The first company to move into Lincoln’s Science and Innovation Park has grown so successfully it is moving into its own premises. METIS Aerospace was the first through the doors when the Science Park opened in 2017. Originally just two people, the Aerospace, Defence and Security company now has 14 staff and is undergoing a major expansion. After 23 years flying on RAF Nimrod aircraft, CEO Tony Burnell founded the company in 2011 with the aim of developing specialist signals intelligence solutions capable of delivering real-time threat warnings. In 2018 METIS was instrumental in the reopening of Gatwick Airport during its Drone Crisis and since then METIS has been actively involved with major airports, enabling to continue operating whilst identifying drone threats that could interfere aircraft and their operations. “We develop Electronic Warfare Signals Intelligence solutions that detect, track and identify high frequency radio waves emitted by targets of interest. That could be anything from a terrorist organisation’s radio communications to a serious organised crime operation using drones.” Tony, who sits on the newly formed GLLEP Defence and Security board is also Chair of the UK’s Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space’s Drone Platform and Counter Drone group, said: “What has really made us unique is the many years of experience we have had in the RAF using tech in global conflicts, then testing, evaluating, and developing it. We have used these skills and our experiences of being the end user to provide our customers with better solutions, thereby building a strong business.” METIS was eager to move into the Lincoln Science & Innovation Park as soon the Boole Technology Centre opened. “The primary driver for moving in was to collaborate with the right people to build better products. That included companies who also moved into Boole and we were right next to the University of Lincoln who we’ve been able to work with to develop emerging technologies and pulling these through into the commercial sector in short timescales. We also liked the ‘wow’ factor of bringing clients to Boole. The biggest benefit was the flexibility and understanding of Tom, the Park’s director. His door is always open, and he is a great person who’s provided support and advice throughout but, arguably more importantly, worked with us to enable the company to grow.” Tom Blount, Director of Lincoln Science & Innovation Park, said: “We would have loved to keep Tony and his team on site but, sadly, their growth has meant that we simply haven’t the space available in such a short timescale. We will miss having them based at the Park but they remain an important part of our wider science and tech community.” METIS is now moving to its own premises in North Hykeham which will house its offices, labs and a new manufacturing facility with space to produce drones up to a 6m fixed wingspan.

Derbyshire-based property group, Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd, have purchased the company that owned Pride Park Stadium from fellow local businessman Mel Morris. Additionally, Clowes have issued an interim loan to the Club which will enable Derby County to start the next season and trade whilst a deal to purchase the Club is concluded. Clowes have also confirmed that they will, today, submit a bid to purchase Derby County Football Club. David Clowes, chairman of Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd, led the negotiations and said: “With a deadline looming and the start of the next season getting closer, we needed to do something. “As a local and established property company, purchasing the stadium seemed the obvious first step. Secondly, as a proud Derby supporter, it was inconceivable to me that the Club was at risk of falling away. We’ve worked tirelessly behind the scenes on the stadium purchase and loan agreement to be able to get the Club going again in time for the next season. “Players, staff and fans needed some good news, and we are delighted to play a part in delivering that.” It is intended that this step forward will help to alleviate some of the growing pressure, allowing more time to make the right decisions for the future of the Club. The acceptance of Clowes’ offer and swift completion of a deal will also allow the Club to get ready for the upcoming season. Derby County can then start rebuilding a full team, confirm contracts, prepare for fixtures and allow the commercial aspects of the business to get going and start bringing in the much-needed income for the Club. Staff can plan for the next season and arguably, most importantly, dedicated fans can purchase their tickets. The purchase of the Pride Park Stadium completed on Friday 17 June 2022. All parties agreed to keep the transaction confidential until the loan agreement was complete and announce recent developments at the same time. The loan agreement has now been formalised which has enabled the announcements to be made. Rumours and speculation have been circulating in the media for the last few months regarding the future of the Club but, today, all parties have officially confirmed the purchase of Pride Park Stadium, announced the interim loan and the submission of a bid for the Club by Clowes Developments. The negotiation of agreements were conducted privately between all parties concerned. Mel Morris, Clowes Developments, Quantuma and the EFL have worked collaboratively to agree the deals which will help to secure the future viability of Derby County Football Club. Clowes Developments’ representative said: “Clowes Developments would like to formally thank all parties involved in the deals to date. Collectively we have paved the way for a positive outcome for the future of Derby County Football Club. We would like to take the opportunity to thank our respective teams of professional advisors who have helped us to successfully purchase the company that owned Pride Park Stadium, secure the loan agreement and confirm the submission of a bid to purchase the Club. “It must be recognised that great business comes from handling transactions with respect and an open mind. We are very happy to have been able to resolve the issues relating to the ground and are pleased to be in a unique position to help get the Club get ready for the next season. We have made sound professional relationships to date which we hope will continue to prosper from here on out. “Derby County Football Club are now a few steps closer to exiting administration with the hope of a new owner for the Club just around the corner, an opportunity to move forward with a clean slate.” All parties are dedicated to rebuilding the Club. Clowes Developments, for which many of their staff are loyal Derby County fans, are excited to resume ‘business as usual’ and support them in League One. David Clowes, chairman at Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd, added: “As a long-standing loyal supporter, I am personally delighted that we are in a position to be able to secure the future of the football Club. This is a very proud and humbling moment for Clowes Developments.”

As nominations flow in for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, is wishing good luck to those entering from the area. Mike said: “The transformation of Leicester has been significant over recent years, thanks to a strong public and private collaboration. The recent regeneration of our city is a great example of how the property industry and the council can deliver meaningful, sustainable regeneration for our residents and local businesses. I wish the best of luck to our developer partners and hope to see them make the shortlist for what has been a successful partnership over recent years.”

If you haven’t submitted your nominations yet, now is the ideal time.

The East Midlands Bricks Awards celebrate the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and exceptional developments, and provide the perfect opportunity to shine a light on your team, reward their hard work, and boost morale. 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 time to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. 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:                                      

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Around £570 million is being set aside for 50 Derbyshire regeneration schemes designed to improve the county’s economic prospects. Derbyshire County Council said it is supporting the funding over the next few years, which will help deliver major projects, including new homes, employment land, infrastructure. The money will come from a combination of the county council, government pots and local private and public sector partners. It will support projects including the South Derby Growth Zone, which the county council will deliver in collaboration with Derby City Council. At a recent meeting of the county council’s cabinet, members were updated on the progress of the county’s key regeneration schemes. Councillor Carolyn Renwick, the county council’s cabinet member for infrastructure, said: “This regeneration programme demonstrates good growth in Derbyshire with major regeneration projects across the county to support job creation and keep Derbyshire moving. “We’re proud to be a driving force for regeneration and levelling up in Derbyshire and welcome much-needed investment from Government to improve our county’s economic prospects.” Some of the regeneration schemes being supported are already underway. They include £6 million for the Ashbourne airfield expansion, opening up land for employment and housing and adding a new roundabout on the A52. And almost £11 million has been committed to a new road into Chesterfield Station, with a planning application now in, while £2.4 million will be put into a new roundabout and access to a housing development in Buxton, along with a new a section of the White Peak Loop cycle trail. Among the projects being prepared is the £55 million South Derby Growth Zone, which involves building a new junction off the A50 and a link road, supporting commercial development and housing at Infinity Garden Village. An outline business case for funding is due to be submitted to the Government later this year, requesting £49 million to help fund the project, with a further £6 million expected to be contributed by local partners. Some £35 million could also be put into the restoration and transformation of Elvaston Castle, a project which in consultancy Planning & Design Practice is involved. One of the biggest schemes is the £125 million Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route. The project involves reclamation works and construction of a 3.7-mile road connecting Chesterfield with Staveley, opening up land for jobs and housing. The Government would be asked for £106 million to help fund the project with a further £19 million expected to be contributed by local public and private sector partners. Elsewhere, more than £20 million would be needed for the Ashbourne Relief Road project, around £50 million to improve access to Shirebrook and a similar figure to find a solution for Swarkestone Causeway, across the River Trent. The Staveley Town Deal Investment Plan could get £25 million, as could the Long Eaton Town Deal Investment Plan, while Chesterfield Borough Council is leading a £20 million project to improve the town centre. The county council said it was also supporting a bid for £25 million to build on work already done to establish the East Midlands Freeport, which is the UK’s only inland freeport.

Confidence among East Midlands firms is rapidly declining amid a price squeeze that is causing a “cost of doing business crisis,” new research reveals. East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which gauges the health of the region’s economy, found that only a net 8% of companies in the region expect profitability to increase over the coming year, down from a net 31% at the start of the year. A net 42% of those surveyed during the second quarter of 2022 anticipate turnover to improve, down from a net 62% in the previous quarter. The findings, from a questionnaire filled out by 322 businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire between 16 May and 10 June, show that the low confidence stems from weakening overseas sales and orders, alongside a flat UK market. These issues are driven by spiralling inflation and costs for energy, raw materials, people and fuel – and are now affecting business investment, which is crucial to driving the productivity gains that can help to beat inflation. Chris Hobson, director of policy and external affairs at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Issues with supply chains – which have been readjusting since the pandemic impact and surging demand as we emerge into this post-pandemic period – alongside changes in trading conditions resulting from the UK leaving the EU and, more recently, the impact on prices following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, have all combined to hit business confidence and activity levels. “This dent to confidence has knock-on effects on investment, with intentions to invest in training (down 3% quarter-on-quarter) and equipment (down 6%) both being scaled back, and at a time where 40% of businesses report operating at full capacity – a record for the survey in recent times. “The underlying concern here is, for an economy to grow, businesses need to invest. A struggling economy isn’t being driven by a lack of demand, but rather a hindered ability to respond to that demand. This in turn puts further pressure on prices, risking a situation that continues to deteriorate as the months progress.” East Midlands Chamber QES Q2 2022 data Key findings from the Quarterly Economic Survey Q2 2022 for the East Midlands included: · UK sales flatlined between Q1 2022 and Q2 2022, with a net 27% of businesses reporting these increased in both periods, while there was a net 4% drop in advanced orders between the quarters · Overseas sales and orders were down for a net 9% and 11% for companies respectively · While a net 11% of businesses increased their workforce in Q2, this marked a 9% drop compared to the previous quarter. Similarly, a net 33% of firms believe they will aim to increase their labour force over the coming three months, but this was 3% down on Q1 · Two-thirds (66%) of businesses attempted to recruit in Q2 but, of this cohort, four in five (82%) encountered problems with filling vacancies · There was positive movement in cashflow, which had been down for a net 3% of firms in Q1 but had increased for a net 4% in Q2 – a 7% swing · Six in 10 (62%) businesses expect they will be forced to raise prices over the next three months, although this was a 4% drop compared to Q1 · A lack of room at the margins means investment intentions in plant and equipment are down by 6% compared to the beginning of the year, while intentions for investing in training dropped by 3% · Business confidence nosedived, with the proportion of businesses expecting profitability to increase dropping by 23% and those anticipating improved turnover falling by 20% How Government can support businesses to invest and ease inflation Chris called for the Government to urgently address key financial challenges faced by businesses that will eventually be passed on to consumers. “Businesses need an injection of confidence to enhance their investment plans and respond to the challenges they’re facing,” he said. “Given that many of these issues are external, this is easier said than done, but there are levers the Government can pull to support business. On fuel, it should act to further cut duty and reduce VAT applied to fuel purchases, while the HMRC mileage rate should be increased from 45p per mile to 60p. “Small businesses should be offered greater grant support on fuel bills, similar to that received by consumers, and those struggling with repayments linked to coronavirus-associated support schemes should be given more leeway for repayments to be made. “Finally, incentives should be given to businesses looking to invest in their people, similar to schemes that already exist for capital investment, which themselves should be extended. “These are not usual times, but the current state of affairs is also not permanent. It is right that Government should act to introduce special measures at a time when the economy needs it, with the knowledge that once there are calmer waters ahead, businesses will continue on their growth trajectories and drive a competitive UK economy.”

Nottingham City Council has pledged that the major improvements it has been making to financial governance and management will continue in light of the Government’s announcement that it is minded to appoint Commissioners to take over some decision making functions to ensure compliance with the council’s best value duty. These include strategic financial management, governance and strategic decision making and appointment of statutory officers. Council leader, Cllr David Mellen said: “The Government’s decision to appoint Commissioners follows our discovery last December that Housing Revenue Account funds had been allocated unlawfully. “This was a significant setback but it’s important to understand that we brought the matter to light ourselves as part of our work to tighten up our financial and governance arrangements and have already taken swift and direct action to address the issue, including seeking the necessary ministerial direction to pay the money back into the Housing Revenue Account. “In light of the improvements we have been making, it’s clearly disappointing that the Housing Revenue Account issue has led to the Government taking the action it has. We understand that it will be a major concern for city residents, council staff, our partners and local businesses but we are committed to working with Commissioners on any further improvements we need to make. “Our staff do a great job providing vital services to city residents and we will support them to continue to do that in the months and years ahead.” Chief Executive, Mel Barrett said: “We have been making good progress on our recovery and improvement plan over the last 18 months, working closely with the independent Improvement and Assurance Board appointed by the Government to oversee its implementation. “We have had a positive relationship with the Board and its chair Sir Tony Redmond. Sir Tony’s appointment as the lead commissioner therefore provides reassurance and continuity. This, and the fact that commissioners have been appointed for two years rather than the normal three, is recognition of the progress we have already made over the last 18 months.” The council has agreed a balanced Medium Term Financial Plan covering the next four years, a key requirement of the previous Non Statutory Review, and within that a balanced budget for this year without the need for any other financial support or intervention. It says it is also continuing to bring down overall debt levels significantly and taking a strategic approach to disposing of property assets to bring an income to the council. A review of council-owned companies is continuing and all the recommendations of two independent reports into the Housing Revenue Account issue commissioned by the council are being implemented, including bringing housing management back in-house, to ensure problems are resolved, the money is returned to the HRA and the same mistakes can never happen again.