East Mids law firm records 12% increase in turnover since start of pandemic
Law firm Howes Percival has recorded a 12% increase in turnover since the start of 2020, with profits per equity partner also up 12% over the same period, according to its latest annual results.
The firm, which is celebrating 25 years in Leicester this year and also has an office in Northampton, has seen turnover increase from £23.4m before the pandemic, to £26.3m this year and market share increase across all of its UK offices.
The last 12 months have also seen Howes Percival invest in a nationwide expansion programme, with close to 100 new recruits appointed in that period.
Howes Percival’s Leicester office opened in July 1997 on New Walk with a team of just six lawyers. Today, over 60 of the firm’s staff are employed at its Meridian Business Park office, providing the full range of corporate and family law services.
The firm has had a presence in Northampton since 1790. In 2016, Howes Percival moved to new, bigger premises at Rushmills, where it now employs 70 staff. In May this year, Hannah Pryce and Alexandra Kirkwood were promoted to partner.
Howes Percival chairperson and Leicester partner, Geraint Davies said: “We are absolutely delighted with the way the firm has performed over the last couple of years. Like everyone, we experienced the shock waves when the pandemic struck, but we were able to adapt quickly to the new ways of working to support our clients and take advantage of the opportunities that emerged in certain sectors. We’ve seen very strong growth in core areas such as corporate and commercial, property, litigation, employment law and private client services.
“The pandemic presented a unique set of challenges, but the firm responded strongly. We made a conscious decision to carry on investing in people and technology during the pandemic, to ensure that we were in the best possible position when we came out the other side, and that is now paying dividends. We are seeing the momentum carry on and anticipate further double-digit growth in this financial year too, as a result.
“When it comes to marking 25 years of Howes Percival in Leicester, we wanted to shine a spotlight on what makes it a fantastic city to live, work and do business in. We saw this as an opportunity, not only to recognise our Leicester office’s achievements, but to give back something meaningful to the community. Our people have been integral to planning the celebrations and the whole office has come together in a true team effort to support the events taking place throughout the year.”
Revenue rises at Belvoir
Revenue has risen while pre-tax profits have slipped at Belvoir Group, the property franchise and financial services group with its central office in Grantham, in interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2022.
The firm reported a 12% increase in revenue to £15.4m, up from £13.8m in the year prior, of which 1% relates to the growth in the underlying business and 11% to corporate acquisitions in 2021 and 2022.
Meanwhile profit before tax dipped slightly to £4m from £4.8m.
Belvoir acquired The TIME Group, a network of 63 financial services advisers, in May 2022 and Mr and Mrs Clarke, a concierge-style personal estate agency business operating through 10 partners, in March 2022.
Dorian Gonsalves, Chief Executive Officer of Belvoir Group, said: “I am delighted to report that our strong lettings base, investment in further franchise networks and diversification into financial services have all helped to mitigate the correction in the level of property sales transactions after the exceptional year for the housing market in 2021.
“During the first half of 2022 the Board continued to pursue its growth strategy to strengthen the group’s service offering. The acquisition of Mr and Mrs Clarke provided the group with a platform from which to develop its personal agency model, and the acquisition of The TIME Group added a further 63 advisers to our already established and successful financial services network.
“The group’s investment in businesses to expand both the property and the financial services divisions, and the strong pipelines of house sales and related mortgages at the start of H2, underpin the Board’s confidence of achieving managements’ expectations for the full financial year.”
All change at Derby accountancy company as co-founder takes on sole ownership
It’s all change at a Derby accountancy company as one of its co-founders takes on sole ownership.
Bev Wakefield, who set up Vibrant Accountancy with Ian Ball in September 2019, will lead the business from September 1, with co-founder Ian Ball moving to Pride Park-based CoMech Metrology to become their finance director.
Bev says that she is excited about the future of Vibrant – with plans to participate in more seminars and re-introduce networking groups at the Lodge Lane-based business – and she thanked Ian for his support.
She said: “It has been an incredible journey since starting Vibrant with Ian and I want to thank him for his support and friendship.
“Together with my brilliant team, I want to continue the legacy and make an impact in an industry that has long been considered stuffy, impenetrable and dominated by well-established, big-name players. I want to continue to evolve and disrupt and I’m excited about the future.”
Ian said: “Co-founding Vibrant was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I have enjoyed every minute of the journey with Bev, who is now ready to continue to drive the business forward and will ensure that our clients continue to receive the best service possible.
“She is an incredible individual and will continue what we started together with great success.
“I’m looking forward to starting my new job at CoMech Metrology. It was an opportunity that I just couldn’t turn down. The experiences and knowledge that I have gained since starting Vibrant has enabled me to take on such a role, and a role that will help to push the company forward with its growth plans.”
Bev is also keen to make Vibrant Accountancy a more eco-friendly business. Later this year, they will be introducing an electric car scheme for employees – including new head of Management Accounts Amie Fellows, who will be joining Vibrant in October.
The scheme will enable staff to purchase a fully-electric vehicle and pay for it through a salary sacrifice scheme. There are plans to offset Vibrant’s carbon emissions by planting trees, too.
“As a mother of two young children, I know how important it is to protect our planet for their future,” said Bev, “we can all make little changes, and we’re on our journey with embracing this further at Vibrant.
“One thing is for sure, the future is bright.”
Geldards expands Corporate Dispute Resolution team with appointment of new partner
Geldards’ Corporate Dispute Resolution team has strengthened its offering with the appointment of new partner Lloyd Smith who joins the firm’s Nottingham offices.
Lloyd brings with him over fourteen years’ litigation experience and joins from Knights plc where he specialised in commercial litigation, with particular expertise in complex cases spanning multiple jurisdictions.
Recognised by Legal 500 as a Commercial Litigation “Rising Star”, Lloyd is experienced in resolving business owner disputes as well as helping clients with technology disputes, financial regulatory issues and franchising disputes.
Having qualified in Nottingham, Lloyd spent the early part of his career working in London at City firms, before returning to the East Midlands where he has been practising in Nottingham for the past six years.
Commenting on the appointment, Nino Simone, partner and head of Dispute Resolution at Geldards, said: “We are pleased to be bolstering the already excellent skills of the team with the appointment of Lloyd and are delighted to welcome him aboard. He brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge which complements the team wonderfully.”
On joining the team Lloyd said: “Geldards’ Dispute Resolution team has an outstanding reputation and I am thrilled to be joining the firm. I look forward to the challenges ahead and contributing to the continued growth of the team.”
BDO welcomes over 50 new trainees in the Midlands
Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO is welcoming 56 new trainees across its offices in Birmingham and Nottingham, with 600 joining nationwide.
The trainees will be a combination of school leaver apprentices and university graduates, 43 will join BDO’s Birmingham office and 13 will join the firm’s new city centre office in Nottingham. More than half of the trainees will join the firm’s audit practice.
The majority of new trainees will have the opportunity to undertake a level-7 apprenticeship programme, resulting in a qualification equivalent to a master’s degree.
This year, the firm has also hired over 50 industrial placement students to join BDO for 12 months between their second and third year of university, as well as 70 summer interns. As part of its commitment to increasing diversity in the profession, BDO also runs targeted insight programmes aimed at school or college students from lower socio-economic backgrounds and university students from a black heritage.
Applications for the firm’s 2023 graduate and school leaver apprentice programmes will open later this month, with more than 700 positions available nationwide and almost 90 based across the Midlands.
Kyla Bellingall, head of BDO in the Midlands, said: “We’re delighted to welcome this year’s intake of trainees from a wide range of backgrounds, whether that’s school leavers, or university graduates, as well as interns and placement students. The Midlands is home to some of the country’s brightest talent and we’re investing significantly as a firm to provide the career opportunities and pathways that enable young people from all walks of life to access a vibrant and exciting profession, such as accountancy.
“The education of young people has undoubtedly been severely disrupted in the last few years, with both school leavers and graduates having to navigate learning and examinations in very challenging circumstances. Each and every one of them should be extremely proud of their achievements and we look forward to supporting them on what will hopefully be a long and successful career journey at BDO.”
Managed IT services specialist set for ‘unprecedented’ growth after revealing EE and O2 partnerships
Ilkeston-based managed IT services specialist, IDT, has announced an unprecedented 4,000% growth in its business mobile sector through its upgraded partnerships with EE and O2.The partnerships see IDT extending its range of services into the MSP sector, including custom business mobile deals and mobile business broadband.The updated Partnership enables IDT, one of the fastest growing MSP in the East Midlands, to offer its customers a host of turnkey solutions on the nation’s two largest, fastest and most reliable mobile networks.Luke Draper, Managing Director of IDT, said: “This is yet another branch to our comprehensive tree of services. Over the years we have always directly referred our customers to the main mobile players but now as a trusted Partner we can add our personal, human touch. This is the key value-added service our customers require. “Our impressive success over the past 12 month shows how responsive the market and our customers have been to our bespoke mobile deals. The continuation and further development of this side of the business provides a clear path to enabling our growth and servicing even more customers nationwide.”EE business account manager at Mdee Rosie Vallance said: “We are very pleased to be working with the IDT team. The growth they have had so far in 2022 is amazing and we can only see this building throughout the latter part of this year and into 2023. They are so integrated into their customers, knowing their needs and requirements it helps us massively being able to work closer together tailoring the bespoke solutions for them.”“The take-up of our improved mobile solutions from our customers has been amazing,” added Ellie Wheeldon-Jones, office manager at IDT, who is at the forefront of this growth.She said: “With everyone wanting to work from anywhere from any device, the mobile data business is only going one way, so if we can help our customers tap into this and supply solutions that add value to their business then we are achieving our goal along with getting them the best deals out there.”
Liz Truss to become new Prime Minister
Liz Truss has beaten Rishi Sunak to become the new Conservative Party leader and Prime Minister, seeing businesses and organisations react.
David Findlay, lead director for Nottingham at JLL, said: “Businesses in the East Midlands will be hoping Liz Truss’s confirmation as Prime Minister signals a return to the priorities set out by this Government in 2019. Ensuring the £1.14bn devolution deal signed last week is delivered upon will be top of the wish list for many as a means of levelling up the region, but it’s not the only ask they’ll have.
“Companies in the East Midlands also need the confidence to invest to grow in the coming years. Only by seeing a significant spending uptick in infrastructure, transport links, education and Net Zero schemes in the region will firms feel able to recruit and commit to the East Midlands as a base for business in the long run. A new government means a fresh start, but action is needed sooner rather than later.”
Ben Dorks, CEO of Ruddington-headquartered global software business Ideagen, said: “The immediate focus for the new Prime Minister has to be the cost-of-living crisis, which is impacting every inch of society. Longer term I’d like to see policies that enable British businesses to remain competitive globally, leading to jobs and growth, plus a commitment to initiatives that promote greater social mobility and aspiration for young people, especially those from lower income communities.”
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “We would like to congratulate Liz Truss on winning the Conservative Party leadership vote to be appointed Prime Minister and wish her all the best in the role as she seeks to take our country forward.
“She will be well aware there is a mountain of pressing issues awaiting her on arrival at 10 Downing Street but we would urge Ms Truss to prioritise the escalating energy prices that are the most significant factor in the twin crises in the cost of doing business and cost of living.
“While we understand there is no easy remedy, the worsening economic projections being published daily mean we can’t afford to wait any longer without practical support measures being put in place. Without them, we risk businesses being forced to scale back or shut down altogether – resulting in people losing their jobs and livelihoods.
“We would hope to see an immediate announcement that energy bills will be frozen at an affordable level for both households and businesses. Exclusively tackling residential energy bills would only solve half of the problem as businesses are being forced to raise their prices in response to the increasing costs they face in energy, fuel, people and raw materials.
“There is currently no energy price cap for businesses and this must be urgently addressed if our economy is to prosper, while in the long term we hope Ms Trust’s administration in collaboration will work with businesses to create a long-term solution to the various challenges we face.
“Going forward, we hope to see a genuine commitment to levelling up by investing in regions like the East Midlands, which has been left behind the rest of the UK when it comes to public investment for far too long. There is fantastic untapped potential in our region and we would be only too happy to welcome the Prime Minister to show her what we can offer our country.”
Jennifer Thomas of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said: “Congratulations to Liz Truss, whose campaign included small businesses, the self employed and unleashing enterprise.
“The challenge now is to deliver action that is big and bold enough to match the scale of the crisis threatening the existence of many small firms, and the jobs, livelihoods and communities which depend upon them.
“Small firms, not protected by an energy price cap, are seeing bills soaring out of control. This is at a time of sky-high taxes, rampant inflation and supply chain disruption, creating a toxic mix which must be addressed urgently.
“Small businesses are crying out for a comprehensive response which cuts taxes, limits spiralling bills, and provides direct cash support for the smallest businesses.
“During the leadership campaign we were pleased that Liz Truss listened to our calls to reverse the recent hike in National Insurance and to look at lifting more small firms out of business rates.
“As she prepares her full package of emergency plans, we are ready and willing to work with the new Prime Minister and her team to protect the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses and the 16 million jobs within them, in communities in all parts of the UK.”
Tony Danker, CBI director-general, said: “Congratulations to the new Prime Minister. This is an extraordinarily difficult time to be leading the country, and she has businesses’ full support in meeting shared challenges together, head on. “Most immediately, support for struggling households and firms in jeopardy is top of the in-tray. This may not be the pandemic, but the exceptional circumstances we now face mean Government must play a central role in supporting our economy. “And if we’re serious about getting the UK growing again, ensuring any slowdown is short and shallow, we need a serious plan for growth. It needs to be bold, unconventional and rooted in the very real opportunities that still exist for the UK to thrive.” Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation, said: “We congratulate Liz Truss on her appointment and look forward to discussing the critical importance of manufacturing, a sector that delivers millions of well-paid, highly skilled jobs across the whole of the UK. Britain’s manufacturers are an excellent example of a growing success story, contributing billions of pounds to GDP every year and vital in implementing the Government’s levelling up agenda, creating jobs where they are most needed. “But industry at this time needs decisive action from the new Government to help it through a prolonged period of unprecedented hikes in energy bills, rising cost of raw materials and critical labour shortages in order to keep Britain’s place as a leader of innovation on the world stage.”Richard Teare announced as a director at Ringrose Law
Richard Teare is now a director at Ringrose Law.
Richard who has worked at Ringrose Law since 2014 became a partner in 2020 and this week announces he is now a director of the firm.
Richard started his career working in large regional law firms in Yorkshire and Warwickshire, he relocated to Lincolnshire 8 years ago with his wife and now children to join Ringrose Law.
Richard specialises in Medical Neglience and Personal Injury Law. Richard has gained particular experience in complex accidents causing death, amputation, spinal or head and brain injury, but is equally tenacious in helping individuals who have suffered accidents caused by public bodies, employers, animals, individuals or defective products. As a keen cyclist he also specialises in cycling accident claims.
Richard works tirelessly to help his clients, working together with them to help claim the compensation they deserve but most importantly supports clients access rehabilitation and regain independence after their traumatic injury.
In 2020 Richard was a finalist for Claimant Lawyer of the Year Award at The Personal Injury Awards and has subsequently helped to lead the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence team to become finalists for Claimant Team of the Year in 2021 and to be recognised as the ‘Best Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Firm’ in the East Midlands by the SME Legal Awards 2022.
Alongside his day job, Richard plays a vital role in the running of the firms Personal Injury & Medical Negligence department, as well as being on the Operations Board and head of Health & Safety.
Richard says: “I relocated to join Ringrose Law as a solicitor eight years ago on the strength of the company’s reputation for client care and the forward-thinking management team. Each day since I have been proud of the work we have done to provide a first class service and positive experience to our clients and also to our colleagues. Ringrose Law a positive place to work and thrive and so the decision to accept a directorship was an easy one to make. I am excited by the trajectory of the firm and to the possibilities for its successful future.”
John Knight, senior director, says: “Richard is a highly respected member of the firm, since he started at Ringrose Law he has taken more and more responsibilities and plays a vital role in the day to day running of the Personal Injury & Medical Negligence Department, as well as the running of the firm. Richard has drive and ambition and on behalf of all my fellow directors we welcome Richard into the firm.”
Confetti partners with GGTech and NUEL ahead of opening of £5m state-of-the-art esports complex
Specialist education provider, Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, has announced a ground-breaking partnership with GGTech and NUEL, leading hosts of university esports tournaments across Europe, to promote and further develop esports in the UK.
The partnership will see NUEL relocate its head office to the Confetti campus in Nottingham for closer collaboration with the institute. The strategic move will see NUEL gain access to Confetti’s 25+ years of industry expertise and contacts across all major production technologies within live events, TV, film, music, and games, whilst also levelling up their broadcast production values through access to Confetti’s top-specification facilities.
Confetti, which is part of Nottingham Trent University, will receive support from its partners with new course development and access to esports specialist guest lecturers. In 2021, Confetti launched the UK’s first BSc Esports Production university degree; the institute now runs three esports production courses at college, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Under the direction of GGTech, NUEL organises Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports tournaments in the UK and Ireland, and this partnership with Confetti aims not only to strengthen the competition and get new participants involved, but also to raise the standard of opportunities for students interested in a career in esports.
Therefore, NUEL will strengthen Confetti’s ‘Do It For Real’ ethos, providing their students with regular paid opportunities to work on many event broadcasts for tournaments nationwide, while GGTech will do likewise internationally, for example with collaborations on the broadcast of the pan-European Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports Masters competition, held this year in Alicante (Spain).
The news comes as the institute prepares to officially open Confetti X – a new £5m, 14,000 sq ft dedicated esports production complex in Nottingham. Confetti X brings together years of expertise in live events, content creation, streaming, and competitive gaming.
The complex is a space for students to access the very best facilities and technology for esports production and other emerging technologies, and has already played host to amateur and professional esports tournaments, including the British Esports Student Champs Finals and the qualifying rounds of the inaugural Commonwealth Esports Championships.
Confetti X will become NUEL and GG Tech’s default UK venue, where they will host major university esports tournaments at the facilities, allowing students to run the production of the event, with the primary goal of increasing the awareness and accessibility of careers in the esports industry.
Craig Chettle MBE, founder and Chief Executive of Confetti Media Group, said: “Alongside our longstanding partnership with the British Esports Federation, this exciting initiative with GGTech and NUEL will further support our mission to shape the future of esports education. We are excited by the opportunities set to be created and are thrilled that NUEL has chosen our campus and Nottingham as its UK base. Our partnership highlights shared ambitions to help advance esports as an inclusive and innovative industry, and I am certain that, together with our new esports production complex Confetti X this is another step towards making Nottingham a hub of the UK’s esports industry.”
David Jackson, NUEL Managing Director, said: “After the success of our Amazon University Esports tournament in April, we are delighted to continue our collaboration with Confetti who are helping lead the way with their university education and their facilities. It is great that we can continue to help the next generation of students lead a career in esports whether it be in events production, game design, or casting.”
Tao Martinez, head of University Esports Development at GGTech, said: “It is an exciting time for the esports industry which is growing by the day, and with that creates a plethora of opportunities in this field for university students to thrive in. Confetti’s work supplying university courses has been excellent for encouraging people to pursue a career in esports, and with their upcoming Confetti X complex, students will be able to gain valuable work experience using industry-grade facilities.
“Our shared goal is to continue improving the grassroots esports scene and levelling up services across the country for the latest wave of students who are poised to shape the esports industry. Through cultivating a positive environment and supporting student careers, we can collectively grow grassroots esports which will help the industry as a whole.”
FSB sets skills agenda for new Education Secretary
The Federation of Small Businesses has set the as-yet-unappointed Education Secretary with a challenge – sort out a system that provides small firms with the skilled employees they need.
According to a survey of almost 900 small firms in England, they’re being held back by poor vocational skill provision in schools, challenges in accessing apprenticeships, and inadequate incentives to retrain and upskill, according to the latest FSB research, published today.
The Scaling up Skills report finds that almost 80% of small firms are currently struggling to recruit the right people, with firms flagging up a lack of relevant qualifications, skills and experience among candidates – added to which, a lack of applicants is an issue.
Self-employed people, meanwhile, are being held back from realising their business’s full potential by a lack of encouragement to get them to learn skills which are outside their core operations but which are nonetheless vital for growth. Four in five sole traders (80%) have no training plan, budget or relationship with a training provider, while two in five (40%) have not completed any training or professional development over the past year.
With apprenticeship starts tumbling since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, one in five small employers say that bringing back the £3,000 incentive to hire an apprentice which existed over lockdowns would encourage them to hire additional apprentices.
A similar proportion (22%) say financial support around hosting T Level placements would encourage them to bring more young people into their business.
In light of the findings, FSB is urging the Education Secretary and other Cabinet ministers to:
- Establish a target in legislation that by 2035 no young person in England should complete compulsory education without at least Level 2 qualifications, and that three-quarters of the working age population in England should have at least Level 3 qualifications, with at least two-thirds of working-age people in every English region qualified to this level.
- Launch a nationwide young enterprise competition for both school leavers and university/college leavers, with the winner receiving start-up funding; provide grant funding so all schools can offer programmes to encourage enterprise, such as Young Enterprise’s Company Programme; and ensure young people have encounters with employers that reflect their local labour market by amending statutory careers guidance.
- Maintain the Apprenticeship Levy and government funding for apprenticeship training within small firms; revamp financial incentives to take on apprentices and host T Level placements; and provide apprentices with free bus passes.
- Increase the Corporation Tax relief for employers training low or medium-skilled employees, and build on the success of Skills Bootcamps by introducing 50+ Skills Bootcamps, which would provide the skills older people require to remain in or re-enter the labour market.
- Extend tax relief for sole traders who up-/reskill to include training aimed at securing business growth, and widen rollout of the EnterprisingYou programme.
Secure your tickets to the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 – an unmissable occasion for celebration and networking
As the judges work to decide the winners of the prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, secure your tickets to the unmissable ceremony to see who clinches 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.
The East Midlands Bricks Awards recognise and celebrate those behind the changing landscape of our region – the very best companies, teams, individuals and projects – showcasing the exceptional work carried out over the past 12 months.
The glittering awards ceremony revealing the winners will take place on Thursday 15 September, at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in the Derek Randall Suite.
The occasion also presents plenty of time to network, to develop relationships with property and construction professionals from across the East Midlands. Book your tickets here.
The event will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm and will additionally feature John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker.
Complementary drinks and canapés will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress.
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:
Government decides not to appoint Commissioners at Nottingham City Council but strengthens current Improvement and Assurance Board powers
The Government has announced that it has decided not to appoint Commissioners at Nottingham City Council, which it had previously indicated it was minded to back in June, but will instead strengthen the powers of the independent Improvement and Assurance Board currently overseeing progress on improvements at the council.
The decision has been welcomed by the council which sent a formal letter of representation to the Government last month outlining why it believed the current support arrangements in place through the IAB had been working well and that its preference was for these to remain in place.
In practice the Government’s decision will mean that recommendations from the IAB in relation to the council’s ‘Together for Nottingham’ improvement plan will now have the weight of Statutory Direction. In short, the IAB will have the power to direct the council in relation to its improvement programme, in addition to offering advice.
The chair of the IAB, Sir Tony Redmond, will be required to provide a formal review of progress in three months’ time which will be considered by the Secretary of State.
Working with the IAB, the council says it has made significant progress on improvements over the last 18 months, which include:
- Agreeing a balanced Medium-Term Financial Plan for the next four years, a key requirement of the non-statutory review, and within that a balanced budget for this year without the need for any other financial support or intervention
- Reducing debt levels and taking a strategic approach to disposing of property assets to bring an income to the council
- Carrying out a review of council-owned companies including bringing Enviroenergy in-house; selling Thomas Bow and transferring housing services back to the council
- Identifying and responding to issues with unlawful HRA misallocation – commissioning and implementing recommendations from two independent reports
- Working with bodies such as the Local Government Association and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy on implementing best practices at the council
- Implementing a modernised Council Constitution, including a new Councillor-Officer protocol
Hotel and offices set for Everards Meadows
One of the most popular destinations in Blaby District is set to expand its offering, following the approval of a hotel and office block at Everards Meadows.
Councillors at the most recent Planning Committee meeting approved the outline plans from Everards for the next phase of the Everards Meadows development.
The hotel will have a maximum of 120 rooms with associated parking facilities, and over 9000 square metres of new office space will be created with its own parking area.
Whilst outline approval has been granted for the proposal, many of the detailed elements of the development are still to be determined and approved by Blaby District Council. This includes the final distribution of the development, mix of building types and sizes, appearance, and landscaping.
Officers have also worked with the applicants Everards and the County Council’s Highways Department to ensure that the proposal will mitigate any impacts on the highways network.
All employees who work in the new buildings will be offered a six-month, fully paid bus pass to encourage use of public transport.
The popular Everards Meadows is currently home to the Everards Beer Hall, Rutland Cycling and Jennos Coffee House. It also has more than 70 acres of open space and is the gateway for walking and cycling routes into Leicester city and towards the river soar.
Visitors have flocked to the location since it first opened in 2019 and it has become one of the best loved tourist attractions in Blaby District.
Councillor Nick Chapman, vice-chair of Planning Committee, said: “This is an extremely exciting proposal for both Everards and the district, and we were delighted to approve the plans.
“We have worked closely with Everards to get this application to an acceptable position, and we have no doubt that the final product will be as well thought out, and as popular as Everards Meadows is currently.
“We’re looking forward to continuing our work with Everards in the future and cannot wait to see the development progress in the coming months and years.”
West Northamptonshire submits £64.5m bid to Levelling Up Fund
Funding bids worth a total of £63.5 million have been submitted to the government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).
The first bid features the £45.1 million regeneration of the centre of Weston Favell. WNC has agreed to fund the project with £25.1 million if successful in its bid to the LUF for £20 million.
A second package of bids totals £18.4 million with matching funding and includes:
- Close to one of the most deprived areas in the country the restoration of 19th century stables at Delapré Abbey will create a wellbeing hub that increases access, awareness, education, empowerment, knowledge, and control over decisions about health – both physical and psychological – and will be matched funded by the Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust (DAPT) with £1.1 million.
- The establishment of cancer care centre at Northampton General Hospital, match funded with £1.1 million from the charity Maggie’s, will provide third sector support to the Integrated Care System with an evidence-based programme of psychological, social and practical support to patients and their families which has proven to improve mental health, well-being and practical outcomes.
- And a £8.6 million bid to build a new animal welfare unit at Moulton College will allow new courses and greater capacity to support the growth of the workforce in key sectors whilst creating more pathways to employment for students of all backgrounds.
Haulage company lets 133,000 sq ft logistics unit in Northampton
Aviva Investors, the global asset management business of Aviva plc, has let a 133,000 sq ft unit at Swan Valley Industrial Park, Northampton to WT Transport Limited, a haulage company providing warehousing and transport solutions.
The unit, known as Rothbart133, was speculatively developed by Aviva Investors and reached practical completion in July.
WT Transport has signed a 10 year lease at the facility.
It has been developed with sustainability and scalability in mind. Alongside the inclusion of additional steels to house photovoltaic solar panels across the roof, the property also has a BREEAM sustainability rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’, alongside EV charging points.
The news follows the recent development of Odette58, which was let to Fisher and Paykel in 2021, also on a 10 year lease.
The letting agents were Avison Young and Burbage Realty, with Chadwick McRae acting for WT Transport.
James Stevens, head of real estate investments at Aviva Investors, said: “We are pleased to have gained a high-quality tenant for this unit in the form of WT Transport so soon after completing speculative development of the unit.
“This is a welcome validation of our ability to develop and supply high-quality facilities which have occupiers’ needs front-of-mind whilst also being sustainable and more in keeping with a low carbon future.”
17,000 sq ft let at Marchington Industrial Estate
Rushton Hickman has completed the letting of 17,000 sq ft of industrial/warehouse units at Marchington Industrial Estate in Uttoxeter.
The newly constructed units were originally due to provide three self-contained units but the interest was so strong that a deal was agreed with third party logistics provider Freight Management European Limited for all three units together.
Senior agency surveyor, Doug Harvey, said: “After a great deal of interest in the property it has been great to welcome Freight Management European as a new tenant at Marchington and contribute towards the continued success of the estate.”
Rushton Hickman director, Graham Bancroft, added: “The market for high quality newly constructed industrial/warehouse buildings continues to go from strength to strength. The location of the Marchinton Industrial Estate makes it perfect for the logistics industry with the site being so close to the A50 and the Motorway networks and so we were able to agree terms prior to practical completion of the buildings.”
Pair of Nottingham day nurseries sold to Kids Planet
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold a pair of Daisies Day Nursery settings in Nottingham; one in Gedling and one in Lowdham.
The Daisies Day Nursery in Gedling operates from an imposing Georgian mansion, converted to provide care for up to 72 children aged zero to four years. It sits in peaceful surroundings ideally located just three miles from central Nottingham. Due to the phenomenal demand at this setting, the nursery is currently full, with a significant waiting list through September 2023.
The other Daisies Day Nursery sits within five miles of the Gedling site, in the village of Lowdham. It occupies a thoughtfully converted residential property and is registered for up to 60 children aged zero to four years. The setting also benefits from ample outdoor space and was awarded Eco-Schools accreditation in 2020.
The nurseries were previously owned by Steve and Alison Pickering of AJP Childcare Limited. Following a confidential sales process with Christie & Co, they have been sold to national provider, Kids Planet, which now has 131 settings.
Steve and Alison Pickering say: “As soon as we met Kids Planet and understood their values, we knew they would keep our nurseries safe, fun, family places for future generations to enjoy. Their passion is very clear and everyone we have been in contact with through the process has been amazing. We wish the team and Kids Planet all the very best.”
Clare Roberts, CEO at Kids Planet, says: “A warm welcome to all of the team, children and families at Daisies. These nurseries are an excellent fit with our growing cluster in the Nottingham area. We are excited to support and continue the development of these settings as part of the Kids Planet family.”
David Eaves, director – Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, says: “We were delighted to support Steve and Alison with the sale of their ‘Outstanding’ nurseries. Daisies is a fantastic business delivering excellent childcare and education, and I’m certain it will go from strength to strength under the stewardship of Kids Planet.
“The Nottinghamshire market is currently seeing a raft of activity, having been largely untouched by the main market consolidators historically, and we fully expect the demand for quality settings to grow over the coming months. As noted in our recently released mid-year review, we have seen a 50 per cent increase in business sales so far in 2022, demonstrating the exceptionally strong demand from buyers in the current market.”
The Daisies Day Nursery settings were sold for an undisclosed price.
Saint stride into new Nottingham offices
Saint Property Services have moved into new offices at 9 Victoria Street, relocating from Beeston town centre.
Established in 2007, Saint are an independent estate agents dealing with property throughout Nottingham.
Saint have taken a lease for a term of 10 years, extending to 3,000ft² over ground floor, basement and first floor.
Alan Pearson, director of FHP, said: “We are delighted to welcome Saint Property Services to Nottingham city centre for their new flagship head office. They are a long-established business who have sought to benefit from the change to use classes and expand into a prime location in Nottingham to boost their brand presence in the city.”
Curtis Gault of Saint Property Services said: “Saint Property Services have been growing in the shadows for some years now, and we feel it’s time to bring a breath of fresh air to the property market in Nottingham and offer an experience that people remember in all areas of Real Estate.”
New Chilwell offices for Henry Brothers
Upon the instructions of Henry Brothers Ltd, FHP Property Consultants have acquired Unit 32 Eldon Road in Chilwell.
The 3,044ft2 office building provides fully refurbished accommodation over two floors – of which Henry Brothers are now subjecting to a high specification fit out, providing not just office space but also bespoke meeting spaces and break out areas.
There is also a substantial car parking provision to the front with the location easily accessible to Beeston Town Centre, the M1 Motorway and Nottingham City Centre.
Thomas Szymkiw, of FHP’s Agency Department, said: “Henry Brothers contacted us with a specific requirement for a certain type of office building that would be suitable for their needs going forward.
“After initially undertaking an extensive search of availability on the market and providing recommendations on the options – it was clear that 32 Eldon Road was the front runner.
“We subsequently managed to get the transaction completed within a swift timeframe – resulting in a smooth transition for Henry Brothers.”
Ian Taylor, director at Henry Brothers, said: “This is the second time that we have engaged FHP to find an office for us. They were involved when we launched the business in the East Midlands 8 years ago and due to our continued growth in the Midlands we returned to them to find a more suitable office for our expanding team.
“I’m pleased to say they worked tirelessly to offer up options, show us round the market and then hone in on a short list of viable offices.”
13 years of success – rugby star’s strategy consultancy celebrates milestone
Business strategy consultancy Wingman Ltd, which is headed by England rugby star Rory Underwood, is celebrating 13 years in business.
Founded by Rory in 2009, Wingman works with companies to enable them to deliver strategies effectively, ensuring clear communication and collaboration between departments and all levels of the team, to help build sustainable and high-performance environments.
Rory, who began playing rugby in 1983 for Leicester Tigers and won 85 caps playing for England, also enjoyed a notable career in the Royal Air Force as a pilot for more than 18 years.
As a passionate teamwork advocate, Rory set up Wingman with the aim of providing specialist consulting to clients seeking advice and guidance on how to effectively communicate their strategies across the business to ensure that everyone is united and aligned to enable them to deliver on that strategy.
A key goal for Wingman is to ensure each company employee is ‘on the same page’ when it comes to business strategy. Wingman’s aim is to enable organisations to deliver their strategy effectively.
From its head office on the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire border, Wingman works with high-profile businesses across multiple sectors including retail, trade merchants, hospitality and banking, among others.
Over the last 13 years, Wingman has worked with more than 50 companies to support their growth and success through strategic consulting, workshops, training and teambuilding programmes, to ensure synergy between business owners, senior team leaders and employees.
As part of a wide, overarching strategic approach to working with clients, Wingman’s programmes include a host of tools and services to help businesses understand effective communication from owners and senior management, through to operational and administration staff members.
Last year, the company moved into a new office space to accommodate its growing team and launched its free, in-person Business Breakfasts event series. Each event featured guest speakers, as well as Rory Underwood, who provided tips and expert insight into effective and productive teamwork and company culture.
On Wingman’s 13th anniversary, Rory commented: “We as a team are extremely proud to be celebrating 13 years in business, having collaborated with many firms across the UK to strengthen how their teams seamlessly work together to achieve the best possible results for all involved.
“We have often found that businesses assume that teamwork will just happen. The truth is the journey to get everyone to work together is far more challenging, and how you communicate a company’s strategy through to all departments and levels of the team, so that each understand their roles and how their responsibilities feed back into the wider process, is crucial but very difficult to get right.
“It is fantastic to see how much Wingman has developed in 13 years, enabling us to support numerous businesses across the country with our knowledge, expertise and passion for great teamwork and communication. With plans for expansion in the pipeline, we are very much looking forward to the next chapter.”
Wingman works one on one with companies nationwide, and its Business Breakfasts events have returned for 2022 – one of which took place in Liverpool earlier this year, with two more events due to take place in Leeds and London in autumn.
The team of specialists also run multiple thought leadership virtual events with the next coming up in October, featuring guest speakers Andrea Pinchen, CEO of Leicester Tigers, and Susan Whelan, CEO of Leicester City Football Club.
