Nottingham has celebrated the opening of a brand-new green space in a key milestone for the wider Broad Marsh regeneration project.
The new green space is a place to enjoy nature with 38 trees, 34 of them newly planted, plus areas of colourful planting, a new marsh pond area, two rain garden areas and several footpaths and places to sit.
A diverse range of trees have been planted from different species, to help make sure that as many of the trees as possible can cope with and survive potential disease or extreme weather. Varieties including acers, and nyssa slyvatica will add beautiful autumn colour while other varieties that can cope better with the wet conditions around the marsh such as salix and alnus glutinosa have been added.
The Green Heart contains three distinct planting areas, a superbloom with a variety of colourful and striking plants providing nectar to insects and wildlife year-round, a flowering meadow, and a marsh and rain garden areas featuring wetland planting. These areas are complemented by lawned spaces.
Pathways created from sandstone wind around the Green Heart, allowing residents and visitors to wander through the new public space, sitting amongst the plants and enjoying nature. The main path through the Green Heart serves as a clear and direct route connecting the train station with the bus station and city centre, and will be well-lit at night.
A brand-new sculpture by Rachel Carter, ‘Standing in this place’ will also be unveiled in the Green Heart this November. The sculpture will give voice and recognition to the contributions of thousands of unnamed women who were the driving forces behind the East Midlands cotton textile industry during Industrialisation.
More progress on the ongoing regeneration of the wider Broad Marsh area is still to come, with a state-of-the-art NHS Community Diagnostic Centre set to open in the area, as well as plans for new homes and offices.
The Green Heart is made possible by funding through the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities fund, a £161million package of funding given to Nottingham and Derby in 2020 to keep cities moving and improve connections between and around cities.
The Green Heart is the latest step in the plans to regenerate the area, following on from the radical transformation of Collin Street from a three-lane traffic choked road to a peaceful pedestriansed area with a playground in front of the new Central Library, as well as the new Broad Marsh car park and bus station.
Councillor Neghat Khan, Nottingham City Council Leader and Executive Member for Strategic Regeneration, Transport and Communications, said: “I’m proud to officially open this beautiful new green space for the city. It’s wonderful to see so many people already enjoying it. Following the collapse of the intu Broadmarsh shopping centre, we asked people in Nottingham what they wanted to see in this space… they overwhelmingly asked for a new green park.
“I’m pleased that something amazing has bloomed, creating a wonderful new space for people and wildlife alike. Thank you to council colleagues and partners who have brought this to life.
“The Green Heart is just the latest step in regenerating the Broad Marsh area, following the new Central Library, pedestrianised streets, and the bus station and car park. New homes and offices will follow in the future – providing a complete revamp for this part of the city.”
Nick Heath, Director at Wilmott Dixon, said: “As a business with strong roots in Nottingham, we’re incredibly proud to have played a role in this project.
“Creating a vibrant green space in the city centre has not only opened up routes between our different quarters, but it also provides a space for children, shoppers and workers to enjoy.
“We look forward to seeing both local people and the local wildlife benefitting from the Green Heart.”
Gary Alden at Townshend Landscape Architects who developed the concept design for the Green Heart said: “The overall concept was to create a wildlife-rich green space as part of a ‘nature first’ approach. Key to our design was incorporating a wetland area that would absorb rainwater from Colin Street, reflecting the importance of wetland habitats and that the area was historically a marsh.
“It is fantastic to see that wildlife is already finding its way there and making a home in the pond. The colourful planting is attracting bees and other pollinators too. It was important to create a place unique to Broad Marsh, with the seating boulders referencing the sandstone, which is the same rock on which Nottingham Castle was built.”
Ares Landscape Architects are completing the design on behalf of Contractor Willmott Dixon. Associate Director Kate Shearer said: “It was important that the detailed design proposals were faithful to the concepts established by Townshend Landscape Architects. We worked collaboratively to support Willmott Dixon with their construction activities.
“Much of the design was bespoke and great attention to detail and care had to be taken executing the works to ensure the imagination of the concept became a reality on site.”
Oliver Hatton, director at Pick Everard who have contributed project management, surveying and design work to the project, said: “The completion of the Broad Marsh Green Heart scheme represents a significant milestone in the quest to redevelop a key part of Nottingham’s public infrastructure.
“Our team has collaborated closely with project partners to ensure the delivery of a vibrant community space, which reflects changing attitudes to the way we view our towns and cities, with plenty of accessible greenery that contributes positively to modern sustainability goals.
“Having been a key part of the team that has delivered several Broad Marsh initiatives, including the car park, adjacent library and Collin Street revamp, we’re proud to be continuing to lead the charge in transforming Nottingham’s future, and look forward to the Green Heart becoming an integral part of the city’s Southside area.”
Ben Hensman, Commercial Director at ATV Contract Services, who will look after the Green Heart as the plants bed in, said: “The wetland area will become a much-needed haven for nature, providing a great spot for wildlife to thrive.
“With the addition of water plants that help oxygenate the pond area, we’re excited to see more urban wildlife, like insects, birds, and other pollinators, making this their home. It’s amazing to already see signs of amphibian life, showing just how important this space is for the city.”
Eurocell, the Derbyshire manufacturer, recycler and distributor of PVC window, door and roofline products, has seen a dip in revenue while pre-tax profits have risen in the six months ending 30 June 2024.
Adjusted profit before tax of £8m was up 33% from the same period of last year, on lower sales, driven by proactive gross margin management and reduced input costs.
Revenue, meanwhile, was down 5% on the first half of 2023 at £175.7m, with subdued repair, maintenance and improvement activity and a continuing weak new build housing market.
Darren Waters, Chief Executive of Eurocell plc, said: “Trading conditions continue to be tough in 2024, with ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty impacting our key markets, exacerbated by wet weather and the General Election.Customers remain cautious, resulting in lower investment in home improvementsand subdued activity levels in the residential construction market. As a result, H1 sales were 5% below H1 2023.
“However, first half adjusted profit before tax was up 33% on H1 2023, as we continue to proactively manage our gross margin and cost base, which has supported a reduction in input cost pricing, and our expectations for the full year remain unchanged.
“Earlier this year we launched our new strategy, which identified a pathway to building a £500 million revenue business, generating a 10% operating margin, over a five-year period. Wehave good early momentum with our new strategic initiatives and are becoming increasingly confident that, whilst this is an ambitious target, it is achievable.
“The UK construction market continues to have attractive medium and long-term growth prospects, driven by the structural deficit in new build housing and an ageing housing stock that requires increased repair and maintenance. Overall, we believe the progression of our strategy, together with the actions we have taken on cost and cash flow over the last eighteen months, leave the business well positioned to drive sustainable growth in shareholder value.”
With nominations closing TODAY (Thursday 5th September) for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, this is your last chance to shine a light on property and construction businesses, professionals, and projects in our region!
An opportunity to reward the hard work of your team, boost morale, and showcase your successes, the Bricks celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of the East Midlands, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes.
A glittering awards ceremony revealing winners will take place on Thursday 3rd October (4:30pm – 7:30pm) in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, also offering the perfect forum to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region.
The event will additionally feature Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, as keynote speaker.
Nominations for the awards close TODAY. To enter your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include:
Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, with the winner, and recipient of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards)
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 – click here to secure yours.
Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in our region.
Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:
The Access Group, a Loughborough-based provider of business management software to mid-market organisations, has reached an agreement to acquire Onboarded, an Australian technology provider of recruitment onboarding software.
As part of this acquisition, The Access Group has reached an agreement to acquire Onboarded’s sister company, smartAI, a personalised conversation platform for recruiters. This furthers Access’s ambition to help recruiters globally to benefit from usable AI daily.
Through this acquisition, Access Recruitment will be able to offer its customers the ability to streamline and speed up the onboarding process and ensure candidates are fully compliant. 84% of candidates using the Onboarded platform complete their onboarding within 24 hours.
Raj Soni, Founder of Onboarded and smartAI, said: “Since founding Onboarded in 2019, our mission and vision have been to build trusted connections between workers and businesses. Joining forces with Access represents an exciting new chapter in our journey, making it even easier for more people—globally—to onboard seamlessly into the workplace.”
Emma de Sousa, Group Managing Director, Access, added: “We are delighted to welcome Onboarded and smartAI to the Access family, and we look forward to working alongside the Onboarded and smartAI teams to deliver an exceptional software experience that lightens the load for recruitment professionals and creates a seamless onboarding process for candidates changing roles or entering the world of work.”
Nottingham and County Durham-based Hodgson Sayers has been reselected for a further four years as lead contractor on the extensive Efficiency East Midlands (EEM) framework, where it has already won work in excess of £3 million.
Works to be undertaken within the framework are for roofing replacement and repairs and will continue to be led by contracts manager, Linden Blackwood, from the company’s base in Nottingham.
Hodgson Sayers, a building maintenance, security products and roofing specialist, was on the previous framework which ran from 2020 to 2024.
Established in 2010, EEM is a not-for-profit procurement consortium that offers cost and efficiency savings for the public sector across England and Wales. It supports 365 organisations ranging from contracting authorities, education providers, police forces, NHS Trusts and charities.
Hodgson Sayers, which employs around 100 staff, has completed contracts for a number of organisations since it was first placed on the framework in 2020, including Newark and Sherwood District Council, Derby Homes, East Midlands Homes and Nottingham City Homes.
John Sayers, managing director, Hodgson Sayers, said: “Winning new contracts is essential and exciting but renewing an existing contract, or, in this case, retaining our lead position on such an important framework, is testament to a high consistency of quality of workmanship and customer service and to the values of the operational teams, led by contracts manager, Linden Blackwood.
“Once more, we have the opportunity to deliver work to the potential value of several millions of pounds over the lifespan of the framework and, as lead contractor, we do not have to compete against other companies also on the framework to be awarded work. Instead, we can focus on delivering the same quality projects that won us the renewal of our place on the framework.
“I would like to extend my thanks to Efficiency East Midlands and also to the entire team at Hodgson Sayers for ensuring that we provide all of our clients with best-in-class service.”
Linden Blackwood said: “Hodgson Sayers is a customer-centric business and to have, once again, been placed first across all criteria, is the biggest indicator we are performing to the standard we hold ourselves to.
“When I joined the Nottingham office two and a half years ago, Hodgson Sayers was just starting to make itself known in the Midlands. It speaks volumes that we have gone from being a relatively unknown company in the East Midlands, to being a first-choice provider. I am extremely proud to lead the team operating in this region.
“It has only been possible to attain the level of geographical growth that the business has achieved in such a short time period, with renewed business, because of the dedication our people display day in, day out.
“Indeed, one of the biggest challenges any business faces when experiencing exponential growth is ensuring that the quality of service does not drop. The renewal of our position as lead contractor on such a highly competitive framework, highlights the ability of the business to scale up whilst continuing to deliver an impeccable service.”
The Midlands Rail Hub programme could yield almost 13,000 new roles, according to recent analysis.
The Hub is the region’s biggest and most ambitious rail improvement scheme, which will serve more than 50 stations – covering seven million people across the region, with work expected to run from next year until 2033.
A series of engineering interventions throughout the region will make space for scores of additional trains on the network every day.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “Our rail services are hugely overcrowded and in order to get more people on the network we need to provide more trains for them.
“The Midlands Rail Hub will better connect Birmingham and the West Midlands to Bristol, Cardiff, Leicester, Derby and Nottingham with more frequent and reliable services.
“But it’s also creating thousands of jobs and apprenticeships through the design and construction phase and beyond – investing in our transport network means investing in the people of our region.”
The majority of the job roles predicted for the project are skilled occupations in engineering or project management. More than 300 apprentices are expected to be recruited and trained during the programme.
Economically, over the course of the project, Midlands Rail Hub could generate an additional £240m in economic value throughout the supply chain. And a further £45m uplift is expected in social value benefits, thanks to enhanced skills and knowledge and sustained employment.
Maria Machancoses, CEO, Midlands Connect, said: “This project is so much more than just a rail scheme, it will create high skilled jobs, grow our economy and kick start careers, thanks to hundreds of apprenticeships.
“The scale of the transformational impact goes even further. Once delivered, Midlands Rail Hub will transform train travel in region for generations to come, connecting our communities and offering a greener way of travelling.”
Last year, Government committed to ‘full’ delivery of Midlands Rail Hub, and in February this year, an additional £123m was allocated towards the project, to progress the detailed engineering designs.
Vice President of Insurance Institute of Leicester, Sue Hull has joined PIB as Branch Director in the city, bringing with her over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry.
She began her career at Bland Bankart (now part of the Gallagher empire) and most recently at Berkeley Insurance Group in Leicester.
She was Operations Director at my former company, where she spent more than 20 years. “The company was relatively small, with just 70 employees. In my role, I was responsible for everything from systems and HR to compliance. After two decades and some changes within the business, I felt it was the right time to seek a new challenge.
“I took over the Leicester Branch Director role from Stewart Liddell, whom I’ve known for many years. It was reassuring to see that he has stayed with PIB and is continuing to grow his career within the business. It’s a testament to the opportunities available here and the commitment people have to progress within the company.”
Approval has been granted by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to develop 81 new homes in Earl Shilton.
The site – delivered by Persimmon Homes’ North Midlands team – will bring a range of new homes to the area. The development will be made up of two- to four- bed properties, with the new homes designed to meet the requirements of local buyers.
The development also offers several community benefits, including funds given to educational facilities. In addition, as part of the wider development in Earl Shilton, new jobs and training opportunities will be generated as part of the development, and funds will be pledged to the local authority to support local infrastructure.
Sean Barratt, Technical Director at Persimmon Homes North Midlands, said: “We’re proud to have secured approval to deliver these new homes in Earl Shilton. Our upcoming new community will bring a wide range of new benefits to the area and we’ll continue to work closely with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council throughout the build process to deliver on these commitments.
“This development will not only generate significant job opportunities throughout the lifespan of the project but will also leave a lasting legacy of community benefits for the people of Earl Shilton and the surrounding areas.”
The Leicester and Leicestershire Careers Hub has secured funding to deliver a two-year project across the region helping to bring new talent to emerging digital sectors.
We Discover Digital will create opportunities for local young people to increase their awareness and understanding of vocational and technical routes into cyber and digital careers.
It will focus on five areas that are experiencing growth but report struggling to attract young talent – Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Games Design and Animation, Programming and Coding and Esports.
The programme will require support from local employers to ensure young people are exposed to workplaces and employer-led activities that will link up to digital apprenticeship and T Level opportunities.
Gerarde Manley, Strategic Careers Hub Lead, said: “We are reaching out to local businesses to support the project and inspire the future workforce. Our research shows that the digital sector is a key growth sector in Leicester and Leicestershire.
“To maximise that potential, we need to demonstrate to young people the breadth of opportunities available in the digital sector – this programme is specifically designed to do that while boosting the future talent pipeline.
“Currently there are 7,800 high-value jobs, with the potential to deliver a further 2,300 jobs and £270 million of regional growth by 2030.”
The support of local businesses is needed to offer flexible workplace experiences, parent/carer information sessions, and industry insight sessions for lecturers.
The project will start this autumn and focus on Year 12 and 13 students. Businesses that sign up will be offered support throughout the process.
Four stages will make up the programme:
De-coding digital pathways: Teachers, careers leaders and educators will learn about digital industry careers.
Digital Speed Trials: Work experience placements within the sector.
Digital VIP events: Visiting employers that hosted work placements and developing knowledge built up during earlier stages.
Digital Application Bootcamps: Young people supported with applying for technical routes into digital careers.
Howes Percival has recruited Partner Piet van Gelder as the firm’s first ever Head of Construction, to meet the growing demand for construction law services.
Based in the East Midlands, Piet is a specialist construction and engineering lawyer who advises clients in the construction, engineering and renewable energy sectors and in respect of compliance with the new regime under the Building Safety Act.
Piet has experience over the whole lifecycle of projects from compliance with building regulations, procurement and resolving commercial issues and project accounts.
Piet has been involved with many engineering projects outside the renewables sector including nuclear waste plants, process engineering plants, sequence batch reactors and waste to energy plants.
He has been involved in substantial disputes in the Technology & Construction Court and in international & domestic arbitration, as well as an experienced practitioner in adjudication and a keen proponent of mediation.
Piet is a director of Procon Leicestershire and Chair of the East Midlands Chamber of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Lucy Lord, Partner and Head of Property at Howes Percival, said: “We are delighted to welcome Piet to Howes Percival to head up and grow our construction offering. Piet has a wealth of experience and a strong client following.
“He is a great recruit for us and brings the calibre and credibility we need to align with the strength of our development team and take our proposition to the next level. The local and national market in development terms remains very strong and we are seeing our development instructions increase quarter on quarter.
“As a result, we need to expand our construction offering which is a critical specialism for our development clients.”
The CEO of Menphys will leave his role after six years at the award-winning charity.
Ian Caldwell has led Menphys – which supports children and young people with disabilities – since November 2018. He will leave in October.
The charity’s joint-Chairs Wyn Rees and Lisa Franklin praised the CEO’s dedication and commitment.
“Ian has been committed to our vision of creating a future full of equal choices and opportunities for children and young people with disabilities and their families,” he said. “He has worked very hard to help empower them to live as ordinary lives as possible.
“His leadership has enabled the charity to continue its vital work supporting thousands of local people, despite the many challenges faced during his time as CEO.
“Ian leaves with our appreciation and we wish him the best of luck in his new role.”
Ian moved into the charity sector after extensive experience in operations management within the private sector. His leadership career in the charity sector began soon after Menphys had its funding removed by Leicestershire County Council. The charity was faced with finding new ways of sourcing the funds needed to ensure its vital services could continue.
Ian led Menphys through the Pandemic, helping children and young people with disabilities – and their families – access support at a difficult time.
The charity has also received a number of honours during his time as CEO. Menphys received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2021. It is the highest accolade a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
Ian said: “I have been lucky enough to lead a fantastic team in the staff and volunteers that make Menphys what it is.
“Throughout my time here, the children, young people and families we support have been my motivation.
“This charity does wonderful work for wonderful people who aren’t always given the opportunities they deserve.
“I know it will continue towards its vision and have a positive impact upon thousands of local people as it does.”
Ian will begin his new role as CEO of Leicestershire Education Business Company (LEBC) in October.
The Menphys Board has now begun the recruitment process for a new CEO.
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Manns Pharmacy in Carlton, Nottinghamshire.
Manns is a standard hours community pharmacy that dispenses an average of 2,800 items per month. It is located in the residential area of Carlton, a suburb north-east of Nottingham city centre, between the suburbs of Mapperley and Gedling.
The pharmacy has been owned by Gurinder Singh Mann for over 20 years and was brought to market to enable retirement.
Following a confidential sales process with Carl Steer at Christie & Co, and with funding sourced through Joe Carden at Christie Finance Unsecured, it has been purchased by Leicester-based first-time buyer, Ravi Bansal.
Carl Steer, Director – Pharmacy at Christie & Co, says: “We have been working with and advising Mr Mann for some years, so it is nice to bring another sale to completion for him following the sale of his Mapperley branch last year. Demand remains in the market for sub £1 million pharmacies right across the Midlands, however correct pricing has become an important aspect of the current market.”
Joe Carden, Senior Finance Consultant at Christie Finance, says: “Ravi is a very experienced pharmacist and owning a pharmacy had been a goal of hers for some years, so it was a delight to assist her in this purchase. We were able to secure 80 per cent of the purchase price via an unsecured loan to allow her to complete her first purchase.
“Lender appetite is strong for first-time pharmacy purchasers; however, detailed information is key for a successful application. The more a lender can understand the applicant, their experience, and how they are going to run the pharmacy, such as what new ideas they’ll implement and how they manage the business day to day, the higher likelihood of approval.”
Manns Pharmacy was sold for an undisclosed price.
Sixty-eight jobs in Lincolnshire have been saved following the pre-pack sale of the Burdens Group.
Headquartered in Boston, the company supplied a wide range of farm and groundcare machinery from leading manufacturers including New Holland, Horizon, Amarzone and JPM Trailers. From tractors and combine harvesters to trailers and mowers, its customers included farmers, groundcare professionals and potato growers across the UK.
The Burdens Group offered both new and used agricultural machinery for sale from its depots in Sutterton, North Kyme, Louth and Brigg. It also had a division providing agricultural machinery for hire.
The company began to experience financial difficulties due to the pressures facing the farming sector following poor weather during 2023 and 2024, resulting in poor crop yields, and this was exacerbated by changes to EU subsidies. These issues resulted in farmers reducing their investment in new machinery which had a significant impact on the company’s turnover.
Joint administrators Gareth Rusling and Robert Dymond of Begbies Traynor were subsequently appointed as joint administrators on 19th August and a sale of the business and assets was immediately completed to Russell’s (Kirbymoorside) Limited in Malton and Stevenage-based Ernest Doe & Sons Limited, representing the northern and southern sales respectively.
The sales secured 68 jobs therefore reducing total creditor claims.
A significant amount of tangible assets which were not sold to either purchaser will be disposed of by Eddisons Commercial Limited and are likely to be sold via auction.
“Having traded successfully for more than 40 years, the Burdens Group was a victim of problems hitting the farming sector with bad weather and changes to EU subsidies resulting in its key customer base reducing their spend,” explains joint administrator Gareth Rusling of Begbies Traynor. “We worked hard to quickly conclude a sale to two experienced agricultural businesses, and it’s fantastic that the sales have saved the jobs of 68 people.”
Leicester City FC has avoided a points deduction and won its appeal against a decision regarding the Premier League’s jurisdiction over the club’s alleged breach of its Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs).
In March this year, the Premier League referred Leicester City to an independent Commission for an alleged breach of PSRs relating to the assessment period ending financial year 2022/23. Once submitted, the club’s financial results demonstrated that it had exceeded the permitted £105m threshold for the relevant period. PSR rules note that clubs cannot lose more than £105m over a three-season period.
Leicester City subsequently challenged the Commission’s authority to hear the case on the grounds of jurisdiction. This challenge was dismissed by the independent Commission, a decision which Leicester City appealed.
That appeal has been upheld by an independent Appeal Board on the grounds that the club’s accounting period which ended on 30 June 2023, came after the point the club had ceased to be a member of the League.
The Appeal Board’s decision effectively means that, despite the club being a member of the League from Seasons 2019/20 to 2022/23, the League cannot take action against the club for exceeding the relevant PSR threshold in respect of the associated accounting periods.
In a statement the Premier League said: “The Premier League is very disappointed with the Appeal Board’s decision, and the limited reasons provided for it. The League remains of the view that the original Commission took the right approach in interpreting the rules in a practical and workable way that gives effect to their intended purpose.
“In overturning the original Commission’s findings, the Premier League considers the Appeal Board’s decision fails to take into account the purpose of the rules, all relevant parts of the PSRs and the need for effective enforcement of alleged breaches to ensure fairness among all clubs.”
In a statement, Leicester City said: “Leicester City welcomes the Appeal Board’s comprehensive decision, which supports our consistently stated position that any action against the Club should be pursued in accordance with the applicable rules.
“To avoid any misunderstandings which may arise in light of the statement which has been issued by the Premier League in response to the appeal decision, Leicester City wishes to emphasise the finding of the Appeal Panel that, when considering the wording which is actually used in the Premier League rules (in accordance with established principles of English law) the Club did not breach the Premier League PSRs for the assessment period ending 30 June 2023.
“In its decision, the Appeal Board (which was made of up a panel of three experienced, senior lawyers, two of whom are former Court of Appeal judges) identifies flaws in the drafting of the Premier League’s rules. In challenging the Premier League’s attempts to charge Leicester City, the Club has simply sought to ensure (in the interests of providing consistency and certainty for all clubs) that the rules are applied based on how they are actually written.”
Nottingham’s The Compleat Food Group has acquired speciality food producer and distributor Harvey & Brockless.
Harvey & Brockless works with artisan food producers from across the world to deliver the finest speciality cheeses, charcuterie, olives and deli products to its nationwide network of customers, which includes some of the UK’s leading luxury hotels and restaurants, farm shops, delicatessens and food manufacturers.
The company is The Compleat Food Group’s latest strategic acquisition as its continues its journey to become the UK’s number one chilled prepared food company. It follows the acquisition of SK Foods and Zorba Foods, the category leaders in private label chilled party foods and dips and deli fillings, earlier this year.
The Compleat Food Group has expertise in delivering food from across the Mediterranean deli and continental meats categories into retail through its global outsourced model. The addition of Harvey & Brockless to its portfolio will extend The Compleat Food Group’s capabilities, to the benefit of all customers, whilst opening up new markets and customers. It will also see turnover surpass £1 billion.
Employing around 500 people, Harvey & Brockless will continue to operate as its own brand under the leadership of the current management team, led by Simon Yorke, Nick Martin and Jonnie Archer.
The family-owned firm was founded in 1970 in Hailsham, Sussex, growing to become one of the leading suppliers of fine foods to foodservice, with customers including Harrods, The Savoy, Ritz and The Dorchester. In 2018, it opened a new site in the UAE, servicing Emirates and Etihad airlines as well as a number of five-star hotels.
Its range includes the largest collection of British farmhouse cheeses in the UK, Mediterranean deli products from Dell’ami, British cured meats, and its own range of bespoke sauces and dips, produced at its purpose-built site in Evesham, Worcestershire as well as bespoke assembled cheese solutions from its site in Battersea, London.
Nick Field, CEO at The Compleat Food Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome this new addition to The Compleat Food Group. Harvey & Brockless has a long heritage and passion for sourcing the best speciality food from across the UK and the globe for its customers, which aligns perfectly with our mission of creating great quality food that people love to eat.
“The parallels between our two businesses are very strong, and with the fantastic product range of Harvey & Brockless, the acquisition will further extend The Compleat Food Group’s capabilities to the benefit of our existing customers, whilst also opening up new markets and customers for us to delight more consumers through our great tasting food.”
Nick Martin, Managing Director at Harvey & Brockless, said: “Since our early days selling cheese to Harrods, we have been committed to supplying the very best food from our network of artisan food producers in formats that are specific to our customers.
“In The Compleat Food Group we have found a partner who shares our passion for great food and will help us to grow and fulfil our future ambitions. I and the rest of the leadership team are looking forward to working with The Compleat Food Group as we continue on the next stage of Harvey & Brockless’ journey.”
With nominations closing TOMORROW (5th September) for East Midlands Business Link’s prestigious Bricks Awards, don’t miss this opportunity to raise the profile of your business by submitting an entry!
Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and outstanding developments, the annual awards attract leaders from across the East Midlands and are the perfect way for businesses to promote the work they are completing and create more buzz.
Award categories include: 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.
A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October (4:30pm – 7:30pm) in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening that will also provide plenty of chances to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region.
The event will additionally feature Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, as keynote speaker.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, with the winner, and recipient of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards)
Nominations end Thursday 5th September
Book your tickets now
Taking place on Thursday 3rd October (4:30pm – 7:30pm) in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 – click here to secure yours.
Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in our region.
Chesterfield’s award-winning independent bar and restaurant, Bottle & Thyme has made the move to Elder Way. The move has created six new jobs and prompted seven-day opening for the business.
A 10-year lease on the 3,153 sq ft unit was agreed with Jomast in June. Since then, the frontage and interior of the unit have undergone a complete transformation.
The relocation to Elder Way has tripled the size of the business.
Owners of the business, Gavin and Hannah Grainger have transformed the flagship corner unit of the former Co-op department store on Elder Way into a restaurant, private function room which seats up to 40 people, and bar, with additional outdoor space for dining and drinking.
Already the new function area, The Glass Room is fully booked throughout September.
Gavin explained: “Because of the size of the unit we have been able to zone it internally which has ensured that it still feels intimate. It looks fantastic. Hannah and I are delighted at how everything has gone. The move has been really well received by our customers. We’ve had lots of bookings for the restaurant and function room. We’ve really hit the ground running.”
Mark Hill, Jomast’s Commercial Property Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Bottle & Thyme to Elder Way. Hannah and Gavin have transformed the flagship corner unit of this iconic building, helping further bring our joint vision to life.
“Together with neighboring tenants, Premier Inn and Hotpod Yoga, Bottle & Thyme are creating a new leisure and hospitality quarter in the heart of Chesterfield. It is a very exciting time for this iconic site, and we are talking to a number of future potential tenants keen to take advantage of all that the town and the building can offer their businesses.”
Gavin and Hannah now plan to add further to Chesterfield’s food and drink offering. They have retained Bottle & Thyme’s former location on Knifesmithgate. The premises are now undergoing a transformation into a charcuterie, cheese and wine bar, called Elder, which will open later this year.
Nearly 800 Nottinghamshire businesses have benefitted from free support to improve their energy efficiencies and growth, thanks to the Accelerator project.
The project, which started last autumn and which is funded by UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is already making a tangible difference to businesses across the county.
So far, 795 businesses have received an hour or more of business adviser support which guides them in accessing the most appropriate support, whether it be the raft of initiatives that make up the Accelerator project, or local authority or national grant funding.
A total of 65% of businesses supported so far are based in urban areas with the remainder in rural areas. Some 46 businesses have tapped into growth vouchers of up to £2,000 towards specialist training or consultancy advice and the same number have taken advantage of fully subsidised energy audits.
Of the grants so far awarded to participating businesses, it is anticipated that 73 jobs will be created or safeguarded as a result of this support.
East Midlands Chamber Deputy Chief Executive Diane Beresford said: “Accelerator is such a diverse programme. It offers business growth workshops, decarbonisation support and premises audits.
“There are dedicated forum meetings for manufacturers via the East Midlands Manufacturing Network and access to innovation and technology experts plus funding as part of the Made Smarter and Innovate UK Business Growth programmes.
“I truly believe Accelerator offers something for every business, regardless of size. We often think of grant funding being the catalyst for growth, and that is certainly the case, but an energy audit carried out by an expert can also make a sizeable difference to cost reduction.
“The fresh pair of eyes too from a business adviser too can identify valuable opportunities that those fully absorbed in the business might otherwise miss.”
Nottinghamshire County Councillor, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management Keith Girling said: “Small and medium sized businesses are at the heart of our local economy and so it’s great to hear how successful this scheme has been. Ultimately it is helping businesses save money by paying less on energy bills. As a county council we are always keen to help local businesses and their supply chain as much as we can by spending money locally.
“We also offer a free, independent advice for those businesses just starting up or expanding. To complement the Accelerator programme, our expert business advisers can be booked for a one-to-one chat plus we have local business surgeries happening around the county.”
A charity that mentors young people in Nottingham at risk of offending has received a boost from a new partnership with Motorpoint Arena.
Switch Up has become a charity partner of the entertainment venue as they look to raise £550,000 for new premises where they can continue to transform the lives of hundreds of young people.
A new donation feature on all shows when booking online at Motorpoint Arena now gives customers the option to make a charity donation to Switch Up. With around 750,000 visitors through the venue’s doors each year, it is hoped the new partnership can make a real difference.
It comes after the charity’s long-time patrons Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean took part in the launch of a fundraising drive for a new home as the current building is no longer fit for purpose. The National Ice Centre is the home of the ice skating Olympic Champions who continue to inspire the generations that follow them. Their farewell arena spectacular ‘Our Last Dance’ will be the last chance to see the iconic duo before they retire.
Switch Up Community Hub design
Switch Up is looking to raise £550,000 in public donations, business funding and grants, which will help unlock a further £1.6m in grant funding and in-kind provision from the construction industry for its new facility.
The charity founded by Marcellus Baz provides young people with a safe space and support to change their lives whether that may be being low on confidence, having mental health issues or feeling lonely trying to escape violence, gangs, or serious injury.
Dr Marcellus Baz BEM, founder, Switch Up, said: “This partnership with Motorpoint Arena is a real game changer for us. The support and generosity of the Arena and its visitors will enable us to reach our fundraising goals and secure a new space where we can continue our vital work with young people in Nottingham.
“This is more than just a partnership; it’s a powerful collaboration that will allow us to make an even greater impact in our community, transforming lives and offering hope to those who need it most. We are excited about the future and incredibly thankful for this opportunity.”
Martin Ingham, CEO of Motorpoint Arena, said: “As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we’re thrilled to support Switch Up, an incredible local charity making a profound impact on Nottingham’s young people. Their commitment to the community aligns perfectly with our values and given our location in the city, we have a unique opportunity to give back and create a positive change to those on our doorstep.
“Over the last 24 years, we’ve delivered many initiatives to ensure our local communities can access our facilities and the benefits that brings. We’re delighted to take this next step and would like to encourage everyone to support this local charity which is very much aligned with our own commitment to improving young lives.”
Some of those initiatives include providing the popular holiday club for children eligible for free school meals; concerts for carers and tickets for troops – working with promoters to offer tickets to these groups where possible – plus donating arena and ice skating tickets to charities for raffles and auctions generating hundreds of thousands of pounds for great local causes.
Motorpoint Arena is actively looking at opportunities to bring even more of the local community through the door, during its 25th anniversary celebrations next year.
There are also plans underway to welcome groups of young people from Switch Up to free skating sessions at the National Ice Centre to mark the new partnership, with proven benefits from the physical and social nature of the activity.
Construction works to deliver Phase 2 of industrial and distribution hub, Horizon 29, in Bolsover, Derbyshire, have commenced.
Horizon 29 is a new landmark distribution development located one mile from Junction 29A of the M1. Once fully complete, it will span 1,150,256 sq ft and have a total of eight warehouses, delivered over three phases by McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), on behalf of clients BGO Wire PropCo Ltd and Equation Properties.
Phase 2 is the construction of two single-storey base build distribution warehouses. Units 7 and 8 will be 249,995 sq ft and 249,866 sq ft respectively, and each will include a two-storey office, with associated mechanical and electrical installations, 23 loading docks and a transport office.
The contractor will deliver earthworks, CMC and VSC piling, concrete foundations, steel framing and cladding, lift shaft and stair installations.
All external works are also being undertaken by McLaren (Midlands and North) and include general hard standings, car-parking, landscaping, mains services and drainage. There will be cycle racks for 60 cycles per warehouse and a gate house.
Sustainable features will include solar PVs, air source heat pumps, enhanced cladding, responsibly sourced sustainable materials, LED lighting, electric vehicle charging points, and bird and bat boxes. The units will be constructed to a BREEAM Rating of ‘Excellent,’ with an EPC ‘A’ Rating. Phase 2 has a 49-week build programme.
Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “Horizon 29 is going to be a premier distribution centre for Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands. It provides an ideal opportunity for tenants looking for direct and easy access to the M1 north and south.
“Progressing on to Phase 2, we are building two more units at the site – and as with earlier phases – they will be highly energy efficient buildings, with the potential for the whole of the roofs to be used to gather energy from PV to not only power the units, but to put energy back into the National Grid.
“We were pleased to be working alongside BentallGreenOak and Equation Properties for the next phase of this landmark scheme.”
Phase 1A and 1B of Horizon 29 completed in February of this year, which comprised four warehouse units (units 1, 2, 4 and 5).
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