LDC exits investment in Littlefish
Mid-market private equity firm LDC has exited its minority investment in managed IT and cyber services provider Littlefish, to Bowmark Capital following a three-year partnership.Founded in 2003, Nottingham-based Littlefish provides a range of managed IT, cyber security, cloud and IT consultancy services to over 200 customers across both the private and public sectors.
LDC backed the management team at Littlefish in April 2019 with a minority investment to support the fast growth business. Over the last three years, the business has almost doubled revenues from £18.6m to £36.4m in its latest financial year.
During this period, the business continued to win significant new client contracts and developed its cyber security arm, which is now its fastest-growing service line. Littlefish also opened a new office in Sheffield and more than doubled its headcount to employ over 450 people across its Nottingham, Sheffield and London offices.
The transaction was led by LDC’s David Bains, partner and head of LDC’s East Midlands and East of England team.
Steve Robinson, CEO of Littlefish, said: “The business has been on a significant growth journey over the last 12 years, which has been achieved almost entirely organically. With LDC’s support, we have expanded our offering to cement Littlefish as a market-leader for quality and innovation in the delivery of end user services, and we’ve continued to invest in our people. Their flexibility, sector expertise and financial support have helped us to build our business with confidence.”
David Bains, partner and head of the East Midlands and East of England at LDC, added: “Littlefish is a stellar example of our growing tech industry here in the heart of the East Midlands. Its expansion is testament to the strength of the proposition that Steve and his team have developed. We’re proud to have been part of their journey during this exciting time, and we wish them every success on the next stage of their journey.”
LDC and the company was advised by Clearwater International (corporate finance), PwC (financial due diligence), Armstrong (commercial due diligence) and Browne Jacobson (legal).
Extra funding secured for Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby
The Nuclear AMRC has secured additional funding from Innovate UK to develop and deliver state-of-the-art training equipment for the new Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby.
The £1.3 million funding will help fund bespoke training equipment and IT facilities for engineering apprentices at the new training centre at Infinity Park Derby. The Nuclear Skills Academy will open its doors in September to train 200 apprentices a year for Rolls-Royce’s submarine propulsion business.
“There are significant skills shortages across the nuclear sector, and we urgently need to develop a new generation of skilled nuclear engineers to deliver the UK’s commitments for low-carbon power and national security,” says Andrew Storer, CEO of the Nuclear AMRC.
“High-quality training needs high-quality equipment tailored to the needs of the industry, and this new funding from Innovate UK helps ensure that apprentices at the Nuclear Skills Academy will be able to develop their skills on state-of-the-art equipment for advanced manufacturing. As a former Derby apprentice myself, I am very proud that we are helping set a new standard for training in the sector.”
The Nuclear AMRC, based at the University of Sheffield, is part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, a national alliance of seven leading manufacturing research centres backed by Innovate UK. The new funding has been provided by Innovate UK to support the Catapult’s work in addressing future skills gaps in key industries.
“Innovate UK is working closely with the Catapults to invest in skills development, a critical part of driving innovation and capitalising on emerging technologies,” says David Wilkes, director of Innovation Ecosystem at Innovate UK. “The additional £1.3 million funding to Nuclear AMRC for the Nuclear Skills Academy, provided by Innovate UK through the HVM Catapult, will help provide the foundations needed to strengthen the UK’s R&D system to enable recovery and growth across the economy.”
“The Nuclear Skills Academy is a much-needed investment in the skills that will enable low carbon power across the UK,” says Katherine Bennett, CEO of the HVM Catapult. “By connecting our world-class engineers to the future workforce, we are making sure that the next generation is not just prepared for the cutting-edge technologies of today, but also the emerging technologies of tomorrow. This will ensure the right skills are available for a vibrant future economy.”
Rolls-Royce is creating an extra 200 apprenticeships each year, for at least the next 10 years, providing a regular flow of new nuclear expertise to support Rolls-Royce’s commitments to the UK submarines programme. There has been strong interest in the four-year apprenticeships, with more than 1,200 applications for the initial 200 places. Offers have been made to more than 180 people.
Training will be led by the University of Derby, using material developed by the National College for Nuclear. The National College for Nuclear is a federation of education providers at further education and higher education levels, providing apprenticeship and training for nuclear projects.
The Nuclear Skills Academy will be based at the former iHub building at Infinity Park Derby. The University of Derby is working to develop the facility, and convert the building into a classroom learning space.
iHub is owned by Derby City Council, and opened in 2016 as a flexible workspace for start-ups, early-stage businesses and high-growth SMEs. The council is now working with existing iHub office tenants to manage their move to other properties within the Connect Derby estate or to find alternative premises.
The Nuclear AMRC has occupied workshops and offices in iHub since 2019. Construction is now underway on Infinity Park for a new full-scale home for Nuclear AMRC Midlands.
As well as allowing the Nuclear AMRC to expand its capabilities in areas including digital engineering, equipment qualification, and controls and instrumentation, the new 4,300m2 facility will also provide a new home to the University of Derby’s Institute of Innovation in Sustainable Engineering. The Nuclear AMRC Midlands facility is part-funded by £9 million from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.
Meet the sponsors: the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
In less than a month the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 will take place on Thursday 15 September, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.
Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry while providing a prime opportunity to connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks, the event has been backed by a plethora of prestigious sponsors.
Workplace consultants and commercial office interior fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors offer award-winning, people-focused office design and fit out with the aim to create environments that have a positive impact on those that use them.
Blueprint’s work involves transforming average spaces into inspiring workplaces that prioritise wellbeing and where people feel empowered to achieve their goals.
The company, which is based in Ashby de la Zouch, is sponsoring the most active agent category for the third year running. The winner of this category will be the estate agents who has had the biggest impact on the commercial property sector over the last 12 months, whether that be in deals done, quality of any given deal, or excellent customer service.
Frank Key – sponsor of commercial development of the year
Since 1907 Frank Key have been renowned for supplying market-leading building, plumbing and timber materials. Built on family values, it has grown to now stock interiors, landscaping, civils and drainage products, as well as providing high-quality plant and tool hire equipment, making Frank Key a true one-stop shop for all your project requirements.
Frank Key understands that convenience and getting the right product, at the right time and place is important to all its customers, as such it now covers a larger area across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Lancashire.
A returning sponsor of commercial development of the year, the winner of this category will be the 
commercial development that has gone above and beyond in fulfilling the criteria of the build, in terms of design and construction. This can include special requirements, features or elements that make the commercial development stand out from the crowd. Developments must have been completed within the last 12 months.
Press for Attention PR – sponsor of responsible business of the year
Press for Attention PR’s founder, Greg Simpson, quite simply thinks that PR is ‘broken’. It appears out of reach for so many businesses but it does not need to be like this. Greg established the agency in 2008 having spent the previous decade announcing business news to the regional and national press, or receiving it as a former journalist. He
had worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan.
As well as being a former journalist, Greg has been a marketing manager for a £60m business, and is the author of The Small Business Guide To PR. This background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s and consultant’s perspective.
Press for Attention is returning to sponsor the responsible business award for another year. The winner of this award will have demonstrated corporate responsibility in their field, working in harmony and for the betterment of the local community in which it operates and setting a shining example for the rest of the supply chain.
Sterling Commercial Finance – sponsor of residential development of the year
Established in the year 2000, Sterling Commercial Finance have been arranging commercial finance for its clients for over 20 years. Its professional team are from a commercial banking and accountancy background and have extensive experience in Commercial Mortgages, Property Funding, Business Loans, Invoice and Asset Finance. Sterling also source funding for Company Acquisitions and Management Buy-Outs.
Over the years, it has become increasingly difficult for a business to approach their existing bank for funding. As an independent commercial finance brokerage, Sterling can help you source and secure finance from its panel of Challenger Banks, Specialist Lenders and Alternative Finance providers.
Sterling is another repeat sponsor, backing residential 
development of the year. The winner of this category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to providing much-needed housing in the East Midlands. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Ward – sponsor of developer of the year
Specialists in metal recycling and waste management, Ward aims to prevent 100% of the waste it collects from ending up in landfill. With a turnover in excess of £300million Ward is the largest independent metal and waste recycling company in the Midlands with multiple sites nationwide. Stretching from London to Middlesbrough it can provide UK coverage for metal and recycling solutions.
An ISO accredited, multi-award winning, fourth generation family-run business, Ward has been established for over 80 years and now employs over 400 people locally with a fleet of more than 120 modern vehicles.
Ward is returning to sponsor developer of the year for another year. The winner of this category will be the 
developer that has truly pushed the limit over the last 12 months. Their scheme(s) will have shown to not only be a success, but that there was true demand for them. The winning developer will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver award winning results. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers – sponsor of deal of the year
category will be the deal that has truly pushed the boundaries over the last 12 months – from jobs created to complexity, size and scale. However, that’s not to say the biggest deal will automatically win; the deal which has had most impact in the East Midlands is what we’re looking for. The winning deal will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver a great outcome for all concerned. Deal must have been completed over the last 12 months.
OMS – sponsor of architects of the year
Trading for over 23 years, OMS was founded by Clive Ormerod to build on his extensive experience and to provide consultancy and training services to the highest possible standards and with a culture that is recognised as highly ethical. With a clear focus on listening to its customers, OMS has grown through developing solutions that meet customer needs and aspirations.
Today, OMS has a core team at its head office and training centre in Leicestershire, as well as a number of other training venues throughout the Midlands and UK and a network of specialist associates, enabling it to provide a broad range of expertise to public and private sector organisations of all sizes.
Returning to sponsor architects of the year in 2022, the winner of this award will be the 
architects who have had the greatest impact on the region, be it in a single development or a series of them. Originality, the ability to rise to a challenge or initiative shown in accomplishing a difficult brief, this award celebrates our architects. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Cawarden – sponsor of excellence in design
Cawarden is a family-owned and operated specialist contractor with over 35 years of experience in delivering exemplary projects.
It has a rich history of successfully delivering demolition, land remediation and earthworks projects across the UK. These activities remain its core business. However, its capability continues to grow to meet the changing needs of its valued clients.
Today, Cawarden offers a range of services that can be tailored to clients’ requirements. Cawarden can fulfil a one-off service or integrated ‘destruction to construction’ solution – resulting in value-engineering, programme efficiencies and value for money.
Cawarden is a new sponsor this year, backing excellence in design, the winner of which will be those who have shown true originality in design excellence across a scheme or schemes over the last 12 months, whether this be aesthetically, functionally or in any other manner.
Viridis Building Services – sponsor of sustainable development of the year
Viridis Building Services are experts in helping you create sustainable, appealing and cost-effective buildings. They understand how every single detail in the construction of a building can impact our environment. Working in partnership with architects, builders, project managers and their clients, they provide intelligent, innovative and, above all, sustainable building services to projects across a wide range of sectors.
From designing in core sustainable principles at the earliest stages of projects, through to delivering low-carbon, low-cost lighting, water and energy systems, Viridis are ensuring the East Midlands spearheads Sustainability and Environmental Design.
Returning to sponsor sustainable development of the year, the winner of this award will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to sustainable development in the East Midlands, whether this be in an environmental development, social enterprise or a scheme which will benefit the region in other ways, so long as it benefits the future generation. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
RammSanderson – sponsor of contractor of the year
RammSanderson are ecology, arboriculture, and flood risk consultants, providing services to a wide range of public and private sector clients across all scales of developments. They are founded on the principles of customer service, technical excellence and pragmatic solution-based consulting.
RammSanderson was established by Oliver Ramm and Nick Sanderson in 2014. Since then they have grown to a team of 40 staff over offices in the East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire and Northern Ireland.
RammSanderson are backing contractor of the year for the first time this year, which celebrates the contractors who work on the project. This
award celebrates builders, construction companies and the contractors themselves, and nominees should be those who have gone above and beyond the word of the contract to deliver a truly exceptional service. Contracts must have been within the last 12 months.
Streets Chartered Accountants – sponsor of overall winner
The practice was founded in 1907 and today has annualised fee income of £20 million, 36 partners and over 200 staff.
Repeatedly returning to sponsor the overall winner award at the Bricks, this award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated and receiving a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
Brooklands Service Group – drinks sponsor
Brooklands Service Group are specialist providers of exterior cleaning services and have been supporting some of the UK’s largest house builders and construction companies over the last seven years.
Backing the Bricks for the first time this year, the business is the event’s drinks sponsor.
Meet the sponsors of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Blueprint Interiors – sponsor of most active agent
Workplace consultants and commercial office interior fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors offer award-winning, people-focused office design and fit out with the aim to create environments that have a positive impact on those that use them.
Blueprint’s work involves transforming average spaces into inspiring workplaces that prioritise wellbeing and where people feel empowered to achieve their goals.
The company, which is based in Ashby de la Zouch, is sponsoring the most active agent category for the third year running. The winner of this category will be the estate agents who has had the biggest impact on the commercial property sector over the last 12 months, whether that be in deals done, quality of any given deal, or excellent customer service.
Frank Key – sponsor of commercial development of the year
Since 1907 Frank Key have been renowned for supplying market-leading building, plumbing and timber materials. Built on family values, it has grown to now stock interiors, landscaping, civils and drainage products, as well as providing high-quality plant and tool hire equipment, making Frank Key a true one-stop shop for all your project requirements.
Frank Key understands that convenience and getting the right product, at the right time and place is important to all its customers, as such it now covers a larger area across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Lancashire.
A returning sponsor of commercial development of the year, the winner of this category will be the commercial development that has gone above and beyond in fulfilling the criteria of the build, in terms of design and construction. This can include special requirements, features or elements that make the commercial development stand out from the crowd. Developments must have been completed within the last 12 months.
Press for Attention PR – sponsor of responsible business of the year
Press for Attention PR’s founder, Greg Simpson, quite simply thinks that PR is ‘broken’. It appears out of reach for so many businesses but it does not need to be like this. Greg established the agency in 2008 having spent the previous decade announcing business news to the regional and national press, or receiving it as a former journalist. He
had worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan.
As well as being a former journalist, Greg has been a marketing manager for a £60m business, and is the author of The Small Business Guide To PR. This background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s and consultant’s perspective.
Press for Attention is returning to sponsor the responsible business award for another year. The winner of this award will have demonstrated corporate responsibility in their field, working in harmony and for the betterment of the local community in which it operates and setting a shining example for the rest of the supply chain.
Sterling Commercial Finance – sponsor of residential development of the year
Established in the year 2000, Sterling Commercial Finance have been arranging commercial finance for its clients for over 20 years. Its professional team are from a commercial banking and accountancy background and have extensive experience in Commercial Mortgages, Property Funding, Business Loans, Invoice and Asset Finance. Sterling also source funding for Company Acquisitions and Management Buy-Outs.
Over the years, it has become increasingly difficult for a business to approach their existing bank for funding. As an independent commercial finance brokerage, Sterling can help you source and secure finance from its panel of Challenger Banks, Specialist Lenders and Alternative Finance providers.
Sterling is another repeat sponsor, backing residential development of the year. The winner of this category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to providing much-needed housing in the East Midlands. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Ward – sponsor of developer of the year
Specialists in metal recycling and waste management, Ward aims to prevent 100% of the waste it collects from ending up in landfill. With a turnover in excess of £300million Ward is the largest independent metal and waste recycling company in the Midlands with multiple sites nationwide. Stretching from London to Middlesbrough it can provide UK coverage for metal and recycling solutions.
An ISO accredited, multi-award winning, fourth generation family-run business, Ward has been established for over 80 years and now employs over 400 people locally with a fleet of more than 120 modern vehicles.
Ward is returning to sponsor developer of the year for another year. The winner of this category will be the developer that has truly pushed the limit over the last 12 months. Their scheme(s) will have shown to not only be a success, but that there was true demand for them. The winning developer will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver award winning results. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers – sponsor of deal of the year
Blythin & Brown’s experienced team are here to help guide you through all your insurance and risk management needs whether that be for your business, personal life or a combination of the two. The firm understands the ever-changing demands of business today and looks to use its expertise and knowledge to explore new ways of managing and reducing your risk exposure, giving you more time to focus on what matters to you.
With 50 years experience, Blythin & Brown help businesses meet the needs of their insurers to obtain the most competitive deal. Blythin & Brown works with an extensive list of leading UK insurance providers to offer the very best package to suit your needs.
Coming on board as sponsor of deal of the year for the first time, the winner of thiscategory will be the deal that has truly pushed the boundaries over the last 12 months – from jobs created to complexity, size and scale. However, that’s not to say the biggest deal will automatically win; the deal which has had most impact in the East Midlands is what we’re looking for. The winning deal will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver a great outcome for all concerned. Deal must have been completed over the last 12 months.
OMS – sponsor of architects of the year
Trading for over 23 years, OMS was founded by Clive Ormerod to build on his extensive experience and to provide consultancy and training services to the highest possible standards and with a culture that is recognised as highly ethical. With a clear focus on listening to its customers, OMS has grown through developing solutions that meet customer needs and aspirations.
Today, OMS has a core team at its head office and training centre in Leicestershire, as well as a number of other training venues throughout the Midlands and UK and a network of specialist associates, enabling it to provide a broad range of expertise to public and private sector organisations of all sizes.
Returning to sponsor architects of the year in 2022, the winner of this award will be the architects who have had the greatest impact on the region, be it in a single development or a series of them. Originality, the ability to rise to a challenge or initiative shown in accomplishing a difficult brief, this award celebrates our architects. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Cawarden – sponsor of excellence in design
Cawarden is a family-owned and operated specialist contractor with over 35 years of experience in delivering exemplary projects.
It has a rich history of successfully delivering demolition, land remediation and earthworks projects across the UK. These activities remain its core business. However, its capability continues to grow to meet the changing needs of its valued clients.
Today, Cawarden offers a range of services that can be tailored to clients’ requirements. Cawarden can fulfil a one-off service or integrated ‘destruction to construction’ solution – resulting in value-engineering, programme efficiencies and value for money.
Cawarden is a new sponsor this year, backing excellence in design, the winner of which will be those who have shown true originality in design excellence across a scheme or schemes over the last 12 months, whether this be aesthetically, functionally or in any other manner.
Viridis Building Services – sponsor of sustainable development of the year
Viridis Building Services are experts in helping you create sustainable, appealing and cost-effective buildings. They understand how every single detail in the construction of a building can impact our environment. Working in partnership with architects, builders, project managers and their clients, they provide intelligent, innovative and, above all, sustainable building services to projects across a wide range of sectors.
From designing in core sustainable principles at the earliest stages of projects, through to delivering low-carbon, low-cost lighting, water and energy systems, Viridis are ensuring the East Midlands spearheads Sustainability and Environmental Design.
Returning to sponsor sustainable development of the year, the winner of this award will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to sustainable development in the East Midlands, whether this be in an environmental development, social enterprise or a scheme which will benefit the region in other ways, so long as it benefits the future generation. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
RammSanderson – sponsor of contractor of the year
RammSanderson are ecology, arboriculture, and flood risk consultants, providing services to a wide range of public and private sector clients across all scales of developments. They are founded on the principles of customer service, technical excellence and pragmatic solution-based consulting.
RammSanderson was established by Oliver Ramm and Nick Sanderson in 2014. Since then they have grown to a team of 40 staff over offices in the East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire and Northern Ireland.
RammSanderson are backing contractor of the year for the first time this year, which celebrates the contractors who work on the project. This award celebrates builders, construction companies and the contractors themselves, and nominees should be those who have gone above and beyond the word of the contract to deliver a truly exceptional service. Contracts must have been within the last 12 months.
Streets Chartered Accountants – sponsor of overall winner
Streets Chartered Accountants is a well-established and widely respected mid-tier, top 40 UK firm of Chartered Accountants, advising a diverse portfolio of entrepreneurial growth companies, high net worth individuals and third sector not for profit organisations.
The practice was founded in 1907 and today has annualised fee income of £20 million, 36 partners and over 200 staff.
Repeatedly returning to sponsor the overall winner award at the Bricks, this award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated and receiving a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
Brooklands Service Group – drinks sponsor
Brooklands Service Group are specialist providers of exterior cleaning services and have been supporting some of the UK’s largest house builders and construction companies over the last seven years.
Backing the Bricks for the first time this year, the business is the event’s drinks sponsor.
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 – click here to secure yours.
Manufacturing output falls
UK manufacturing output fell for the first time since February 2021 in the three months to August, with no growth expected in the three months ahead. That’s according to the latest monthly Industrial Trends Survey from the CBI and Accenture.
Manufacturers also reported order books falling below “normal” levels, and expectations for selling price inflation picking up.
The survey, based on responses from 257 manufacturers, found:
- Manufacturing output volumes fell in the three months to August (balance of -7%, from +6% in three months to July), marking the first time since February 2021 that output has declined. Output is expected to be broadly flat in the next three months (-2%), making a significant worsening of expectations from just a few months ago.
- Output increased in 10 out of 17 sectors in the three months to August. The fall in headline growth reported this quarter was largely driven by food, drink & tobacco, mechanical engineering and paper, printing & media.
- Total order books were reported as below “normal” for the first time since April 2021 (-7% from +8% in July). Export orders were also seen as below par, to the same extent as last month (-12% from -12%).
- Stocks of finished goods were seen as broadly adequate in August, after being seen as less than adequate in the previous quarter (+2% from -7% in July).
- Expectations for average selling price inflation have picked up (+57% from +48%) and remain well above the long-run average (+6%).
Henry Brothers selected for YORbuild framework
Contractor Henry Brothers Midlands has been appointed to Lot 2 of the YORbuild3 Minor Works Framework.
The company has been successful for the South region of the framework, which covers local authorities, public sector bodies and third sector organisations in the South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire, and North Derbyshire areas.
Henry Brothers has been selected for the Lot that includes new build and refurbishment projects valued between £1m and £4m.
It is estimated that around £60m of work over four years will be procured for the South region of the framework via the Lot.
Managing Director of Henry Brothers Midlands, Ian Taylor, said: “This is great news for Henry Brothers as we continue to expand our portfolio.
“It is the eighth framework that Henry Brothers Midlands is currently on, meaning we have access to a significant pipeline of work in a range of sectors, including health, local authorities, and education.
“We look forward to working in partnership with clients who procure via the YORbuild3 Minor Works Framework.”
The South region of the framework is being procured by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and relates to the area covered by the Sheffield Local Enterprise Partnership. It includes the areas overseen by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Sheffield City Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Bassetlaw District Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, and Bolsover District Council.
Nottingham-based Henry Brothers Midlands is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out.
Polystyrene firm expands with warehouse acquisition
A manufacturer of expanded polystyrene products is launching a new base in Northamptonshire after acquiring a mid-box warehouse unit.
Sundolitt Ltd completed its search for a regional headquarters with the purchase of Centrix58 – a recently constructed 58,586 sq ft unit at Centrix Business Park in Corby. Centrix58 is the final development at the 39-acre business park.
Eamon Kennedy, executive partner and head of commercial agency at Kirkby Diamond, acted on behalf of Sundolitt, negotiating with joint agents Burbage Realty and FHP, acting on behalf of developers NFU Mutual and Clowes Developments to complete the multi-million pound deal.
Eamon said: “I was instructed by Sundolitt last year to find a freehold warehouse unit of between 50,000 and 70,000 sq ft. It took time to find the perfect property for the business because of the well-documented shortage of industrial units right across the region.
“We were originally looking in the Luton to Coventry M1 corridor but had to expand our search due to the lack of freehold stock. Centrix58 was initially only available on a leasehold basis, but we were able to negotiate with Burbage Realty to sell the freehold. We are delighted we have been able to complete the acquisition. It is a high quality unit in an excellent location and fits Sundolitt’s requirements perfectly.”
Colin Morrow, general manager of Sundolitt, said: “Sundolitt were delighted with the service offered by Kirkby Diamond in our search for a new unit.”
Centrix58 has excellent links to the A14 and M1. It has four dock level doors, parking for 74 vehicles and four EV charging points.
Sundolitt Ltd is the UK business of the Sunde Group, a highly respected leader in the manufacture of 100% recyclable EPS (expanded Polystyrene) and XPS (extruded polystyrene) products.
Green light granted to change Derby pub into student accommodation
Planning & Design Practice have secured planning permission for change of use of The Mile pub in Derby city centre into student accommodation.
Situated within the Friar Gate Conservation area of Derby and standing proud on one of the main routes into city centre, the former pub had been popular over the years as part of the infamous ‘Derby Mile’ pub crawl. This began at Markeaton Island, continued down Ashbourne Road to Friar Gate and then onto the city centre for anyone left standing. ‘Crawlers’ would take on the challenge of having a drink, usually a pint, in each of the pubs.
The Mile pub used to be owned by Marston’s Brewery until it was bought out privately. The pub has had a few different names above its door, from The Thirsty Scholar, The Wheel Inn, The Old Wheel Inn, and The Garrick back in the 1970’s.
Over the years, with increased competition plus changing tastes and social attitudes, the pub seemed to lose its curb appeal, and as customers coming in for a drink dried up so did the money.
As such the current owners looked to find another use for the building. As the upper floors of the pub had already been converted into residential accommodation, it seemed the preferred option was to convert the ground floor into residential too, given the area comprises a mix of commercial, student living and shops and being in such close proximity to the city centre.
Having worked with the client previously on another residential scheme, the client returned to Planning & Design Practice to help them visualize a scheme and layout design which would preserve the character and history of the pub as well as the street scene, and for Planning & Design Practice to help them get the best chance of an approval in planning terms.
The final scheme includes a two-storey rear extension, a courtyard to the rear for an amenity space for the residents and a cycle store.
Top UK supplier of sparkle and feathers moves into new Mansfield business park
The UK’s leading supplier of ostrich feathers and sequins to customers like Strictly Come Dancing and the X-Factor has moved into a new Mansfield business park.
Diamante Crafts has bought a 2,500 sq ft unit at Aria Park, off Sherwood Avenue, built by commercial property developers Priority Space, working with HG Sites.
The family business, which sells quality arts and craft supplies, is expanding into its new larger workspace, in response to increased demand for its products from makers, designers and creatives across the UK.
Its colourful ostrich feathers and own-brand diamante jewels have been sought out for Anton Du Beke stage productions, Elton John music videos and Gok Wan fashion shoots. They have added sparkle and colour to Notting Hill Carnival and the latest Dumbo film produced at Pinewood Studios.
Jacqueline O’Neil, who founded the business in 2006, said: “We source our own products globally and have built a reputation for quality over the years, increasing sales ten-fold since I started running the business from my home.
“Lately, we found we were bursting out of our former rented unit at Old Mill Lane and the business was just standing still because we didn’t have the room to grow.
“The new unit we’ve bought at Aria Park allows us to extend our range and buy more in bulk so that we can respond quickly to increased demand for our products.”
Sales have also grown recently since the company became one of only two UK authorised sellers of Italian heat transfer vinyl brand, Siser.
Run by Jacqueline, husband Michael and their three children with one other staff member – Diamante Crafts hopes to create new jobs within the next few months.
They have already added a mezzanine floor to the unit, effectively doubling storage and display space to 5,000 sq ft, and plan to start craft classes with local makers shortly.
Director of Priority Space Lee Buchanan said: “We’re really pleased to see Diamante Crafts move into Aria Park and expand their business. This is what we are all about, creating spacious, high-specification units which SMEs can customise to their requirements and grow successful small and medium enterprises.”
All 18 units at Aria Park have now been taken by SMEs including an electrical engineer, homeware wholesaler, and automotive shrink wrap specialist.
Built by Britcon, the £4.5 million development adds 36,250 sq ft of premium industrial and warehouse space to 2.7 acres of unused land at Sherwood Oaks Business Park, close to Mansfield town centre, with easy access to the A38 and M1.
Lee Buchanan, director at Priority Space, added: “Many businesses moving into Aria Park are investing in these properties to support growth in response to increased online trade and a greater need for storage and distribution capacity. The site is the perfect location for enterprises needing either a regional or a UK-wide reach.”
Jacqueline added: “We aim to boost sales via our website but also welcome shoppers to the unit. We already have visits from schoolteachers preparing wall displays to dance troupes getting ready for shows and even anglers making flies for fishing! We look forward to supplying more creative types across the UK and locally.”
Palatine-backed CTS Group strengthens with geo-environmental deal
Palatine-backed CTS Group has acquired the geo-technical and geo-environmental specialist In Situ Site Investigation Limited, the latest of nine acquisitions that have given the technical consulting firm a leading position in testing infrastructure materials, surveying and monitoring services.
With headquarters in St Leonards-on-sea, East Sussex, In Situ Site Investigation employs 37 staff and operates internationally across many locations. The company is a well-established ground investigation services business founded in 2008 by Managing Director Darren Ward. It has grown strongly over the years based on a strong client focus, enabling them to branch out into other areas of Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) as well as Pressuremeters such as Self Boring Pressuremeters (SBPs), High Pressure Dilatometers (HPDs), Ménard Pressuremeter tests and Cone Pressuremeter testing.
Phil Coles, Chief Executive at Leicester-headquartered CTS Group, said: “With this latest acquisition, we are creating a premier infrastructure testing, consulting, inspection and compliance company and I’m delighted to welcome the In Situ Site Investigation team to the CTS Group.
“In Situ Site Investigation is an extraordinary company with a fantastic service offering and team, an incredible reputation and we are thrilled that they are joining the CTS Group. Continuing to grow our capabilities and expand our portfolio whilst at the same time growing and further strengthening our client relationships across our business is critical to our ongoing success and is at the very heart of our strategy.
“This acquisition complements the previous deals announced over the past two years and reinforces our commitment to growth through attracting complimentary businesses and market leading talent.”
Darren Ward, Managing Director at In Situ Site Investigation Limited, said: “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for In Situ Site Investigation, one where we will be able to accelerate our vision of providing quality site investigation services whilst maintaining our good, friendly customer service and continuing to deliver on our clients’ requirements.
“I’m delighted to be continuing to support the future growth of the combined business and integration process. Our existing clients will be able to benefit from CTS’s extensive experience and knowledge within the testing, inspection and compliance industry.”
Tom Hustler, investment director at Palatine, said: “Since we invested in CTS in 2018 we have successfully supported the management team in implementing a Buy and Build strategy to accelerate growth and amplify the many and varied qualities within the business.
“This transaction, CTS’s second acquisition within a week, represents our continued commitment to broadening CTS’s geographical coverage, as well as diversifying the group’s infrastructure services offering, in a bid to align a fragmented marketplace.”
New Derby headquarters for medical implant specialists
Salloway Property Consultants have let 3 Pinnacle Way to Medartis Limited on behalf of a private landlord client.
The medical implant specialists are relocating to larger and more prominent offices at the heart of Pride Park, in close proximity to Derby Train Station. The building provides an attractive two storey office premises of approximately 5,360 sq ft, which will now serve as Medartis’ new UK headquarters.
Medartis Limited, the UK subsidiary of Swiss-based Medartis AG, is a global innovation leader who develops, manufactures and sells titanium screws and plates, surgical instruments and system solutions for fracture fixation; enabling patient rehabilitation following the surgical reconstruction of fractures, mal-unions and deformities or skeletal diseases and their adjacent soft tissues.
Hugo Beresford, of Salloway Property Consultants, who acted on behalf of the landlord, said: “I am delighted to both secure a high-quality tenant for my client and also to assist Medartis with their relocation and significant plans for growth. They are a company going from strength to strength and the property occupies a great position on Pride Park – I’m sure that it will provide them with a perfect base from which to continue their expansion plans.”
Andrew Wilcher, Medartis’ general manager for the EMEA North Region, said: “We are delighted to have secured the much-needed extra space that we require for our continued growth and future plans.”
Urgent need for safety checks after rise in East Midlands farming fatalities
A risk management expert is urging the region’s farmers to improve their health and safety standards after official figures revealed the East Midlands is one of only two areas in Britain to see a rise in the number of fatalities in the agricultural industry.
Latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal that three people in the region’s agricultural sector were killed in 2021/22.
Across Britain, however, there were 25 fatalities – 16 fewer than last year.
Alex Cormack, of Lycetts Risk Management Services, said: “It is tragic that the number of deaths in the region has increased. And while the drop in fatalities across Britain is to be welcomed, I would urge those who work in the industry not to become complacent.”
Fatal injuries were most commonly caused by people being struck by moving vehicles. This was followed by being struck by an object, contact with machinery, falls from height and animal-inflicted deaths.
The latest figures suggest considerable progress in agricultural risk management since the early 1980s, when there were around double the number of fatal injuries. This year’s total number of fatalities, which includes three members of the public, is the second lowest number of deaths recorded in the last five years.
Agriculture, however, remains the riskiest industry to work in, with fatal injuries around 18 times higher than the ‘all industry rate’.
A 38-year-old self-employed farmer in the East Midlands was killed by slurry gas when he entered a slurry tank.
In another incident, a 19-year-old worker was killed when he was struck by an HGV.
The third fatality saw a 58-year-old self-employed farmer getting crushed by a falling bale.
Cormack added: “Figures for the last five years reveal that more self-employed workers are killed than employed workers, suggesting that while employers may be taking care to implement health and safety measures, and educate and train their staff, they are not giving their own personal safety enough attention.
“Death and injury can have a devastating effect on families, as well as destroying businesses, yet risk-taking seems to be an underlying problem in the industry.
“Some fatalities can be attributed to freak accidents, but others could be avoided by adopting a more rigorous approach to safety. Risk assessments should be thorough, all appropriate training should be undertaken, and safety policies should be implemented.”
‘Levelling Up’ bid submitted for job-creating £40m Link Road
Nottinghamshire County Council has formally submitted a £40m bid to Government for the financing of the planned Toton Link Road.
The council wants the multi-million-pound sum needed to build the road from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, following councillors approving plans for its construction last year.
The new link road would consist of a new one-mile single-carriageway track between the A52 east of Bardills Island and Stapleford Lane, taking the form of a high-quality landscaped boulevard with significant tree planting and walking and cycling routes.
In its funding application to government, the council outlined how the link road has the potential to deliver more than 400 jobs and 2,700 new homes.
A decision on the bid for the road which would enable high-quality development of homes, community facilities and commercial space is expected in the autumn. Works would then start in 2024, with scheduled completion by 2026.
Councillor Keith Girling, cabinet member for economic development, Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Nottinghamshire County Council’s bid for the Toton Link Road presents an opportunity get spades in the ground and kick-start major, long-term economic development that is going to bring greater prosperity to Nottinghamshire and the wider region.
“The Government’s Integrated Rail Plan not only confirmed that high-speed rail would be coming to Nottinghamshire, it also gave us the chance to push ahead with plans for a Network Rail Station at Toton.
“The Link Road will be the first stage in that process of unlocking development at Toton, helping us to enable economic growth, and to build a powerful case for the better transport connectivity that a rail station would be part of.
“We’re showing Government that we’ve got oven-ready investment opportunities here, that we want to get on and deliver growth to communities across the region, and that we’re putting the structures in place to make it happen.”
The funding bid by the council has the support of Broxtowe MP, Darren Henry, who says that it promises to be the start of something big.
“I am incredibly ambitious for Broxtowe, and our £40 million bid to the Levelling Up Fund for the Toton Link Road promises to be the start of something big. This is the message I am taking directly to Government.
“We are turning this area into a hotspot for investment. Government has already committed tens of millions to Towns Funds in places like Stapleford, it has committed billions to an HS2 station nearby, and also opened the door to a Network Rail station right here at Toton,” he said.
Mr Henry also highlighted the wider benefits of the link road, including transport links.
The new road would be linked to the A52, the NET tram network, alongside a proposed Network Rail Station and close to the M1 motorway. There will also be an opportunity to add new bus routes.
Mr Henry added: “Our role now is to make the most of major investment in the East Midlands so that we can deliver new homes, new transport links and new job opportunities for our people into the future.
“We are making sure that we are match-fit to manage that investment by setting up a development corporation which will plan and promote these big sites, and by pushing ahead with a devolution deal which will enable us to access more funding and have a greater say in how it is invested.”
As part of its bid for the £40m, the council has highlighted how the Toton Link Road will enable wider plans for growth that are being worked up by the East Midlands Development Company (DevCo), including the transition of the Chetwynd Barracks, which is scheduled for closure, from a MoD site to residential use.
The DevCo was created by five local authorities to coordinate development around the Toton-Chetwynd corridor, Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station area and the East Midlands Airport area.
Richard Carr, Managing Director, EM DevCo, said: “Alongside Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station area and the East Midlands Airport area, Toton is one of three large-scale sites in the East Midlands that have been identified as having the potential to enable tens of thousands of new jobs and add billions to the value of the regional economy in the years to come.
“It’s vital that we join the dots between our investment opportunities so that we maximise their potential, and that we push for high-quality development. At Toton, the Link Road is the start of that process, opening up the potential for innovative new development and better transport connectivity.
“As a body supported by local authorities, government, business and universities, EM DevCo is itself evidence of how well the region is coming together to grasp these opportunities and to ensure they translate into developments which work for communities and the economy as we head into a net zero future.”
It is hoped that the DevCo will soon gain statutory powers, after the government flagged the East Midlands’ case for a new type of development corporation in its Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill as an ‘expedient’ mechanism for council areas to join forces and deliver growth.
Plans to convert textile workshops in Nottingham’s Lace Market for mixed use scheme approved
Plans to convert buildings in Nottingham’s Lace Market from textile workshops into a mixed use scheme have been approved by the city council.
Perrymead Estates wants to transform 15-17 Stoney Street into a mixture of apartments and office spaces, with a café / bar on the ground floor.
In addition, the construction of an extension on the corner of Stoney Street and Woolpack Lane, provision of a rooftop terrace on the roof of number 17 Stoney Street and a small roof extension are proposed.
A design statement submitted by Marsh:Grochowksi Architects on behalf of the applicant says: “By converting this building, it is being brought back into use, providing accommodation, office space and amenities to the local community, in a highly sought after area of Nottingham.”
United Living Property Services awarded £3.2m contract to renovate social housing in Grantham
United Living Group, a provider of infrastructure, housing and property services, has been awarded a £3.288m contract for the Earlesfield Estate Capital Works Project by South Kesteven District Council in Lincolnshire.
The local authority has identified 152 post-war properties with Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) in Grantham, Lincolnshire. A number of the properties to benefit from the works are “Wimpey No Fines” design, a typical post-war construction.
In addition to removing the ACM, replacement kitchens and bathrooms will be fitted in 143 of the homes, accompanied by electrical, heating and door upgrades in a similar number.
During the works, around 112 households will be temporarily rehomed during the renovations to minimise disruption. A property on the estate will become a dedicated information hub where residents can find out more and keep up to date with progress. United Living Property Services will focus on delivering a high-quality renovation and ensuring it takes residents’ views into account.
Simon Will, Managing Director, United Living Property Services, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been selected to work on this important project with South Kesteven District Council. As a local contractor working in areas such as Wolverhampton and Walsall, the scheme is perfectly positioned to fit in with our local delivery model.
“We look forward to working with both the Council and residents to ensure they have a home that is greatly improved at the end of the scheme.”
Cllr Robert Reid, South Kesteven District Council cabinet member for housing and property, said: “We are very happy to be working with United Living Group on this major Earlesfield Estate improvement programme. We are committed to providing housing that meets the needs of all residents and I am pleased to see our funding approved by the council so that work can get underway.
“South Kesteven District Council has engaged with the tenants on the estate to enable a full understanding of the works to be undertaken and subsequent timeline. I hope they will be reassured by this clear commitment to improving their homes.
“It is a project that will deliver numerous benefits and is further evidence of the wider improvements we continue to see in our Housing service.”
Connect with property and construction professionals at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
While nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 are assessed, book your tickets for the highly anticipated event taking place on Thursday 15 September.
Recognising and celebrating those behind the changing landscape of our region – the very best companies, teams, individuals and projects – the event showcases the exceptional work carried out across the East Midlands over the past 12 months.
The awards also present a perfect networking opportunity, with the leaders of property and construction businesses from across the East Midlands in attendance.
The event will additionally feature 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.
Attend the glittering awards ceremony at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground to see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agent of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.
Tickets can be booked here.
The event will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, with additional time thereafter for networking and celebrating. Complementary drinks and canapés will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress.
Find out who last year’s winners were here.
Thanks to our sponsors:
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Derbyshire housebuilder expanding footprint with £10m funding
A Derbyshire-based housebuilder has secured a £10m funding package from Lloyds Bank to help ramp up activity and capitalise on the growing demand for new homes.
Family-run Woodall Homes, headquartered in Barlborough near Chesterfield, delivers homes across the Midlands and South Yorkshire. It has recently developed new properties in Mansfield, Tansley and Bolsover.
Founded in 2011, Woodall will use the funding from Lloyds Bank to increase its number of active sites, expand its footprint across the region and maintain high-quality development across its portfolio.
The firm’s turnover has grown by 25% over the last three years, with Woodall completing 60 homes in the last financial year. Woodall is now aiming to break the 100-home mark this year, with a view to completing 250 homes a year within the next five years. To bolster this growth, the business is looking to recruit five additional staff over the next year.
In December 2020, Woodall received a £4.25m investment from BGF. This created a step change in the aspirations of the group to accelerate acquisition of land in prime locations, and to increase development activity and building output. Finding the right banking partner to support future growth aspirations was the next natural step in the group’s evolution.
Experienced non-executive chairman Derek Mapp has also recently joined Woodall’s Board as it seeks to scale and drive quality. Mapp currently holds the same role at outsourcing group Mitie and has also held chair positions at the East Midlands Development Agency and Sport England.
Ian Grundy, CFO at Woodall Homes, said: “As the demand for housing continues to increase, we want to ensure that Woodall Homes is in the best position it can be to deliver the premium homes that the Midlands and South Yorkshire need.
“We’re doing this by adding fresh talent to our team, and also by working with experienced banking partners such as Lloyds Bank. Their know-how and understanding in this area meant that they immediately bought into our building ethos and ambition to drive quality. The funding from Lloyds Bank opens many new doors in terms of development for the business and I am excited to see where this will allow us to take the company in the future.”
Jeremy Prentice, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: “Woodall Homes is an excellent example of a business that’s investing smartly and capitalising on demand. Housing is always high on communities’ agendas, and there’s huge demand from families looking for green space following the pandemic.
“Investing in growth, where possible, is a strong way of mitigating current inflationary challenges. We’re committed to helping firms like Woodall target growth and achieving their ambitions, and we’re excited to be by the business’s side as they target this.”
Leicester surveyor secures seven-figure investment to support ambitious growth
Leicester-based surveying holding company SML Group, has secured a significant loan from independent asset manager BOOST&Co, to facilitate major expansion plans.
The funds will initially be used for the acquisition of My Home Needs Limited, a surveying business in the property industry. In addition to the acquisition, the funding will also assist in refinancing existing debt, as well as providing significant growth capital for business expansion.
As part of this growth, the investment will also create opportunities to recruit additional surveying staff across the business, as well as training existing staff in surveying and valuations work.
The SML Group is a specialist surveying company, providing services to the insurance, financial services, real estate, rail and property development sectors. Its foundations were firmly established through a dedicated subsidence monitoring business, but it has since become a holding company for multiple firms dedicated to the land, building and valuations surveying sector.
BOOST&Co chose to work with SML Group due to its management team and its broad spectrum of services across a range of business sectors and its ambitious future growth plans.
BOOST&Co is a provider of growth capital for innovative, fast-growing UK SMEs. The independent asset manager offers loans ranging from £2m to £10m, covering a wide range of sectors. It has funded more than £500m across more than 130 deals to date and provided close to £200m under the government’s CBILS initiative to support SMEs during COVID-19.
Matt Vincent, principal at BOOST&Co, says: “BOOST&Co is excited to be working with Tom and the SML team as they embark on the latest stage of their impressive growth journey.
“The progress SML has made in its expansion has been great to see, and the My Home Needs acquisition represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the business. We look forward to working with SML as its expansion plan continues.”
Tom Harpin, Managing Director at SML Group, says: “We are delighted to have had the support from BOOST&Co to complete the acquisition of My Home Needs, which is complementary to the wider service offering at SML Group.
“The funding has not only facilitated the transaction, but also supports our growth and enables us to invest capital into recruitment, existing staff and the expansion of SML. We are looking forward to continuing to work with Matt and the team as we embark on this next phase of our growth strategy.”
New president of auctioneering & valuing association elected
After a 12-month term as vice president, Trevor Palethorpe, joint head of John Pye Business & Property, has been elected as president by NAVA, a division of Propertymark.
Taking up the role last month Trevor aims to guide the organisation in re-engaging with its members and hopes to encourage the next generation of auctioneers.
Currently, Trevor jointly heads up the Business Assets and Property divisions of John Pye and has been in the auctions industry since his teens. Originally aspiring to be a history teacher when leaving school, a chance meeting with Adam Pye saw Trevor starting work in the salesrooms at Nottingham’s Cattle Market on Friday nights and it changed the course of his career.
Speaking of his appointment, Trevor says: “I genuinely love the profession which I’ve been part of now for over 25 years, so to be elected president of NAVA Propertymark is really a great honour. I grew up in auctions and have amassed experience that spans business assets through to property and fine art, plus everything in between. I’m looking forward to sharing this knowledge and experience with other colleagues and industry professionals.”
NAVA was established in the 1980s to provide accreditation and best practice sharing within the industry. In 2000, operations were taken over by Propertymark who set the benchmark for property professionals. Its members are expected to adhere to strict best practices and code of conduct, so both public and businesses can be assured they are dealing with a suitably qualified professional.
John Pye as a business have been active members ever since inception, with both John and Adam Pye previously serving as chair, the precursor to the role which Trevor is taking on now. The firm also actively encourages and supports its staff who wish to develop their careers within auctioneering and valuations to take Propertymark qualifications.
Talking about what he hopes to achieve during his term as president, Trevor adds: “I want to help raise the profile of our profession and be part of the wider Propertymark team to ensure the continuance of high standards to protect the integrity of the auctioneering and valuing professions.
“I’m also keen to inspire other colleagues within the profession and anyone thinking of an auctioneering career. It is not something that is often considered for school leavers. I’d encourage people to consider it as a rewarding career and take advantage of the variety of benefits that NAVA Propertymark members can access. This includes perks and industry benefits including legal advice, professional support and professional development courses, for absolute beginners to experienced auctioneers.”
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, says: “All of the Propertymark Board, alongside the staff at Propertymark HQ are really looking forward to working with Trevor in order to drive Propertymark further forward and deliver more to our members. We congratulate Trevor on his appointment within the team.”
Derbyshire vineyard business to be passed on after 17 years
A couple who planted vines as part of a retirement hobby plan are now ready to pass on their award-winning wine business – along with the historic house they restored.
John and Elisabeth Goodall moved to Sealwood Cottage, in Derbyshire, seventeen years ago when they decided to kick back after a successful career in farming.
They restored the 18th century Grade II listed farm cottage which had been built as a country retreat, part of which had not been occupied for more than a century.
But once that considerable job had been done, they took a visit abroad which set them on course for their next challenge.
John explained: “I had a pen friend from Germany since the 1970s and we decided to go and visit her. It was wine growing country and I noticed that the soil was very similar to that at home – light, free draining and sandy, and it started us thinking!”
In 2008 John and Elizabeth and their two children planted their first 4,000 vines and just two years later they produced their debut wine.
“We produced 820 bottles of red that first year and that has now grown to almost 13,000 bottles a year, including red, white and sparkling,” John added.
“We sell through our website, farm shops and some food festivals and fairs. We also do wine tasting and tours of the vineyard, so it really has become something quite special.”
But now John – who is in his late 70s – has decided to concentrate on tasting his wine rather than producing it.
“It has been so much fun creating and developing the vineyard, but it is time now for someone to carry the business forward. We are moving just down the road, and we would be more than happy to pass on any expertise we have picked up over the years.”
The Goodalls are marketing Sealwood Cottage and the vineyard, which is four miles from Swadlincote and seven miles from Ashby, through agents Fisher German.
The cottage has five bedrooms and four bathrooms, and a triple garage. The whole estate – which also includes a small camp site – stretches to 21.4 acres.
Emily McPheat, of Fisher German, said: “The Goodalls have not only created a wonderful home by bringing a character property back to life, but have created a fantastic business from scratch. Sealwood is a testament to their vision and dedication.
“They are really keen to see someone scale the business up and is a rare opportunity to buy a home and business, both of which are equally fascinating.”
Thurmaston site sold for affordable housing
A prominent site in Thurmaston has been sold to Leicester affordable housing developer Modus Partnerships in a deal arranged by specialist land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie.
The site, which comprises 1.61 Acres (0.65 Ha) of land, was formerly the premises of an industrial business that has ceased to operate. The land has been in the ownership of a private family for over seventy years and although surrounded by existing housing, it presented several planning challenges due to ground conditions and its brownfield site status.
Working with Modus Partnerships, Mather Jamie was able to broker the sale and help secure planning permission to build 18 affordable houses. Once fully constructed the development will be operated by Midland Heart Housing Association.
Gary Kirk from Mather Jamie said: “The sale of the site to Modus Partnerships represents an excellent outcome for our client. The site presented significant challenges due to its previous usage and we were able to draw on our experience on brownfield development land sales to bring this to a conclusion. We look forward to seeing Modus transform the site into much needed new housing for the Affordable Homes sector.”
Simon Preston, director at Modus Partnerships, added: “We are always actively seeking land acquisition and development opportunities including brownfield sites like this that are suitable for redevelopment. We are delighted that this deal has been completed and that we can begin to build much needed affordable housing to the area.”
The approved housing mix will comprise five different styles of two and three bedroom houses, all constructed to a high-quality specification which, when completed in Autumn 2023 will be made available as affordable rent and shared ownership housing.
A spokesperson from Midland Heart said: “Midland Heart provides a range of housing options, across the Midlands, that help people to live independently. We are really pleased to have secured this sought after site and look forward to working with Modus Partnerships to be able to offer 18 new homes in this popular location, within easy reach of both Nottingham and Leicester.”
