Leicestershire-based search marketing agency Assisted has acquired My Mustard, a Hemel Hempstead-based agency that specialises in search and social media services.
Since the company was launched back in 2016, Assisted have been helping businesses throughout the UK achieve their digital marketing goals and boost their visibility online. In 2020, Assisted acquired Leamington Spa-based web design agency Auburn Creative in order to expand their offering and this latest acquisition of My Mustard aims to complement this further.
My Mustard was founded back in 2007 by June Cory who is now handing over the reins to Assisted founder Nick Rinylo. My Mustard have spent the last 15 years providing results for their customers across Social Media and Pay Per Click (PPC) campaigns.
June Cory says: “I started My Mustard with a simple plan; work hard, play hard, build a great team, grow a great network, work with great clients and deliver great results. Fifteen years on it’s time for the next chapter and I am confident that MM will go from strength to strength under Nick’s management.”
Nick Rinylo says: “The whole team are all really excited about this growth within the Assisted brand. When I came across My Mustard, it just felt right and I believe they will be a fantastic fit for us. My Mustard’s excellent reputation, team of experts and loyal customer base made for a perfect fit. Founded in 2007, for years the team have refined their Google Ads and Social advertising capabilities, complimenting and balancing our existing service offering for our customers. Let’s see what the future holds!”
Assisted, Auburn and My Mustard all retain their brand independence but operate as a single organisation both commercially and operationally.
A bid for a £20m boost to Eastwood has been submitted to Government, as part of the Levelling Up Fund.
“It’s great to see such a strong bid going in for Eastwood. For too long Eastwood has been neglected, this money would be a game changer,” said Lee Anderson, MP for Ashfield, which also covers part of Broxtowe, including Eastwood.
“It has been many years since Eastwood has seen any real investment and local people deserve to have better facilities and opportunities at their doorstep.
“I’m incredibly proud of the bid we are submitting to Government and the collaboration work that has gone into this bid which if successful, will make a real difference to residents not just in Eastwood, but the whole of Broxtowe,” added leader of Broxtowe Borough Council, Milan Radulovic MBE.
If successful, the funding would deliver projects including:
D.H. Lawrence Library, Health and Life Chances Centre
A new health and wellbeing hub in the heart of the town centre that will house a new GP surgery, pharmacy, library, 5-lane community swimming pool, boxing club and women’s services.
Better health facilities are needed in Eastwood and this new Centre will provide brand new, modern facilities for residents of Eastwood as well as brand new leisure facilities for residents to enjoy.
Durban House Community Hub
Transformation of an important historic building in Eastwood into a low-carbon, energy-efficient community hub. Services will be overseen by the Durban House Community Hub group, which is a registered charity.
Funding will enable the structural changes needed to allow these services to run from Durban House. This will involve making the building more environmentally-friendly through insulation and a new heating system, and redesigning some of the rooms and corridors in the building to make it more user friendly.
One of the main services that will be offered is a dementia day care facility.
Other services will include a healthy eating café, community garden, employability support, mental health support groups, and health and fitness classes.
Cycle Path Network
The cycle path project would create a network of active travel routes around and through Eastwood. In particular, the routes will connect the town centre to key large employment sites in the area to enable environmentally-friendly methods of commuting.
It will also connect Eastwood to other important places, such as employment sites including Giltbrook Shopping Park and Panattoni Park, as well as Kimberley and onwards routes into Derbyshire.
These routes would allow more people to cycle and walk to commute to work and for leisure purposes and would encourage more visitors to the area.
It would also support reducing carbon emissions and healthier lifestyle choices.
The bid has been produced by Broxtowe Borough Council in consultation with local groups and residents and partners including Eastwood Town Council.
The proposal will now be reviewed by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and approval is expected in the autumn.
Van Elle, the ground engineering contractor, has hailed record revenues and a return to profit “following a strong recovery driven by high levels of activity across all divisions.”
According to results for the year ended 30 April 2022 (FY2022), revenue reached £124.9m, up from £84.4 for the year prior.
Meanwhile the Nottinghamshire-based firm posted a pre-tax profit of £3.6m, up from a £1.4m loss.
The news comes after record activity levels and following strategic targeting of structurally growing end markets.
The company reported significant growth across all divisions, notably in higher margin Specialist Piling, Rail and Ground Engineering Services.
Van Elle noted that trading momentum has continued into FY2023 with all divisions operating at high activity levels.
Mark Cutler, Chief Executive, said: “These results are the first to reflect a full year’s trading post COVID and demonstrate the positive progress the group is making under its transformation strategy launched in 2019.
“Although the sector continues to face several wider challenges, we have significant opportunities ahead to further improve, and momentum has continued into the new financial year. Overall, it is pleasing to see the actions taken over the last three years starting to deliver sustainable results that put us firmly on-track to deliver our medium-term objectives.
“My sincere thanks to our employees, suppliers and customers for their hard work and support over the last year.”
The Spanish government has approved Rolls-Royce’s sale of ITP Aero to a consortium of investors led by Bain Capital Private Equity.
It follows the approval of all other relevant regulatory authorities.
The completion of the transaction, at an enterprise value of approximately €1.8 billion, is now expected in the coming weeks.
Rolls-Royce said in a statement: “This sale, which was announced on 27 September 2021, completes our disposal programme announced on 27 August 2020, to raise proceeds of at least £2.0 billion. Upon completion, sale proceeds (excluding any cash retained by Rolls-Royce) of approximately €1.7 billion will be used to help rebuild the Rolls-Royce balance sheet, in support of our ambition to return to an investment grade credit profile in the medium term.”
ITP Aero will remain a key strategic supplier and partner for Rolls-Royce across both Civil Aerospace and Defence programmes.
Two growing businesses – bespoke freight company Transglobal and paper merchant Premier Paper – have moved into St. Modwen Park at Stanton Cross, Wellingborough, bringing much needed local investment and jobs.
Stanton Cross is a flagship mixed-use development district for Northamptonshire which is gaining more than £1 billion of investment in Wellingborough by Stanton Cross Developments LLP.
Once finished it will feature 1.5 million sq ft of high-specification industrial, logistics, leisure, retail and office space, in addition to opening up access to modern transport links and infrastructure. Furthermore, it will provide 3,650 new homes along with community facilities – offering a large local workforce for businesses looking to operate in or relocate to the area.
St. Modwen Park at Stanton Cross, Wellingborough offers 314,500 sq ft of sustainable warehouse space, initially comprising three buildings – 96,000 sq ft, 43,500 sq ft and the development of a further 175,000 sq ft speculative unit, which will start in Q3 2022. The initial phase has been delivered by principal building contractor, MCS Group.
Future developments of 600,000 sq ft across three parcels of land will offer additional logistics space for the area.
Keir Edmonds, group Managing Director of MCS Group, said: “We are very proud of this project. We have delivered two very high-quality warehouse units on time for St. Modwen, according to the 39-week programme, at this impressive development at Stanton Cross. As a result, we have a very happy client and two tenants who are now able to commence the fit-out process right on schedule.”
Transglobal signed an agreement for the 96,000 sq ft building, which is a multi-use warehouse used to provide freight solutions by land, sea and air. The move will aid its rapid business growth and accommodate its customers’ evolving needs.
The 43,500 sq ft building has been let to wholesale paper and materials supplier Premier Paper. The unit will allow the company to expand into a larger warehouse space, following the diversification of the business. It will also facilitate its growth, and continue providing stocks of paper, print substrates and packaging to customers across the UK.
The completed buildings, at St. Modwen Park at Stanton Cross, Wellingborough, come with sustainability benefits including features such as PV solar panels, electric vehicle (EV) charging points and will deliver BREEAM Very Good and EPC A accreditations. Infrastructure has been installed to accommodate up to 20% of the parking spaces, which will be served by EV chargers.
Polly Troughton, Managing Director at St. Modwen Logistics, said: “St. Modwen Park at Stanton Cross, Wellingborough, is set to become a thriving commercial hub and we’re delighted to have created the space to accommodate the needs of Transglobal and Premier Paper and offering larger warehouse space which will enable them to continue to grow and succeed.
“The park is set to deliver new job opportunities and provide sustainable warehouse space for rapidly expanded businesses such as these. We welcome them to Wellingborough, which will help to support the town’s wider regeneration.”
Stephen Knight, Managing Director at Transglobal, said: “Moving into this additional facility at Wellingborough will not only support our business growth and expansion, but also help us to accommodate the growth of our clients.”
David Jones, group marketing director at Premier Paper Group, said: “We’re pleased to have signed a deal with St. Modwen Logistics. This new high quality and flexible warehouse facility becomes our latest ‘flagship’ branch which will support our future growth further cementing our position as being one of the most successful businesses of our type in Europe.”
The University of Nottingham has awarded more than £3.8m in funding as part of its Aerospace Unlocking Potential (UP) programme, after announcing another round of funding for four Midlands-based businesses.
Designed to help smaller companies develop new technologies and solutions to make aviation greener, Aerospace UP, a £20 million programme, is being delivered by the University of Nottingham and the Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA), supported by the European Regional Development Fund and Midlands Engine.
The programme not only provides funding for projects but also offers small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with unique access to industry experts, academic support, and facilities that might otherwise have been unattainable.
Professor Pat Wheeler, head of Power Electronics in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham, said: “We are very excited to open the university up to businesses at this critical time where the industry has been affected by three waves of disruption – Brexit, Covid and climate change.
“With Aerospace UP, we have created a new and accessible way to offer innovation support to companies throughout the supply chain, who historically would not access the facilities and extensive range of expertise at the university. This is a pivotal time for the industry, and we hope that we can make a difference to the future prosperity of the sector, the region and the country through this initiative.”
Skyfarer, Assemtron, KITAU Robotics and Holscot Fluoropolymers now join more than 200 other companies from across the region that have benefited from the scheme, which is due to run until summer 2023.
Between them, the innovative companies represent the diversity of the broader aerospace industry, with the chosen projects working towards simplifying sensor data processing to make companies more efficient, saving lives by making drones accessible in remote communities, automating airport cleaning, and enabling satellites to be refilled in orbit.
Andrew Mair, Chief Executive of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the University of Nottingham to deliver Aerospace UP support to Midlands SMEs. The university undertakes world-class aerospace R&D, and for small companies to be able to access that knowledge within the programme is a major boost to our aerospace cluster.”
A bid for £16m to invest in Kimberley, as part of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, has been submitted.
The bid has been produced by Broxtowe Borough Council in consultation with local residents, groups and Kimberley Parish Council.
If successful, the funding would be used to boost the town through:
A Town Centre Improvement Project
In place of the existing Parish Hall on Newdigate Street, a new Business and Community Hub will be constructed. This will offer co-working and office space for start-ups and small businesses, as well as improved space for community activities on the ground floor.
Small Business Grants will also be made available to businesses in Kimberley to improve the feel and appearance of the town and the functionality of these businesses.
Lighting equipment will be purchased to create light displays and VR attractions similar to that on Valentine’s Day last year, to encourage events-based attractions in Kimberley and drive visitor footfall.
Digby Street Industrial Units and Swingate Farm sports facilities
The current football pitch at Digby Street will be redeveloped into 20 new industrial units to allow new businesses to move into Kimberley, driving job creation and economic growth.
A new sports facility at Swingate Farm will be developed in its place, with a new football and cricket pitch to support the outstanding Kimberley sports teams.
Cycle Path Network and Bennerley Viaduct Eastern Ramp
A new active travel route would link up Kimberley with Eastwood, Giltbrook, Phoenix Park Tram Stop and Bennerley Viaduct.
This project will also fund the construction of an accessible Eastern Ramp at Bennerley Viaduct, a Grade 2* listed railway viaduct of great historical and cultural significance and important tourist attraction.
These routes would allow more people to cycle and walk to commute to work and for leisure purposes and would encourage more visitors to the area. It would also support reducing carbon emissions and healthier lifestyle choices.
Broxtowe MP, Darren Henry is backing the bid. He said: “From the moment that the Government announced the Levelling Up Scheme I was clear that there should be a bid centred on Kimberley to bring extra investment into the town. I am excited about the projects that have been proposed and the prospect of providing much needed investment into the town.”
Councillor Milan Radulovic MBE, leader of the Council, said: “The Council have worked closely with the MP and local groups and organisations to submit, what I believe is a very strong case for this substantial funding for the town.
“With its proximity to the M1 and existing infrastructure, Kimberley has so much potential and if we are successful, it will benefit from the biggest investment it has experienced in years.
“This, together with our other investment projects in Beeston, Stapleford and the Levelling Up Bid we are also submitting for Eastwood will boost the whole Borough of Broxtowe for generations to come.”
Kimberley’s proposal will now be reviewed by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and approval is expected in the autumn.
On Thursday 15 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the esteemed East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 will celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while providing the ideal opportunity to connect with local decision makers.
With canapés and complementary drinks, the event will also welcome Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, John Forkin MBE DL, 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.
To book tickets for the awards event, which will run from 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM, please click here.
As nominations for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards close on Friday 19 August, it’s time to ensure you have submitted your entries for the prestigious event – shine the spotlight on your business, team and 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.
To nominate a business or development please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
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.
William Crooks, Managing Director of Cawarden, reflected on winning an award in 2021: “After being named Contractor of the Year at the British Demolition Awards at the start of September, we were absolutely thrilled to win the same accolade from the East Midlands Bricks Awards a few weeks later. The event is a real showcase for the regional property and construction sector and we are proud to be recognised for our project and service delivery expertise as a leading specialist contractor.
“It was a great night and provided an opportunity to catch up with some familiar faces as well as meeting new with the wonderful Trent Bridge Cricket Ground as a backdrop. Well done to the Cawarden team for continuously going above and beyond and maintaining high standards for our valued clients. Congratulations must also go to all the other awards finalists and award winners on the night.”
The CEO of Travis Perkins has praised a “good performance” in the company’s half year results.
For the six months ended 30 June 2022 revenue grew 10.3% to £2.53bn from £2.29bn in the same period of last year.
Meanwhile the Northampton-based company posted a pre-tax profit of £136.6m, down from £145.7m in the first six months of 2021.
Nick Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The group has delivered a good performance during the first half of the year, once again demonstrating the capability to navigate challenging market conditions.
“Our Merchant businesses continue to perform well, taking market share and extending their market leading positions by developing the customer proposition to meet changing requirements within their respective markets.
“Toolstation’s customer base returned to its core trade customer in the period following exceptional trading during the pandemic. We have made great progress in enhancing the trade offer in Toolstation and customers have responded positively. We remain as confident as ever in the long term growth potential of the business and in our UK investment programme, whilst also increasing investment in Toolstation Europe to take advantage of the opportunities we see in those markets.
“Whilst we are cognisant of the current macroeconomic uncertainty, our diverse end market exposure, broad trade customer base and strong balance sheet provide resilience against changes in market conditions. The strong performance of our Merchant businesses is set to continue into the second half, driven by our agility in managing inflation and by our leading service propositions. This will be offset by a combination of the normalisation of Toolstation’s customer base and the increased investment in the Toolstation growth opportunity in the UK and Europe. As a result, we expect the group overall to deliver a full year performance broadly in line with market expectations.”
Two new appointments have further strengthened the legal offering of Chesterfield’s newest firm of commercial solicitors.
CMP Legal, which was established in 2021, has appointed Chris Hutchinson and Ryan Fitzpatrick to its team of solicitors.
Chris and Ryan’s appointments now add expert construction dispute advice and healthcare transactions to CMP Legal’s specialisms.
Ryan, who is CMP’s first new director appointment just 18 months after launching, joins with a particular specialism of corporate transactions within the healthcare sector. He said: “CMP Legal has developed an excellent reputation for delivering high quality legal services in a very short period of time and I’m excited to now be part of this.”
He added: “I am very much looking forward to working with the team to continue the progress and expand CMP Legal both regionally and nationally.”
Formerly with Bell and Buxton and Ironmonger Curtis, Ryan brings more than 10 years’ corporate commercial legal experience to his new position at CMP Legal, including corporate restructuring and management buy-ins/outs with businesses based throughout South Yorkshire and the East Midlands.
“I get an enormous sense of achievement from helping ambitious business owners buy and sell businesses. It is great to be involved at the start of their journey. Transactions within the care home, GP surgeries and dental sector are particularly strong at the moment. The sector is very buoyant right now,” added Ryan.
Alongside Ryan’s healthcare sector specialism, Chris brings industry-leading experience in construction disputes to his new role as a consultant solicitor with CMP Legal.
Chris Hutchinson
Originally trained as a site engineer, Chris has worked in senior quantity surveyor roles for major construction companies, including Morrison Construction and Mowlem, during a 40-year career in the sector.
He said: “My hands-on experience in construction has given me an inbuilt understanding of the practicalities of a dispute which not many other lawyers have. This not only saves time but gives clients confidence that they have someone on their side who fully understands the issues and knows what they are talking about on every level – from regulations to construction methods. I get immense satisfaction from being able to take a client from a poor position to getting a positive result for them.”
Chris’ experience also means he can act as an expert witness.
Welcoming Chris and Ryan to the firm, Anna Cattee, co-founder of CMP Legal, said: “We’re thrilled that Chris and Ryan have chosen to bring their respective specialist skills and experience to CMP Legal. Chris is a construction law expert which ties in perfectly with our existing construction law offering, while Ryan’s expertise will enable us to push forward with our healthcare offering as well as our corporate services to all sectors. These are extremely exciting times for the team and business and our next stage of growth.”
Chris and Ryan’s appointments now bring the number of team members to eight, doubling the size of CMP Legal since its launch.
Hockley Developments, the East Midlands-based supported living and residential development company, have had two new sites approved at planning in Nottingham, and expect to start on site on both imminently.
A development of 13 apartments plus staff quarters and communal space will be developed at Hall Street, in Sherwood, and two new blocks with a total of 16 self contained apartments and 2 staff quarters, with a lift, internal communal space and gardens, will be developed on Belconnen Road, Bestwood.
Business development manager at Hockley Developments, Rebeka Dobuma, said: “These new developments will provide much required housing for those that require it most in Nottingham city, and we look forward to working closely with Nottingham city council, and selected care providers, and handing these developments over in 2023.”
Oliver Cammell, senior architectural designer at Hockley Developments, added: “We are delighted with the two developments that we have designed, working closely with commissioners, planners and the local market to ensure we designed the optimum developments for those that will hopefully enjoy these new homes for years to come.
“We have ensured by design both developments will be sustainable, and energy efficient. Both sites are currently under utilised, and we are pleased to be able to add value in both locations, and look forward to working with the construction teams to seeing these develop over the forthcoming months.”
Hockley Developments have several other similar sites going through planning across the East Midlands.
CGI of a terrace at Hall Street
Two fifths of mid-sized businesses in the Midlands said supply chain issues are the biggest threat to business success over the next six months and 37% are most concerned about the ongoing impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to new research by accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO.
The bi-monthly Rethinking the Economy survey of 500 leaders of medium-sized businesses found a third of businesses in the region are planning to grow their workforce currently, but face challenges in doing so with more than 40% of businesses sharing they are struggling to find talent with the right skills. One in three Midlands businesses are increasing starting salary offers because of the extreme competition for the best talent.
As businesses try to support staff through the cost of living crisis over the next six months, only 16% of companies in the Midlands are in a position to raise salaries by 9% or more in line with current inflation rates, however, two thirds of businesses in the region plan to raise salaries by 4-8%. Aside from changes to salary, over half (53%) will offer one-off bonuses and half of businesses will offer benefits in kind, such as shopping vouchers, childcare support, free travel or meals at work.
Against the backdrop of the huge demand for talent and the associated increased investment, a third of Midlands companies will look to take on new debt and another third will seek to attract investment as a response to the rising rates of inflation and the cost of living crisis.
Kyla Bellingall, head of BDO in the Midlands, said: “Local businesses continue to face extreme challenges from supply chains to rising energy costs. As interest rates continue to rise, this is placing a real squeeze on company finances. As a result, companies are looking to secure fresh funding – whether that’s debt or investment – in response to the current rates of inflation and the cost of living crisis.
“Even with these dynamics, businesses are still expanding their talent pool and looking at ways to support their teams, with one in five businesses introducing apprenticeship schemes in a bid to attract talent. What’s more, two thirds of Midlands businesses told us they are very confident in the effectiveness of their pay and reward strategy regarding the retention and attraction of staff and three quarters have reviewed this area of their business recently.”
SourceBio International, the Nottingham-based provider of laboratory services, has reported strong trading in its core business units in the six months ended 30 June 2022, particularly in Cellular Pathology, significantly enhanced by the acquisition of LDPath.
According to a trading update, revenues from the business’s core Healthcare Diagnostics, Genomics and Stability Storage business units was up 63% to £13.8 million (H1 2021: £8.5 million). This included Cellular Pathology and Digital Pathology revenues up more than fourfold to £6.8 million (H1 2021: £1.7 million), driven by a continued shortage of pathologists and the increasing momentum of elective surgeries.
Total revenues of £20.5 million however were down on H1 2021 (£37.3 million), including COVID-19 PCR revenues of £6.6 million, dropping from £28.4 million. SourceBio noted that it no longer considers this to be a core business line.
Jay LeCoque, executive chairman, said: “We are encouraged with the progress in the first half and are looking forward to capitalising on further opportunities that we expect in the second half across all core business units.
“Our operational focus is the continued rapid scale-up of Cellular Pathology and Digital Pathology volumes through the rest of the year and beyond. We expect a very busy second half and look forward to updating further in due course.”
The UK manufacturing sector started the third quarter on a weak footing. Output contracted for the first time in over two years as intakes of new work and new export business both continued to decline. The labour market fared better, as job creation posted a surprise acceleration as companies acted to address staff shortages.
The seasonally adjusted S&P Global / CIPS UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) fell to a 25-month low of 52.1 in July, from 52.8 in June. The PMI held above the 50.0 no-change mark due to faster jobs growth, rising stocks of purchases and longer vendor lead times (although the latter two had less positive influences than in the previous survey month).
Manufacturing output contracted for the first time since May 2020, mainly reflecting downturns in the consumer and intermediate goods sub-industries. Although the upturn
continued in the investment goods category, the rate of expansion dipped to a four-month low.
Companies linked lower output to reduced intakes of new work, weaker market demand, difficulties in sourcing components and transportation delays. The level of new business contracted for the second successive month, with decreases registered across the three product categories (consumer, intermediate and investment goods) covered by the survey.
The reduction in total new orders was linked to the cost of living crisis, weak domestic demand, client uncertainty, warmer-than-usual weather and lower intakes of new export
business. Foreign demand fell for the sixth month in a row, amid reports of weaker inflows from mainland Europe (partly due to post-Brexit issues), the USA and China.
The trend in employment was more positive, however, as the rate of job creation accelerated to a three-month high in July. Companies linked increased staff headcounts to
addressing staff shortages and strategic growth plans. The increase in capacity aided efforts to reduce backlogs of work. Outstanding business contracted at the quickest pace
for 22 months.
July data provided further signs that cost inflation and supply chain stresses were both past their respective peaks. Vendor lead times lengthened to the least marked extent in almost two years and average input prices increased at the weakest pace since January 2021.
Manufacturers reported a broad range of inputs as up in price, including chemicals, electronics, energy, food products, fuels, metals, packaging, timber and transportation. The
war in Ukraine, exchange rate factors, global inflationary pressures and input shortages were also blamed for increased purchasing costs.
Part of the rise in input prices was passed on to clients in the form of increased output charges in July. Selling prices rose for the seventy-fifth successive month, albeit at the slowest pace since May 2021.
Stocks of purchases and finished goods both continued to rise. The increase in the former was despite reduced input buying as companies acted to protect their cash flow. Some firms noted that the receipt of previously delayed raw material deliveries had contributed to the build-up of inventories.
Business optimism was unchanged from June’s two-year low in July. Manufacturers forecasting growth of production volumes over the coming year linked this to planned
expansions and hopes for improved market conditions. Firms expecting a contraction attributed it to weak market confidence, recession fears and the cost of living crisis.
Commenting on the latest survey results, Rob Dobson, director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: “The UK manufacturing sector shifted into reverse gear at the start of the third quarter. Output contracted for the first time since May 2020, as new order intakes suffered the first back-to-back monthly decreases for two years. Rising market uncertainty, the cost of living crisis, war in Ukraine, ongoing supply issues and inflationary pressures are all hitting demand for goods at the same time, while lingering post-Brexit issues and the darkening global economic backdrop are hampering exports.
“With the Bank of England implementing further interest rate hikes to combat inflation, the outlook is beset with downside risks. With this in mind, the continued low degree of optimism among manufacturers is of little surprise.
“It wasn’t all bad news though, with further signs that cost inflation at manufacturers and supply pressures are already past their respective peaks. Accelerated job growth as companies address staff shortages was also a plus, although may be at risk if the downturn becomes more entrenched over the coming months.”
Duncan Brock, group director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said: “July’s results may have shown a marginal reduction in manufacturing output but its significance as the first fall since May 2020 should make business leaders and
policymakers sit up and take notice.
“Output from the consumer goods sector went into contraction along with new orders and the signs show this trend will continue towards the autumn months. A reduction in the level of new orders from domestic customers clearly showed that the pressure of cost of living rises for basics such as fuel and energy made consumers think twice about non-essential purchases.
“The appetite for overseas orders were similarly affected by challenges in global economic growth, disruption in supply, transportation and customs inefficiencies at ports where
order levels from the US and China fell back. Even a further easing of supply chain pressures was not enough as leadtimes continued to be a trial of endurance at historically
high levels.
“The rate of cost inflation also slowed marginally but did nothing to improve the mood of manufacturers with optimism unchanged from last month’s low levels.”
With nominationsOPEN until Friday 19 August for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards, showcase your business, team and projects by submitting an entry for the prestigious event NOW!
Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry, award categories include: most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 15 September,at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and featuring John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker.
After winning an award at the 2021 event, Allan Joyce Architects said: “We are delighted to have won Architects of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards. It is lovely for the whole team, who always work incredibly hard to create amazing designs, to be recognised in this way. It was wonderful to attend the event in person and to hear about all of the great projects happening in our region and the companies involved in them.”
To submit a business or development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 will also be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.Find out who last year’s winners were here.
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours.
The special awards evening and networking event will be held on 15 September 2022 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge County Cricket Club from 4:30pm – 7:30pm.
Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.
Dress code is standard business attire.
Business coaching franchise ActionCOACH Loughborough has announced a change in hands as Managing Director and UK coach Matt Bull takes ownership from founder Laurence Duncan.
Matt, who has been with the team for just over four years, made the move to coaching after a successful career in finance and wanted to pursue his passion of having a positive impact on people and their businesses.
He said: “I’m delighted to be taking ownership of the business and to drive things forward. I am passionate about helping business owners to not only grow their business, but more importantly help them to create the life they dream of.
“Our main focus is to support the businesses on our doorstep, in Leicestershire, first and foremost. Coaching isn’t for everyone, as it involves being open to challenge and new ways of thinking, there is real value in what we do and we’re here to help those who want to make a change and need some guidance on how best to do it. Our clients’ results show that with commitment any business owner can achieve whatever they want, in business and in life.
“ActionCOACH is a fantastic brand to be a part of, not only does it have a proven business growth framework but more importantly there is great peer support from owners around the world. It’s an exciting time for all of us and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Laurence will remain as a coach in the business and was recently ranked in the ActionCOACH Global Top 15 Coaches for client results achieved. He said: “It’s a real pleasure to be handing over the reins to Matt, he’s gone from strength to strength since joining us and I have no doubt the business will continue to grow in his hands. I look forward to continuing to be a part of the journey and future plans.”
Staffline Group, the recruitment and training group, has hailed a “solid performance” in unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2022, with trading in line with expectations.
It comes despite revenue dipping slightly to £438m from £450.7m in the same period of the year prior, which the firm attributes to lower hours worked in the food and online distribution sectors.
Meanwhile the business posted a £39.9m gross profit, up from £39m, a £4m underlying operating profit, down from £4.6m, and a £1m pre-tax loss, widening from the £0.8m loss reported in the first half of 2021.
Albert Ellis, Chief Executive Officer of Staffline, said: “I am pleased with the solid start Staffline has made to 2022, providing a strong base from which to deliver across the remainder of the year. This performance, achieved against the backdrop of macro-economic and geopolitical uncertainty, as well as the adverse impact of the Omicron COVID-19 wave in January 2022, further highlights the resilience of our business and the value of our scale and operational expertise.
“Our executive management team has worked hard to deliver on our growth strategies, securing new business in challenging labour markets through contract wins with BMW Group, VINCI Construction and the Ministry of Justice, which will deliver incremental revenues in H2 2022.
“In addition, we have actively invested in headcount in order to capitalise on future growth opportunities and build the capacity required to further increase our fee income organically. I am confident this will yield positive results in the second half of the year, which will also see a boost from the maiden returns from our Restart contracts.
“Management remains conscious of heightened macro and political headwinds going forward, and will seek to offset any associated impacts by protecting the Group’s strong balance sheet through tight control of the cost base and continued focus on working capital management. We believe the industry-wide challenges that lie ahead present an unprecedented opportunity for Staffline, as we pursue a number of new business prospects and continue to grow our market share at the expense of sub-scale competitors.”
Staffline has also revealed that its PeoplePlus subsidiary has secured a new seven year contract worth £15m with the Ministry of Justice.
Councillors have approved plans for a 72-bed residential care home in Leicester Forest East at Blaby District Council’s Planning Committee meeting.
Located on Hinckley Road in Leicester Forest East, the new development will sit on the site of the current Kathleen Rutland Home, which currently accommodates 42 older residents and a low vision clinic, operated by the charity Vista.
In addition to 30 more spaces at the care home, the new development will replace the old structure, which is considered to be “outdated and of a visually poor design.”
The charity, which operates in Leicestershire and Rutland, worked with the Blaby District Council Planning Team throughout the application to help shape the proposal to ensure it was acceptable for the local area. This included work on the look of the building, which has been designed to make sure it fits in with the variety of styles in the local area.
Other facilities on the site will include a new shop, physiotherapy centre and a gym which will benefit both residents and the wider community.
Following extensive work during the planning process, and with further residential care an essential need in the district, the application was recommended for approval. Councillors rubber stamped the plans at the most recent meeting of Planning Committee on Thursday 28 July.
As part of the approval, conditions will be imposed on the construction to reduce any disturbances for residents, as well as pedestrians, drivers and cyclists who use Hinckley Road.
Councillor Nick Chapman, vice chair of Blaby District Council’s Planning Committee, said: “We are pleased to have approved this important development.
“Vista are a charity who make a hugely positive difference to the lives of many people, both in the district and across the county. Their commitment to modernising the old Kathleen Rutland Home with a new, high-quality structure highlights their support in our local communities.
“I look forward to seeing the development progress in the coming months and years.”
Two bids for Levelling Up funding, each comprising of three projects, will be submitted to central Government by North Northamptonshire Council (NNC). The bid for funding across the six projects totals £30.8m. Bids have to be submitted by August 2.
NNC’s Levelling Up fund bid 1 is named ‘Transformation through green growth’ and covers the following projects:
Development of a rail overbridge to gain better access to Stanton Cross and release more housing development
The construction of a segregated active travel link between Wellingborough and Rushden which will extend the current Greenway
The repair and refurbishment of the historic Victorian Greenhouse and an events building at the Chester House Estate which will help provide an important local amenity for existing and new residents in the area, including Stanton Cross
NNC’s Levelling Up fund bid 2 is named ‘Improving life chances and facilities for local people’ and comprises the following projects:
A new stadium and training facility to be built at Adrenaline Alley
Completing the construction of a segregated active travel route between the town centre and railway station in Corby
Environmental improvements to Kiln Way and Minerva Way on the Queensway estate in Wellingborough
Cllr David Brackenbury, the council’s executive member for growth and regeneration, said: “It is great that, following a public consultation and extensive discussions, we are in a position to submit two strong bids for Levelling Up funding. We believe that the projects that are being put forward have the strongest chance of success, in what is sure to be a competitive bidding process.
“The impact and benefit of these projects will mean we can attract additional visitors, spend and investment into the whole of the North Northamptonshire area.”
Cllr Jason Smithers, leader of the council, said: “The Levelling Up fund is a central Government fund of £4 billion available across England to support economic prosperity and North Northamptonshire has been categorised as a Priority 1 area for this round, meaning it is of high importance to receive funding. With this in mind, I am delighted that six projects have been identified that stand a chance of receiving a portion of this funding.”
Projects submitted for funding must be capital, i.e. involve spending on a physical asset, and delivered by the end of March 2025.
A worldwide supplier of swim spas and hot tubs has launched its first UK distribution hub at Leicestershire’s Meridian Business Park.
East Midlands commercial property specialist Andrew + Ashwell has negotiated the lease of large warehouse premises at Meridian North, to Dutch supplier Fonteyn.
Based in the Netherlands for 25 years, Fonteyn supplies the largest range of home spas and swim spas in the world. First stocks from Meridian are already available to dealerships, despite current refurbishment of the premises, while Fonteyn also seeks to expand the workforce and its UK distribution network.
The chosen unit occupies a prominent position on the north side of the park on the southern sector of the estate. It was previously occupied by online fashion retailer Boden and comprises 84,101 sq ft of office and warehouse space, plus extensive loading and parking areas.
The refurbished building will feature offices, warehousing and what is planned to be the largest spa showroom in the world, ultimately stocking more than 1,000 models to satisfy increasing demand.
Outdoor living has nurtured the trend for in-home spas. Marcus Sleath, Fonteyn director, said the new hub would facilitate faster turnaround and delivery to meet the huge demand in the UK.
“This is a very exciting time for us. The UK is one of our biggest markets, with more than 85,000 spas and swim spas sold here to date. The new distribution centre at Meridian perfectly meets our needs as a convenient and cost-effective central hub for UK expansion.
“While conversion of the building will be completed by the end of the year, we already have around 500 spas and swim spas in stock, plus more on the way. This means much faster delivery for the 30 dealerships we already serve in the UK and we expect this number to increase.”
Mike Allwood, A+A partner, said: “This is a positive development for the local economy, enabling an international company to use a sought-after Leicestershire business park as a vital first base for expansion.
“It’s certainly one of the larger secondhand units to hit the market over the last few years. Having been involved in the marketing since March this year we are delighted to have completed the letting within three to four months and wish Fonteyn every success in their new venture.”
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