Vistry Group, the provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, has been given the green light to build 763 much-needed new homes at Top Wighay, Nottinghamshire with almost £6m committed to bolstering local services.
Situated approximately 2km north of Hucknall town centre and to the east of Annesley Road (A611), the £191m development, granted outline planning permission in April 2021, is part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s (NCC) flagship mixed-use scheme. The 86-acre site, contracted in 2023 with NCC and earmarked for development for more than a decade, will also include 21 acres of employment land, a local centre with retail offering and a new primary school.
The East Midlands Vistry team is poised to start work on the 763 two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes, maisonettes and apartments. Of the new homes, 269 will be much-needed affordable properties, 97 will be available through PRS providers and 397 will be on sale on the open market through Vistry’s Linden, Bovis and Countryside brands.
In addition to new housing, the development will also offer benefits to the wider community, with £4m earmarked for future investment and £6m designated to bolstering local services. This includes £436,000 towards healthcare, £4,750,000 for education and £800,000 for highways and bus improvements.
The benefits also include new parks, sports facilities, wildlife corridors, pedestrian and cycle routes, a new primary school, and an on-site Skills Academy in partnership with Chameleon School of Construction. This innovative training initiative will aim to encourage local people not in employment or training back into work.
Andy Reynolds, Managing Director of Vistry Group’s partnerships division in the South East Midlands, said: “We are delighted to have secured reserved matters planning consents which enable us to start work on these much-needed new family homes at Top Wighay. Over the past year we have consulted with the community to finalise the details of the scheme and ensure it meets local people’s needs.
“Our team cannot wait to start building a fantastic community of high-quality properties for people in the area to call home.”
Work is expected to start on site in spring 2025.
Business confidence in the East Midlands fell 13 points during September to 39%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
However, companies in the East Midlands reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up seven points at 57%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, which dropped 31 points to 22%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 39% (vs. 52% in August).
Looking ahead to the next six months, businesses in the East Midlands identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through investing in training (45%), evolving their offering, with the introduction of new products or services (42%) and entering new markets (36%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall UK business confidence in September dipped slightly, to 47%, down from August’s 50%.
Though there was a marginal increase in their own trading prospects (up two points month-on-month to 54%), firms’ confidence in the overall economy dropped nine points to 38%.
The joint-most confident regions in the UK were the West Midlands and London, both reporting overall confidence of 59%. Only Northern Ireland, Wales, London, the South West and North West reported an increase in overall confidence.
Sector insights
Projections for output were mixed across the sectors, with some showing significant changes from previous results. In construction, the sharp increase last month was largely counteracted by a drop in expectations in September, falling by 12 points to 46%.
Similarly, in manufacturing, trading prospects fell for a second month to 53%, although this figure is still stronger than the year-on-year figure. However, the falls in manufacturing & construction sectors were more than offset by a small rise in retail and a bigger rise in the dominant service sector.
Dave Atkinson, Regional Director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Despite an overall dip in confidence, businesses’ optimism in their own prospects has rebounded, a promising sign of on-the-ground success.
“Coupled with a clear determination to hone in on particular areas for expansion – like staff training and diversification – these results paint a picture of quiet confidence in the region, in spite of wider economic challenges.
“And regional businesses’ focus on evolving their offering and entering new markets isn’t just theoretical, as a recent study by the East Midlands Chamber and Derby Business School found that the number of businesses that have made income from environmentally friendly goods and services increased by 7% in the last year.
“As even more businesses take this leap, Lloyds Bank will continue to offer on the personalised, on-the-ground support that they need.”
Propel Holdings, the Canadian fintech company, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Stagemount, trading as QuidMarket, the Nottingham-based digital only consumer lender specialising in providing short-term installment loans.
The existing management team at QuidMarket will continue to operate the business on a go-forward basis.
The $71m deal is an important step in Propel’s global expansion strategy. Since its initial public offering in October 2021, Propel has continued to broaden its product and geographic offerings with the introduction of Fora Credit in Canada, Lending-as-a-Service partnerships in the US, and, most recently, an embedded lending partnership with KOHO in Canada.
QuidMarket has served UK consumers since 2011. A fully online, lending solution, QuidMarket is built on scalable and flexible technology that has originated over 310,000 loans in the UK since beginning operations in 2011.
Supported by Propel’s AI technology, financial and operational expertise, and capital resources, QuidMarket is expected to accelerate its growth.
“The acquisition of QuidMarket will accelerate Propel’s growth and is a critical step in our journey to becoming a global leader,” said Clive Kinross, Chief Executive Officer, Propel.
“When we went public three years ago, we set a goal to grow globally. As disciplined operators with a track record of profitable growth, this acquisition had to meet our strict acquisition criteria including a favourable operating jurisdiction, a strong cultural fit and to be financially accretive to our shareholders.
“QuidMarket serves a market of more than 20 million underserved consumers in the UK where the demand for credit far exceeds supply. Backed by Propel’s AI-powered technology, financial and operational expertise, and capital resources, we believe QuidMarket will be able to accelerate its growth while broadening access to credit for more underserved consumers.
“The QuidMarket team has demonstrated deep experience and a customer focus that sets them apart. United by a shared purpose, together we will build a new world of financial opportunity for consumers globally.”
The acquisition is expected to close in either Q4 2024 or in early Q1 2025.
Taking place on Thursday 3rd October, the highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 is just days away.
Set to celebrate the region’s property and construction industry, the event at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground is also an ideal networking opportunity, presenting a chance to form new connections with business leaders from across the East Midlands, as well as hear from guest speaker Paul Southby.
Paul is a partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema in Nottingham’s Lace Market, and a longstanding trustee of environmental charity Clean Rivers Trust. He is chair of Nottingham Partners, a group of businesses that supports the work of the local inward investment agency, Invest in Nottingham, and a board member and past chair of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Limited. Paul is also a former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire (2022/23).
Attend the glittering awards ceremony to see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agents of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Responsible Business.
The Overall Winner will also be revealed at the event, sponsored by Blueprint Interiors, who will be awarded a grand prize – a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000.
Chloe Sproston, Creative Director at Blueprint Interiors, shared: “We’ve been involved in the awards since 2019 either as an award nominee or a sponsor. We continue to be impressed with both the quality of award submissions, but also the event, which attracts the elite of our region’s construction and property professionals.
“This year, we’re particularly excited to sponsor the overall winner category, further demonstrating our commitment to showcasing the very best talent in the region’s property and construction industry.”
A highlight in the business calendar, book your place at the awards now to avoid disappointment!
The event will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm. Complementary drinks and nibbles will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress.
Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Architects of the Year – sponsored by Mather Jamie
IMA Architects
Design Haus Architecture
Matthew Montague Architects
Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by Global HSE Group
Brackley Property Developments – The Dock Extension, Leicester
Pick Everard – Nottingham Central Library
G F Tomlinson – The Air and Space Institute, Newark
Contractor of the Year – sponsored by EMEC Ecology
Cawarden
Clegg Construction
Winvic
Deal of the Year – sponsored by Tutum Consulting
heb Surveyors – The Oaks, Mansfield
FI Real Estate Management – The Quad, Chesterfield
Freeths – Former Boots factory site, Beeston
Developer of the Year – sponsored by IMA Architects
Vistry Group East Midlands
Indurent
Wavensmere Homes
Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden
G F Tomlinson – The Air and Space Institute, Newark
Design Haus – Musters Road
Distinctive Developments – Woodwell and Meadow Barn
Most Active Agent – sponsored by Roy Geddes Bricks
Rigby & Co
FHP Property Consultants
Salloway Property Consultants
Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Devello
Distinctive Developments – Woodwell and Meadow Barn
Phoenix Brickwork UK LTD – IQ Nelson Court
Chevin Homes – Chevin Close
Responsible Business – sponsored by Press for Attention PR
Stepnell Ltd
Cawarden
Cora
Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services Ltd
CPMG – Sir Peter Rubin Centre for Veterinary Education
Henry Brothers Construction Ltd – Alfreton Park School
Keepmoat – Gedling Green
The Overall Winner,sponsored by Blueprint Interiors, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000.
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East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024When: Thursday 3rd October 2024, 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground
Keynote speaker: Paul Southby, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire
Dress code: Standard business attire
Tickets: Available at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-midlands-bricks-awards-2024-tickets-902294566337?aff=oddtdtcreatorThanks to our sponsors:
The latest letting at Interchange 25 Business Park by FHP has resulted in full occupancy on the site.
The final ground floor office suite was let to WHP Trust Ltd, the newest tenant to arrive on the business park, further enhancing the diverse range of occupiers. FHP recently secured the first floor tenants at Unit 5 Interchange earlier this year to Equans Ltd.
Interchange 25 Business Park is situated just off Junction 25 of the M1 Motorway and the A52 which connects Nottingham and Derby. The park comprises a development of 8 self-contained detached office buildings.
Amy Howard from FHP Property Consultants said: “I am thrilled to have secured the final letting with WHP Trust, achieving full occupancy on-site for our client. The business park has remained consistently popular throughout the years we have marketed these office suites and continuing our client’s success by attracting strong tenants.
“It was always a risk to split the floor plates on a floor-by-floor basis on Unit 5 with Equans occupying the first floor, however, the level of interest and enquiries during the short marketing period stayed strong to secure us a tenant. It is encouraging to see the demand for out-of-town business parks remain consistent, helping to revitalize the office market and encourage take up.
“I had been in discussions with WHP Trust for several months prior to securing this office space for them. From the first viewing at Interchange, it was evident that the unit suited all their requirements and needs, and solicitors were soon instructed. It has been a pleasure to assist them throughout their search and I wish them every success in their new office premises.”
A spokesperson for Interchange said: “As always, it is great to see the site reach full occupancy and the diverse range of tenants that we have on-site. FHP Property Consultants have done an excellent job in securing another tenant for Unit 5 to achieve this. We are continuing to listen to tenants’ needs and requirements so we can make the park suitable, keeping them tenants for a number of years to come.”
Clowes Developments have unveiled their plans for Pleasley Hill in Mansfield, which will provide a mixed-use development scheme prominently set just to the north-west of Mansfield Town Centre.
The 35-acre site, which is being marketed by FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German, offers potential for a wide range of end occupiers on both a freehold and leasehold basis.
With outline planning consent in place for a range of users, it is anticipated that over 300,000ft² of space will be developed together with a further 850 homes, which will augment the commercial development element and provide much needed residential development in the area and potentially supply additional labour for the commercial occupiers.
Marc Freeman, Development Director at Clowes Developments, said: “The combination of 850 homes and up to 300,000ft² of commercial space at Pleasley Hill is a very exciting opportunity that we are delighted to bring forward.
“We have appointed FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German to act on our behalf here and we are confident that they can provide us with a range of industrial, manufacturing and logistics users, petrol filling station, retail and leisure facilities in line with our outline planning consent and we will support their efforts by turning around proposals for occupiers quickly to try and create a best in class development in this north Nottinghamshire location.
“We are excited to see the scheme move forward and from the initial discussions our agents have had, we are confident that this scheme will be a success in 2025 and beyond.”
Tim Gilbertson of FHP Property Consultants said: “It’s great to see Clowes yet again put their money where their mouth is and bring forward this fabulous scheme which will offer a range of uses in a prominent position just to the north-west of Mansfield Town Centre.
“Well located, prominent and very easily accessible from both the centre of Mansfield and M1 motorway, this scheme really does tick all the boxes and we are expecting interest from occupiers looking to buy or rent space across a range of uses.
“Both our roadside retail/leisure and industrial/warehouse teams will be involved with this development, highlighting again the range of uses the scheme can accommodate.”
Rob Champion of Fisher German added: “Likewise, we can’t wait to get stuck into this development and it’s a pleasure to act on behalf of Clowes Developments once again.
“We have seen the growth in and around Mansfield in recent years and with this scheme providing additional housing plus employment facilities, it will bring much needed jobs and development to the area serving the future housing to be developed but also the existing neighbourhoods to the north-west of Mansfield.
“The scheme’s main road prominence and ease of access from the surrounding areas leave us confident in our ability to quickly find new occupiers wanting to take advantage of a great location and a developer who is ready and raring to develop and bring prosperity to the region.”
A pioneer of technology used across the Solar System, Exosens – through its brand Photonis – has invested £1 million to advance space research and innovation facilities in collaboration with Space Park Leicester.
Exosens has worked with University of Leicester academics for more than 25 years and more recently it forged a relationship with the university’s science and innovation hub, Space Park Leicester, working alongside it on technology which is being used in some of today’s most exciting space missions.
It has now invested £1 million, through funding and other support, contributing to the creation of a Centre of Excellence in Optics Design and Manufacturing at Space Park Leicester.
This funding will enhance the METEOR space programme which brings together more than 100 researchers and industrial research and development personnel working on Earth observation and the challenges facing the space sector’s evolution.
Dr Adrian Martindale, Head of Space Projects and Instrumentation at Space Park Leicester and a Lecturer in Space Instrumentation at the University of Leicester, said: “Photonis’ technology is the enabler for certain types of scientific instruments and as a result its technology is on lots of space missions and is all over the Solar System.
“Exosens is supporting us to help develop the quality of the product and the performance of the technology, to push us into the next generation of projects. We have aspirations in space and they have aspirations for a market on the ground and by working together we hope to take both of these things forward.”
Chris Tisse, Chief Technology Officer at Exosens, said: “We are proud to support cutting-edge space research at Space Park Leicester. This significant investment reflects our commitment to advancing the technology that powers groundbreaking space missions and innovation. By working together with the brilliant minds at the University of Leicester, we aim to push the boundaries of what’s possible in both space exploration and Earth-based applications.”
Leicester space academics worked with Photonis on detector systems and together they developed an entirely new X-ray optic.
Photonis’ technology was the cornerstone of Space Park Leicester’s Mercury Imaging X-ray Spectrometer (MIXS) instrument which is on its way to Mercury on the European Space Agency’s BepiColombo mission.
Dr Martindale said: “Photonis’ technology is absolutely crucial to the development of that instrument. Essentially, MIXS will help to measure the X-rays that are emitted from the surface of the planet and by measuring them we’ll be able to figure out what the rocks on the surface are made of. This will tell us how the planet formed and we’ll see whether that fits in with theories about how the Solar System formed.”
The optic Photonis developed with Space Park Leicester has also led to Leicester’s space scientists working on several more significant missions.
These include SVOM (Space-based multi-band astronomical Variable Objects Monitor), which is dedicated to the study of the most distant explosion of stars, and SMILE (Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer) which is a wide-field X-ray telescope that uses micropore optics to spectrally map the location, shape and motion of Earth’s magnetospheric boundaries.
Dr Martindale added: “Photonis’ technology will answer questions about Mercury and as a result questions about planetary science, it will answer questions about astronomy through SVOM and it will answer questions about the Earth through SMILE.”
Totally, the Derby-based provider of frontline healthcare services, corporate fitness and wellbeing services, has been awarded a new contract for insourcing services and a contract extension for the delivery of NHS 111 online services; both contracts are for the North of England.
The insourcing contract, to be delivered by Pioneer Healthcare, is a further expansion of Totally’s footprint across the North of England. The contract, valued at £5 million will enable the treatment of patients across multiple medical specialties, including outpatients and day cases. This new contract will be mobilized immediately and the work delivered by end of March 2025.
Totally has also been awarded a contract extension for existing services delivering NHS 111 “Speak to” and online dispositions for a Trust in the North East of England. The contract runs from 1 April 2024to 30 September 2025 and is valued at £1.1 million.
Wendy Lawrence, Totally CEO, said: “These two contracts demonstrate how we can support this for patients across the UK – making sure patients can access help when they need it, and increasing capacity so that no one waits longer than they need to for essential treatment.”
Government funding has been secured for two key cultural projects in Derby, paving the way for the restoration of the historic Guildhall Theatre, and Derby Theatre’s redevelopment project.
Sign-off of £20 million of UK Government funding, which was put on hold when the General Election was called, has now been confirmed by the Ministry of Communities, Housing and Local Government (MCHLG).
Partners Derby City Council, the University of Derby and Derby Theatre will now work to develop their plans for the two buildings.
Half of the funding, £10 million, will go towards bringing the Grade II listed Guildhall Theatre back into use. Further funding has been allocated from the Council’s capital budget, and opportunities for match funding are being explored.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said: “It is fantastic news that this much-needed funding has been secured for our city. Now we can look towards restoring one of our historic buildings and create more space for community-led arts groups to perform right in the city’s cultural heart.”
The other half of the funding will go towards a new accessible and flexible studio theatre adjoining the current building at Derby Theatre. In addition, a new Learning and Research Hub will develop further the undergraduate and postgraduate offer to study theatre in a professional setting and give more space to Derby Theatre’s expanding community programme.
Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted that plans to develop Derby Theatre are progressing forwards.
“The Theatre plays a vital role in the creative and cultural ecology of our city and is a key part of our university. As a professional, producing and learning theatre, it provides our students with a unique and valuable opportunity to study alongside professionals.
“We are fully committed to supporting Derby Theatre and the regeneration of our city and look forward to continuing to work with partners on this project.”
Sarah Brigham, CEO and Artistic Director of Derby Theatre, said: “These new facilities will enable us to expand and embed our community programmes into the heart of the theatre, become a hot house for artistic talent in the city and develop work which suits a more intimate setting. At a difficult time for artists and cultural venues, we are delighted by this vote of confidence in Derby Theatre.”
ITP Aero UK has opened its doors for groups of students from five local schools to learn more about manufacturing and engineering in aerospace.
The event was hosted at ITP Aero’s largest UK site in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, as part of Make UK’s National Manufacturing Day 2024. Students enjoyed a packed day of activities to help inspire the next generation of manufacturers and engineers.
Twenty four students from four local schools/colleges joined the event where they were invited to take a tour of the whole ITP Aero UK facility and learn about the many products and processes that take place within its walls. They also had the chance to speak to the teams on-site about their careers, and find out more about ways to break into the sector.
Following the tour, ITP Aero UK’s team of STEM Ambassadors held some fun activities to get the group thinking and working together. As part of the day, the Midlands Aerospace Alliance and their Defence Roadshow were hosted, which enabled visitors to get an even greater understanding of the whole industry.
Across the country, British manufacturing companies opened their doors to give their local communities the chance to see first-hand the potential careers and jobs on offer in this sector. National Manufacturing Day 2024 is open to all age groups, from school leavers to more experienced workers looking at reskilling to consider the possibilities of a career in manufacturing.
Ian Williamson, Managing Director of ITP Aero UK, said: “Together at ITP Aero, we find better ways to power flight and keep its magic alive. As a growing company, we are continuously looking to the future and seeking people who can help us to create world-class products.
“We were delighted to invite our local schools and colleges in to see our company, and to show students, teachers and careers advisers what we do and the diverse range of careers we offer.
“There is so much history here in Hucknall. We sit on the site where the Flying Bedstead was developed and first took flight, and have been producing parts for aeroplane engines here since the second world war. Events like this show our commitment to continue making history, with the manufacturers and engineers of the future.”
Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers organisation, added: “This is a really exciting day where the manufacturing sector came together to celebrate the amazing things that Britain designs and makes.
“Britain’s manufacturing companies are at the forefront of global renewable technology development and some of the most innovative engineering developments seen anywhere around the world.
“This is a sector with amazing opportunities and we hope National Manufacturing Day has again this year given people who have never had the chance to see inside their local businesses just what is going on and the opportunities available to them.”
East Midlands Chamber has congratulated four of its members, revealed as winners of the Regional British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards 2024.
Derbyshire’s Midland Lead, Derby-based HSG UK, Nottingham-based Turner and Townsend and Leicestershire-based Druck have been announced as recipients.
The four regional winners were put forward by East Midlands Chamber after first winning its own local Business Awards in 2023.
Regional British Chambers of Commerce awards won by East Midlands Chamber members:
Midland Lead – People and Work Business of the YearHSG UK – Green Innovation Business of the YearDruck – Global Britain Business of the YearTurner & Townsend – Digital Revolution Business of the Year
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Being presented with a British Chambers of Commerce Business Award is testament to the leadership, strategy and innovation at each of these firms. The East Midlands punches high, and these thoroughly deserved awards further underline the region’s place as a Centre of Trading Excellence.
“I extend my congratulations to Midland Lead, Turner and Townsend, Druck and HSG. These East Midlands Chamber members continue to be a shining example of what great business looks like, driving economic growth and, between them, doing Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire proud.”
Midland Lead Managing Director Francoise Derksen said: “We’re delighted that Midland Lead has been recognised by the British Chambers of Commerce for this prestigious People at Work award.
“Over the last few years, we have continuously invested in a series of initiatives to make sure that our team feel valued and that everyone can thrive, through development, coaching and training programmes, reward plans and health and wellbeing initiatives.
“We believe it is the people who work here, that help us drive forward and we recognise that every member of staff plays an important role in our future success. To see our commitment to people development being recognised by the BCC, is truly inspiring.”
Turner & Townsend Director Mark Deakin said: “At Turner & Townsend we are working with our clients to innovate and digitally transform our services. It’s fantastic that the British Chambers of Commerce has recognised our achievements with this award.
“Central to our mission is supporting our clients in achieving their net zero carbon ambitions using our digital tools to account for the two currencies of construction – cost and carbon.”
Druck, a Baker Hughes business, Vice President Gordon Docherty said: “Being recognized as one of the East Midlands’ most successful businesses is a tremendous accolade and reflects the quality of our pressure measurement technology and the hard work and dedication of the Druck team.
“From the highest mountains, the deepest oceans, and even in outer space, Baker Hughes’ Druck solutions are enabling customers from every corner of the world achieve efficiency and productivity gains.”
HSG UK Founder and Managing Director Simon Rice said: “We are obviously deeply honoured to receive this recognition for our work in making a positive impact on environmental sustainability.
“This caps off an incredible year for HSG having achieved The King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for our next generation products which enable our family-owned company to continue to punch above our weight in the competitive washroom services industry by bringing innovative products and services to market in line with its mission to raise washroom hygiene standards and help customers achieve their sustainability targets.
“HSG’s ethos is rooted in developing sustainable systems and products and our vanguard water conservation system is proven to significantly reduce water consumption, save money and improve the washroom environment.”
Leicestershire-based business growth consultancy, Champions (UK) plc, has strengthened its Creative and Content team with seven new appointments.
The family-led company – which incorporates business growth, after-dinner speaking, music and entertainment, celebrity talent, and events – was set up in 2003 and employs nearly 100 full-time staff.
With a growing number of national and international clients to support, the company has expanded its team with Wayne Rees as Graphic Designer, Sophie Turrill as Content Executive, Mark Lawrence as PR Executive, Coby Allen as Creative Media Executive, Oliver Hunter as Marketing Executive, Ryan Jhaj as Strategy Executive, and Taylor Morley as Digital Marketing Exec.
Champions MD Matthew Hayes said: “We’re delighted to be adding to the talent in our Creative Team to help manage the increasing output for our clients. I am sure they will all prove to be real assets for the company and welcome them into the Champs team. I look forward to working with them.”
Puma Property Finance has facilitated a £17m loan to Cinnamon Luxury Care to deliver a new 73-bed care home in Thurnby, Leicester. This marks the first loan Puma has provided to Cinnamon Luxury Care and will help support the significant shortfall in quality care homes in the local area.
The £17m loan will convert an existing brownfield site to deliver the new 73-bed home which includes ten care suites. These suites will provide a bedroom with ensuite-wetrooms and their own separate living room and kitchenette area.
The new home will target an EPC A rating and will comprise a traditional build with pre-cast concrete planked floors, alongside a brick and cladding façade. With ensuite-wetrooms as standard, it will include amenities such as dining and sitting rooms, a cinema, private dining, a hair salon and café.
Construction is set to begin in December 2024 and the care home is expected to reach practical completion in August 2026.
Tony Throp, Director and Head of Healthcare at Puma Property Finance, says: “We are delighted to support best-in-class care operator, Cinnamon Luxury Care on this new home. This marks our first loan to the group and will help to address the significant shortfall of quality care homes in the Thurnby area, in particular given the majority of existing stock is 20-30 years old.
“With just 14,500 care beds having been delivered since 2020, there is still a huge need to deliver new, quality care homes that can help support the ageing population. We’re looking forward to working with Cinnamon Care Group and building on this relationship in the future.”
Stuart Norris, Commercial Director at Cinnamon Luxury Care, says: “We are excited to work with Puma Property Finance on this first project together, developing our next new care home in Thurnby, Leicester.
“There continues to be an urgent need across the UK to deliver good quality care homes and developing this existing brownfield site in an area that has a significant shortfall in care beds will go one step towards addressing this need.”
SNGgroup, the Nottingham property development, investment and asset management firm, has appointed Tony Alexander as their external Financial Advisor. Tony brings over a decade of extensive experience in Real Estate Finance, having served as the Relationship Director for the real estate sector at Santander UK from October 2009 to November 2019.
During his tenure at Santander UK, Tony played a pivotal role in managing Real Estate Finance, effectively expanding the customer base and spearheading new business initiatives in the investment market. His strategic vision and financial acumen significantly contributed to the growth and success of Santander across the East Midlands.
At SNGgroup, Tony will utilise his expertise to drive strategic financial planning and advise on the company’s continued planned expansion in the property sector.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tony Alexander in an advisory role to the SNGgroup,” said Martin Singh, Managing Director at SNGgroup. “His wealth of experience and proven track record in Real Estate Finance make him an invaluable addition to our external professional team.”
A groundbreaking scheme to develop construction skills to help protect and preserve our architectural heritage is being supported by Bassetlaw District Council.
The Council has teamed up with Pinnacle Conservation and The National Trust to host a series of free foundation classes in conservation crafts, to train up a new generation with the skills needed to conserve some of our much-loved buildings.
The sessions, which have been made possible through UK Shared Prosperity (UKSPF) Funding, are taking place within Clumber Park and include stonemasonry, roofing, rainwater ironworks, heritage joinery and lime plastering/pointing.
Rob Holder, National Trust General Manager North Notts, said: “As General Manager of National Trust Clumber Park I am thrilled to be hosting the Heritage Skills Programme at our special place.
“Working with like-minded partners to champion the importance of heritage skills in our sector is a privilege and much needed if we are to attract people into these roles and secure the future of our built heritage.”
Adan Hickey, Managing Director of Pinnacle Conservation, said: “We’re so excited to be involved in the delivery of this heritage skills training programme. As a company, we’re extremely passionate about the continued development of such important craft skills and we hope these next few months will ignite the spark in our cohort of enthused candidates to fly the flag for the heritage sector.”
Over £600k of UKSPF monies is being invested in people and skills by Bassetlaw District Council across the district.
Cllr Charles Adams, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills, said: “It is important we continue to create new opportunities for people across the district of all ages to learn new skills. Our Vision2040 aims to maximise the skills of our residents to enable economic growth and support social inclusion.”
Among the schemes, a Green Skills Programme, in partnership with the council, Matrix Academy and the RNN group, is providing students with an introduction to low carbon/renewable tech such as solar photovoltaic panels, and air source heat pumps.
While Inspire Adult Learning are offering IT, digital and work skills courses to local businesses who’d like to boost the productivity and skills of its workforce, and programmes focused on skills provision to progress those in the workforce while claiming Universal Credit.
Support is also being offered countywide to those not in education, employment, or training through a Transform your Future programme, providing support to access learning, find volunteering and employment opportunities and learn about other services.
Derbyshire drinks producer Global Brands has been given a £100,000 grant to support its ambitious sustainability strategy with new technologies.
The funding will be used to introduce state-of-the-art energy-efficient technologies at the company’s Clay Cross distribution centre, speeding up efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve net zero status by 2050.
The grant, from the Clay Cross Town Deal’s Low Carbon Challenge Fund, will support the installation of energy-efficient lighting, introduction of battery storage solutions to harness solar energy, and the creation of an onsite Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil filling station.
These measures are expected to substantially reduce emissions from Global Brands’ distribution operations, with the drinks business already aiming for a 40% cut per £M turnover by 2030, as well as a 92% reduction per £M turnover by 2050.
Shaun Bacon, Group Managing and Financial Director, said: “This investment marks another pivotal moment in our sustainability journey. As part of a single-use industry, it is crucial to lead by example and adopt meaningful changes that reduce our environmental impact. By switching to energy-efficient solutions and alternative fuels, we’re committed to doing our bit locally and hope to inspire other businesses in our community to do the same.
“With plans already in place to switch the entire logistics fleet to zero-carbon by 2050, and with over 50% of the warehouse energy now powered by solar panels, this funding allows Global Brands to continue driving forward its sustainability goals.”
The grant has been provided by the North East Derbyshire District Council through the Low Carbon Challenge Fund – a programme of support to help stimulate the transition to a low carbon economy.
Lee Barnes, Chair of the Clay Cross Town Board, added: “We’re seeing some significant change as more businesses like Global Brands complete their journey with the Low Carbon Challenge Fund. Recipients have praised the process of receiving grants as being quick, easy and well worth their time, and it’s heart-warming to know we were able to support them as part of their mission to be more sustainable.”
Erewash is poised to get an electric charging station for 22 vehicles – complete with two new eateries for drivers topping up their batteries.
The hub will be near Ilkeston where a development of new warehouses and industrial units is taking shape at New Stanton Park – site of the town’s former ironworks.
The restaurants are both drive throughs. They will also cater for potentially thousands of new employees who would otherwise drive off site to find food.
The entire scheme won planning consent after councillors were told: “Even the most rapid 30-min chargers require catering facilities for customers whilst charging takes place.”
Officials said that the new eateries when combined with the charging hub would “assist in encouraging inward investment to New Stanton Park.”
A report to the council’s planning committee added: “The provision of such facilities are considered crucial in meeting the council’s carbon reduction objectives.”
Cllr Curtis Howard, who is Erewash’s Lead Member for Town Centres, Regeneration and Planning, said: “I was very pleased to see this application pass at committee – councillors voted to create jobs, facilitate investment in Erewash, and ultimately grow the local economy.
“While not originally planned for the site, this is a laudable addition to a regeneration project which in the coming years should create thousands of jobs, forging a new future for Stanton whilst also respecting its history.”
The proposed drive-through restaurants got the OK as plans to build two others – close to the M1 at Bostocks Lane on the edge of Sandiacre – were rejected.
Greggs and Starbucks were aiming to open on land near the Junction 25 roundabout. The bid was submitted almost a decade after McDonald’s appealed in vain against a planning veto. The new application claimed to have addressed issues such as potential traffic hazards but councillors remained unconvinced.
Sandiacre Parish Council was against the development – as were neighbouring Risley with Hopwell and Stanton-by-Dale parish councils.
Objectors also feared that unhealthy fast food would lure pupils at nearby Friesland secondary school across a busy road.
New images provide a first look at how the inside of the refurbished Derby Market Hall will look once complete.
The historic venue is being given a new lease of life to transform this heritage asset into an attractive retail and leisure destination fit for the future. The new images give a glimpse of the retail space, make and trade units and new dining area.
In all, the transformed market will offer:
A mix of traditional and themed stalls, including quality fresh produce
Make and trade stalls and creative spaces
A cosmopolitan food court and bars
Events and pop-up activity
Image credit: Derby City Council
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said: “The transformation of Derby Market Hall is a reflection of our collective ambition to create a city that everyone can take pride in, and while people can see the improvements we’ve made externally, many people may still be wondering what the building will look like inside.
“These new images will give the public the first idea of what the venue will look like as we make this irreplaceable heritage building fit for the future.
“This project is not just about transforming the Market Hall; it’s about bringing the people of Derby together to create a space we can all be proud of. We invite traders, entrepreneurs and businesses from across the region to join the vibrant community we are building.”
Image credit: Derby City Council
The £35.1m project is partly funded with £9.43m from the Governments Future High Streets Fund (FHSF). The second phase of the transformation is well underway, focusing on refurbishing the interior and developing the public space outside at Osnabruck Square.
Located at the heart of the city centre, linking Derbion and St Peter’s Quarter with the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, the new Market Hall will play a key role in widening the diversity of the city centre and generate £3.64m for the local economy every year.
Businesses throughout the region are invited to register their interest in operating from the refurbished Market Hall, which will bring together the best of the region’s independent shopping, eating, drinking and entertainment when it reopens in Spring 2025.
Image credit: Derby City Council
With the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 set to take place next week (Thursday 3rd October), there’s not long left to secure your seat at the prestigious event.
The awards recognise and celebrate those behind the changing landscape of our region – the very best companies, teams, individuals and projects.
They also present a prime opportunity to network with property and construction leaders from across the East Midlands over nibbles and complimentary drinks.
Attend the glittering awards ceremony at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground to see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agents of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.
The event, which will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, will also feature Paul Southby as keynote speaker.
Paul is a partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema in Nottingham’s Lace Market, and a longstanding trustee of environmental charity Clean Rivers Trust. He is chair of Nottingham Partners, a group of businesses that supports the work of the local inward investment agency, Invest in Nottingham, and a board member and past chair of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Limited. Paul is also a former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire (2022/23).
Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Architects of the Year – sponsored by Mather Jamie
IMA Architects
Design Haus Architecture
Matthew Montague Architects
Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by Global HSE Group
Brackley Property Developments – The Dock Extension, Leicester
Pick Everard – Nottingham Central Library
G F Tomlinson – The Air and Space Institute, Newark
Contractor of the Year – sponsored by EMEC Ecology
Cawarden
Clegg Construction
Winvic
Deal of the Year – sponsored by Tutum Consulting
heb Surveyors – The Oaks, Mansfield
FI Real Estate Management – The Quad, Chesterfield
Freeths – Former Boots factory site, Beeston
Developer of the Year – sponsored by IMA Architects
Vistry Group East Midlands
Indurent
Wavensmere Homes
Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden
G F Tomlinson – The Air and Space Institute, Newark
Design Haus – Musters Road
Distinctive Developments – Woodwell and Meadow Barn
Most Active Agent – sponsored by Roy Geddes Bricks
Rigby & Co
FHP Property Consultants
Salloway Property Consultants
Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Devello
Distinctive Developments – Woodwell and Meadow Barn
Phoenix Brickwork UK LTD – IQ Nelson Court
Chevin Homes – Chevin Close
Responsible Business – sponsored by Press for Attention PR
Stepnell Ltd
Cawarden
Cora
Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services Ltd
CPMG – Sir Peter Rubin Centre for Veterinary Education
Henry Brothers Construction Ltd – Alfreton Park School
Keepmoat – Gedling Green
The Overall Winner,sponsored by Blueprint Interiors, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000.
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East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024When: Thursday 3rd October 2024, 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground
Keynote speaker: Paul Southby, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire
Dress code: Standard business attire
Tickets: Available at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-midlands-bricks-awards-2024-tickets-902294566337?aff=oddtdtcreatorThanks to our sponsors:
Derby-based outsourced IT and telecoms specialist Link ICT has moved to new offices on Royal Scot Road in Pride Park, Derby. The company is also about to celebrate its 20th anniversary having been founded in 2004 by current Company Director Mark Fryers.
Until recently, the company which now employs 17 people was based at St Peters House on Mansfield Road in Derby. The move is as a result of significant growth in the needs of the education sector and local businesses wanting to improve their ICT services and security.
The new two storey offices comprise of 1,950 square feet of space. The offices have been fitted out to provide dedicated working areas for network managers, technicians and office staff as well as meeting rooms, kitchen facilities and bathroom facilities for team members who run or cycle to work.
In addition, brand-new electric vehicle charging stations have been installed for both staff and company-owned vehicles to further support continued efforts to encourage more environmentally friendly living and lessen pollution.
Commenting on the move, Company Director Mark Fryers said: “Over the last year we have won several new contracts as well as projects related to the Government Connect the Classroom initiative.
“We also pride ourselves on our ability to build relationships with schools and businesses as their outsourced ICT partner which also helps them plan their long term IT strategies.
“Whilst most technicians will be working out on site, we recognised the need to ensure our office base reflected the culture of our organisation and has capacity for the additional team members we need to support this growth.”
He added: “Pride Park is an excellent location as we will be surrounded by other likeminded business owners which should also help us to expand the services we provide to the SME sector.”
Also based at the new offices will be School Transition Limited, a division of Link ICT founded five years ago which offers a range of unique GDPR-compliant data transition portals for the education sector.
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