Entrepreneurs win place on innovative accelerator programme
Eleven potential new East Midlands businesses are a step closer to becoming reality after being chosen to join the first VentureVersity Commercial Accelerator.
VentureVersity is an initiative aimed at accelerating pathways for the development of university-generated intellectual property (IP) and ideas across the University of Leicester, Loughborough University, and De Montfort University. The programme has been funded by Research England’s Connecting Capability Fund, with a £330k grant.
The eleven VentureVersity finalists will have access to seed investment and will benefit from a five-month intensive accelerator programme led by entrepreneur and coach Denis Oakley and Leicester Start-Ups to help them develop their business idea.
The first successful VentureVersity Accelerator projects span;
Education
1. Building Resilience in Children (BRIC): an online and in classroom resource equipping parents, educators, & caregivers with the necessary tools, knowledge and strategies to help children build resilience
2. An online assessment tool to audit educators’ awareness of dyscalculia
3. Automating Individual Assessment Feedback (INDAF)
Health technology
4. EnHANCE: a nonconventional system that eliminates pathogens to deliver clean indoor residential and industrial environments sustainably
5. LUCID: Concussion Identification App
6. Healthcare Team Observations for Patient Safety (HTOPS)
Agriculture, forestry & fishing
7. LiquidGold: Next generation environmentally friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable carp health care product for angling and ornamental markets
Research
8. ValidateLabs: Validation data Processor
Water Utilities
9. e-Favor: an AI powered water leakage detection and localisation platform solution
10. EcoSENSE: Real-time monitoring of water systems
Manufacturing
11. Laser guided disc punch innovation advancing battery manufacturing
William Wells, Deputy Director of the Research & Enterprise Division at the University of Leicester, said: “The VentureVersity programme has already surpassed our expectations, training 26 dynamic teams and selecting 11 promising projects to advance to the next stage. We are immensely grateful to all participants, whose innovative spirit and dedication have laid a strong foundation for future success.
“As we move forward, these projects will benefit from targeted mentorship, hands-on workshops, exposure to investors and, potentially, seed capital, driving their transformation into impactful real-world solutions. This next phase promises to invigorate our regional innovation ecosystem, fostering new products, services, and businesses that will contribute to the prosperity of Leicester and Leicestershire.”
Professor Mike Kagioglou, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, Business and Innovation at De Montfort University said: “VentureVersity has provided an opportunity for all three of Leicestershire’s universities to work together to support the commercialisation of research that will benefit the economy and society. DMU’s projects range from an innovative real-time monitoring of water leaks that could save companies millions to improving lithium battery manufacturing and building resilience in young people.
“We were hugely impressed with the quality of applications from across the three universities to be part of the programme, and wish all 11 final project teams the very best of success. We look forward to following their business journeys over the next six months.”
Professor Dan Parsons, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Loughborough University, said: “Our initiative, VentureVersity provides a unique opportunity to contribute to regional growth and cultivate entrepreneurial success.
“From developing advanced multi-sensing technologies to combat climate change and pollution to creating an innovative portable smartphone app for measuring concussions, these projects are driving innovation that will lead to meaningful advances, enrich people’s lives and create better futures.
“I would like to personally congratulate the 11 finalists and look forward to seeing these innovations develop over the coming months.”
VentureVersity was launched in November 2023 as part of the Leicester Business Festival. It kicked off with three mixer sessions, one held at each university, to enable academics/researchers to come together with businesses and students to pitch their IP/ideas. More than 200 people came along to the events, and a total of 38 proposals were pitched by researchers and academics.
From the 38 proposals, 26 teams completed a pre-accelerator training programme of workshops, mentoring and 1-2-1 support run over eight weeks. The pre accelerator culminated with all pitching for a place on the accelerator and seed investment. Of the 26 ideas, the judges chose the final 11 winning ideas.
VentureVersity harnesses the resources and support from each university and in addition provides resources, including seed capital, to catalyse the IP commercialisation process, including activities such as market research, business planning, technology and market development.
The implementation and achievements of the model will be evaluated and recorded to create a scalable framework that can be deployed nationwide.
Property developer makes raft of acquisitions
Midlands-based property developer and asset manager, Rotherhill Developments, has made a number of acquisitions in the first half of 2024.
Sites purchased include industrial premises across Nottinghamshire, Rugby, King’s Lynn, Barnsley and Leicestershire; the acquisitions have been opportunistic, and have broadened the geographical reach of the business.
Of the six sites, five are income producing with short to mid-term lease events and present Rotherhill with asset management opportunities.
The premises in Rugby are currently vacant. Rotherhill have now placed a build contract in excess of £1m to future-proof the premises.
Commenting on the first six months of the year, owner, Paul Bagshaw said: “It’s been a busy period for us having recruited Stuart Waite from Commercial Property Partners, promoting Ed Jeffrey to Director in recognition of all his hard work over the last five years, and in addition, managing to acquire six assets totalling some £15m with our long-standing partners and funders.
“The assets purchased have widened our geographical spread from King’s Lynn to Yorkshire and the lot sizes have been in our traditional ‘sweet spot’ of £1m to £5m.”
Lincolnshire radiator firm acquired in seven-figure deal
Brand K Group, one of the largest suppliers of radiators and bathroom equipment to independent merchants and showrooms, has acquired Lincolnshire-based Paladin Radiators in a seven-figure deal.
The acquisition is the seventh in the past five years for Brand K Group and marks a further step towards its ambition to become a UK leader in the HVAC and bathroom sector. Paladin will continue to operate under its existing brand, while shareholders Dean Chughtai and Gareth Charles will remain with the business and continue to lead its growth.
Paladin is an independent producer of traditional cast iron radiators, supplying direct to retailers and installers. All its products are assembled and finished in Britain and it has its own dedicated foundry. Based in the hamlet of New York, the company was founded 30 years ago and now employs 26 people.
Brand K Group, which is based in Bedford with operations in Wigan, Leeds, Willenhall, Hull and Tewkesbury, was established in 2008 by Alex Norford. It now employs more than 750 people and turns over in excess of £163m.
Kartell UK was the first company in the group and remains the largest distributing radiators and bathroom fixtures and fittings under the K-RAD and K-VIT brands, however since 2019 the group has acquired a series of UK-based manufacturers including Just Trays, Vogue UK, Summerbridge and MX Group.
Alex Norford, CEO of Brand K Group, said: “I am delighted to welcome Dean, Gareth and their team to the group. We’re excited to have acquired another of the most respected brands in the UK radiator market and to expand further our offering to the heritage and design-led home improvement sectors.
“Paladin is a business that combines the best of traditional design and innovation in a single product range; we’re looking forward to helping them continue their growth story.”
Paladin’s turnover has doubled since Dean Chughtai and Gareth Charles acquired the business from the original founders in 2017. Dean Chughtai said: “When Gareth and I first began leading the Paladin business, we saw an opportunity to grow an innovative business delivering quality products direct to consumers, whilst also being well-respected by the professional market.
“Thanks to the team at Paladin, we’ve achieved all of that and are very pleased to see the business well-positioned to continue on its path of success moving forwards.”
Gareth Charles added: “In Brand K Group, we’ve found the perfect home for Paladin. Alex and his team have a deep understanding of the UK radiator market and offer the business a great opportunity to expand and develop even further.
“Dean and I are grateful to the team at Paladin for their hard work in more than doubling the turnover of the company during our tenure and we are personally very pleased to see this investment supporting the continued growth of this customer-focused business.”
Harry Walker and Fahim Kassam from the Midlands office of Dow Schofield Watts (DSW) provided corporate finance advice to Brand K Group. Harry Walker, partner, has also advised Brand K on six previous acquisitions.
Harry said: “Under Alex’s leadership, Brand K has gone from being a start-up to one of the largest suppliers in the UK, and its acquisition strategy has been a key part of its growth story.
“Paladin is another excellent addition to its existing stable of high-quality British manufacturing brands. We look forward to working with Alex and the team in the future to help them pursue their ambitious growth strategy.”
A team from Fladgate led by Cem Usten and Ravi Goonesena provided legal advice to Brand K, with financial due diligence provided by a team led by Paul Kithoray of Cortus Advisory. The shareholders of Paladin were supported by a legal team from Hegarty Solicitors led by Andrew Heeler and received finance support from Mark Bradshaw of Streets Accountants.
Shawbrook Bank provided Kartell with increased facilities to finance the acquisition of Paladin and were advised by a team from Shoosmiths LLP, led by Jon Bew.
New CEO and senior staff promotions for Nottingham Venues
Nottingham Venues has made a series of promotions within its senior team, including the creation of a new CEO role.
Tom Waldron-Lynch has been appointed to the new position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nottingham Venues. He joined the business as General Manager in 2017, when it was part of DeVere group and has been pivotal in navigating the team through its successful transition over the last five years.
More recently, Tom has also taken on increased responsibilities outside of Nottingham Venues. He is a board member for the place marketing organisation for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Marketing Nottingham, and is focussed on raising the county’s profile as one of the UK’s leading business and leisure destinations.
The new position of CEO is reflective of Tom’s work to date and the future role he will play in ensuring the future success of Nottingham Venues and in continually raising the profile of the company across the city.
In addition to the new CEO, current Operations Manager, Kerry Pritchett has been promoted to Hotel Manager at the Jubilee Hotel and Conferences, and Orchard Hotel Manager, Peter Bartlett, has become General Manager Orchard Hotel and East Midlands Conference Centre (EMCC).
The new titles demonstrate their respective roles and responsibilities following the recent enhancement of the facilities within both the Jubilee Campus offering and the East Midlands Conference Centre.
Tom Waldron-Lynch, CEO of Nottingham Venues, says: “I am pleased that the hard work of my colleagues Peter and Kerry has been recognised and I am sure they will both be instrumental in the future development of Nottingham Venues. I am excited about the future of Nottingham Venues and look forward to the company playing an important role in supporting the growth of the visitor economy in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.”
Logistics real estate developer acquires 65-acre site on Nottinghamshire/Yorkshire border
Panattoni, the logistics real estate developer, has acquired a 65-acre site on the Nottinghamshire/Yorkshire border with planning consent for over 1.2 million sq ft.
The two phase development, called Panattoni Central A1(M), by junction 34 of the A1(M), has been acquired from Mulberry Developments in an off-market deal. Panattoni will commence construction of what it says will be the largest-ever speculative logistics unit in the North of England, a building of 770,000 sq ft, in the autumn. Practical completion is expected in September 2025.
Panattoni is targeting net zero carbon development, an EPC rating of ‘A’ and BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ sustainability rating. The cross-docked unit will benefit from 18m eaves, 55m service yards, EV van and car charging and 15% rooflights. Winvic Construction has been appointed as the contractor.
The remaining 27-acre plot, which already benefits from reserved matters planning consent for a 461,000 sq ft building, will initially be marketed on a build-to-suit basis.
Dan Burn, Head of Development North West & Yorkshire at Panattoni, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to acquire a prime logistics site in an established location by the A1(M). The development provides us with the opportunity to capitalise on the dearth of supply of XXL units across the country.”
Panattoni was advised by Cushman & Wakefield and Mulberry Developments was advised by M1 Agency.
Mather Jamie graduate achieves Chartered Surveyor status
Mather Jamie’s Fraser Hearfield has achieved the status of Chartered Surveyor after successfully passing the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
Fraser joined the business’s commercial team in July 2023, bringing with him valuable experience from his previous tenure. In his role at Mather Jamie, Fraser is involved in transactional agency instructions spanning industrial, office, retail, and investment sectors across Leicestershire. As well as undertaking professional work including rent reviews and lease renewals.
Robert Cole, Managing Director of Mather Jamie, said: “Fraser’s journey to becoming a Chartered Surveyor is a testament to his unwavering commitment. The APC is a tough process, and I am delighted his hard work and determination has paid off with a first time pass. At Mather Jamie, we take pride in nurturing talent, and Fraser’s accomplishment underscores our dedication to supporting young surveyors in their professional growth.”
The APC is a formal assessment, following a two year on the job training period to ensure surveyors have the professional competence required to achieve chartership. The final assessment includes a written submission, a case study and an intensive interview.
Mather Jamie has a strong track record of guiding candidates through this demanding process, recognising the importance of investing in the development of future surveying professionals for the continued success of the business.
Should you soundproof your home office?
In our post-pandemic lives, the benefits of remote working have somewhat lost their novelty and become commonplace for a variety of professional workers. Even so, maintaining a peaceful atmosphere that breeds good productivity and positive well-being remains difficult – especially during school holidays and when dealing with noisy neighbours.
Remote working seems like it’s here to stay, so it might be time to make some changes to your home office space to make sure you’re getting the most out of your day. This guide – written by wall soundproofing specialists Acoustic Shop – explores the importance of soundproofing your office space, as well as offering some advice on how you can reduce noise, turning your workspace into a haven for productivity.
The Importance of Soundproofing
Noise, distractions and general disturbances can be detrimental to your concentration, causing frequent interruptions that break up your workflow. In fact, some studies suggest that background noise can reduce productivity by as much as 66%, leading to higher stress levels and lower job satisfaction. In contrast, a quieter work environment can lead to improved focus, better communication, and a more harmonious work day. Whether it’s sound coming from inside your home, from your neighbours or the streets outside, there are a few effective ways to prevent noise from getting into – or escaping from – your home.Effective Soundproofing Techniques
Acoustic Panels
Acoustic panels are one of the most effective ways to reduce noise. These panels absorb sound waves, preventing them from bouncing off walls and ceilings. They come in various designs and colours, making them a versatile option for any home décor. Installing acoustic panels is straightforward: place them strategically on walls and ceilings where sound tends to reflect the most.Soundproof Curtains and Blinds
Soundproof curtains and blinds are an excellent addition to any space, as they not only block out external noise but also provide thermal insulation, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature. When selecting soundproof curtains, look for thick, multi-layered fabrics. Installation is simple: hang them as you would regular curtains, ensuring they cover the entire window area for maximum effectiveness.Carpeting and Underlays
Carpeting and underlays can significantly contribute to reducing noise, and thick carpets with dense fibres are ideal for absorbing sound. Underlays add an extra layer of insulation, further enhancing the soundproofing effect. When installing carpets, ensure they cover as much floor area as possible, including “high-traffic” zones.Soundproofing Doors and Windows
Doors and windows are the most common “zones” for noise to bleed into (and out of) a room. Upgrading to solid core doors can dramatically reduce sound transmission, and adding door sweeps and seals further prevents noise from seeping through gaps. For windows, consider double-glazing, which provides an additional barrier against external noise. Proper installation is crucial to ensure these solutions are effective.White Noise Machines
White noise machines can be a cost-effective way to mask background noise. These devices don’t eliminate noise, but instead emit a consistent sound that can help drown out distracting noises. This builds a more consistent environment of sound, making other noises less noticeable.DIY Soundproofing Tips
For those looking for simple, cost-effective solutions, several DIY soundproofing methods can help. Using bookshelves as barriers can block noise and add a decorative touch to the office. Adding rugs and wall hangings can also help absorb sound. Rearranging your furniture to create natural sound barriers can further reduce noise levels. On the subject of furniture, items of furniture covered in soft materials (like upholstered seating) can absorb sound waves, contributing to a quieter environment. Large potted plants also help absorb and diffuse noise, and they can be strategically placed near noisy equipment or between workspaces to enhance sound absorption.Conclusion
A quieter home office environment can lead to better concentration, increased productivity and a less stressful work day. It’s not difficult to get started, and since it seems many roles are now at least part or even fully remote, it might be time to upgrade and make your space as productive and comfortable as possible. Why not start with a few pot plants and work your way up from there?Firm focus on South Derbyshire manufacturing at Support and Grow business event
South Derbyshire manufacturers are being invited to learn more about decarbonisation grants, other funding opportunities and wider business support at an event dedicated to their sector, taking place at South Derbyshire CVS in Swadlincote on 16th July.
The Support & Grow breakfast event, being delivered by East Midlands Chamber as part of the Accelerator project, will assist manufacturers in finding out about the support they can tap into both locally and nationally to accelerate their growth.
Opportunities include digitisation through a Made Smarter grant, improving energy efficiency through decarbonisation grants and a fully funded energy audit, and enlisting the support of a digital skills coach.
South Derbyshire business Devtank, a manufacturer of test and measurement solutions, will share its own story of growth and how this has been expedited by Chamber support and grant funding.
East Midlands Chamber Head of Business Support Services Paul Stuart said: “Our role at the Chamber is to help businesses navigate the funding landscape and to access the right support for the right project at the right time.
“Devtank, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, is a perfect example of how such targeted support can help a business flourish. The Accelerator project, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is an effective gateway into accessing such support.”
One of the Chamber’s Digital Transformation Specialists, David Dobson, will also present on how the national Made Smarter programme can help businesses improve their competitive edge and East Midlands Manufacturing Network Adviser Deborah Rogers will be outlining the benefits of free membership to the Chamber’s dedicated manufacturing network.
NET raises more than £1,000 for local charity as it ‘walks the network’
Nottingham Express Transit (NET) has raised more than £1,000 for local charity, Nottingham Central Women’s Aid, by walking the entirety of its 12.4-mile extensive tram network.
A group of 35 people from NET’s team including tram drivers, safety and support staff and ticket agents took part in the 12.4 mile sponsored ‘walk the network’ challenge to help raise vital funds for the organisation’s chosen charity, which aims to protect women and their children who have encountered domestic abuse.
The walk, which was organised as part of NET’s 20th anniversary celebrations, started at the Hucknall tram stop. From here, the team travelled on foot past notable Nottingham landmarks and tram stops such as Royal Centre, The Forest and Meadows Embankment before concluding at Clifton South park and ride, where the team were met with a crowd of supporters and medals to celebrate the achievement.
Rebecca Horne, business engagement manager at NET, said: “Our tram network is a core part of Nottingham’s landscape. As such, we are always looking for ways to help our vulnerable population in need of support and Nottingham Central Women’s Aid is a key example of this, as it continues to carry out pivotal work to support those who need it in our city.
“Each year, our chosen charity is decided through nominations from our team. This year, we had more than 10 incredibly worthy nominees before a decision was made through voting. While Nottingham Central Women’s Aid is our main charity in 2024, we will also be supporting a number of other charities close to our hearts as we continue with our charity initiatives throughout the year.”
Following the ‘walk the network’ challenge, NET’s fundraising efforts will continue into 2024 as part of NET’s wider commitment to support communities within Nottingham. Alongside the charity work, this also includes ongoing partnerships with community groups such as The Pythian Club, which aims to reduce and provide education on anti-social behaviour across Nottingham’s trams and beyond.
To donate to and support NET’s fundraising efforts for Nottingham Central Women’s Aid, go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/netcharity2024
East Midlands Freeport accelerates plans for growth as talks take place with potential investors
East Midlands Freeport is actively talking to a number of potential national and international investors as it accelerates its plans to unlock the potential for tens of thousands of new jobs in the region.
Launched last year, the Freeport has set up three ‘tax sites’ where there are lower tax rates aimed at speeding up business investment, job creation and economic growth. The three sites cover around 1,300 acres of land – more than twice the size of London’s Olympic Park:
- East Midlands Airport Gateway & Industrial Cluster is alongside the UK’s largest dedicated express airfreight airport and the rail freight-connected East Midlands Gateway logistics park.
- East Midlands Intermodal Park, next to the Toyota manufacturing plant just outside Derby.
- Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station site: where owner Uniper has a vision to transform the site of the UK’s last coal-fired power station into a destination for zero carbon technology and energy.
