New laboratories for growing Nottingham CRO see company triple footprint
Contract research organisation (CRO) Cellomatics Biosciences has moved into new purpose-built premises in Nottingham in the wake of rising demand for its bespoke preclinical and early drug discovery phase laboratory services.
The company’s new facilities in Colwick, Nottingham represent a three-fold increase in the company’s footprint, allowing room for further expansion. The purpose-built facility is an independent building covering approximately 5,500 sq ft of space across two levels.
The ground floor is dedicated to laboratory facilities, whilst the first floor provides scientific write-up space, offices, and meeting rooms. The new laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art imaging and analysis equipment and Class ll biological safety cabinets, fridges, freezers, and CO2 incubators.
Employing 15 people, Cellomatics was founded in 2015 and specialises in the development of bespoke bioassays across numerous therapeutic areas including oncology, immuno-oncology, immunology, inflammation and respiratory.
The company has doubled its revenue over the last three years, and is on-track to record further growth, as Cellomatics’ CEO and founder, Dr Shailendra Singh explains: “Drug development is a truly global market and the number of biotechs, pharma companies and academic groups working on the translation of ideas into medicines continues to increase, and as does the funding available to support such projects.
“The changing dynamic of the industry means that companies are increasingly looking to specialist CROs for the expertise they need. Our bespoke service delivers critical data at an early stage through innovative solutions to complex testing requirements – an approach which has cumulated in repeat business and helped us to build a strong reputation in the market.”
“We are delighted to be expanding our footprint in Nottingham,” Shailendra says. “The city sits at the heart of the UK’s thriving preclinical CRO sector in the East Midlands and affords access to talent and expertise from both the local universities and the scientific industry. Our new state-of-the-art facilities provide a collaborative working environment for our valued workforce, and will enable us to accelerate our plans for further recruitment and to attract the very best scientists to Cellomatics.”
Stuart Gibson, finance director at Cellomatics, says: “Cellomatics is well-positioned to double top-line organic revenue over the next two years through expansion into new markets, focusing on new therapeutic areas, developing or acquiring new technologies, and building new service offerings.
“We also plan to partner with strategic investors to further accelerate our growth. As a company, we are committed to developing additional capabilities to enhance the depth of our services within our current specialist sectors, and to expand into other growing sectors.”
Shailendra Singh adds: “Going forward, we will continue to invest in our technical expertise to meet the global demand, and to accelerate the rate of our export business. Indeed, to fulfil our ambitions of delivering exponential growth in revenue and shareholder value across the next few years, we will continue to invest in our scientific capabilities, technologies, and services to support us in delivering and adding value to more client projects.”
Cellomatics Biosciences was recently awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.
Delta-Simons acquires Ground Engineering Ltd
Delta-Simons, the Lincoln-headquartered multi-disciplinary environmental and health and safety consultancy division of the Lucion Group, has completed a key strategic acquisition in the East of England.
Peterborough-based Ground Engineering Ltd, which specialises in the provision of site investigation services and geotechnical testing, strengthens Delta-Simons’ Geo-Environmental team, bringing additional site investigation expertise, capability and also enhancing its geographical footprint.
The bolt-on deal, which brings a skilled team of 24 geotechnical engineers, geologists, laboratory technicians and drilling operators to Delta-Simons is the first acquisition since its own integration into fast-growing private equity-backed environmental services company Lucion Group in April 2021.
Ground Engineering has a distinguished history in the sector, tracing its roots back to 1936 when it was founded as Pre-Piling Surveys Ltd, which later became Soils Engineering.
Today, the company offers geotechnical and geo-environmental ground investigation and associated professional services to a wide range of civil engineering, construction, housing, environmental management and financial sectors.
Working mostly in the East of England, London and the South East, the team’s activities are supported by its UKAS ISO 17025 accredited geotechnical and construction materials testing laboratory.
Ground Engineering’s directors Chris Ebeling and Steve Fleming will remain with the business moving forward, supported by the Delta-Simons leadership team.
Chris Ebeling said: “We decided it was the right time to join forces with a larger group of companies to ensure the future sustainability, growth and success of the business. Our team have built a strong reputation for providing high-quality, trusted geotechnical services to our clients.
“When presented with the opportunity to join a progressive group of companies and specialising in similar services, we immediately recognised the synergies and saw it as a fantastic opportunity for our team.”
Alex Ferguson, Managing Director of Delta-Simons, added: “As an ambitious, purpose-driven and client-focused company we are always looking to strengthen our team with the addition of high quality acquisitions.
“We are therefore delighted to bring the Ground Engineering team into Delta-Simons and the wider Lucion Group. They are a great fit for our existing GeOps division, which continues to grow from strength to strength.
“We’ve had a really busy start to 2022 as we continue to scale the group of businesses in line with our strategic growth plan and look forward to making further progress this year with strong organic growth delivered alongside further potential strategic acquisitions.”
James Winterbottom, senior investment director at Palatine, Lucion Group’s private equity investor since 2019, added: “Alongside strong organic growth across the business we have been pleased to support Lucion Group with a number of value-enhancing bolt-on acquisitions over recent months and we look forward to working with the team to further deliver their strategic growth ambitions in the second half of 2022.”
The transaction was supported by business advisers BDO and HSBC.
Dragon Boat spectacular set for Lincoln Brayford Waterfront!
Ringrose Law & LIVES host the annual spectacular Lincoln Dragon Boat Challenge on Saturday 18th June when 21 teams will take to the water, watched by several hundred spectators. This is the first boat race since 2019 and is set to be the biggest and best yet.
Crews will race the thirty foot brightly painted Chinese boats over a 200m course on the Brayford North Waterfront.
The 21 crews representing local businesses and charity organisations across Lincolnshire will be raising money for LIVES on the day. Local teams include Branston, Streets Chartered Accountants, DatCom and Daniel Charles Construction and past winners Belton Construction.
LIVES is a vital Lincolnshire charity who attend 999 medical emergencies across the county, 365 days a year. Whether they are providing rapid first response support on their doorstep, or highly specialised medical interventions to the most seriously ill patients, they all volunteer their time – for free – to save lives and be there when someone is having their worst day. The charity provide the equipment and training for the ever increasing need.
Racing will commence from 11.30am and trophies will be presented by LIVES to the winning crew from around 4pm.
Alex Bennett, marketing manager at Ringrose Law and one of the organisers of the event, said: “We are delighted that so many local companies are supporting this event and through their generosity we hope to raise a significant sum for LIVES. We are sure that crews and spectators alike will enjoy a fantastic day with races every 10/15 minutes throughout the day and plenty of entertainment on the Brayford including a Penalty Shoot Out with Lincoln City Foundation, Face Painting, Active Nation, Party Delights, Gelato Cart, Coffee Trike, Custom Bakes and much more.”
Entrance to the event is free to spectators and parking is available at Lucy Tower Carpark and other public carparks close by.
Swedish corporate group swoops for manufacturer and supplier of signage
Mindelon AB has acquired all the shares in Astley Signs Ltd (Astley), a British manufacturer and supplier of brand-building signage and graphic solutions with a site in Kettering.
Astley offers everything from the production of a graphic profile and design to the installation of both large facade signs and small signs and graphic elements for attracting attention and wayfinding in retail stores and buildings.
Astley has a large customer base of well-known global brand owners for which the company provides both bespoke solutions for unique environments and wider signage programmes for retail chains. The head office is in Gateshead and the company also has units for production and service in Kettering, Leeds and Glasgow.
The company was started back in 1924 under the name H. Astley & Co. and has today about 150 employees and annual sales of around £16 million. As a result of the acquisition, Astley is now an independent company in Mindelon’s Retail Solutions business area headed by Ulrica Lindunger.
“Astley helps its customers to sharpen their profile and build their brands through innovative, eye-catching and effective signage solutions. For many years, the company has had proven operational ability and strong relationships with large global players. Astley will therefore be an exciting and valuable addition to our Retail Solutions business area where we will support the company as it continues its successful journey. It is also exciting that the Mindelon group now has a solid foothold in the British market,” says Fredrik Celsing, president and CEO of Mindelon AB.
The sellers of Astley Signs Ltd are David Redhead, up to now chairman of the Board, Gavin Redhead, Managing Director, and David Forrester, sales director, of whom the latter two will continue their involvement with the company in their respective positions.
Gavin Redhead says: “The transaction secures the future of the company for the next generation and enables it to continue to follow the path of investment, growth, and evolution we have successfully pursued over the last three decades. We look forward to all the opportunities that it will bring for the business.”
Confidential Corporate Finance acted as advisor to Mindelon for the transaction.
“Another year of strong revenue and profit growth” for Gateley
Gateley, the legal and professional services group, has hailed a “strong performance ahead of market expectations” in a trading update for the year ended 30 April 2022.
Revenue has increased to around £137m, up 13% on the prior year (£121.4m), while pre-tax profits have risen 10% to £18m (up from £16.3m).
The year saw three earnings-enhancing acquisitions, Tozer Gallagher in July 2021, Adamson Jones in January 2022 and Smithers Purslow in April 2022, and a new Revolving Credit Facility of £30m was agreed in April 2022, providing increased funding flexibility to support the group’s acquisition strategy.
Rod Waldie, Chief Executive Officer of Gateley, said: “We have delivered another year of strong revenue and profit growth and I am delighted with our overall performance. Our successful return to recruitment generated strong organic revenue growth of over 10%, which, allied to the completion of three exciting acquisitions, is delivering annualised consultancy revenue of over c.£32m.
“I thank our ever-expanding client base for their trust and support throughout FY22 and for giving us the opportunity to work on high quality mandates. We remain committed to our purpose of delivering results that delight our clients, inspire our people and support our communities. We have a strong pipeline of work and leave our financial performance guidance unchanged, despite the inflationary challenges, as we look forward to continuing to grow the group, both organically and via acquisition.”
Council makes designation to create Leicester’s 25th conservation area
A new conservation area around Leicester’s Fosse Recreation Ground and a nationally-listed Victorian church building has been designated by the city council.
Following consultation with residents, the council has designated the new St Paul’s conservation area to protect the neighbourhood’s special architectural and historic interest.
The new conservation area – the 25th to be designated in the city – is centred on the locally-listed Fosse Recreation Ground and is located a little over 1km west of the city centre. It includes the full 11-acres of the tree-lined park with boundaries on Fosse Road North to the east, and Kirby Road and part of King Richards Road to the south.
Among the landmark buildings in the area are the Grade II-listed former St Paul’s Church on Kirby Road, which dates back to 1870; the late-19th century neo-Gothic St Andrew’s Methodist Church on Glenfield Road East; the Estonian House on Fosse Road North; and several fine examples of late-Victorian and Edwardian villas and terraced housing.
The area has a long history, with notable archaeological significance dating back to the Romans. It also offers a well-preserved built history of Leicester’s suburban development over the last 150 years.
The suggestion to designate St Paul’s as a conservation area was originally proposed by local residents and supported by Fosse ward councillors. A consultation with residents and other local property owners carried out in late 2021 gained a 95% approval for the proposal from those responding.
Conservation areas form parts of the city that have buildings, local landmarks or other features of special historic or architectural interest that deserve to be preserved and enhanced. St Paul’s is the first new conservation area to be designated in the city since 2006, when the designation was made for Granby Street – an area currently the focus of investment through the High Street Heritage Action Zone.
Cllr Adam Clarke, deputy city mayor and city council heritage champion, said: “Conservation areas are an important part of our city’s heritage, and the new St Paul’s conservation area is no exception.
“It tells a fascinating chapter in the Story of Leicester, particularly around the development of our suburbs, with many fine buildings remaining. The area also boasts a very attractive park that plays an important part in promoting biodiversity.
“By designating this latest conservation area we can help ensure that another important part of the city can continue to develop while ensuring that its unique character and architectural heritage is protected for future generations.”
A new management plan will now be adopted for the conservation area which will include a range of further projects and interventions.
The city council is also due to extend the nearby West End conservation area to include Dulverton Road and bring in enhanced planning controls – known as Article 4 Directions – to help protect the distinctive character of properties in both areas.
Leicester garment workers inform action plan to improve their lives
A study into the lives and working conditions of Leicester garment workers has identified nine key areas that the sector can improve upon.
Experts from the University of Nottingham’s Rights Lab and De Montfort University were commissioned by the Garment & Textile Workers Trust (G&TWT) to gather insight directly from those who work in the garment industry to inform the purpose and scope of the Trust, which was formed earlier this year.
The researchers have published their findings, along with their recommendations for intervention, in a new report which will inform the Trust’s priorities for the coming year.
The experts have recommended priority areas for major retailers and government agencies to focus on to improve workers’ lives and working conditions – these include:
- Provide a single ‘front door’ contact point for workers wishing to make a complaint to enforcement agencies and offer ongoing support and case management for those who raise issues. Ensure that successful outcomes are communicated to raise levels of confidence.
- Establish trusted support to advocate for workplace rights. This should engage with existing trades union initiatives but should also explore additional options for representation of worker voices, drawing on the experience of organisations that have experience in representing migrant workers.
- Connect workers with sources of community-based legal advice and support, available in a range of community languages. This support should cover immigration, housing and welfare rights in addition to workplace rights.
- Improve access to local educational services for workers and their families, particularly related to further education, and language support for younger children.
- Connect workers with sources of employment support, training, information and advice to enable them to access different types of work.
- Continue to engage closely with employers to create high-quality jobs that are accessible to a wide range of workers (including those with caring responsibilities or limited transport options).
Green light for new low carbon homes in Leicester
Plans for the next phase of an ambitious programme to build hundreds of new council homes in Leicester have been given the green light.
Leicester City Council has appointed developer Robert Woodhead Limited to build 38 new affordable, low carbon and energy efficient homes on the site of the former velodrome off Saffron Lane, to the rear of Hawkins Road.
The £12million scheme help will increase the council’s stock of much needed affordable housing. It will be funded through the council’s housing revenue account and with money raised from the sale of council homes through the government’s Right to Buy scheme.
The city council will also provide land which is currently in use as a small part of the car park at Saffron Lane Athletics Stadium for the new housing development.
The new homes and will include a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses, and ten wheelchair-accessible bungalows.
All of the new homes will be built to high environmental standards. This will include solar PV panels, very high levels of wall, floor and roof insulation, triple glazed windows and air source heat pumps. The homes will cut carbon emissions by around 75 per cent compared to a typical new home – equivalent to a carbon saving of around 67 tonnes per year.
All homes would also have a private garden and off-street parking.
Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, assistant city mayor for housing, said: “This ongoing programme of house building is an important part of our wider strategy to prevent homelessness and overcrowding by provide some of the new homes that are so badly needed in the city.
“By building new council houses ourselves, we can focus on areas of particular need, such as wheelchair accessible homes, and play an important role in helping ensure that growing demand for affordable housing is a priority.
“The development will also feature a range of measures to ensure that these new homes are highly energy efficient which will cut their carbon cost and help future tenants save on their energy bills.”
Construction company Robert Woodhead Limited have been appointed as the council’s contractors on the ambitious scheme, following a competitive tendering process.
Michael Broadhurst, head of commercial at Robert Woodhead Limited, said: “We are delighted to be back building for Leicester City Council again, bringing high quality, sustainable homes forward to meet local need. We are looking forward to starting on site this summer.”
Work to build the 38 new homes off Saffron Lane is expected to be complete by Spring 2024.
Leicester City Council is also planning to build an additional 37 environmentally friendly new homes on Lanesborough Road, in Rushey Mead.
The council last year completed construction of 29 new council homes at six sites across the city. These feature roof-mounted solar panels and other energy efficiency measures to help cut carbon emissions and reduce household bills
In total, Leicester City Council is planning to invest up to £50million to create an estimated 350 new council homes across the city over the next few years.
Building more low carbon homes is just one of the actions resulting from the first Leicester Climate Emergency Strategy. The strategy sets out an ambitious vision for how the city needs to change to move towards becoming carbon neutral and adapting to the effects of global heating by 2030, or sooner.
A chance to applaud the region’s property and construction industry – enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022!
With nominations OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards, showcase your business, team and projects by submitting an entry for the prestigious event.
Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry, award categories include: most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 15 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and featuring John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker.
After winning an award at the 2021 event, Allan Joyce Architects said: “We are delighted to have won Architects of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards. It is lovely for the whole team, who always work incredibly hard to create amazing designs, to be recognised in this way. It was wonderful to attend the event in person and to hear about all of the great projects happening in our region and the companies involved in them.”
To submit a business or development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Thanks to our sponsors:
- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on 15 September 2022 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge County Cricket Club from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
Government must act on business investment to avoid recession
With less than 40 days until parliament goes into recess, the countdown is on for the Prime Minister and Chancellor to take the vital actions needed to spare the country from dipping into recession, according to the latest CBI economic forecast.
With the cost-of-living crunch showing no sign of abating, airports struggling to cope, national rail strikes on the horizon and Groundhog Day battles with the EU over the Northern Ireland Protocol, there is real risk that the economy stays a ‘distant second to politics’ this summer.
The CBI’s outlook suggests growth will soften as household spending turns downwards amid dented business and consumer confidence. As a result, the CBI has downgraded its GDP growth outlook significantly, to 3.7% in 2022 (from 5.1% previously) and 1.0% in 2023 (from 3.0% previously).
High inflation is the primary source of weaker growth. CPI inflation reached a 40-year high in April (9%), driven higher by a cocktail of challenges – ranging from supply chain pressures, rising commodity prices and war in Ukraine.
Inflation is expected to remain high into Autumn, rising to another peak in October (8.7%), given a likely rise in Ofgem’s energy price cap. The result is a historic squeeze in household incomes, which will lower consumer spending. This in turn will weaken GDP growth towards the end of this year and into the first half of next year.
Tony Danker, CBI director-general, said: “Let me be clear – we’re expecting the economy to be pretty much stagnant. It won’t take much to tip us into a recession. And even if we don’t, it will feel like one for too many people.
“Times are tough for businesses dealing with rising costs, and for people on lower incomes concerned about paying bills and putting food on the table.
“It’s as clear as day that business investment is one of the few bright spots left in our economy. The Super Deduction is one of the only reasons we have staved off the threat of recession for now – there must be a permanent successor.
“We’ve had weeks of politicking with the country standing on the brink of a summer of gridlock.
“There is only a small window until recess. Inaction this summer would set in stone a stagnant economy in 2023, with recession a very live concern.
“We need to act now to install confidence. This can wait no longer.”
What needs to be done this summer
Build momentum behind business investment ahead of the Autumn Budget:
- Make a full commitment to a permanent successor the super-deduction
- Cut approval times for new offshore wind farms from 4 years to 1 year
Boost confidence in the economy:
- Call for immediate talks to finally resolve the Northern Ireland Protocol impasse and get Brexit done – resist unilateral action with both sides getting on with the job of finding a negotiated outcome
- Act as an honest broker between rail companies and unions to find solutions to avoid a summer of train chaos
- Announce a permanent replacement to the Recovery Loan Scheme to support cashflow
Take immediate steps to alleviate labour and skills shortages:
- Get real on industry concerns over labour shortages – get going on a new shortage occupations list and add sectors with obvious shortages, like aviation, until that review can be completed.
- Add immediate flexibility to the apprenticeship levy for one year allowing all employers in the country to use their levy funds to tackle labour shortages.
Capital spending is set to fall away in the second half of 2023 as the super-deduction ends, which is why the CBI has been calling for a permanent investment incentive to buttress growth into next year.
Meanwhile, the CBI expects a small rise in the unemployment rate – ending 2023 at 4.1% – as weaker economic growth weighs on hiring. Nonetheless, this still marks a relatively tight labour market, with many firms presently carrying vacancies.
Exports continue to underperform compared with our international peers, remaining 10% below their pre-COVID level at the end of 2023.
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI chief economist, said: “This is a tough set of statistics to stomach. War in Ukraine, a global pandemic, continued strains on supply chains – all preceded by Brexit – has proven to be a toxic recipe for UK growth.
“The bottom line is that the outlook for UK exports remains far worse than our worldwide competitors. This has got to change for the better.
“Business and government must work together to seek growth globally. As demand shrinks, competition for revenue increases. UK business must be more confident in identifying new markets and utilising all the tools at their disposal – be it from the private sector or public sector.
“Government also has an integral role to play. Against the backdrop of the rising cost of doing business and continuing supply chain pressures, easing trade flows is in everyone’s interests. It’s not just about lowering non-tariff trade barriers in Europe and signing FTAs.
“Post-Brexit regulatory reforms to support growth, innovation and sustainability can build competitiveness. But divergence for the sake of it could introduce further red tape and friction undermining that mission.
“Moreover, we can and must do more domestically to help our exporters too. Now that R&D allocations are known, let’s get that funding out the door quickly to the Advanced Research and Invention Agency and others.”
Enterprising Women Awards 2022 finalists revealed as East Midlands Chamber’s network celebrates 25th anniversary
From rising stars to established leaders, the best of the region’s female business talent is recognised in a special edition of East Midlands Chamber’s Enterprising Women Awards this year.
Finalists across 11 categories were today (Thursday 9 June) announced for the 2022 awards, organised in partnership with headline sponsor Futures Housing Group, at a summer barbecue held at Winstanley House, in Leicester.
Three new categories have been added to the bill for the annual gala dinner, which takes place at Leicester Tigers’ Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium on 30 September at to mark the 25th anniversary of the Enterprising Women network.
These include a Diversity Champion, Rising Star and Lifetime Achievement Award, the latter of which doesn’t have a shortlist and will instead be given as a surprise to an unsuspecting winner on the night.
Long-time categories such as Female Entrepreneur of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, Team of the Year and the headline award of Business Woman of the Year return alongside these.
A judging panel, comprising members of the Enterprising Women team, Chamber board of directors and category sponsors, will be held on 5 July for the finalists to get their chance to pitch before winners are decided.
Enterprising Women co-chair Jean Mountain said: “In a big year for the Enterprising Women network, we wanted to celebrate with an extra-special awards, and we firmly believe this shortlist delivers this.
“It features some truly inspiring women across a wide range of sectors and backgrounds, as well as across different parts of their career journey – from those just starting out in apprenticeship roles to highly successful business leaders representing everything that is great about our region.”
Fellow co-chair Eileen Perry MBE DL added: “We were overwhelmed to receive so many fantastic entries that selecting who goes through to the final was a massive challenge, and we can’t wait for the judging panel now to decide our 2022 winners.
“One of our favourite new additions this year is the Diversity Champion category, which opens the door for the first time to some incredible men who play a pivotal role in supporting our enterprising women, while we’re very excited about recognising a very special person with the Lifetime Achievement Award on the night.”
Developer delivers new Lincolnshire waste disposal unit for Veolia
Brackley Property Developments (BPD) has completed a new waste transfer station unit in Lincolnshire for waste, water and energy management company Veolia (ES UK) Limited.
The commercial developer has delivered a new bespoke 10,000 sq ft facility on a 1.7-acre site on the Tollemache Road South, Spittlegate Level in Grantham, near the new Grantham relief road.
The new unit will enable the UK arm of French transnational company Veolia to service existing contractual obligations in the region. It is expected to be operational by end of June 2022.
Stephen Pedrick-Moyle, Managing Director of BPD, said that Veolia (ES UK) Limited had been scouting for an appropriate location in Lincolnshire for nearly three years, before the two companies agreed to partner to procure a site. The commercial developer also managed the planning application process for the new waste transfer station.
It is the second project that BPD has delivered on behalf of Veolia, having constructed a similar facility in Northamptonshire.
He said: “We are very pleased to have completed construction of this new building for Veolia. The development was preceded by many months of negotiations in order to identify a well located site that met the desired specification and was purchased subject to planning. We have an excellent relationship with Veolia and look forward to working with them again in the years ahead.”
James Robinson from Veolia said: “Veolia is working with BPD on the second major infrastructure project in the past three years, the first of which has proven to be an excellent facility for the business needs. Their commercially professional and diligent ‘hands on’ approach to delivering bespoke, industry standard developments, in relatively tight timeframes is one of the reasons that Veolia will aim to continue to work together on future projects.”
“Cement” your position in the property and construction sector at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Offering a key opportunity to reinforce your business’s position and reputation in the property and construction industry, enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 now!
The annual event, organised by East Midlands Business Link Magazine, is an independent awards and publicity programme recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools.
The prestigious awards attract leaders from across the region and are the perfect way for businesses to promote themselves and those they work with. Indeed winning one of these awards will add considerably to a company’s or individual’s brand and enhance their commercial reach significantly.
Award categories include: most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 15 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening that will also provide plenty of time to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region.
Henry Brothers, winners of Commercial Development of the Year at the 2021 East Midlands Bricks Awards, reflected on the event: “Henry Brothers was absolutely thrilled to have won the Commercial Development of the Year award at the East Midlands Bricks for the delivery of the Medical Technologies Innovation Facility at Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton Campus.
“The Henry Brothers story began in Northern Ireland in the 1970s and the company has grown to become a leading UK construction company. However, this award for Henry Brothers Midlands cements our position as a significant member of the East Midlands construction sector and we are very proud to have been recognised for our contribution.
“We enjoyed the informal atmosphere of the East Midlands Bricks Awards ceremony and hope to nominate projects next year, as we’d very much like to be part of the event in 2022.”
To submit a business or development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Thanks to our sponsors:
- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on 15 September 2022 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge County Cricket Club from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker, as well as award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking. Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
New chair of the board elected at East Midlands Chamber
Kevin Harris, Leicester office managing partner at audit, tax and consulting services firm RSM UK, is to become the next chair of the board of directors at East Midlands Chamber.
He has been appointed chair elect, a transitionary role for him to succeed Ian Morgan OBE as the chamber of commerce’s chair with effect from 1 February 2023.
The board of directors includes 16 experienced, respected and successful individuals who specialise in various fields and business sectors. Its role is to assist the senior leadership team in driving the Chamber forward strategically and ensure it represents the interests of its members, as well as more broadly businesses and communities across the East Midlands.
Kevin, a former Chamber president who recently stepped down as chairman of the Leicester and Leicestershire Local Enterprise Partnership after four years, said: “It has been a fantastic experience working closely with the region’s leading business representation network both in my role as a non-executive director and via RSM UK’s strategic partnership with the Chamber, and I am now hugely excited about the opportunity to become more embedded within the organisation.
“Ian has done a sterling job during his four years as chair of the board and I hope to build on the solid foundations he has set, including using the financial strength of the Chamber to further invest in supporting businesses and communities across the region.
“There are some key issues that will shape the regional economy for years to come, such as the devolution and levelling up agendas, and the Chamber will continue to be at the forefront of these discussions when it comes to representing the East Midlands at national and international level.”
Ian, who is also the chairman of Derbyshire County Cricket Club and deputy chairman of transport company Wellglade Group, will step down after four years in the role.
He was awarded an OBE in 2015 for services to the bus industry and business in the East Midlands, and is due to become High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 2024/25.
Ian said: “It has been an immense honour and privilege to chair East Midlands Chamber for the past four years. It is the leading business representation organisation with over 4,000 members and some 12,000 businesses affiliated to it in one way or another.
“Successfully guiding, advising and supporting the business community through Brexit, COVID-19 and the aftermath of both is the hallmark of the Chamber’s work, and I am proud to have played my part.
“It has a well-motivated, dedicated team led by Chief Executive Scott Knowles, and a first-class senior management group together with an outstanding board of directors with whom it has been a pleasure to work.
“In passing the baton on to Kevin Harris, I know the Chamber is in very good hands. Kevin is a long-standing board member, a recent past president and he is part of the organisation’s very DNA. The local business community could not have anyone more experienced or dedicated to the future of local business than Kevin and I wish him every success.”
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles paid tribute to the outgoing chair, adding: “Ian’s support and counsel for me personally, and the wider senior leadership team at the Chamber, has been exemplary and played a significant role in the Chamber’s evolution over the last several years.
“I’ll always be grateful for his support to me, being a critical friend, never more needed than over the past two years.
“Ian will be missed by me and the team, however, I look forward to continuing to work with him in his role as chair of Derbyshire County Cricket Club and his future role as the High Sheriff of Derbyshire.
“I’ve worked with Kevin for many years in his role as a non-executive director of the Chamber, following the merger between Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, and Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce in 2013, as chair of Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership and his role as RSM’s Leicester managing partner.
“I’m looking forward to working even closer with Kevin as the Chamber continues to evolve, and ensure its support services meet the developing needs of the business community across the three counties, as we navigate our members and customers in this post-pandemic and cost of doing business crisis period.”
Leicester-based HR software platform raises further £3m
A Leicester-based HR software platform that helps firms to manage the performance of employees in different locations has raised a further £3m from existing investors.
StaffCircle has received funding from Blackfinch Ventures and the MEIF Proof of Concept & Early Stage Fund, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund. The latest investment round brings the total funding to £5m, which will allow the company to enhance its platform, expand its global reach and expand its team by creating 10 new jobs.
StaffCircle enables companies to save time and maximise productivity by engaging employees, building a strong company culture and creating exceptional employee experiences.
The move to hybrid working has helped fuel the company’s growth. In the previous financial year to the end of March, it has almost tripled its annual revenue bringing it to over £800,000, and is on course to break through the £1m mark in the coming months.
StaffCircle has more than doubled its customer base in the last year and now offers its services to 125 organisations from different industries including the Food Standards Agency, financial services firm finnCap, housing associations and NHS bodies, with international clients in the US and Canada.
StaffCircle was founded in 2017 by serial entrepreneur Mark Seemann, based on his own experience in managing remote teams. The company uses the platform itself to manage its own growing workforce of around 45 staff, some based in Leicester and others at locations around the UK. The latest funding round will also enable it to add new features including succession planning.
Mark Seemann, founder and CEO of StaffCircle, said: “With hybrid working here to stay, companies need the right technology to manage and motivate teams in different locations. StaffCircle is helping an ever-increasing number of organisations to keep their employees connected and improve productivity. We are delighted to have continued support from our existing investors. The latest funding round will help us to build momentum and take the company to the next level.”
David Baker, investment manager at Mercia, said: “StaffCircle’s focus on managing remote workers has helped to differentiate it from competitors and achieve significant growth. The company has already gained significant traction in the market, and this latest investment will take it closer to its goal of becoming the leading end-to-end provider of employee experience software.”
Commenting on the follow-on investment from Blackfinch, which has previously invested £1.76 million in StaffCircle, Dr Reuben Wilcock, head of ventures at Blackfinch, said: “We’re delighted to have led StaffCircle’s latest investment, and to be backing Mark’s vision for his platform, which is helping create a high-performance culture in companies around the world. We have witnessed StaffCircle’s impressive and consistent growth since we first invested in 2020 and are looking forward to supporting the team on the next phase of their journey.”
Midlands sees softer uptick in permanent placements in May
The latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: Midlands survey highlighted a further increase in the number of permanent staff appointments during May. The rate of expansion remained marked, yet was the slowest seen in the current 15-month sequence of growth.
Temp billings also continued to rise, albeit at the softest rate since last November. Stronger demand for permanent staff amid a sustained lack of availability of suitably skilled workers coincided with the sharpest uptick in permanent starting salaries for six months.The KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: Midlands is compiled by S&P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to around 100 recruitment and employment consultancies in the Midlands.
Permanent staff appointments rise at softer pace
The number of permanent placements across the Midlands rose for the fifteenth consecutive month in May. The rate of increase softened from the previous survey period and was the slowest in the current sequence. That said, the rise remained marked overall. According to anecdotal evidence, companies kept up hiring amid stronger demand for staff, however some recruiters noted a lack of suitably skilled workers. Across the four monitored English regions, the Midlands saw the second-slowest upturn in May, ahead of the South of England.As has been the case in each of the last 23 months, temp billings in the Midlands rose during May. The rate of increase was robust, yet eased to the softest for six months. Firms generally commented that additional candidates were taken on in response to rising demand.The rise in temp billings in the Midlands was also the second-sharpest of the monitored regions, behind the North of England.Recruiters across the Midlands signalled a sustained increase in the number of permanent vacancies in May. The rate of expansion quickened for the fourth month running and was the strongest since last August. That said, the rise in vacancies in the Midlands was the second-softest of the four monitored regions.Concurrently, temporary vacancies rose at a slower pace in May. Despite this, the increase was rapid and the strongest among the four monitored regions.Downturn in permanent staff availability accelerates
A fourteenth consecutive monthly decrease in permanent staff supply was recorded in May. Moreover, the pace of the fall quickened and pushed the respective seasonally adjusted index to the joint-lowest level since last October. Recruiters commonly attributed the downturn to a shortage of suitably qualified candidates amid strong demand. All four monitored regions saw staff availability fall, with the Midlands reporting the second-strongest reduction.The availability of temporary staff across the Midlands fell for the fifteenth month running during May. The rate of decline was robust, though eased from the previous survey period to the softest since March 2021.All four monitored regions recorded falls in temp staff supply in the latest survey period, with recruiters in the Midlands reporting the second-softest decline, behind London.
Further rapid rise in permanent starting salaries
Salaries awarded to permanent new joiners across the Midlands increased at a substantial pace in May. The rate of increase accelerated from the previous survey period and was the quickest recorded for six months. According to respondents, stronger demand for skilled workers amid shortages was a key factor in higher starting salaries. Recruiters in the Midlands recorded the second-slowest rise in average starting salaries of the four monitored regions.Latest data highlighted an eighteenth consecutive monthly increase in average pay rates for short-term staff in the Midlands. The rate of wage inflation softened to a one-year low, though remained marked overall.All four English regions reported strong rises in temp rates, however Midlands-based recruiters reported the softest pace of wage inflation.
Kate Holt, people consulting partner at KPMG UK, said: “The confidence of businesses to hire in the Midlands remained robust in May, as the region saw a further uptick in the number of permanent job placements – its fifteenth consecutive monthly rise. But while the strong demand for candidates continues to outpace supply, there are signs that appetite could be easing, as the rise softened to its slowest rate in that sequence.“Businesses need to ensure they keep a close handle on cost pressures, whilst still trying to attract new talent. This is no mean feat, especially considering they’re also facing the sharpest rise in starting salaries for six months, and firms will need to show the resilience of the last two years while they wait for the turbulence to ease.”Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of the REC, added: “These numbers show a hugely positive jobs market if you are looking for work. While the pace of growth has dropped after a stellar first quarter, by any normal measure there are still lots of vacancies out there, offering improved wages.
“For companies, they emphasise again that hiring is a challenge in this market, and getting it right matters – the help of professional recruiters will be vital. Demand for temporary workers is stabilising faster than for permanent staff, which could suggest a little caution creeping into employers’ thinking in the face of high inflation.“But compared to pre-pandemic, labour supply is still the big issue we have to solve. With over half a million people missing from the jobs market, and demand still growing strongly, this is a big, strategic issue for the UK.
“Growth is essential to funding public services and paying higher wages sustainably. Any plan for growth must include action to help people into work from inactivity, skills reform, support for innovation on productivity and targeted immigration reform.”
MTMS wins major Hitachi Rail contract
UK rail depot maintenance firm MTMS has been given the supportive task of ensuring some of the country’s most iconic trains remain clean, fast and reliable after it won a major contract with Hitachi Rail.
The firm, based in Swadincote, Derbyshire, has been chosen by Hitachi Rail to provide comprehensive and round-the-clock maintenance and servicing support at all of its Train Maintenance Centres (TMCs) which are home to the company’s Class 800 Inter City series.
The Class 800s comprise several fleets, including 65 trains which operate on the East Coast Mainline as well as 93 trains on the Great Western Mainline.
MTMS will provide equipment and support the maintenance of the depot infrastructure to keep the state-of-the-art trains operating at the highest levels of excellence and reliability.
This includes maintaining carriage washing facilities, the servicing spines and fuel arms – all of which are service critical service systems for Hitachi Rail.
MTMS will also provide 24/7 call out support for service critical equipment as part of an initial three-year deal, and has also already undertaken depot improvements such as the winterisation of servicing equipment and installation of footpaths across several Hitachi Rail TMCs.
Malcolm Prentice, chairman of MTMS, said: “After three years of building our partnership with Hitachi Rail Europe, the new contract is a big vote of confidence in our people and in the MTMS way of doing things.
“It shows that we’re now a market leader in providing the kind of depot services that are vital to train fleet owners and operators in ensuring the reliability and attractiveness of services to bring back passengers as the pandemic recedes.”
Sean Denington, head of facilities of Hitachi Rail, said: “MTMS is part of the great tradition of rail businesses based in the East Midlands and we’re delighted to be working with the company to help us in delivering excellence through our train fleet to operators, passengers and the communities on the routes that we serve.”
Sherwood to submit bid for round two of Levelling Up Fund
Newark and Sherwood District Council will submit a bid to the Government for round two of the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) for Sherwood.
Following the District Council’s successful bid in July 2021 for round one of funding for Newark, the District Council is preparing a submission of up to three projects focused for the Sherwood area. Projects must fit the themes of transport, regeneration / town centre or culture.
Projects being considered for inclusion include the development of the Ollerton Hub, which will provide new retail, office and residential uses and connect the high street to the Sherwood Energy Village and Tesco. The Hub will also host Ollerton and Boughton Town Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council’s local services.
Also being considered is the redevelopment of an industrial site on Mansfield Road in Clipstone. The redevelopment would transform the area into a highly energy-efficient, low carbon, renewable energy-gathering industrial park of 1,000 – 4,000 sq ft units. It would also address the severe market shortage of similar size and quality stock units and allow low tenant costs in addition to business support via the District Council’s Economic Growth team. The project would create new business opportunities providing investment, skills and employment opportunities for the area.
Several additional projects could qualify for a third priority project for inclusion in the bid, including a Clipstone Sports Hub and the redevelopment of the former Rufford Colliery. The options are being assessed before submission in early July 2022.
The Sherwood Levelling Up Steering Board, consisting of the District Council and over 40 public, private and voluntary sector partners, will convene in June to consider which proposals should be included. Views will be supplemented by the results of an online consultation survey.
Councillor Rhona Holloway, portfolio holder for economic development and visitors at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Sherwood. It is our hope that with this submission to Government for round two of the Levelling Up Fund, we are able to build upon our success from round one and bring these aspirational plans for regeneration and growth to the Sherwood area.
“Our staff, members and partners continue to work tirelessly to put together this important bid in order to meet the submission deadline of 6 July.”
The Levelling Up Fund is a £4.86 billion capital fund inviting proposals from local authority areas for investment in places where it can make the biggest difference to everyday life and support genuine local problems. Newark and Sherwood District Council successfully submitted a ‘Newark’ parliamentary area bid for £20 million towards the Newark Southern Link Road (SLR) in July 2021. It was one of 17 successful bids out of 84 UK authorities that submitted and the only successful bid from a Nottinghamshire district. Of these, only 13 local authorities nationally secured funding with the Department for Transport and Newark and Sherwood is the only district council in the country to do so.
Cleaning up – family firm reaches major milestone thanks to record Q1 streak
A Northampton-based domestic cleaning business has reached a major milestone after securing its 150th UK franchisee.
The milestone comes after a record start to the year, which saw 10 franchisees join Time For You in Q1 alone.
Curiously, Time For You franchisees don’t actually do any cleaning, instead, they access a business model that attracts the cleaners, whilst they focus on running a profitable franchise.
Meanwhile, the team at Time For You’s franchise headquarters help to drive demand from the local customer base via marketing and administrative support.
It was set up by husband and wife team Freddie and Ruth Rayner in 2001 and has grown sustainably ever since, with global expansion now on the cards as son Sam Stawarz takes over as Managing Director.
Sam says: “It has been an incredible start to 2022. There are many reasons behind the boom in our franchisees but there is no doubt that more and more business-minded people are exploring new opportunities post-pandemic as they seek to take control of their future.
“The demand for reliable, professional domestic cleaning is huge. It sounds odd that you can own a cleaning franchise without actually doing any cleaning yourself but we operate a different model and it is very successful. We are already up on last year’s total, have reached 150 franchisees in the UK and are now exploring opportunities in Europe, Canada and Australia.”
The idea for the business came when co-founder Freddie Rayner was at one of his lowest points in his professional life.
Freddie explains: “I’d run a successful commercial cleaning company for many years but suffered from a series of major contracts failing. I knew I had a good core business, I just needed to tweak the offering. I switched to the consumer market but kept the focus as B2B by selling to franchisees and then helping them sell to the public with a robust system they can ‘plug and play’.
“It has paid off as we now clean over 45,000 homes a week across the UK.
“On paper we are a cleaning business but we’re actually in the ‘free time’ business when it comes to what we actually deliver for our clients who hire our cleaners through our franchise network. I’m delighted that Sam is stepping up to lead this exciting new era and that we remain a strong, successful and sustainable family business.”
CBI strengthens Midlands team with key appointment
The CBI has bolstered its Midlands team with the appointment of a new associate director – who aims to support businesses through the challenges ahead and help them secure fresh opportunities to prosper.
Matthew Lowe joined the CBI in 2020, and during his time as a senior policy advisor was the organisation’s lead on freeports and levelling up, as well as co-lead of its LGBT+ Allies Network.
Prior to joining the CBI, he worked in lobbying and policy development within the British Chambers of Commerce network, operating across the Midlands and winning a Chambers Fellowship for his HS2 policy work in Staffordshire.
He is also a qualified teacher specialising in geography, government and politics, and humanities.
Matthew is the second associate director appointed within the CBI’s Midlands team in recent months, following the arrival of Nicola Adams. The two will work alongside Midlands deputy director Nikki Paterson in advocating for the region’s businesses, and delivering on CBI ambitions for economic growth as laid out in its strategic vision Seize The Moment.
Regional priorities include action to boost skills, increase investment and drive infrastructure improvements.
Matthew Lowe, CBI associate regional director for the Midlands, said: “Businesses have faced a tough few years, with the pandemic, supply chain disruption, labour challenges and a growing cost-of-living crisis. During that time, I have seen first-hand how important the CBI can be in influencing positive change on behalf of its members, the wider business community and Midlands society.
“The priority now must be to overcome these challenges while plotting a course to a more prosperous future. That means driving action to grow skills and investment, alongside delivering on ambitions to level up the UK and meet net zero targets.
“I look forward to working closely with businesses from Shrewsbury to Skegness to identify and capitalise upon new opportunities for growth and create an even more thriving Midlands economy.”
Nikki Paterson, CBI Midlands deputy director, said: “I am thrilled to see Matthew progress to this new role within the CBI team; his knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing Midlands businesses means he has all the right tools to help our members to achieve their ambitions.
“The past two years have been immensely tough for businesses, but the CBI’s Midlands team stands ready to help them bounce back and plot a new trajectory towards a prosperous, equitable and sustainable future.”
Rick Blackmore, CBI Midlands director, said: “I am delighted to see the Midlands team at full capacity, and look forward to working with Nikki, Nicola and Matt to deliver on the issues that matter to CBI members throughout the region.”
