Leicester SPS aerospace workers to strike

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Leicester SPS aerospace workers to strike

Nearly 200 workers employed by SPS Technologies in Leicester will begin strike action later this month, Unite, the union, has said.

The shopfloor workers, who produce specialist nuts, bolts, pins, screws and collars for the aerospace and defence industries, have rejected a two year pay rise of seven per cent plus a £400 one off payment.

The workers, some of whom are on the minimum wage, says Unite, are demanding a significant increase in pay.

SPS Technologies is part of Precision Castparts Corp (PCC), which had revenues of $9.3 billion in 2023. PPC is owned by Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway, which has cash reserves of $277 billion.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Low paid SPS workers have suffered years of below inflation pay rises and they have had enough. SPS is part of an unimaginably wealthy corporate empire and can absolutely afford to put forward a fair pay rise.

“Unite SPS members’ have their union total support in taking strike action.”

All out indefinite strike action at SPS Technologies’ Barkby Road site will begin on 21 August. The strikes will impact supplies for Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Avio Aero, Leonardo, GKN and BAE.

Unite regional officer Lee Purslow said: “SPS’ clients will not be happy that their supply chains are facing disruption because the company is refusing to pay its workers properly. Industrial action could still be avoided, but SPS must put forward an offer that is acceptable to our members.”

New Nottingham student accommodation scheme tipped for approval

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New Nottingham student accommodation scheme tipped for approval
Plans for a new Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Nottingham, at 2 Queens Road, have been recommended for approval ahead of a Planning Committee meeting next week. The application, by CMPG on behalf of Zen Nottingham, involves a building reaching up to six and nine storeys. The scheme would comprise 31 studios and 50 cluster beds. The cluster beds would be provided as 10 five bed cluster flats. On the ground floor, communal space, a laundry room, plant rooms, and bin store are planned. To the eastern side of the building a service yard is proposed which would include temporary parking spaces for loading and unloading, as well as a cycle store. A patio area would be provided to the rear of the site and an outdoor roof terrace is also proposed. Currently, the application site is partially occupied by a vacant, two-storey building which was originally a cinema auditorium. Planning permission was previously granted for the erection of a nine and six storey building to provide 39 apartments and two ancillary commercial units at the site. The new PBSA scheme is largely the same, but now proposes student accommodation in place of apartments and removes the ground floor commercial units.

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire businesses back anti-racism statement

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Nottingham and Nottinghamshire businesses back anti-racism statement
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire businesses are backing an anti-racism statement following violent attacks, hate crimes, Islamophobic and racist riots, and far-right extremism across the country. Hosted by Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, 36 organisations have signed the statement so far (as of 14 August 2024). The statement reads: “We, the organisations, businesses, groups and communities of our City of Nottingham and County of Nottinghamshire, stand in solidarity against the destructive and divisive riots that are taking place across our region and country. “Our community is, and always will be, a diverse community. This community contributes enormously to the places we all call home. Our staff, customers, visitors, audiences, and artists are part of this community, they deserve to feel safe. “The behaviour of the few, in no way represents who we are or what we stand for as a community, the violent scenes we have seen on the streets of this country only serve to divide us all and to create fear. We want to reassure the diverse communities of our city and beyond that we stand with them. There is no place for racism or violence here, there is no place for hatred or division, there is no place for destruction or aggression. “We call for all violence to end, for calm and safety to prevail, and for respect and dignity be shown to the families of those so tragically taken on 29 July in Southport.” The statement can be signed here.
Organisations who signed already include:
Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire BACKLIT Tom Dale Company Nottingham City of Literature New Art Exchange Broadway Cinema New Perspectives Theatre Company Nonsuch Studios ChalleNGe Nottingham Nottingham Playhouse The Hustle Collective FABRIC LeftLion Green Hustle Nottingham Contemporary Nottingham City Council National Justice Museum Resolve Nottingham Rebel Sparks CIC Circus Hub CIC SHEWOLVES Productions DHP Family Lakeside Arts Five Leaves Bookshop Arup Curious Nottingham Ltd Tiger Community Enterprise CIC Primary Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation Bromley House Library Nottingham Growth Board Devello Group City Arts Paragon Law Ruddington Framework Knitters Museum Eden Public Relations

Raleigh relocates HQ to historic Eastwood property

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Raleigh relocates HQ to historic Eastwood property
Raleigh, the British bicycle brand, has relocated to Durban House in Eastwood, Nottingham, after being based locally on Church Street in Eastwood since the early 2000s. Durban House, built in the late 19th century, is renowned for its historical significance as it was once the wages office for the local collieries where the father of the famed writer D.H. Lawrence worked. The property, which later became a D.H. Lawrence Heritage Centre, has been a symbol of local heritage and cultural pride, so was a natural site of interest for Raleigh whose past is also entwined with the local area. Broxtowe Borough Council had two primary objectives: to restore Durban House to its former glory and to create a functional business space. Raleigh’s move to the premises achieves both goals, marking just the first stage of a longer-term plan between the Council and Raleigh. Work started on turning Durban House into a Community Hub in 2021, but a bid for Levelling Up Funding was unsuccessful. The challenges this created have now been solved by the agreement with Raleigh. The Council, through UKSPF, has identified new locations for community activities. Some community projects connected to the Hub, such as the Gardening Group, will continue to work on the grounds of Durban House and the surrounding area. Raleigh is committed to supporting community activities outside of working hours wherever possible. Chris Slater, Managing Director at Raleigh, said: “We are pleased to remain in Eastwood and deeply appreciate the ongoing support and collaboration from Broxtowe Council in facilitating this move. Raleigh’s rich heritage is deeply intertwined with the Borough, making it essential for us to stay connected to our local roots. “Durban House represents an exciting next step in our long-term strategy, offering a space that not only honours our storied past but also aligns with our vision for future growth as we continue to invest in our ambitious plans for the bicycle business.” Milan Radulovic MBE, Leader of Broxtowe Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Raleigh to Durban House in Eastwood. It’s vital that we support our local businesses and particularly strategically important businesses like Raleigh. We’ve been working on this partnership for a number of months to secure Raleigh with a new home. “As soon as we heard the news that they needed to relocate their head offices we wanted to ensure we worked with the team to support them through this change. It’s also been really important that we ensure that we can keep these jobs in the local area and help support our local economy. “The project was made possible by support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and used a new local enterprise – Wilborne Painting & Decorating Limited to complete the renovation, further supporting local jobs.”

Inflation creeps up

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Inflation creeps up
Inflation has increased from the Bank of England’s 2% target, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), annualised inflation rose 2.2% in July, higher than the 2% reported in June, but lower than the 2.3% forecast. The largest upward contribution to the monthly change came from housing and household services where prices of gas and electricity fell by less than they did last year; the largest downward contribution came from restaurants and hotels, where prices of hotels fell this year having risen last year. Core inflation, meanwhile, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, rose by 3.3% in the 12 months to July 2024, down from 3.5% in June, with inflation in the services sector falling from 5.7% to 5.2%. Martin Sartorius, Principal Economist, CBI, said: “Inflation undershooting the Bank of England’s expectations will be seen a positive sign that price pressures are continuing to normalise for households and businesses. “Today’s data will give the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee some measure of confidence that domestic price pressures are less likely to derail a sustainable return to the 2% target. A second consecutive cut in interest rates next month is not a certainty, however. This is because the MPC will still be mindful of upside risks to the inflation outlook, especially as pay growth remains stubbornly high.”

CCTV, intruder and fire alarm specialist makes Mickleover move

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CCTV, intruder and fire alarm specialist makes Mickleover move
CCTV, intruder and fire alarm specialist, JKE Fire & Security has snapped up offices in Mickleover, allowing it to “serve the local area with ease” and “branch out further.” Salloway Property Consultants were appointed to market the former Kip McGrath offices in June of this year following the tenant’s decision to relocate. Office premises in this location are something of a rarity given that this is a busy parade with a strong retail focus. However, after a brief but intense marketing campaign, terms were swiftly agreed and the new tenant secured, taking occupation of the first floor offices. William Speed of Salloway Property Consultants said: “It is great to be able to place a local business into a prime location within Mickleover. The letting to JKE Fire & Security emphasises the fact that local centres are still top of the list for many occupiers. “Demand is still strong in these locations and we would strongly recommend that anyone looking to sell or let their premises contacts us to discuss potential options.” Dan Mather, owner of JKE Fire & Security, added: “We are thrilled to have found such a well-located office in Mickleover. This move will allow us to serve the local area with ease whilst providing us with the opportunity to branch out further utilising the excellent transport links.”

East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024: “I would encourage everyone to get nominating…as this industry deserves to be in the spotlight,” says Nottinghamshire County Councillor

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East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024: “I would encourage everyone to get nominating…as this industry deserves to be in the spotlight,” says Nottinghamshire County Councillor
With nominations closing in less than a month for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, Nottinghamshire businesses are being encouraged to enter the prestigious event. Nottinghamshire County Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, said: “The property and construction industry is more crucial than ever to our economy, helping bring skilled jobs, investment and provide long-term contract opportunities for the supply chain. “I know first hand that this industry is helping young people’s career prospects. We have a graduate site manager at the construction site of our council’s all-electric and BREEAM Excellent council offices in Hucknall. He is really benefitting from being involved in a project of this size. “So I would encourage everyone to get nominating for these awards as this industry deserves to be in the spotlight.” A key event in the business calendar, showcasing the exceptional work of the region’s property and construction industry, the East Midlands Bricks Awards will take place on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm). Revealing the winners in a glittering awards ceremony, the evening also offers time to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby. Nominations for the annual event are open, and now is the ideal time to make your submissions, ahead of the deadline – Thursday 5th September. To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include:

Nominations end Thursday 5th September

Tickets can now be booked for the 2024 awards event, click here to secure yours. Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker 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. Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:      

             

To be held at:

Cellomatics underpins continued US and European expansion with two business development hires

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Cellomatics underpins continued US and European expansion with two business development hires
Cellomatics Biosciences, a Nottingham-based preclinical contract research organisation, continues to expand its global client base by adding two new members of staff to support its business development efforts. The company has welcomed Dr Pier Giorgio Amendola and Dr Jyoti Mundra to assist the company with its expansion into both European and US markets. A key challenge for UK-based CROs operating internationally is managing cultural differences and regional market dynamics. Pier will use his experience to navigate these challenges in European markets and build strong local partnerships. He will be focused on identifying new business opportunities, building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders, and enhancing Cellomatics’ market footprint. Of joining Cellomatics, Pier says: “Cellomatics provides a dynamic, science-driven environment that allows for close collaboration with clients and the delivery of tailored, innovative solutions. Having been a client of Cellomatics in my previous roles, I value its high scientific standards and am eager to promote its capabilities to new clients, accelerating their drug development pipelines.” The US is one of the biggest and most fast-growing biotech markets globally and Cellomatics is eager to further its client base here, following its recent export achievements. The timing of Jyoti’s appointment could not be better as the US looks to work with new markets following the recent BIOSECURE Act. Jyoti is based in New Jersey, US and brings over 15 years of experience working in a business development role at large US-based CROs. Her experience will be a valuable asset to Cellomatics as she assists with accelerating the company’s growth while enhancing its presence and business within the US. Jyoti says: “I am excited to bring my extensive business and scientific experience to help expand the customer base and to provide the opportunity for US clients to benefit from Cellomatics pre-clinical expertise.” Of the two new appointments, Cellomatics’ CEO and founder Shailendra Singh adds: “Having worked with Pier for a number of years through Dompé we are delighted that he has decided to join the Cellomatics team in a Business Development role. “His experience working in the pharmaceutical sector has given him a deep understanding of our client needs and this will be key in building new relationships and achieving Cellomatics’ growth goals. “I am also thrilled to welcome Jyoti to the Cellomatics team. Her wealth of experience in executive leadership roles, deep understanding of the US market and its work culture will be an invaluable asset to Cellomatics and I look forward to working closely with her.”

Nominate exceptional businesses for Developer of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024

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Nominate exceptional businesses for Developer of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Nominations are OPEN until Thursday 5th September for the annual East Midlands Bricks Awards, shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry. With 10 categories available to enter, the occasion offers a prime forum to showcase outstanding businesses, teams and projects. One category at the prestigious event is Developer of the Year, which can be entered here. The winner of this category will be the developer that has truly pushed the limit over the last 12 months. Their scheme(s) will have shown to not only be a success, but that there was true demand for them. The winning developer will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver award winning results. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months. Last year the award was won by Clowes Developments, with Chevin Homes and Brackley Property Developments runners up. Upon winning, Thomas Clowes, Managing Director at Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd, said: “We are incredibly grateful to be acknowledged for our achievements within the property sector. Winning this award is only made possible by the commitment from our team at Clowes and our expert advisors, consultants, contractors and design teams who support us to deliver a diverse scope of projects across our portfolio. Thank you very much for the recognition and awarding us Developer of the Year.” With this year’s Developer of the Year award sponsored by IMA Architects, Anthony Day, Managing Director at IMA Architects, said: “The Bricks Awards are always a fantastic event that brings together some of the best companies and experts within the East Midlands construction industry. “We are proud to support the awards so that Business Link can continue to highlight the excellent work being done in our region and recognize the businesses and individuals that are driving growth in the industry. IMA Architects works with several of the leading developers in the Midlands so we wanted to show our support by sponsoring the Developer of the Year Category. “Good luck to everyone who is planning on entering the awards!” Submit your nominations for Developer of the Year here before entries close on Thursday 5th September. Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm) – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby. Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Estate Agent, Commercial Development of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here. The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 will also receive a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.

Book your tickets now

Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on Thursday 3rd October 2024 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground from 4:30pm – 7:30pm.
Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region, and hear from keynote speaker 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. Dress code is standard business attire. Thanks to our sponsors:      

     
     
 

To be held at:

Jobs saved after sale secured for Nottingham vehicle recovery and repair company

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Jobs saved after sale secured for Nottingham vehicle recovery and repair company
All remaining jobs were saved at a vehicle breakdown and repair company, Nottingham Breakdown Service Ltd, following a pre-packaged sale of the company’s business and assets, after the company entered administration on 1 August 2024. Dean Nelson and Nick Lee (Business Recovery & Restructuring partners at PKF Smith Cooper) were appointed as joint administrators of the company. The sale of the company ensured that all nine remaining jobs were saved, as well as the business assets and its ongoing customer contracts. The business was therefore able to keep hold of all current customers and can continue to service its contracts going forward. With over 40 years’ experience in the industry, the business provides 24/7 breakdown recovery services and garage services, including repairs and servicing, to vehicle owners across the United Kingdom. The company’s issues arose as a result of the rising costs of overhead inflation, including increasing fuel costs, which put pressure on the company’s cash flow and working capital requirements. Due to these difficulties, Dean Nelson, a partner of the Business Recovery and Restructuring team at PKF Smith Cooper, was contacted by the directors of the company, to conduct an accelerated merger and acquisition process, to try and identify a purchaser for the company’s business and assets. Following protracted negotiations with interested parties, a pre-packaged sale was able to be completed on 1 August 2024, following the company entering administration on the same day. Dean Nelson, Business Recovery and Restructuring partner at PKF Smith Cooper, said: “I am thrilled that we have been able to save all of the remaining jobs and enabled the business to service its loyal customer base and ongoing contracts. “We always strive to achieve the best outcome for everyone involved, and it is great that we have managed to save the business and assets. Our attention now turns to the remaining assets of the company, to try and achieve the best possible outcome for creditors.”
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