Car showroom sold for £5.6m in Derby
Custodian REIT, the UK property investment company, has sold a car showroom in Derby.
The company has sold a 24,178 sq ft car showroom let to Volkswagen for £5.6 million, £1.2 million (26%) ahead of the 31 March 2022 valuation, representing a net initial yield of 5.7%.
Commenting on the disposal, Richard Shepherd-Cross, Managing Director of Custodian Capital Limited (the company’s external fund manager), said: “This asset has provided a healthy level of income over our five years of ownership and is being sold to a ‘special purchaser’ at a significant profit.
“We have a strong pipeline of assets on which to redeploy the proceeds of this sale with better rental growth and asset management prospects.”
Derby-based building products supplier on track for record-breaking year
Despitethe industry’s ongoing stock shortages, leading supplier of specialist building products, PermaGroup, has continued to pride itself on providing permanent solutions to age old problems – stepping outside the box to successfully navigate the sector’s challenges.
Although there is little that can be done to improve the supply chain issues, aside from waiting for the worst to pass, PermaGroup has continued to follow its unique approach to ensure customers are still catered for.
Adrian Buttress, managing director of PermaGroup, said: “I’m proud of the way we have responded as a company to the stock shortages, which have been an issue since early 2020. We’ve taken decisive action to support our customers and stayed flexible to allow us to respond quickly to the changing circumstances.”
Having implemented a three-pronged approach at the start of the crisis, involving purchasing in bulk, establishing CPD seminars to upskill individuals and rewarding customer loyalty, PermaGroup’s strategy has paid off, reaching all of its key KPIs, and exceeding many, in the first four months of the year.
The first quarter of 2022 also saw PermaGroup expand its board, welcoming new investment and expertise to support and bolster the company’s ambitious plans for growth and strengthen its leadership team – safeguarding the business’ future.
Adrian added: “Recently, I made the decision to sell some of my shareholding to a private equity company and bring on new board members – something that had always been part of my plans when I became MD. Now was the perfect time to implement this, as it has allowed us to reset targets, adapt our strategy and prepare confidently for the coming years.”
James Wooster, director of Owner Venture Managers, the additional shareholder alongside Adrian, said:” PermaGroup is an innovative business and I’m eager to join the board to support its future success as it continues to grow from strength to strength to service more customers than ever before. Adrian’s remarkable leadership has seen it thrive, despite the challenges of the past couple of years, and it’s a journey I’m excited to be on.”
Adrian added: “The coming year is full of possibilities for us and, as we look ahead, I want to continue delivering the best possible solutions to our customers, no matter the obstacles. As a business, this is our number one priority and, with several potential acquisitions on the horizon, alongside the introduction of a southern and northern base as well, there’s a lot to look forward to.”
Fresh start for Derby primary school rebuilt after fire
A Derby primary school destroyed by fire in October 2020 reopens today following a £6.9m rebuild.
Pupils at Ravensdale Infant and Nursery School in Mickleover return to their new classrooms on Thursday 9 June, after a purpose-built replacement school was delivered on time and to budget.
The new, single storey building was designed by Lungfish Architects to be built with 58 modular units constructed off-site. The whole school arrived on site on lorries where it was assembled to deliver a high-quality modern school building.
The new building, which sits over the previous school footprint, has been reconfigured to provide efficient teaching and play space for 270 pupils, and a 26-place nursery, for children aged 3 to 7.
Derby City Council appointed Morgan Sindall Construction to build the three-form-entry school. Work began in July 2021 and the construction was completed in just 45 weeks, allowing pupils to return to their building as soon as possible. It also meant minimal disruption to the neighbouring Junior school, which shares site and access routes and utilities with the infant school.
The fire caused “extensive damage” and saw 12 fire engines and two aerial ladder platforms from across Derbyshire sent to the scene. It caused a huge loss, with everything in the infant school either being burnt or damaged by smoke and water.
The new school also has sprinklers. Derby City Council signed a statement of intent to fit sprinklers and fire safety measures in new-build schools and primary and secondary schools undergoing significant renovation, refurbishment, or extension for projects undertaken by the Council.
Councillor Evonne Williams, cabinet member for children, young people & skills at Derby City Council, said: “This is a joyous milestone for all staff and pupils at the school and I am pleased to see the school rebuilt to the highest standards, on budget and on time.
“This has been possible because of excellent partnership working between Ravensdale School staff, the governing body, and school leadership team, Morgan Sindall Construction, Lungfish Architects and the Council.
“It was deeply upsetting to see the destruction caused by the fire, but these fantastic facilities will help pupils make the most of the first stages of their learning journey.
“Losing a school has an enormous community impact, and my thanks go to the schools who offered space for Ravensdale children while the building work was ongoing.”
Lorna Blanchenot, headteacher at Ravensdale Infant and Nursery School, added: “It’s amazing to finally be home and all back together with our staff, children and families all under one roof. Our new school is a fabulous, modern school and we are really excited and ready to make new memories together here.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of the Ravensdale Infant and Nursery School staff and community, to Derby City Council and to Morgan Sindall for everyone’s hard work over every single step of journey in getting us back home.
“All the children are very excited to begin learning in their new school and the staff have already made it a magical place to learn in and to make our community feel safe, happy and able to reach their full potential.”
Richard Fielding, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “Given the extensive destruction caused by the fire, speed to market was absolutely crucial to ensure minimal disruption to the pupils and the local community. Thanks to the SCAPE procurement method and the level of collaboration between the Ravensdale school staff, councils, Lungfish Architects, and our Morgan Sindall team, we were able to turn the project around in 45 weeks and we’re now delighted to hand over the brand-new facilities.
“A huge thanks must also go to the neighbouring schools who kindly accommodated the Ravensdale pupils whilst building works were underway. This project really is a testament to what can be achieved when everyone comes together as a community.”
Chesterfield solar power solutions company snapped up
Mitie Group is set to acquire Custom Solar, a Chesterfield-based solar power solutions company specialising in the development, design, installation and maintenance of solar power systems for public and private sector clients.
Custom Solar’s design and installation expertise, combined with Mitie’s project management and mobile engineering offering, will “support Mitie’s ambition to be a leading provider of end-to-end green energy solutions.”
The transaction consideration comprises an initial payment of £8m, with deferred payments in aggregate of up to £4.4m by the end of FY25, linked to performance targets. The transaction is expected to complete on 30 June.
For the 12 months ended 31 March 2022, Custom Solar generated revenues of £15m and profit before tax of £2m and had gross assets of £7m.
The staff and senior management team of Custom Solar, including Managing Director, Matthew Brailsford, will join Mitie to help drive the business forward.
Simon Venn, Managing Director, Technical Services, Mitie, said: “The acquisition of Custom Solar continues Mitie’s strategy of investing in high growth, high return businesses within the energy and decarbonisation market to help our customers accelerate their path to Net Zero.
“Custom Solar’s expertise in large scale commercial solar deployments, combined with Mitie’s high voltage connection and project management expertise, will enable us to offer end-to-end renewable power generation at scale. With our client base including national brands, public sector organisations and critical infrastructure providers, this is yet another element of our support to help decarbonise Britain.”
Forge new connections at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Taking place on Thursday 15 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 will celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while providing a perfect opportunity to connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks.
The event, taking place from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, will also feature John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker, as well as award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours.
With nominations OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards, it’s time to submit your entries for the prestigious event – showcase your business, team and projects. 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. To submit a business or development please click on a category link below or visit this page.- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
To be held at:
Plans submitted for 90-home development near Louth
Developer Charterpoint has applied for outline planning permission to build up to 90 new homes on land in Louth.
It is proposed that the new properties on the 12 acre site off Daisy Way would include a mix of two to four bedroom homes. The development would also feature a children’s play area, surface water attenuation ponds, wildflower meadows, sustainable drainage and an amenity lawn for communal informal recreation.
Charterpoint has submitted outline plans for up to 90 homes and garages, plus associated highways, drainage and green infrastructure for the site to East Lindsey District Council.
Adrian Goose, CEO of Charterpoint, said: “This site is in an excellent location, on the northern edge of Louth, and would provide attractive accommodation for individuals and families close to the town.
“Charterpoint has extensive experience of delivering quality schemes and we are pleased to submit this application to create new homes close to all the services and amenities that Louth offers.”
The site, which is bounded by the A16 Louth bypass to the north west and by Westfield Park to the south and east, would be accessed off Daisy Way.
Charterpoint is proposing to include green infrastructure to provide an attractive quality environment for residents and visitors with consideration given to access for pedestrians and cyclists, enhancement of wildlife biodiversity, sustainable drainage solutions and promotion of use of outdoor spaces for improved mental and physical health and well-being.
Charterpoint also plans to incorporate open water, swales and ditches as part of the sustainable drainage strategy to contribute to local biodiversity.
The exact number and mix of new homes on the site, which is currently used as farmland, would be defined during detailed design stage.
It will now be down to East Lindsey District Council to determine the application.
West Bridgford Police Station sold to retirement community operator
Nottinghamshire Police has completed the sale of its former police station on Rectory Road, West Bridgford to McCarthy Stone. In a deal brokered by Box Property and LHS, the old station will be transformed into a thriving retirement community.
McCarthy Stone creates award-winning retirement properties for sale or for rent. It has already worked with Rushcliffe Borough Council to secure planning consent for a scheme on the site which will see the existing building demolished to make way for 86, one-and two-bedroom, Retirement Living apartments, with on-site support, car parking and professionally-landscaped gardens.
The development will also include communal facilities such as a residents’ lounge, mobility scooter charging and storage room, guest suite and an internal refuse store, with lift access to all floors.
Ben Tebbutt, director at Box Property, said: “There is a real shortage of independent living accommodation for older people in the local area. We’ve worked closely with McCarthy Stone over the last 12 months to get the deal over the line and we are excited to see the next phase of development.”
Katie Fisher, divisional managing director at McCarthy Stone, said: “With the completion of the sale of the property, we will shortly commence construction and our Retirement Living development will significantly improve local housing choice for older people in West Bridgford.
“The development will be ideal for residents in the area who wish to retain their independence, in their own home, while accessing a warm, fun, and caring community of friendly neighbours.”
Robbie Farrell of Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) acted on behalf of the Police, who have relocated officers from the former police training centre to a joint site on Loughborough Road with West Bridgford Fire Service.
Plans submitted to build apartments at site of former Nottingham nursery
Rayner Davies Architects have submitted a planning application for nine apartments on the site of the former Wishing Well Day Nursery in Nottingham.
The scheme is conceived as a row of L-Shaped duplex units, mirrored along a central spine and book-ended with a different contextual response for each of its two primary frontages; one facing Oakfields Road and the other on Rutland Road.
The proposals dispense with the typical ‘central core’ arrangement of conventional apartment blocks, instead providing access via raised and landscaped walkways. This layout both mitigates against flood risks and provides a more pleasant entry sequence.
In addition to generous private terraces, there is a communal garden flanking the scheme to the West. Undercroft parking is provided, utilising the existing basement of the nursery with ample cycle storage and options for EV charging.
High quality materials and contemporary detailing ground the scheme, providing texture and perforations to add compositional interest. Standing seam metal cladding with a subtle colouring is offset against the more neutral brick colouring and complimented by use of colour for the windows, doors and railings.
Rushcliffe Borough Council will now consider the proposals and a decision is expected mid-summer.
New Nottingham student accommodation development gets green light
Plans for student accommodation on land between Union Road and St Marks Street in Nottingham have been granted conditional permission.
The proposed development, from Environment Design Consultants, consists of two buildings with a communal courtyard between and basement parking below the courtyard.
249 studios would be created as well as two commercial units.
The development site currently comprises of former industrial buildings and open car parks.
The plans follow an earlier phase of development, to provide a 5-storey block of student flats.
Biggest business groups unite against slow payments
Good Business Pays is spearheading an alliance involving the Small Business Commissioner and leaders from the UK’s biggest business groups including the Federation of Small Businesses, CBI, and BCC to stop slow payments from harming small businesses once and for all.
Launched today, the ‘Wait Off’ campaign is backed by 16 of the UK’s most influential groups – representing a total of over half a million businesses in the UK – to up the ante in tackling the poor payment practices of big businesses across their respective industries. The campaign is also being backed by a number of UK businesses that support faster payments to small businesses.
The latest data from the FSB suggests slow and unfair payment practices are threatening the future of almost half a million UK small businesses.
Whilst the challenges of slow payment have been well reported and become a focus for many campaigns over the last few years, the volume and variety of voices calling for change has left small businesses unclear where to show their support and therefore disengaged. The ‘Wait Off’ campaign will create a consistent platform for groups and businesses to work together in achieving lasting change.
Terry Corby, chair of Good Business Pays, said: “Slow and late payments have been a problem ignored by many businesses for a long time, but with so many small businesses struggling with rising costs and inflation, it has never been more important to ensure cash flows smoothly and quickly throughout the supply chain.”
A study commissioned by Good Business Pays and carried out by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), estimates that if small businesses’ invoices were paid on the day they were submitted, their revenues would increase by £40bn to £60bn per year. This could provide a significant income boost for small businesses at a time when their operating costs are rising by the week.
The list of those business groups backing the campaign is:
- Institute of Directors; Federation of Small Businesses; The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed; Confederation of British Industry; Microbiz Matters; Liz Barclay – Small Business Commissioner; National Enterprise Network; Make UK; British Chambers of Commerce; Your business community; Yorkshire In Business; UK Finance; Chartered Institute of Credit Management; NEDonBoard; International Association of Book-keepers.
Cawarden honoured with Green World Ambassador status 2022 at special ceremony in London
Derby-based Specialist Contractor, Cawarden, has been honoured by The Green Organisation as International Green World Ambassadors 2022 at a special ceremony held on May 30th, 2022 at The Waldorf Hilton in London.
The triple ceremony included presentations to all Green World Ambassadors, Beautiful Buildings and CSR Excellence Award winners.
Cawarden collected their award alongside a diverse range of organisations who have also been crowned Green World Ambassadors – including Balfour Beatty, TUI, Birmingham Airport and The White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds.
Cawarden was also confirmed to have reached the finals of the Green World Awards and will represent the United Kingdom in America next year.
During the ceremony, guests enjoyed the famous ‘Tea at the Waldorf’. All nominees also received an awards gift bag for which Cawarden contributed custom wildflower seed packets as a reminder of the day.
100 trees will now be planted in Cawarden’s name as part of the United Nations Billion Trees initiative.
This latest success for Cawarden comes after receiving gold and silver recognition at the International Green Apple Awards 2021 for Environmental Best Practice for their work at Summit Colliery in Nottinghamshire. The project enabled the site to be re-developed for commercial/industrial use – all whilst providing a long-term sustainable solution to protect the existing botanical diversity that had flourished, including the Common Spotted-Orchid and Bee Orchid, and maintain the conservation status of Dingy Skipper butterflies.
William Crooks, Managing Director of Cawarden, said: “We are honoured to be presented with a prestigious Green World Ambassador Award. As an International Green World Ambassador, we look forward to continuing to support our clients to achieve their sustainable development goals. As a company, we will continue to play a vital role in providing leadership in environmentally sustainable best practices whilst making great progress on our journey to becoming a net-zero business.
“We hope our work at Summit Colliery helps others around the world to learn from our achievements.”
Green World Ambassadors promote environmental best practice. Through Cawarden’s work, they are helping others to help the environment as their award-winning paper is to be published in the Green Book – the world’s only annual global work of reference on environmental best practice that is distributed to environmental professionals, universities and libraries around the world by The Green Organisation. The book aims to encourage others to learn from the winners’ experience and to follow their lead to benefit themselves and the environment for generations to come.
The Green Apple Awards are run by the Green Organisation – an international, independent, non-profit, non-political environment group that began in 1994 to recognise, reward and promote environmental best practice around the world.
Kettering HR and H&S compliance consultancy snapped up
Marlowe, a leader in business-critical services and software which assure safety and regulatory compliance, has acquired Business HR Solutions (Consultancy) Limited and Business Human Resources Solutions Limited (together, “HR Solutions”), a HR and H&S compliance consultancy, for an enterprise value of £6.1 million.
Headquartered in Kettering and established in 2001, HR Solutions provides retained HR and H&S consulting to approximately 750 customers, helping to keep them compliant with employment law and health & safety regulations.
HR Solutions will integrate into Marlowe’s Worknest brand, offering attractive synergies and deepening Marlowe’s HR & H&S consultancy proposition.
In the year to 31 March 2022, HR Solutions generated revenues of £3.1 million and EBITDA of £0.7 million. Net assets as at 31 March 2022 were £0.8 million.
The acquisition consideration will be settled in cash and funded from Marlowe’s existing cash resources.
Gavin Snell, CEO at WorkNest, said: “We’re excited to welcome HR Solutions’ clients and all of our new colleagues into the WorkNest family. We share the same focus on employee engagement and high quality client support, and WorkNest has a strong track record of bringing such like-minded businesses together with positive outcomes. “HR Solutions’ continued client service delivery is the priority, but in the coming months, we will work on synergies and opportunities across the businesses.” Greg Guilford, CEO at HR Solutions, said: “Over the past few years we have been growing very quickly. This has been led by the great commitment our team has to our client base, their continued professionalism, as well as several acquisitions HR Solutions has made along the way. “We are excited at this development in joining WorkNest as this will further strengthen our service and bring considerable benefits to our clients through the scale and breadth of services offered by the wider group.”Record revenue for Leicester online electrical retailer
Marks Electrical Group, the Leicester-based online electrical retailer, has enjoyed a record year for revenue, with growth of 44% to £80.5m.
Meanwhile, according to audited results for the year ended 31 March 2022, the firm posted an adjusted profit after tax in line with the prior year at £5.3m.
The business noted that positive trading momentum has continued in the first months of FY23, with revenue growth exceeding 20% year on year.
Mark Smithson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We achieved record revenue in FY22, with growth of 44% against a strong comparative of 78% in the prior year. This is testament to the hard work and commitment of the entire team. I’m particularly proud to have achieved this while maintaining our disciplined focus on margin, capital allocation and cash generation.
“While we are conscious of the challenges raised by the cost of living crisis in the UK and its impact on consumer confidence, our low-cost and execution-focused model leaves us well positioned to manage operationally, and with still only 1.6% market share of the £5.4bn UK MDA market, we see significant scope and opportunity for growth.
“Recognising the current impact on the consumer and thanks to our strong brand partnerships, we have been able to expand our range of products, across price categories, as well as introducing new credit solutions and interest free options with our finance partners. We have continued to achieve market share gains and strong revenue momentum in the months since the financial year end, as our leading customer service and free next day delivery continues to provide a compelling and unique offering that sets us apart from the competition.
“We remain well positioned moving forward to execute on our clear strategy of growing brand awareness, delivering exceptional customer service, and expanding our offering to new customers across the UK.”
Trio of East Midlands pharmacies sold
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Shires Pharmacies Limited, the operator of three pharmacies; two in North Nottinghamshire and one in North East Derbyshire.
The pharmacies – Springs Pharmacy, Shire Pharmacy, Market Pharmacy – occupy two health centre adjacent/integrated locations and a high street location, and all benefit from standard hours contracts and above average dispensing volumes.
Having successfully built and operated the pharmacies since 2002, Shires Pharmacies Limited decided to sell the three sites to enable its directors to semi-retire and focus on their two remaining pharmacies in South Yorkshire.
Following a short and confidential sales process which generated multiple offers, the pharmacies have been sold to Peak Pharmacy, one of the largest independent community pharmacy groups in the UK.
Speaking on behalf of Shires Pharmacies Limited, Garry Myers says: “Having known the Peak Pharmacy business for many years, we are pleased to see the pharmacies transfer to a like-minded operator and are confident that they will go from strength to strength under their new ownership.”
Speaking on behalf of Peak Pharmacy, newly appointed Managing Director, Joe Cattee, says: “We are delighted to have acquired the three pharmacies, further enhancing our trading profile across the area. We look forward to integrating the pharmacies into Peak Pharmacy as well welcoming the Shires team into the Peak family.”
Carl Steer, director – medical at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, says: “From the outset, Shires Pharmacies Limited generated strong interest, with several group offers received, further endorsing the fact there is a continued appetite for well-performing pharmacies across the region.”
The three pharmacies were sold for an undisclosed price.
Wren Sterling acquires Mutual Financial Management
The Wren Sterling Group (Wren Sterling), providers of specialist independent financial planning advice to private and corporate clients, has acquired Mutual Financial Management LLP, an IFA based in Wilmslow, Cheshire, and MDFM Ltd, a discretionary fund manager (together “Mutual”). The deal is subject to FCA approval.
Mutual has around 1,100 clients, managing c.£675m on their behalf. The deal takes the total AuM acquired by Wren Sterling over the last 3 years over the £1bn mark and pushes its own total AuM to over £5.4bn.
The transaction is Nottingham-based Wren Sterling’s first announced deal since its secondary management buyout by Lightyear Capital completed in late 2021, and its largest to date. It follows four acquisitions in 2021 and one each in 2019 and 2020 and marks a step change in the pace and ambition of Wren Sterling’s acquisition strategy.
Mutual’s 29 employees and partners will all become part of the Wren Sterling Group. Austin Hutchinson, Mutual’s managing partner, will continue to run the business and will join Wren Sterling’s Executive Committee.
The business will be rebranded to Wren Sterling and will provide Wren Sterling with a new base in the North West to complement its seven existing locations around the UK. Once completed, Wren Sterling will comprise c. 240 staff and nearly 100 advisers.
The acquisition is in line with Wren Sterling’s strategy of acquiring strong businesses in key strategic locations, as it looks to accelerate its growth through improving its brand and proposition, simplifying its business and investing in its people. The business has a particular focus on acquiring new hubs in the London, South West, Midlands and Edinburgh markets.
Ian Darby, Wren Sterling’s executive chairman, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Austin, his fellow partners and all of Mutual’s staff to Wren Sterling. Acquiring a business of this calibre and scale is truly game-changing for us and shows the business’s renewed ambition following Lightyear’s investment.
“What truly sets Mutual apart are its people, who are highly entrepreneurial and innovation-led and share our commitment to the very highest levels of client service. Furthermore, the addition of a DFM capability gives us the option to enhance our offering for certain clients who might benefit from it, while remaining fiercely protective of our role as independent financial planners.”
Austin Hutchinson, Mutual Financial Management’s managing partner, added: “We received a lot of interest in the business, but Wren Sterling was the only company who we felt comfortable entrusting our clients and our people to. We really like the Wren Sterling business, it’s people and its growth model. These were our key considerations when choosing our long-term partner.
“Their scale, commitment to operational excellence and willingness to invest in technology and marketing, all supported by Lightyear, gave us confidence that they had both the means and the motivation to enhance our client offering and invest in our people. We’re all incredibly excited about taking the next step with our new colleagues and starting the next phase of our journey.”
Stewart Cape of KPMG acted as financial advisor to the partners of Mutual, with Nicholas Fielden of Fielden Marshall Glover Strutt providing legal advice and Rob Wardle of Azets providing tax advice.
Plans to transform derelict hall into arts and culture hub receive £1.6m boost
Plans for an arts and culture hub in the heart of Loughborough have received a £1.6 million boost from Loughborough Town Deal.
The Town Deal Board has confirmed the funding to support the Generator project which will bring a derelict hall in Packe Street back into use for the arts.
It is one of 11 projects Loughborough Town Deal is backing after securing £16.9 million of Government funding. In total, the projects are worth over £40 million of investment for the town.
The Town Deal Board is co-chaired by Cllr Jonathan Morgan, leader of Charnwood Borough Council, and Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, chairman of Loughborough-based Morningside Pharmaceuticals.
Cllr Morgan said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm the funding for the Generator project. This is a truly fascinating and unique building in the heart of Loughborough.
“It has a wonderful open space that lends itself to the arts scene and while it will support the creative community, it will also bring more footfall into the town centre and have an economic impact as well.”
Dr Kotecha said: “The Generator really showcases the variety of projects being supported by Loughborough Town Deal and I was really pleased to visit the building and see the raw potential that it possesses.
“The project team are clearly passionate about the Generator and what it can achieve, and we look forward to seeing it develop. Arts and culture are an important part of Loughborough’s social and economic fabric.”
The project is being led by Loughborough Generator Community Interest Company (CIC).
The town deal funding will support the renovation of the old Generator Hall, a 1930s building which was originally home to diesel generators that powered the then Loughborough College’s many town centre departments.
David Pagett-Wright, chair of the Generator Loughborough CIC, said: “The Town Deal funding has given us a tremendous boost. We are so pleased to be part of it.
“The Generator Hall will become the multimedia arts venue that the community of Loughborough and the wider area needs.
“It will become a cultural hub that will deliver performances, exhibitions, gigs, workshops, lectures and debates, festivals and heritage events, school visits and community engagement. We envisage a dynamic and multifunctional space serving all Loughborough communities.”
Next door to the former Generator Hall is a former art and design college building which is also part of the overall Generator project. Its renovation has been funded separately and is now home to creative industries including Ohh Deer, Cotton Clara and Our Neighbourhood. Public, a coffee shop and bakery, is on the ground floor.
So far, Loughborough Town Deal has committed to invest:
- £2.6 million to create a Digital Skills Hub at Loughborough College
- £900,000 to create a Careers and Enterprise Hub in Loughborough’s town centre
- £835,000 to help save Taylor’s Bell Foundry, the last major bell foundry in the UK
- £1.7 million to support the Bedford Square Gateway Project which is regenerating part of the town centre
- £885,000 to fund towpath improvements alongside the River Soar.
Council office move a step closer following planning approval
Innovative plans that could see Oadby & Wigston Borough Council move its primary offices to Brocks Hill Country Park have been approved by its development control committee.
The council revealed plans last year which would see Bushloe House – the borough council’s current home – sold with the intention of investing the proceeds from the sale into renovating the main building at Brocks Hill Country Park.
Now, with planning permission granted, the scheme will be progressed through the council’s decision-making processes, with councillors scheduled to consider a final report at their next full council meeting on 12 July.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a re-assessment of the council’s office accommodation and its new agile working policies mean far less space is needed for its day-to-day operations.
It is expected that a move from the dated, expensive to heat, costly to maintain Bushloe House to the far more modern, eco-friendly Brocks Hill will allow savings to be made every year long into the future. The cost-saving element is a major factor in the decision to investigate a move, as funding reductions continue to put pressure on council services across the country.
Brocks Hill would be fit for purpose for up to 30 years and its use as its main offices would also significantly reduce the council’s carbon footprint. The agile working space would have room for up to a maximum of around 30 staff at any one time as well as a fully functioning Council Chamber that is flexible in its design so the room can be used for other council-business, community meetings and events.
The Brocks Hill site is already owned by the borough council and the country park would continue to be available to the public as usual during and after the renovation, should it go ahead. There are no plans to remove the public café and toilets on site, although they would not be available while any renovation work takes place.
Councillor John Boyce, leader of OWBC, said: “Receiving planning permission is excellent news and it gives us excellent options on how we maximise the use of Brocks Hill for both our staff and the public. We now need to be certain this scheme offers value for money for our residents and this will be a key factor in the final decision-making process councillors will be involved in.
“Downsizing our office space by adapting a more modern, fit for purpose building that we already own is certainly an innovative and exciting plan. Having the council’s headquarters at Brocks Hill would also enhance our ability to improve our flagship park’s already fantastic offer.
“We’re developing a new Customer Experience Strategy which complements our plans and ensures that the way the council operates into the future meets the demands and needs of all of our customers and residents.
“It’s also an opportunity to vastly reduce the council’s current footprint, which is something we want to lead the way on, inspiring other organisations and businesses in the borough to follow that lead.”
Town Deal projects progress in Long Eaton
Progress is being made on projects that will see significant improvements made to Long Eaton.
The town was allocated provisional funding of £24.8m by the government last year thanks to a bid put together by the multi-agency Long Eaton Town Deal Board, led by chairman Richard Ledger and vice chairman Councillor Carol Hart, leader of Erewash Borough Council.
The first project to progress will be the Long Eaton Stable Block Managed Workspace Units. This is a project to convert the derelict stable block behind Long Eaton Town Hall into studios and offices to support new and growing Long Eaton businesses. The completed project will complement existing managed workspaces at the neighbouring Bridge House, a previously successful conversion of redundant council buildings.
Professional architects have already been contracted to produce quality design. The next milestone for this project will be the submission of a final bid to Government to release the £1.1 million of funding allocated to it.
Progress is also being made on the West Park Visitor Attraction project. Engineering and architectural designs are underway to improve the West Park event space parking area and facilities and provide a new waterfront to the Erewash Canal.
‘Project champions’ will be taken on for each aspect and new leading roles have been launched by Erewash Borough Council to help drive forward the key projects.
This will include a development partnerships project manager to focus on redevelopment ambitions for the town centre. In addition, a programme manager will also be recruited to co-ordinate across all aspects of the projects.
Councillor Carol Hart, leader of Erewash Borough Council and vice chair of the Town Deal Board, says: “It is great to see so much progress being made and the projects are really starting to move forward. The stable blocks will be converted into small business units which will bring new businesses and people into the town.”
Richard Ledger, chair of the board, says: “The projects are moving into the delivery phase and it’s great to see. We will keep residents informed as each project progresses.”
Nominations flood in – submit your entries for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 NOW!
As nominations pick up pace for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, now is the ideal time to enter the prestigious event.
The East Midlands Bricks Awards celebrate the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and exceptional developments, and provide the perfect opportunity to shine a light on your team, reward their hard work, and boost morale.
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.
Thanks to our sponsors:
William Crooks, Managing Director of Cawarden, reflected on winning an award at the 2021 event: “After being named Contractor of the Year at the British Demolition Awards at the start of September, we were absolutely thrilled to win the same accolade from the East Midlands Bricks Awards a few weeks later.
“The event is a real showcase for the regional property and construction sector and we are proud to be recognised for our project and service delivery expertise as a leading specialist contractor. It was a great night and provided an opportunity to catch up with some familiar faces as well as meeting new with the wonderful Trent Bridge Cricket Ground as a backdrop.
“Well done to the Cawarden team for continuously going above and beyond and maintaining high standards for our valued clients. Congratulations must also go to all the other awards finalists and award winners on the night.”
To submit a business or development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, please click on a category link below or visit this page.- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on 15 September 2022 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge County Cricket Club from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker. Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
Entrepreneur raises £550k to disrupt dry cleaning industry
A Stamford entrepreneur who aims to disrupt the dry-cleaning industry by installing automated drop-off points in shopping centres and railway stations has raised £550,000.
Vicky Whiter has secured investment from the MEIF Proof of Concept & Early Stage Fund, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, as part of a syndicate which also included Seedrs, members of Lincolnshire Business Angels and other angels.
Vicky developed the concept after buying Peters’ Cleaners, an established dry-cleaning business, and recognising the need to improve efficiency and provide out of hours services. Customers register online and the automated pods enable them to drop off and collect their dry cleaning at any time by simply scanning their membership card.
The company’s first two pods – at Peterborough Station and a local shopping centre – have been popular with customers and the funding will enable the business to install more pods at two other high footfall locations in the area before rolling out the concept across the UK.
As part of the deal, Stephen Harrison, who has previously worked in roles at PepsiCo, Asda and Dolland and Aitchison, has been appointed as chairman. He is also the former finance director of Sandpiper CI, which operates franchises in the Channel Islands including Morrisons, Marks and Spencer and Costa Coffee.
Vicky, who held business development roles in Hong Kong, Singapore and London before buying Peters’ Cleaners in 2016, said: “I noticed I was unable to access dry cleaning facilities out of hours and saw a gap in the market. The pods are accessible 24/7, providing the perfect solution. They are a modern approach to a traditional service and are a great addition to our existing stores.
“The dry-cleaning landscape has massively changed over the years, particularly during the pandemic when a lot of companies went out of business. It was time for the industry to introduce new ways to provide customers with cleaning services that fit around their lifestyle. We’re delighted to be the driving force behind this change.”
Sandy Reid of Mercia added: “Dry cleaning is a sector where there has been little or no innovation in years, yet businesses have been struggling with margin erosion as costs have increased. Vicky is a driven and ambitious entrepreneur who we are pleased to back. The pods have been well received by customers and attracted interest from rail operators and shopping centres. The funding will enable her to franchise her model to expand it throughout the UK.”
Pat Doody, chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Vicky’s business idea is a great example of how new technology and automation can transform the way we live our lives. The pandemic forced many businesses to reassess how they operate, and we are still feeling the effects of COVID-19 rippling through the economy.
“Entrepreneurs like Vicky are leading the way by using advanced technologies to disrupt their industry, and we’re pleased to see that she’s received significant financial support from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund. We wish her the best of luck in her new venture!”
Russell Copley of Greenborough Management and Laura Mallaburn of Lincolnshire Business Angels provided fundraising advice to the company.
