“Solid start to 2022” for Team17
The CEO of indie video game label Team17, which has offices in Nottingham, Manchester, and Wakefield, is “delighted” with the business’s first half performance, with an enlarged group delivering record half year revenue.
Trading in the six months ended 30 June 2022 (H1) has been in line with the Board’s expectations, with the group, including recent strategic acquisitions, delivering significant growth against H1 2021.
Team17’s core Games Label business continues to show the strength and expertise in back catalogue management, delivering low double-digit year on year growth alongside one new release. The Games Label has also seen significant growth in the share of 1st party IP revenues within its portfolio.
Meanwhile StoryToys, acquired in July 2021, is said to be performing in line with expectations. Across the StoryToys app portfolio, both active subscribers and subscription revenues have grown significantly in H1 vs the prior year.
astragon, acquired in January 2022, is performing in line with expectations too with its own IP titles launched in 2021. The physical distribution side of astragon’s business has seen strong performance across the portfolio of titles from various partners including Farming Simulator which continues to perform strongly in Germany.
Furthermore, Team17 USA (formerly The Label), acquired in January 2022, is now fully integrated within the Games Label and performing as expected, and is actively exploring future opportunities to bring Team17 IP to mobile platforms alongside additional 3rd party titles.
Debbie Bestwick MBE, Chief Executive Officer of Team17, said: “I am delighted with Team17’s first half performance, trading in line with our expectations. Pleasingly, our new acquisitions, led by our talented and committed management teams, have worked incredibly well together across all parts of the group, and we are all looking forward to a busy and productive second half.
“The group now has more evergreen own IP’s than ever before, alongside a phenomenal back catalogue portfolio, and in StoryToys, a growing subscription model. New releases include additions to many established franchises and licensed global brands alongside exciting new original IP’s that are tracking well.
“We have made a solid start to 2022 and remain confident about the near-term prospects for the group despite the ongoing broader macro-economic climate.”
New Chief Executive for Nottinghamshire County Council
Adrian Smith has been selected by the Senior Staffing Committee as the next Chief Executive at Nottinghamshire County Council, subject to approval of the County Council at the Full Council meeting on 22nd September.
Adrian, aged 42, is currently the authority’s deputy Chief Executive and corporate director for place, responsible for economic development and the county’s highways, transport and communities.
Councillor Ben Bradley MP, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Adrian impressed members of the interview panel with his incisive grasp of the strategic issues we’re facing.
“I look forward to working alongside Adrian to continue to deliver against the priorities we have set out to improve the lives of residents in Nottinghamshire, attracting major investment, working towards devolution for the East Midlands and transforming our care services.
“Nottinghamshire is leading the way when it comes to economic development, working with Government on major national priorities. We want to be a beacon for the region on change and innovation and getting our services right for local people.
“Adrian is well-respected within the council, regionally and nationally, and I’m confident his appointment will help us to achieve these priorities.”
Adrian Smith said: “I feel very privileged to be chosen for the Chief Executive role at such an important point in the future of local government.
“I am proud to call Nottinghamshire my home and I am very much looking forward to supporting our workforce, Members and partners to deliver on the priorities we have set in our Nottinghamshire Plan. My personal commitment is to improve the lives of residents, the economy and the health of people in Nottinghamshire.”
Adrian joined Nottinghamshire County Council in 2016 as corporate director for place, having previously worked at the London Borough of Lambeth.
Cost of living crisis hitting East Midlands cities harder than in the South
Cities in the East Midlands are suffering higher rates of inflation and tighter squeezes on household finances than those in the South, as the cost of living crisis deepens inequalities across the country.
New research from Centre for Cities shows that inflation has already reached double figures in urban areas in the East Midlands, where rates are rising significantly faster than in the South.
This is having a disproportionate impact on household finances. Latest estimates show inflation has made workers in the East Midlands £117 a month poorer on average; while workers in the South have lost around £103 a month – adding up to a difference of £168 a year.
The concerning findings are published in Centre for Cities’ new report, entitled Out of Pocket: The places at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis, which for the first time compares the impact the crisis is having among cities and towns across England and Wales.
Leicester is the hardest hit in the East Midlands, with an inflation rate of 10.8 per cent, followed by Mansfield at 10.6 per cent and Nottingham and Derby at 10.5 per cent each.
Meanwhile, London and Cambridge currently face an annual inflation rate of 8.8 per cent each – meaning Leicester’s rate is around 23 per cent higher than in these southern cities.
In addition to the Midlands, cities in the North and Wales are also enduring higher inflation rates than in the South. Much of this disparity can be attributed to the fact that the North, Midlands and Wales have higher proportions of poorly-insulated housing and more reliance on cars, which leaves these areas exceptionally vulnerable to increasing fuel prices.
Research shows that eight out of the 10 urban areas with the highest energy costs just before the crisis hit were located in the North, Midlands, and Wales, with these cities already paying hundreds of pounds more than urban areas in the South.
For example, in Derby, annual energy bills in 2021 were £1,121 on average. This is significantly more than southern cities, such as Milton Keynes, where 50 per cent of homes have high energy efficiency and yearly bills were £889 on average. These differences will continue to grow as prices increase.
The Government recently provided £15bn to help ease the cost of living crisis but these figures show more needs to be done to support vulnerable households. In its report Centre for Cities calls on ministers to:
- Increase benefits to bring them in line with inflation;
- Reintroduce the £20 uplift for Universal Credit for the 5.9 million people currently on benefits;
- Provide those living in homes below EPC band C with a one-off payment to help them face soaring energy bills.
Europe’s largest oat mill set for Northants
Navara Oat Milling, a new joint venture in food manufacturing, is building a state-of-the-art oat processing plant in Kettering supported by a £15 million asset finance funding package from HSBC UK.
Navara is jointly owned by crop production and grain marketing company Frontier Agriculture; farmer owned cooperative Camgrain; and Anglia Maltings Holdings (AMH), a food and drink ingredient manufacturer.
All three companies bring together a longstanding expertise in their respective supply chains and markets and have come together to meet the demand for oats in the food and drink sector.
The support from HSBC UK will enable Navara Oat Milling to build and operate a new cutting-edge processing plant, set for completion in 2023.
Once up and running, the new mill will be poised to meet the growing demand for oat ingredients in the food and drink industry. The new mill is expected to create 120 new jobs – 60 during the construction phase, and a further 60 to operate the plant when complete.
Mark Aitchison, Managing Director of Frontier and chairman of the new joint venture, said: “There’s increasing demand for oat ingredients in healthy food products and non-dairy drinks.
“Our collective vision is to build and grow a dedicated oat supply chain, bringing farmer and food manufacturer closer together and delivering improvements that benefit each sector and the environment.
“The support from HSBC UK has been invaluable in enabling us to bring our plans to life.”
Allan Wilkinson, UK head of agrifoods at HSBC UK, said: “The demand for oat-based products has increased heavily due to the proven health benefits, with many switching to plant-based products as part of their diet.
“We’re delighted to be supporting this new venture, which brings together three of our existing clients, boosting oat production across Europe.”
Nottingham Venues celebrates relaunch with eye on the future
Nottingham Venues, the new name bringing meetings, events, hotel stays and a collection of venues across the University of Nottingham’s campuses under one brand, has celebrated its relaunch with a summer party to showcase their new offering.
The management and catering teams were joined by over 150 local business guests, including clients, suppliers and university stakeholders on Friday (8th July) evening.
Gathering in the East Midlands Conference Centre’s grounds, they heard from general manager Tom Waldron-Lynch about their plans for a future driven by sustainability and the £2m refurbishment project completed just prior to the pandemic.
That rebrand brings the Orchard Hotel, the Jubilee Hotel & Conferences, Hugh Stewart Manor House, Campus Venues (formally known as Nottingham Conferences) and East Midlands Conference Centre under one roof – employing nearly 200 people.
“It has been a remarkable journey for Nottingham Venues and we’re now able to proudly and officially talk about ‘One Destination with Endless Possibilities’,” explained Tom Waldron-Lynch.
“We’re standing on our own, proud to be who we are, where we are. The name says it all. We’re very proud of our history and heritage and also our ownership in terms of Nottingham University and their fantastic support.
“Ten years ago, The Orchard Hotel changed the dynamic of what Nottingham could offer in terms of conferencing and events. That change allowed us to attract a lot of people from outside the city, the region and the UK here to our venues and to Nottingham. The more recent addition of the Jubilee Hotel & Conferences has added even greater depth to that offering.
“We have a fantastic heritage but also a hugely exciting future ahead of us, driven by sustainable practices and with a focus on creating local jobs, local partnerships and driving the economy in the city, the county and across the region.
“None of this would have been possible without the fantastic support of the superb team we have here, especially the staff who worked right throughout the pandemic and the team behind what we call ‘Project Fusion’ who led the transition to where we are today as Nottingham Venues. We look forward to welcoming you all back here to join us very soon.”
Digital Manufacturing Centre and Satellite Applications Catapult announce UK space sector collaboration
The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC), located at Silverstone Park, and the Satellite Applications Catapult have announced a new collaboration that they say marks an important development in establishing a national space supply chain for advanced manufacturing.
As part of the partnership, the DMC could soon be designing parts for additive manufacturing in space – a sector that the UK government aims to capture 10% of by 2030.
DMC CEO Kieron Salter said: “The UK space sector is expected to undergo significant growth over the next decade. Integral to these ambitions is a highly-capable supply chain that understands the unique challenges of the industry – particularly when it comes to commercial applications – and is able to service those requirements.
“Additive manufacturing and the skilled engineering to exploit its limitless production capabilities will play an important role in the future of the space sector.
“Whether we are making parts on earth or creating designs to be printed in orbit, this new partnership signals the Digital Manufacturing Centre’s intention to be a production leader within the commercial UK space sector.
“In addition to supporting manufacturing for the space industry on earth, our joint ambition is to have a DMC-led additive manufacturing capability in space – either in orbit, on the moon or another planet entirely.”
The Digital Manufacturing Centre is a state-of-the-art, sector-agnostic digital manufacturing production and engineering facility, located in 20,000 sq ft industrial premises at Silverstone Park.
The Catapult is a technology and innovation company that supports early-stage businesses with technical and commercial advice, and access to unique facilities and equipment. It brings together multi-disciplinary teams to solve some of the space industry’s greatest challenges, such as manufacturing in space.
The DMC-Catapult partnership will work with organisations developing orbital capabilities and address one of the key challenges for ‘In-Orbit Servicing & Manufacturing’ (assembly without conventional fasteners).
Mike Curtis-Rouse, the Satellite Applications Catapult’s head of Access to Space, added: “Our mission is to help grow the UK space industry on the world stage. Within the UK, we have the engineering skills and manufacturing capability to become an international leader in space technology and applications.
“Working closely with the Digital Manufacturing Centre provides us with ready access to highly sought-after skills, expertise, experience and technologies.
“This new partnership is a statement of intent and a promising signal for the future of the UK space industry and its emerging supply chain.
“It follows closely from the announcement of our partnership with the Manufacturing Technology Centre earlier this year and will further strengthen the development of the next generation of technology for the space sector.”
No-shows at business awards – stop bricking it! By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR
Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, discusses awards events and no-shows and their impact on a business’s reputation.
The East Midlands Bricks Awards are on the horizon. If you have entered, you might want to read on…
I was at a business breakfast recently in Nottingham, with the great and good of this fair city before they all headed off to Trent Bridge and THAT game! Not me sadly, I was on five deadlines!
It was an event to herald the “Top 200” businesses in the area and had been trailed across social media for the past few weeks by the local press and by one of the sponsors who happens to be a client of mine.
With the top 180 already revealed, the stage was set to unveil the top 20, complete with trophies and a platform to speak on in front of the assembled guests, media makers, movers and shakers. I’ll let you decide which of them I am.
Wherever you place in that top 20, this is a great PR opportunity if you leverage it. Or…if you even bother to show up! If you don’t…well…let’s just say you’ll have a tough innings ahead of you.
The winner showed up. Yep, the BIGGEST name in the city (not you Robin), the most iconic global brand – Boots. Their spokesperson was fantastic when he was interviewed, proud, humble, a local lad who had gone to university in Nottingham, was excited to be a part of the event and full of praise for all of the Top 200.
However, the fastest climber and the highest new entry both failed to show. How did that make them look? To the assembled guests, some of whom might be potential customers, suppliers or partners? To the media who are keen to learn of bright young things making their mark? Not great!
Now I know we all get busy and life gets in the way. I know that to some businesses local recognition isn’t that crucial because they don’t sell to consumers or they are more national in outlook. Sure, but your staff are local aren’t they? Wouldn’t they be proud? Wouldn’t more people want to join you if they can see how awesome you are and in what high regard the press holds you?
If a multinational GIANT such as Boots can see the value in it, maybe there’s something in this! The chap from Boots even found an opportunity to hint at a new range coming out. I could see the reporters scribbling away. All that took was an hour of his time before the working day even began. He got a lovely cooked breakfast as part of it too! Win/Win.
So, with the Bricks looming large on the horizon, consider how you might show up at your next opportunity even if you “KNOW WE WON’T WIN.”
Howzat for an idea?
A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press for Attention PR in 2008.
He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective.
Nomination deadline looms for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
As the nomination deadline (19 August) draws nearer for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, it’s time to ensure you have made your submissions for the annual celebration of the property and construction industry.
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 Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, will also offer the perfect chance to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region.
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 outstanding companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker, as well as award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking. Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
Lace Market office building sold
FHP Property Consultants, acting on behalf of clients, have completed on the sale of 52A High Pavement in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market – also known as ‘The Creative Quarter’.
The former lace works has been snapped up by Waste Studio, an expanding creative design agency – who were already based in the area.
The building provides circa 2,800 sq ft of office accommodation over three floors. Built in 1897 the property has only had two previous owners, both of which have retained many period features including original goods lift hoist, sash windows, wooden flooring, staircase and heating system – all of which provide a building with great character and history.
Thomas Szymkiw of FHP’s Office Agency Team said: “Buildings such as this in The Lace Market rarely come on the market, therefore I am delighted for Norman and the rest of the team at Waste Studio who have secured a fantastic base for their operations moving forward.
“The office market in the area really is going from strength to strength and with several disposals already completed this year, The Lace Market continues to be in high demand for occupiers.”
Norman Hayes, creative director of Waste Studio, said: “We’re super excited and proud to have now completed purchasing our first property as Waste Studio.
“Nottingham has been the home to our business for the last 12 years and we feel proud to finally invest and further lay foundations within Nottingham, especially in the beautiful Lace Market area.
“Our new building is full of original character and the space it provides is perfect. We plan to create an epicentre for creativity, providing flexible spaces that will work not only as our studio environment but also allow for events, talks and collaborations to happen.
“Over the coming months, we will develop the building bringing it up to date whilst preserving all of the original features.”
FHP makes director promotion
FHP Property Consultants have promoted Darran Severn to director.
Severn joined FHP in 2014 and has played a significant role in the development of FHP’s Derby office where he now leads the agency team.
Darran is a key member of the office and industrial team and focusses on sales, lettings, acquisitions and development work along the A38/A50 corridors and works with a number of major clients across the wider East Midlands.
Darran Severn said: “I am delighted on this achievement and take great pride in having been promoted to director level at FHP. I’ve been at FHP for an enjoyable eight years and it is great that all my hard work has been recognised.
“Over recent years a lot of my time and effort has gone into strengthening and promoting our Derby office where we have doubled the size of our team and I’m pleased to say we are one of the most recognised agents across the region.
“There has always been great flexibility at FHP and I have been able to work in all sectors of the market which has enabled me to broaden my knowledge and experience.
“I now focus on the office and industrial/logistics sector throughout Derbyshire and the East Midlands but also extending our reach across the A50 to Stoke on Trent and down the A38 to Lichfield bridging the gap to our Birmingham office.”
Equity director Tim Gilbertson said: “As Darran quite rightly says, he has played a major part in the expansion of our Derby office over the last few years, very much leading the way in terms of adding to the portfolio of instructions but also, just as crucially, encouraging and mentoring younger surveyors and helping them to find their place in the industry as well.
“I am absolutely delighted to reward Darran with this deserved promotion and I can only see Darran’s career going from strength to strength, he is a pleasure to work with and his approachable and friendly demeanour always sees both clients and colleagues alike impressed by everything he says and does.
“I have no doubt that he will continue to nurture and develop the Derby office and see our geographical spread from that base grow even further than it has done in the last few years linking in with our Birmingham and Nottingham offices.”
IoT firm acquires Nottinghamshire mobile data specialist
Wireless Logic, the global IoT connectivity platform provider, has acquired Jola, the mobile data specialist, for an undisclosed sum.
This agreement marks the latest step in Wireless Logic’s business expansion following a series of acquisitions for the UK company.
Headquartered in Nottinghamshire, Jola is a channel-only supplier of business communications, specialising in mobile data SIMs. Jola provides IoT and mobile data solutions to managed service providers, internet service providers, IT support companies and telecom resellers, who provision, manage, and support thousands of SIMs through Jola’s own Mobile Manager self-serve platform.
The Jola team will continue to manage Jola partners.
Andrew Dickinson, CEO of Jola, said: “Wireless Logic is one of the standout successes of the ICT sector and we have long been admirers of Oliver Tucker and his team. Jola will remain an independently-run company within the Wireless Logic Group, focussing as always on the UK channel, but with a global reach.
“The 1000+ Jola partners will see no change in the short term and over time they will benefit from product innovations across the group and more extensive supplier relationships. I would like to thank our customers, suppliers, and most of all the amazing team at Jola who have worked so hard to achieve this milestone.”
Oliver Tucker, CEO of Wireless Logic, said: “There is a natural fit between Wireless Logic and Jola, which makes this an exciting acquisition for all involved. Jola will strengthen and focus the group’s routes to market in the UK and beyond, paving the way for further business growth in the years ahead.
“We look forward to working closely with the talented team at Jola to ensure that they are able to continue their own growth, whilst leveraging the advantages of being part of the Wireless Logic Group.”
Next phase of £36m ‘Bolsover Homes’ scheme gets underway
Bolsover District Council has started work on a new development to build up to 28 bungalows in Shirebrook to help meet local need.
The development is the latest phase of the council’s £36m ‘Bolsover Homes’ scheme and will see the bungalows built on three different locations.
The main part of the development will see 24 modern one-storey properties constructed on land adjacent to Market Close/Portland Street. The bungalows will help provide much-needed homes for the elderly on a location that is near to the town centre and all its amenities.
Cabinet member for housing, councillor Sandra Peake, said: “It’s great to see work starting on the site as it’s important we keep up our momentum in building council properties for people in areas that need them. We identified a need for this type of property in Shirebrook and we are meeting that need head on with these new bungalows.
“It’s important that we look after our elderly and provide them with good quality homes, so once these properties are built and together with the expansion of Ashbourne Court, they will be well catered for in the town.”
A further three bungalows will be built on Portland Road where the garages will be demolished to make way for the new properties. Similarly, the garage court on Market Close will be demolished allowing for one further bungalow to be built.
The homes are built to allow them to be easily adapted in the future to meet any changing needs of those living there. And each property will have off-road parking, gardens and environmentally friendly features.
The ‘Bolsover Homes’ scheme is a partnership between the council and Robert Woodhead Limited and not only aims to provide new council homes, but support local businesses and trades as well as providing social outcomes like work placements and school educational visits.
Tom Woodhead, business services director at Robert Woodhead Ltd, said: “I am really excited for our team to be delivering a new project for Bolsover District Council. Once again maintaining a fundamental relationship with the client to improve the local area, whilst simultaneously implementing our climate action framework and working to reduce carbon on and off site.
“All this is further complimented by ensuring the project is giving back to the area, through local spend with our suppliers and by measuring our social, economic and environmental impact through our social value calculator.”
Not long left to make your nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022!
With only a short time remaining until nominations close on Friday 19 August for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, submit your entries NOW!
Reward the hard work of your team, and showcase your successes.
The annual East Midlands Bricks Awards celebrate the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and outstanding developments. 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.
Thanks to our sponsors:
William Crooks, Managing Director of Cawarden, reflected on winning an award at the 2021 event: “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.”
To submit a business or development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, please click on a category link below or visit this page.- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on 15 September 2022 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge County Cricket Club from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker, as well as award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking. Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
Forge new partnerships at the East Midlands Expo
On Monday 14 November 2022 the East Midlands Expo will return, providing the perfect opportunity to forge new contacts.
An established event of over 20 years, for which Business Link is a proud partner, the free to attend expo is well targeted and aimed at the construction, property, business, investment, finance, professional services and related B2B markets.
Taking place 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.Plans submitted for half a million sq ft employment development in Mansfield
Commercial Estates Group (CEG) and property developer HBD have submitted a detailed planning application for circa 412,745 sq ft (38,345 sq m) of employment space on a 12ha site to the south-east of Penniment Farm, close to Mansfield.
The site is allocated within the Mansfield District Council Local Plan for residential and employment use, with homes already under delivery. This full application will see a range of new commercial space, including light industrial, storage and distribution, all set within attractive new woodland and green spaces.
The development is expected to create over 500 new jobs, including distribution, skilled and semi-skilled light industrial roles, along with training and apprenticeship opportunities throughout its construction.
The site lies midway between Sheffield and Nottingham and offers easy access onto the M1 motorway from J28 or J29, with direct access from the A617, the Mansfield and Ashfield Regeneration Route (MARR).
Subject to the granting of planning permission, development will commence early next year.
Lawrence Escott, investment manager from CEG, said: “We have worked on the Penniment Farm development for many years and new homes are already being delivered at the site. This significant speculative employment scheme will complement this, creating hundreds of jobs in the local area.
“CEG is actively regenerating two key Midlands employment sites at Vesuvius, Worksop and Vaughan Trading Estate in Tipton. Here we are developing more than a million sq ft of high quality space which, similar to Penniment Farm, is designed to appeal to inward investing companies, trade and industrial occupiers, as well as local businesses. Both have been incredibly successful generating new jobs and economic benefits.”
Justin Sheldon, director and head of region at HBD, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to not only inject much-needed new industrial stock into the market, but to create hundreds of new jobs for the community while attracting inward investment and driving new opportunities for the wider region.
“There is significant demand for high-quality, well-located industrial and logistics units and we expect to see strong interest in the scheme. It is anticipated that the development will be brought forward on a speculative basis which reflects the demand for this type of space and our continued confidence in the region.”
The agents on the scheme are M1, FHP and CPP.
Acres engineers vision of the future with open day for next generation
With National Manufacturing Day (July 7th) over for another year, one Derby-based engineering firm has been helping the next generation of engineers get to grips with the industry.
Melbourne-based Acres Engineering, which specialises in manufacturing custom solutions for clients across the UK and increasingly overseas, welcomed families to their Castle Lane facility, opening up the shop floor to give visitors a glimpse of what goes on in a busy engineering firm.
Acres set up a factory walk, stopping at processes including design, fabrication, laser cutting, powder coating and assembly, where each process was explained in an accessible style by an Acres staff member.
Luke Parker, Managing Director at Acres Engineering, said: “It was really good to show everyone around as it gets us thinking about how we can explain quite complicated processes in a simple and accessible way. One very bright 7 year old visitor was exceptionally interested in what we do in the coding and 3d printing arena and amazed us all with his knowledge of the subject.
“The really encouraging thing is that a number of the visitors enquired about apprentice positions after enjoying the introduction to the world of manufacturing engineering and that is heartening to hear.”
As well as hearing from the Acres team, a ‘virtual welding experience’ went down very well, with visitors trying to perform the perfect weld run to achieve a high score.
With the event proving popular, HR manager Alison Parker has organised an apprentice intake day for visitors to come and look at apprenticeships available at Acres on 1 August.
Alison concludes: “We have been committed to our apprenticeship programme for over 10 years now and have seen some fantastic individuals come into our business. We are all exceptionally proud of our apprentices, some of whom have worked their way through university and become degree qualified. We will continue to invest in the next generation of engineers and look forward to welcoming some over again on August 1.”
Businesses shares success stories as they celebrate strategic partnerships with schools and colleges
The Managing Director of a Swadlincote firm has revealed how he is addressing the current recruitment crisis by working closely with a nearby school after signing up to take part in a local careers network.
Andy Neal, MD of IG Masonry Support, said that the company has now taken on three school-leavers from The Pingle Academy, who have been given a variety of roles across the firm, through his work as an enterprise adviser with the D2N2 Derbyshire South Careers Hub.
Mr Neal was speaking at an event held to celebrate the work of D2N2 Careers Hub enterprise advisers, who are experienced professionals from companies and who work closely with career leaders and senior leadership teams in schools and colleges across Derby and South Derbyshire.
The work is taking place as part of a national programme being run by the Careers & Enterprise Company funded by the Department for Education and led locally by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.
Representatives of 21 companies of all sizes shared best practice and experiences of being an enterprise adviser at the event, which was held at the Farmhouse, in Ashbourne Road, Mackworth where they were joined by representatives of local cornerstone employer partners such as Rolls-Royce, Alston and Lubrizol.
Mr Neal has been a D2N2 enterprise adviser working with the Pingle Academy for more than two years and said he saw the positive benefits that it brings to both his company and the young people themselves.
He said: “Being an enterprise adviser has opened my eyes to the opportunities that exist for firms through working with their local schools and helped us to explain the wide variety of roles that we offer across the company, including HR and finance, as well as the manufacturing side of what we do.
“We have struggled to recruit talented young people in the past, but within days of a school visit, I received three emails from students asking about employment.
“There is a shortfall of engineers in the UK, especially locally, so having these links is great for us, while our staff are getting a lot of enjoyment out of working with the Pingle Academy – especially those members of staff who used to go there.”
The event also heard from Seleena Creedon, owner of Derby-based Credo Marketing, who spoke about her own work with students at St Andrew’s School, a special school in Chaddesden, and what she has learned about preparing young people with learning and physical barriers for their best next step.
Will Morlidge, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Today’s event has been a long time coming but it has been extremely heartening to know how the companies involved have enjoyed their participation and the benefits that it’s brought for everybody.
“In an ideal world, schools and local employers would be working closely together to ensure that students have a defined pathway from the classroom to the shopfloor or boardroom and are given the skills they need to make that transition smoothly.
“We’re not in that situation yet but these careers hubs are an excellent start and we’re extremely grateful to everybody who has given up their time to get them off the ground and achieving the kind of results we have heard about today.”
The D2N2 Careers Hub is one of the largest career hubs across England, locally covering 151 schools and colleges in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, with more than 145 Enterprise Advisers.
18 East Midlands businesses win Gold for outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community
A record 18 organisations in the East Midlands have received the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for their outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community.
Representing the highest badge of honour, Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards are awarded to those that employ and support those who serve in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
The organisations in the East Midlands who have won the prestigious award are:
- Derbyshire: Acres Engineering Limited, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, North East Derbyshire District Council, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, We Fix Feet Limited
- Leicestershire: ADM Shine Technologies Limited, Melton Borough Council, Pall-Ex Group Limited
- Lincolnshire: JD2E Ltd, KryptoKloud Limited, South Kesteven District Council
- Nottinghamshire: Anderson Green Ltd, Bassetlaw District Council, Gedling Borough Council, Newark and Sherwood District Council, Kuku Connect
- Northamptonshire: Goodwill Solutions CIC, Wright Logistics Services Limited
Ward welcomes York scrap merchant into the family
Midlands-based metal recycling and waste management specialist, Ward, has welcomed York scrap merchant, L. Clancey & Sons into its extended family with the acquisition of its metal processing business in York.
Independent, fourth generation family run business, Ward, has completed a deal with L. Clancey & Sons for its 3.9-acre scrap metal site in York and the business as a going concern. The acquisition of the business will further enhance the nationwide capabilities of Ward, offering greater coverage in the North of England, while enabling the succession planning of Clancey’s, as two of its partners take retirement.
Clancey’s has a well-established reputation, developed over its 160 history and this successful operating model will be maintained, as will the business name. One of the sellers, Richard Clancey, a member of the founding family, will stay on as site operations manager, employed by Ward and all other staff are being retained.
Thomas Ward, commercial director at Ward, said: “This is a really exciting time for both our family businesses. Clancey’s have a solid reputation in metal recycling, they share our values, outlook and approach to customers. We hope they will become an extension of the Ward team operationally, while retaining its own identity.
“This new site gives us even more geographical reach for both businesses with good transport links to our Midlands, Immingham and Redcar sites.”
Richard Clancey, partner, at L. Clancey & Sons, said: “Both our businesses are strongly family orientated and we have very similar values, from the way we look after our teams to the way we support our customers. This will be a really positive step for us all. Both myself and my daughter are looking forward to working with Ward and seeing what we can achieve together.”
Ward was supported with legal advice from Square One Law (led by Charlie Fielding) and financial due diligence was provided by PKF Smith Cooper (led by David Nelson). Azets (led by Stephen Garbett) and Harrowells (led by Matthew Rowley) acted on behalf of L. Clancey & Sons.
Derby law firm acquires new office space to aid expansion
Derby-based law firm, Right Legal Group, has acquired an additional new office space adjacent to their current head office situated at Wyvern Business Park in Derby.
The new 5,000 sq ft office will provide much needed space to support the business as it continues to see exponential growth, and will house the central support services team.
The law firm, which specialises in providing tailor-made wills and probate services for people across the country via their RightWill service, has taken on the new premises to allow further expansion over the next five years – having reached full capacity at their current offices.
The business has been based in Derby since 2014, and the announcement follows an incredibly successful period for the firm, having recruited more than 50 staff in the last year – taking their total head count to 130.
Carrie Caladine, Managing Director at Right Legal Group, says: “I am incredibly proud of the team and all we have achieved as a firm in the last few years. We are very passionate about the services that we provide and the work that we do. We are committed to investment and enhancing the experience that clients have with us.
“Every time we help a client to preserve their inheritance is a real achievement for us. We discuss internally that our reason for getting out of bed every day is to give our clients a voice and make sure that voice is heard when they are no longer here – it really is our passion.
“In addition to our work, the number of people that have joined us at the start of their career and gone on to qualify as solicitors, run departments and excel at their professional goals is always a huge highlight for us.
“We are delighted to expand our head offices further in Derby, we provide services across the country via our branch offices and partner network so accessibility is key and Derby is perfectly positioned. We are very proud to be part of such a supportive business community here, and are committed to supporting talent and investment in the local area as we continue to train and recruit.”
