Work progresses on new local centre and GP practice in Leicestershire
Work is well underway on a new local centre at New Lubbesthorpe in Leicestershire being delivered by developer Charterpoint, in association with landowner The Drummond Trust.
Derby-based contractor Davlyn Construction has been appointed to build the two-storey, mixed-use development known as the Brook Centre, which will house a Sainsbury’s Local store and four additional units for retail, including a café/bistro on the ground floor.
The first floor will be occupied by Forest House Medical Centre.
It will be the first local centre at the vibrant new community in Blaby which will eventually include more than 4,000 new homes.
Charterpoint MD Giles Nursey said: “This local centre will bring much-needed retail and café facilities to the New Lubbesthorpe community. It will also create a new practice for Forest House Medical Centre.
“We are delighted that work is progressing on site and that the steel frame is up.”
Work is also underway on a 66-bed care home being built near the local centre after Charterpoint and The Drummond Trust sold the scheme to Octopus Healthcare Fund, which invests in best-in-class care homes across the UK.
The local centre and care home – designed by Franklin Ellis Architects – will complete the development of the Tay Road feature square that also includes New Lubbesthorpe Primary School.
It is expected that work will be completed on the local centre and GP practice by summer 2025.
New Lubbesthorpe is a new community set in 1,000 acres, of which 325 acres will be new parks and wetlands, south of Leicester Forest East.
Council takes developer to court over lack of affordable housing
Bolsover District Council has taken a housing developer to court over the lack of affordable housing on their site, even though it was an obligation of the planning permission approval.
The development known as Hawthorne Meadows off Chesterfield Road in Barlborough is being built by Arba Ground Trading Company and the council noted that the development was almost built out meaning they had no intention of complying with the obligations of the planning permission and paying the monies owed.
The development was granted planning permission in March 2011 with the later amended proviso included as part of the s106 condition that 10% of the homes on the site be affordable housing. However, 126 houses have currently been built and occupied, leaving nine left to be built, which meant they could not meet the affordable housing target.
His Honour Judge (HHJ) Tindal presided over the case in the High Court in Birmingham and the council argued that the developer appeared to be trying to build a market housing only development on the site, which is not what planning permission was granted for and was a breach of the s106.
HHJ Tindal stated that “a party who made promises under a s106 and then breaks those promises can expect themselves to be made subject to an injunction.” He went on to say that “the developer had raised over £31million and there is a strong public interest in this Council seeking an injunction and that as 126 properties are occupied the s106 cannot be complied with.”
HHJ Tindal issued an interim injunction on the developer that prohibits them from building or selling/leasing any more properties and that costs have been reserved. The case has been adjourned as the developer has appealed a February 2024 decision refusing to vary the s106 agreement to reduce their obligations. Once the appeal process is complete the matter will be returned to the High Court.
HHJ Tindal went on to state: “I cannot understand what defence they can have. It should also be made clear that they owe the debt. What’s currently owed as we stand here today is the full amount of contributions owed under the original agreements.”
Cabinet Member for Governance, Councillor Duncan McGregor said: “We faced the real risk that the development would be completed, sold and occupied without the monies being paid and other obligations being met. The developer could then wind up the company, leaving all contributions outstanding with little means for the Council to enforce the terms of the obligations.
“Nothing which has occurred over the last three years gives us any confidence that the obligations would be promptly and fully complied with, that’s why we sought court action.
“But let this be a warning to developers. We issue planning permission on the proviso that its conditions are met. If they are not, then we will take legal action against those responsible.”
New firm to take over community hub development following contractor’s fall into administration
After last month the main contractor for the Clay Cross Active development, ISG, filed for administration, delaying progress on the project, a new contractor has been sourced.
North East Derbyshire District Council said its development partner, Alliance Leisure, has worked tirelessly to appoint a new contractor and minimise the impact on the scheme.
Now, Universal Civils & Build will take over the scheme.
Contractors will return to the site in the coming weeks.
Universal has already made the site secure and safe, and are currently rescheduling the works to ensure they can be completed as quickly as possible.
Clay Cross Active is a new community hub, providing a place to be active, both physically and mentally.
It is set to feature a large, modern fitness suite, spin studio, sports hall, main pool and learner pool with spectator seating, changing places facility, treatment rooms, Innerva wellness suite, soft play and interactive play, and a community café. Citizens Advice North East Derbyshire will also be based in the new Clay Cross Active.
Football arena and sports bar seeks buyer following appointment of administrators
Active Arena CIC has appointed Mark Hopkins and Ian Rose of FTS Recovery Ltd as joint administrators following the closure of their customer-facing premises on 3 October 2024.
The company, which has operated a community football arena and sports bar in Lincolnshire since 2019, was forced to cease trading on 10 October 2024 when severe cashflow shortages resulted in the disconnection of the Arena’s electricity supply.
Despite the popularity of the Active Arena venue, the company’s profit margin had been seriously depleted by rising energy prices and other cost increases associated with the cost-of-living crisis. With the company’s cashflow already stretched by Covid, this ultimately made it impossible to continue trading.
FTS Recovery is now actively seeking a buyer for the company and its assets, with a view to its continued trading as a going concern at their current premises. The sale will be managed by FTS Recovery’s appointed agents, Eddisons.
Mark Hopkins, insolvency practitioner, FTS Recovery Limited, said: “The closure of the Active Arena site will be a blow to the local community who have welcomed the award-winning facility as a fun and safe place to socialise and become active. We are eager to arrange a sale that will allow the company to return to serving its loyal customers as quickly as possible.
“The Arena is an excellent opportunity for the right buyer to build on what is already an integral part of the community with a strong customer-base and brand recognition.”
Homebuilder raises more than £7,000 for armed forces charity with Rutland golf day
More than £7,000 was raised to help service personnel, veterans and their families at a charity golf day organised by homebuilder Vistry Group.
Vistry has chosen SSAFA the Armed Forces charity as its fundraising cause for the year and the East Anglia region of the company arranged the event at Greetham Valley Golf Club in Rutland on Tuesday 24 September.
The day was attended by 80 players, made up of staff and subcontractors who work across the region. Branch chair for SSAFA East Midlands Jim Evans also attended the fundraiser.
Jim said: “The incredible and continued commitment to SSAFA and our Armed Forces community that everyone at the Vistry Group has demonstrated this year is simply outstanding.
“Because of their continued support at events like this golf day and so many others, the Forces family will have the committed, practical, financial, and emotional support they deserve, whenever and wherever they need us. For this, we cannot thank everyone at Vistry enough.”
Andy Pearce, construction director for Vistry East Anglia, said: “We had a great day on the golf course, and it was very enjoyable to get together with the people we work alongside every day to take part in a day of sport while supporting a good cause. I’d like to thank everyone who helped to make it so successful.
“And it was good to welcome Jim Evans from SSAFA to our event so that we could find out more about the charity’s work on the day.
“We were proud to hand over thousands of pounds to SSAFA and we know that the money will make a big difference to the people who will be helped as a result.”
The event raised £7,100, which included donations, a raffle and an auction. The golf competition was followed by a dinner and prize giving in the Rutland Suite at the golf club.
Business connectivity and communications firm takes space at Derbyshire office complex
Business connectivity and communications firm Yappl has expanded after taking new space on an office complex in South Normanton, Derbyshire.
Yappl has moved into recently-refurbished 2,465 sq ft office space at Unit 4, The Village on Maisies Way in a deal brokered by NG Chartered Surveyors.
Joe Butler, Finance Director at Yappl, said: “We’re thrilled to have moved into our new office space on Maisies Way. The location is ideal for our growing team, providing us with excellent transport links and a vibrant business community. This move marks an exciting new chapter for Yappl, and we look forward to continuing our growth from our new base.”
Charlotte Steggles, Associate Director at NG Chartered Surveyors, said that a forward-thinking private landlord client was key to securing a new tenant for Unit 4.
She added: “Unit 4 is a perfect space for an ambitious, growing company such as Yappl. Our client has been proactive in refurbishing the unit to a very high standard, meaning we could widen our scope when it came to our marketing process.
“Yappl will benefit from a fantastic community of businesses on Maisies Way, as well as excellent access to Junction 28 of the M1, which is just a mile away.
“We wish Yappl well for the future in their new home. It’s been a pleasure to work with them.”
Unseasonal weather hits revenue and profit at Shoezone
Leicester footwear retailer Shoezone has seen a dip in revenue and profit in the year to 28 September 2024.
According to an unaudited full year trading update, group revenue reduced by 2.7% to £161.3m, due to unseasonal weather in the second half of the year, particularly peak summer, as well as trading out of 26 fewer stores.
However, the company noted that the key three weeks of Back to School trade in August and September was positive and ahead of the same period last year.
Profit before tax, meanwhile, is expected to be not less than £9.6m, sliding from £16.2m last year, as a result of the weather-impacted second half sales performance in conjunction with increases in the cost of energy, depreciation, National Living Wage and containers prices in the second half.
Charles Smith, Chairman, said: “A year of two halves, with the first half trading in line with expectations and ahead of the previous year, however, the second half trading was below expectations due to unseasonal weather conditions, particularly at peak summer, however, our key Back to School period traded above expectations at the end of the year. Our Digital business continued to grow, driven by the introduction of free next day delivery for all shoezone.com orders.”
Rejection for Frasers’ further Mulberry bid
The board of directors of fashion brand Mulberry has rejected Frasers Group’s revised offer for the business.
It follows Challice Limited, the company’s majority shareholder, stating publicly that it has “no interest” in selling its Mulberry shares to Frasers. As a result, Mulberry has now said: “After careful consideration with its advisers…the Board is unanimously of the view that the Possible Offer is untenable and that the Company should focus its attention on driving the commercial performance of the business.” It also reiterated an earlier statement: “We believe that the combination of the appointment of a new CEO, our new debt facility and the capital raising…will put the Group on a firm footing to ensure we are well set up for future growth.” The new bid by Frasers, which is a significant minority shareholder in Mulberry, would have entitled shareholders to receive 150 pence in cash for each Mulberry share. This implies a valuation of approximately £111 million for the entire issued, and to be issued, ordinary share capital of Mulberry, or approximately £72 million for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Mulberry that Frasers does not already own.Modular housebuilder to wind down Derby factory
Modular housebuilder TopHat is to shutter its factory near Derby following dwindling orders.
As reported by the Construction Enquirer, the Goldman Sachs-backed firm has opened consultations with the staff at its factory at Dove Valley Park, Foston, which it plans to wind-down alongside the completion of all orders.
A statement from the company said: “In response to the challenging market environment over the last several years, TopHat has been gradually reducing its workforce.
“Unfortunately, due to the continued reduction in future pipeline, TopHat is in the process of making most of the factory staff redundant by following a statutory consultation process.
“This orderly wind-down of volumetric operations will put the business in a position to assess all future options.
“It is our strong belief that there is a continued need for Category 1 and Category 2 modular in the UK and we hope that we can capitalise on this in the future.”
It follows news in March that TopHat had pressed pause on its plans to open Europe’s biggest modular homes factory in Corby. Production was due to start this year at the 650,000 sq ft facility.
New Northampton development sites opened up following Government funding
West Northamptonshire Council has been awarded a total of almost £2.6m from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund.
The funding will help bring several derelict sites across the area back into use, as part of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s One Public Estate programme.
A former bus depot in St James, Northampton, will benefit from a £1,368,000 grant which will help remedy ground contamination and asbestos at the site which has been vacant for a decade.
There will also be further work on the site to prepare it for a residential-led scheme, creating much needed housing in that area of town.
Preparation at the former University of Northampton Avenue Campus site – including the construction of roads in the site and utility upgrades – will be possible thanks to a £1,031,500 award. This will also allow residential development.
And the former Ecton Brook Care Home site will be demolished in preparation for a new affordable housing scheme, thanks to a £200,000 grant.
Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure, said: “This funding recognises the potential of these sites and our prudent approach in buying them, and we’re grateful to the Government for this valuable contribution.
“Finding areas for new housing can be challenging and brownfield sites are ultimately the most appropriate but salvaging them is often difficult due to the cost.
“These three sites will provide in the region of 250 new homes for our residents, as part of our drive to meet growing residential demand.”
Pet food brand acquired following £43m funding package
Butcher’s Pet Care (Butcher’s), a family-owned pet food business based in Northamptonshire, has been acquired by Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN), the independent pet food business owned by CapVest.
The acquisition will include a refinancing of term debt provided by Blazehill Capital and working capital facilities provided by Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance (STB).
Founded in 1983 by Graham Baker, Butcher’s is one of the UK’s leading pet food brands, specialising in natural pet food for dogs and cats. Its products are available in all major retailers across the UK, online and in several markets worldwide.
The business faced significant inflationary pressure in early 2022 as a result of the war in Ukraine and in parallel management were looking to deliver a strategic growth plan, which included a full brand refresh.
To allow the business to withstand the market volatility and ensure the successful delivery of the business plan, Butcher’s sought to refinance their existing facilities with a more flexible funding package to provide the necessary financial breathing space.
The optimal solution was a combined funding package from Blazehill Capital and STB, consisting of an STB working capital facility and a Blazehill Capital non-amortising term loan. Since securing the new facilities, the business has gone from strength to strength, culminating in a successful exit for shareholders to Inspired Pet Nutrition.
The acquisition by Inspired Pet Nutrition creates a petfood group with sales of more than £350m and allows Butcher’s to continue focusing on its strategic growth ambitions.
Tim Watsham, former CEO of Butchers Pet Care, said: “This acquisition marks an exciting milestone in the Butcher’s journey. Both the Blazehill and STB teams took the time to understand the drivers of our business and our growth ambitions.
“The combined facilities, consisting of a flexible STB working capital facility and an innovative stretch-senior Blazehill term loan integrated seamlessly, with the dual-lender structure operating throughout the term as if it were a single bilateral solution.
“We’re all excited for what is next as we enter a new chapter and would like to thank the Blazehill and STB teams for their patient and pragmatic approach throughout.”
Tom Weedall, Managing Director at Blazehill Capital, said: “From the outset we invested significant time with Tim and Butcher’s key stakeholders to fully understand their strategic plan for the business and ensured that they had access to sufficient capital to support its objectives.
“This hugely successful outcome for the Butcher’s team underscores Blazehill’s ability to provide Transformational Capital to unlock further liquidity for businesses and, crucially, highlights the benefits of Blazehill’s hybrid approach to structuring debt led solutions.
“We have built a strong relationship with Tim and the team and we’re excited to see the business continue to flourish following its acquisition by Inspired Pet Nutrition.”
Colin Muir, Portfolio and Structuring Director at Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, said: “From supporting the business in 2022 to its recent acquisition, the Butchers team has remained committed to strategic growth and has turned the business around, delivering strong results and ultimately driving forward a successful acquisition.
“By working closely with Tim and the team, we were able to initially structure a flexible facility that would allow Butchers to unlock the value held in the business and grow its market presence.
“The facility, alongside Blazehill Capital, all helped to achieve this so it’s great to see such a strong result for the business as it enters a new era with Inspired Pet Nutrition. We all wish the business the best in its next chapter of growth.”
MEC strengthens team with trio of promotions and senior hire
MEC Consulting Group, a specialist, multi-disciplinary technical consultancy with offices in Leicester, has strengthened its team with a series of promotions and new senior appointment.
In the firm’s Civils team, Danny Hinds is promoted to Senior Civil Engineer and Nathan Broomfield becomes a Civil Engineer.
Now in his tenth year with MEC, Danny’s career began on the firm’s apprenticeship scheme and has seen him qualify with a HND in Civil and Building Engineering and an NVQ in Construction Management.
As Senior Civil Engineer, Danny moves into a more client-facing role where he will also oversee quality control and project resourcing for the five-strong Civils team.
Nathan joined MEC as a CAD Technician and has progressed to Civil Engineer, including achieving his EngTech membership with the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) this year. In his new role, Nathan will report to Danny but also acts as the design lead on projects and line manager/mentor to one of MEC’s current civil engineering apprentices.
Newly promoted in the Flood Risk and Drainage team is Ryan Chafer, who becomes a Senior Flood Risk Engineer. Alongside scheduling all the team’s work, part of Ryan’s new role means he becomes a direct line manager for two junior members of staff, including performance reviews and mentoring.
MEC’s Managing Director, Alex Bennett said: “Nurturing professional development is a fundamental part of our company culture so it’s especially pleasing to be able to reward these three talented individuals with this series of promotions.
“I’m also aware that Danny, Nathan and Ryan each aspire to undertake further training towards their respective technical qualifications and am confident that their new roles will give them the skills and experience to achieve this. We look forward to supporting them take this step forward in their careers with MEC.”
Meanwhile, new to the business is Group Marketing & Business Development Manager, Libby Willmott. A qualified CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) Member, Libby brings 12 years’ B2B and B2C experience from roles in healthcare, education, technology, and hospitality.
At MEC, Libby will be responsible for all marketing and communications output, including website, social media and events as well as driving business development, brand awareness and strategy.
Libby said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining MEC as the company seeks to grow its presence across the Midlands and South East.
“The team is working on some flagship schemes in these regions, including strategic development land and sustainable urban extensions, as well as more unusual projects such as topographical surveys to help reintegrate water voles and technical drainage assessments to support the extension of a woodland mushroom farm!
“In addition, we’re actively recruiting for graduate, mid and senior level roles, and will celebrate our 15th year in business later this year, so there’s plenty of positive news to talk about.”
West Bridgford to get 90 new homes on abandoned restaurant site
A £15m investment is set to transform abandoned brownfield land in West Bridgford at the hands of Doncaster-based developer Keepmoat.
The housebuilder acquired the site off Wilford Lane, which formerly housed a disused restaurant and rifle range, in 2020 and subsequently secured planning to regenerate the land with 90 homes.
The site, which saw a show home launch this summer, will deliver an enhanced specification of energy efficient homes – a new type of offering for the housebuilder, which typically creates homes perfect for first-time-buyers.
Robin McGinn, Land & Partnerships Director at Keepmoat, East Midlands said: “We’re pleased to be regenerating a disused piece of land at the heart of West Bridgford that has so much culture and diversity within the existing area.
“Considering the already established community we’re committed to creating new homes that will fit seamlessly within the existing landscape. We are also investing in the local road infrastructure to provide valuable, convenient access to local amenities including schools, restaurants, cafes, gyms and the tram network.”
The development will be called Chateau Mews in a nod to the name of the restaurant which used to occupy the site.
Market Harborough facility to help bring banking services back to the high street
The Chair of Harborough District Council, Councillor Peter Elliott, has officially opened a new banking kiosk at Market Harborough Building Society’s (MHBS) branch on The Square.
The facility is helping to bring banking services back to the high street following a number of bank closures in recent years.
The OneBanx kiosk will provide local people and businesses with a range of important services that were lost after Barclays, NatWest and HSBC all closed their branches in the town last year.
According to Which?, high street banks in the UK have been closing at a rate of 53 a month since 2015.
The free service, provided by the Society and OneBanx, a GLORY company, will allow customers of any bank to deposit and withdraw cash including coins. Higher deposit values are available if customers link their accounts to the Open Banking service.
Councillor Elliott said: “It’s encouraging to see banking services being brought back to the high street and that residents’ needs are being taken into account. It’s so important that Harborough residents and businesses have consistent access to banking facilities and this will be a significant fixture for our thriving town centre.”
Iain Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive from MHBS, said: “We know our branches are invaluable to many customers – especially to local businesses which need to deposit takings and the more vulnerable members of society, so this is a significant step in helping people to manage their money and overcome the problems caused by the loss of traditional high street banking.
“We fully expect the kiosk to be in demand by all kinds of people and we are very proud that we are the first organisation in the entire Midlands region to have been able to provide one. It’s just one of the ways that we’re giving back to the community as part of our Thrive Agenda.”
Javed Anjum, CEO of OneBanx, said: “By teaming up, OneBanx and MHBS combine modern convenience with a deep commitment to local community. Together, we have created an accessible and inclusive space where customers have reassurance of in-person support when they need it.
“As the original provider of multi-bank, cash transaction services in the UK since 2020, we have already powered substantial volumes of cash for thousands of UK consumers and businesses – and we are constantly innovating to meet the growing needs of UK financial institutions.”
Security specialist’s headquarters transformed with major design and fit out
Derby-based design, refurbishment and fit-out firm, DSP (Interiors) Ltd, has completed a significant transformation project of an 8,100 square foot unit for Secur-it Group Ltd, a security and fire safety specialist headquartered in Mansfield.
Secur-it Group Ltd, established in 1994, is a key player in the fire and security sector, protecting over 5,000 properties with more than 58,000 monthly alarm responses. With growing demands on its operations, the company sought to enhance its working environment by modernising and upgrading its facilities to improve efficiency and elevate employee well-being.
DSP (Interiors) Ltd began the project in June, working with Secur-it’s facilities team to design and deliver an extensive refurbishment and interior fit-out. The refurbishment involved reconfiguring and transforming the existing two-floor unit into a contemporary, multi-functional office and meeting space that fosters productivity and collaboration.
Key features of the fit-out included the installation of acoustic double-glazed partitioning with integrated blinds, alongside a series of durable laminate doors including replacing all the existing door sets to match. The workspace was revitalized with over 8,000 square feet of commercial grade carpet tiles.
To complete the project, the team carried out the specification and installation of furniture throughout both floors including feature acoustic slat wall panelling. A variety of furniture was included to provide an array of spaces that supported the staff including Informal meeting pods, breakout areas and high specification Meeting tables. All of the furniture was specified to tie in to the scheme, with high end finishes including rustic Oak.
Darren Ward, director at DSP (Interiors) Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Secur-it on the design and fit out of their commercial unit in Mansfield. The extensive refurbishment project included the integration of advanced acoustic solutions and stylish design elements to provide a functional and visually appealing space for the team at Secur-it.”
Secur-it added: “We are delighted with our new refurbished office space. The collaboration with DSP (Interiors) has resulted in a workspace that aligns perfectly with our operational needs. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality have transformed our environment into a more productive and inviting space for our team.
“This refurbished space not only enhances our daily operations but also highlights our commitment to providing a secure and comfortable environment for our staff and clients – a huge thank you to everyone at DSP Interiors.”
Nottingham textile business enters administration
Nottingham-based wholesale textile business, GS UK Limited, has entered administration.
Insolvency Practitioners, Richard Easterby and Michael Kiely from business advisory firm Quantuma, were appointed as Joint Administrators on 5 September 2024.
GS UK Limited was established in 1988 and was acquired by its most recent owners in 2019. GS UK Ltd has provided garment decorating services to the UK textile industry for over 30 years, whilst supplying thread stock and equipment including embroidery machines, printers and laser cutters.
Recently, the company has been lossmaking and was unable to find a buyer nor generate sufficient cashflow to meet future creditor obligations. Therefore, the company entered administration and immediately ceased to trade. GS UK Ltd employed a team of 10 staff – all roles at the business have now been made redundant.
Quantuma director and Joint Administrator Richard Easterby said: “It is deeply regrettable that GS UK has been forced to cease trading, due to a series of challenging circumstances.
“This was a sad ending for a long-established company. Our thanks go to all of the employees who worked hard during a difficult time and gave the company every chance to find a buyer. But unfortunately, it simply wasn’t to be.
“As Joint Administrators, our immediate priorities have been to provide appropriate support to those whose jobs have been affected whilst seeking to obtain maximum value for the Company’s creditors.”
Housebuilder wins approval for 128 homes in Nanpantan, Loughborough
William Davis Homes’ plans to build 128 new homes in Nanpantan have been approved.
Charnwood Borough Council’s Plans Committee resolved to grant permission on Thursday (17 October) for the development to be built on land off Snells Nook Lane.
The site has been allocated for housing in the emerging Charnwood Local Plan and was previously earmarked for development as part of the Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park.
As well as bringing new homes to help to meet local demand and national development targets, the new development will include 7.93 acres of public open space and green infrastructure.
The public open space will cover more than 43 per cent of the overall development site and will include sustainable drainage features and a children’s play area.
William Davis will build a mix of one to five-bedroom homes on the site, with 30 per cent – equivalent to 38 homes – to be made available as affordable housing. This will include a mix of homes for rent, shared ownership and for purchase through the First Homes scheme.
The housebuilder will make financial contributions totalling more than £1.5m as part of the plans, which will be spent on healthcare provision, education and transport improvements in the area.
Sarah Whetton, group land director for William Davis Homes, said: “We welcome the decision to approve our proposals for development on land off Snells Nook Lane, Nanpantan.
“As a Loughborough-based business which has been building in the area for 89 years, we put a great deal of care into planning our developments to ensure they are quality additions to the areas where they are built.
“This site has been earmarked for development for some time and our plans will create 128 quality new homes to help meet local demand.
“The development will also provide a boost to the local economy. Our developments enable us to employ almost 400 people locally – 40 per cent of whom live in Charnwood – and we invest £20m annually in the local supply chain.
“We will also make significant contributions to fund healthcare, education and transport improvements in the area.”
Midlands businesses call for greater certainty to stimulate growth
With one week to go until the Autumn Budget, and the anticipated publication of the Government’s business tax roadmap, companies in the Midlands are calling for more certainty on taxes to help stimulate growth within the region.
According to the latest research from accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO LLP, nearly a quarter of Midlands businesses (22%) want a commitment from the Government to replace business rates, potentially with a local business income tax, with more than one in ten businesses in the region (15%) wanting assurances from the Chancellor that full expensing capital allowances will remain for the life of this Parliament.
Skills are also high on the agenda, as regional businesses continue to tackle workforce pressures, with one-fifth urging the Treasury to replace the apprenticeship levy with a more simple growth and skills levy.
Nearly a quarter (23%) stated that a long-term partnership between the education system, local government and businesses – one that enables young people to connect with local employment and training – is a policy that would have a positive impact on their business over the next six to 12 months.
BDO’s bi-monthly Economic Engine survey of 500 mid-sized businesses, also revealed that regulatory changes to improve access to capital or simplify the listing process for the London Stock Exchange would also be beneficial for a quarter of companies (25%).
Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “What many Midlands businesses would most like to see at next week’s Budget is a clear business tax roadmap which provides predictability and stability to allow them to plan ahead with confidence.
“Our own manifesto for mid-sized businesses outlines measures to enable these businesses to succeed. Amongst other asks, it calls for the Government to create a cross-party commission on tax to develop pragmatic solutions to key fiscal matters, and ensuring mid-sized businesses have the skills pipeline they need to grow and expand.”
She added: “Mid-sized businesses in the Midlands are the driving force of the regional economy, contributing £224bn in revenue and employing 1.3 million people. It’s absolutely essential that they are encouraged and incentivised to grow through policy and taxation that supports their strategic ambitions.”
Looking ahead to future growth ambitions, the survey reveals that a third of Midlands businesses (32%) are planning to source new equity investment to fund growth, with 35% of companies in the region stating that they intend to prioritise investment in new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.
BDO’s survey showed that the top workplace issues affecting businesses in the region include: changes to policy or regulation, which are creating uncertainty around skilled worker visas and employment contracts, new technology changing the approach to recruitment, and difficulty recruiting staff with the right skills.
Bellingall added: “It’s encouraging to see that innovation remains at the core of how businesses intend to reach their growth potential. However, there are still a number of notable challenges at play, including the enduring issue of recruitment and retention, which need to be addressed to allow these businesses to reach their full potential.”
Committed colleagues smash fundraising target in Three Peaks Challenge
Three committed colleagues raised more than £5,000 for Northampton charity Cynthia Spencer Hospice after taking on the testing Three Peaks Challenge, smashing their original fundraising target.
Dan Crask, Max Wright and Alex Rust, who all work together at Acorn Analytical Services, took just over 24 hours to climb the three highest mountains in the UK – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – in a combined climb of 11,182 ft.
The adventurous trio had hoped the effort would collect £1,000 each for the charity, but they were delighted to exceed their initial target with a final total of £5,530.
Dan and Alex had pledged to shave their heads if their target was met before they set off, which they carried out, as promised, before the trip.
Max said: “We are so grateful for all the fantastic support we have received. Climbing the three highest peaks in the UK in a day was an immense challenge but we did it! We were slightly delayed by traffic between the mountains, but we powered on and completed all three climbs in just over 24 hours.
“We are proud of our achievement and of the difference this money will make in helping Cynthia Spencer Hospice continue to provide their exceptional care to local families.”
Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser Lead at Cynthia Spencer Hospice Nina Gandy said: “Climbing three mountains in such a short space of time is no mean feat and we are in awe of the Acorn Analytical team for completing such an amazing challenge. Their fundraising efforts go towards keeping our essential services free at the point of delivery for families in our care.
“It costs around £500 per day to look after one patient in the hospice so this incredible sum equates to 11 days of patient care.
“You too can Make A Difference, Your Way and support the hospice with your own fundraising challenges and events, or if you can’t spare the time, perhaps consider sharing our stories or setting up regular giving. Every gesture of support means a great deal to us and to the people we look after.”
There’s still time to add your sponsorship to the Acorn Analytical team. Visit the Just Giving pages at:
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Burton dog treat manufacturer snapped up by Stockholm-based company
Pet Treats Wholesale, a natural dog treat manufacturer based in Burton-upon-Trent, has been sold to Stockholm-based The Nutriment Company.
Pet Treats Wholesale was launched in 2011 in response to a gap in the market to provide high-quality natural treats for dogs.
Under the leadership of Dominic Jolivet and Louis Jolivet, the business produces more than 150 products and serves more than 2,000 retailers across the UK and Europe from its Burton-upon-Trent manufacturing facility.
The sale to The Nutriment Company will enable Pet Treats Wholesale to accelerate its growth plans, access a broader range of customers, both in the UK and across mainland Europe, continue to scale its operations through investment in its manufacturing facilities, and enhance its product offering.
For The Nutriment Company, the deal is the latest in a series of recent acquisitions and aligns with their strategy to continue building a premium, natural pet food business with a footprint across Europe.
Following the sale, Dominic Jolivet, director and founder, has now exited the business, with Louis Jolivet, director, remaining in the business as part of its leadership team.
An advisory team at Evolve Corporate Finance advised Pet Treats Wholesale’s owners, led by director, David Lee and partner, David Neate, and supported by associate, Harry Ferguson.
David Lee, director at Evolve Corporate Finance, said: “Pet Treats Wholesale has experienced remarkable growth since its launch in 2011, becoming one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of high-quality natural dog treats.
“Under the stewardship of Louis, the company has a strong track record of product innovation and deep expertise in the pet food industry across both wholesale and retail markets.
“Pet Treat Wholesale was seeking a partner to help drive further growth, and we are thrilled they have found the ideal partner in The Nutriment Company and to have advised Dominic, Louis and the team on the sale.”
Louis Jolivet, director of Pet Treats Wholesale, added: “We are thrilled to join The Nutriment Company and look forward to working with the entire team as they continue their impressive journey.
“As a key treats and chews manufacturer within the group, we see this as a significant opportunity to scale our operations, enhance our product offerings, and share our expertise with the team. We had a fantastic experience working with David Lee and David Neate at Evolve.
“Throughout the process, the team was extremely diligent and gave us all the support we needed to keep growing our business while working through the transaction. We are excited for what is next.”
