preserve its headquarters at Ruddington Hall and the surrounding grounds, where it has planted a large number of trees over the years, as well as those at its new office campus, a six-acre site on Mere Way at the Ruddington Business Park.

The development of MHR’s offices also reinforces the UN Sustainable Development Goals, built with an ethos of supporting local trade and businesses, whether for maintenance, decoration, or refurbishment.

John Mills, president and founder of MHR, who holds a Royal Warrant for Supply of Payroll and HR Systems to Her Majesty The Queen, said: “At MHR we are very proud to play a small role in commemorating The Queen’s 70-year long reign and decades of remarkable devotion to a life of service to the nation.

“The Queen’s Green Canopy is a wonderful initiative, and we wanted to create a lasting and physical memory of this special occasion  by dedicating a garden to The Queen in the grounds of Ruddington Hall. The planting of the 108th tree will stand proud alongside the many others we’re fortunate to have surrounding us.

“While we take pride in maintaining the MHR grounds, we also take this out into the local community too, making sure our younger generations can also enjoy green spaces. Supported by a team of colleagues, we recently helped to restore the Loughborough-based Rainbows Children Hospice’s Eco Garden at the end of 2021.

“The project has created a tranquil space in which over 300 children and young people cared for and supported by Rainbows, as well as their families, can reflect, recharge, and enjoy. We’ll soon be undertaking another great project for the hospice by painting the fence in the Remembrance Garden.

“We do this every year as part of a continuous relationship to maintain the space for the families that use it, and we’ll be back again this September. I’m pleased we can give something back for future generations by supporting these types of sustainable legacies,” added Mr Mills.

The Queen’s Green Canopy is a unique tree-planting initiative created specifically to commemorate The Queen’s 70-year reign. Everyone from individuals to community organisations, schools, and businesses, is invited to plant a tree, creating a legacy in honour of The Queen’s leadership over seven decades and to benefit future generations.

Blaby District Council’s Garden Village ambitions receive funding boost

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Blaby District Council’s Garden Village ambitions receive funding boost
A further £135,000 in Central Government funding has been received to help Blaby District Council continue its ambitious plans for a potential future Garden Village site. Set against the challenge for local authorities to provide large numbers of additional new homes in the coming decades, the Council says it has worked proactively to carry out its responsibility of planning for this need. Whetstone Pastures, a proposed development in the south-east of the district, was one of only 19 local authorities to be awarded Garden Village status in 2019 by the then Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, now Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The Council has previously received £300,000 of capacity funding since this status was awarded in 2019. Garden Villages are a Government initiative for proposed developments of between 1,500 and 10,000 homes. The status ensures that any site has a mixture of housing, housing types, green spaces, employment opportunities, and social infrastructure, all delivered with strong local vision and engagement, with the aim of creating sustainable, vibrant, diverse and, importantly, affordable communities. The Council has now been given a further £135,000 for the next stage of this pro-active growth of the district to ensure that larger-scale, sustainable development sites are utilised to be the home of future district residents and to help prevent existing communities losing their sense of identity. This capacity funding will be used for specialists advising the Council on matters including master planning, urban design, and viability. Blaby District Council considers it vital that developments like this are shaped to include those things deemed to be essential for a sustainable and future proofed true Garden Village Community. The funding will also boost resource within the Council’s Planning Department, helping to ensure that whilst the development if approved is still many years away, Blaby District Council are able to input into the proposal at the earliest possible stage. It is important to note that the site does not benefit from planning permission, nor does it have any planning status in terms of an allocation in the Council’s Local Plan. Any proposals must go through the planning application process before receiving any permission. Councillor Terry Richardson, leader of Blaby District Council, said: “This Government funding is something all residents should be delighted with. “We have to keep making sure that the homes we need to build are placed in sustainable communities. If we don’t do this our only other choice is to add on large numbers of houses to existing villages. “If permission for this proposed Garden Village is given, we can work hard to plan and take control of how new communities look. Our track record with New Lubbesthorpe proves this is something we are excellent at doing. “We are confident that Blaby District Council can and will deliver and, in turn, protect our existing towns and villages.”

Council creates new hope for derelict grammar school with plans for mixed-use development

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Council creates new hope for derelict grammar school with plans for mixed-use development
Amber Valley Borough Council has taken ownership of the former Heanor Grammar School and has commenced with developing proposals for returning the building to its former glory. The council has acquired the site in support of its Future High Streets project, which has secured £8.6m of Government funding, as part of an overall £17.8m town centre regeneration programme. The future of the former school, in Mundy Street, Heanor, which was previously owned by Derby firm Vale Property Limited, has been a subject of discussion for a number of years, with local residents growing increasingly concerned as the building visibly deteriorated. Having now secured the Grade II-listed building for redevelopment, Amber Valley Borough Council now plans to see it restored and repurposed as a mixed-use development, with some work and business space, as well as community facilities for local residents to use. The council has moved quickly to appoint an architect who is experienced in sensitive historic buildings and has commenced the process to appoint the principal contractor to move the project forward quickly due to tight deadlines. Councillor Tony Harper, Amber Valley’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “It is with huge pleasure that we are able to announce the acquisition of the former grammar school site. “I’m also pleased that we’ve been able to hit the ground running, by appointing the architect and commencing the procurement of the principal contractor, so that we can meet what are very challenging deadlines. “The council is fully aware of how important the building is to the local community and also Heanor’s heritage, and we will now be in a position to preserve and re-purpose it for future generations.” Relevant partners and members of the community will be invited to help shape the overall development through a planned consultation process. Previous plans by the former owner to turn the listed building into 24 apartments, with a further nine apartments in the former science block and 19 homes in the school grounds, were turned down in 2018. Heanor Grammar School operated at the site from 1912 until 1976, at which point it became an annex of South East Derbyshire College before being taken over by Derby College in 2010.

Garden Communities schemes to get funding injection in North Northamptonshire

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Garden Communities schemes to get funding injection in North Northamptonshire
A funding injection for new Garden Communities which will put green, wildlife friendly spaces at the heart of new development has been welcomed by North Northamptonshire Council. The Government has announced that the Council will receive money to take forward projects in support of Hanwood Park in Kettering, and Stanton Cross in Wellingborough. Both projects will deliver footpath/cycleway infrastructure, integrating these new communities into routes that follow the Ise Valley Way, receiving £200,000, and the Nene Greenway receiving £241,000. Tresham Garden Village is another new Garden Community receiving funding support from the Government in its planning. The development of the garden communities is key to regenerating local areas by providing housing and creating job opportunities. The programme provides support to progress long-term major housing projects from their earliest stages. It enables local authorities to recruit specialist staff, undertake the required planning and receive advice and support from the housing delivery body, Homes England. The announcement builds on plans in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to put beauty and nature at the heart of new development design, with the introduction of mandatory design codes, which will make sure developers respect styles drawn up and favoured locally – from the layout or materials used, to how it provides green space. Cllr Jason Smithers, leader of the Council, said: “This is fantastic news for North Northamptonshire and is a terrific boost for us to be able to provide the homes and jobs which are necessary to allow growth and prosperity to thrive in our communities. “We want North Northants to prosper and flourish and be an area that creates great opportunities for our residents, while at the same time being mindful of our environment. Garden Communities are an innovative way of managing long term growth and I’m delighted to see these projects moving forward.” Cllr David Brackenbury, the Council’s executive member for growth and regeneration, said: “It is a huge undertaking for the Council to plan and manage these projects to deliver the high-quality development and infrastructure that our communities rightfully expect. The funding from the Government recognises this. “This is exciting news for North Northamptonshire as the Garden Communities offer a positive vision for how development can take place in a sustainable way that respects the existing communities and environment.”

Plans submitted for Health & Wellbeing Hub

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Plans submitted for Health & Wellbeing Hub
Architects working on behalf of Bassetlaw District Council have submitted a planning application to develop a vacant site owned by the Council on Newgate Street into a Health and Wellbeing Hub. Located next to Newgate Medical Practice, the proposed development would be built by Bassetlaw District Council and leased to the NHS. Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, Cllr Simon Greaves, said: “We are working in partnership with the NHS and Newgate Medical Practice to bring forward a vacant site and deliver a new Health and Wellbeing Hub that will benefit residents and patients across the area. A great deal of work has taken place to get us to the current stage. “The submission of the planning application is an important milestone and highlights the ambition of the Council and our NHS partners. The development is still subject to planning permission and NHS funding, but I am hopeful that we could see works begin over the next year.” A spokesperson for Bassetlaw CCG said: “NHS Bassetlaw continues to work in close collaboration with Bassetlaw District Council and Newgate Medical Group to support the development of a high quality Health and Wellbeing Hub adjacent to the current site of the Newgate Medical Practice. “A business case is being developed which seeks to attract several million pounds of NHS investment and, if successful, would mean the commencement of work within the next 12 months.”

Half of firms now more likely to invest in carbon reduction measures

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Half of firms now more likely to invest in carbon reduction measures
New data from the Institute of Directors shows that, as a result of rising energy costs, half of businesses are now more likely to invest in carbon reduction measures.
In a survey of nearly 600 business leaders, 16% also agreed that rising energy costs would make them more likely to invest in carbon reduction measures in the short term, 28% in the medium term and 22% in the long term. Alex (Alexandra) Hall-Chen, senior policy advisor at the Institute of Directors, said: “With rocketing energy prices, many businesses are increasingly looking at investing in carbon reduction measures to ensure that they are more resilient to the impacts of energy price volatility in the short, medium and longer term. “However, businesses also need clear signals from government to encourage long-term planning to move towards net zero. That is why we have called on government to introduce a lower corporation tax rate for companies that achieve net zero.” In its recent policy paper, ‘The Green Incentive: how to put net zero at the heart of business planning’, the IoD has put forward proposals to provide businesses, and particularly SMEs, with an effective incentive to play their part in decarbonising the economy.

Frasers Group sells pair of US businesses

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Frasers Group sells pair of US businesses
Frasers Group has disposed of its US retail businesses trading as Bobs Stores and Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS). The businesses have been sold for a cash consideration of $70m to GoDigital Media Group (GDMG). Frasers Group says the funds will go into its general working capital pool. In a statement, Frasers Group said: “The board of FG is grateful to staff in Bobs and EMS for their loyal service and wishes these businesses every success for the future.”

DCJ Group swoops for fellow Chesterfield business

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DCJ Group swoops for fellow Chesterfield business
DCJ Group, which is part of Global Risk Partners, has acquired SM Commercial Insurance Brokers Ltd (SM Commercial). SM Commercial was founded in 2006 and, like DCJ, is based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The deal is the third acquisition for DCJ since it became part of GRP in 2018. Steve Higgins, founder and Managing Director, will remain with the business under new ownership along with all the employees. Chris Breeze, Chief Executive of DCJ, said: “SM Commercial is a highly respected community broker with a reputation for high quality client servicing. I’m looking forward to working alongside Steve and his team to help them take the business to the next stage of its development.” Chris said that DCJ has an appetite for further acquisitions. “I am keen to talk to vendors who want more from their business and are keen to build out their footprint. DCJ is fully aligned to vendors who want to do more with their businesses, and, alongside our parent GRP, we create the best possible conditions for brokers to thrive and prosper.” Steve Higgins said: “Everyone at SM Commercial is excited by the prospect of being part of a bigger family and I’m excited by the opportunity to make a step change in the scale of our ambitions for the future. “As part of DCJ, with the extra leverage provided by being part of GRP, we will be in a great position to support our clients as the economy emerges from the pandemic.”

Derby City Council’s iHub set to house Rolls-Royce Submarines’ Nuclear Skills Academy

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Derby City Council’s iHub set to house Rolls-Royce Submarines’ Nuclear Skills Academy
Rolls-Royce Submarines recently announced plans to open a new academy dedicated to nuclear training within Derby. The academy forms part of Rolls-Royce Submarines’ plans to boost nuclear capability in the UK and create a pipeline for nurturing talent. In partnership with the University of Derby, the site will create 200 new apprenticeships every year for at least the next 10 years. The academy is set to open in September 2022. It has been revealed that the Council’s iHub – managed by Connect Derby – will become the home of the new academy, taking centre-stage at the manufacturing-focused innovation and technology site, Infinity Park. Councillor Chris Poulter, leader of Derby City Council, said: “The creation of this Skills Academy is a really exciting opportunity for Derby. We have already firmly cemented our name as world leaders in innovation and technology, and with the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC) and University of Sheffield, the National College for Nuclear, and the University of Derby all supporting this project, we’re poised for success once more. “It’s so important that we grow and nurture talent in Derby, and with 2000 apprenticeships set to be created over the next 10 years, we’re delighted to be facilitating such a significant project through the use of our iHub.” Steve Carlier, president – submarines, Rolls-Royce, said: “We are fortunate enough to have some of the smartest minds on the planet working for us and the iHub is the perfect place to nurture and develop the nuclear experts of tomorrow. “Being born and bred in Derby, I am immensely proud that we are playing our part in further boosting the area’s reputation for engineering excellence. The UK is embarking on a nuclear renaissance and we are determined to make the East Midlands the home of nuclear expertise for decades to come.” Professor Kathryn Mitchel CBE DL, vice-chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “At Derby, we understand the importance of ensuring we have the next generation of graduates ready to meet the region’s skills needs, so to be playing a key role in the creation of a Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby is incredibly exciting. “Through this collaboration with Rolls-Royce, Derby City Council, the National College for Nuclear and the NAMRC, we can further enhance Derby’s international reputation as a centre for industrial innovation and keep the city at the cutting edge of engineering and manufacturing, providing some of the most exciting and globally significant developments as we drive the recovery and future prosperity of our city and region.” Led by the University of Derby, the new apprenticeships will be spread across four courses: Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, Business Degree Apprenticeship, Nuclear Engineering Technician Apprenticeship and Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship. For 60 years, Rolls-Royce has provided the power for all of the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines from its base in Raynesway, Derby. Their work ensures submariners have the power to protect the UK’s interests at home and further afield and the new Nuclear Skills Academy will maintain that capability long into the future. Applications for the September 2022 start are open until Friday 27 May.

RammSanderson snaps up sponsor spot at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022

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RammSanderson snaps up sponsor spot at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
RammSanderson has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, supporting the Contractor of the Year category. Speaking to Business Link, Oliver Ramm, director at RammSanderson, said: “As ecology, arboriculture, and flood risk consultants, providing services to a wide range of public and private sector clients across all scales of developments, RammSanderson are thrilled to be sponsoring the East Midlands Bricks Awards for the first time in 2022, backing Contractor of the Year. “We were eager to get involved in such a prestigious event that has become a highlight on the business calendar and can’t wait to recognise and connect with the best firms in the region, hearing how nominees have gone above and beyond to deliver projects. “The team at RammSanderson are looking forward to attending the awards and networking event in September, celebrating with the winners, and networking with property and construction professionals from across the region.” The awards, which will take place on Thursday 15 September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. Nominations are now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards. To submit a business or development, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include: The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 will also be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
Find out who last year’s winners were here.

Book your tickets now

Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on 15 September 2022 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge County Cricket Club from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker, as well as award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking. Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:                                      

To be held at:

Nottingham’s Power Park industrial and logistics scheme takes shape following close of £53.8m deal

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Nottingham’s Power Park industrial and logistics scheme takes shape following close of £53.8m deal

Construction has begun on site at the landmark 28-acre Power Park scheme in Nottingham – formerly known as New Horizon – following the close of a £53.8m forward funding deal between property developer HBD and Oxenwood Real Estate.

Power Park will see the delivery of seven buildings up to 145,000 sq ft, all developed on a speculative basis, providing a total of 426,000 sq ft of industrial and logistics space.

Sustainability has been a key focus throughout, with HBD opting to repurpose or recycle over 90% of the material from the original structure. Concrete from the old factory will also be crushed and re-used by contractor Bowmer & Kirkland during the construction works, limiting the scheme’s environmental impact. The new units will each meet a BREEAM sustainability rating of Very Good.

The development is expected to complete in Spring 2023.

Justin Sheldon, director and head of region at HBD, said: “It’s fantastic to see Power Park beginning to take shape – it is a high-quality, sustainable development that will attract new business and investment into the city and could create as many as 1,000 new jobs at Thane Road.”

Jeremy Bishop, co-founder of Oxenwood, said: “Power Park is a very well located logistics development and we are delighted that construction has now commenced – the unit sizes and specification are designed to address the strong supply-demand dynamics in the Nottingham area.”

The forward funding agreement is with Oxenwood Logistics Fund 1 SLP, a discretionary fund managed by Oxenwood Real Estate.

Space Park Leicester invites businesses to free manufacturing and technology workshops

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Space Park Leicester invites businesses to free manufacturing and technology workshops

Leicestershire SMEs are invited to expand their knowledge on additive manufacturing techniques and 3D printing in a series of free workshops taking place at Space Park Leicester.

Delivered by top academics from the University of Leicester’s STAR Accelerator programme, the best practice workshops are open to SMEs that are interested in finding out how to deliver new and innovative products, components and tooling to help “build a better world for tomorrow.”

Businesses interested in attending can sign-up to one of seven two-day workshops, with the first one taking place on July 6 and 7.

Vinay Patel, head of Space Technology Applications from Research (STAR) Accelerator & commercial manager, Space Park Leicester said: “On this course, you’ll gain an advanced introduction to additive manufacturing techniques and hands-on experience of 3D printing, with opportunities to explore materials and see how the equipment works.

“The course is aimed at Leicestershire-based SMEs from all sectors that may need help refining their product and planning development & manufacturing stages.”

He added: “The course aims to help businesses deliver new and innovative products, components and tooling across all sectors to help build a better world for tomorrow.”

Other dates available include: July 26 and 27, August 30 and 31, October 4 and 5, October 25 and 26, November 29 and 30, and January 17 and 18.

The workshops will cover a range of different topics including:

  • Main principles and benefits of Additive Manufacturing in polymers, metals, ceramics, composites and wax
  • Complete Additive Manufacturing workflow from design to manufacture
  • Technologies and their applications
  • Understanding of materials
  • Design rules for Additive Manufacturing
  • Finishing, inspection and quality assurance
  • Standards and product certification
  • Cost factors and equipment selection
  • The future of Additive Manufacturing.

The STAR Accelerator is funded by the University of Leicester and the European Regional Development Fund.

It provides the opportunity to work with space and engineering experts at the University of Leicester to accelerate the design, development, validation, and testing of a new product, prototype or demonstrator or tooling using state-of-the-art knowledge, design and manufacturing capabilities and facilities.

This includes:

·         Computer Aided Design

·         Precision Machining and Measurement

·         3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing) in metals, composites and wax

·         Prototype Build, Electronic Prototype Design or Build, Prototype Sensor Design or Build, Testing and Fault Finding.

Woodward Group bolsters team with ten spring hires

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Woodward Group bolsters team with ten spring hires

Burton-based mechanical and electrical contractors Woodward Group has added ten new faces to its team this spring, including four senior hires, to meet growing demand for its services in the region.

The new roles follow several project and client wins in the first half of the year for Woodward Group, a second-generation family business that provides electrical, fire, security, building and compliance services for commercial and industrial businesses nationwide.

James Butler joins as fire and security manager and will utilise his wealth of expertise to spearhead Woodward Group’s fire and security division and help develop the talented apprentices within the team.

Engineering veteran Andrew Ramsay also joins the senior team as mechanical engineering manager, where he will use his 30 years’ experience in the mechanical and electrical sector to help the company’s customers to diagnose and solve their problems with process improvements.

Process specialist Mike Woolley is appointed as projects manager to oversee operations of the company’s larger-scale project sites, while Sudhir Sehdeva joins as purchasing manager to lead supply chain initiatives and ensure seamless business delivery for the team.

Aden Woodward, Managing Director of Woodward Group, said: “Woodward Group has seen sustained growth in new client and project wins in the first half of 2022, particularly as our service offering continues to grow.

“Reflecting our commitment to organic growth – and to recruiting only top-level talent – James, Andrew, Mike and Sudhir’s appointments represent significant additions to our expanding team. It’s been a privilege to welcome ten new recruits to Woodward Group this spring and to see the team flourish.”

Other recent new hires for Woodward Group include Claire Miller, who joins the team as accounts administrator, Michael Grey as office administrator, Chris Staunton as fire and security engineer, Morgan Atkin as an electrician, Marcus Harding as an approved electrician, and Jack Morley as an apprentice.

ilke Homes and Man GPM partner to deliver 146 homes in Wellingborough

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ilke Homes and Man GPM partner to deliver 146 homes in Wellingborough
Modular housing builder ilke Homes and Man GPM, Man Group’s private markets investment business, have partnered to acquire an eight-acre site in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire from master developer Northants LLP, who were advised by their agents, Knight Frank. The site will deliver 146 multi-tenure single family homes including rental options. The range of accommodation will include four 4-bedroom homes, 59 3-bedroom homes, 67 2-bedroom homes, and 16 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. The homes will be manufactured offsite at ilke Homes’ 250,000 sq ft factory in Knaresborough, Yorkshire, before being delivered to Glenvale Park. Man GPM’s Community Housing strategy seeks to achieve the dual objectives of providing both social and financial returns, addressing the housing crisis in the UK by building homes that are affordable to households. The strategy invests and develops both rental and ownership homes, with a focus on addressing the housing challenges of ‘squeezed middle-income’ families who do not qualify for social housing and who are priced out of the housing market. Of the 146 homes being delivered, 101 will be made available at affordable rent levels and 45 for shared ownership, with the aim of improving access to high-quality housing for essential workers and middle-income families. Residents will benefit from a significant amount of local amenity which is being delivered as part of Glenvale Park’s wider masterplan. This includes a local centre with extensive retail and leisure amenities; two new primary schools; a community hub with a community centre, nursery, public square and family play park; a 25,000 sqm business park providing 3,000 new jobs; and 200 acres of parkland. The announcement marks the second partnership scheme between Man GPM and ilke Homes, following a £31 million deal to deliver a 227-home scheme in Grantham, Lincolnshire, announced in December 2020. Tom Heathcote, executive director of development at Ilke Homes, said: “ilke Homes is increasingly becoming a partner of choice for institutions looking to increase their exposure to the housing market. Our accredited modular methods of delivery will ensure that the scheme will align with Man GPM’s own, stringent ESG criteria, while also providing much-needed, energy-efficient homes for the local community. “We look forward to working with both local planning officials and other stakeholders to finalise plans for what will be a well-designed sustainable development, in keeping the wider Glenvale Park urban extension.” Shamez Alibhai, head of community housing and Managing Director at Man GPM, said: “We are delighted to be delivering a high-quality modern development which will make a positive contribution to easing local affordable housing shortages. “The scale of the housing shortfall across the UK requires innovative solutions, with consideration for social and environmental outcomes, to create high quality, sustainable communities. By partnering with ilke Homes to deliver modular housing at Glenvale Park we are not only building affordable homes but doing so in a way that underlines our commitment to sustainable and energy-efficient projects.” Jack Hutchinson, an associate in the residential investment team at Knight Frank, said: “We have witnessed a rapid acceleration in the volume of capital looking to enter the suburban build to rent market over recent months. There are currently around 2.3 million privately renting households living in the UK, and 60% of those rent houses instead of flats. Demand from renters for professionally managed family housing is growing significantly, so we’re delighted to broker this deal between Northants, Ilke Homes and Man GPM .” Mark Best, director of Northants LLP, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ilke Homes and Man GPM to Glenvale Park. These homes will bring an exciting new offering to the development, with Ilke’s pioneering and highly sustainable modular properties delivering professionally-managed family homes for rent within our growing community.”

Refurbishment sees respite service open in Worksop

Tess Egginton
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Refurbishment sees respite service open in Worksop
Rayner Davies Architects have completed the refurbishment of Whitegates in Worksop on behalf of Autism East Midlands. The £1million development on Sparken Hill has been created by the charity specifically to provide short-term accommodation. The service will run year-round to provide autistic individuals with specialist support, whilst providing their families and carers with a break. The building has been carefully transformed to create six self-contained apartments, each with its own lounge area, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. While staying there, individuals will also have access to a shared outdoor gym and to the extensive grounds that surround the house. Originally built in 1898, Whitegates was a large villa designed by Flockton, Gibbs & Flockton of Sheffield for Arthur Staniforth Esq, a local stockbroker. The building has been thoroughly modernised with many of the original features retained and restored. Vaughandale Construction of Mansfield undertook the work.

Acorn Analytical Services appoints new director

Tess Egginton
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Acorn Analytical Services appoints new director
A Northampton-based asbestos management company has appointed a significant new hire for the business. Acorn Analytical Services has announced Sam Savage as its new commercial director. Sam joins the business from an asbestos consultancy in Daventry where he worked for more than 20 years, working his way up from a trainee right through to contracts director and then commercial director. In his new role with Acorn Analytical Services, Sam will looking after the sales function of the business as well as managing the day-to-day client care. The appointment can be regarded as a bit of a reunion with Sam having worked with fellow directors Neil Munro, Paul Knights and Ian Stone more than ten years ago. Sam said: “I am absolutely delighted to be starting a new position as the commercial director at Acorn Analytical Services and working with Ian, Paul and Neil again. “Acorn is a fantastically successful business with ambitions to grow further in the coming months and years. I can’t wait to get started and work with the team to realise those ambitions through managing the whole commercial aspect of the business and getting to know our clients and their needs well.” “We have known about Sam joining the business for some time now and is great to finally get this piece of news out there,” said Neil Munro. “We are very much looking forward to working with him again and seeing where we can take Acorn with Sam on board driving the commercial side of the business.” Ian Stone added: “Sam is a fantastic hire for Acorn and we are genuinely excited to have him on board. “With his 20+ years of experience in the asbestos industry, he will be a real asset to the company. Add to that, that we have previously experience of working with Sam, we know he will fit right in with the team and our clients. “We can’t wait to see what he can bring to the company in his new role as commercial director.”

Intoware appoints new marketing manager for future growth

Tess Egginton
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Intoware appoints new marketing manager for future growth
Nottingham-based digital workflow firm Intoware has appointed a new marketing manager to support the next phase of its growth. Elenor Gordon joins from Ochiba Business Solutions, an SAP Business One reseller, where she was marketing manager for seven years. In her new role, Elenor Gordon will lead Intoware’s marketing and brand activities as it continues to expand its global client base, reseller partnerships and develops its digital work-instruction platform, WorkfloPlus that empowers the frontline workforce through ‘connected working’. Elenor Gordon brings to the role more than 25 years of delivering strategic marketing campaigns for businesses, of which 14 years were working within the technology and software industries using her creative skills to deliver business growth. At Ochiba Business Solutions she was responsible for targeting various markets including manufacturing, marine, energy, construction and aerospace. Her career began at Kingston Business Communications Ltd, where she split her time between the IT and marketing departments. It was there that she realised the importance of technology for operating successful marketing operations and the value of bringing a logical approach to problem solving that she has used throughout her career. Intoware’s Chief Executive Officer, Keith Tilley, said: “We are delighted that Elenor is joining us at this time of rapid growth. The business landscape has changed dramatically since the pandemic, we have seen significant growth as businesses have accelerated their adoption of smart digital workflows to deliver more agile and cost-efficient industrial operations. Elenor’s experience and marketing knowledge will no doubt cement our market position and help maximise new opportunities.” Elenor Gordon added: “Intoware has led the way in digital workflow innovation, opening up new markets by helping clients to reap the benefits of digital connected working. I’m pleased to be joining Intoware at this time, it already has an impressive client list and great reputation, so I’m looking forward to building its brand through a powerful mix of both the analytical and creative sides of marketing.”
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