New £6m primary school proposed for growing Leicestershire town
A new primary school could be built to meet the needs of a Leicestershire town’s growing population.
The school, on land off Normandy Way in Hinckley, would accommodate up to 210 pupils and will have seven classrooms.
It would also have a specialist teaching room for practical subjects such as cookery, as well as a hall, library, garden, and wildlife area.
Leicestershire County Council has submitted a planning application for the school which will be considered by the authority’s Development Control and Regulatory Board on Thursday August 11.
If the board approves the plan, contractors will build the school to the county council’s specifications with most of the expected £6 million cost being provided by developers Bloor Homes.
The new school would be part of the developer’s section 106 planning obligations arising from the new housing developments in the area.
In line with the county council’s green agenda, the school would also include solar panels and air source heat pumps.
Construction work is expected to begin on site in September this year, with an expected opening date of September 2023.
Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Providing new schools places across the county is a top priority for us in order to meet the expected demand, particularly in the Hinckley area as the town expands.
“This school will be modern and environmentally friendly, and I look forward to seeing further updates as construction gets underway.”
Once complete, ownership of the school will be transferred to Leicestershire County Council. The school will be run as an academy, by a trust yet to be determined.
Plans in for 120-home scheme in Leicestershire
Housebuilder William Davis Homes is working with planners to help meet the demand for new housing in part of Leicestershire, submitting proposals for more than 120 homes.
The plans involve a site off Snells Nook Lane in Nanpantan, which has already been allocated for development in the Charnwood Local Plan.
The area was previously earmarked for development as part of the Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park, but is allocated for housing under the new, draft local plan.
Before the application was submitted, a consultation exercise involving the wider community and stakeholders was conducted. Further consultation will now be carried out by Charnwood Borough Council, following the submission of the proposals.
In addition to 128 new homes, the proposals will create publicly-accessible open space equivalent to almost 4.5 football pitches and a new children’s play area.
Along with improved footpaths along the former Charnwood Forest canal, these measures will help to address the identified shortfall of open space in Nanpantan – a key concern raised in the public consultation.
William Davis Homes is working with Charnwood Borough Council to provide the right types of houses to meet demand. The plans include both first-time buyer and larger family homes.
In line with local authority policy, almost a third of the proposed new homes will be made available to local people for rent, sold under an equity share scheme or made available for sale at a permanent 30% discount, under the Government’s First Homes initiative.
In drawing up the proposals, William Davis Homes has commissioned extensive traffic modelling, which has shown there would not be a severe impact on the surrounding highway network.
The site’s access point, along with highways and footpath improvements, are aimed at encouraging sustainable transport options.
A comprehensive landscape scheme will support sustainability. The plans will maintain ecologically valuable habitats, including the Ancient Woodland adjacent to the site, as well as delivering a biodiversity net gain.
In addition, the new homes will include electric car charging points and solar panels as standard and deliver a carbon reduction compared with current new build properties.
William Davis Homes has also pledged to work with the local council to ensure that any impact on health and education services is mitigated. Where necessary, there would be financial contributions to help maintain and improve local infrastructure.
As a Charnwood-based business, William Davis Homes is already a major local employer with an established local supply chain.
New £10m housing development completes in Nottingham
Property developer Taggart Homes has delivered a 45 home development in Nottinghamshire.
All homes on the site are now build complete, with just the ex-view home being available to buy. Many residents are now enjoying their new homes and settling into life in the village of Annesley.
The development is located on Derby Road, allowing for easy transport routes to Hucknall, Nottingham and Mansfield.
With the majority of the properties falling within the Help to Buy scheme, the homes attracted a high level of interest from first time buyers, families and professional couples. The development is situated on the doorstep to amenities including primary schools, a supermarket, a library, sports fields and a short distance from Newstead Abbey.
Forest Park showcases seven different property types including semi-detached and detached homes.
Director of Taggart Homes, Nick Taggart, said: “We are very excited to see the completion of Forest Park and delighted to welcome residents into their new homes. The flurry of interest we’ve had on these properties has been remarkable as the homes began selling very early in the build and have continued to sell exceptionally well throughout.
“At Taggart, we pride ourselves on attention to detail, especially with high-specification fixtures and fittings that homebuyers can customise to their taste, as we know this plays a vital part in the home buying process.
“The distinctive homes were built on a vacant, derelict site which was former working men’s club and we have been committed to help revitalise the community and its future, as a thriving location popular with families and commuters. Whilst completing the build, we were delighted to be able to help the local primary school, donating much needed funds to help the school renovate their dining hall.”
Taggart Homes has worked alongside Core Architects and Ashfield District Council to deliver this scheme.
Just 2 weeks left to make your nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022!
With only two weeks 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 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:
Plans to secure £20m for Ollerton and Clipstone submitted
Newark and Sherwood District Council has submitted its plans to government in an effort to secure nearly £20million in funding for Ollerton and Clipstone.
If successful the District Council will develop the disused site at Clipstone Holdings into high quality space for businesses, make huge improvements to Ollerton Town Centre, create new sports facilities in Clipstone and improve transport links to the area.
The District Council has applied for a grant through round two of the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF). If the bid is successful, proposals include up to 60 new homes, the creation of new retail, food and beverage shops, new office workspaces and the relocation of the Library in Ollerton Town Centre. The proposal would bring key public services, for example the Town Council and the Library, together in a single, modern and accessible facility, all under one roof.
The funding would also be used to create space for businesses to use as well as sports and leisure facilities on Mansfield Road, Clipstone. The investment here would create a site offering training to develop new skills while also creating employment opportunities as well as a modern health and wellbeing provision in the heart of the community.
The project would see the demolition of existing derelict light industrial units on the Clipstone Holdings site and the redevelopment of 30 brand new units. In addition, new modern mixed-use sports facilities would also be developed, including a 3G pitch, one grass pitch, one stadium pitch, a cricket pitch and multi-use courts. These would be accompanied by two pavilions, a main sports hall and 505 parking spaces. A new road layout and cycling connections would also be developed. This could then act as a catalyst for the development of the coal mining headstock.
Councillor David Lloyd, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for Ollerton and Clipstone and I’m delighted to see our proposals submitted to Government. These proposals will help to improve employment opportunities in Ollerton and Clipstone and will address some of our key challenges that are set out in our Local Plan and have also been identified through resident feedback.”
Before preparing its proposals, the District Council undertook a survey with residents and other key local people, including local businesses. The survey showed strong support for town centre regeneration, employment creation, better shops, improved retail and leisure offering, upskilling of the workforce, and measures to enhance wellbeing. Ollerton and Clipstone were identified by respondents as places that are most in need of investment in the district.
Councillor Lloyd continued: “I would like to thank everyone that contributed to the consultation and had their say on what matters most to them for future development of their local community; I am confident that our proposals to government reflect your aspirations.
“New office and workshop spaces in Ollerton and Clipstone will provide modern facilities for local businesses and attract businesses looking for high-quality and energy efficient space, which is great news for those who live and work in the district.
“It is also our priority to create high quality employment opportunities, offer opportunities to increase skills and improve health and wellbeing by providing the right public services and support at the right place. I hope that our bid, like the one for Newark, is successful and I look forward to hopefully sharing positive news with you in the future.”
In July 2021 Newark and Sherwood District Council successfully submitted a bid for Newark during the first round of the Levelling Up Fund for the Southern Link Road. This built on the District Council’s positive partnership with the Newark Town Board, securing £25million in March 2021 to begin work on transformative projects to regenerate Newark town centre, boost business and improve infrastructure through the Newark Town Fund.
The Levelling Up Fund is designed to invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK. The £4.8 billion fund will support town centre and high street regeneration, local transport projects, and cultural and heritage assets.
Keeping it simple: low maintenance office interior design
With workers no longer chained to their desks and workplaces adapting to a more flexible work environment, specialists in commercial interior design and refurbishment, APSS look at simple, low maintenance ways to improve your office environment.
The last few years have made the office more of a variable space. With the current workplace revolution, how do you keep things low maintenance and simple?
There’s a lot to be said for minimalist design and keeping things simple. The straightforward clean approach to office interiors is one that’s been followed since the 1990s. The plain, clinical whites of that decade have gone but the idea around keeping things tidy still prevails.
As hybrid working and hotdesking becomes more popular, there has been more of an emphasis on shared workspaces. This of course means workstations need to be kept clean, functional and in good working order.
The clutter that comes with the traditional desk setup is therefore gone. Personal items tend to be stowed in drawers and as a result, offices can feel less busy and cluttered which can improve productivity.
Keeping it clean
Cleanliness is a hugely important aspect of office maintenance and due to COVID this is even more of a concern. Germs and bacteria live on surfaces and office furniture for longer than you imagine so keeping surfaces clean is the best way to combat this. Generally, desks, kitchens and bathrooms have safer surfaces.
When considering initial concepts and surfaces in particular, it’s best to pick sealed surfaces, avoiding material that might hold onto moisture or absorb potentially harmful bacteria or germs. Avoid wood with open grains for example or rough, uneven stone surfaces, even if they look superior.
Consider automation
You may already be using some degree of automation at home. Your robot vacuum or self-cleaning oven saves you time and money, so why not introduce some degree of automation in the office?
Pairing tech with design choices can also work wonders when it comes to tackling office interior solutions. There are a few solutions available if you need to keep floors tidy at all times and experience heavy footfall. Setting off vacuums and choosing a low-maintenance carpet or floor surface can make a huge difference.
Selecting carpet that doesn’t require much upkeep can often mean a sacrifice in aesthetics. However, you can seek out options that offer both style and ease of cleaning.
Ventilation and heating can also be something you can automate and manage flawlessly. Automatic vents and heating sensors can ensure a comfortable temperature is achieved depending on the season, the outside temperature and how many people are in the building.
Automatic windows and heating vents can also make things easier and can save incredible amounts of money.
Lighting is something that can be automated easily, every area of an office can be on movement detection and for areas where people will be working for extended periods, this can also be overwritten. This saves on both lighting bills and light pollution, which is becoming more of an issue in densely populated cities and towns.
A simple detection system can be installed at the point of refurbishment or retrofitted to provide a perfect way to keep an office’s lighting running efficiently.
Bring nature inside
Having office plants doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice time and valuable resources on keeping them in order. There’s a whole host of options when it comes to low-maintenance plants and having them in the office can create a calm, serene environment. It can also promote a more creative office. Biophilic design is something that is having a profound influence on many interiors, bringing the calming parts of nature inside.
Remember, there are many health benefits to having plants in an office, including as humidity boosters, air purifiers and stress reducers in general.
Look into plants that need minimal care such as cacti, succulents and other plants that thrive on low water levels and can survive both direct and indirect light with ease. Options can include bushy ferns, spider plants, larger leafy varieties and much more.
Avoiding plants that need pruning, daily watering or flowering varieties can mean you can take advantage of their best properties without worrying about looking after them too much.
Facilities with no fuss
As well as environmentally friendly options there’s a whole lot more you can do with hygiene and convenience facilities in a bespoke office design.
For example, rainwater harvesting to flush toilets, water-saving taps, and even waterless urinals can all feature in an office design to ensure there’s no waste and cleaning is much more of a simple task. Automatic flushes also mean cleanliness and hygiene are also promoted effortlessly.
In kitchens, instant boiling water taps and smarter surface choices can all make a difference too. There are many options available here for what are high-traffic areas.
Feeling inspired to look into low-maintenance office design? APSS offer a full design and build services and can help talk you through what potential your office has for your business. Visit the website for more details.
Acres awarded Gold by Ministry of Defence
Derby-based Acres Engineering has received the highest accolade from the Ministry of Defence to recognise their support for the Armed Forces Community.
The family business, which is located on Castle Lane Industrial Estate, Melbourne has received Gold Award as part of the Armed Forces Covenant.
This acknowledges employers who provided exceptional support to the armed forces community and Defence by going above and beyond their Armed Forces Covenant pledges.
Earlier this year, Bruce Spencer, MOD’s engagement director, visited the Acres Engineering workshop to review their progress on their application for Gold status in April. Yesterday Major Steve Goodwin, visited site to officially recognise them, when Acres Engineering publicly re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
Luke Parker, Managing Director at Acres Engineering, said: “Acres Engineering proudly supports the Armed Forces Covenant and pledges to support the Defence community within the business, ensuring those who have served in the armed forces are treated fairly.
“We always wanted to exceed the agreement and progress our engagement to the Gold Award and we are proud that our work here has been recognised by the MOD. We enthusiastically endorse the hiring of reservists and veterans at Acres Engineering and we stand by those who have served our nation.”
Major Goodwin said: “Acres Engineering Ltd is a great example of how employers are putting the Armed Forces Covenant into action to support the wider Armed Forces community. As Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold award holders, they have raised the bar for Derbyshire employer support and are well placed to share best practice and inspire other employers to follow their lead and experience the benefits of Partnering with Defence.”
Northamptonshire manufacturer set to be snapped up
EV Technology Group has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Northamptonshire-headquartered manufacturer, Fablink Group in transaction valued at up to £38.8m.
Since it was founded over 14 years ago, Fablink has built up a market-leading position as a Tier 1 supplier to the automotive, transport and off-highway sectors, counting leading global OEMs in its customer base.
The acquisition includes all seven Fablink manufacturing sites across the UK, and Streamline Automotive, a new division of Fablink Group that provides specialist low and medium volume electric vehicle manufacturers with turnkey clean build vehicle assembly capabilities.
Richard Westley, CEO and founder of Fablink Group, will remain in his current position and will also join the EV Technology Group executive team as chief operating officer upon completion of the acquisition. Fablink will also retain its current leadership team, facilities and over 750 employees.
Richard Westley, CEO and founder Fablink Group, said: “There’s no doubt that EV Technology Group’s acquisition of Fablink is a fantastic fit. This acquisition not only presents a superb blend of resource and capabilities, aligned to underpin EV Technology Group’s significant growth plans, but also gives Fablink Group a platform for significant future investment in our people, facilities & technology.
“The acquisition allows us to accelerate the delivery of our strategies in support of our existing global OEM customers, as we continue on our mission of achieving operational excellence across our manufacturing sites, and also provides a platform to further develop the business as we look to support EV Technology Group’s own brands. This is a tremendously exciting step for Fablink and we are looking forward to an even brighter future as part of a larger group.”
Wouter Witvoet, CEO of EV Technology Group, stated: “This acquisition is of huge strategic importance to the EV Technology Group. Having access to Fablink’s 750 world-class electric vehicle manufacturing and engineering experts in-house makes us more competitive, efficient, and agile for Fablink’s existing customers and our own future projects.
“On a personal note, I am also looking forward to working closely with Fablink’s founder and CEO Richard Westley who has built a remarkable world-leading business and will also be joining me at EV Technology Group to help steer the future success and growth of the entire group.”
Ibstock acquires facades business
Leicestershire-based Ibstock has extended its modular construction technology portfolio through the acquisition of a 75% stake in Generix Facades Limited (Generix), a UK supplier of non-combustible façade systems.
The acquisition represents a further strategic step in broadening the range of façade systems offered by Ibstock Futures, as the construction market seeks lower carbon, non-combustible forms of cladding for use in the mid-high rise and modular market segments.
Generix, which was formed in 2013 in Bloxwich in the West Midlands, produces three types of façade systems: Generix-Lite (natural stone panels), Infinity (ceramic panels), and Genbrix (mechanically fixed brick-slip cladding).
Co-founder and Managing Director, John Nolan, will remain in his role and retain the minority shareholding in Generix.
Jeremie Rombaut, Managing Director of Ibstock Futures, said: “Generix represents an important strategic step for Ibstock Futures, with a new systems offering into the fast-growing sectors of the UK facades market.
“Through this acquisition, we have a great opportunity to expand our customer offering in new market segments. I welcome John and his team to Ibstock and look forward to scaling the business together in the years to come.”
Burton bus operator acquired
Rotala, the bus operator, has acquired Midland Classic Limited, the principal bus operator in Burton-upon-Trent.
Midland operates 60 vehicles from its freehold depot in Burton-upon-Trent and employs approximately 110 staff, who will join the Rotala Group as part of the acquisition.
This latest move represents an extension of the group’s business to a new territory in the East Midlands from which further growth will be targeted. Midland Classic will be renamed Diamond Bus (East Midlands) Limited and will become part of Rotala’s Midlands division which is controlled from the group’s headquarters at Tividale, Oldbury.
Simon Dunn, Chief Executive of Rotala, said: “Midland Classic is a sizeable well-established business in an attractive bus territory. It represents the entry by Rotala into the East Midlands which is a new market for the group.
“However, at the same time, geographically it is adjacent to our existing operations in the West Midlands and so easily managed from there. The business also has its own freehold depot from which we will look to further expand Rotala’s services as the recovery in passenger numbers post-COVID continues.”
James Boddice, Managing Director and majority shareholder of Midland Classic, said: “After 17 years of successful independent bus operation during which time the company has grown, including taking over the Arriva local garage in 2016, to become the primary operator in and around Burton upon Trent, after much consideration we have decided to accept an offer from Rotala PLC to take over the business.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the company, especially our employees, and wish everyone well for the future.”
Revenue up for Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce says it has “progressed well in the first half of the year,” as it reports results.
The company posted an underlying revenue of £5.3bn, up from £5.2bn in the first half of 2021.
Meanwhile underlying operating profit dipped to £125m from £307m.
Rolls-Royce noted that demand for its products and services is growing with another period of record order intake in Power Systems, continued recovery in Civil Aerospace engine flying hours and high visibility of future revenues in Defence with a strong order book.
Warren East, Chief Executive, said: “We have progressed well in the first half of the year, with more than a £1bn improvement in free cash flow, strong order intake in Power Systems, increased engine flying hours and commercial discipline in Civil Aerospace, and targeted investment to support longer-term growth in Defence and New Markets.
“We are actively managing the impacts of a number of challenges, including rising inflation and ongoing supply chain disruption, with a sharper focus on pricing, productivity and costs. As a result of the actions we have taken over the last few years, our Civil Aerospace business is becoming leaner and more agile, and we are executing on the levers of value creation we shared at our investor event in May.
“This is setting us up to deliver on our commitments this year and in the future. We are making choices to manage the current challenges, deliver better returns, reduce debt, and generate long-term sustainable value.”
Advisers revealed behind The Fleet Auction Group transaction
Tax specialists from Leicester-based WestBridge Group have advised on the sale of a 22-acre facility on Stephenson Industrial Estate in Coalville to one of the UK’s largest wholesale used vehicle suppliers.
The site was previously owned by The Fleet Auction Group and has been acquired by Motability Operations who are set to develop the space into a state-of-the-art vehicle conditioning centre, doubling its existing capacity to assess and refurbish vehicles.
The site will be operated by IT Fleet, one of Motability’s vehicle refurbishment partners and up to 25,000 vehicles will be refurbished on the site each year and sold through the business’s remarketing arm, mfldirect. Motability expect that their investment in the site will be a long term commitment and going forward will generate jobs for the local area.
Tax advice on the transaction was provided by Tom Moore and Lucas Harding-Cox from WestBridge Tax, part of The WestBridge Group, which also includes WestBridge SSAS.
Tom Moore said: “We are delighted to have supported this transaction which was significant for both parties and will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the local economy going forward.”
Fleet Auction Group chairman Martin Betts said: “Bringing Motability Operations to Coalville, to create a state-of-the-art vehicle conditioning centre, will leave a lasting legacy and be a positive contribution to the regeneration of the local area.”
Loughborough University and Caterpillar reinforce strategic collaboration to accelerate innovative technologies for a reduced carbon future
Loughborough University and Caterpillar have formally agreed to continue a strategic collaboration launched more than 25 years ago to accelerate innovative technologies within the off-highway powertrain sector.
The collaboration began in the late 90s and led to the establishment on the University campus of the Innovation and Research Centre (IRC) with world-class facilities and expertise in the field of engines, engine sub-systems and hybrid powertrain systems development.
The IRC was the first long term collaboration between Caterpillar and a university in Europe. It delivers research that addresses fundamental questions, discovering and developing new engineering processes and components applied worldwide by Caterpillar and its global supply chain.
Over the years the IRC’s many projects spanning control, thermal management, aftertreatment and more recently hybridisation, materials, data analytics and digitisation have earned international academic respect, delivering commercial value as well as far-reaching economic and societal impact.
A notable example is a £26m project delivered in conjunction with the UK’s Advanced Propulsion Centre to facilitate Advanced Systems for Carbon Emission reduction through New Technology (ASCENT). The project enabled a major upgrade of the Cat® C4.4 and C7.1 heavy-duty diesel engines to align with Stage 5 emission standards, ultimately providing an annual production saving of over 270k tonnes of C02, the creation of 250 jobs and almost £300m wider economic benefits in the UK.
ASCENT also enabled the University to further enhance its leading reputation in the field of optical diagnostics, advancement measurement and component design, train six new researchers and deliver 27 influential research publications.
Caterpillar’s collaboration with Loughborough is having a profound impact on the provision of industrial skills, providing invaluable professional development to all levels of engineers in the company through bespoke courses, as well as recruiting more UK-based graduates from Loughborough than any other university.
Adrian Spencer, professor in Thermo-fluid Mechanics at Loughborough University and director of the Innovation and Research Centre, says: “Loughborough and Caterpillar are committed to accelerating solutions for a more sustainable future and enabling an inclusive and diverse workforce. Through the IRC, we look forward to another five years of pushing the boundaries in research and innovation to keep pace with the rapidly changing heavy-duty vehicles sector.”
David Goldspink, Caterpillar vice president and general manager, added: “It is rare that we are able to step back and appreciate the excellent work that the Loughborough and Caterpillar teams have achieved. We look forward to working together to ensure the synergy between great technical research and future talent continues long into the future.”
The East Midlands Expo returns on Monday 14 November!
Taking place on Monday 14 November 2022, make new contacts at the East Midlands Expo, an established event of over 20 years!
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.
Held at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, the day will begin with exhibitor breakfast networking, with the exhibition opening to attendees at 9am, and 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.Nomination deadline nears for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 – highlight exceptional developments and businesses now!
Shine a light on exceptional businesses and developments, and reward the teams behind them, by submitting a nomination for East Midlands Business Link’s esteemed Bricks Awards before entries close on Friday 19 August.
The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 will celebrate the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and outstanding projects. 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 that will also provide plenty of opportunities 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:
Partners united as £15m Ashbourne transformation bid is submitted
Partners have issued a rallying cry as the £15 million bid to transform Ashbourne town centre goes forward to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund for consideration.
The bid, named ‘Ashbourne Reborn’, is being led by Derbyshire Dales District Council. It has been developed through close working with a number of local partners who have brought forward project ideas, identified opportunities and raised match-funding for the bid.
The partners include Ashbourne Town Team, Ashbourne Town Council, AshCom, Ashbourne Methodist Church and Derbyshire County Council.
There are two distinct project areas. The first is a series of transformed public spaces including Market Place, Victoria Square, Millennium Square and Shrovetide Walk, while the second focuses on a new community hub, transforming the Methodist Church into a multi-purpose community building.
New traffic management plans will be transformational to the pedestrian experience in Ashbourne, while the hub will provide a wide range of event and meeting spaces, a performance venue and flexible work areas with high quality digital provision.
If successful, work could start as early as the end of this year.
Last month the District Council’s Community & Environment Committee unanimously gave the green light for the submission to go forward to the Government’s Levelling Up initiative.
District Council leader Councillor Garry Purdy said: “This project to date has been a brilliant example of local partnership working and I want to thank all partners for their invaluable input.
“I understand it is the biggest capital grant bid ever submitted by this council and, if successful, I am confident it will create vibrant public squares and yards in Ashbourne, reversing decline in parts of the town and giving lots of reasons to visit in a safe and welcoming environment. We want to restore pride in place in Ashbourne.”
Connections between town centre spaces will be improved and a comprehensive set of upgrades along Compton, Dig Street and St John Street will create a far better pedestrian experience, reducing the impact of vehicles and improving safety.
Councillor Simon Spencer, Derbyshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “I’m delighted that this project for Ashbourne has been approved by the district council.
“I’ve been working with the Ashbourne Town Team for some time on a variety of issues and I’m delighted to have been able to support them with their valuable work. Everyone involved, including all the local county and district councillors, have worked hard to get to this point and I hope the Government are able to find the money that is needed.
“All the work planned will make a massive difference to the town, for those who live here, and those who visit us, and I look forward to work starting as soon as possible.”
A key part of the project is to celebrate the town’s heritage while enabling a wide variety of future events to bring new life to the centre of Ashbourne, creating an environment where businesses will want to locate and invest, and residents and visitors spend time whilst supporting the local economy.
Anne Wright, chair of Ashbourne Town Team, said: “We believe the public realm, traffic management and pedestrian projects are at the heart of the bid and will be transformational for the town. The success of this initiative is absolutely vital to kick-start the local economy and revive a positive experience in the town centre for residents and visitors.
“From our local knowledge and experience we know that the implementation of improvements enabled by the Levelling Up Fund will encourage and support substantial further investment by local investors, giving them the confidence to back the town.
“The Town Team is really pleased to have helped bring together the amazing work being done by AshCom, the Town Council and the Methodist Church to turn our strategy into reality.”
The proposed community hub at Ashbourne Methodist Church, offering a fresh, modern range of accommodation options for groups and families and an outdoor riverside garden event space, will also link to a range of sustainable transport options to improve connectivity, including charging for e-bikes and scooters and connections to the Tissington Trail.
Rev Tim Morris, Superintendent Minister of Ashbourne Methodist Circuit, said: “Ashbourne Methodist Church has been contributing to the local community for over 200 years and we are committed to contributing for many generations to come. We are an active church with significant community activities taking place on our premises already and it is our vision to develop our buildings, and, most importantly, the activities taking place in them, to become a seven-days-a week church, community hub and performing arts and events space.”
Tony Walker CBE DL, Link Development team leader, said: “We are thrilled to be a part of the Derbyshire Dales District Council Levelling Up Fund bid. We have been working for over six years on our project to create a modern set of fully accessible facilities which will provide an inclusive, comfortable and sustainable environment for community and town activities in a heritage set of buildings.
“We already have planning permission, listed building consent and are ready to start as soon as we get the funds. Our fundraising, including funds received, committed and expected is over a million pounds already. However, this does not enable the completion of much of our plans. A LUF award would be totally game changing for us, enabling us to deliver all our plans.”
The package will ensure Ashbourne takes its rightful place within the regional visitor economy, providing an attractive and vibrant environment that draws in residents, visitors and businesses and re-establishes its identity as a flourishing market town.
Ashbourne Town Council said: “The Town Council are pleased that their scheme to redevelop the area known as Millennium Square is included as part of the Levelling Up Fund bid. This will make a much needed improvement to the centre of the town and will complement the other schemes put forward as part of the bid.”
The final bid submission includes detailed calculations of the value for money of the package, comparing the economic benefits and economic costs to produce a Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR). The BCR for the Ashbourne package is comfortably above the requirement set by government and indicates that the bid should perform well against value for money requirements.
Sue Bridgett for AshCom said: “AshCom is pleased to enthusiastically endorse the proposal that has been developed for Ashbourne, both in the strength of its content and strategic vision and also in terms of the partnership working across a range of organisations and agencies which came together to make the bid as coherent as it is.
“The projects prioritised can help to take the town forward in an exciting and necessary way for residents, businesses and visitors alike. We wish the bid every success.”
The support of Derbyshire Dales MP Sarah Dines is crucial as the bid goes forward to Government. The introduction to the bid submission states: “Like many market towns, Ashbourne is facing the challenge of re-inventing itself to ensure that it remains vibrant and relevant for the 21st century.”
The bid has been supported by the District Council’s expert consultant Michael Rich, Bentley Project Management, Amion, Lathams and Thomas Lister.
L.B. Foster makes duo of acquisitions
L.B. Foster Company, a solutions provider of products and services for the rail and infrastructure markets with offices in Nottingham, has acquired Skratch Enterprises Ltd., a Telford-based digital solutions specialty company, and Intelligent Video Ltd. (IV) of Leamington Spa.
L.B. Foster designs, develops, manufactures, and installs a range of mobile, wireless, and digital customer information signage systems for use in railway stations and airports. Skratch, an industry leader in digital system integration within the UK, brings advanced digital display technology and capabilities to L.B. Foster that can be leveraged in both the rail space and adjacent retail markets.
L.B. Foster has collaborated with Skratch on digital solutions for the retail sector in the past, including the first digital signage application using British Sign Language interpreters in ASDA superstores.
IV is a developer of surveillance, security, and safety solutions. They have provided sub-contracting services for L.B. Foster’s Remote Condition Monitoring (RCM) and Inform Visual Communications solutions. IV also provides L.B. Foster with enhanced technical resources to assist in a variety of existing and developing solutions for the company.
John Kasel, president and Chief Executive Officer of L.B. Foster Company, said: “These acquisitions fit neatly into the growth strategy L.B. Foster announced in 2021. The accomplished team at Skratch delivers new learning, expertise, and experience that complements existing L.B. Foster growth businesses, and enables access to wider target markets in the UK and Europe. IV provides unique expertise and capabilities that help enable our aspiration to grow our technology-focused solutions offering.”
Skratch and IV collectively employ 38 people at their Telford and Leamington Spa offices. Both Skratch and IV will operate as standalone subsidiaries within the L.B. Foster group of companies.
Nottingham energy storage startup raises £3.5m
Cheesecake Energy Ltd (CEL), a Nottingham-based energy storage startup, has raised £3.5 million in pre-series A funding.
The round was led by BGF with support from Perivoli Innovations and private investors including former Jaguar chair, Sir John Egan.
The funds will be used to grow the CEL team, begin pilot deployments of the company’s technology, and build partnerships with potential manufacturing and distribution partners around the world.
The company’s unique eTanker technology stores electricity in the form of heat and compressed air. To store the energy, electric motors are used to drive compressors, which deliver high pressure air & heat into storage units. When the electricity is required, the high-pressure air and heat is passed back through the same compressor, now working as an expander, which turns a generator to produce electricity.
With its simple raw materials and longer life, the eTanker will displace lithium-ion batteries in a wide range of static applications, from industry and agriculture to transport and renewable generation.
“Compared with battery alternatives, our eTanker solution is lower cost and much more sustainable, with no rare or toxic materials and with a design that can be fully recycled at the end of its 20-year plus life,” said CEL co-founder and CCO, Mike Simpson. “Our system stores much of the energy as heat in inert rock in a way that is passively safe, avoiding the fire risk faced by some battery technologies.”
Employing circular economy principles, CEL converts truck engines into zero-emission electrical power-conversion machines for putting energy into and out of storage. Its technology brings together the low cost of thermal storage with the long life and robustness of a mechanical system, all in a modular containerised package.
Commenting on the funding, CEL CEO Paul Harris said: “We are pleased to have completed this funding round, which will enable us to accelerate the development of our technology, to deploy pilot projects and bring our novel, sustainable energy storage to market. We are looking forward to working with our visionary investor, BGF, and are grateful for the continued support from our existing investors led by Perivoli Innovations.”
Since 2011, BGF has backed a range of early-stage and growth businesses involved in the field of Climate Tech, everything from fuel cells to sustainable battery solutions and energy-efficient buildings. The CEL funding round takes the total amount invested by BGF in this field to £230 million.
Dennis Atkinson, investor at BGF, said: “We see huge potential for CEL’s technology and expect it to be a global leader in the energy transition from its base in the Midlands. The UK is a hotbed of innovation in this space, and it is vital that the investment ecosystem is supporting entrepreneurs and innovators to drive growth and development across key areas in the fight against climate change. We share the ambition and mission of the CEL team and look forward to helping them achieve it.”
Seb Saywood, Nottingham investor at BGF, added: “The Nottingham office is delighted to have been able to draw on our Early Stage Team’s expertise to invest in CEL’s game changing technology. This investment quickly follows another very successful exit in the sale of Jola Cloud Solutions to Wireless Logic. Year to date, we have already invested £33.5m in the East Midlands as we continue to build our momentum.”
Bhayani Law and Lync HR join forces
East Midlands firm Bhayani Law, a provider of HR solutions, has merged with Lync HR to strengthen its offering.
The combined business will provide a host of additional services including recruitment, HR, employment law, HR software, Health & Safety training, and coaching.
Bhayani Law was established by Jay Bhayani in 2014 and in 2021 sister company Bhayani Recruitment was born.
The firm has offices in Leicester, Sheffield, Barnsley, Leeds and London.
Jay said at such an important and challenging time for business with candidate and skills shortages, the merger has come at the right time: “Combining services from both businesses will provide a compelling offering for our clients and give us scope to deliver our work into further northern areas such as Doncaster and North Yorkshire where Lyn has strong links.
“We are very excited about our first merger here at Bhayani Law which fits in nicely with our expansion plans. Having known Lyn for many years I know that her approach is aligned with my own, of not forgetting the ‘human aspect of human resource’.”
Lync HR is an established employment and human resource consultancy service founded by Lyn Easton in 2002.
Lyn has 20 years’ experience working within HR. Her experience is from a wide generalist background with specific expertise in Employee Relations, Effective Communication, Understanding Behaviour and Health & Wellbeing.
A focus has been to establish a facilitated learning approach on all aspects of people management, from HR administrators to Senior Management teams, in order to interpret and translate employment legislation in the real world to real organisations.
Lyn Easton said: “Knowing Jay for some years, meeting all her team and understanding how our ethos and values in business work well together our merger is a good fit.
“I want to continue to offer to Lync HR clients the same practical down to earth, professional approach with the extra bonus that some other business needs can be covered all in one place – legal, recruitment, Health & Safety & Training.
“I am thrilled to merge Lync HR with Bhayani Law. I have known and cherished working with Lync HR clients and feel that my ‘Erin Brockovich’ approach (watch the film!) to HR will be replicated.”
Purpose Media win Royal Crown Derby appointment
Derbyshire-based full service marketing agency, Purpose Media has been appointed by Royal Crown Derby to help the company expand globally and develop its digital marketing and online presence.
The company, which has been manufacturing in Derby since 1750, has grown to become an international brand, exporting fine bone china tableware and home accessories to over 50 countries worldwide.
Building upon its reputation for supplying every UK monarch since King George III, the exquisite designs for which Royal Crown Derby is renowned are now part of the exclusive dining experience enjoyed by the clientele of Michelin star restaurants, used by the world’s top hotels, on board luxury yachts and privately owned jets, and within the personal residences of high net worth individuals.
Commenting on the appointment, Melissa Oakes, Royal Crown Derby marketing manager, said: “Our main objective for appointing Purpose Media was to partner with an agency who we could trust to build upon our long term objectives. The team took the time to understand our vision and showed a real willingness to support us across all omni channel marketing requirements.
“We also looked to partner with a local business and by appointing an agency that is on our doorstep it means they can easily visit our factory and get fully immersed in helping us achieve our vision.”
The new appointment will kick start with a project to launch a new website and initiate a digital marketing campaign using tools such as search engine optimisation, email marketing, and social media to attract trade and retail sales globally.
Matt Bonser, account director from Purpose Media, added: “Royal Crown Derby already has a strong brand identity with a rich heritage. Our aim is to ensure their proposition is fully understood by all its global audiences so that the company can expand geographically and increase its sales on a worldwide basis.”
Royal Crown Derby has been a family owned business since Kevin Oakes acquired the company in 2016. It is the last ‘prestige’ tableware brand to make all products exclusively in the UK in Derby. Appointing Purpose Media is part its ambition to ensure its tableware and latest creations are readily available to discerning buyers across the world.
Purpose Media is an award winning, DRUM recommended full service marketing agency based in South Normanton on the Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire border. Clients include owner managed businesses and leading brands in retail, manufacturing, wholesaling and sport.
