Dalton Roofing builds string of successes
Two apprentices working at Chesterfield’s Dalton Roofing have scored successes in the Skill Build Competition through Leeds College of Building, with Levente Szasz winning and Sam Jinks, finishisg. Both have secured a place at the final which takes place in London this November.
Sam also entered the BMI UK and Ireland Apprentice of the Year Competition in Cirencester and received the Highly Commended Award.
Elsewhere, Dalton Roofing has been been shortlisted for Family Business of the year 2024 at the East Midlands Business Masters Awards.
In addition, the firm is among the finalists for Outstanding Contribution to Workforce Development 2024 in the Sheffield Business Awards.
The company has been shortlisted for the East Midlands Chamber Derbyshire Business Awards for Commitment to People Development.
By September 2024, Dalton Roofing will have seven apprentices, with three in their second year of their course, and four beginning their apprenticeships this year.
Company owner Philip Dalton said: “We are so proud of all our apprentices – each of them has their own story and we’re glad to be playing our part in growing their skills, and growing them as people as we help build their careers.
“Here at Dalton Roofing, we understand that the construction sector needs fresh talent to drive our industry forward into the future. Without skilled people, the places we work, live and play in wouldn’t be built – so it’s vital to showcase how great our sector is to work in, and this is reflected by the fantastic achievements of our current apprentices. We’re excited to watch them grow and develop further in the coming months and years.”
Competition and Markets Authority highlights competition concerns in ventilation company deal
A Phase 2 review by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally found competition concerns in ventilation company Lindab’s purchase of HAS-Vent, in the local areas around Nottingham and Stoke-on-Trent.
The CMA has been carrying out an in-depth Phase 2 inquiry into the deal after identifying competition concerns during its initial Phase 1 inquiry. The independent CMA group leading the Phase 2 inquiry has probed in more detail the impact of the deal on the supply of circular ducts and fittings in England and Wales.
The group has scrutinised a wide range of evidence, including the parties’ internal documents and evidence from installers of ventilation systems and other suppliers of circular ducts and fittings. Based on that evidence, the group provisionally considers that competition for these products occurs at a local level.
Having assessed the impact of the deal in various local areas, the group has provisionally found that the deal has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition in the supply of circular ducts and fittings in the local areas centred around Nottingham and Stoke-on-Trent.
In these areas the parties are close competitors and face only limited competition from alternative suppliers. This could lead to reduced choice and higher prices in the construction sector, particularly for specialist installers of ventilation systems in those areas.
Kirstin Baker, Chair of the independent inquiry group, said: “We’re concerned this would remove one of two main suppliers of circular ventilation ducts and fittings in the Nottingham and Stoke areas, risking installers of these systems paying over the odds and then having to pass these costs onto their own customers.
“Our findings are provisional, and we now welcome responses on our preliminary conclusions and the potential remedies in this case.”
The CMA is welcoming responses to its provisional findings from those interested in the deal by Thursday 12 September. These will be considered by the inquiry group prior to issuing its final report, which is due by Thursday 17 October.Leicester SPS strikes called off
Strikes by Leicester SPS Technologies workers have been called off after an improved offer was secured by Unite, the union.
The nearly 200 workers, who produce specialist nuts, bolts, pins, screws and collars for the aerospace and defence industries, voted to accept the two-year eight per cent pay deal.
The workers will receive five per cent for 2024 and three per cent for 2025, as well improvements to annual leave and time off for medical appointments.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is what trade unionism in action looks like: SPS workers demanded an improved offer, showed they were prepared to strike to achieve it and won a better deal. Yet again, Unite’s laser-like focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions has put money in our members’ pockets.”
The workers were due to begin all out indefinite strike action on 21 August. Following negotiations with Unite and SPS a deal was reached and the dispute settled without industrial action taking place.
Final phase of Derby’s £175m Nightingale Quarter Development gets underway
Wavensmere Homes has commenced construction on the final phase of its £175m Derbyshire Royal Infirmary redevelopment. Located on London Road, Nightingale Quarter’s final apartment block – which has a value of £20m – will deliver over 100 new homes to Derby city centre.
The 18.5-acre development incorporates a total of 125 family houses and 800 apartments, together with an extensive range of community amenities. The Florence Nightingale-designed former hospital had lain derelict for a decade prior to Wavensmere Homes’ acquisition and start on site in 2019.
The groundworks associated with the final block commenced in April and took four months. Installation of the steel frame begins this week, with the five-storey, red brick building due for completion and occupation in late 2025.
Produced off-site, Smethwick-based Hadley Group’s structural panellised system utilises modern methods of construction and will result in less waste needing to be removed from site, whilst also minimising any potential adverse weather delays.
The final ‘E6’ block will feature solar PV roof panels, with battery storage, to enable the green energy generated on site to be captured and used to power a proportion of the building’s electricity use. 7kW EV chargers and rapid charge bays will also be incorporated into the new development, enabling future residents of the 79 one-bed and 24 two-bedroom apartments to minimise their carbon footprint.
Craig Gee, Construction Director for Wavensmere Homes, said: “The Nightingale Quarter remediation, restoration, and construction programme commenced in late 2019 and within six years, we will have proudly delivered this £175m project in its entirety. With five phases underway simultaneously at the peak of our delivery programme in 2023, this redevelopment has captured national and regional attention, and is already home to over 1,000 new city dwellers.
“The stunning Pepperpot restaurant – situated at the heart of the scheme – opened in February, receiving high acclaim from food critics and local residents. It was only a few months ago that Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner enjoyed meeting with Nightingale Quarter residents and the construction team, followed by Sir Tim Smit of the Eden Project’s summer unveiling of the community garden. The conclusion of the groundworks and start of construction for the final block of 103 homes is yet another milestone.
“Utilising an element of MMC enhances our eco-credentials and provides more certainty to the 16-month build programme. This new £20m building will create and safeguard around 100 construction jobs and continue to provide a significant boost to Derby’s economy and housing needs. By working alongside stakeholders and residents during this final construction phase, the entire team will be focused on the conclusion of an outstanding new community and delivering a highly sustainable legacy.”
The Derbyshire Royal Infirmary opened in 1894 and closed 15 years ago. While the vast majority of the Victorian hospital had been bulldozed, Wavensmere Homes pledged to save and restore the imposing pepperpot buildings, despite one being previously consented for demolition.
Pepperpot South opened as the marketing suite for the 925 houses and apartments in 2021. With 95% of the homes now sold, the building has been re-purposed as a gym for residents’ use. The second (North) Pepperpot has become The Fulton Partnership’s sixth hospitality venue in the Midlands. Styled by the interior designer for Gleneagles hotel – to introduce a new concept in luxury dining to the city of Derby – no expense was spared on the Art Deco-inspired furnishings and refined heritage colour pallet.
James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “When we acquired this vacant site five years ago, we set out to design a landmark scheme that embraced the DE1 location and didn’t turn its back on the city centre.
“We are proud that our 925 apartments and houses have transformed the city living market, acting as the catalyst for thousands more homes to be delivered within central Derby.
“By installing new footpaths, cycle routes, roads, co-working space, a gym – and making a restaurant Nightingale Quarter’s new focal point – this redundant hospital site is once again a vibrant community asset.”
New senior team member appointed at Microlise Group
Microlise, a provider of technology solutions, has appointed Mike Blackburn as its new Chief Revenue Officer.
With a wealth of experience in SaaS, technology and professional services, Mike is set to lead the sales and marketing teams in driving revenue generation and accelerating growth.
Mike’s impressive career is marked by his ability to drive innovation and create substantial value for businesses. With a strong focus on sales scale-up, turnaround and transformation, he has successfully led multiple business growth initiatives and orchestrated two significant private equity exits.
His strategic leadership has consistently delivered sustained growth by securing new customers and executing cross-sell and upsell strategies across diverse markets.
In his new role, Mike will be responsible for overseeing all revenue-related activities, ensuring alignment between sales and marketing teams to identify long-term sales opportunities, while maximising profitability.
By leveraging his expertise in sales strategy and commercial operations, Mike will work to enhance the company’s sales performance and drive growth in key markets.
As Microlise continues to expand its presence in the technology and transport industry, the appointment of Mike Blackburn signals a new chapter of growth for the business. With his strategic insight, he is poised to lead the company to new levels of revenue generation and market expansion.
Nadeem Raza, CEO at Microlise, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Mike to the Microlise family as our new Chief Revenue Officer. His extensive experience and proven leadership abilities make him the ideal candidate to drive revenue growth and advance our sales and marketing initiatives.
“Known for his collaborative approach and unwavering focus on results, Mike is a welcomed and valuable addition to the team.”
Mike Blackburn, CRO at Microlise, said: “I am excited to join the Microlise team during such an exciting period of growth. I look forward to using my strategic vision and passion for innovation to help the business reach even more new heights of success.”
New support programme to give Derby social entrepreneurs a head start
Local social entrepreneurs can now get a helping hand to turn their ideas into reality from Derby’s first Social Entrepreneurs in Residence.
Keith Jeffrey, former Chief Executive of QUAD, Derby’s centre for arts and film, and Paul Squires, an experienced leadership consultant, have been appointed to provide expert advice, guidance and connections to nurture local businesses that combine profit with purpose.
In collaboration with Derby City Council and local partners, the newly-appointed Social Entrepreneurs in Residence have established a pilot programme – Derby Social Ventures – to provide direct support to the city’s social entrepreneurs.
Social enterprises are businesses that aim to make a positive impact on society or the environment while also making a profit.
While sharing some challenges with traditional businesses, social entrepreneurs can encounter specific obstacles, such as limited access to funding.
Funded by Derby City Council, the pilot programme aims to create a thriving social enterprise ecosystem where social entrepreneurs can develop the skills and knowledge they need to flourish and connect with other people working on similar projects.
Working in partnership with the University of Derby and East Midlands Chamber, the programme will also gather information to help shape future support for social enterprises.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Portfolio Holder for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said: “Social enterprises are a wonderful example of businesses operating as a force for good. They not only create jobs and boost our local economy, but also tackle pressing social issues head-on.
“We believe that social enterprises have the power to transform lives and communities. This scheme goes some way to fulfil our manifesto promise to support new businesses, co-operatives and social enterprises to take up space in our city.”
Keith Jeffrey of Derby Social Ventures said: “While there are other initiatives supporting social entrepreneurs across the country, we believe this is the first time a city has appointed Social Entrepreneurs in Residence to specifically focus on providing direct support to social enterprise.”
Paul Squires added: “With our extensive experience of the sector, we understand the motivation and the unique challenges for social entrepreneurs. Our goal is to offer a range of activities and support to people starting up or already running businesses which make a social impact.”
The pilot runs until 31 December 2024.
Building materials firm pledges to be ‘nature positive’ by 2030
Aggregate Industries has committed to be ‘nature positive’ by 20230.
Announcing the launch of the company’s first company-wide nature strategy Anna Baker, the company’s Sustainability Director, said: “It’s been widely documented that we are currently in a nature crisis. As our primary business model relies on the extraction of natural resources, we know that we need to play our part in contributing to a nature positive future which is why I am so pleased to launch our Nature Strategy.
“It provides clear commitments to ensure we reduce future negative impacts, restore nature and habitats and advocate for nature throughout our entire value chain.
“We recognise that during this time we’ll be learning, growing and sharing our experiences to deliver the nature based solutions needed to become Nature Positive by 2030.”
The company acknowledges that the nature and climate crises are intrinsically linked, and nature-based solutions will play a vital role in reducing the impact of climate change.
By launching its nature strategy the company looks to accelerate action and build upon a strong foundation, which includes investing £24m in restoration activity over the last five years.
Other fundamental drivers for the framework set out in the nature strategy include adopting the Science Based Target Network’s Framework for Nature, which outlines how we interact with nature, and, the Global Goal for Nature, which sets out how organisations can contribute towards nature positivity by 2030 in order to help biodiversity to recover and thrive.
Aggregate Industries intends to measure the biodiversity value of all of its active aggregates sites by surveying habitats and species and then set out on a journey to reduce future negative impacts, restore nature and habitats and advocate nature positivity.
On top of this, it will ensure that it has biodiversity plans at all of its active UK quarry sites, have dedicated places for nature across all 200 of its sites and further roll out of a woodland programme building on the 105,000 trees already planted at its Glensanda super quarry in western Scotland as part of a new 64-hectare woodland.
Among other key actions the company plans to undertake by 2026 are:
- Increase use of Construction Demolition Materials to three million tonnes per year
- Reduce freshwater withdrawal intensity in the production of cement (by 30%) and readymix concrete (by 3.9%)
- Establish Biodiversity Indicator Reporting System (BIRS) and biodiversity baseline roadmap
- Creation of a new AIUK Wildlife Fund
- Produce a heatmap to understand the suppliers that have the greatest potential nature impact
- Undertake nature impact assessments on the procurement of five high nature impact products.
Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council reach agreement in Sinfin Waste Treatment Facility dispute
Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council have announced a resolution to the dispute over plans for the Sinfin New Waste Treatment Facility.
Following a period of “constructive dialogue,” the councils have addressed the key issues that led to the dispute. Agreement on the terms of a new Inter Authority Agreement has been reached in full – which means both organisations can move forward in partnership with the confidence and certainty required to successfully complete the project.
Both councils remain committed to the original decision, made in February 2023, to progress option one: fix and operate the existing plant and have completed soft market testing throughout 2023 with positive engagement from the waste industry which confirmed there was capability, capacity and appetite in the market to deliver the project.
The councils will now move forward with the procurement exercise to rectify defects at the facility and bring it into use.
A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council said: “We’re pleased to confirm that the dispute has been fully resolved and both councils have reaffirmed their commitment to working in partnership to get the waste treatment centre at Sinfin operational.
“This is in line with the decisions to fix and operate the facility which were taken by Cabinet Members at both councils at their respective meetings in February 2023.
“We look forward with confidence to moving the project forward to provide both councils with the most viable and cost-effective, long-term solution for the management of household waste, to benefit residents in both the city and county.”
City Council selects Scope Construction to create £1.8m children’s home
Leicester City Council has appointed Loughborough-based Scope Construction as development partner to create a £1.8m children’s home in the city.
Maz Patel, the company’s MD, said: “It is great to be breaking ground on this latest project. Scope and our local supply chain take pride in the work we do and we aim to deliver a first-class project for the client and the local community. We look forward to continuing our strong working relationship with the council.”
Located in the west of the city, it will be the first children’s home to be built in Leicester for more than 40 years.
The home will provide purpose-built accommodation for six young people, between the ages of eight and 17, offering five bedrooms with ensuite facilities as well as two semi-independent living flats, a kitchen, lounge, games room and sleeping quarters for staff.
The build is the latest phase of work by the city council to expand its in-house provision of places for children and young people who can’t live with their birth families.
Work was recently completed to convert two council-owned houses in the south of the city into a children’s home, providing residential care for five young people.
The two projects mean the city council will be able to care for more children and young people in-house, increasing the number of council children’s homes from six to eight, caring for up to 48 children and young people.
Deputy city mayor for social care, Cllr Sarah Russell, said: “We are determined to provide the best possible care for the children and young people we look after. Most children who can’t live with their birth families live with foster carers, but this isn’t right for everyone, and increasing demand for children’s social care services in recent years means there has been a significant rise in demand for residential children’s homes. This is the case across the country.
“Providing more children’s homes within the city means children and young people can continue to receive support within their communities rather than them moving away from Leicester. This continuity and stability can be very important to children experiencing major disruption to their lives.
“There are also long-term financial advantages to providing more places ourselves.”
The new home will feature a range of energy efficiency measures including roof-mounted photo-voltaic panels, and air source heat pumps. It will also serve as a hub for training for social care staff, foster carers and other professionals.
Construction is expected to take about a year to complete, with the new children’s home likely to open in late 2025.
Phenna Group makes 8th acquisition of 2024
Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group, which invests in and partners with selected niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) companies that serve a variety of sectors, has made its 8th acquisition in 2024.
Established in 2013, ECAS is headquartered in Birmingham and is an industry leader in environmental compliance. It provides compliance services for utility and commercial clients that help protect the environment by driving positive, sustainable, and long-lasting change in communities nationwide. This includes an award-winning programme that ensures food service establishments dispose of fats, oils, and grease responsibly and sustainably, in line with The Water Industry Act 1991.
Philip Soden, CEO of ECAS, said: “We’re thrilled that the Phenna Group has recognised our hard work, success, and potential. From our first engagement with the Phenna Group team, we felt confident that we’d found the right partner to support our future growth. I look forward to working with Mike and his team to fast-track our ambitious plans.”
Mike Andrews, Divisional MD, Compliance and Certification at Phenna Group, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Philip and his team to Phenna Group. He has built a very successful business over the last decade with an excellent reputation for customer service and technical capability. I am excited to see the ECAS team deliver on their exciting growth plans.”
Phil Marshall, CEO of Phenna Group, added: “I’m excited to have ECAS join our Group. ECAS is a market leader in the environmental compliance space and this acquisition expands our current service offering within the Compliance and Certification division. I look forward to seeing Philip and his team excel within Phenna.”
Phenna Group were advised by RSM and Hill Dickinson LLP.
ECAS were advised by Keyston Law and Evans Mockler.
