WBR Group further strengthens leadership team
WBR Group (WBR), the independent provider of SSAS services and tax experts, has appointed Julie Sebastianelli as a Non Executive Director. Julie brings a wealth of experience in the high net worth (HNW) sector and will play a crucial role in enhancing the strategic direction of WBR Group.
Julie Sebastianelli has held a number of senior roles within the financial services industry, such as Deloitte and Brown Shipley. She was also a shareholder and Board Director at Hurley Partners, and most recently, a Wealth Management Director at Mattioli Woods, a position she held until April 2024.
Julie’s extensive expertise spans SIPP and SSAS pensions, complex financial planning, inheritance tax (IHT) and estate planning, and a wide range of tax related areas. Renowned for her ability to simplify complex financial matters, she has earned a reputation for delivering trustworthy guidance in clear, understandable terms that resonate with clients.
Julie’s appointment marks a significant step forward for WBR Group as it continues to strengthen its leadership team with experienced professionals who bring diverse insights and expertise.
Tom Moore, CEO, WBR Group said: “We are really pleased to welcome Julie to our Board. She is already well-known to many of the team here and her exceptional track record and expertise in wealth management and financial planning will be invaluable as we strive to enhance our service offerings and continue our growth trajectory.
“Julie’s ability to communicate complex financial strategies in a way that clients can easily understand aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering unparalleled client service.”
Julie Sebastianelli said: “I am excited to join WBR Group at such a pivotal time in the company’s growth. The opportunity to contribute to a firm that shares my commitment to client centric, transparent service is one that I greatly value.
“I look forward to working with the Board and the management team, leveraging my experience to help drive WBR Group’s strategic objectives forward.”
Connect with property and construction professionals at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
While nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 are assessed, book your tickets for the highly anticipated event taking place on Thursday 3rd October.
Recognising and celebrating those behind the changing landscape of our region – the very best companies, teams, individuals and projects – the event showcases the exceptional work carried out across the East Midlands over the past 12 months.
The awards further present a perfect networking opportunity, with the leaders of property and construction businesses from across the East Midlands in attendance.
The event will additionally 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).
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 Agent of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.
The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, sponsored by Blueprint Interiors, will also be awarded a grand prize – a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000.
East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
When: 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=oddtdtcreator
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with property and construction professionals while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in the region.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Tickets can be booked here.
The event will begin at 4:30pm with networking and continue until 7:30pm, with additional time thereafter for connecting and celebrating. Complementary drinks and nibbles will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress.
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£3m awarded to power welfare and sustainability in poultry production
A new £3 million project aims to address significant health and welfare issues in poultry production.
Nottingham Trent University is a partner on the ‘FeedFlow’ project, which is led by insect farming innovator Flybox® and funded by Innovate UK as part of Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme.
The work – which brings together a consortium of industry leaders and academic institutions – will utilise advanced technologies and black soldier fly (BSF) larvae to improve poultry welfare and promote sustainability in the poultry industry.
Despite significant advancements in production sustainability through genetic selection, the poultry industry faces persistent issues – including poor leg health, high mortality rates, and variable feed conversion ratios.
Poultry production also contributes notably to ammonia emissions in the UK.
To address these issues and stay competitive against low-cost imports, UK production systems must evolve continuously. Black soldier fly farming and artificial intelligence are emerging as revolutionary solutions for improving poultry welfare and performance, while also supporting sustainability.
BSF larvae are renowned for their ability to promote natural poultry behaviour and provide a nutrient-rich, high-quality protein source enhanced with antimicrobial peptides.
AI systems, meanwhile, propel precision agriculture by delivering real-time data on flock welfare and early warnings of potential issues. The FeedFlow project harnesses these technologies with a cutting-edge rapid intervention system. It integrates FLOX360, an in-demand computer vision platform powered by enterprise-grade AI algorithms, with the nutritional advantages of BSF larvae.
This innovative approach aims to amplify poultry health and productivity, setting new standards for welfare and sustainability in the industry.
Additionally, the project incorporates Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), led by Jess Callaghan from the University of Chester, to assess Global Warming Potential (GWP) and prevent a race to the bottom in emissions. Flybox’s ® collaboration with NTU’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences further strengthens the project, utilising fortified BSF larvae to deliver a rapid nutrient boost that addresses health challenges more effectively than traditional feed interventions.
Together, these innovations streamline feeding processes, enhance flock health and behaviour, and promote environmentally responsible decision-making, all while reducing impacts across the entire value chain.
Emily Burton, Professor in Sustainable Food Production in Nottingham Trent University’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, said: “Insects are an essential part of our transition from linear to circular resource use, and projects like this are accelerating insect production to commercial viability by thinking outside the box about how we can harness them to improve poultry production.”
Supported by a consortium that includes Flybox®, FLOX, the University of Chester, Nottingham Trent University, Courteenhall Farms, Menchine Farm, and Clarke Group Construction, the project is dedicated to developing a comprehensive, sustainable solution for the poultry industry.
Last year Flybox® and NTU embarked on a study to feed BSF larvae food waste – nutritionally-enhanced using nanometre sized natural minerals – before being added to poultry feed. The work is part of a feasibility study which aims to increase the nutritional value of chickens and significantly reduce the carbon footprint of ingredients.
Barwood Capital appoints new senior residential development manager
Northamptonshire-based real estate investment and development platform, Barwood Capital (Barwood) has welcomed Alex Jervis to the Barwood Residential Investment Platform (BRIP) as senior residential development manager.
Alex brings over 8 years of experience in the property industry, having previously worked for Savills at its UK head office. During his time there, Alex advised a diverse range of clients on matters related to the delivery of residential development projects, ranging from single houses in central London to urban extensions and new settlements throughout the UK.
In his new role, Alex will be responsible for leading the day-to-day management of BRIP’s delivery partners, to ensure the successful delivery of projects that meet the strategic objectives of the business, ensuring maximum returns for Barwood’s investors and delivery partners alike.
Alex said: “I am thrilled to be joining the BRIP team at Barwood Capital at such an exciting time, following on from what has been a very challenging environment for SME residential developers.
“Through BRIP’s unique offering, I am relishing the opportunity to work closely with all existing and new partners, and investors, to create and deliver much-needed high-quality homes in desirable locations where supply can often be the most constrained.”
Hugo Trower, residential chief operating officer at Barwood, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alex to Barwood Capital. His extensive and varied experience working on a multitude of differing projects across the residential market, coupled with his proven ability to manage multiple complex projects and teams, makes him an ideal fit for our business.
“We are confident that Alex will play a significant role in advancing our developments, processes and initiatives, and helping us achieve our ambitious goals.”
Tree planting helps grow funds of much-loved hospice
A grounds maintenance company has been planting trees across Derbyshire and raised thousands of pounds for a much-loved hospice at the same time.
Shed Grounds Maintenance, which looks after the grounds of many companies including Hazelwood-based Lubrizol, embarked on its tree planting project in aid of Chesterfield’s Ashgate Hospice to mark 20 years in business.
Company managing director Peter Botham said the initiative had been inspired by the ‘Queen’s Green Canopy’ project – a huge national tree planting initiative to mark the late monarch’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
To celebrate its 20th birthday the company has been planting trees at 20 of its sites and making a donation each time to Ashgate Hospice.
Shed Grounds Maintenance has now been shortlisted for a prestigious East Midlands Chamber award in the Environmental Impact category.
Peter said many clients – including Lubrizol – had been very enthusiastic about the project and had match funded the donation, meaning thousands had now been raised for Ashgate.
Lubrizol, which is set in a former country house with lovely grounds, is now home to two silver birches planted by Shed Grounds Maintenance to replace trees felled by storm damage.
Peter explained that he had a longstanding connection with Ashgate Hospice having done some landscaping for the organisation when it first started.
“The people at Ashgate are just amazing,” he said. “Being 20 years old, we were looking to make a difference to a charity. We thought rather than just donate money to Ashgate Hospice, we’d plant a tree in our clients’ grounds and give a donation for each one. A lot of clients have matched our donation which has been great.
“We thought that tree planting was the ideal way for us to mark our 20th birthday. First of all, we all need to be doing more tree planting! Hopefully a tree is something that is going to last for many years to come. People plant trees in memory of loved ones which has also got a fitting connection with the work of the nurses at Ashgate Hospice.
“Lubrizol is located in a stunning place and it’s a brilliant place to work.”
Passionate horticulturalist Peter said silver birches had been chosen for the company’s anniversary tree planting as they are native species to the UK, having grown on this isle since the end of the last Ice Age.
Claire Hollingshurst, from Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee, said: “We were very happy when Shed Grounds Maintenance said they would like to donate two trees to us as part of their tree planting initiative for Ashgate Hospice.
“We work hard to maintain our beautiful grounds and we are very happy to be home to these two new silver birches, replacing other trees that we lost to this year’s storms. I hope the money raised for Ashgate Hospice will help it continue its great work.”
Proposals set out for new West Northamptonshire crematorium
Proposals have been unveiled for a new crematorium in West Northamptonshire to address the increasing need for cremation services across local communities.
West Northamptonshire Council has set out plans to develop a state-of-the-art and sustainable new facility on land at Wantage Farm, in the Round Spinney area of Northampton.
Residents will soon be able to give their views on the plans before a planning application is submitted for the scheme in November. With existing crematoria within the area operating above their capacity, the new facility will ease the pressure on local need, reduce waiting times and improve the service for bereaved families.
Building the new crematorium is also expected to bring benefits to the local community, with the surrounding land transformed into recreational spaces, including walking paths and green areas.
It will be designed to minimise the impact on local surroundings, particularly around traffic, noise and appearance issues, with a key focus on sustainability and biodiversity including energy-efficient electric cremators, heat recovery systems, solar panels, green roofs and thoughtful landscaping.
Wantage Farm was selected as the most suitable site following an assessment of 11 potential locations in West Northants – this included looking at factors such as size, accessibility, ecology and archaeology as well as how they aligned with key policies such as the Local Plan and flood risk management. Placing a crematorium on the site would also preserve and protect the Green Wedge.
Councillor Mike Hallam, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and HR at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “On average, 80 per cent of people opt for cremation over burial, and the new facility at Round Spinney, will relieve pressure on the other existing crematorium in West Northants, reducing wait times for bereaved families while allowing them to hold longer, more meaningful ceremonies for their loved ones.
“This new facility addresses the urgent need for additional cremation services in a way that respects and enhances our natural environment.
“In addition to providing essential services, its construction and operation will create jobs and support local businesses. The crematorium will be inclusive to everyone of all different faiths, offering a range of features to meet the diverse needs of our community and providing spaces that respect the privacy and dignity of everyone.”
Residents will be encouraged to view the proposals and give their views during the pre-planning consultation, which will start on Wednesday, 25 September.
New Gartree prison to go ahead despite call for reconsideration
The Leader of Harborough District Council has received a letter from the government confirming that the new prison at Gartree, approved under the previous government, will still be built.
This news comes despite the leader’s call for the new government to reconsider the decision that outline planning permission should be granted which was made by the former Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Lord Timpson, Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending replied to the leader on behalf of the Prime Minister and confirmed that early works which had started in July would continue due to the government’s full commitment to build the prison. Lord Timpson also said that he wished to work closely with residents, the council and other stakeholders to ensure that the new prison is a success.
Cllr Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “I wrote to the Prime Minister at the beginning of July to ask him to call in the decision made by the previous Secretary of State to allow the new prison at Gartree to be built. I asked whether it was logical to have it situated in Gartree and whether he thought the local infrastructure can cope.
“I am incredibly disappointed with this response and that my offer to meet with ministers to show them the site was not taken up. The council will continue to work with and on behalf of the local community to help to mitigate any negative impact of the prison on the local area. I will also be writing to Lord Timpson and asking to meet him to seek the best possible outcomes for residents and the community.”
In April 2022, Harborough District Council’s planning committee refused the outline application for the new prison. An appeal from the Ministry of Justice against the decision was received in June 2022.
On Wednesday 15 November 2023 the government announced the then Secretary of State’s decision that the appeal from the MOJ should be allowed and outline permission should be granted, subject to conditions.
Lincolnshire construction firm enters administration
Lincolnshire-based construction firm C G Godfrey Limited has entered administration.
Managing Directors and Insolvency Practitioners Duncan Beat and Andrew Watling from Quantuma were appointed Joint Administrators on 27 August 2024.
Established in 1973 and located in West Pinchbeck in Spalding, C G Godfrey provided civil, mechanical and electrical engineering services, specialising in vacuum sewerage systems and deep drainage. The company provided services for a variety of customers including local authorities, private clients, water companies, district and county councils.
Turnover of the company was £4.8m in 2023, however, the company had recently experienced a loss of income of around £300k on two contracts which created cash flow problems that could not be overcome.
The Quantuma team was first engaged in July 2024 to provide advice. A marketing exercise was undertaken by Quantuma to try to find a buyer for the company, either as a going concern, or for the business and assets.
Expressions of interest were received, and NDAs signed by a number of interested parties. However, no offers were received, and the company had insufficient working capital to continue trading.
Therefore, the company entered administration on 27 August 2024 and immediately ceased to trade. C G Godfrey employed a team of 23 staff – all roles at the business have been made redundant.
Quantuma Managing Director and Joint Administrator Andrew Watling said: “It is deeply regrettable that C G Godfrey has been forced to cease trading, due to a series of challenging circumstances.
“This was a sad ending for a long-established company. Our thanks go to all of the employees who worked hard during a difficult time and gave the company every chance to find a buyer. But unfortunately, it simply wasn’t to be.
“As Joint Administrators, our immediate priorities have been to provide appropriate support to those whose jobs have been affected.”
Majority share snapped up in Alfreton communications firm
Alfreton-based Yappl has secured a strategic investment from Hugh Symons Holdings, an entity with over 50 years of experience in IT and telecoms.
This investment grants Hugh Symons Holdings a majority share in Yappl and sets the stage for accelerated growth and innovation.
By joining forces with Hugh Symons Holdings, Yappl is poised to expand its reach. It aims to enrich its service offerings and continue driving innovation in the B2B communications sector.
Yappl’s Managing Director, James Bannister, said: “I’m delighted that Yappl has Hugh Symons Holdings on board as a new investor. They share our entrepreneurial vision for Yappl and recognise that developments in the telecoms industry represent a fantastic opportunity for an enterprise focused on delivering better connectivity to businesses across the UK.
“We have worked hard to ensure that Yappl has solid foundations in customer approach, technology and, critically, customer experience. We look forward to working with our new partners on the next phase of our business growth.”
Hugh Roper, CEO of Hugh Symons Holdings, said: “This investment marks a welcome return to the telecoms sector where we have enjoyed a significant presence in the past. Yappl is a great, dynamic business focused on delivering excellent customer experience across a broad range of sectors. I was impressed with the team; their enthusiasm is infectious. I look forward to developing the business and realising its full potential.”
Secretary of State grants development consent for Cottam Solar Project
The Cottam Solar Project application has been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The project is a proposed new solar and energy storage project that would cross the county border between Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, and is being developed by Island Green Power. It’s the 85th such scheme of 142 applications submitted so far.
The Cottam Solar Project is named after its grid connection point at the existing National Grid substation at Cottam Power Station. The proposals involve a series of four site areas, known as Cottam 1, 2, 3a and 3b, which will host solar arrays, grid connection infrastructure and energy storage facilities.
The proposals also involve cable route corridors, accesses and environmental mitigation and enhancement measures. The development stretches from north of Blyton, through Corringham to an area bordered by Willingham, Fillingham, and Sturton, before turning west to cross the Trent near Marton en route to Cottam.
Island Green Power has delivered 26 solar projects worldwide totalling more than 1GW of capacity. This includes 14 solar projects in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Lincolnshire IT firm joins Kings Lynn business
Lincolnshire IT firm Jalapeno Business Services has joined Kings Lynn-based UptechLtd, signalling a change in name for the Bassingham-based company.
Mark Brown, owner and director of Jalapeno Business Services, said: “This partnership allows us to provide our clients with even more comprehensive and robust IT solutions, backed by Uptech’s decades of experience and success.
“Our clients will benefit greatly from the additional resources and expertise now available to them.”
James Fowler, Business Development Manager at Uptech Ltd, said: “This merger marks a significant milestone, promising enriched service offerings and greater innovation.
“Jalapeno’s clients will benefit from Uptech’s extensive knowledge base, cutting-edge technology solutions and industry-leading expertise.”
Despite the change in branding, all Jalapeno’s current employees will stay on board, continuing to operate from the same office locations. This continuity will ensure that the company’s clients will receive consistent and familiar support while gaining access to the expanded capabilities that Uptech brings to the table.
Council loses planning appeal for new Enderby logistics hub
Blaby District Council has lost a planning appeal for a new logistics hub at St Johns, Enderby.
Drummond Estate and Inverock Ltd launched an appeal earlier this year after the Council’s Planning Committee refused the outline application in October 2023.
The site is identified for employment use in the Blaby District Local Plan, adopted in 2019.
The Planning Inspector reviewed the Council’s decision to refuse the application at a public hearing in July, granting permission for the scheme.
The application, from the Drummond Estate and Inverock Trust, includes plans for four warehouses, offices, gatehouses and, potentially, a training and education centre.
The hub is proposed for use as a storage and distribution centre with new access off Leicester Lane.
A similar scheme, known as Hub 2, was granted outline permission on the same site in June this year.
The Council has also been ordered to pay the applicant’s costs, which are currently unknown.
Further detailed applications will now follow, including the layout and appearance of the site.
Jonathan Hodge, Blaby District Council’s Group Manager for Planning and Strategic Growth, said: “We acknowledge the Inspector’s decision on this appeal and will work with the landowner and developers as more detailed plans for the site are received.”
Second contractor working on Jewry Wall Museum project collapses
The opening of Leicester’s Jewry Wall Museum and Visitor Centre – currently under-going a multi-million pound transformation – has been delayed following the collapse of a second contractor working on the project.
Elmwood Projects, which was commissioned by the city council to design and manufacture the exhibition and displays for the centre, announced it was going into liquidation earlier this month.
Located in Scotland, the company was providing the design, build and installation of exhibition cases, large mosaic displays, object mounts and some of the audio-visual elements for the centre.
The news follows the unexpected liquidation of NMCN – one of the biggest construction companies in the Midlands – which was originally brought in to carry out the external works needed to the existing museum building and heritage site.
The council managed to appoint Olivetti and Jeakins Weir last year to continue with the construction work, and good progress was being made on the ambitious refurbishment. This new blow to the project is likely to result in some further delay to the opening, although the council hopes this will not be significant.
Richard Sword, the council’s strategic director for city developments and neighbourhoods, said: “It is very rare for two such well-established companies working on the same project to be hit in this way, but these are very difficult times for the construction industry, with three of the four companies that originally bid for this work now in administration. We sympathise with everyone affected by these company closures.
“We are grateful that Elmwood had already completed most of the work we had commissioned.
“Leicester already benefits significantly from tourists interested in our 2000 years of history and the discovery of King Richard lll. The new-look museum and visitor centre has the potential to bring in many more thousands of visitors and huge economic benefits to Leicester.
“At this point it is difficult to say exactly how this will affect the opening date and our costs, but I am hopeful we can resolve this without too much of an impact.”
Following the loss of the first contractor, the council had been working towards an opening date of January 2025. It’s now more likely this will be around summer 2025, although this is yet to be confirmed.
The council is planning a celebration of Roman Leicester to tie in with the opening of the museum, details of which will be announced later this year.
Derby flex office provider secures first London base
Cubo, the Derby-headquartered provider of flex office space, has expanded into the London market with the acquisition of a prime office space at Soho Estates’ Ilona Rose House, W1.
The company, which was founded by Marc and Rebecca Brough, began its search for a London site in July to meet increasing demand from existing members keen to deal with a single office provider across multiple cities.
It has now secured the entire 18,819 sq ft second floor of Ilona Rose House, the site of the former Foyles Bookshop on Charing Cross Road.
Ilona Rose House is regarded as one of the most iconic and attractive office buildings in central London and is strategically located just 100m from Tottenham Court Road Station.
The 300,000 sq ft scheme, which is Soho Estates’ largest mixed-use development to date, was completed in May 2021 and features 150,000 sq ft of office space, including a public courtyard with 15,000 sq ft dedicated to restaurants and bar space and planted external terraces for each office occupier.
The building is already home to Warner Bros De Lane Lea’s post-production facility, Dawn Capital, Skyscanner, and Planet Payment, as well as Soho Estates.
Cubo was advised by Russell Rigby of Rigby & Co, with Gerald Eve acting as the letting agent for Ilona Rose House.
Commenting on Cubo’s latest acquisition, Marc Brough, CEO at Cubo, said: “During the time we have been expanding our UK locations, we have continually been pressed to clarify when we will be opening one of our award-winning sites in London.
“We have been waiting for the perfect building in the perfect location, and we are 100% satisfied and excited to have identified Ilona Rose House, just off Soho Square.
“This is a superb building with brilliant amenities that existing and new members will view as very much the best in class.
“A huge thank you to Phil Thompson and his amazing team at Soho Estates who have worked hard and fast and in a very collaborative way with our team to deliver a quick transaction during the month of August.”
Philip Thompson, Director of Soho Estates, added: “We are delighted to welcome Cubo to Ilona Rose House and hope this deal is the start of a long and fruitful partnership between landlord and tenant as we continue to strive to provide the highest-quality space for creative businesses across all sectors in our part of Soho.”
This recent acquisition of Ilona Rose House forms part of the company’s strategic growth plans, bringing the total number of sites across the UK to 13.
Get your tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 – an evening of celebration and networking
With nominations now CLOSED for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, secure your tickets for the prestigious event!
Taking place on Thursday 3rd October (4:30pm – 7:30pm) in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 will celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while providing a prime opportunity to connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks.
A key event in the business calendar since 2015, the glittering awards ceremony will additionally 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).
Paul said: “The East Midlands development and property community faces an exciting time ahead with a new government in place and the advent of a new East Midlands Combined County Authority under the leadership of the first Mayor of the East Midlands. As we step into this new political and economic phase, the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 is a great opportunity to look back on our past successes, to reflect on where we are as a region, to consider what needs fixing, and – looking forward – to emphasise our region’s strengths as a strong investment location.”
Tickets can now be booked for the event – click here to secure yours.
Attend to forge new contacts and see who takes home most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner. The overall winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, sponsored by Blueprint Interiors, will also 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.” East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 When: 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=oddtdtcreator Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with property and construction professionals while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in the region. Thanks to our sponsors:
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Business owner moves from pharmacies to fries
A 30-year-old entrepreneur has become England’s youngest McDonald’s franchisee thanks to a six-figure funding package from HSBC UK.
Chirag Pandya, who owns CJP Group Operations, will operate the McDonald’s restaurant on Castle Bridge Road, Nottingham having completed McDonald’s franchise training program earlier this year.
He has used the six-figure funding package from HSBC UK to purchase the 450 sqm site, which serves an average of 1,600 customers per day. Across its two floors, it has a seated capacity of 150, features a ‘drive thru’ and a 40-space car park.
As the business grows, the new owner plans to take on up to 50 new staff members, alongside the 120 he has currently, as well as expanding its apprenticeship programme to support young people in the local community. In the coming years, the business also intends to fund a refurbishment to modernise the space.
It is somewhat of a career change for Chirag, who professionally trained as a pharmacist before he left for the city of London as a strategy consultant for PwC. He was then headhunted to become a director at the NHS in the UK, at the age of 27. Chirag then moved from London to Birmingham and then to Nottingham within 12 months to see the culmination of his hard work, with his very own business.
Chirag Pandya, Owner of CJP Group Operations, said: “While I trained as a pharmacist, I knew I always wanted to own my own business. I spoke about my ambitions with HSBC UK Franchise Director Marc Talbot almost two years ago now, and now this deal has made my dream a reality.
“After completing the challenging, but rewarding, McDonalds franchise programme, I can finally say I’ve taken the leap from pharmacy to finance, to fries, and I’m loving it!
“I look forward to improving the restaurant and working with the local community to create more work experience opportunities for young people in the area.”
Judy Jenner, Relationship Manager at HSBC UK, added: “It is wonderful to support CJP Group Operations to acquire this site. CJP’s plan to increase apprenticeships and create more jobs in the area presents a brilliant opportunity for both the business and the community it now serves.”
Rolls-Royce employee raises more than £10,000 for much-loved Derbyshire charity
A Rolls-Royce employee has raised more than £10,000 for much-loved memory-making charity me&dee through running the London Marathon.
First time marathon runner Zorran Carnell, of Derby, had been trying to be chosen in the ballot for the famous event for 14 years before finally being given a slot this year.
A long-time supporter of the Derbyshire charity which helps families facing short and uncertain futures make memories together, Zorran has managed to raise the huge amount through sponsorship from many Derby organisations along with support from family and friends.
He held a special celebration event at OMOMO Korean Street Food + Bubble Tea in Derby where he thanked supporters and handed over a cheque for £10,606.64 to me&dee founder Maria Hanson MBE.
He was helped present the money by the charity’s junior ambassador Taylor Lewis, a 10-year-old quadruple amputee, whose family has been supported by the charity for many years.
Zorran said: “I’m not really a runner – I’ve only really done a 10k before – but I’ve been putting my name in the London Marathon ballot for 14 years! I was lucky to get a spot. Not many people get in.”
Zorran has managed to raise thousands of pounds over the years with a friend through running a ‘skinnyman’ tuck shop.
He said the marathon had been a tough challenge but he was delighted to have completed it.
“I’m very proud because of how far the money I’ve raised will go,” he said. “It’s a local charity. I have seen all the people it helps. Because it’s local you can see exactly where the money goes.”
Charity founder Maria Hanson MBE, along with partner and charity head of operations Mark Harrison, travelled to London specially to wave Zorran off on his marathon.
She said: “I’m just over the moon that we can keep supporting the many, many families who are coming to us now. We now have opportunities to do more with these families thanks to the money Zorran has raised. Thank you so much to him.”
Representatives from the many organisations which supported Zorran’s marathon were at OMOMO to help celebrate his achievement, including Essential Print Services, PKF Smith Cooper, Subway, Codemakers, Sky Recruitment Solutions, Wathall’s funeral directors, Raymond James Spinningfields, PROCured Solutions, Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts, RAM, Glenrose Financial Planners, Bright & Beautiful, So Good Kombucha, RREC, RFF, WARD RECYCLING and skinnymans.
Celebrating its 18th anniversary this year, me&dee has helped more than 9,000 families with unique and personal days out and experiences. Its wide-ranging support includes comfort packs in hospital, days out – including when families may only have days left together – and swimming sessions at Moorways in Derby exclusively for children who might struggle to access mainstream pool time due to their disabilities.
Phenna Group acquires Australian land surveying consultancy
Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group, which invests in and partners with selected niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) companies, has acquired Oracle Surveys.
It marks Phenna Group’s fifth deal in the APAC Region this year, and as its eleventh business in Australia, augments the firm’s existing building certification service offering across many jurisdictions.
Oracle Surveys is a land surveying consultancy that has serviced the Western Australian market since its inception in 2000, having been project surveyors for many of Perth’s most iconic buildings in addition to creating over 3500 lots and completing 1300 residential surveys.
Oracle provides land surveying and spatial capture solutions for developments in the construction, infrastructure, commercial and residential sectors having performed works with a diverse range of clients across major construction companies, property developers, engineering firms and government authorities.
Glenn Galvin, Managing Director of Oracle Surveys, said: “Selecting the right partner to support our growth ambitions was a major decision for Jason, Daniel and me. From our first interaction with the Phenna Group, we knew that we had found the perfect fit. We’re excited to collaborate with Brett and his team as we embark in our next phase of continued growth.”
Brett Coleman, Divisional MD of APAC at Phenna Group, said: “I am delighted to welcome Glenn, Jason, Daniel and the Oracle Surveys team to Phenna Group. Oracle are a market leader in Western Australia as demonstrated through their impressive history servicing top-tier clients. Their experience and capability perfectly complements our existing operations. I look forward to working with the Oracle team to deliver on their exciting growth plans.”
Phil Marshall, CEO of Phenna Group, added: “It is very exciting to welcome Oracle Surveys to Phenna Group. Oracle’s experienced team and vast technical capability extend our service offering to the built environment and beyond. This acquisition increases our fast-growing Australian presence. I look forward to seeing Glenn, Jason, Daniel and their team excel within Phenna.”
Phenna Group were advised by RSM Melbourne and Macpherson Kelley.
Oracle Surveys were advised by RSM Perth and Mills Oakley.
East Midlands Freeport makes £2m investment in green skills
A new generation of students will be skilled up for careers in advanced manufacturing and clean energy through an investment of more than £2m by East Midlands Freeport.
The Freeport is set to deliver tens of thousands of jobs and add billions to the regional economy by attracting inward investment at its three tax sites – the East Midlands Intermodal Park near Derby, the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station site in south Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands Airport Gateway Industrial Cluster.
With investment announcements likely in the coming months, the Freeport has now decided to put some of the cash from its £25m Seed Capital investment fund into a major training programme aimed at developing future talent firms need to grasp opportunities opened up by clean energy and the decarbonisation of industry.
The Freeport is investing more than £2m in the Future Energy Skills Hub (FESH), a project led by the East Midlands Institute of Technology (East Midlands IoT), which promotes high quality technical training and qualifications through a partnership involving Derby College Group, Loughborough College, the University of Derby, Loughborough University, and its business partners.
From September 2025, East Midlands IoT it will run FESH courses which provide higher technical skills tailored to the needs of businesses operating directly in advanced manufacturing and clean energy, but also for the increasing numbers of firms seeking to make a clean energy transition in their day-to-day work.
The Freeport’s Seed Capital Fund invests in skills, technology and infrastructure projects which will support growth at three sites that will add £9bn to the value of the regional economy and support 28,000 new jobs.
Tom Newman-Taylor, CEO of East Midlands Freeport, said: “We’re fully committed to delivering on the Government’s mission of increasing growth and creating new opportunities for people, communities and businesses in the process.
“So alongside our three sites, we are investing directly in technology projects which will help industry decarbonise and skills programmes which will ensure local people can access these new opportunities.”
He added: “The Freeport is the biggest growth initiative in the East Midlands and we are delighted to be supporting a project which means the benefits of that growth will be felt by people and communities.”
Technical courses currently offered by East Midlands IoT which will help FESH achieve its aims of developing a pipeline of future talent include a degree in sustainable engineering at Loughborough College, a master’s degree in renewable energy systems technology at Loughborough University, a degree in manufacturing engineering at Derby College, and a degree in artificial intelligence and data science at the University of Derby.
As the FESH project evolves, East Midlands Freeport’s partners and East Midlands IoT will work to develop additional short courses for rapid upskilling and embed sustainable and green energy skills in all existing technical qualifications to provide the skills needed by businesses.
Rachel Quinn, Executive Director of the East Midlands Institute of Technology, said: “East Midlands Freeport has made a significant and welcome investment to develop the technical skills needed by the region’s clean energy businesses.
“With the expertise of the East Midlands IoT’s academic partners and the business know-how of its corporate partners, we will help a new generation of highly-skilled students into rewarding careers, which will boost the local economy and drive decarbonisation in our region.”
Alongside the skills hub, East Midlands Freeport’s £25m Seed Capital Investment Fund will also be supporting the development of a Zero Carbon Innovation Centre that is being set up next year by the universities of Nottingham and Loughborough.
Major investment in UK expansion for recruitment specialist
Stafforce, a recruitment specialist and part of Nicholas Associates Group, is making a significant investment in its future by opening seven new hubs across the UK.
The new hubs will be located in Newport, Blackburn, Daventry, Bristol, Barnstaple, Loughborough and Tilbury.
This ambitious growth initiative is a key element of the strategic plan being implemented by Kelly Kendall COO, who has recently joined the Group and taken charge of driving growth. The plan emphasises investing in people, talent, and new locations to ensure that Stafforce continues to be the recruiter of choice for both clients and candidates.
This expansion is backed by the unwavering support of Executive Chairman Nick Cragg and CEO Paul Smith, reflecting their confidence in the recruitment sector’s potential for growth.
The new hubs are set to strengthen Stafforce’s ability to serve clients and candidates across the UK, reinforcing the company’s commitment to excellence in recruitment and its long-term vision for sustainable growth.
Kelly Kendall, COO, Nicholas Associates Group, said: “Our investment in these new hubs is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional service to our clients and candidates. By focusing on strategic locations and investing in our people, we are positioning Stafforce to be the recruiter of choice across the UK.
“This expansion strengthens our presence and enhances our ability to connect top talent with leading employers in the region.”
Paul Smith, CEO of Nicholas Associates Group, added: “This ambitious growth plan is a clear signal of our confidence in our potential to lead the market.
“With the full backing of our executive team, we are committed to driving this expansion forward, ensuring that we continue to deliver outstanding results for our clients while creating new opportunities for our employees and the communities we serve.”
