- Overseeing the implementation of the comprehensive Northamptonshire Tourism Strategy.
- Collaborating with local and national stakeholders to promote Northamptonshire’s attractions.
- Enhancing marketing efforts to raise the region’s profile.
- Supporting local businesses in maximizing the benefits of tourism.
- Ensuring sustainable growth of the visitor economy through innovative practices.
First chair appointed to new Northamptonshire visitor partnership
The development of the new Northamptonshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) has taken a major step forward as Richard Clinton, Delapre Abbey’s Chief Executive, has been appointed as Chair of the new LVEP.
The LVEP for Northamptonshire brings together partners from across the sector as well as both North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire with the aim to strengthen and build on the area’s visitor economy.
Following a recruitment campaign, candidates were interviewed by a panel including representatives from North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council and sector stakeholders with Richard being identified as the most suitable candidate to lead the new partnership through the next phase of its creation, which includes the key next stage of the process – the submission of the LVEP application to Visit England.
This application is due to be submitted imminently with a decision expected in the early part of 2025. If approved and Northamptonshire gains LVEP status, the area would receive national accreditation and a boost to the area’s tourism offer and unlock new opportunities.
Cllr Helen Howell, NNC Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism alongside Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC, said: “Richard’s wealth of experience and dedication to promoting the region’s attractions make him the perfect choice to lead this important initiative and we welcome him as Chair of the Northamptonshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership.
“The LVEP represents an incredible opportunity to highlight Northamptonshire’s unique offerings, from its rich heritage and world-class motorsports to its thriving arts and cultural scene.
“With Richard’s leadership, we’re confident this partnership will strengthen collaboration across the sector, elevate the county’s profile, and attract more visitors, creating lasting benefits for our local businesses and communities.”
Richard has been the Chief Executive of Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust since April 2020, where he oversees the strategic direction of the historic 900-year-old Delapré Abbey in Northampton.
Under his leadership, the Trust has aligned heritage, culture, and wellbeing to benefit the community, including plans to restore and repurpose the 19th-century stables into a mixed-use development featuring a community wellbeing space.
Richard is also the Chair of Fermynwoods Contemporary Art – an educational charity that supports life through art by commissioning innovative ways for artists to engage with audiences.
Prior to his role at Delapré Abbey, Richard served as part of the leadership teams for The Culture Trust and Royal & Derngate Theatre. Richard has also been the Vice Chair for Northamptonshire Surprise, supporting its efforts in promoting the heritage, culture, and attractions of Northamptonshire, positioning it as an attractive visitor destination.
Richard will now oversee the creation of the new Northamptonshire LVEP with responsibilities including:
Government must create right conditions for business, says BCC
It’s crucial that Government creates the right conditions for businesses to stay competitive and grow in communities across the UK, according to Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s Plan For Change announcement she said it was good to hear the Prime Minister double down on his commitment to grow the economy and highlight the importance of reforming the planning system.
She said: “The target of 150 new infrastructure projects is one that business will welcome, with its potential to boost regions and reinvigorate supply chains – but there is still a huge gap between the what and the how and when.
“With a bruising budget forcing many firms to revisit their investment and hiring plans, the pathway to this promised growth needs to accelerate.
“The cost-of-living crisis and the cost of doing business – are two sides of the same coin. They can’t be dealt with in isolation. Boosting private sector investment is fundamental to improving the cost of living.
Green light given for local centre at Wellingborough’s Stanton Cross
Planning permission has been granted for the new local centre within the Stanton Cross development in Wellingborough.
The approved designs for the neighbourhood centre include 37 new apartments. The apartments are designed to be dual-aspect one- and two-bedroom units. Additional amenities in the development include 8 retail spaces, office facilities, a convenience store, a nursery and a gym.
Developed by GSSArchitecture in collaboration with Vistry Group, the Stanton Cross local centre will be an integral part of the community, sat at the heart of the project. It reflects a commitment to integrating contemporary design with the area’s unique heritage.
The architecture draws inspiration from the nearby railway infrastructure, including the iconic, locally listed Roundhouse building, grounding the modern development within its historical and geographical context.
Stanton Cross is a mixed-use development in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, set to regenerate the area by developing approximately 339 hectares of green and brownfield land. Once completed it will feature 3,650 homes along with retail, leisure and commercial spaces.
The project will also involve extensive infrastructure upgrades, taking advantage of its close relationship to the railway station and links to the town centre to improve access to local and regional transportation.
The initiative represents a significant investment in Northamptonshire’s infrastructure and economy and aligns with plans to create sustainable urban extensions and mitigate flood risks.
Tom Jagger, Senior Partner and Project Lead from GSSArchitecture, said: “Securing planning permission for this project is an exciting milestone and a reflection of the collaborative efforts of everyone involved.
“It represents an opportunity to design a community hub that balances sustainability with the needs of future residents. We look forward to seeing how it contributes positively to the local area.”
Dave Bullock, Director (Stanton Cross Developments Ltd) at Riverside, said: “This marks an exciting milestone in our commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive space at Stanton Cross, where our residents can come together, connect with one another and thrive as a community.
“Working closely with a specialist commercial developer, we’re excited to see the hub come to life – not only to serve the needs of the community, but also to enhance the local area for residents.”
Nottinghamshire County Council elects new leader
Councillor Sam Smith has been elected as the new leader of Nottinghamshire County Council.
He was officially confirmed following a vote at Full Council at County Hall.
Cllr Smith, who represents Newark East and was previously Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, replaces Cllr Ben Bradley who has stepped down for family and personal reasons.
The new leader said he is honoured and privileged to be elected and has spoken about his priorities for Nottinghamshire residents.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be elected leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, and I am looking forward to working tirelessly to deliver on key priorities for people across the county.”
Cllr Smith highlighted the county council’s ‘great’ record of delivering services and spoke of the ‘challenging’ outlook facing all local authorities.
He said: “One of my first priorities will be balancing the budget in February 2025 and we have an excellent record in delivering well-run, efficient services while keeping Council Tax low.
“I am proud that we are one of a few local authorities that have not closed a single library, maintained a thriving youth service and have expanded rural bus services with our Nottsbus OnDemand.
“We have invested more than £100 million in our capital programme and have ploughed millions of pounds into improving our roads, as well as delivering on our commitment to build schools and improve the standards of education across the county.”
In his previous role as Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, Cllr Smith said he would remain focussed on his commitment to hit the government’s 50 per cent target of Educational, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) timescale by the end of the academic year. He stressed that as leader he would continue to lobby the government on SEND issues.
Cllr Smith will announce his successor as Cabinet Member for Education and SEND in the coming days.
The new leader will also be a loud voice for a fair Local Government Settlement, due to be announced on 23 December, through his work with the County Councils Network, Local Government Association and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).
Cllr Smith said: “As a board member on EMCCA, I will be banging the drum for Nottinghamshire on transport, infrastructure, skills and investment funding for and I look forward to working closer with the Mayor in these key areas.
“There are projects like STEP Fusion in Bassetlaw, which will provide thousands of highly skilled jobs for Nottinghamshire residents, including hundreds of apprenticeships for young people.
“Key infrastructure projects require the backing of the Mayor and our local MPs and I will be knocking on their doors regularly to fly the flag for funding across Nottinghamshire.
“For me it’s about delivery, delivery, delivery for Nottinghamshire residents as part of our ongoing drive to make our county a great place to live, work and visit.
“I hope I can maintain our proud record on the building and maintenance of schools, transport improvements, maintaining our library network and our fantastic youth service.”
Cllr Smith thanked his predecessor Cllr Ben Bradley for his three-and-a-half years as leader, saying he hopes to build on his legacy.
East Midlands Combined County Authority’s Business Advisory Board meets for first time
Business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the region have been appointed to the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA) Business Advisory Board.
Following an extensive recruitment process, 11 business representatives have been recruited to the board, and they met yesterday for the inaugural meeting of the Business Advisory Board, which took place at Bolsover District Council in Derbyshire.
The Business Advisory Board, chaired by David Williams, Chairman of Geldards and EMCCA’s Associate Member for Business, will provide strategy, advice and guidance to the EMCCA Board.
The purpose of the Board is to strengthen the connection between EMCCA and local businesses in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. It will help ensure the experience and knowledge of regional businesses, large and small, is harnessed when making decisions on the economy, skills, transport, housing and the transition to net zero.
At the inaugural meeting, members were provided with an overview of EMCCA’s recently launched Inclusive Growth Commission and discussed how the Business Advisory Board will inform its work. The advisory board members also discussed the current investment strategy and pipeline of development currently underway in the region, providing their input and feedback to the plans outlined.
Members of the Business Advisory Board are:
David Williams, Chair and EMCCA Associate Member for Business
Private Sector Representation:
Helen Bailey, Vice-Chair of the Institute of Quarrying
Andy Byrne, Property Development Director, Devonshire Group
Ian Cuddington, Economic Development Director, Rolls-Royce
Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire
Malcolm Hall, Founder and Managing Director, Hall-Fast
Paul Harris, Chief Executive, Cheesecake Energy
Natasha Johnson, owner, Global Entrepreneurs UK
Scott Knowles, Chief Executive, East Midlands Chamber
Shaun Lunn, Director, Atkins Realis
Becky Rix, Marketing Director, Roadgas
Nora Senior, Chair, East Midlands Freeport
EMCCA Representation:
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward
Councillor Neghat Khan, EMCCA Portfolio Lead for investment
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, EMCCA Portfolio Lead for Skills and Employment
David Williams, Chair of the Business Advisory Board, said: “I was delighted to welcome members of the Business Advisory Board to our inaugural meeting earlier today. We had an excellent discussion and heard great contributions from our members, who provide good representation from across our region in terms of sectors, geography, and small, medium and large businesses.”
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “The Business Advisory Board is an important part of our collaboration with our local businesses and I look forward to hearing the views of board members going forward as we progress our work on the Inclusive Growth Commission, and our investment pipeline for our region.”
Free business support to improve energy efficiency in the East Midlands
Businesses in qualifying areas of the East Midlands are being encouraged to take advantage of the fully funded business support on offer from the Accelerator project to help them improve energy efficiency and save costs.
To date, nearly 1,200 businesses have attended the project’s energy efficiency and carbon reduction events and training courses, with 146 accessing the Premises Energy Audit consultancy service and 132 developing decarbonisation plans.
The project, delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of participating local authorities, is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It offers businesses:
- Premises Energy audits designed to help identify energy efficiency improvements and opportunities to reduce costs. Audits typically involve a one-to-three-day site visit (depending on the size or complexity of the business) to review energy usage assets and gas/electric consumption pattern (as well as fuel consumption for businesses with a large fleet of vehicles). Findings are collated into an energy savings report which not only helps reduce energy wastage but is useful supporting evidence for grant applications.
- £2,000 Growth vouchers towards the cost of specialist consultancy or bespoke training supporting the adoption of energy efficient practices that lead towards the development or implementation of a decarbonisation plan.
- Training, both in-person and online, to help businesses gain green business skills and plan their journey towards carbon neutrality, including the one-day certified course on Carbon Literacy taking place on Tuesday, 21st January.
- Energy reduction workshops at Toyota Motor Manufacturing offering practical demonstration and shop floor observations with Toyota’s energy specialists, the next of which takes place on Thursday, 13th February.
- Access to online sustainability platform Zellar to help showcase the real-time environmental impact of activities and to produce a decarbonisation plan.
Aggregate Industries’ dome silo is inflated for the first time
An inflatable dome silo commissioned by Coalville-based Aggregate Industries has been inflated at the heart of a multi-million-pound cement import, manufacturing and distribution facility on Tilbury Docks.
The 45m tall, 32m diameter dome silo is one of only a handful of its kind in the UK, built using innovative construction methods and materials.
It is designed to store up to 30,000 tonnes of cement to support local demand for building materials, to be used across an array of construction projects in the region. Once operational in 2026, this facility will allow Aggregate Industries to serve its customers 24/7 with conventional, low carbon and circular cementitious materials from five loading heads.
In line with the firm’s commitment to sustainability, the new facility demonstrates Aggregate Industries ongoing commitment to be a leader in supplying low-carbon, sustainable construction solutions.
During construction, more than 25,000 tonnes of concrete from the existing site has already been recycled and reused, and over 10,000 tonnes of recycled asphalt planings have been incorporated into new asphalt products. Aggregate Industries is also incorporating lower carbon materials throughout every aspect of construction; including use of the firm’s own green-building solution, ECOPact readymix.
Local stakeholders and businesses are already seeing potential economic benefits, as the project is expected to stimulate demand for trades and materials in the region. More than 100 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase of the scheme, with a further 30 full time permanent positions generated once the site is operational.
Mather Jamie appoints Rural Estates Assistant
Loughborough-based land development and property consultancy, Mather Jamie has appointed Joanne Brown as Rural Estates Assistant.
Joanne brings experience in rural estate operations, along with a strong commitment to delivering quality service and support to Mather Jamie’s rural estates team.
She brings four years of experience managing the estate office at Melbourne Hall Estate. Her background also spans account management and sales executive roles with the logistics sector, where she refined her skills in client relations and organisation.
After taking time out to focus on her family, Joanne returned to Melbourne Hall Estate and developed a strong foundation in rural estate operations.
In her new role, Joanne will be assisting with residential and agricultural lettings, tenancy management, property repairs and maintenance, inspections and viewings.
Commenting on her appointment, Amy Biddell, Director at Mather Jamie, said: “Joanne’s hands-on experience in estate management and her approachable nature make her an ideal fit for Mather Jamie’s Rural Estates Team, where she will contribute to supporting clients and enhancing tenant relations.”
Adding, Joanne said: “In my previous role, I had dealings with Mather Jamie and saw them as a company with a great work ethic and fantastic staff. I’m excited to join a team that values professionalism and provides an opportunity for growth.”
Chesterfield’s Superior Wellness expands with new U.S. headquarters
Superior Wellness, the Chesterfield-based hot tubs and wellness products firm, has established its first U.S. operation in Orangeburg County, South Carolina.
This £8.9 million investment marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy, creating 35 new jobs and strengthening its commitment to serving partners and customers across the United States.
Located at 106 Logistics Drive in Cameron, the newly acquired 75,000-square-foot facility will serve as the company’s U.S. headquarters. It will streamline warehousing and logistics, provide faster service to U.S. partners, and act as a hub for spare parts and accessories.
Superior Wellness Managing Director Rob Carlin said: “This investment represents a significant milestone for Superior Wellness as we establish a strong foothold in the U.S. With the opening of Superior HQ in Cameron, South Carolina, we’re investing in the future of wellness while creating 35 new jobs for the local community.
“Our £8.9 million state-of-the-art facility will revolutionize our stock and logistics operations, ensuring faster service and greater support for our U.S. partners and customers. We’re thrilled to begin this exciting chapter and deepen our connection with the American market.”
Sales Director Gareth Ward added: “Our expansion into South Carolina demonstrates our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service and innovative products to our U.S. partners.
“Working with over 100 partners across the U.S., this facility allows us to better serve them with shorter lead times and improved availability of our award-winning products. We look forward to building stronger relationships and growing together with the Orangeburg community.”
Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright welcomed the company, stating: “Superior Wellness’ decision to bring their U.S. headquarters to Orangeburg County underscores the incredible momentum we’re seeing in our region.
“Their £8.9 million investment will create 35 good-paying jobs, benefiting local families and contributing to our community’s economic growth. We warmly welcome Superior Wellness and look forward to supporting their success.”
FPA Consulting appoints new Business Administrator
Derby-based independent management consultancy FPA Consulting has appointed Lily Ormsby as Business Administrator.
With a background in planning and technical administration at XEIAD, owned by British Engineering Services (BES Group), Lily brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her new role.
Lily has a wide ranging role which includes supporting FPA’s consultants, it’s accounts team, facilitating external Client training together with general day-to-day administration duties.
Commenting on her decision to join FPA, Lily said: “I really wanted to join a company that would allow me to progress professionally in a considerate environment. FPA is filled with opportunities for me to learn and grow. The team have been incredibly welcoming and I’m excited to now be a part of the company.”
Outside of work, Lily is passionate about health and fitness, loves traveling, walking her dog, and indulging in interior design as a personal interest.
John Barke, Managing Director at FPA Consulting, added: “We are pleased to have Lily join our team at FPA Consulting. Her proactive approach and dedication to personal and professional growth align perfectly with our values.”
Lincoln business celebrates 10 years of gourmet gifting with £3m turnover, expansion and ambitious growth plans
From kitchen table to £3 million turnover, Lincoln-based The British Hamper Company is celebrating 10 years of business success as it gears up for its busiest Christmas and unveils plans to double its turnover by 2026.
The family-run business, which was founded in 2014 from a gazebo at the family home, was born from a shared enthusiasm for great food, British individuality and a love of gift giving.
After a decade of business growth, it has marked its landmark year with a number of major milestones including a branding overhaul, the launch of its products into wholesale, expansion of its Lincolnshire premises and growth of its senior team.
The business is now preparing to fulfil more than 2,000 orders a day over the Christmas period, with the creation of 30 additional seasonal jobs.
This year The British Hamper Company has rolled out an ambitious growth strategy as it forecasts a £6 million turnover by 2026.
Central to this growth is the launch of a wholesale product range, which will see its artisan food and drink products, including Cornish Fudge, All Butter Cheddar Biscuits, Lemon Butter Shortbread, Raspberry Zing Jam, fine teas, and handcrafted sweets, sold in gourmet food stores across the UK and rest of world for the first time.
To meet growing demand from consumers, corporate gifting clients and its growth into the wholesale market, this year the business has significantly expanded its Lincoln-based warehouse facilities. The investment into its premises has increased its storage capacity by 36%, bringing the total operational area to approximately 15,000 square feet.
With 35% of its orders being sent to recipients overseas, The British Hamper Company has also opened a European distribution hub in the Netherlands to streamline its distribution to global markets and to help support its global growth ambitions.
The business has been further bolstered with the appointment of three new senior positions including an Export Sales Manager, National Wholesale Account Manager and Marketing Manager, taking the total number of permanent employees to 20.
With a commitment to supporting the local community, 2024 saw the business form a partnership with Lincoln City Football Club.
“Celebrating 10 years of The British Hamper Company is an incredible milestone for us as a family and as a business,” says Alice Tod, Sales Director of the Lincoln-based business.
“This year has been particularly transformative, from unveiling a refreshed brand identity to launching our wholesale range – we’re immensely proud of how far we’ve come. It all started from humble beginnings in a gazebo at our family home, we are now proud to be a multimillion pound business at the heart of the luxury gifting market.
“Throughout this journey, our Lincolnshire roots have been a constant source of inspiration and pride.”
James Tod, Managing Director, continued: “Lincolnshire has provided us with a strong foundation to grow, from the talented local workforce to the support of the community that has championed us every step of the way.
“This year, we’ve expanded our premises to meet rising demand, creating more jobs and investing in our future, all while staying true to our local heritage. Our new partnership with Lincoln City Football Club is a further example of how we’re staying connected to the region that means so much to us.
“As we reach the end of our anniversary year and prepare for our busiest Christmas yet, we remain committed to delivering exceptional gifts that showcase the very best of British craftsmanship and quality. We’re excited about what the future holds and look forward to sharing this next chapter with our loyal customers and partners.”
First half revenue rises at Watches of Switzerland
Revenue has risen at Leicester-based Watches of Switzerland Group during the first half its financial year.
In the 26 weeks to 27 October 2024 (H1 FY25) group revenue rose to £785m, from £761m in the same period last year.
Profit before tax, however, was down at £41m, from £67m last year.Brian Duffy, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are pleased to report H1 FY25 revenue growth of +4% in constant currency reflecting an encouraging improvement in trading in Q2, driven by growing demand in the UK and US, and consistent growth in client registration lists, along with the acquisition of Roberto Coin in the period.
“As previously outlined, in Q1 we increased showroom stock levels of key brands to enhance displays and client experience, particularly in the US. With the stock rebuild complete, in Q2 we drove significantly improved US revenue of +24% (constant currency) and revenue in the UK market turned positive.
“Price increases from brands in the half have been modest, and this has also positively influenced consumer sentiment. Consequently, overall Group revenue increased +11% in Q2, in constant currency.
“Our newly acquired Roberto Coin business in North America has traded strongly since acquisition and is now making a good contribution to our Group. Integration is progressing well, and growth plans are underway.
“We are also encouraged by the performance of the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned programme and the sustained growth in our overall pre-owned business. Additionally, we acquired Hodinkee, a leading global digital platform for luxury watch enthusiasts, further strengthening our online sector leadership. Integration is progressing in line with our expectations.
“Q3 trading has started encouragingly, and we have continued with our showroom transformation programme. Looking ahead, key showroom openings in H2 include the flagship Rolex boutique in Old Bond Street, London; Audemars Piguet Town House, Manchester; Rolex introduction in Plano, Texas, and a reintroduction in Jacksonville, Florida; and the conversion of Mayors Lenox, Atlanta, to a Rolex mono-brand boutique.
“Our trading momentum through November, visibility of intake and second half opening of large showroom investments support our full year guidance, which is unchanged.
“This year marks the centenary of Watches of Switzerland, celebrated with a number of exclusive products, and we extend our gratitude to our colleagues for their unwavering dedication and exceptional client service throughout the year.”
£40m funding from Octopus Real Estate to deliver three new care homes
Bambino Mio sold following appointment of administrators
Bambino Mio, a Northampton-based multi-category consumer goods brand focused on reducing waste through the use of reusable nappies, has been sold after falling into administration.
Kiri Holland and Danny Dartnaill of BDO LLP were appointed Joint Administrators of Bambino Mio Limited on 29 November 2024.
The Joint Administrators completed a pre-packaged sale of the business and assets of the company immediately following their appointment to Demeter Project Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kiddy Cloud Limited.
This transaction has protected the jobs of 22 staff who have transferred to the new owners of the business, as well as providing business continuity for the company’s suppliers and customers.
As part of the transaction, the company’s wholly owned trading subsidiary, Bambino Mio B.V., based in the Netherlands, has also been acquired on a solvent basis.
Kiri Holland, one of the Joint Administrators, said: “Bambino Mio is a well-established consumer business that has experienced similar headwinds to other operators in the sector.
“We are delighted to have secured a sale of the whole business, including its international operations, preserving 22 jobs in the UK and delivering value for creditors and continuity for business stakeholders.”
Landmark agreement between the UK, Qatar and Rolls-Royce to support clean energy transition
The UK’s position in clean energy has received a further boost as a landmark agreement with Qatar reaches a significant milestone, solidifying £1 billion of investment in climate technology.
The partnership is expected to create thousands of highly skilled jobs over its lifetime and will see the launch of climate technology hubs across the UK and Qatar to accelerate development in climate-friendly technologies.
This includes investment in technology programmes by Derby engineering giant Rolls-Royce that improve energy efficiency, support new sustainable fuels and lower carbon emissions.
It will also see investment into start-ups in the UK and Qatar focusing on energy efficiency, carbon management, and green power.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I am proud that Qatar has chosen to base this global partnership here in the UK and I am delighted that the project is getting off the ground with this initial £1 billion commitment.
“Qatar and Rolls-Royce pursuing these opportunities in climate technology is a significant step in our ambition to become a clean energy superpower and further evidence that the UK is one of the best places in the world for companies to develop those technologies.”
Prime Minister of Qatar HE Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman al Thani said: “We are delighted to formally launch this groundbreaking partnership. The United Kingdom has a proud history of innovation in cutting edge technology, and Qatar has long been a trusted investment partner to British businesses. This new collaboration aligns with our long-term strategy to invest in the economies of the future.
“We welcome the formalisation of our strategic relationship with Rolls-Royce. Qatar is already one of the largest purchasers of Rolls-Royce engines for Qatar Airways and a major investor in the small modular reactor nuclear industry. This new partnership further strengthens Qatar’s position as a leading global investor in climate technologies.
“We welcome the creation of highly skilled jobs in both Qatar and the UK, and look forward to welcoming a diverse range of businesses to Doha as part of the Rolls-Royce partnership.”
Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO, Rolls-Royce, said: “In the last two years we have made significant progress in the transformation of Rolls-Royce. This announcement is further evidence of our progress to create a highly competitive and fast-growing company.“Enabling the energy transition through lower carbon technologies is a key part of our strategy. We are delighted to welcome Qatar as a strategic partner, who will support the growth of these technologies. They share our ambition to make an impact on the challenge of climate change.”
Frasers Group makes profit warning following Budget
Retail giant Frasers Group has issued a profit warning in its half year results, following the recent Budget.
The Shirebrook-based business noted that while its first half marked another period of progress “both ahead of and after the recent Budget, consumer confidence has weakened and recent trading conditions have been tougher.”
Frasers Group added: “Given this current uncertainty, FY25 APBT is now expected to be in the range £550m to £600m. Further out, we expect to incur at least £50m of incremental costs going into FY26 as a result of the recent Budget, but we are working hard to mitigate these in order to maintain our profitable growth ambitions.”
In unaudited results for the 26 weeks ended 27 October 2024 (FY25 H1), the firm saw group revenue of £2.54bn, dipping from £2.77bn in the same period of last year.
An adjusted profit before tax of £299.2m, meanwhile, was down on £303.8m last year.
Michael Murray, Chief Executive of Frasers Group, said: “The first half of this year has been another period of progress for the Group, delivering on our objectives as the Elevation Strategy continues to take the business to the next level.
“Sports Direct UK delivered further sales growth, and our Property and Financial Services divisions are seeing encouraging progress.
“We continue to operate with discipline to ensure our business is as resilient as possible – proactively right-sizing recent acquisitions to set them up for profitable long-term growth and driving further automation benefits to exceed our stock reduction targets for the period.
“We have also made significant strides in international expansion, developing new partnerships across Australia and Africa, and unlocking opportunities as we move further towards our goal of becoming a leading global sports retailer.
“We are set to deliver another year of profitable growth but, given recent weaker consumer confidence leading up to and following the Budget, FY25 APBT is now expected to be in the range of £550m to £600m.”
Facilities management services provider snaps up Northampton firm
BGIS, a provider of facilities management services, has acquired Briggs & Forrester Building Services Maintenance (BSM), a division of Briggs & Forrester Group.
The acquisition of BSM, a well-established national Mechanical & Electrical building services maintenance provider, marks a significant milestone in BGIS’ commitment to providing best-in-class delivery within the UK.
The Corporate Finance team at Dow Schofield Watts in the Midlands, led by Ryan Shields and Fahim Kassam, advised Briggs & Forrester Group on the sale of BSM, working closely with lawyers from Howes Percival, led by Matthew Thompson. BGIS was advised by a legal team from RPC led by Jeremy Cunningham.
This acquisition will enable BGIS to strengthen its position further by offering an expansion of technical services to meet the evolving needs of its clients. BSM’s expertise in mobile, HVAC, combustion and specialist electrical services will enable BGIS to provide highly skilled technical capabilities across a broader geography.
Regarding the deal, Gary Bullen, UK President at BGIS, said: “BSM has a strong reputation of delivering quality national mobile and specialist services to its customers.
“This acquisition is an exciting step forward for our commitment to our customers through the addition of 100+ highly capable, effective and responsive engineers with a strong support team.”
Paul Burton, Chairman & CEO of Briggs & Forrester Group, added: “The sale of BSM follows 5 years of strategic change in which BSM has grown significantly, providing a consistently high level of performance. Clear synergy was evident with BGIS, and we are mutually aligned with an employee-focused ethos.
“The sale provides BSM with new ownership and investment to move the business forward further, whilst Briggs & Forrester Group will concentrate on its core contracting activities across the UK, with a stronger balance sheet that will support investment within the Group.”
Ryan Shields, Partner at Dow Schofield Watts, said: “We are very proud to have advised on the successful sale of BSM to BGIS. From the outset, it was evident that there was a real cultural alignment between the two organisations and that BGIS’s global expertise and commitment to excellence made it the perfect new owner for BSM.
“It has been a privilege to support this transaction, which highlights our expertise in the built environment sector. We look forward to seeing the combined group capitalise on its strengths to achieve even greater success in the future.”
Visitor economy bounces back in Mansfield
New figures show that tourism is continuing to bounce back in Mansfield after being hit by the Covid pandemic.
The number of visitors and economic impact of tourism on the district is being monitored for the council by Global Tourism Solutions so that the authority can better understand the importance of the visitor economy.
New analysis of the data for Mansfield shows that in 2023:
- The visitor economy was worth £130.76m, up from £124.75m in 2022 and making good progress back to the 2018 high of £147.23m.
- The figures show there were 2.82m visitors to the district, up 4.2% on the 2022 figure of 2.71m in 2022 but still below the pre-pandemic figure of 3.22m in 2019.
- The sector supported the full-time equivalent (FTE) of 1,540 jobs, compared with an FTE of 1,379 in 2022 and 1,254 in 2021.
- Most people visited Mansfield to go shopping, which accounted for 42% of expenditure, followed by food and drink at 29.3%.
- Day visitors made up 81% of the total value of the visitor economy, up from 80% in 2022.
- The number of visitor days also increased with 3.09 days recorded in 2023 compared with 2.97 days in 2022 and 2.66 days in 2021. However, they remain below the pre-pandemic levels in 2019 of 3.51 days.
- Spring and early summer were the most popular times of year to visit the district in 2023 with 300,000 visits in May and 291,000 in June.
New initiatives revealed to revitalise Northampton town centre
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has announced a series of new initiatives aimed at helping transform the Grosvenor Shopping centre and enhancing the vitality of Northampton town centre.
In partnership with Evolve, the owners of the Grosvenor centre, these initiatives are designed to attract more shoppers, support new businesses, and ensure a sustainable future for the town.
While the centre has recently attracted a number of new tenants, some units remain vacant or underused and the council saw an opportunity to build on already successful town centre regeneration schemes.
Under the new plans, to be discussed at Cabinet on Tuesday 10 December, a series of key developments would be delivered:
- H&M Expansion: A loan of up to £2 million will support the development of a larger, more modern H&M store following its decision to move from Abington Street. As a key high street brand, H&M’s expansion is expected to draw more shoppers to the town.
- Flexible Workspaces: In partnership with workspace provider Wizu, a £1 million loan will facilitate the creation of flexible workspaces within the centre. This initiative aims to support remote working and attract new micro-businesses to Northampton.
- Leisure Parking: To accommodate a new leisure operator in the former Sainsbury’s unit, 180 two-hour free parking spaces will be provided, making it easier for visitors to enjoy the new facilities.
- Micro Shops: An investment of £375,000 will convert several units into micro shops on the centre’s first floor. This project will support new business startups, with a profit-sharing arrangement to benefit the taxpayer.
- Belgrave House Redevelopment: Restrictions on the use and sub-letting of Belgrave House will be removed, allowing WNC to make productive use of the building in line with the Greyfriars masterplan.
Partnership working in Chesterfield leads to more young people taking up STEM careers
More young people are taking up manufacturing and engineering courses in Chesterfield, according to new figures.
Chesterfield College has reported an 80% increase in engineering study enrolments for 16–18-year-old students in the last 3 years.
The figure was released during the annual Made in Chesterfield Festival, in which local businesses invite school pupils to their factories and premises to showcase the range of rewarding careers in STEM sectors.
Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership coordinate the Made in Chesterfield campaign. It is delivered in association with the Chesterfield College Group and supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, EMCCA Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd and Natwest.
More than 3,500 school pupils in Chesterfield have now engaged with the town’s manufacturing and engineering businesses since Made in Chesterfield was first launched 10 years ago. This year, students were invited to visit several businesses, including: MSE Hiller, Superior Wellness, Weightron Bilanciai, United Cast Bar, The Devonshire Group, Penny Hydraulics, Aztec Oils, Heraeus Electro-Nite, and Chesterfield Construction Skills Hub.
Celebrating its success, Nick Catt, Board Member of Destination Chesterfield and Managing Director of Weightron Bilanciai, said: “To see more young people enrolling in engineering courses across our town is a testament to the fantastic collaboration between the College and local businesses in recent years.
“We know how vital it is to highlight careers in Manufacturing, not just to help our businesses grow in the future, but to allow our people to thrive in skilled and rewarding jobs. I look forward to seeing further partnerships across our town to keep narrowing the existing skills gaps in our sector.”
Julie Richards OBE, Principal and CEO of The Chesterfield College Group, added: “We are delighted to see such a significant increase in young people choosing to pursue engineering and manufacturing courses at Chesterfield College.
“This 80% rise in enrolments reflects both the growing interest in STEM careers and the strength of the partnerships we’ve built with local businesses through initiatives like Made in Chesterfield.
“By working together, we’re ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive in these dynamic industries, helping to secure a prosperous future for Chesterfield and beyond.”
Schools in the area have also expressed their gratitude to businesses for opening their doors to young people.
Debbie Crossley, Careers Adviser at The Bolsover School, said: “The Made in Chesterfield tour to MSE Hiller was so informative and insightful, and I really appreciate the team taking the time to speak with our students and explain things in detail.
“The links to the curriculum were fabulous and covered several subjects including English, maths, physics and chemistry. It was great to see the students relating some of their classroom learning to the skills and knowledge they will need in the workplace.”
Clare Talati, CEO of Direct Education Business Partnership, said: “We are thrilled to continue supporting the Made in Chesterfield initiative, which plays a crucial role in connecting young people with local employers.
“By providing meaningful, hands-on experiences, we’re raising awareness of the fantastic career opportunities available right here in Chesterfield. These partnerships not only inspire the next generation, but also help businesses engage with potential future employees, ensuring the local workforce is prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
