Housebuilder secures land for 114 homes in Market Deeping
Housebuilder Allison Homes East has acquired land in the Lincolnshire town of Market Deeping, where a total of 114 new homes will be built.
The site will be situated off Towngate East and split over two phases, totalling over 10 acres, and form part of Allison Homes East’s existing Beaufort Grange development, which sold out in 2022 in nine months.
The new phases of the development, which will now be called Beaufort Gardens, will provide a total of 114 two, three and four bedroom homes. 74 will be available through open market sale and 40 will be affordable homes.
Allison Homes East will also be providing in excess of £650,000 worth of S106 contributions, which will go towards supporting the existing community and education services.
Construction work on the site is due to commence in January 2025, with the first homes expected to be complete in August 2025.
Sophie Kendal, Land and Partnerships Director at Allison Homes East, said: “We are incredibly proud to have acquired this land in Market Deeping and to be returning to our successful Beaufort Grange development.
“Beaufort Gardens will deliver 114 high-quality homes, as well as a host of new employment and apprenticeship opportunities for local people. We are looking forward to commencing construction work early next year and to welcoming new residents into our already established community.”
Mixed outlook among East Midlands businesses – confidence in profitability grows but spending tightens
Businesses in the East Midlands continue to project to make profit over the next year but are currently investing less in machinery and training, says a study into business experience in the region.
East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey is a key indicator of challenges and opportunities faced by businesses across multiple sectors, highlighting their concerns and the level of confidence they have for the months ahead.
Key takeaways from respondents in East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey Q3, 2024:
- 2% growth in the workforce over the last three months
- 1/4 expect their workforce to increase over the next 3 months
- 7/10 had problems recruiting suitable staff over the last 3 months
- Half expect profitability to improve over the next year
- 7/10 expect to keep prices the same over the next three months
- UK Orders increased by 3%, UK Sales decreased by 5% over the last quarter
Inertia Consulting takes 7,000 sq ft at Derby’s Cardinal Square
Nurton Development’s Cardinal Square offices in Derby has landed one of the stand-out deals of this year, with a 7,000 sq ft letting to locally-based Inertia Consulting.
Inertia Consulting, a specialist in civil engineering and structural consultancy, has announced its move to the landmark offices located at the junction of the A61 and A52, to ensure its long-term success in the city.
This relocation aligns with Inertia’s plans for strategic growth, providing an enhanced workspace that enables the company to continue to attract top tier talent, benefiting from Nurton’s on-going investment in the offices, particularly over the past 24 months.
Inertia Consulting, which operates extensively across the UK, offers consultancy services in civil engineering, structural design, bridge inspection, and non-destructive testing to a broad range of clients, including the public and private sectors.
Nurton has invested significantly in creating a high-quality working environment, catering to the needs of modern occupiers with a focus on onsite amenities and wellbeing including open green spaces, outdoor work, rest areas and leisure facilities.
David Dyas, Asset Manager at Nurton Developments, said: “The investment we’ve made to Cardinal Square has been well received by existing occupiers and the wider market. This letting is a direct result of the improvements we have made to the building. Inertia sought quality space to amalgamate their offices and Cardinal Square ticked the box.
“We spent time liaising with Inertia and built an excellent working relationship during what were enjoyable negotiations to ensure the letting met with their requirements.”
David added: “Flexible floorspace at Cardinal Square caters for anything from a single office up to 25,000 sq ft, providing a wealth of options for incoming occupiers whilst also enabling existing occupiers to expand or contract as their business dictates and according to their style of working.
“We are definitely seeing a growing trend amongst businesses to upgrade their space to attract and retain employees, encouraging people back into the office with a working environment which offers that all important work life balance and a stimulating and fun place to collaborate and spend time with colleagues.”
Darran Severn, Director from FHP, agents for Cardinal Square, added: “The 7000 sq ft letting is certainly the largest we’ve done this year in a market which has been mainly dominated by lettings in the 1,500 sq ft to 3,000 sq ft range.”
Ryan Bradley, Director of Inertia Consulting, said: “We were drawn to Cardinal Square not only by the central location and connectivity but also by the office environment, which aligns with our commitment to our team’s well-being. We look forward to continuing our work from these vibrant new offices and benefit from the rich talent pool in the city”
Inertia Consulting joins a growing list of occupiers at Cardinal Square, including Bulkhead, Freeth’s, City Fibre, FTT, Randd, Astute, FHP, Smile Bright, and the NHS.
Property law firm’s Oktoberfest event raises over £5,000 for local charity Nottingham CYF
Nottingham property law firm, Landsmiths, recently hosted an Ocktoberfest event at The Bierkeller, Nottingham raising £5,023 for local charity Nottingham Children, Young People and Their Families Project (Nottingham CYF).
The event, which took place on Thursday 10th October, was supported by a number of local businesses and brought together the Nottingham business community for a night of celebration, networking and fundraising.
Guests enjoyed traditional Bavarian cuisine and drinks, live music, and plenty of festive entertainment. To boost fundraising efforts there was also a charity raffle, which featured prizes donated by a number of local businesses, raising £1,714.
Nottingham CYF is a grassroots charity dedicated to transforming the lives of young people and their families by offering educational and recreational opportunities, mentoring, and crisis support. CYF’s work focuses on Nottingham’s most under-resourced communities, empowering residents to access sustainable opportunities and develop their talents.
Susie Gray from Nottingham CYF said: “Sincerest thank you to everyone who turned up, sponsored the event, bought raffle tickets, donated prizes, helped organise – whatever you did to help, you!
“Landsmiths has been such an amazing firm to work with – generous, thoughtful, kind, compassionate and approaching their work with us with such integrity and respect. A brilliant and progressive company, staffed by a truly amazing group of people.”
Rachael Briggs, Director at Landsmiths, added: “Supporting local charities is at the heart of what we do, and we’re thrilled with the outcome of this year’s Oktoberfest. CYF’s work is truly life-changing, and we are proud to support them in every way we can.”
Vik Moothia, also a Director at Landsmiths, said: “The generosity of the Nottingham business community was overwhelming. We’re so grateful to everyone who attended, sponsored the event, donated raffle prizes, and, of course, to The Bierkeller for donating a portion of the proceeds from each specialty drink sold on the night.”
Sponsors of the evening included AG Corporate Law, A.W.Lymn, Chord Consult, DL Design Studio, Ground Sure, Logical Demolition, Monk Estates, Node Building Consultancy, SIA.
£20m redevelopment of shopping centre gets go ahead
A £20m redevelopment of the Priory Centre to bring an exciting mix of entertainment, leisure, shopping, and dining to Worksop’s Town Centre will become a reality very soon.
The project took a major step forward this week as Bassetlaw District Council’s Planning Committee approved the planning application on Wednesday 16th October, which means that the delivery phase of the development can now begin.
The Council has appointed East Midlands-based G F Tomlinson as its main contractor to take the project forward, which will include building a brand-new section of the Priory Centre, as well as extensively refurbishing other areas of the precinct.
Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: “This project is a major development for our town centre and the completed building will be a fantastic attraction for people living in Worksop and beyond.
“I’m delighted that we are now able to start the process of putting spades in the ground and delivering the investment and change that will make our town centre a more attractive place to visit and for businesses to flourish.
“A great deal of hard work has gone in to getting the project to this point and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this so far. I’d also like to welcome G F Tomlinson who will be taking this venture forward and delivering a new complex.”
So that the redevelopment work does not impose on the important trade for businesses in the lead up to Christmas, demolition of part of the Priory Centre is expected to start in the new year, with investigation and non-intrusive work taking place up to this time.
Adrian Grocock, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We’re pleased to have been appointed to this exciting new scheme, working alongside Bassetlaw District Council to revitalise the Priory Shopping Centre in Worksop and create a modern, multi-use retail and leisure offering for the local community.
“The revamped facility will be a sought-after destination for Worksop and the surrounding region, breathing new life and increasing footfall into the area.”
The redevelopment project is expected to take around 12 months to complete and G F Tomlinson were selected following a competitive tender process via the Pagabo framework.
The project forms part of the Council’s Vision 2040 to invest in its town centres, and by working with partners, improve opportunities for businesses and increase facilities for all residents.
Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity and Place, said: “Town centres across the country, including Worksop, have been in decline for years due to several different factors. The redevelopment of the Priory Centre shifts our reliance on shopping and retail to bring people into Worksop and adds a new dimension and attraction for people of all ages.
“We bought the Priory Centre in 2023 to begin the process of reversing this decline and make the investment that previous owners have been reluctant take on in the current climate.
“We have a clear plan and an ambition to increase the number of people visiting the town centre, which will also support existing businesses. This announcement is just the beginning and I can’t wait to see how this development takes shape over the coming months.”
Some of the new facilities already confirmed for the Priory Centre include a climbing wall and indoor adventure play area, a bowling alley, and a new food court, as well as improved retail areas and an indoor market.
The entertainment and leisure facilities are key to the development’s future success and the Council’s leisure partners BPL are excited to be part of this new phase for Worksop Town Centre.
Michael Hirst, Chief Executive of BPL, said: “BPL are committed to helping Bassetlaw achieve their Vision 2040, and we’re delighted that work can now commence on our innovative family entertainment complex, which we firmly believe will attract people from across the region to this fantastic town centre.”
Marks Electrical Group makes Non-Executive Director appointment
Leicester-based Marks Electrical Group is set to appoint Warren Middleton as Non-Executive Director of the company.
Mr Middleton was previously with KPMG for over 25 years, 17 of which have been as a technology partner. He was KPMG’s Manchester Office senior partner since 2019, overseeing circa 1,500 employees and was heavily involved in the build-out of KPMG’s technology practice.
It is intended that Mr Middleton will also chair the Audit and Risk Committee. The appointment is subject to due diligence checks as required under the AIM Rules.
Furthermore, David Wilkinson has resigned from the Board and as a Non-Executive Director of the company with immediate effect.
Commenting on Warren’s appointment, Marnie Millard, Chair of the Board, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Warren to the Board and look forward to benefiting from his valuable experience advising companies on advancements in their technology agenda. Additionally, we thank David for his support and expertise over the last three years, since IPO.”
Nottingham business messaging solutions firm expands with US acquisition
Commify, the Nottingham-based business messaging solutions firm, has expanded in the US market with the acquisition of Tennessee-based Text Request.
The acquisition is Commify’s 18th since 2013, its second in 2024 under ECI’s backing, and its second in the US market which it entered in 2022.
Text Request, founded in 2014, is a software as a service (SaaS) platform that provides a plug and play texting service including conversational and customer engagement messaging solutions to small and medium sized businesses across the US.
The business has scaled rapidly, growing at 60% per year from 2021 to 2024 to reach approaching $15 million ARR and $20 million total revenue, serving over 7,500 business customers, with a team of 40 based in Chattanooga.
“I’m delighted to be making this major announcement today,” said Richard Hanscott, CEO of Commify. “The US market is an exciting and significant opportunity for Commify.
“Text Request is highly complementary to our existing US business, doubles our scale to well over $30 million revenue and transforms our future position within this market. We can’t wait to get started with the team in Chattanooga to continue to grow together in the years to come.”
“We are proud of Text Request and our team’s accomplishments over the last ten years,” said Text Request co-founder and CEO Brian Elrod. “We’ve hit milestones that very few bootstrapped tech companies achieve, and we’re especially proud of what a tech exit like this means for our local startup community.
“More importantly, Text Request is staying in Chattanooga and will become an integral part of a global messaging leader. Commify aligns perfectly with the Text Request culture and is a great acquirer for continuing our vision. We welcome the Commify team to Chattanooga.”
Paul Burton, Chief Strategy Officer of Commify, added: “We’ve been impressed by the Text Request team for many years so it’s great to finally be joining forces. They’ve scaled up a class-leading platform enabling conversational customer care use cases for businesses of all sizes, taken to market by an experienced local team.
“This is our largest ever acquisition and takes Commify to over 400 team members and approaching €200 million revenue – we are very much open for business for global acquisitions with ECI’s continued backing.”
Text Request was advised by PEAK Technology Partners as exclusive financial advisor and Greenberg Traurig as legal counsel. Commify was advised by Grant Thornton for financial and tax due diligence, EY for tax structuring and Squire Patton Boggs as legal counsel.
Rail industry hub makes official launch in Derby with secretary of state visit
Rail Campus Derby officially launched at a special event on Thursday 17 October. Over 200 delegates and stakeholders from the rail sector and beyond attended the event.
A joint effort between Derby City Council, Great British Railways Transition Team, East Midlands Combined County Authority, and wider stakeholders, Rail Campus Derby will become a key hub for the UK’s rail industry, supporting collaboration across all facets of the sector.
Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh MP, and the Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, both attended the event, highlighting the project’s significance both on a regional and a national level.
Rail Campus Derby was born out of Great British Railways’ mission to create a simpler and more efficient railway system for everyone in Britain.
With its impressive rail heritage and position at the heart of Europe’s largest rail cluster, Derby is a prime location for this industry-wide hub. For over 180 years the city has been a leader in the rail sector, which still employs more than 11,000 in the area.
In 2023, Derby was chosen as the new home of Great British Railways, beating fierce competition from five other shortlisted cities from across the UK. Great British Railways Transition Team, a key driver in Rail Campus Derby, have already established a presence in the city while the search for a permanent GBR headquarters continues.
Beyond the railways, Derby is a home to advanced manufacturing, hi-tech employment, major global companies such as Rolls-Royce, and Toyota. The city’s skilled workforce, and its easy accessibility, makes it an attractive destination for investment.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Derby; one that will create more training and jobs for local people, and bring huge opportunities for further regeneration.
“Rail Campus Derby will not only preserve our rail heritage, but will also be a catalyst for future economic growth, bringing together all aspects of the railway industry, attracting more investment, and creating further opportunities for collaboration across the sector.
“I know the potential that Derby has. We already boast an incredibly skilled workforce and are home to major players and an unrivalled rail sector. By working together we can make Rail Campus Derby the beating heart of the UK’s rail network.”
Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh MP, said: “Derby is already a hub for rail with the largest concentration of innovation and expertise in Europe, and today I was delighted to see how the local council plans to expand this even further through a new Rail Campus.
“The railways are at the centre of our plans for change, and I look forward to seeing how the Campus will lead to greater innovation, growth and collaboration, benefitting not only our rail network but the wider economy too.”
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “The new Rail Campus will be a hub of learning and innovation. It will bring together public and private sector organisations in a collaborative environment, working towards faster and more efficient outcomes for all the railway’s stakeholders.
“As the Mayor of the East Midlands, my vision is to ensure that local people have the skills they need to access the well-paid jobs that this industry provides.
“That’s why we will be investing in training programmes and creating new opportunities in partnership with Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s educational institutions. We want to see local people—our young people—benefiting from the jobs and careers this project will generate.”
Rufus Boyd, Lead Director of Great British Railways Transition Team, said: “The presence of GBR HQ in Derby is just one component of the Rail Campus Derby vision.
“Today’s event is about driving collaboration between the private sector, the supply chain, local government, and educational partners. Bringing the sector closer together and offering the chance to co-locate, share knowledge, and experience work across different businesses will embed the practices, culture and behaviour Britain’s railway must embody to succeed.
“This is the essence of Rail Campus Derby.”
Council launches new business innovation initiative with universities
Rutland businesses are set to unlock new growth and innovation opportunities, thanks to a partnership with regional universities.
Rutland County Council has launched the new Rutland Innovative Businesses Support (RIBS) project, spearheaded by Loughborough University (LU) on behalf of the Civic Universities Partnership with De Montfort University (DMU) and University of Leicester (UoL). This project is set to bolster the growth of Rutland’s businesses.
The RIBS project leverages the collective strengths of the three universities to offer Rutland-based entrepreneurs and businesses unprecedented access to expertise, innovation support, specialist equipment, and facilities.
With a proven track record of regional, national, and international business support, the universities will assist businesses in scaling through innovation and create collaborative partnerships that benefit the local economy.
271-bed student scheme completes in Nottingham city centre
Unite Students has completed a property in Nottingham city centre geared towards returning 2nd and 3rd year students, as well as postgraduates.
The £34 million development, Bromley Place, on Lower Parliament Street, provides 271 beds and incorporates an existing late-Victorian, three-storey building, preserving the historic features from the original site. The building, a former Argos store, was repaired and repurposed as part of the project, which includes a roof terrace and gym.
Bromley Place has the lowest embodied carbon of any development in the company’s current and recent pipeline. A low-carbon cement substitute – containing a fine powder left over from making iron and steel (ground granulated blast furnace slag) – was used in the build.
Low energy LED lighting and high efficiency heating and cooling systems have also been installed, further improving the environmental performance of Bromley Place. The new property fully adheres to Unite Students’ sustainable construction framework, which aims to achieve net-zero carbon in construction and operation.
This property adds to Unite Students’ Nottingham presence, which includes 705-bed Morriss House, which opened for the start of the 2023/24 academic year.
Tom Brewerton, Group Development Director at Unite Students, said: “We’re delighted to have completed Bromley Place for the 2024/25 academic year. This is a unique property, right in the heart of Nottingham city centre, that has been built especially for returning students and postgraduates, but is suitable for all with its impressive facilities.
“We’re very proud that Bromley Place was built within a 12-month period. It incorporates a late Victorian building and has the lowest embodied carbon of all our new-build properties to date. Along with 705-bed Morriss House, which we opened last year, we are proud of our offerings for Nottingham students.”
