2024 Business Predictions: Rob Woolston, director at rg+p Ltd
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Rob Woolston, director at multi-disciplinary design practice, rg+p Ltd.
Residential development has seen a turbulent period over the last 18 months. The bubble of positivity post-Covid was dissipated by the issues of high inflation and ‘Truss’ economics, leading to significant headwinds across the residential market.
I’m hopeful these will begin to ease in 2024, with inflation continuing to fall and therefore the real likelihood of interest rates beginning to come back down too. Whilst this won’t happen with any speed, confidence among private residential and later living developers can start to re-build with the knowledge things are heading in the right direction.
Of course, there are still challenges to overcome. Price pressures and a stubborn land market will leave the affordable housing sector difficult to navigate; construction material prices will present viability issues; and not forgetting the changes to Building Regulations and upcoming Future Homes Standard and Building Safety Act that will affect almost every project and should not be underestimated. Our technical director has invested considerable time interpreting these and we’re strongly advising clients to plan time to consult on the implications.
The big hurdle next year will be the general election and potential change of government. While this is shaped and a new financial environment emerges, we expect funding decisions to be delayed and this will particularly impact Built-to-Rent development, where we don’t anticipate much growth until 2025.
Despite this, I still believe the property and built environment sector has reason to be cautiously optimistic, and even positive going into 2024.
Leading tax specialist joins Streets Chartered Accountants
Acclaimed tax specialist Andrew Cockman has joined Streets Chartered Accountants.
Andrew Cockman is a Chartered Tax Adviser and Trust and Estate Practitioner who has focused on private client and trust related taxation throughout his career in accountancy, having worked in Big 5 accountancy practices, as well as other firms in the top 10.
His specialism includes tax planning for non-UK domiciliaries and their offshore trusts, as well as inheritance tax and capital gains tax consulting for shareholders in family companies and their family trusts. He is particularly interested in estate planning.
Andrew is also closely involved with the Tax Faculty of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and is a member of the Private Client Committee of the Tax Faculty. He contributes a monthly article on estate planning for Croner i’s Tax Weekly as well as contributing regularly to the Tax Faculty’s TAXline magazine.
Commenting on his appointment, Paul Tutin, Chairman and Managing Partner at Streets, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the firm with his appointment as a Tax Partner within our Tax practice and as a member of our Private Client team.
“With the expansion of our practice, it is important we can service the needs of our clients and in particular the requirement for more specialist high-end tax advice and planning. Andrew will therefore be a great asset to our team and clients alike. We are very fortunate to have secured his appointment.”
When asked what attracted him to Streets and what the new role means to him, Andrew Cockman said: “I was particularly attracted to the role with Streets as it has a progressive approach and it provides me with the opportunity to work with like-minded private client tax specialists in a supportive and entrepreneurial environment.
“I am looking forward to both looking after the needs of clients but also being a key member of the firm’s private client tax team and developing the firm’s service and offering to meet the needs of individuals and owner managed businesses now and in the future.”
In his role, Andrew will be working with and looking after clients from across Streets’ 23 offices, including those in London and the South East, the East of England, the South West, the Midlands and Yorkshire.
East Midlands manufacturer awarded £3.8m school fitout contract
Mansfield-based Deanestor, the furniture manufacturer, has been awarded its 13th school fitout project for Robertson Construction – a £3.8m contract for the new East End Community Campus in Dundee.
Due to open in August 2025, the £100m campus for Dundee City Council will cater for 1,900 pupils and will replace two high schools.
Deanestor will fit out over 300 rooms across the new three-storey campus, providing more than 4,000 items of loose and fitted furniture.
Designed by Holmes Miller to Passivhouse standards, the scheme will create an inspiring and sustainable environment for learning and attainment, whilst celebrating the history and achievements of the individual schools.
William Tonkinson, Deanestor’s Managing Director, said: “We welcome the opportunity to work as a partner of choice to both Robertson and Procurement Hub, and are looking forward to contributing to the delivery of another really high-quality, multi-use school campus in Scotland.
“We are in no doubt that these facilities will make a tremendous difference to the local community in Dundee and to city-wide education.”
A wide range of furniture and specialist school equipment will be provided by Deanestor for the new campus, such as dining tables and chairs, storage cabinets and wall units, teaching walls, booth seating, mobile tray units, changing benches, lockers, classroom and meeting tables, bookcases and shelving units, craft and science tables, sports equipment, solid-grade worktops for laboratories, and industrial shelving for metalwork and woodwork.
Design architect appointed to level up Cleethorpes’ Market Place
A design architect has been appointed for Market Place as part of Cleethorpes’ Levelling Up Fund projects.
Gillespies will play an integral role in the rejuvenation of the historic square, adding space for social interaction by reconnecting the busy seafront and town centre, creating jobs, and boosting the economy.
These improvements will re-balance the relationship between traffic and pedestrians, encouraging wider circulation of people through the town by providing a safer, healthier, and more pleasant environment for pedestrians, encouraging a circular route from the seafront through to Market Place and to the town centre.
North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) has been awarded £18.4m of Levelling Up Funding (LUF) to transform Cleethorpes seafront. This includes three key areas – Market Place, Pier Gardens and Sea Road.
The council’s delivery partner Equans and NELC’s project management team will work in partnership with the successful design consultancy to develop designs. Community engagement events will be undertaken with local businesses, the wider community, and residents within the vicinity of Market Place.
These events will be designed to generate interest and ideas which will assist with the development of concept designs for Market Place. Once designs are finalised, a main contractor will be appointed during the summer, with works starting thereafter.
Tom Walker, partner at Gillespies, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be helping NELC, local businesses and residents rethink and redesign the Market Place at Cleethorpes. This project is an incredible opportunity to transform a space with enormous potential.
“What is particularly pleasing is working at a seaside resort and space, where joy, richness, and fun can be the focus. It’s important work, but not too serious. There are some excellent businesses around the area that will significantly benefit from the redesign, which could also transform the lives of local people and the visitor experience.”
Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of the council, said: “North East Lincolnshire Council has an ambitious vision for the growth and regeneration of the resort, diversifying Cleethorpes’ offer and extending the season, both to support the local economy and local people. We’re working hard to make sure that the money spent in this borough is to the benefit of everyone living and working here.”
New director for engineering design company
Bennett Engineering Design Solutions Limited, which is in its 25th year of trading, has appointed a new director.
Seleena Creedon, who has been with Bennett Engineering since April 2020 as an external marketing and business consultant, has become a director of the company and will soon take a 40% shareholding.
Her expertise from the world of manufacturing, her project management skills and ways of working have already helped the company over the last few years. As she steps into this new role she says: “My love for the world of manufacturing and engineering is absolutely met at Bennett Engineering.
“The team are exceptionally talented, one of my favourite things is to see a CAD design, which is very complex, made. On a recent trip to a client’s base, it was fantastic to see something in full size after seeing it so much on my colleague’s computer screens. I am looking forward to growing the company and my professional skill set in my role as a director.”
Seleena’s appointment follows that of Lewis Garrett in September as a trainee CAD technician, having completed a Physics degree at University of Leicester and a course on mechanical engineering.
Lewis says: “Before Bennett Engineering I had a few jobs related to manufacturing engineering, I am grateful for the skills I gained but I never felt like I was pushed to succeed or growing my skill set. After just 4 months at Bennett Engineering I feel like I have grown more than the years I spent in other jobs. With the team genuinely interested in seeing me develop the future is bright.”
John Bennett founded Bennett Engineering to offer project management and engineering services to manufacturers in the East Midlands. After over 25 years running the company and 50 years as an engineer, he’s going to spend more time on his mountain bike and less time in the business during the working week.
John says: “I now feel very fortunate to be blessed with dyslexia. The special powers it brings were definitely NOT valued at school, but it has allowed me to have a successful whole life career as an engineer.
“Over the past 50 years I have had the privilege of working with many skilled and talented people who have happily shared their knowledge and helped me to a position where I have bought up a family living off ideas that pop out of my head.
“I would encourage anyone who has the ‘knack’ to become an engineer because they can experience the thrill of seeing the ideas become reality. As I have done here at Bennett Engineering.”
Next green light given to Newark Castle
Plans to create a new and improved visitor attraction at Newark Castle got another green light after plans were approved during Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Planning Committee.
Through a funding application via the National Lottery Heritage Fund along with a £3million allocation from Newark’s Towns Fund deal and a capital contribution, this project will see Newark Castle’s original Romanesque Gatehouse, named by Historic England as the most complete example of such a structure in England, reinstated as the spectacular entrance just as it was centuries ago.
The new entrance will lead to five gallery spaces which follow the Castle’s story through time and bring its Medieval history to life through fascinating, fun and interactive interpretation including models, real and replica tactile objects and furniture, embroideries, trails and play, designed by Nissen Richards Studio.
There will also be a tower-top viewing platform from which visitors can overlook great views of Trent Valley. These have been a focus of the project which also aims to enhance and protect the natural environment and green space within this historic site, establishing more biodiversity and enhancing accessibility through landscape development.
Expert ecologists have been consulted to create a planting scheme which is more wildlife friendly, creating habitats and feeding places for insects, bees and birds, and incorporating bat and moth friendly lighting and bat roosts.
The gardens were developed in the Victorian era with a commitment to provide a public space for everyone to enjoy. However, this did not account for modern accessibility and the plans will see routes updated for wheelchair users, people with low mobility and those with prams or pushchairs to be able to enjoy them equally as well as increased benches and seating.
Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It’s great news that planning permission has been granted and we are now another step closer in bringing this amazing project to life.
“It was important to us that local people were consulted during this process and we have listened, ensuring that HE Milner’s beloved flowerbed remains and that wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility are able to enjoy the full extent of the gardens.
“This of course means that changes must be made but our landscape architect at Urban Edge Architecture has worked very hard to create new paths which comply to accessibility legislation. I’m delighted that this work will also see an increase in the biodiversity of this important green space as well as driving visitor numbers to boost our local economy and, hopefully, bolstering our residents’ pride in this very special local asset.”
The project has received funding from Newark and Sherwood District Council’s application to the Government’s Towns Fund initiative which Newark Towns Fund Board supplied £3million to deliver the Castle Gatehouse project. The District Council has further submitted a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a further £1.4million and it is hoping that this application will be successful.
Councillor Cozens continues: “I’m delighted that the beautiful grounds will remain free for everyone. The District Council is planning to use the grounds for a range of activities and events for all the community and entry to the galleries itself will be reduced for Newark and Sherwood residents. I’m incredibly excited about the future for Newark Castle and am waiting with eagerness for the next stage in its journey.”
It’s anticipated that, once works are completed, the Castle will attract almost 17,000 visitors from outside of the district, helping to deliver sustainable economic growth as a destination attraction.
The development incorporates a new facility beneath the gatehouse bridge which will be used for both learning visits and for community groups and outreach, providing an extra space in the centre of town for residents to come together.
The town’s early evening economy will be supported too with plans to improve the lighting in the grounds to enable a safe ‘after dark’ experience.
Burton pharma services firm acquires innovative cancer health tech business
Sciensus, a Burton-based technology-enabled pharma services business managing the complex medicine needs of more than 250,000 chronic, rare and cancer patients, has reached an agreement to acquire Vinehealth, a cancer patient and physician support tool.
Founded by Rayna Patel, formerly an NHS physician, and Georgina Kirby, a leading data scientist, Vinehealth has grown to become the top-rated cancer support app. It is underpinned by best-in-class technology trusted by patients, physicians, life science companies, and regulators, with support and approvals from the NHS, FDA, MHRA, and EU-MDR.
In recent years Sciensus has invested heavily to build an integrated portfolio of powerful patient engagement and real world evidence solutions to enhance patient connectivity and insight. Centred on the Sciensus InTouch app, these tools support more personalised care and enhanced patient outcomes. Every day thousands of patients use the app to help manage their condition.
The addition of Vinehealth further expands Sciensus’ digital platform. Sciensus will accelerate Vinehealth’s expansion into new geographies and therapeutic areas beyond cancer to support patients worldwide.
Darryn Gibson, CEO of Sciensus, said: “Vinehealth presents a rare and exciting opportunity to acquire a fast-growing, highly innovative business, which is transforming cancer patient outcomes and will significantly strengthen our digital insight offerings.
“We look forward to welcoming Rayna, Georgina, and their team to Sciensus and working together to enable cancer patients to be even more engaged with their treatment.”
The founders of Vinehealth said: “This deal marks an important milestone for Vinehealth. Uniting with Sciensus will extend our reach to patients by leveraging their patient network, and relationships with all the leading pharmaceutical companies and healthcare practitioners.
“Together, we’re poised to enhance the patient experience and generate meaningful patient insights through best-in-class patient support programmes and rich longitudinal real-world data to drive advancements in chronic disease patient support.”
Leicestershire energy solutions company snaps up energy management division
eEnergy, the net zero digital energy services provider, has entered into an agreement to sell the company’s wholly owned energy management division to Leicestershire’s Flogas Britain.
The deal involves an initial consideration of £29.1 million and additional contingent consideration based on the trading performance of the energy management division for the period to 30 September 2025.
Harvey Sinclair, eEnergy CEO, says: “I am pleased to announce this agreement to sell our energy management division to Flogas. Once approved by shareholders, the transaction will unlock significant immediate cash for eEnergy and give the opportunity to deliver significant additional value to shareholders through the earnout period.
“Whilst energy management is the smaller by revenue of our two divisions, the initial transaction proceeds alone will be c. 90% of eEnergy’s current market capitalisation.
“The sale of the energy management division will allow us to focus entirely on our similar sized, high growth energy services division which grew 87% in the past 12 month period despite being undercapitalised.
“The sale will simplify our business, strengthen our balance sheet and will bring the opportunity to invest further in the higher growth segments of solar and EV charging across the UK.
“I would like to thank our colleagues in the energy management division. They will have an excellent new owner in Flogas who is in an ideal position to take the business forward.”
Ivan Trevor, Managing Director, Flogas Britain, says: “Together with Certas and the recent acquisitions of Protech, Centreco and DTGen, this acquisition further expands our capability in energy management services, providing a comprehensive range of products and services to partner with our customers on their journey to Net Zero and supporting our ambition to halve the carbon emissions of the energy we supply by 2030.”
Planning granted for £20.35m residential scheme in Matlock
Housebuilder Honey will build 75 new one-, two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes in Matlock after being granted planning permission for a £20.35m development.
Called Hazel, the development is located opposite Matlock Golf Club on Chesterfield Road and will comprise maisonettes, terraces, semi-detached and detached properties.
The development is Honey’s second in Derbyshire, its first being a £14m, 50-new home development called Amber in South Normanton, near Alfreton.
Work on site at Hazel is scheduled to start in spring with the first residents expected to move into their new homes by the end of this year.
As well as providing new homes for the area, Honey is also making a £670,000 contribution to initiatives that will benefit the local community.
Honey Chief Executive Officer, Mark Mitchell, said: “Hazel generated a great deal of interest from prospective buyers from the moment we announced plans had been submitted.
“Our development will provide much needed new homes for people living in and around Matlock whether they are first time buyers, second steppers, families or downsizers.”
Since the start of the year Honey has secured three further sites across the East Midlands. The housebuilder has exchanged contracts on a site in Duckmanton and acquired sites in Edwinstowe and Killamarsh.
Subject to planning, these three sites will deliver 563 new homes with a combined gross development value of £170m.
YMCA Derbyshire encourages businesses to sleep out for one night, so other people don’t have to
YMCA Derbyshire is calling on businesses across the city and county to come together and spend a night sleeping under the stars to support local people most in need.
YMCA Derbyshire is one of several YMCAs across the country that have joined forces to raise awareness of homelessness during the national YMCA Sleep Easy Week, running from 8 to 15 March.
The week will see participants sleep out for one night across England and Wales to raise
awareness of homelessness and vital funds to support those who find themselves at risk of
homelessness.
YMCA Derbyshire’s event will take place at the Incora County Ground home of Derbyshire County Cricket Club on Friday 8 March 2024. Registration costs £10 for those in full-time employment and £5 for all others.
Each year the event brings together upwards of 100 participants who challenge themselves to sleep out for one night, so others don’t have to. Last year’s event raised just under £30,000 and these funds were directed to YMCA Derbyshire’s changing lives fund.
This fund enabled the charity to provide a whole host of youth and community provision to enable those they support to move along their positive pathways.
Over the twelve months YMCA housed 272 individuals with 88 moving on to independent living, 61 entering formal education, 7 going to university, 74 attending a job interview and 59 gaining employment.
This year’s event will raise vital funds to continue and expand the work that YMCA do, including their new service Padley@YMCA Derbyshire which has been born from a merger of Padley Group into YMCA Derbyshire in July 2023.
Funds raised will enable YMCA to provide vital youth and community provision including
therapeutic counselling, activities at Wilmorton community allotments, physical sports sessions, support entering work-based programmes and volunteering opportunities.
Padley@YMCA Derbyshire will be moving to a new Community Hub, here they will continue to offer and grow their traditional services for individuals; warm meals, activities to combat
loneliness and isolation, shower facilities and community pantry but will also develop their
provision to meet the evolving need of the city.
New services will enable members of the community who are unable to access food provision to have a place to use community kitchens to cook their own food for their families, have access to a laundrette alongside opportunities to learn through training and education and volunteering opportunities.
Gillian Sewell, CEO of YMCA Derbyshire, said: “We are extremely grateful to every individual, family and business that gets behind our Sleep Easy events, either through participating or sponsors others to do so, its truly down to the funds raised at events such as this that we can achieve such positive outcomes for the people we serve.
“With the emerging cost of living crisis we are seeing a significant increase in those experiencing poverty and or at risk of homelessness we are hoping to make Sleep Easy 2024 our biggest event yet, but we need your help.
“We urge individuals, families and businesses to come together and spend one night sleeping out so others don’t have to. We often say it’s the most unusual networking event you’ll attend all year. One night really can make a life time difference to those who need it most.”
People interested in taking part in YMCA Derbyshire’s Sleep Easy can find out more by visiting www.ymcaderbyshire.org.uk/sleepeasy or by calling 01332 579550 to speak with the fundraising team.
