Matlock accountancy practice merges with Buxton chartered accountants
Matlock-based accountancy practice, Malcolm J Harris Ltd, have merged with Buxton chartered accountants, SMH BullockWoodburn, enabling the firm to offer an increased level of service to its clients as it becomes part of the wider Yorkshire and Derbyshire-based SMH Group.
The firm now operates from the SMH BullockWoodburn office on Hardwick Square North in Buxton.
Ross Jordan, partner of SMH BullockWoodburn, says: “The merger is an excellent opportunity for both firms. It provides long term security and more added value services for clients of Malcolm J Harris and allows for further growth of SMH BullockWoodburn within the SMH Group.
“Clients of Malcolm J Harris will now benefit from a complete range of services that they haven’t been able to access before, including our personal financial services, such as pension & investment advice, and assistance with wills & probate and Inheritance tax planning – all of which can be accessed via our Buxton office by the most highly skilled, specialist staff possible.
“Having recently been appointed as a director and partner of SMH BullockWoodburn, I am actively looking to grow the business, and the merger with Malcolm J Harris Ltd is a great place to start. We’d like to offer a warm welcome to all staff and clients into the SMH family.”
Malcolm Harris, on behalf of Malcolm J Harris Ltd, adds: “We have always offered our clients a personal, proactive and customised service to meet their needs and requirements. However, for a smaller company the burden of increased administration, regulation, and AML, as well as looming tax legislation changes, combined with our retirement plans, has meant that we need a larger partner to continue to provide the excellent level of service we have always prided ourselves on offering to our clients.
“I am certain that the SMH Group is the right partner for us and I am very pleased to be introducing our clients to Ross and his team in Buxton.
“My wife, Jill and I will be staying on as consultants to ensure our clients have continuity and to introduce them to members of the team that will be working with them across all the specialist departments within the SMH Group.
“SMH Group have the expertise to continue to deliver the highest quality service to our clients, as well as introducing their full-service offering meaning they will be able to access all their financial requirements under one roof. I am confident the merger will be of benefit to all our clients.”
The addition of Malcolm J Harris Ltd into the SMH Group is the 6th merger to take place since 2018, and the first to join SMH BullockWoodburn since they joined the SMH Group in 2018.
Ten tips on how to avoid burnout in a busy world: by Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency
Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency, offers useful tips on avoiding burnout.
In an ideal world, we would anticipate burnout and illnesses so that we have time to make changes to try to prevent them. However, nine times out of ten we don’t realise we are in the ‘burnout phase’ until it is too late, and therefore from my own personal experience of having to learn the hard way, I have put together ten of my top tips for avoiding burnout…
- Be self-aware – No one knows your body and mind like you do, so if something doesn’t feel right, you feel off or are aware that you are heading towards the danger zone, then the first rule is recognising this, so that you at least have a fighting chance at doing something about it to turn it around, before it’s too late.
- Be realistic – Following on from tip number one, we would ideally manage our stress every day, sleep like babies and live an ultra-healthy lifestyle, wandering around with smug looks on our faces knowing that our bodies are temples and nothing can touch us. However the reality is we are all just doing the best we can and our best is all we can do, so as long as we are taking steps in the right direction and not putting unnecessary pressure on ourselves (which could cause more stress) then that is good enough.
- Prevention is better than cure – This age old saying is a good’n and one which still stands today, given that living a healthy, relatively stress free lifestyle has been scientifically proven to give a better quality and longer life span, so be aware of what you put into your body, keep moving, drink plenty of water, get outside every day in the fresh air and nourish yourself with whatever it is you need – every day.
- You are what you eat – I’m totally guilty of skipping meals when on the go. Back-to-back meetings are the norm these days, or being too tired to cook dinner in the evenings, so plan ahead. Meal prepping is great for the busy worker during the week, or sign up to a meal delivery service that takes all the hard work away from you, to ensure that you still get all the goodness into you without the effort attached to it.
- Turn it off – Whether it’s your phone, the television, radio, social media – turn it off. Have a break from it and ‘digital detox’ as they say. Now more than ever we are continually ‘connected’ and this can have all kinds of negative results on the mind and body. It’s pretty simple to click the off button once in a while and enjoy being in the present moment, but rarely do we allow that space and time for it – factor it into your day even for just an hour.
- Say no – Being a people pleaser to the detriment of oneself is not a badge of honour to wear proudly and will only end in tears, as you continue to say yes to everything and everyone who wants a piece of you. You are only human and have one life to live, so live it for you and not for others. Granted there will be friends and family, or work colleagues and staff that you have or want to be there for from time to time, but keep boundaries in place and only do what you feel you are able to do and don’t be afraid to say no once in a while without the need for explanation.
- Find your sanctuary – Appoint a safe space for yourself, somewhere you can go near or far that makes you happy and feel grounded and at peace. This can be someone else’s home (as long as you know them!), a particular park bench, a village you like to visit or your greenhouse -wherever you can escape to for even ten minutes to readjust, recuperate and rest before going again. We all need to recharge and holidays are a great way of doing this, but aren’t always attainable or regular, so allocate your own local safe space and sanctuary and visit once in a while when you recognise that you need to recharge your batteries.
- It’s good to talk – Communication is everything, so keep talking. Whether it is to your loved ones, hairdresser, therapist, or a stranger at the bus stop – having a natter works wonders for the mind, so get whatever it is off your chest as fast as you can and don’t let it fester. Famous activist Maggie Kuhn once said: “Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes.” Wise words.
- Balance the scales – It’s easier said than done, but work life balance is so important now more than ever, with the rat race we live in, the external stresses of the world around us and the fact that we are connected to everything happening on a daily basis – constantly. It is exhausting and so ensuring that we give ourselves as much ‘rest and recouperation time’ as we do ‘on the go time’ is super important for our mind, body and souls and to ensure a blissful night’s sleep.
- Do what makes you happy – Life is too short to spend hours and hours per day in a job you dislike, or spending time with someone that makes you unhappy – making even just small changes can offer huge results on your happiness, so if you’ve been procrastinating then ask yourself why? What is holding you back from taking that leap? No one ever regretted making the change they were once scared to make that resulted in them being happier than they were before.
King Power Football Stadium redevelopment plans approved
Leicester City Football Club’s redevelopment plans for King Power Football Stadium have been approved.
The hybrid application sought full planning permission for an extension to the East Stand of the stadium to provide an additional 8,000 seats with ancillary facilities, and works to the North and South Stands. This will allow for a capacity of around 40,000 from the current 32,312.
The extension to the stadium would be on land to the east of the current stand which is currently a concourse used by the public gaining access to that part of the stadium and its surrounds. The expansion to the stand would also extend over to the site of the National Grid Building which is to be demolished. The extension would also wrap round to the north and south stands and would enlarge both the concourses.
The plans include a new upper tier over and behind the existing East Stand. The extension would include a series of levels providing various facilities including hospitality suites, catering facilities, a sensory room and first aid room.
Meanwhile, outline planning permission was sought for a new Club retail store, 220-bedroom hotel, commercial office space and food & beverage uses, residential building with a maximum of 234 flats, multi-purpose arena with a capacity of 6,000 people, multi-storey car park and energy centre.
Prominent Derby site sold to expanding local business
The former Derby Wholesale Market, which is situated off Pentagon Island, Derby, has been sold to Richford Motors in a multi-million pound deal.
Joint agents FHP Property Consultants and Commercial Property Partners secured the deal on behalf of Rotherhill Developments.
Richford Motors will occupy the site to service a number of contracts across Derby.
The 3 acre site comprises a 25,000ft2 warehouse with ancillary buildings, with the remaining area comprising hard surfaced storage land.
Darran Severn, director at FHP Property Consultants, said: “This must be one of the most prominent sites in Derby and I am pleased to have completed the sale in what has been a great result for all parties involved. We received significant interest from day one from both owner occupiers and developers. There were over 40 credible enquiries which we were able to whittle down to 9 serious offers, eventually going under offer to Richford Motors.”
Edward Jeffrey of Rotherhill Developments said: “We are very pleased to have successfully completed a sale of the former Derby Wholesale Market site to Richford Motors having explored a range of development options. This is a well-configured site of scale with frontage to Derby’s principal access corridor, demonstrating excellent fundamentals. It was a pleasure to work with Richford Motors who were efficient and delivered. Our thanks go to joint agents FHP and CPP, together with our legal advisors, Howes Percival, for acting on our behalf.”
Sean Bremner, director at Commercial Property Partners, said: “From the inception of this project we were all very confident this would prove to be an attractive opportunity to offer to the market. Numerous enquiries from a wide range of end users were forthcoming all wanting to take advantage of the profile and flexibility that the site offered. Congratulations to Richford Motors for securing it.”
Plans submitted to demolish former furniture warehouse for apartments
Plans to demolish a former furniture warehouse in Nottingham to make way for a new residential scheme have been submitted.
The proposal is for two apartment buildings providing 34 flats with communal bin stores, 15 parking spaces, and secure bike storage.
The scheme at 25 Sherwin Road aims to provide 100% affordable dwellings.
Building A would consist of 23 flats, while Building B consists of 11 flats.
GEDA Construction and Jigsaw Homes Midlands are behind the plans.
Leicestershire architects sets its sights on duo of charity events
IMA Architects (IMA) is turning the spotlight on charity commitments this September to raise money for two incredibly worthy causes – Alex’s Wish and the Bodie Hodges Foundation.
Firstly, on Sunday 18 September, Merryn Lynes, the company’s business development manager, will take to the skies to complete her first ever skydive. Jetting off from Langar Airfield and taking a 12,000 feet leap of faith over Nottinghamshire, Merryn’s fundraising target of £550 will be donated, in full, to Alex’s Wish.
Alex’s Wish is a parent-led charity that has joined the fight to end Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) for all children, a genetic disorder characterised by progressive muscle degeneration. Today, huge advances in science and medicine mean a cure for Duchenne is no longer a pipedream, and with funding and awareness it is possible to achieve this goal. If you would like to donate, you can do so via Merryn’s JustGiving page: https://bit.ly/3KNQSKV
Just five days later on Friday 23 September, Merryn will don her fundraising hat once more, this time challenging herself to walk barefoot, over hot coals to raise money for The Bodie Hodges Foundation. Formed in 2012, this charity supports families who have been bereaved of a child – of any age – and actively promotes organ donation.
Cox joins Dains to help steer growth journey
Dains Accountants has appointed Neil Cox as Chairman in a move which demonstrates Dains’ ambition to consolidate the fragmented UK accountancy market.
Dains has recently completed its second acquisition since taking investment from Horizon Capital in December 2021 and expects to double revenue in the current financial year.
Cox is a buy and build expert and joins Dains following a stellar private equity career, supporting businesses across a wide range of sectors including commercial insurance, regulatory compliance, and veterinary services.
Richard McNeilly CEO of Dains said ‘we are delighted to have Neil on board. His experience in M&A and buy and build in particular is first class. We share an appetite for growing the Dains business through a series of quality acquisitions, which are highly integrated and enjoy delivering brilliant service to clients’.
Neil Cox commented ‘Dains has a clear strategy and has already made two highly complementary acquisitions, whilst also delivering strong organic growth. Our market presence is growing, and we have a compelling proposition. We are building a strong team and I look forward to working with them in the coming years’.
Businesses can’t sustain high inflation, says East Midlands Chamber
Commenting on the latest Office for National Statistics figures showing inflation dropped from 10.1% to 9.9% in August 2022, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) chief executive Scott Knowles said: “While Consumer Prices Index inflation dropped very slightly in line with motor fuel costs falling, the 9.9% figure illustrates the sustained pressure businesses and consumers have faced over the past year.
“With Producer Price Inflation remaining at a near-record high of 20.5% for the same period, this reflects the cost-of-doing-business crisis that has existed since the start of the year. Driven by utilities, staffing, fuel and raw materials costs all rising, companies are really feeling the squeeze and the huge difference in these figures demonstrates their attempts to not to pass these on wholesale to customers and end consumers.
“However, there is a limit to how long any firm can sustain these rising costs before something must give. We know from our Quarterly Economic Survey that 62% of East Midlands businesses expect they will be forced to raise their own prices in the coming months.
“The Government’s intervention on energy prices should dampen inflation once it is enacted but the lack of detail on when this will come into effect, exactly how much help any individual company will get, and for how long, means very few will be planning to invest any time soon.
“It is imperative the Government’s forthcoming ‘fiscal intervention’ provides business with confidence that there is a cohesive plan to take the economy forward.”
Four new starters at Fluid Ideas as expansion continues
Four new starters have strengthened the ranks of creative agency Fluid Ideas as its expansion continues.
Fluid, which is based at Darley Abbey Mills, near Derby, has recruited across four of its six teams in line with further growth in demand for its range of services.
The new arrivals are Nicole Davies, Tom King, Will Davis and Matt Thompson.
Nicole, who has a master’s degree in marketing management, has joined Fluid’s websites and systems team as a project manager. Her role is to ensure digital projects are delivered efficiently, on time and to budget while also helping to support and optimise clients’ websites.
Tom has joined the brand and creative team as a multi-disciplinary designer, working on client campaigns and pitches. He has more than 10 years’ commercial experience of working with national and international brands and he adds to the team’s animation and CGI capabilities. Tom also holds a leadership and management qualification from the Institute of Leadership and Management.
Will, a digital marketing graduate from the University of Derby, has gained experience in the sport and leisure sector and has joined Fluid’s search and social team. His main focus will be search engine optimisation, content writing and social media management.
Matt has joined the design and artwork team and brings with him more than 20 years’ experience of working in local agencies. In joining Fluid, he follows in the footsteps of his brother Ben, who was the agency’s first employee and has helped drive the growth of its brand and creative team for almost two decades.
Ed Bowler, joint managing director of Fluid Ideas, said: “As always, our focus has been on growing with good people. Nicole, Matt, Will and Tom all bring new and exciting talents to the team but, most importantly, they care about the quality of work we produce and they will undoubtedly add to the spirit and culture that has helped make Fluid such a healthy and enjoyable place to be, for our clients and our colleagues.”
Work underway on Grade A office building in Leicester
Granite House at Watermead Business Park is due to undergo a substantial transformation following its recent acquisition by Boundary Real Estate Partners (BREP).
The new owners of the 50,000 sq ft office building, set on a large car park, have started work to reposition the building within the marketplace to provide a ‘best in class opportunity’ to meet occupier demand.
The plans include a substantial refurbishment of the reception to create a new full height entrance area with feature staircase, full refurbishment of the welfare facilities and the installation of showers. The landscaping will be improved to create a leisure area incorporating bike storage, outdoor seating and break out areas.
New owners, BREP, are particularly focused on the ESG credentials of the building and, through the refurbishment works, are targeting EPC B rating, over and above minimum standards for 2025 and beyond. The asset will also be future proofed for electric car charging with the installation of EV charging points.
Working alongside Leicester County Council’s Sustainable Travel Coordinator, the owners are seeking to secure Modeshift accreditation and are now trialling the use of e-bikes, encouraging occupiers of the scheme to get the most out of the amenities provided by Thurmaston Retail Park and the use of Watermead Country Park.
Agents, FHP and CBRE have commenced marketing of the first floor office space within the building, which provides some 24,863 sq ft of Grade A space on a single floorplate.
Mark Tomlinson, director at FHP, said: “We have seen a drive towards quality among occupiers with a particular focus on lifestyle and wellbeing alongside continued focus on energy efficiency and it is important that the regional office market delivers office buildings to cater for these requirements. These are exciting plans for the building, many of which are unrivalled within the Leicester market.”
Michelle Mills, director at CBRE, said: “The Leicester office market remains undersupplied with Grade A options for corporate occupiers looking to change the way in which they work going forwards. Granite House will deliver one of the premium options within the City.”
Property professionals will gather tonight for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022!
It is finally the day to attend the eagerly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022!
It is an evening for Business Link and professionals alike to recognise, celebrate, and network with the property and construction industry – those behind the changing landscape of our region.
Winners will be announced today (Thursday 15 September) in the Derek Randall Suite at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. The event will start at 4:30pm and conclude at 7:30pm, with complimentary drinks and canapés served on arrival.
The event will also feature 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.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Most Active Agent – sponsored by Blueprint Interiors Mather Jamie OMEETO BB&J Commercial Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by Frank Key Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park – Galliford Try Construction Etiquette Park – Clowes Developments Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service joint HQ – Henry Brothers Responsible Business of the Year – sponsored by Press for Attention PR Cawarden Arc Partnership Phoenix Brickwork Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Sterling Commercial Finance The Rise, Southwell – Stagfield Group Glenvale Park – Glenvale Park LLP Hindle House – KMRE Group Deal of the Year – sponsored by Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers St James Securities – Phase Two of the Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby – 3,500 capacity Becketwell performance venue with ASM Global Wells McFarlane, APB and Newton LDP – sale of 460 acres of land in North Leicestershire, making way for a new garden village Morgan Industrial Properties Limited – acquisition of the former Ewart Chain site in Shaftesbury Street, Derby Developer of the Year – sponsored by Ward Hockley Developments St James Securities HBD Architects of the Year – sponsored by OMS Swain Architecture Rayner Davies Architects CPMG Architects Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden St. Peter’s Gate renovation – CPMG Architects Health and Allied Professions Centre at Nottingham Trent University – Pick Everard Brookside Farm – Chevin Homes Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services Refurbished HQ for LKAB Minerals – Scenariio Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – Chesterfield Borough Council, Whittam Cox Architects, Robert Woodhead Group Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park – Galliford Try Construction Contractor of the Year – sponsored by RammSanderson Galliford Try Construction Cawarden Enrok Construction The Overall Winner, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
To be held at:
Cawarden and Derbyshire FA announce County Cups sponsorship
Cawarden is sponsoring the Derbyshire FA County Cups, which are returning for the 2022/23 season after a three-year hiatus.
Cawarden, a Derbyshire-based specialist contractor with over 35 years’ experience in project delivery, and Derbyshire FA, the governing body for grassroots football in the county, announced a new sponsorship deal that will see each of the nine County Cups named after the new sponsors for the 2022/23 season.
William Crooks, Managing Director of Cawarden, said: “We’re excited to renew our links with the Derbyshire FA, particularly after the closure of the league due to the pandemic. It’s wonderful to support an organisation that aligns with Cawarden’s ethos to support local communities and give back.
“Football is an important part of the community and touches all levels, so we’re really proud to be sponsoring the Derbyshire FA County Cups and continuing to back Derbyshire football. We look forward to an exciting season ahead!”
Cawarden is a family-owned and operated business with a rich history of delivering demolition, land remediation and earthworks projects across the UK. Their history is imprinted in Derbyshire football through the delivery of several iconic demolition projects in the county, including the Baseball Ground in 2003, the former home of Derby County FC, and the Saltergate Stadium, the former ground of Chesterfield FC.
Derbyshire FA are responsible for leading and supporting grassroots football across Derbyshire. The Derbyshire FA County Cups are a series of knock-out cup competitions that take place throughout the season. They play a big role in the rich history of football in the county, with the Senior Challenge Cup dating back to 1883/84.
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the County Cups have not run for the last three seasons, the last being 2018/19. The chance to bring the County Cups back this season is exciting for everybody involved in football, and Cawarden is proud to be part of its return.
The first round draws are due to be announced later this week.
Multi-let industrial estate sold in Ilkeston
The Ropewalk Industrial Estate in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, has been sold.
Acting on behalf of private clients, FHP secured the sale of the multi-let industrial estate, comprising 40 individually let warehouse and workshop units.
The property provides a mixture of units for fledgling and growth business in the area which have proven popular over the years with consistently high occupancy rates.
The property was sold following a “highly competitive process with local, regional and national investors bidding competitively for the property.”
Mark Tomlinson, director at FHP, said: “We are delighted to have secured the sale of The Ropewalk Industrial Estate which we have managed on behalf of our clients for nearly ten years.
“The property was almost fully let at the time of sale and offers the new owners the ability to improve the rental income profile through asset management and an ongoing programme of refurbishments which will provide value improvement and a strong investment return.”
Plans to convert Nottingham’s British Waterways Building into flats tipped for approval
Plans to transform the British Waterways Building in Nottingham into a residential scheme have been recommended for approval.
H2O Urban, a joint partnership between The Canal and River Trust (current owners of the building) and specialist developer bloc Ltd, are behind the proposals.
The grade 2 listed building would be converted to provide 95 residential units (12 studios, 42 one bedroom apartments and 41 two bedroom apartments) including construction of a rooftop extension providing 8 apartments.
The building, constructed in 1919 as a canal transit warehouse for the Trent Navigation Company, is currently partially occupied by a comedy club (Glee), however the lease for the space is coming to an end and will not be renewed. The other areas of lower floors were previously occupied by a pub and the upper floors by a gym but are all currently empty.
A design statement says: “The proposal to convert the listed British Waterways building into a residential apartment scheme will provide a viable repurposing of this prominent landmark to protect its long-term future.”
Equity investment talks between Next and Joules called off
Following Joules, the Market Harborough-based lifestyle group, confirming earlier in the year that it was in talks with Next about a potential equity investment, the discussions have now ended.
Raising proceeds for Joules of £15 million, Next would have become a strategic minority shareholder.
In a new business update however, Joules said “discussions about Next plc acquiring an equity stake in the group have ceased,” however talks regarding Joules potentially adopting the Next Total Platform in the future remain ongoing.
Joules added: “The company has an ongoing positive relationship with Next, successfully selling Joules products through Next’s Label channel which will continue.”
Meanwhile Jonathon Brown, the group’s new CEO, has announced that Tom Joule, the company’s founder and a non-executive director, will lead, in an executive capacity, the company’s renewed product development process for the forthcoming seasons.
Dunelm hails “another year of excellent performance”
The CEO of homewares retailer Dunelm Group, has hailed “another year of excellent performance.”
According to preliminary results for the year to 2 July 2022, total sales at the business hit £1.55bn, up from £1.33bn in 2021.
Meanwhile profit before tax grew to £209m from £157.8m.
The Leicestershire firm noted that sales have remained robust in the first ten weeks of its new financial year.
Nick Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our colleagues and our committed supplier partners are at the heart of our success. In another year of excellent performance, I am extremely grateful for their skill, commitment and adaptability in the face of new external challenges and during another busy period of progress across the business.
“We feel confident and well prepared to weather the current economic pressures – we emerged from an unprecedented global pandemic as a bigger, better business and we believe we have the tools in place to do that again. That said, the operating and economic environment is extremely challenging.
“In this environment, we have to make every pound count, both for ourselves through our tight operational grip and cost discipline, and for our customers, through our offer of outstanding value at all price points.
“Dunelm, at its heart, offers customers great choice and value. Now is not the time for us to shy away from that, but for us to fully embrace it; whether it’s our Winter Warm collection or our Student Essentials range, we think Dunelm’s unique and market-leading offer is more relevant than ever before.”
How ignoring your dream list of clients is a nightmare for marketers: by Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR
Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, reflects on a recent experience to offer wise words on establishing and maintaining dream clients.
Normally on the last Wednesday of the month (as I write this column) I am getting ready to give a talk to local entrepreneurs about how to grow their business through marketing, or basically “getting and keeping customers.”
In the end, when you strip off all the bells and whistles, that’s what marketing is.
However, two things have changed this time:
- I had to bring the meeting forward because next week is my wedding anniversary.
- The venue has just pulled the rug from under me and cancelled the event!
Last chance to secure tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
With the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 taking place TOMORROW (Thursday 15 September) there are limited seats left at the event.
Property and construction professionals will be gathering in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, where Business Link will be recognising and celebrating those behind the changing landscape of our region.
The event starts at 4.30pm and concludes at 7.30pm and tickets are available here.
Make use of this opportunity to network with leaders of property and construction businesses from across the East Midlands.
Complimentary drinks and canapés will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business attire. The event will also feature 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.
Attend the glittering awards ceremony to see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agents of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Most Active Agent – sponsored by Blueprint Interiors Mather Jamie OMEETO BB&J Commercial Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by Frank Key Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park – Galliford Try Construction Etiquette Park – Clowes Developments Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service joint HQ – Henry Brothers Responsible Business of the Year – sponsored by Press for Attention PR Cawarden Arc Partnership Phoenix Brickwork Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Sterling Commercial Finance The Rise, Southwell – Stagfield Group Glenvale Park – Glenvale Park LLP Hindle House – KMRE Group Deal of the Year – sponsored by Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers St James Securities – Phase Two of the Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby – 3,500 capacity Becketwell performance venue with ASM Global Wells McFarlane, APB and Newton LDP – sale of 460 acres of land in North Leicestershire, making way for a new garden village Morgan Industrial Properties Limited – acquisition of the former Ewart Chain site in Shaftesbury Street, Derby Developer of the Year – sponsored by Ward Hockley Developments St James Securities HBD Architects of the Year – sponsored by OMS Swain Architecture Rayner Davies Architects CPMG Architects Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden St. Peter’s Gate renovation – CPMG Architects Health and Allied Professions Centre at Nottingham Trent University – Pick Everard Brookside Farm – Chevin Homes Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services Refurbished HQ for LKAB Minerals – Scenariio Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – Chesterfield Borough Council, Whittam Cox Architects, Robert Woodhead Group Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park – Galliford Try Construction Contractor of the Year – sponsored by RammSanderson Galliford Try Construction Cawarden Enrok Construction The Overall Winner, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
To be held at:
“Monumental skills shortage” could now be deterring businesses from creating jobs, says East Midlands Chamber
The East Midlands’ unemployment rate has risen for the first time in 10 months – but remains far below the national average.
After hitting a record low of 2.4% for the period between April and June this year, the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) regional figures for May to July show it rose to 2.8%. The UK unemployment rate during this time was 3.6%.
The region’s economic inactivity rate – which measures the number of working-age people who have dropped out of the labour market for reasons such as retirement, caring duties, long-term ill health or studying – remains at 21.9%. This is among its highest level for the past year and three percentage points above where it was pre-Covid (18.7% in January to March 2020).
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Our region’s firms continue to create plenty of jobs, but we’ve been saying for the past year how this could tip at any moment given the monumental skills shortage that is putting a lid on capacity for four in 10 East Midlands businesses.
“In our most recent Quarterly Economic Survey, two-thirds of our region’s companies attempted to recruit between April and June but 82% of them struggled to fill roles.
“This is clearly unsustainable and while our region’s unemployment rate remains at a near-record low, the fact the economic inactivity rate shows no sign of dropping suggests some firms are dropping plans to grow amid the dwindling labour pool and huge uncertainty in the economic landscape, which is driven by an escalating cost of doing business crisis.
“While new Prime Minister Liz Truss’ energy plan was welcomed, we need to see more details on what this means for businesses to provide long-term certainty. At the same time, her Government must not forget the other pressures facing firms and work in collaboration with the business community to seek long-term solutions to the various challenges we face.
“This includes reviewing and reforming the shortage occupations list to include more jobs at all skill levels, backing businesses to invest in training current and new staff, and removing barriers to international trade.”
New senior role filled at Nottingham recruitment specialist
Recruitment specialist Thorn Baker Group, headquartered in Nottingham, has promoted Rhian Newman to a newly created senior position within the business, head of offsite and professional lead. The new position will give Rhian responsibility for developing two new specialties within Thorn Baker’s construction brand – offsite and professional.
During her time with Thorn Baker, Rhian has made a significant impact, particularly in developing the group’s offering within the offsite sector. Also known as the modular building industry, the sector remained resilient throughout the pandemic and Rhian has used her extensive knowledge and wealth of contacts to develop this as a new service offering for Thorn Baker.
Starting from scratch with a team of one, Rhian has developed Thorn Baker Offsite into a nationally respected recruitment partner whose clients include Countryside Timber Frame, Premier Modular, Innovare & Donaldson Group, Balfour Beatty, Skanska, Crest Nicholson, Barratts and many more.
Whilst there is demand for workers across the construction industry at the moment, demand for professional staff is particularly high. Throughout her 15 years in the recruitment industry, Rhian has always recruited for professional roles and will now also take the lead in developing Thorn Baker’s presence in this area.
Speaking about her promotion, Rhian says: “This is a huge opportunity for me and something that I have been working towards for several years now. It is exciting for me personally, and for the future of the company. The new role will allow me to use my knowledge and experience to further strengthen Thorn Baker’s offering within construction recruitment and complements its existing specialties.
“Developing the company’s professional offering builds on 34 years’ experience within trades and labour, and means that we will be able to find quality candidates for our clients for the full range of roles required on construction projects and in the industrial sector.
“Similarly, the offsite sector is growing rapidly in the UK and there is a high demand for candidates with transferable skills – and our expertise within ‘traditional’ trades roles means we are able to find people who may want to transfer to another branch of the construction industry.
“I feel hugely supported by the Board and we have a clear understanding of what we want both teams to look like in the future. I want to make a success of both specialisms as I am sure they will become fundamental to the future of Thorn Baker and the success of our clients.”
Rob Ford, director at Thorn Baker, added: “Rhian is a fantastic asset to the Thorn Baker team and contributes so much across the business, not just in offsite and professional. She is a real people person and someone who clearly cares and demonstrates our values on a daily basis. This is clear to see by the relationships she has built with her team, her colleagues in other offices, myself, and the rest of the Board.
“Having been with us for less than a year when the pandemic struck, we all had to cope with the uncertainty that caused. And Rhian’s response to these challenges – recruiting her team and training them over Zoom – showcased her natural leadership qualities and admirable work ethic.
“Rhian is respected across the industry and has a natural flair for offsite and professional. We want to support her to develop these teams as it will benefit our growing client base and help more people find employment.”
