Sills & Betteridge LLP has welcomed Aleksandra Flack as an associate solicitor to its employment law team this month in a move which will benefit employers, public sector organisations, charities, HR professionals and employees across the region. She provides assistance and advice on all aspects of employment law and has considerable experience and a very successful track record of representing clients in Employment Tribunal proceedings where she has negotiated many favourable and significant settlements, for both employees and employers. Additionally, Aleks delivers bespoke training to HR professionals and managers, and is a popular event speaker. Stephen Britton, head of employment law, is delighted with the appointment: “Aleks is a perfect addition to the team. She has a high level of expertise and her energy, enthusiasm and genuine passion for putting the client first really shines through.” For Aleks the position represents an exciting new opportunity: “I am really excited to start my role at Sills & Betteridge Solicitors and look forward to supporting businesses and individuals with the employment-related matters and challenges they face. Sills & Betteridge is a well-established firm that puts clients first and I am delighted to be part of its ambitious plans for the future.” The firm has grown significantly over the last 5 years through organic and acquired growth, and now has 15 offices and over 330 partners and staff.
Minister Steve Barclay visits Derby as part of Levelling Up agenda
Derby has been hailed as a shining example of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay, who visited the city last week to see how regeneration plans are taking place.
The Minister met with leader of the Council, Cllr Chris Poulter, Derby City Council Chief Executive, Paul Simpson and key officers at Derby Market Hall to review the redevelopment work that’s taking place across the city.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster had a tour of the Market Hall, where the second phase of work is ongoing to turn the Victorian building into an attractive retail and leisure destination fit for the future.
The Minister also visited the Becketwell development, which will comprise of a new public square, 259 apartments and a brand new 3,500 capacity performance venue. Both developments are key projects that will contribute to the vibrancy of the city’s historic heart and Derby’s future ambition.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay said: “Derby is a city of real vibrancy and it was fantastic to see the ambitious regeneration projects taking place across the city centre. The redevelopment of the Market Hall is really starting to take shape and the £15 million Future High Streets funding will help develop other parts of the St Peter’s Quarter.
“Levelling up is a central part of the Government’s ambition because we want to ensure people and communities up and down the country are able to thrive, so it was great to see how Derby has been able to access funding that will drive inward investment into the city centre and create opportunity for people.”
Leader of Derby City Council, Cllr Chris Poulter, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Minister to Derby and show him the great strides we are making to rejuvenate and Level Up the city centre.
“The minister was able to see first-hand the challenges and opportunities we face in Derby and the essential role Levelling Up can play in the city.”
Steve Barclay also toured the St Peters and Cathedral Quarter areas, which have received £15million from the Future High Streets fund to regenerate the prominent public space at the Market Hall and Eastern Gateway.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster visited the city after a regional cabinet meeting in Stoke-On-Trent, which discussed the Government’s Levelling Up agenda.
Transformation of Broad Marsh site takes a step forward
The transformation of Nottingham’s Broad Marsh site is taking a step forward with the appointment of experts to turn an exciting vision into reality.
The site of the former shopping centre presents a unique opportunity for the city to create something special, with a vision for how it could change drawn up by the Greater Broad Marsh Advisory Group, led by acclaimed urban designer Thomas Heatherwick. Key elements of the vision are:
• Reinstating many of Nottingham’s lost streets
• A wildlife-rich green space
• Over 750 new homes
• New commercial and mixed use buildings, helping to create 3,000 jobs
• Retaining some of the structural frame of the shopping centre to create a new recreational space
• Rejuvenating the city’s unique cave network, with a new entrance and a new hotel above.
Now the City Council is appointing three experts – a master planner, development manager and advisor – to assess the vision in detail to understand what can be delivered. The appointments will be funded from the council’s capital receipts – funding it has brought in through the sale of its property assets.
City Council leader, Cllr David Mellen, said: “We are keen to continue progress on the Broad Marsh site, moving from a vision that we unveiled at the end of last year, to a master plan for this site which is full of opportunities for Nottingham.
“This requires support and it is at this stage that we are bringing in the skills of a master planner and other experts to help us progress this exciting project. This will help us put a strong submission in for Levelling Up funding from Government.
“This site now presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create something unique and special for Nottingham, which will complement the work that’s already underway to transform this part of the city.
“People can already see reimagined pedestrian-friendly streets and public spaces, heritage-led improvements and a new car park and bus station – with work on fitting out the new Central Library expected to begin soon.
“We have demolished a large part of the former shopping centre, part of which will be developed into a new public space linking the Broad Marsh area with the city centre.”
Council seeks to safeguard future of historic Chesterfield site
A new owner or tenant is being sought for Tapton House in a move designed to safeguard the long-term future of this historic Chesterfield site.
Backed by Chesterfield Civic Society, Chesterfield Borough Council has taken the decision to advertise Tapton House in Brimington for sale or rent – with a view to bringing the empty Grade II* listed building back into use.
Dating back to 1794, the building was built by local banking family, the Wilkinsons. It was then briefly occupied by railway pioneer George Stephenson (from 1838 to 1848) before becoming the home of the Markham family from 1873 to 1925.
It was subsequently given to the former Chesterfield Corporation by Charles Paxton Markham, who expressed the hope that it would be used for the benefit of the people of the town, leading to the creation of the former Tapton House Secondary School which occupied the site until 1991. Chesterfield College then took over the building as a base for its Higher Education provision before returning Tapton House to the council in 2018.
Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “Tapton House and the surrounding area is a key heritage site in our borough, and we’re committed to finding a long-term solution that will safeguard and conserve its future.
“Since the college vacated the building three years ago, we have overseen its general repair and maintenance while looking for a suitable tenant – but are becoming increasingly concerned about incidents of vandalism and arson in the nearby Tapton Park.
“The council, just like the people of Chesterfield want the best for Tapton House, which is why we’re now keen to attract a new owner or tenant who is prepared to make the substantial investment needed to restore and refurbish the building to a standard fit for occupation.”
Philip Riden, chairman of the Chesterfield Civic Society, said: “The Civic Society committee believes that the best chance of securing the future of Tapton House is for it to be sold by the Borough Council on a long lease with planning permission for change of use back to a private residence.
“If necessary, this could be coupled with the demolition of the school buildings of 1931, which are of no special merit. Public access to the grounds could, we believe, be maintained alongside the creation of a private garden attached to the mansion.”
The property will be available for sale on a long leasehold basis for a term of 999 years at a fixed peppercorn ground rent, or to let on a new lease on commercial terms.
A number of uses will be considered, subject to appropriate consents being in place – and any final decision on the sale of Tapton House will be taken by the council’s Cabinet.
Under the terms of any sale or rental agreement, there will be a small private outdoor area for the exclusive use of the new owner or tenant but plenty of parkland left for residents to walk around and enjoy views of Tapton House.
The building will be marketed by Knight Frank.
Trio of Leicestershire pharmacies sold
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold three standard hours community pharmacies, Sonichem Pharmacy, Lads Chemist, and Health Serve Pharmacy, all located in Leicestershire.
Sonichem Pharmacy in Braunstone Town dispenses an average of 18,000 items per month, trading from a modern premises with the aid of a large dispensing robot. It had been owned by Mr Pradip Mavji for nearly 40 years and was brought to market to allow him to pursue a well-earned retirement. The business has now been sold on a freehold basis to an East Midlands operator with more than 12 units.
Lads Chemist in Evington dispenses an average of 5,700 items per month. Previously owned by Mr Anil Lad for more than 30 years, this pharmacy was brought to market to aid plans to retire. The business has been sold on a leasehold basis to an experienced buyer who operates several retail and pharmacy businesses across the East Midlands.
Health Serve Pharmacy in Highfields dispenses an average of 3,800 items per month. The business, which was previously owned by Mrs Hardika Patel, was brought to market to allow for her semi-retirement after close to 15 years of ownership. The business was sold on a leasehold basis to a first-time buyer from Leicester.
All three pharmacies attracted multiple offers and completed in excess of their guide prices.
Carl Steer, director – medical at Christie & Co, who handled the sales, says: “These completions follow a raft of sales we’ve worked on in the county over the last three years, including Shilchem, Wymeswold Pharmacy, Paul Disney Chemist, Spiers Chemist, Oakwood Pharmacy and Rothley Pharmacy.
“These six completions, along with the recent sales of Sonichem Pharmacy, Lads Chemist, and Health Serve Pharmacy show, without doubt, the robust appetite for Leicestershire pharmacies. With a few exceptions, these sales attracted swift interest, multiple viewings and offers at their full asking price or above.
“The pandemic saw a slow-down in an appetite to sell, for obvious reasons, but with the burgeoning of our applicant database, and a good appetite from banks to fund the pharmacy sector, we have a perfect blend for anyone considering a sale. Leicestershire, especially, is achieving some of the best levels of interest and offers seen across the whole of the Midlands region.”
Sonichem Pharmacy, Lads Chemist, and Health Serve Pharmacy were sold for undisclosed prices.
Planning approval secured for Loughborough apartment complex
A Loughborough site that was once a busy taxi office and workshops, that has fallen into decline and dilapidation, is set to be demolished to make way for a new fit for purpose apartment complex.
HSSP Architects have gained approval for a 16-apartment development, consisting of one and two bedrooms and a luxury penthouse style apartment.
The five storey building will be on a main arterial route from the railway station to the town centre, and on one of the most prominent corners in Loughborough.
The approval follows pre-application talks at the initial stages about how this development aligns with Charnwood Borough Council’s Masterplan to bring further improvement to the area, and ongoing discussions through the planning process.
Manufacturing output growth accelerates, but confidence falls further
UK manufacturing output grew at its fastest pace in ten months over the quarter to May, according to the latest monthly CBI Industrial Trends Survey.
Output still failed to keep pace with demand, however, as the volume of stocks of finished goods became less adequate compared with last month.
The balance of firms expecting to raise selling prices in the three months ahead increased slightly, moving closer to March’s record high.
The survey, based on the responses of 249 manufacturers, found:
- Manufacturing output growth picked up in the three months to May (balance of +30 from +19% in the three months to April), with output increasing at the fastest rate since the three months to July 2021. Although output growth is expected to ease in the three months to July (+23%), the pace of expansion will remain comfortably above the long-term average (+9).
- Total new orders were above normal to a greater extent than last month (+26% from +14% in April), matching the record high seen in March. Export order books were above normal to the greatest extent since January 2018 (+19% from -9% in April).
- Stock adequacy for finished goods deteriorated in May (-15% from -3%). 26% of manufacturers this month said stocks were inadequate, with 11% saying that stocks were more than adequate and 54% saying they were adequate.
- Expected domestic price growth for the three months ahead picked up slightly in May (+75% from +71% in April), moving closer to March’s survey record high (+80%).
- Confidence showed a further decline in the quarter to May (-30%), while investment plans for buildings (-6%) and plant and machinery (-2%) remained weak.
The Access Group commits further to Australia and New Zealand with new acquisition
The Access Group and Reckon have reached a $100m agreement for Loughborough-headquartered Access to acquire Reckon Accountants Group, including APS and Reckon Elite, in Australia and New Zealand.
The acquisition reinforces Access’ commitment to the region and to the accountant’s industry, signalling its intent to advance its tax and practice management offering for ANZ accounting firms.
Today’s announcement marks the 10th acquisition in three years for Access in the Asia Pacific region, building on the purchases of Attaché, Unleashed, Joyful, Volcanic, Sage Australia and Asia businesses, Definitiv, EziTracker, Fastrack360 and Vincere since 2019.
Reckon is a provider of practice software and business management solutions designed specifically for accounting firms.
The Access Group has gone from having no presence in the region to 2019, to today supporting more than 35,000 customers, with 900 colleagues, across five countries.
Kerry Agiasotis, president of The Access Group Asia Pacific, said: “The acquisition of Reckon Accountants Group further reinforces Access’ commitment to the accountant’s industry in Australia and New Zealand, which commenced with the purchase of HandiSoft as part of its acquisition of Sage’s Australia and Asia businesses in 2021. With this being our 10th acquisition in the region in just three years, it shows our strong commitment toward rapidly scaling Access Asia Pacific to best support our customers evolving needs.
“We are bringing together two businesses with a strong track record over more than 30 years delivering end-to-end solutions tailored to the specific needs of accounting firms in ANZ. With The Access Group and Reckon Accountants Groups combined industry experience, capabilities and resources, we are uniquely placed to continue to deliver the breadth and depth of software solutions that accounting firms require to adapt their practices to their clients’ rapidly changing needs.
“The combination of our expanded tax and practice management portfolio coupled with cloud technologies and the Access Workspace platform, come together to create an exciting set of new possibilities for our accounting customers. From hosting existing applications, integrating with new cloud point solutions or replacing with whole new cloud native application suites, our aim is to give our clients confidence that we will support them into the future at a pace that works for them.”
Reckon CEO Sam Allert said: “This partnership is good news for our customers, our employees and for the market. The proposed transaction agreement with The Access Group represents a compelling offer, which is also clearly in the best interests of our shareholders. The Board has always maintained that the sum of the company’s parts is worth more than what has been attributed to the whole, and this proposed transaction validates this.
“For our APS and Reckon Elite customers, we are thrilled to bring them the deep specialisation that Access boasts within the practice management market, and offer an extended portfolio of solutions that will deliver added value to our customers and theirs.
“We have spent more than 20 years imagining ways to create brave, new and progressive accounting firms. This acquisition is the natural next step to ensuring continued investment in our vision to simplify business for the benefit of all our customers.
“In joining with The Access Group our teams can broaden the service and solutions available to customers, build on the vision for growth we all share, and ultimately make this a reality for our growing client base.
“In addition, Reckon will be in a much stronger position to unlock further shareholder value through the growth and development of the remaining Business and Legal Groups not captured in this agreement. These divisions have represented approximately 70 per cent of the company’s revenue and a significant portion of EBITDA prior to the initiation of this agreement.
“With this transaction, Reckon will be well placed to accelerate the strategy of delivering a complete suite of accounting & payroll cloud solutions to help small businesses turn ambition into accomplishment, building upon our 114,000 cloud customers, as well as pursue practice management opportunities in the legal market. Proceeds from the sale will also allow the company to reward shareholders with a special dividend, continuing our trend of providing a stable income stream,” Mr Allert said.
Kettering foiling services firm acquired by Gloucester business
Window Widgets has acquired Kettering-based Profoil Limited, a specialist of foil lamination for over 25 years, and have announced the formation of the Q19 Group.
Profoil provides foiling services to the fenestration and building materials markets in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Gloucester-based Window Widgets began in 2000 and became the largest range of universal ancillaries for the fenestration market.
The deal was put together by the Q19 director team with advice from Cattaneo Corporate Finance and Legal Clarity, with financial support from Shawbrook Bank. The management of Profoil Limited were advised by Kingswood Business Sales, a division of Richmond Capital Partners.
Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director of Q19 Group, said: “I, along with the other directors of the business, are pleased to announce the strategic acquisition of Profoil, a key supplier to Window Widgets. We now have an opportunity to continue investing and realising the considerable potential of Profoil within our group.”
Visit APSS at the Lincolnshire Business Expo 2022
Commercial interior design and fit out company APSS is exhibiting at the Lincolnshire Business Expo 2022, helping businesses create the right working environment for staff to promote productivity and morale.
Hosted at the Lincolnshire Showground by CityX on Tuesday 24 May, expert staff will be on hand, ready to provide inspirational ideas to make your business stand out from competitors and streamline efficiency.
Stuart Marsland, sales director for APSS, said: “The way offices are used has changed drastically over the last two years. Whilst some have returned full time to the office, many companies have found the benefits of hybrid working. They want to adapt their workspace to a more communal meeting space. Companies are focusing on how to bring the home comforts into the office and moving away from the more traditional banks of desks.”
APSS works across a range of industries including commercial, industrial, retail, leisure, education and healthcare.
“We are here to help businesses find the right balance for their staff, helping to take their concept and make it a reality,” added Stuart. “Our team, who will be available to speak to on the stand ES6, can help provide ideas and inspiration for small changes, large-scale fit outs and refurbishments.”
From concept to completion, APSS provides personal service and creates a stunning work environment for all types of businesses. Get in touch to let them know you’re coming, book a slot to speak with them or just turn up on the day.
Nottingham City Council reports smallest pay gaps among Core City councils
Nottingham City Council is making “good progress” towards closing pay gaps between staff of different gender, ethnicity and disability.
The authority compares well with other councils and local public sector organisations – with data showing that across the whole organisation, it has the smallest average gender pay gap among Core City councils and lower than many local public sector organisations.
Across the council, the average female member of staff earns 97p for every pound earned by her male counterpart – a 2.9% pay gap – while for middle earners the gap is smaller still, at 0.5%. The discrepancies are down to more men being in higher-paid jobs and more women being in lower-paid jobs.
Meanwhile, disabled employees on average are paid slightly more than able-bodied colleagues – £1.01 for every £1, a gap of minus 1.1%. this rises to £1.10 for every £1, a gap of minus 10.4%, among middle earners, which is up from 5.8% in 2020. This is because disabled employees are very evenly spread throughout the organisation, with slightly higher representation in middle and higher ranked posts.
Among Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff, most earn 94p for every £1 white colleagues earn – up slightly from 2020, with middle earners receiving 91p for every £1, or a 9.4% pay gap. The differences are likely to exist because White British employees are slightly overrepresented higher up in the organisation and slightly more BAME employees in lower paid roles.
The council says it is continually seeking ways to support and develop its staff, including embedding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within the organisation’s culture and developing ongoing learning and resources to support leaders to work in an inclusive way. Measures include introducing programmes such as the Change Academy, which responds to calls from staff for more development opportunities and will help the council to “grow its own” to drive the transformation and improvement of the organisation.
Nottingham City Council’s Chief Executive, Mel Barrett, said: “We are headed in the right direction towards closing pay gaps, and compare favourably with Core City councils and local public sector organisations. We are not shying away from this issue and are taking active steps to bring about positive change. Despite the positive progress, we are not going to become complacent and will continue to ensure that there is equity of pay throughout the organisation.
“Our aspiration is for Nottingham to be an internationally successful and prosperous city that offers its residents the means and opportunities to realise their potential. Pay gap reporting helps us to identify inequalities that need to be addressed.”
Astorg not moving forward with offer for Ideagen
Astorg has backed out of bidding for Ideagen, the Nottinghamshire-based software firm.
It was revealed that the private equity firm had proposed a cash offer for the company at the start of May, as had Hg, coinciding with private equity firm Cinven confirming it did not intend to move forward with an offer for the business.
An announcement today reads: “Further to the announcements made by Ideagen on 5 May 2022 and 9 May 2022 in which Astorg was identified as a potential bidder for Ideagen, Astorg today confirms that funds represented by Astorg do not intend to make an offer for Ideagen.”
Meanwhile, Hg has put forward an offer to acquire Ideagen, valuing the business at £1.05bn.
Revealing this, Richard Longdon, non-executive chairman of Ideagen, said: “The Ideagen directors unanimously intend to recommend the offer to shareholders.
“The all-cash offer represents a compelling and attractive opportunity for shareholders to realise and crystallise their investment in Ideagen in the near term and also provides a significant premium to the prevailing share price notwithstanding the backdrop of the wider risks posed by the political and macro-economic environment.
“The offer reflects the quality, strength and long-term performance of Ideagen’s businesses and its future growth potential. We believe that Hg’s track-record and expertise in supporting and growing software businesses would provide a complementary partner for Ideagen’s stakeholders.”
Christopher Fielding, Joris Van Gool and Jean-Baptiste Brian, partners at Hg, said: “At Hg, we have spent over 20 years focused on the business-to-business software space. We have long admired how Ben and his highly motivated team have grown Ideagen into a leader in its sector.
“Our experience in the sector gives us strong conviction that Ideagen represents a high-quality platform, and we are committed to providing additional capital and resources that are required to further support and enhance Ideagen’s next phase of growth.
“Hg has a strong track record of investing in and growing UK-based software businesses. We recognise that Ideagen is a global organisation with stakeholders around the world, but with deep community ties and a strong local heritage. We strongly believe that the core of the business should be maintained in its Nottingham base, including its executive team and technological development centre.”
Viridis Building Services joins sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Viridis Building Services has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, backing the Sustainable Development of the Year category.
Speaking with Business Link, Lee Marshall, Managing Director at Viridis Building Services, said: “We are delighted to sponsor Sustainable Development of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards again this year. Being sustainable is one of our core values. We promote it within our business and to the businesses and practices we work with. It is something we are immensely proud of, strive to be leaders on, and we actively want to be involved in presenting awards and recognising developments that we feel are outstanding in this area.
“At Viridis, we 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, we 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, we are ensuring the East Midlands spearheads Sustainability and Environmental Design. We are excited to see this year’s entries to the East Midlands Bricks Awards and look forward to attending the ceremony to reveal the ultimate winner of Sustainable Development of the Year in September.”
The awards, which will take place on Thursday 15 September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrate the excellent 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.
“At Viridis, we 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, we 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, we are ensuring the East Midlands spearheads Sustainability and Environmental Design. We are excited to see this year’s entries to the East Midlands Bricks Awards and look forward to attending the ceremony to reveal the ultimate winner of Sustainable Development of the Year in September.”
The awards, which will take place on Thursday 15 September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrate the excellent 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:
- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner
Find out who last year’s winners were here.
Thanks to our sponsors:
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. Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
Major housing and employment development area to bring tens of millions of pounds of community benefits to Lutterworth
A major housing and employment development area in Lutterworth will bring tens of millions of pounds in community benefits, affordable homes and much-needed infrastructure.
Plans for 2,750 new homes, community facilities and employment space to the east of Lutterworth were approved in July 2020. Approximately 1,260 of the new homes are expected to be built by 2031 and the rest after 2031.
The 550-acre development – known as the Lutterworth East Strategic Development Area (SDA) – was identified in the Harborough Local Plan as a key area to accommodate new housing in the district. It will include over 100 hectares of green space – approximately half of the site – two new primary schools and employment space to create around 2,500 jobs.
The development could attract as much as £1billion of investment to support the local economy.
A new spine road, also being created as part of the scheme, is expected to significantly reduce the amount of traffic travelling through Lutterworth town centre.
Harborough District Council issued the decision notice on the scheme this week having agreed substantial community benefits, through a Section 106 agreement, with developers contributing millions of pounds towards facilities for residents in the area.
Cllr Phil King, leader of Harborough District Council, said: “This development will provide a much-needed investment boost to the local economy, with job and training opportunities during construction. As well as providing vast amounts of open space, it will also provide homes to benefit many local families and, with 40 per cent of homes being affordable, help those struggling to afford their own home, a place to live.”
The scheme will provide:
- A Community Park, playing fields, allotments, woodland, trees and hedgerows and new ecological habitats
- Land for a potential new leisure centre in the future
- Foot and cycle paths – connecting with Lutterworth town centre
- 23 hectares of retail and business space – creating up to 2,500 jobs
- Two new primary schools and special education unit
- Improvements to main roads and junctions to increase capacity, a new M1 bridge, and a new spine road
- A community hub – with the potential for shops, restaurants, cafes, community hall and other local facilities
- Approximately 1,260 of the new homes are expected to be built by 2031 and the rest after 2031
Pall-Ex builds focus on international expansion with appointment of division lead
Leicester-based Pall-Ex has cemented its commitment to the global logistics marketplace following the appointment of Sue Buchanan to international network director.
Promoted internally from her previous role of UK network director, Sue will be focusing on developing cross border growth, strengthening relationships with existing partners, and key for international expansion, onboarding new territories.
With an established career in the logistics sector, Sue has worked at Pall-Ex for seven and a half years, successfully driving member recruitment, member relationship management, member volume growth and compliance in her previous position.
International expansion is a growth area for Pall-Ex, and Sue is joined by an additional general manager within the division as part of its commitment to growing a team of cross-border specialists.
Commenting on the new role, Sue said: “I am delighted to be helping Pall-Ex drive growth internationally. With the initial challenges of Brexit subsiding and travel now starting to open up, we can really build our presence with partners across the globe.
“The knowledge I bring in logistics from the UK is invaluable when looking at developing and nurturing new global markets. My aim is to increase shareholder value through our knowledge, marketing support and IT, such as the MyNexus platform, globally.”
Mark Steel, Pall-Ex’s Managing Director – international business units, is optimistic about the opportunities overseas, saying: “We have a proven business model in Europe and have already enjoyed wider growth internationally. Sue’s promotion will help take the business into the next development phase, kick starting growth within new, international areas.”
The international expansion includes two new Pall-Ex signings: a master licensee in Czechia / Slovakia in early autumn last year, and an additional new agreement to cover Ireland.
In Poland, a new central hub has also been opened. The new facility in Łódź, means that the Pall-Ex Polish central hub is now in the centre of the country.
Customers pay the price as volatile supply chains pressure mid-market
Research from Grant Thornton UK LLP’s latest Business Outlook Tracker research, which looks specifically at 370 leaders of businesses with a supply chain, shows that over half (52%) are finding it harder to operate their business today, compared to 12 months ago.
To manage cost pressures, 61% of respondents said that their suppliers have agreed to more flexible (longer) payment terms, and 55% said increasing costs in their supply chain are being passed onto their customers through higher prices for their products/services.
42% of the respondents had already increased their prices, with a further 51% planning or expecting to raise prices this year. This increasingly challenging operating environment has been fuelled by headwinds such as commodity prices, increased trade administration, energy costs and political uncertainty.
Building a resilient and agile supply chain is now a top priority for 57% of respondents, with around 48% saying that their business did not have a good enough understanding of their business’s supply chain to be able to respond quickly to disruption over the last 12 months. The top risks to mid-market supply chains were identified by business leaders as cyber security, Brexit disruption, ethical breaches by suppliers and rising inflation.
Sue Knight, is a partner and practice leader at Grant Thornton UK LLP in the Midlands. She says business leaders should keep action simple and practical, first creating a risk benefit analysis and then finding opportunities that have the most buy in and can be actioned quickly.
She says: “Businesses in the Midlands need to take a risk and profitability-based approach to their supply chain as changes that affect businesses are happening constantly, whether you are prepared or not. Business leaders should take time to identify the most likely and damaging risks to identify improvements that can help build resilience, increase supply chain predictability and reduce supplier risk. They should then add analysis of profitability to the picture, which will help to identify the most resilient products and customers.
“It will likely take 18-24 months for organisations to make any meaningful changes to their supply chains, and this timeline will depend on the maturity of the supply chain approach. The Midlands’ businesses should plan for 12 months at least to put systems in place. Look for simple steps that you can action right away, such as measuring and mapping, as many improvements do not need large investments.
“Finding the opportunities that have the most ‘buy-in’ and investment from the business is also vital. For example, if your internal ESG strategy isn’t in order, then your supply chain will be a long way off. Identify which initiatives bring business benefit and are either established, or will be supported in your own business, and focus on those initially.”
Five actions businesses can take to build sustainable supply chains
Use data as much as possible
You should use relevant data to identify risk, map the supply chain and identify existing profitability by product, country or customer. This will help you to make and prioritise decisions in the supply chain – whilst knowing the cost impact of the decisions.
Identify your ESG priorities
All supply chain activity is underpinned by the growing ESG agenda. Often, prominent ESG risks are in line with general supply chain risks, such as location of suppliers. Also, lenders and other stakeholders are more likely to support businesses with strong ESG cultures – for example by offering lower lending rates. Lenders and other stakeholders will increasingly look to ESG reporting and adherence to regulation, so having data ready, even before they ask, will be key. In addition, your supply chain partners need to be able to provide you with assurance that they are operating in line, not just with regulations, but with your standards, and in an objectively ethical manner.
Get visibility of tax and reporting policy
Tax and reporting policies are designed to raise revenue and change behaviours of businesses. You need to keep on top of the direction of travel in the key territories in your supply chain. More taxes are likely to be introduced relating to sustainability – such as plastic packaging taxes and, most significantly, carbon taxes and pricing mechanisms. These taxes will add significant costs into your supply chains that you may not yet be aware of or have planned for.
Understand how tax and reporting sensitivity scenarios can be built into the data you are already collecting and ensure your suppliers are doing the same
You will start to feel pressure from larger customers to adhere to their reporting requirements, perhaps even internationally. TCFD and EU initiatives will play a bigger role – many businesses are not compliant today and need to do more. If you feel you are behind, that is ok, as there is time to catch up. Start by reviewing the data you are already collecting and identify the gaps in terms of supply chain and ESG. You also need to ensure that all the suppliers and partners involved in your supply chain, from start to finish, are transparent, that they’re adhering to legislation and that you get early visibility of potential cost increases.
Educate your business on emissions
Findings from the Business Outlook Tracker around COP26 last year showed that 1 in 3 mid-market businesses in the UK had not calculated their carbon emissions for the year, and half (49%) had not set a net zero strategy. It is vital that all parts of your business understand emissions (internal and external) and their impact on the environment. If you haven’t already, you should begin by measuring your impact in terms of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
Intoware appoints new sales director to spearhead growth
Nottingham-based digital workflow firm Intoware, has appointed Brad Flook as its new sales director. Brad Flook brings to the role 25 years’ business operations and sales leadership experience, having joined from reprographics company, The Hobs Group.
This senior appointment follows Intoware’s most successful year to date since it was founded in 2015, which saw revenue of almost £1m and its monthly recurring revenue increase by 40 per cent.
Brad Flook will be responsible for growing the revenue stream of this young software-as-a-service (SaaS) company.
In this new role, Brad will increase Intoware’s existing customer relationships in the oil and gas, manufacturing, rail, utilities, construction and infrastructure sectors and its reseller partnerships by opening up new market opportunities as the company continues to accelerate growth both at home and abroad.
Previously as sales director for the Hobs Group, Brad was responsible for national sales, customer success and marketing strategy. He provided executive sponsorship for major customers and prospects, focusing on creating opportunities to drive growth and success for the company, while ensuring it always delivered on customer requirements.
Intoware’s Chief Executive Officer, Keith Tilley, says: “We are delighted to have Brad Flook as our new sales director, as businesses are increasingly capitalising on the benefits digitisation provides. Brad’s valuable experience in a senior sales position, will stand him in good stead, as he takes on the role of leading our sales team by enhancing long-term customer relationships and unlocking new markets.”
Brad Flook, sales director, Intoware, says: “I’m excited to be joining Intoware right now, as businesses are rapidly implementing the Internet of Things and cloud software capabilities so they can collect data in a transparent and interactive way, that provides ‘real-time’ visibility into industrial assets, equipment, processes and resources.
“Despite this new era of digital efficiencies, many industries still remain un-digitised or in the early stages of their digital journey. Moving forward, we aim to support these businesses by helping them to identify which assets to digitise to reduce costs and benefit the bottom line, thanks to ‘the golden thread of information’ that collaborative workflow systems provide.”
Racer laps up applause, attracting sponsorship from Page Kirk accountants
It’s never too late to pursue your passion in life. That’s the message from Nottingham man Cameron Bell, who at the age of 31 is now an active participant in the 750 Motor Club Toyota MR2 Championship. The automotive design engineer, originally from South Yorkshire, has built his own car and is now testing himself against rivals across 16 rounds at eight different circuits in the UK.
Cameron’s first two outings of the season were at Donington Park, south-west of Nottingham, and at the home of UK motorsport, Silverstone, on the national layout. The ambitious racer hopes to finish in the championship’s Top 15, while soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the ride. His exploits have attracted the attention of Nottingham accountancy firm Page Kirk, which is backing Cameron with sponsorship.
“Racing is something I’ve always wanted to have a go at, especially growing up watching motorsport icons like Mika Hakkinen, Colin McRae and Alain Menu,” reveals Cameron. “I found a championship I wanted to enter, then bought a car suitable and over months built it in to a race car in my home garage. During that time, I also acquired my race licence. It’s difficult to explain how I feel when I’m in the car, helmet on, approaching a corner at high speed with cars all around you trying to get the best position on track. I guess it’s the adrenalin, excitement and coordination skill that attracts me to racing the most.”
The new sponsorship arrangement allows Cameron to continue to make approved modifications to his car; a 2001 two-seater Toyota MR2 Roadster, with 1800cc mid-engine. It also helps to cover some of the other inevitable costs associated with pursuing his passion.
James Haywood, partner at Page Kirk, the independent accountancy firm in the East Midlands, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring Cameron for this year’s Toyota MR2 championship. Myself and my fellow partners have a keen interest in motorsport, and we saw this as a perfect opportunity to enter the industry, get the Page Kirk name even better known through a new medium. With Cameron also becoming a Club Racing UK ambassador this year, it was an easy decision to make.”
Anyone interested in seeing Cameron race at future meetings should visit www.750mc.co.uk for details of dates and locations.
You can follow Cameron’s progress on his social media @cameronbellracing.
Skills centre opening completed at Lincoln College
Greater Lincolnshire Enterprise Partnership chair Pat Doody has officially opened the new Digital and Professional Skills Centre at Lincoln College.
Housed in the 130-year-old grade II listed Gibney Building on Monks Road, the centre is the result of a £2.5m investment from the LEP, and will help train students for careers in health and social care and cyber security.
The centre is home to the latest technology to ensure graduating students are familiar with cutting-edge industry techniques.
It is also home to the Lincoln Business Centre, an incubation hub and co-working space for start-ups in the city.
Pat Doody said: “This fully restored and iconic 130-year-old building has been transformed into a cutting edge and beautiful centre. The facilities here will give students the self-confidence and experience to enter the workplace at an accelerated pace, which is vital to our local employers who have both skills and staff shortages.
“We supported this new centre because it responds directly to the skills and training requirements for employers in our priority sectors – particularly manufacturing and engineering, health and care, and digital and IT – at a time when it is needed the most.”
Thanks to this investment, Lincoln College health and social care students are now working on £26,000 simulation mannequins that help them to learn about monitoring the breathing and heart rate of elderly patients. The life-size mannequins replicate the weight and feel of the human body, allowing students to practise moving patients as they would in a care home.
The centre also boasts a fully equipped networking lab, allowing cyber apprentices to fight viruses and penetration-test servers in a secure environment.
Lincoln College principal and CEO Mark Locking said: “Investment from the LEP, the DfE and Lincoln College has breathed new life into this 130-year-old building, transforming it into a state-of-the-art training centre.
“Thanks to this investment our students are now benefitting from an amazing, progressive learning environment that is equipped with the very latest technology.
“This represents and amazing opportunity for young people interested in careers in health and social care and cyber.”
Reward your teams at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
With nominations OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s prestigious Bricks Awards, now is the time to reward and recognise your teams by submitting an entry.
Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry, award categories include: most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 15 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also providing the chance to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region.
Dan Stack, director at Chevin Homes, reflected on winning an award at the 2021 event: “We were absolutely delighted that Chevin Homes has been recognised and the Chase Farm scheme awarded as Residential Development of the Year. A great night away enjoyed by all and this award is a fitting reward for the team effort to create this bespoke development.”
To submit a business or development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Thanks to our sponsors:
- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
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. Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
