Derby City Council to run second application window for COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund
Derby City Council will be running a second application window for the COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF), which may provide additional assistance to businesses that are still struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CARF scheme aims to provide support for businesses for the 2021/22 financial year which have been affected by the pandemic but were ineligible to apply for existing business rates support.
As the scheme will soon be coming to an end, the council is writing directly to all businesses that it believes may be entitled to support from the CARF scheme and inviting them to make an application.
The application window will run from 15 August until midnight on 4 September. After this time the application window will close, and the council will not accept further applications. As funding is limited any potential awards will not be considered or distributed until after the application period closes on 4 September 2022.
The fund is available for businesses that occupy premises that have a rateable value and where they have a business rates account and were liable for business rates during some or all of the 2021/22 financial year. They must also have a business rates debt for the 2021/22 financial year at the time they make their application.
Cllr Jonathan Smale, cabinet member for finance, digital and culture, said: “I would encourage eligible businesses to submit their applications before the deadline so that they do not miss out on vital assistance. To be clear, this assistance is not a grant given to businesses, but rather a temporary reduction in their 2021/22 business rates.”
East Midlands manufacturer awarded £1m mental health hospital contract
Mansfield-based Deanestor has been awarded a £1m contract by Integrated Health Projects to provide bespoke fitted furniture and fitout services for a £60m mental health facility on the Maudsley Hospital campus in London.
Due to open in 2023 and designed by IBI Group, the purpose-built New Douglas Bennett House will house acute adult inpatient services in eight wards, including four specialist wards and a psychiatric intensive care unit.
According to Deanestor Managing Director, William Tonkinson: “We are seeing an increase in enquiries for mental health projects and have considerable experience in this specialist area, particularly in compliance, specification detailing for these types of facilities, and in developing robust technical solutions whilst creating a welcoming and comfortable patient environment.
“We are pleased to be working with Vinci and Sir Robert McAlpine again and are looking forward to contributing to this project which is helping to modernise mental healthcare in London.”
Deanestor will be manufacturing bespoke furniture for 132 patient bedrooms, including wardrobes, desks, shelves, and bedside cabinets. This furniture is designed to be robust and heavy duty, and is machined and pre-assembled in Deanestor’s Mansfield factory for a strong finish.
Around 3,000 items of furniture and fittings will be installed by Deanestor, such as curtain tracks, window blinds, and stainless-steel dispensers and soap dishes in the ensuite bathrooms.
Deanestor is also manufacturing and installing 10 stainless steel kitchens, and furniture for utilities and ancillary facilities for staff such as offices and lounge spaces.
As part of the design development process and Deanestor’s early engagement in the project, two sample rooms were developed and fitted out for the assessment of the furniture specification and patient environment by the Trust.
Spread over 10,000m², the New Douglas Bennett House will allow South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust to centralise its mental health services in one location.
Henry Brothers hands over new school extension in Derbyshire
Contractor Henry Brothers has handed over a new extension at Glossopdale School to Derbyshire County Council.
The £4 million extension is the second phase of the Council’s plan to increase capacity at the school, which can now take up to 1,440 pupils. The new space will provide an additional nine teaching spaces comprising eight standard classrooms and a demonstration science lab. It will also provide flexible options for dining and social spaces and extra staff workrooms.
Ian Taylor, Managing Director of Henry Brothers Midlands, said: “Having built the main Glossopdale School, which has proved so popular, Henry Brothers is delighted to have now delivered an extension to create additional space for a further 200 students.
“We have partnered with Derbyshire County Council on several school projects over recent years, helping to enhance facilities, and it’s great to see the completion of this latest scheme.
“Working alongside employers agent Concertus, DLA Architecture, civil and structural engineer Curtins and Couch Perry Wilkes for M & E services, Henry Brothers has helped to deliver a superb scheme, which will allow additional pupils to attend this popular school.”
The addition, which was funded by the Council, is set into the hillside and also includes a new multi-use outdoor games area for play and PE.
Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for education, councillor Alex Dale, said: “It’s great to see the handover of the new phase of the planned Glossopdale expansion, and we’re really pleased that it’s been delivered ahead of the original strategy to help us meet local demand.
“We’re committed to ensuring young people in Derbyshire have the best possible start in life and access to a high-quality education is at the heart of that. I’m really pleased that the school will be welcoming pupils back into this new space from September.”
Jess Etienne, key account manager at Concertus Design & Property Consultants, said: “Considering the economic climate during the construction period, we are pleased to have been able to play our part in delivering these high-quality educational facilities and we are so thrilled with the outcome.
“The close and positive working relationship between Concertus, Derbyshire County Council, and Henry Brothers has played an instrumental part in the success of this project, and we are excited to see the students continue their journey in their new setting.”
Enrok Construction secures £4.6m Brixton construction project
Derbyshire-headquartered Enrok Construction has commenced work with Node to deliver 63 one-and-two-bed luxury apartments in Brixton, London.
The construction specialist has worked on the project since March 2022 and is now able to announce the formal contract. In a short time Enrok has played a pivotal role, completing roof works, installing windows and commencing the cladding and internal fit out, and is now committed to the successful completion of the scheme.
In its entirety, the project will see the conversion of a four-story building on Shakespeare Road with work to include the development of a fifth additional floor containing 6 additional luxury apartments. The penthouses will boast premium views across the capital city with a number of iconic buildings in sight, including The Shard, The City, Canary Wharf, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster.
Speaking on the project, Simon Bennett MCIOB, Enrok’s operations director, said: “We have been working closely with the team at Node for four months now, and it’s great to be able to shout about what will become our flagship project.
“Building outwards is not always feasible in high-density areas, so developing upwards is an effective solution – and something that is becoming increasingly popular across London and other densely populated cities where space is at a premium.
“Working in London does come with its own challenges, but our project planning and existing presence in London has enabled us to hit the ground running on the scheme and we are looking forward to delivering it successfully.
“We hope that this marks the start of a strong working relationship with Node and very much look forward to the prospect of future collaborations.”
Aamir Siddiqui, development director at Node, said: “We are delighted to be working with Enrok Construction to deliver this exciting scheme in Brixton. In addition to the collection of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, Node’s newest residence will also boast a co-working space, residents lounge and an outdoor amenity. It will be in close proximity to a range of co-working facilities, Brixton Village, Pop Brixton, underground, overground transport links and other neighbourhood amenities.
“We are pleased to have Enrok onboard and look forward to welcoming new residents in early 2023.”
Funding approved for new multi-million sports hub at Loughborough College
A new state-of-the-art sports hub is set to enhance elite-level training facilities offered at Loughborough College.
The College has secured £9.91 million from the Department for Education (DfE) to create a new three-storey, 3,000sqm facility as part of a wide range of multi-million pound improvements on its Radmoor Road campus.
The new building will house a modern sports hall with viewing terrace and outstanding changing facilities. It will also feature contemporary classrooms, flexible learning spaces, breakout areas and a small staff base.
As part of the project, the College will demolish an outdated building and boiler room to make way for new and improved admin and teaching facilities.
Jo Maher, principal & Chief Executive at Loughborough College, said: “We’re delighted that our bid for the Department for Education funding was successful. It will help us deliver our bold and ambitious estates strategy which aims to further enhance the experience for students and staff on campus, especially our brilliant sports team and world class athletes.
“It is such an exciting time to be part of the College community as we are investing millions in improvements such as our new T Level Centre, Institute of Technology building and new Digital Skills Hub.
“It really feels like we’re at the start of our journey to revamp our fantastic campus and make it the best possible place to learn and to work.”
The College was one of only 62 colleges nationwide to be successful in bids for grant funding from the DfE’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF).
Stuart Lindeman, chair of governors at Loughborough College, said: “This latest funding announcement is fantastic news for the College, but most importantly for our learners. The investment in the new facility means we can boost our elite sport provision as well as modernise other parts of the campus.”
England’s Handball squad uses the College’s facilities for training and will benefit from the new sports hall along with the scores of elite athletes who are based at the College.
Loughborough College has earmarked more than £30 million of investment in the campus, resources and other facilities over the last 12 months in one of the most exciting improvement plans in the College’s history.
As well as the new sports hall, investments include:
- State-of-the-art T Level Centre
- An Institute of Technology facility
- A Digital Skills Hub
- The Loughborough Careers and Enterprise Hub
- An Esports suite
- An airliner cabin simulator
Pet food manufacturer takes 24,000ft² at Blenheim Park
Hot on the heels of the letting of 81,000ft² to Cotton On Group at Blenheim Park just off Junction 26 of the M1 by FHP and joint agents M1 Agency on behalf of Urban Logistics REIT comes a further deal with the disposal of prime new build space of 24,000ft² to an undisclosed, pet food manufacturer.
Blenheim 24 was one of four speculatively planned and constructed prime manufacturing/distribution units on Blenheim Park, which sits just off Junction 26 of the M1 on the edge of Nottingham. This is the third deal on the site following on from the lettings of speculative units of 18,000ft² and 81,000ft², leaving merely the final building available of 43,000ft² which has just completed and is ready for immediate occupation.
The letting of Blenheim 24 was completed by Chris Proctor and Tim Gilbertson of FHP Property Consultants on behalf of Urban Logistics. Chris said: “It was a pleasure to deal with our new occupier here and their investment in the building will no doubt create success and new jobs for the region. This is the third letting we have now completed on the site and we only have one unit left available of just over 43,000ft² which is immediately available on a new lease.”
John Barker, head of development at Urban Logistics REIT, added: “We have been pleased with the interest shown in the ten unit scheme where we partnered with Wilson Bowden. The six units in the East Midlands have generated strong interest and the four unit scheme at Kingsway in Rochdale, due for practical completion at the beginning of October, which is encouraging.”
Olivia Salisbury, asset manager at Urban Logistics REIT, said: “We are delighted to have let the third unit in the scheme so quickly after practical completion. This is testament to the quality of the units built by Wilson Bowden and their contractors, Glencar and the location of the scheme, so close to Junction 26 of the M1 and Nottingham City Centre.”
Toby Wilson at M1 Agency added: “We are down to the last unit on Blenheim Park, which is a credit to the quality and location of these units. The remaining unit of 43,000ft² is the only immediately available Grade A warehouse within Nottingham of its size range currently, so we would urge occupiers to come forward before it is too late.”
Joules names new CEO
Joules, the Market Harborough-based lifestyle group, has revealed that Jonathon Brown will become its new Chief Executive Officer.
This follows the announcement in May 2022 that Nick Jones would be stepping down from the role during 2022. Jonathon will initially join the group as CEO designate on 7 September 2022 and will become CEO on 30 September following a short handover period from Nick.
Jonathon is a proven leader with a strong track record of improving performance and implementing strategic transformation programmes across several digital and retail businesses. He started his career in various marketing and digital roles, including at Schroders, British Airways and Coca-Cola.
He has held senior positions at Aviva, where he was head of e-Channels, Kingfisher, where he was director of Multichannel, and John Lewis, where he was Omnichannel director. He was previously CEO of MandM Direct, where he executed a successful turnaround plan, and COO of Photobox Group, where he led the strategic, commercial, and organisational transformation of the group, working across the brand portfolio including PhotoBox and Moonpig.
Most recently, Jonathon was CEO of Compare the Market, part of BGL Group, where he led the business through a successful period of strategic transformation and growth.
Jonathon Brown said: “I am delighted to have been selected to lead Joules at such an important time in its development. Joules is a very strong brand, with a highly relevant purpose and product proposition. The group’s digitalisation in recent years as well as its increased customer base mean it has very solid foundations for the future.
“Whilst there have been some headwinds in the past year, I am very excited by the business’s future opportunities. The group is making strong progress against its clear plans to improve profitability by simplifying the business and optimising the cost base. I look forward to working closely with the Joules team to return the business to sustainable, profitable growth and optimise the significant future opportunities available to us.”
Ian Filby, non-executive chairman of Joules, said: “The Board was in unanimous agreement that, amongst some very high calibre candidates, Jonathan was the standout choice to be our new CEO. He has significant experience across the retail and digital industries, a proven track-record of delivering business transformation, and the vision and ambition to lead Joules through the next stages of its development. The Board has every confidence in him, and we look forward to working closely together over the coming years.
“I would again like to place on record the group’s thanks to Nick for his contributions during his time with Joules, and in particular his continued outstanding commitment and drive over recent months. Under Nick’s leadership Joules has made good progress against its strategy to develop as a digital-led lifestyle group and, more recently, he has spearheaded the implementation of several important strategic initiatives that the Board believes will underpin the group’s future success.”
East Midlands digital PR agency welcomes strategy consultancy to client base
Digital PR agency Jennie Holland PR has been appointed by strategy consultancy Wingman Ltd, headed by former England rugby star Rory Underwood.
Jennie Holland PR, a PR agency in the heart of Nottingham that designs and implements PR and social media campaigns for both B2B and B2C clients across multiple sectors, has been appointed by Nottinghamshire-based Wingman Ltd to provide digital PR services, covering media relations and social content.
Founded by former England rugby union player Rory Underwood MBE DL in 2009, Wingman supports businesses by showing them how to build the sustainable environments required to enable them to deliver their strategy effectively.
Jennie Holland PR will be an extension of Wingman’s in-house marketing department and has been appointed to deliver a digital PR strategy, to help build the profile and reputation of the firm both regionally and nationally, and to shout about its achievements and upcoming events, talks and business retreats, often led by Rory.
Founded on Rory’s 35+ years of experience across elite sport, the military and business, Wingman has an in-depth, unique understanding of what makes a productive and healthy work environment and an engaged, motivated team.
The company mentors businesses on how they can achieve excellent results through an effective implementation plan, engaging and aligning the whole organisation to deliver the strategy.
Wingman and Jennie Holland PR are both ambassadors for Team Lincolnshire, an independent ambassador programme championing Greater Lincolnshire’s communities, businesses and quality of life, and first met over three years ago at a talk given by Rory.
Georgina Mackintosh, senior PR manager at Jennie Holland PR, said: “Wingman is an incredibly impressive firm built on Rory’s inspiring career and myself and the rest of the team are delighted to be working together.
“Wingman has been delivering remarkable results through its specialist programmes nationwide for the past 13 years – enabling positive change within businesses that is measurable and impactful. We will be Rory and team’s publicity partner, helping them to reach new audiences with their unique services.”
Rory, director of Wingman, said: “We are very much looking forward to working with Georgina and the rest of team at Jennie Holland PR. Wingman has certainly come a long way since our inception and I’m very proud of the team and all that we have achieved together.
“Now feels like the right time to increase and strengthen our presence and build on our many successes. We want to take Wingman to the next level and this PR team is the ideal partner to help us get there.”
CTS Group makes sixth acquisition in 18 months
Leicester-headquartered CTS Group (Construction Testing Solutions), a provider of Geotechnical Consulting, Construction Materials Testing and Surveying and Monitoring services, have acquired Concept Engineering Consultants Limited, a leader in geotechnical, structural and geo-environmental services.
Operating across the UK and with headquarters in London, Concept Engineering employs 105 staff. The company was originally established in 1997, consulting for civil, structural and geotechnical projects and surveying buildings across London.
This is the sixth acquisition by the CTS Group over the last 18 months.
Chief Executive Officer for the CTS Group, Phil Coles, said: “Offering superb coring and drilling capabilities, as well as a wide range of high-quality site investigation services will be a strong addition to our growing portfolio of Geotechnical Consulting, Construction Materials Testing and Surveying and Monitoring Services.
“I am delighted that Concept Engineering will become part of the CTS Group and look forward to working with Milan, Anastasia, Natalie and the management team to continue to grow the business. This latest acquisition complements the previous deals announced over the last two years as we continue to grow and develop a strong team with the skills and knowledge to deliver a quality and trusted service to our customers.”
Concept Engineering’s CEO, Milan Dedic, added: “We are delighted to become part of the CTS Group and continue to bring innovative site investigation solutions to our clients.
“We look forward to the opportunity to expand the business as part of the group and having met the senior leadership team at CTS we believe we have found a company with a similar ethos to our own and see exciting times ahead. Together we will be able to offer our clients a market leading range of construction related testing, inspection and compliance services.”
Plans revealed to breathe new life into Nottingham Guildhall regeneration site
Vita Group has submitted plans for a major mixed-use development at Nottingham’s Guildhall and its adjacent site.
An important redevelopment site for the city, Guildhall is a Grade II listed building, originally built in 1887 and once home to the city’s Magistrates’ Court along with the former fire and police stations.
Vita Group’s proposal is specific to the former fire and police stations, bringing forward plans for a PBSA-led mixed-use development creating 967 student rooms. The accommodation will be supported with a residents’ gym, dance studio, co-study spaces, cinema and games rooms.
Along with the accommodation, plans also outline provisions for a public facing Market Food Hall for around 500 diners.
Vita Group says the proposals have been designed to sit within its surroundings sensitively and sustainably on Shakespeare Street, North Church Street and South Sherwood Street and will complement the existing plans already approved for a hotel on the Guildhall site. Plans also outline better provision for pedestrian friendly pavements and support biodiversity with significant planting and new trees.
Mark Oakes, chief commercial officer for Vita Group, said: “A vastly underutilised redevelopment opportunity, Guildhall has the potential to be one of Nottingham’s major landmarks once again, bringing significant investment to the city and a historically important building back to life.
“The plans aim to create best-in-class student accommodation with outstanding amenities, whilst also easing pressures on local housing stock. The Market Food Hall will create a go-to destination for all the city to enjoy, providing the perfect backdrop for exciting new independent restauranteurs to bring their new ventures to people across the region.”
Nominations close on Friday! Enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 NOW!
With nominations closing this Friday (19 August) for East Midlands Business Link’s prestigious Bricks Awards, don’t miss this opportunity to raise the profile of your business by submitting a nomination!
Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and outstanding developments, the annual awards attract leaders from across the region and are the perfect way for businesses to promote the work they are completing and create more buzz.
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.
A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 15 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening that will also provide plenty of chances to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region.
Henry Brothers, winners of Commercial Development of the Year at the 2021 East Midlands Bricks Awards, reflected on the event: “Henry Brothers was absolutely thrilled to have won the Commercial Development of the Year award at the East Midlands Bricks for the delivery of the Medical Technologies Innovation Facility at Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton Campus.
“The Henry Brothers story began in Northern Ireland in the 1970s and the company has grown to become a leading UK construction company. However, this award for Henry Brothers Midlands cements our position as a significant member of the East Midlands construction sector and we are very proud to have been recognised for our contribution.
“We enjoyed the informal atmosphere of the East Midlands Bricks Awards ceremony and hope to nominate projects next year, as we’d very much like to be part of the event in 2022.”
To submit a business or development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, please click on a category link below or visit this page. Make your nominations before entries close on Friday 19 August!
The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 will also be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
Find out who last year’s winners were here.
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, as well as award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking. Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
Bookings for the East Midlands Expo heat up
The East Midlands Expo is picking up pace as bookings soar.
Returning on Monday 14 November 2022, the established event of over 20 years offers an ideal day for networking and business generation.
The free to attend expo, for which Business Link is a proud partner, is well targeted and aimed at the construction, property, business, investment, finance, professional services and related B2B markets.
Event organiser Tina King said: “Hot, hot, hot, and not just the weather. Bookings for the East Midlands Expo and Property & Business Investment Nottingham 14 November event are steaming ahead – up by over 40% versus the same period last year. It is great to see so many exhibitors and delegates engaging with networking and exhibiting again following Covid restrictions.”
Taking place at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, the exhibition will open to attendees at 9am, with a seminar taking place between 10:45am and noon.
A special networking lunch (for which tickets can be purchased here) will then take place between 12:15pm and 2:15pm, and the exhibition will close at 3:30pm.
For more information on exhibiting at the event click here.
To register to attend the event for free click here.
To secure tickets for the networking lunch click here.
From property agents to developers, architects, contractors, investors, PR firms, and more, see the list of current exhibitors here.Northampton-based accountancy firm acquired by local counterpart
Cottons Accountants Northampton has acquired J R Watson & Co, a fellow Northampton-based accountancy firm, as part of its continued growth plans.
Established over 100 years ago, J R Watson & Co has been providing accountancy and taxation services to small and medium sized business and individuals in the Northamptonshire and Warwickshire areas.
A natural stage in the business lifecycle, the retiring partners are passing the baton to Cottons, along with a high-calibre team.
“The team at Cottons have worked hard to ensure the merger for the existing partners has been as seamless as possible, as they transition towards retirement. We are very much looking forward to working with the J R Watson & Co team and clients on this next chapter,” said Charles Hill, director, Cottons.
“We pride ourselves on our service, and this new merger provides our clients with an opportunity to continue with a long-term partnership, with familiar faces and access to a wider, more modern service offering. We feel our clients are in good hands,” said Alan Markham, J R Watson & Co partner.
All seven J R Watson & Co staff are being retained.
Healthcare company strikes deal as it chases record revenues
Health and social care enterprise Provide Community Interest Company (CIC) has acquired Nottinghamshire-based React Homecare, with support from FRP Corporate Finance, as it moves to achieve record revenues during 2022.
Provide Community is an employee-owned CIC delivering a wide portfolio of health and social care services in hospitals and community care settings. As a not-for-profit organisation, all Provide Community surpluses are reinvested into services and supporting the communities it serves. In 2022 alone, charities and community groups have shared grants and match funding of almost half a million pounds.
Provide Community became a CIC in 2011 and has since grown from c£40 million revenue to £75m million revenue currently, through both organic growth and acquisitions, employing more than 1000 people.
Whilst Provide Community operates in the NHS market, it has also diversified through acquisition, including organic growth in its Provide Digital business and Provide Wellbeing business, which are developing and delivering innovative solutions for health and social care.
The recent acquisition of React Homecare, a domiciliary care provider to adults of all ages, is the latest of several acquisitions. React Homecare has a network of eight local offices in the Midlands and Yorkshire, helping Provide Community grow geographically outside the South East.
Provide was advised by FRP Corporate Finance in Brentwood, led by partner Chris Adlam and supported by associate director Joanne Price. The FRP team will continue to work with Provide to identify further acquisition opportunities.
Philip Richards at Provide Community said: “Provide is a dynamic organisation that is constantly working to deliver the very best quality care and clinical outcomes that we can. We want as many people as possible to be able to access our services, which is why we continue to be interested in buying businesses that complement our existing organisation.
“We have a target to grow and diversify revenues to £120m and will keep exploring opportunities to grow and develop our services both organically and through acquisition, whilst always putting our service users’ and their families at the heart of everything we do.”
Chris Adlam, partner at FRP Corporate Finance, added: “It is a pleasure to be able to work with an organisation with similar values to our own and to support Provide’s ambitious growth plans as it works to develop a wider portfolio of services across healthcare, social care and digital healthcare solutions.
“This latest acquisition complements Provide’s existing operations and means the organisation is well-placed to roll out its high-quality care, for the benefit of the communities it serves whether in hospitals, clinics or service users’ homes.”
Birketts LLP provided legal advice to Provide.
MEPC completes 265,000 sq ft Phase 3 industrial development at Silverstone Park
MEPC has completed its latest Phase 3 development at Silverstone Park which adds a further 265,000 sq ft of industrial accommodation to the estate.
The development comprises four sizeable properties – two of which have already been let prior to completion.
In addition, the spine road through Phase 3 has been fully asphalted and is now open, thereby linking businesses direct to the earlier Phases 1 and 2 of development.
“It’s great to have the spine road that originally started to be built during Phases 1 and 2 now completed as this crucially links up all the areas on the western side of Silverstone Park,” said MEPC’s development director Chris Kimber-Nickelson.
“Phase 3 has been a successful project in spite of some supply challenges related to the pandemic which affected multiple trades.
“Architecturally, each property is a progression of the designs we saw during Phases 1 and 2 and we are extremely pleased with the final product.
“The units are strong on energy efficiency and look terrific for the businesses occupying them. The infrastructure we put in place prior to building works commencing means that businesses really can ‘plug in and go’.
“I believe we have intelligently implemented the outline consent to maximise the value of this parcel of land.”
He added: “What is also really exciting about the businesses being attracted to our new buildings is the activity behind their front doors.
“The technology they are developing and projects they are working on are off the scale and, with all that, they are also creating many high-level jobs and skills.
“To have terms on two of the four properties already agreed before they were finished and the two others in solicitors’ hands… I don’t think we could have asked for a better conclusion.”
Meanwhile, MEPC has already been granted planning consent for its Phase 4 of development – a 100,000 sq ft scheme to include hybrid industrial units, with smart offices, a nursery, gym and café.
An application for planning consent for Phase 5 – c.201,300 sq ft of industrial premises on land opposite the main entrance to Silverstone Circuit – has also been submitted.
Letting in Alfreton unlocks expansion plans for local occupier
Acting on behalf of private pension fund trustees, Tim Gilbertson, director of FHP Property Consultants, has completed the letting of substantial distribution space off Keys Road in Alfreton, moments from the A38 and Junction 28 of the M1 motorway.
This modern warehouse building was put under offer within days of coming to the market and a lease has subsequently been agreed and completed to an expanding local occupier who wish to remain nameless to enable their further expansion in the region.
The building sees just over 23,000ft² of warehouse space let, and Tim Gilbertson who dealt with the letting said: “This is the second time I have had the pleasure of letting this building for our clients and I am delighted with the outcome. The ingoing tenants offer a good covenant and a long term lease has been agreed. Equally, it’s always a pleasure to see a local company expand and to help them with their developing business.”
A spokesperson for the private pension fund landlords said: “Alfreton remains a popular location for businesses looking to grow and further strengthen their market positioning. The unit resides within a prime warehouse and logistics hub with excellent links to the wider East Midlands transport network, namely direct access to the M1. We wish the new tenant all the very best in their new premises.”
Tim Gilbertson concluded by adding: “Even though we are in the middle of the summer holiday season, we are still experiencing good demand for space on both a leasehold and freehold basis throughout the region with industrial and warehouse spaces from a few hundred sq ft to a few hundred thousand sq ft very much still in demand.
“Despite the obvious economic pressures we are all encountering at present and indeed some supply chain issues which occupiers are also having to deal with as a result of Brexit, the market does seem to still be moving strongly.”
Frasers Group disposes of retail parks for £205m
Shirebrook-based Frasers Group has completed the disposal of a number of freehold and long leasehold retail parks held by its wholly owned subsidiaries, to RI UK 1 Limited for a headline price of £205m.
The company noted that Frasers Group fascias will operate from leases within these properties where appropriate.
The company intends to use the proceeds of sale towards the working capital of the company and its group operations.
Tax cuts on the horizon? By Michael Ball, tax partner at Streets Chartered Accountants
Michael Ball, tax partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, considers the impact the potential new Prime Ministers might have on the tax system.
Now that we know the final two candidates who will contest the conservative leadership contest, and therefore that one of either Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss will be the new Prime Minister in the Autumn, let’s have a look at what this might mean for the tax system.
As Mr Sunak was, until fairly recently, the Chancellor, it is perhaps understandable that he has not pledged any variation to the current intended tax changes – although he has said previously that he “firmly believes in cutting taxes” and as part of his leadership bid has said that “once we have gripped inflation, I will get the tax burden down. It is a question of ‘when’, not ‘if’.”
Therefore, if he was to win the leadership race, we can expect the health and social care levy of 1.25%, currently collected via an increase in NIC, to continue to be implemented as planned in April 2023.
We can also expect the planned rise in corporation tax in April 2023. This will reintroduce a tiered approach to corporation tax, with profits under £50,000 continuing to be taxed at 19%, profits above £250,000 being subject to the main rate of 25% and those profits in between being taxed at a tapered rate.
In contrast Ms Truss has pledged a number of tax cuts including to scrap the health and social care levy and the planned increase in corporation tax, as well as the suspension of green levies on energy bills.
It is interesting to note that at this point, and with the cost of living continuing to rise, neither have mentioned a cut in VAT. Nor have either of them, as yet, mentioned the tax that has been rising significantly in recent years, and that is inheritance tax. Whilst a large proportion of estates still do not pay inheritance tax, and this is perhaps why it is not high on the political agenda, not as many votes in it, with the increases in property values we have seen over the last few years, more and more estates have been brought into charge.
If Liz Truss is the next PM we can, it would seem, look forward to tax cuts in the short term. Whereas if it is Mr Sunak who moves into No 10 there may well be cuts eventually but, as is often the answer in tax, it depends.
Whichever takes office it is my hope, but not expectation, that politics will take a back seat in planning the tax policy of the future. Our tax system has become increasingly complex in my 15 years in the tax profession, and this has too often been as a result of politically motivated tinkering around the edges.
The recently released Office for Tax Simplification (OTS) report includes a recommendation “that the principle of simplification should be embedded in the general tax policy making process.”
We can only hope that whoever takes over at No 10 listens to this advice.
Just one week remains to make your nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022!
With just one week remaining until nominations close for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, ensure to submit your entries for the annual celebration of the property and construction industry by Friday 19 August!
Scheduled to take place on Thursday 15 September, the Bricks shine a light on the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes.
The glittering awards ceremony revealing winners, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, will also offer the perfect chance to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. The event will additionally feature John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker.
Nominations for the awards are open until Friday 19 August. 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 exceptional companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking. Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
Works complete on new £2m waste and recycling centre at Tattershall
Construction work at Tattershall’s new household waste and recycling centre has now completed.
The project was procured through public sector procurement authority, SCAPE and its Regional Construction framework, with main contractor G F Tomlinson beginning work on site in December 2021.
Following a £2m investment from Lincolnshire County Council, the new facility has replaced an existing, privately-owned centre at Kirkby on Bain, which is now set to be decommissioned.
The new site, which has a larger capacity, will handle, sort and dispose of materials more efficiently than the previous centre. The facility accommodates four state-of-the-art waste compactors, which feed ten containers. These are able to hold three times the amount of waste than a standard open top compactor, helping to reduce haulage costs and make for a more sustainable transfer to the waste station, by transporting more waste per journey.
The facility will serve Horncastle and the surrounding area.
The project utilised local labour through G F Tomlinson’s supply chain including Newark-based D J Swallow Construction, who worked closely with G F Tomlinson to complete the ground works and concrete slabs, as well as Lincoln-based electrical contractor, Brooke & Mayo. This helped ensure that 78% of the spend on the project was with suppliers based within 40 miles of the site.
Craig Stopper, SCAPE Regional Construction Framework manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We were delighted to be appointed as main contractor partner on this development. In addition to providing the residents of Lincolnshire with quick and convenient access to a new recycling centre, the facility ensures materials are being disposed of correctly, reducing harmful impacts on the environment.
“We are very pleased to have completed this project working alongside Lincolnshire County Council under the SCAPE Regional Construction framework – it marks the fifth household waste recycling centre we have delivered for the Council to date, with others located in Boston, Gainsborough, Bourne and Sleaford.
“This scheme is another important public facility in the Lincolnshire area which will provide upgraded recycling services and reduce the impact on the environment within the wider community.”
Mark Robinson, group Chief Executive at SCAPE, added: “The new centre is an excellent example of how a scheme can deliver social and economic value and provide long-term benefits for the wider community. It has been developed to the highest standard whilst integrating sustainable facilities and achieving value for money.
“We are delighted to have worked with our partner G F Tomlinson to accelerate this project forward, and bring an essential waste and recycling centre to the local residents of Tattershall, Coningsby, and the surrounding areas.”
Mike Reed, head of waste at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Tattershall Household Waste Recycling Centre represents another significant project completed in partnership with G F Tomlinson using the SCAPE Regional Construction framework. The facility will provide a better environment for local residents to dispose of their material and will contribute to Lincolnshire’s circular economy aspirations.”
