Nottingham group bookings firm acquires Canadian ticketing provider

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Nottingham group bookings firm acquires Canadian ticketing provider

Groubook, the Nottingham-based platform dedicated to group bookings, has acquired StudentSphere, the student ticketing provider in Canada, for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition is a strategic move for Groubook as they continue to expand into new regions with a high priority on their student business. The acquisition is teased to see Groubook move into the UK ticketing market whilst expanding the reputation that StudentSphere have in Canada.

Groubook CEO Bradley Gough said: “StudentSphere have culminated a great reputation in the Canadian market for being a no-fuss, cost effective and easy to use platform for event organisers.

“Groubook similarly has a reputation amongst organisers and the acquisition not only allows us to move into the Canadian market which has over 1.5m students, but affords us the technology of potentially offering our partners ticketed events for promoters and clubs in the UK as well as bolstering our own platform. “I’d like to place my sincere thanks on record to Andrew, Allan & Sebastien for the opportunity for Groubook to acquire StudentSphere.”

Andrew Lockhead, co-founder of StudentSphere, said: “The company was created by students for students, we couldn’t be happier to ‘pass the torch’ to a group of people who share the same passion and vision for the students market. StudentSphere will be in great hands and be able to accomplish so much more with the help of the Groubook team.”

Macmillan advised Groubook on the deal.

The Recruitment Group expands into Yorkshire with eighth acquisition

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The Recruitment Group expands into Yorkshire with eighth acquisition
Derbyshire-headquartered The Recruitment Group has completed its eighth acquisition – of MYNT Recruitment, expanding its footprint into Yorkshire. Established in 2004, MYNT has offices in York, Hull and Rotherham and specialise in recruiting for the Commercial, Industrial, Professional and Technical sectors. The Recruitment Group’s group Managing Director, Paul Hipkiss, said: “This is a great milestone for us, as it signifies the next stage of our growth and another great business joining our family. Mynt and The Recruitment Group have a lot in common. Both companies share the same values and are dedicated to providing industry-leading service. Our combined expertise will bring loads of new job opportunities to Yorkshire.” Martin Shaw, Managing Director of MYNT, added: “When we were looking for a buyer for our business, we needed to find a company that shared our values, focus on customer service and who had the vision matched with the expertise to take MYNT Recruitment to the next stage of our development. I can’t wait to see how our business and employees develop in the future. It’s certainly exciting times and my team and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.” MYNT founder, John Stanton, is now leaving the business to retire. He said: “As I enter retirement, I am really pleased that Martin and I found a buyer who shares those exact same values and the ethos on which I formed this business back 2004 and I know that whilst we have had great success, that The Recruitment Group will take our team to that next level.”​

The deal is set to take The Recruitment Group’s headcount to nearly 150 and increase its footprint to 15 locations nationwide.

Next in discussions with Joules over equity investment

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Next in discussions with Joules over equity investment
Joules, the Market Harborough-based lifestyle group, has confirmed that it is in talks with Next about a potential equity investment. Raising proceeds for Joules of £15 million, Next would become a strategic minority shareholder. Joules has also revealed that it is in discussions with Next over adopting its Total Platform services to support its long term growth plans. In a statement Joules said: “Joules confirms it is in discussions with Next about a potential equity investment raising proceeds for Joules of c.£15 million at no less than Joules’ current market price, which would result in Next becoming a strategic minority shareholder in the Group. The equity investment would be subject to approval by Joules’ shareholders. “There can be no certainty these discussions will lead to any agreement. A further announcement will be made if and when appropriate.”

Only 11 days remain until nominations close for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022

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Only 11 days remain until nominations close for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
With nominations set to close on Friday 19 August for the prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, time is running out to make your submissions. Celebrating the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, the Bricks provide a prime opportunity to put property and construction businesses, professionals and projects in the spotlight while networking with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks. To make an entry for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 will also be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
This year’s must-attend awards ceremony, revealing winners, will take place on Thursday 15 September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, and will hear from John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby – the evening’s keynote speaker.
Find out who last year’s winners were here.

Book your tickets now

Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 – click here to secure yours. The special awards 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. The occasion will also welcome 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.
Thanks to our sponsors:                                      

To be held at:

Revenue up while pre-tax losses widen at Light Science Technologies

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Revenue up while pre-tax losses widen at Light Science Technologies
Revenue has risen while pre-tax losses have widened at Derbyshire-based Light Science Technologies, the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) technology and contract electronics manufacturing (CEM) group. According to results for the six months ended 31 May 2022, revenue grew by 4.2% to £3.6m from £3.4m in the same period of last year. Meanwhile the company posted a loss before tax of £1.3m, compared to a £0.9m loss last year, which Light Science Technologies says is due primarily to the CEA division’s continued investment in both product research and development and marketing of the company’s products and services. Simon Deacon, Chief Executive Officer of Light Science Technologies, said: “With group revenue increasing by 4.2% for the six months to 31 May 2022, alongside our forward order book and contracts worth £18 million, we have seen an increase in our pipeline of quoted business due to a demand for reshoring manufacturing to the UK, as customers look to increase product security and reduce risk. “As much as the macro trends are challenging in the short term, we are confident that the medium and long-term outlook for the group is promising, as the market continues to grow. With our experienced team, our technologies and energy saving products feeding into the growing pipeline, we are in a strong position to take advantage of the opportunities and achieve our objectives. We remain confident in our ability to achieve our revised forecasts as announced on 10 June 2022.”

Midlands’ permanent placement growth slows to 17-month low in July

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Midlands’ permanent placement growth slows to 17-month low in July
The latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: Midlands survey highlighted a further expansion in permanent placements and temporary billings in July. That said, the rates of increase slowed to the softest in the respective 17 and 25-month sequences of growth. The rise in permanent salaries eased for the second month running to the slowest since June 2021, while inflation of hourly pay rates for temporary staff also eased. Finally, skilled staff shortages contributed to a further marked reduction in permanent candidate availability, albeit one that was the least marked since May 2021. 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. Softest rise in permanent placements in 17 months The rate of growth in permanent placements across the Midlands slowed at the start of the third quarter. The increase was solid overall but the softest seen in the current 17-month sequence of growth. Recruitment consultancies indicated that while demand for staff remained high, there were several reports that job offers were turned downed in favour of other opportunities amid candidate shortages. The increase in the Midlands was the fastest of the four monitored English regions. July data pointed to a continued increase in temporary billings in the Midlands. That said, the rate of expansion was much slower than seen earlier in the year and was only marginal. Respondents suggested that clients were increasingly making existing temporary staff permanent or not renewing temporary contracts. Growth in temp billings in the Midlands was the weakest of the monitored regions and well below the national level. Permanent vacancies increased at a marked pace in the Midlands during July. The rate of increase softened for the second successive month and led to the slowest rise in permanent vacancies for 17 months. The rise in the Midlands was also the slowest of the four monitored English regions. Demand for temporary staff also rose steeply in the latest survey period. The pace of expansion eased from June to the softest since February 2021 and was weaker than the national average. Softer decline in permanent candidate numbers The Midlands saw a further reduction in the supply of permanent candidates during July. The rate of decrease remained marked, yet eased considerably to the slowest since May 2021. Anecdotal evidence suggested that people were reluctant to move at present due to economic headwinds and the cost of living crisis. At the national level, the reduction in the availability of permanent staff was quicker than that seen in the Midlands. Recruitment consultancies indicated that temporary candidate numbers decreased at a robust pace in July. That said, the pace of reduction slowed from June to reach the softest for 16 months. A number of respondents indicated that skills shortages had contributed to the lack of available staff for temp roles. The reduction in temp staff availability in the Midlands was the second-slowest of the four monitored regions, behind the South of England. Permanent salary growth eases to 13-month low Salaries for permanent new joiners in the Midlands increased for the seventeenth month in a row in July. While historically elevated, the rate of inflation eased to the softest since June 2021. Recruiters noted a lack of suitable candidates and pressure to increase salaries to entice staff were behind the rise in permanent salaries. The increase in permanent salaries in the Midlands was the slowest of the four English regions covered, however. Hourly pay rates for temporary staff rose markedly during July. The rate of inflation eased from that seen in June and was the second-softest recorded in the past 14 months. Recruitment consultancies indicated that candidate supply shortages had been a leading factor behind higher pay rates. On a regional basis, the increase in the Midlands was the slowest of the four monitored regions. Commenting on the latest survey results, Kate Holt, people consulting partner at KPMG UK, said: “The trend of uncertainty in the UK jobs market of the last few months continues, as overall hiring activity saw another slowdown in July. Given the challenging economic outlook, employers are rightly hesitant about their hiring plans. But to compound this, a lack of suitable candidates and an overall skills shortage in most sectors are keeping starting salaries high. “As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite – alongside rising inflation – some workers may well choose to stay where they are rather than risk job security by moving now. However, it’s important to note that it is still very much a candidate’s market – and so, businesses should not only be offering competitive salaries, but additional opportunities for development and upskilling to ensure that they are attracting the talent they need.” Kate Shoesmith, deputy CEO of the REC, said: “The jobs market remains solid. Demand for staff continues to rise, as it has done since early 2021, rising in every sector. Starting salaries are still growing too, making this a good time for jobseekers to be looking for their next role. “However, growth in permanent hiring has softened in recent months. We’ve seen that rising fuel and energy prices, inflation and labour shortages are impacting employer confidence. Labour and skills shortages are also restricting opportunities for both the private and public sector to meet consumer demand. Our latest report shows that these constraints could cost the UK economy up to £39 billion a year if we don’t work to fix these issues now. “So it’s vital that both government and businesses start putting their people and their staffing strategies first. We know what needs to be done: there should be improved provision of skills training, increased employment from under-represented groups, and we need good transport, childcare and immigration systems.”

Infrastructure works begin at new business park

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Infrastructure works begin at new business park
Clowes Developments has instructed groundwork contractor, J.C Balls & Sons to commence the earthworks and implementation of first phase infrastructure ahead of the construction of a primarily industrial use scheme at Stud Brook Business Park, Castle Donington. The brand-new business park located off the Castle Donington bypass, which connects Clowes developed and managed East Midlands Distribution Centre (EMDC) to East Midlands Airport, is now under construction. The reserved matters planning application for the infrastructure works was granted consent on 26 May 2022 and works commenced on site shortly after. Groundwork specialists, J.C Balls & Sons, have started work on levelling the ground, creating plateaus and delivering essential infrastructure such as roads and services which will facilitate the construction of the commercial units over the next two years. Dane Potts, operations manager, J.C Balls & Sons, said: “Over the last couple of years, we have been working closely with Clowes and their planning team to give the most efficient engineering solution for the earthworks and infrastructure. Providing Clowes with a solution that gives them the development areas they need. “It has been a pleasure working with team at the planning stage and being given the opportunity to self-deliver the enabling works in advance of the building contractors is a privilege.” The mixed-use scheme will house bespoke build to suit employment, amenity, office, and industrial facilities ranging in size from 1,500 to 45,000 sq ft. The site will offer a mixture of detached and semi-detached commercial units with onsite car parking and adequate yard provisions. Clowes have instructed a landscape architect to devise a comprehensive plan which will gently blend the commercial units at Stud Brook with the neighbouring residential development. J.C Balls & Sons scope is to deliver a site that is prepped and ready to build straight away across 7 development plots. Involving earthworks, drainage, stabilisation, road construction and the delivery of the services to the plots, once their works are completed, contractors will be on site to start the construction of the buildings. Interest from occupiers for the Stud Brook development has been high with several design and build offers on the table.

Right Legal Group chooses Jennie Holland PR as Midlands PR partner

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Right Legal Group chooses Jennie Holland PR as Midlands PR partner
Digital PR firm Jennie Holland PR has been appointed by wills and probate specialist Right Legal Group. Based in Nottingham, Jennie Holland PR provides digital marketing services, with a focus on media relations, social media management, content creation, influencer marketing and crisis communications. Right Legal Group, which has its HQ in Derby, is a wills, probate and estate planning law firm with 10 locations across England and Wales. The firm, which is regulated by the solicitor’s regulation authority, has appointed Jennie Holland PR to publicise and build online profile of its bespoke services and help share its mission of ensuring memories and legacy are part of the wills process for future generations – enabling families to stay connected. Managing Director, Jennie Holland, said: “Right Legal is a business with a clear purpose and mission which is an excellent platform for a successful digital PR campaign. “The team’s passion and commitment to their clients and their loved ones is admirable and we are proud to be working with them. “As an agency, we are seeing a significant period of growth as the demand for digital PR and marketing services increases year on year, despite the pandemic. As a boutique and agile firm, all our work is director led and is one of the reasons we are chosen as a marketing partner by our clients.” Right Legal Group had secured a number of accolades over the last 12 months, including being coined ‘one to watch’ on the ‘Best Companies’ list in 2021*, whilst being highly commended at the Wills and Probates Awards in 2021 for the category ‘Solicitor Firm of the Year’. Carrie Caladine, Managing Director at Right Legal, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Jennie Holland PR and look forward to seeing how their expertise can enhance our digital presence, whilst generating relevant conversations regarding our services. “At Right Legal, we believe that making a will is a lot more than just an allocation of physical assets. It’s your chance to leave behind memories and legacies for future generations, ensuring your wishes are respected and that your loved ones are taken care of emotionally as well as financially. “As family is at the heart of everything we do, we want to get people thinking about how they would like to be remembered once they pass, rather than just dictating who will receive their financial assets. With the help of Jennie Holland PR, we believe we can further this message, whilst pushing our services to a wider audience.” Jennie Holland PR has won a raft of new business over the last six months including Midland’s travel company The Perfect Break, residential property development firm, Sherwood Oak Homes and chartered quantity surveyor and project management company, Addison Hunt.

Council bids to Level Up Glossop

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Council bids to Level Up Glossop
New leisure and wellbeing and enhanced cultural facilities for Glossop are the focus of a £20m bid to the Levelling Up Fund being made by High Peak Borough Council. The Fund is aimed at investing in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK and will support town centre and high street regeneration projects and cultural and heritage assets. The Council’s bid package is focused on two schemes within the town – proposals for a new leisure centre and wellbeing hub and to boost and speed up plans to fully re-open Victoria Hall as a live performance venue. It was submitted this week and an announcement on the outcome is expected in the Autumn. Leader of the Council, Councillor Anthony Mckeown, said: “The Council has worked with a wide range of stakeholders to develop ambitious proposals for significant investment in leisure, cultural and community facilities in Glossop which have now been submitted. “The leisure and wellbeing hub element of our £20m bid to the Levelling Up Fund will enable us to deliver the much-demanded up-to-date facilities for the town with the Victoria Hall element fast tracking the excellent work started by the Friends of Victoria Hall to return this much valued community asset to full use. “The Council is committed to delivering projects which enhance the lives of everyone who lives and works in the High Peak. Our vision for regenerating Glossop is already underway, with the £7m renovation of the historic Town Hall complex, and securing the funds we are asking for from Levelling Up will enable us to press ahead with our plans for new leisure and wellbeing amenities and a cultural hub at Victoria Hall more quickly. “The complicated bidding process has required a considerable amount of officer, member and stakeholder support to develop a detailed, and supported, bid that meets all the Government requirements to bid to Round 2 of the Fund and we look forward to the announcement in the Autumn of the successful schemes which we, of course, hope Glossop will be amongst.” The regeneration project to bring the Town Hall, Market Hall and Municipal Buildings up to modern standards will create jobs and new spaces for community use, entrepreneurs and micro-businesses alongside the introduction of energy saving technologies and fibre broadband. It’s being funded by the Council and includes a £2m grant contribution from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership via their Getting Building Fund. Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, deputy leader and executive councillor for regeneration, tourism and leisure, said: “The projects already underway are turning our shared vision for Glossop’s future into reality and a successful Levelling Up bid will only speed up the process and further enhance the leisure and cultural offer in the town, secure our heritage buildings and provide for our community’s future. “Regenerating our town centres and creating thriving high streets is at the heart of what we want to achieve for the High Peak. We know people share our ambition for High Peak and our towns like Glossop – ambition that is completely compatible with the objectives of the Levelling Up agenda – so it’s great that our bid is in and we look forward to hearing the decision later this year.”

Nottingham bids for £57m from Levelling Up Fund to unlock potential

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Nottingham bids for £57m from Levelling Up Fund to unlock potential
Nottingham City Council is submitting bids totalling £57m to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to unlock Nottingham’s potential by bringing about massive changes to the city’s Broad Marsh area, Bulwell town centre and the Island Quarter. The 20-acre Broad Marsh site is one of the most significant City Centre development sites in the UK, with neighbouring streets and buildings already undergoing a transformation and strengthened connections to improved tram, train, bus and cycle networks. Following the collapse of intu, owners of the former shopping centre, the City Council established the independent Greater Broad Marsh Advisory Group to oversee a bold new vision for the site, informed by an extensive public engagement through the Big Conversation and brought to life by world renowned urban designer Thomas Heatherwick. If successful, the £20m Broad Marsh bid would prepare the centerpiece of the vision, the Frame of the derelict shopping centre, to be retained and reimagined into a unique space to bring people together in the city for play, performance and food, providing the necessary catalyst and confidence for private sector partners to invest. This would unlock other key elements of the vision including:
  • The creation of 6,000 jobs, 750 homes and over 400,000 sq ft of commercial and business space
  • A ‘Green Heart’ providing a wildlife rich green space in the heart of the city centre
  • The rejuvenation of Nottingham’s unique cave network to boost tourism and World Heritage status
  • A potential cultural anchor tenant.
Bulwell town centre sits in the tenth most deprived constituency in England and is in need of investment which will boost pride in the area, improve key amenities and links to transport services. Nottingham’s £20m bid for Bulwell would see:
  • The creation of a new Bulwell Promenade through substantial enhancements of green space and public realm alongside the River Leen
  • Improvements to the market place and urban greening
  • The restoration of heritage buildings
  • Easier access for all and better connectivity between Bulwell Bogs, tram stop, bus station, market place and high streets.
The 36-acre Island Quarter site is 500m from Nottingham Station yet had been derelict and blighted for over three decades before work started on the first phase of a major redevelopment. The £17m Levelling Up Fund Island Quarter bid, being submitted on behalf of developers Conygar, focuses on renovating three heritage warehouse buildings at the heart of the site, bringing them back into productive use providing a community open theatre and much needed creative and digital studio space, and connecting them into the city and local neighbourhoods. Access would be improved for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle users with an upgraded junction connecting the site to the Sneinton community. City Council leader, Cllr David Mellen, said: “We believe that Broad Marsh is perhaps the most significant development site in the country right now and that our ambitious proposals offer a chance for Nottingham to re-imagine the future of city centres and uplift not just the Broad Marsh, but support jobs and growth for the wider city and region, unlocking benefits for us all and future generations. “A successful bid for the Frame would help unlock the wider vison for a new ‘green heart’ for the city, rejuvenating the caves and creating new homes, jobs and business opportunities. We would also look to increase footfall, visitor numbers and cultural participation ahead of development getting underway, through a programme of events and activities which continue the Big Conversation and engage people in shaping the future of their city centre. “Bulwell town centre has great potential which deserves to be realised and our bid will enhance some of the key elements that make the town special. The market and the riverside area will be given the love and attention they need, along with the sort of shopfront rejuvenation which has made such a difference in parts of the city centre and thoughtful public realm improvements including a Bulwell Promenade. “The Island Quarter is a key site next to the city centre for which ambitious plans are already underway but support from the Levelling Up Fund would help enhance further creating opportunities and improving access for local communities. “These bids are the absolute essence of what Levelling Up should be all about, so we are hopeful of success.” Lilian Greenwood, MP for Nottingham South, said: “Regeneration of Broad Marsh has been long overdue and the project is a top priority for our city. “Access to Levelling Up Funding would ensure the completion of the project and would provide a unique opportunity for local residents and businesses to secure and create jobs and generate major investment. “As supported by many Nottingham residents, the funding would also allow for new green space to be created as part of the redevelopment, supporting the city’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2028.” Greg Nugent, chair of the Greater Broad Marsh Advisory Group, said: “This is amazing progress on Broad Marsh, rooted in the vision we love but practical next steps needed to start the big build. This is an unmissable opportunity for Government and the whole idea of levelling up to unlock our potential as a city.” Alex Norris, MP for Nottingham North, said: “Bulwell is a fantastic community with a thriving market, but the growth of online shopping combined with the current cost of living crisis has hit the town centre hard. This ambitious bid gives us the opportunity to really boost the area and I’m proud to give it my support.” Robert Ware, Chief Executive of the Conygar Investment Company, said: “While Conygar already has investment in place to support the regeneration of The Island Quarter and its various phases that make up the site, the Levelling Up Fund will allow us to accelerate our work so that Nottingham can make the most of the economic benefits of The Island Quarter as quickly as possible. “With monies from the fund, Conygar will be able to proceed immediately with the refurbishment works to the two incredible heritage warehouses on the site to bring them back to life.” Nick Ebbs, chair of Nottingham’s Growth Board, said: “The city’s bids can deliver what Levelling Up aims to achieve – investment in infrastructure that can make a real difference to local communities; creating jobs and opportunities for people and businesses in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands region.”

Interest rates to rise to 1.75% as recession warnings given

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Interest rates to rise to 1.75% as recession warnings given
The Bank of England has announced that it will increase interest rates by 0.5% to 1.75% in a bid to bring inflation under control. It is the biggest rise in interest rates for 27 years, acts as another risk to business confidence, and comes amid a forecast that the UK economy will contract for five consecutive quarters.
Scott Knowles
East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “The Bank of England’s bleak forecast signals a struggle ahead for businesses, their employees and customers given the precarious state of the economy, but there is hope of improvement in the medium to long term if they get the support urgently needed. “Spiralling costs – from energy, fuel, people and raw materials – are cited by firms as by far and away the top concern right now, with 62% of East Midlands companies telling us they expect to be forced into raising their own prices in our latest Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 2022. “There are many causes of the current inflation crisis – global supply chain problems, trade barriers, soaring energy costs, increased taxes and labour market shortages – and this combination has caused very real crises in both the cost of living and cost of doing business. “Interest rate rises alone will do little to address these and there is a risk it will continue to stifle investment among small businesses, which often require loans that are quickly becoming more expensive to service. “With investment intentions among our region’s firms down – by 6% compared to the previous quarter for plant and machinery, and by 3% for training – the direction of travel by the Bank of England does not appear to offer much hope this will change. “With the incredibly tight labour market putting upward pressure on inflation and long-term confidence beginning to wane, it’s crucial the Government now works with the private sector to come up with a solution that will enable business to drive the growth that can minimise the impact of the forecast recession. “This should include reducing the costs for small businesses to invest in upskilling their workforce and providing training-related tax breaks, as well as reforming the shortage occupation list to allow sectors facing urgent demand for skills to get what they need.”
Alpesh Paleja
Alpesh Paleja, CBI lead economist, said: “The Bank of England’s latest rate rise is the biggest in 27 years, and follows in the footsteps of strong tightening by other central banks. It underscores the seriousness of our inflation problem, but also demonstrates the MPC’s willingness to act in response. “Despite early signs of some pipeline price pressures fading, it’s clear that we’re in for a hard winter. With another hefty rise in Ofgem’s energy price cap looming, support for the most vulnerable households and businesses should be kept under review. “Monetary policy is the first line of defence against inflation, yet building resilience to future price shocks requires a concrete plan for economic growth. So the new Prime Minister must prioritise boosting productivity through greater business investment via incentives and business rate reforms. Meanwhile, investing in energy efficiency can support people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.”
FSB
Martin McTague of the FSB
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) national chair Martin McTague said: “The need to get a grip on inflation is clear, with costs at a record high for 89% of small businesses according to FSB’s latest Small Business Index – driven by fuel, utilities, inputs, labour and tax hikes. “Moving interest rates is not without consequences: it’s removing steam from the economy at a time of meagre growth. Small businesses already face grave uncertainty as they try to recover from the impact of Covid, while contending with the cost of doing business crisis. “First, many commercial, personal and professional loans that small businesses and sole traders hold are not protected by fixed rates and will move in line with the increase today. In a situation where inflation is already putting many small firms in extremely difficult conditions, there is now further concern that these businesses will face higher costs in paying back their loans. “Second, attempts to get back to a functioning commercial lending market will be hampered as new products will become more expensive – and so small firms will find it harder to access affordable credit. The British Business Bank’s Recovery Loan Scheme is coming back later this month, and this could not happen soon enough. If the economy slows in autumn, it will be even more important for the scheme to be operational and in place, so it can be flexed up. “Hard-working individual business owners are also already fighting an uphill battle with supply chain disruption, increasing utility bills and surging fuel prices. Action must therefore be taken on other challenges that small businesses face. “Many members are reporting mushrooming energy bills multiplying by four or five times in recent months. Small business energy customers don’t benefit from consumer protections, nor do they have the negotiating power of their larger counterparts, making utility bill inflation especially tricky to handle. Struggling micro-businesses should be offered help on energy costs to match that being given to households. “The Government should also be looking at other measures to ease soaring costs of doing business, such as a reversal of the hike in National Insurance, cutting VAT and fuel duty, and introducing new reliefs on business rates. “The cost of living crisis can’t be solved without at the same time solving the cost of doing business crisis; we must bring down inflation, but the negative aspects of today’s hike make the case stronger for small business support as thousands upon thousands of small firms will have less financial room to manoeuvre.”

New £6m primary school proposed for growing Leicestershire town

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New £6m primary school proposed for growing Leicestershire town
A new primary school could be built to meet the needs of a Leicestershire town’s growing population. The school, on land off Normandy Way in Hinckley, would accommodate up to 210 pupils and will have seven classrooms. It would also have a specialist teaching room for practical subjects such as cookery, as well as a hall, library, garden, and wildlife area. Leicestershire County Council has submitted a planning application for the school which will be considered by the authority’s Development Control and Regulatory Board on Thursday August 11. If the board approves the plan, contractors will build the school to the county council’s specifications with most of the expected £6 million cost being provided by developers Bloor Homes. The new school would be part of the developer’s section 106 planning obligations arising from the new housing developments in the area. In line with the county council’s green agenda, the school would also include solar panels and air source heat pumps. Construction work is expected to begin on site in September this year, with an expected opening date of September 2023. Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Providing new schools places across the county is a top priority for us in order to meet the expected demand, particularly in the Hinckley area as the town expands. “This school will be modern and environmentally friendly, and I look forward to seeing further updates as construction gets underway.” Once complete, ownership of the school will be transferred to Leicestershire County Council. The school will be run as an academy, by a trust yet to be determined.

Plans in for 120-home scheme in Leicestershire

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Plans in for 120-home scheme in Leicestershire
Housebuilder William Davis Homes is working with planners to help meet the demand for new housing in part of Leicestershire, submitting proposals for more than 120 homes. The plans involve a site off Snells Nook Lane in Nanpantan, which has already been allocated for development in the Charnwood Local Plan. The area was previously earmarked for development as part of the Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park, but is allocated for housing under the new, draft local plan. Before the application was submitted, a consultation exercise involving the wider community and stakeholders was conducted. Further consultation will now be carried out by Charnwood Borough Council, following the submission of the proposals. In addition to 128 new homes, the proposals will create publicly-accessible open space equivalent to almost 4.5 football pitches and a new children’s play area. Along with improved footpaths along the former Charnwood Forest canal, these measures will help to address the identified shortfall of open space in Nanpantan – a key concern raised in the public consultation. William Davis Homes is working with Charnwood Borough Council to provide the right types of houses to meet demand. The plans include both first-time buyer and larger family homes. In line with local authority policy, almost a third of the proposed new homes will be made available to local people for rent, sold under an equity share scheme or made available for sale at a permanent 30% discount, under the Government’s First Homes initiative. In drawing up the proposals, William Davis Homes has commissioned extensive traffic modelling, which has shown there would not be a severe impact on the surrounding highway network. The site’s access point, along with highways and footpath improvements, are aimed at encouraging sustainable transport options. A comprehensive landscape scheme will support sustainability. The plans will maintain ecologically valuable habitats, including the Ancient Woodland adjacent to the site, as well as delivering a biodiversity net gain. In addition, the new homes will include electric car charging points and solar panels as standard and deliver a carbon reduction compared with current new build properties. William Davis Homes has also pledged to work with the local council to ensure that any impact on health and education services is mitigated. Where necessary, there would be financial contributions to help maintain and improve local infrastructure. As a Charnwood-based business, William Davis Homes is already a major local employer with an established local supply chain.

New £10m housing development completes in Nottingham

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New £10m housing development completes in Nottingham
Property developer Taggart Homes has delivered a 45 home development in Nottinghamshire. All homes on the site are now build complete, with just the ex-view home being available to buy. Many residents are now enjoying their new homes and settling into life in the village of Annesley. The development is located on Derby Road, allowing for easy transport routes to Hucknall, Nottingham and Mansfield. With the majority of the properties falling within the Help to Buy scheme, the homes attracted a high level of interest from first time buyers, families and professional couples. The development is situated on the doorstep to amenities including primary schools, a supermarket, a library, sports fields and a short distance from Newstead Abbey. Forest Park showcases seven different property types including semi-detached and detached homes. Director of Taggart Homes, Nick Taggart, said: “We are very excited to see the completion of Forest Park and delighted to welcome residents into their new homes. The flurry of interest we’ve had on these properties has been remarkable as the homes began selling very early in the build and have continued to sell exceptionally well throughout. “At Taggart, we pride ourselves on attention to detail, especially with high-specification fixtures and fittings that homebuyers can customise to their taste, as we know this plays a vital part in the home buying process. “The distinctive homes were built on a vacant, derelict site which was former working men’s club and we have been committed to help revitalise the community and its future, as a thriving location popular with families and commuters. Whilst completing the build, we were delighted to be able to help the local primary school, donating much needed funds to help the school renovate their dining hall.”

Taggart Homes has worked alongside Core Architects and Ashfield District Council to deliver this scheme.

Just 2 weeks left to make your nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022!

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Just 2 weeks left to make your nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022!
With only two weeks remaining until nominations close for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, ensure to submit your entries for the annual celebration of the property and construction industry by 19 August! Scheduled to take place on Thursday 15 September, the Bricks shine a light on the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. The glittering awards ceremony revealing winners, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, will also offer the perfect chance to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. The event will additionally feature John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker. Nominations for the awards are open until Friday 19 August. To submit a business or development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 will also be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000. Find out who last year’s winners were here.

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 exceptional companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome 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.
Thanks to our sponsors:                                      

To be held at:

Plans to secure £20m for Ollerton and Clipstone submitted

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Plans to secure £20m for Ollerton and Clipstone submitted
Newark and Sherwood District Council has submitted its plans to government in an effort to secure nearly £20million in funding for Ollerton and Clipstone.
If successful the District Council will develop the disused site at Clipstone Holdings into high quality space for businesses, make huge improvements to Ollerton Town Centre, create new sports facilities in Clipstone and improve transport links to the area. The District Council has applied for a grant through round two of the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF). If the bid is successful, proposals include up to 60 new homes, the creation of new retail, food and beverage shops, new office workspaces and the relocation of the Library in Ollerton Town Centre. The proposal would bring key public services, for example the Town Council and the Library, together in a single, modern and accessible facility, all under one roof. The funding would also be used to create space for businesses to use as well as sports and leisure facilities on Mansfield Road, Clipstone. The investment here would create a site offering training to develop new skills while also creating employment opportunities as well as a modern health and wellbeing provision in the heart of the community. The project would see the demolition of existing derelict light industrial units on the Clipstone Holdings site and the redevelopment of 30 brand new units. In addition, new modern mixed-use sports facilities would also be developed, including a 3G pitch, one grass pitch, one stadium pitch, a cricket pitch and multi-use courts. These would be accompanied by two pavilions, a main sports hall and 505 parking spaces. A new road layout and cycling connections would also be developed. This could then act as a catalyst for the development of the coal mining headstock. Councillor David Lloyd, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for Ollerton and Clipstone and I’m delighted to see our proposals submitted to Government. These proposals will help to improve employment opportunities in Ollerton and Clipstone and will address some of our key challenges that are set out in our Local Plan and have also been identified through resident feedback.” Before preparing its proposals, the District Council undertook a survey with residents and other key local people, including local businesses. The survey showed strong support for town centre regeneration, employment creation, better shops, improved retail and leisure offering, upskilling of the workforce, and measures to enhance wellbeing. Ollerton and Clipstone were identified by respondents as places that are most in need of investment in the district. Councillor Lloyd continued: “I would like to thank everyone that contributed to the consultation and had their say on what matters most to them for future development of their local community; I am confident that our proposals to government reflect your aspirations. “New office and workshop spaces in Ollerton and Clipstone will provide modern facilities for local businesses and attract businesses looking for high-quality and energy efficient space, which is great news for those who live and work in the district. “It is also our priority to create high quality employment opportunities, offer opportunities to increase skills and improve health and wellbeing by providing the right public services and support at the right place. I hope that our bid, like the one for Newark, is successful and I look forward to hopefully sharing positive news with you in the future.” In July 2021 Newark and Sherwood District Council successfully submitted a bid for Newark during the first round of the Levelling Up Fund for the Southern Link Road. This built on the District Council’s positive partnership with the Newark Town Board, securing £25million in March 2021 to begin work on transformative projects to regenerate Newark town centre, boost business and improve infrastructure through the Newark Town Fund. The Levelling Up Fund is designed to invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK. The £4.8 billion fund will support town centre and high street regeneration, local transport projects, and cultural and heritage assets.

Keeping it simple: low maintenance office interior design

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Keeping it simple: low maintenance office interior design
With workers no longer chained to their desks and workplaces adapting to a more flexible work environment, specialists in commercial interior design and refurbishment, APSS look at simple, low maintenance ways to improve your office environment. The last few years have made the office more of a variable space. With the current workplace revolution, how do you keep things low maintenance and simple? There’s a lot to be said for minimalist design and keeping things simple. The straightforward clean approach to office interiors is one that’s been followed since the 1990s. The plain, clinical whites of that decade have gone but the idea around keeping things tidy still prevails. As hybrid working and hotdesking becomes more popular, there has been more of an emphasis on shared workspaces. This of course means workstations need to be kept clean, functional and in good working order. The clutter that comes with the traditional desk setup is therefore gone. Personal items tend to be stowed in drawers and as a result, offices can feel less busy and cluttered which can improve productivity. Keeping it clean Cleanliness is a hugely important aspect of office maintenance and due to COVID this is even more of a concern. Germs and bacteria live on surfaces and office furniture for longer than you imagine so keeping surfaces clean is the best way to combat this. Generally, desks, kitchens and bathrooms have safer surfaces. When considering initial concepts and surfaces in particular, it’s best to pick sealed surfaces, avoiding material that might hold onto moisture or absorb potentially harmful bacteria or germs. Avoid wood with open grains for example or rough, uneven stone surfaces, even if they look superior. Consider automation You may already be using some degree of automation at home. Your robot vacuum or self-cleaning oven saves you time and money, so why not introduce some degree of automation in the office? Pairing tech with design choices can also work wonders when it comes to tackling office interior solutions. There are a few solutions available if you need to keep floors tidy at all times and experience heavy footfall. Setting off vacuums and choosing a low-maintenance carpet or floor surface can make a huge difference. Selecting carpet that doesn’t require much upkeep can often mean a sacrifice in aesthetics. However, you can seek out options that offer both style and ease of cleaning. Ventilation and heating can also be something you can automate and manage flawlessly. Automatic vents and heating sensors can ensure a comfortable temperature is achieved depending on the season, the outside temperature and how many people are in the building. Automatic windows and heating vents can also make things easier and can save incredible amounts of money. Lighting is something that can be automated easily, every area of an office can be on movement detection and for areas where people will be working for extended periods, this can also be overwritten. This saves on both lighting bills and light pollution, which is becoming more of an issue in densely populated cities and towns. A simple detection system can be installed at the point of refurbishment or retrofitted to provide a perfect way to keep an office’s lighting running efficiently. Bring nature inside Having office plants doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice time and valuable resources on keeping them in order. There’s a whole host of options when it comes to low-maintenance plants and having them in the office can create a calm, serene environment. It can also promote a more creative office. Biophilic design is something that is having a profound influence on many interiors, bringing the calming parts of nature inside. Remember, there are many health benefits to having plants in an office, including as humidity boosters, air purifiers and stress reducers in general. Look into plants that need minimal care such as cacti, succulents and other plants that thrive on low water levels and can survive both direct and indirect light with ease. Options can include bushy ferns, spider plants, larger leafy varieties and much more. Avoiding plants that need pruning, daily watering or flowering varieties can mean you can take advantage of their best properties without worrying about looking after them too much. Facilities with no fuss As well as environmentally friendly options there’s a whole lot more you can do with hygiene and convenience facilities in a bespoke office design. For example, rainwater harvesting to flush toilets, water-saving taps, and even waterless urinals can all feature in an office design to ensure there’s no waste and cleaning is much more of a simple task. Automatic flushes also mean cleanliness and hygiene are also promoted effortlessly. In kitchens, instant boiling water taps and smarter surface choices can all make a difference too. There are many options available here for what are high-traffic areas. Feeling inspired to look into low-maintenance office design? APSS offer a full design and build services and can help talk you through what potential your office has for your business. Visit the website for more details.

Acres awarded Gold by Ministry of Defence

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Acres awarded Gold by Ministry of Defence
Derby-based Acres Engineering has received the highest accolade from the Ministry of Defence to recognise their support for the Armed Forces Community. The family business, which is located on Castle Lane Industrial Estate, Melbourne has received Gold Award as part of the Armed Forces Covenant. This acknowledges employers who provided exceptional support to the armed forces community and Defence by going above and beyond their Armed Forces Covenant pledges. Earlier this year, Bruce Spencer, MOD’s engagement director, visited the Acres Engineering workshop to review their progress on their application for Gold status in April. Yesterday  Major Steve Goodwin, visited site to officially recognise them, when Acres Engineering publicly re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant. Luke Parker, Managing Director at Acres Engineering, said: “Acres Engineering proudly supports the Armed Forces Covenant and pledges to support the Defence community  within the business, ensuring those who have served in the armed forces are treated fairly. “We always wanted to exceed the agreement and progress our engagement to the Gold Award and we are proud that our work here has been recognised by the MOD. We enthusiastically endorse the hiring of reservists and veterans at Acres Engineering and we stand by those who have served our nation.” Major Goodwin said: “Acres Engineering Ltd is a great example of how employers are putting the Armed Forces Covenant into action to support the wider Armed Forces community. As Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold award holders, they have raised the bar for Derbyshire employer support and are well placed to share best practice and inspire other employers to follow their lead and experience the benefits of Partnering with Defence.”

Northamptonshire manufacturer set to be snapped up

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Northamptonshire manufacturer set to be snapped up
EV Technology Group has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Northamptonshire-headquartered manufacturer, Fablink Group in transaction valued at up to £38.8m. Since it was founded over 14 years ago, Fablink has built up a market-leading position as a Tier 1 supplier to the automotive, transport and off-highway sectors, counting leading global OEMs in its customer base. The acquisition includes all seven Fablink manufacturing sites across the UK, and Streamline Automotive, a new division of Fablink Group that provides specialist low and medium volume electric vehicle manufacturers with turnkey clean build vehicle assembly capabilities. Richard Westley, CEO and founder of Fablink Group, will remain in his current position and will also join the EV Technology Group executive team as chief operating officer upon completion of the acquisition. Fablink will also retain its current leadership team, facilities and over 750 employees. Richard Westley, CEO and founder Fablink Group, said: “There’s no doubt that EV Technology Group’s acquisition of Fablink is a fantastic fit. This acquisition not only presents a superb blend of resource and capabilities, aligned to underpin EV Technology Group’s significant growth plans, but also gives Fablink Group a platform for significant future investment in our people, facilities & technology. “The acquisition allows us to accelerate the delivery of our strategies in support of our existing global OEM customers, as we continue on our mission of achieving operational excellence across our manufacturing sites, and also provides a platform to further develop the business as we look to support EV Technology Group’s own brands. This is a tremendously exciting step for Fablink and we are looking forward to an even brighter future as part of a larger group.” Wouter Witvoet, CEO of EV Technology Group, stated: “This acquisition is of huge strategic importance to the EV Technology Group. Having access to Fablink’s 750 world-class electric vehicle manufacturing and engineering experts in-house makes us more competitive, efficient, and agile for Fablink’s existing customers and our own future projects. “On a personal note, I am also looking forward to working closely with Fablink’s founder and CEO Richard Westley who has built a remarkable world-leading business and will also be joining me at EV Technology Group to help steer the future success and growth of the entire group.”

Ibstock acquires facades business

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Ibstock acquires facades business
Leicestershire-based Ibstock has extended its modular construction technology portfolio through the acquisition of a 75% stake in Generix Facades Limited (Generix), a UK supplier of non-combustible façade systems. The acquisition represents a further strategic step in broadening the range of façade systems offered by Ibstock Futures, as the construction market seeks lower carbon, non-combustible forms of cladding for use in the mid-high rise and modular market segments. Generix, which was formed in 2013 in Bloxwich in the West Midlands, produces three types of façade systems: Generix-Lite (natural stone panels), Infinity (ceramic panels), and Genbrix (mechanically fixed brick-slip cladding). Co-founder and Managing Director, John Nolan, will remain in his role and retain the minority shareholding in Generix. Jeremie Rombaut, Managing Director of Ibstock Futures, said: “Generix represents an important strategic step for Ibstock Futures, with a new systems offering into the fast-growing sectors of the UK facades market. “Through this acquisition, we have a great opportunity to expand our customer offering in new market segments. I welcome John and his team to Ibstock and look forward to scaling the business together in the years to come.”
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