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.
To be held at:
£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.
