122 affordable homes set for Sleaford brownfield site

Tess Egginton
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122 affordable homes set for Sleaford brownfield site

Countryside Partnerships, the provider of multi-tenure, affordable homes, has exchanged contracts with Tesco Stores Ltd on a 12.8-acre brownfield site in Sleaford, Lincolnshire with a view to building 122 new affordable homes, 5 First Homes and a 66-bed care home.

They will also be providing a new county standard bowls green and club house to replace the ageing facilities currently on site.

The regeneration project will transform the former industrial site, previously used for seed processing, into much-needed housing with a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom family homes for the area. The First Homes are market-sale properties discounted by at least 30% and available to first-time buyers meeting certain eligibility criteria.

The land is allocated for mixed-use and residential development in the Lincolnshire Local Plan, adopted in April 2023. Countryside now expects to submit a Reserved Matters planning application in the first half of 2024 with a view to starting work later in the year.

Lee Parry, Managing Director, Countryside Partnerships North East Midlands, said: “Redeveloping brownfield sites such as this one in Sleaford is hugely important in helping to tackle the crippling shortage of affordable homes across the UK.

“Our planning team cannot wait to get into the finer planning details with a view to transforming this former industrial site into an attractive and welcoming place to live for the local community.”

G F Tomlinson continues support of Arena Church with refuge centre renovations

Tess Egginton
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G F Tomlinson continues support of Arena Church with refuge centre renovations
Following the delivery of sanitation facilities for Arena Church in Nottingham, Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson has transformed another disused space to help vulnerable city residents who need it most. As part of the company’s commitment to delivering social value in the region and building on its long-standing relationship with the church, the contractor has provided ventilation upgrades and enhancement works for the basement area of the central city shelter in Western Street, Hockley. The contractor partnered with Amptron Electrical Services to provide upgraded ventilation systems which allow mechanical air change movements, to help with the lack of natural air flow, due to the location within the building. The G F Tomlinson Client Care team also carried out redecoration works to the space. These enhancements have enabled the basement area to become a more comfortable space within the church, providing vulnerable Nottingham residents with shelter, sanitation facilities and hot refreshments. New bollards were also installed to car parking bays, enabling the church to rent out the spaces to local businesses in the city centre, providing much needed revenue for the shelter. A drone survey was also completed of the building’s roof, to assist Arena Church with assessing repair and maintenance needs. In February, G F Tomlinson worked with local sub-contractors alongside Pastor, Jono Kirk, from Arena Community, to convert previously unused space into a shower and washer / dryer facility for vulnerable Nottingham residents to use who lack access to basic sanitation facilities. In 2023, the contractor provided a total of £67,782 worth of social value-added opportunities for Arena Church, and the vital additions will act as an extension of the church’s mission to ‘Go, Grow, Love and Serve’ in Nottingham City, with facilities and spaces on hand ready for the church’s ‘Care for a Coffee’ initiative, which launches early next year. ‘Care for a Coffee’ will provide warm, safe spaces for vulnerable people to get a weekly hot meal, with an option to clean and dry clothes and make the most of a ‘shower hour.’ Stephen Green, project manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “It has been a pleasure to return to the Arena Church and to build on the great work we did previously, providing further necessary renovations to this community asset and provide help and facilities where most needed, especially in the wintertime. “As a company, we are strong advocates of the incredible work that Arena Church does for the local area, and it’s a privilege that the team have again been involved in further enhancing spaces to provide refuge for vulnerable people in Nottingham.” Jono Kirk, Pastor at Arena Church, said: “We’re very grateful for our relationship with G F Tomlinson and other subcontractors who have helped us on our journey to improve support services for city residents who need our help. “Our community can now access vital facilities and safe, comfortable spaces which they wouldn’t have been had without the help of this partnership. Thank you to everyone involved.” 

Blueprint Interiors expands office furniture capability

Tess Egginton
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Blueprint Interiors expands office furniture capability
Having won several high value projects during 2023 and already secured more projects of a similar size and value for 2024, workplace consultants and commercial office fit out specialists Blueprint Interiors has expanded its furniture supply team following the appointment of Sinead McCaffery as a furniture project coordinator. Sinead has extensive experience in the commercial interior design and retail industries and is passionate about all aspects of art and design. In her new role, Sinead will report to furniture manager Gemma Ryder and be involved in project managing furniture orders and arranging delivery schedules to ensure Blueprint Interiors continues to provide excellent customer service and projects are delivered to the highest standard.  Head of furniture, Gemma Ryder said: “Flexible working and how employees prefer to work means that the specification of office furniture is a much more considered decision. There is a greater wider range of options available from leading UK and international furniture manufacturers. It is therefore important that we expand the size of the team so that the ordering and delivery of furniture is carefully co-ordinated alongside the overall office fit-out schedule.” Sinead added: “I have always respected Blueprint Interiors and its reputation as a specialist within the interior design industry. As well as being experts in their field I liked the fact their culture and the way they design for clients is very people orientated.” Blueprint Interiors is based in Ashby de la Zouch and has completed workplace consultancy and office fit out projects for a number of the region’s top 200 employers and best companies to work for. Clients include Gleeds, The Melton Building Society, East Midlands Chamber, and Worldline.

Businesses offered potential-realising advice from University of Derby

Stuart Pearcey
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Businesses offered potential-realising advice from University of Derby
Business leaders are being encouraged to explore how they can realise the potential of their organisations, with support to grow from the University of Derby. Help to Grow: Management is a practical training course delivered by world-class business schools, accredited by the Small Business Charter focusing on building and strengthening people’s capabilities to lead a business, delivered by the University of Derby across Derbyshire. This course incorporates hybrid learning, peer group networks and mentoring and will support managers and leaders of small and medium-sized businesses to boost business performance, resilience, and long-term growth. The 12-week course is 90% funded and the fee payable by participants is £750. The course has been designed to allow participants to complete it alongside full-time work. A new cohort is now available to join this month. Benefits from taking part in the course include:
  • Enhance your management and strategic capabilities
  • Produce a growth plan for your business
  • Build resilience to future shocks
  • Learn how to innovate in your business
  • Adopt digital technologies to boost productivity and operational agility
  • Develop your value proposition and reach into growth markets
  • Improve employee engagement and responsible business practices
Course tutors Dr. Elnerine Greeff, Lecturer in Marketing at Derby Business School, said: “I’m especially excited to form part of this Help to Grow initiative. The beauty of this programme is that we have businesses which are just starting out now, and we have people with a wealth of experience. “It is everything that you wanted to learn in your three-year business course at university, condensed and tailor-made to your business, with face-to-face time, mentorship, and absolutely everything that you need to make successful what you are already passionate about.”

LLEP to start pilot programme for new peer network later this month

Stuart Pearcey
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LLEP to start pilot programme for new peer network later this month
Later this month a pilot programme will kick off a new LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub peer network for business owners. The group is aimed at developing leadership skills in businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire and is called Transform to Grow. It will support the growth and development of businesses trading for a minimum of 12 months, and which have five or more employees. Peer Networks have been a success story of recent years, enabling business owners to build and strengthen their organisations through a trusted support network. Transform to Grow will be facilitated by Maria Peggs of Vispera. It will enable 12 business owners to share ideas, collaborate and network with fellow entrepreneurs at a similar stage in their business growth journey. There will be five online sessions, of three hours each, including the following topics:
  • Values: Impact of your personal values on quality and the business
  • Change: How to manage all forms effectively
  • Pricing: The Most Powerful Profit Lever
  • Leadership: Understand Your Style
  • Resources: Effective Management.
There will also be a celebration lunch at the end of the programme, which is fully funded for eligible businesses.

2024 Business Predictions: Seb Saywood, investor at BGF

Tess Egginton
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2024 Business Predictions: Seb Saywood, investor at BGF
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 Seb Saywood, investor at BGF in the Midlands. There’s no doubt that the majority of businesses currently face a challenging economic environment, and growth businesses are no different. However, dynamic, well-capitalised companies are well positioned to seize opportunities and manage challenges ahead in a measured way. That’s why the current market conditions present an opportunity for BGF, as it was created to fund promising businesses with limited access to capital. From our perspective, momentum really picked up in the final quarter of 2023, with deal pipeline building towards a strong Q1 across a variety of different sectors. The issue of raising capital has been a real sticking point over the last few months, with the cost of lending increasing substantially. Unsurprisingly, the cost of lending has led to an increase in companies exploring minority equity deals. BGF’s unique balance sheet investment model means that we are well positioned to continue investing throughout the economic cycle, forming long-term partnerships with companies and supporting them over time as they grow. While we don’t expect to see a shift in interest rates in the coming months, we do expect to see better deal flow more broadly across the Midlands in 2024. This is largely due to pent up demand, following a more subdued first three quarters of 2023, and this is likely to be a major contributor to increased activity. What’s more, the political backdrop may also drive M&A activity in the first half of 2024. An election tends to bring a degree of uncertainty and we expect many will think hard about the sustainability of current capital gains tax rates.

Real Fun Group acquires eight clubs from Majestic Bingo, safeguarding 140 jobs

Tess Egginton
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Real Fun Group acquires eight clubs from Majestic Bingo, safeguarding 140 jobs
Real Fun Group Ltd is set to become a prominent player in the UK’s independent bingo sector following the acquisition of eight bingo clubs and their freeholds from Majestic Bingo Limited out of administration. This strategic acquisition expands the group’s portfolio to a total of 10 bingo clubs throughout England and Wales, further establishing its presence in the industry, whilst safeguarding the employment of over 140 individuals. Experienced entrepreneurs backing the group, which already operates two independent bingo clubs, have reinforced their commitment to growth and community engagement through this significant expansion. Majestic Bingo Limited entered administration on 7 July 2023, overseen by Tim Bateson and Chris Pole from Interpath Advisory as joint administrators. Tim Bateson, director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “Having been appointed in July 2023 and traded the business for nearly six months, we are absolutely delighted to have achieved this going concern sale, which not only will see all eight venues continue to trade, but which also both safeguards the employment of 140 people and ensures continuity for the communities which these clubs serve. “We would like to extend our thanks to the many stakeholders who have provided support to the administration team since our appointment, including customers, suppliers and Majestic’s dedicated staff. Their support has enabled us to conclude this transaction which will enable the business to continue under new ownership.” Kevin McGinnigle, CEO of Real Fun Group, shared his enthusiasm for the new venture, stating: “I’m incredibly excited by this opportunity. This was a well-run business that was hit with devastating luck over the last few years, and I can’t wait to work with the team. To sit here today, knowing we’re able to keep so many people in work is an unbelievable feeling.” He further added: “Undoubtedly there is a lot of work ahead of us and I’m confident we’ve got the right people within the business to make this a huge success for everyone concerned. Coming from a family of bingo players, I’m aware of the role that local bingo clubs play in their community and to get the opportunity to keep these historic clubs open for our customers is just fantastic.” With this acquisition, Real Fun Group now employs nearly 200 staff across 10 bingo clubs nationwide, positioning itself as one of the UK’s largest independent bingo operators.

Shoosmiths’ Corporate Restructuring & Advisory Team acted for Real Fun Group. Sarah Teal, partner, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to have supported Real Fun Group with this acquisition, securing the future of these bingo clubs that are integral to the communities in which they operate and securing jobs in time for Christmas.”

Stuart Taylor, partner in the Restructuring & Insolvency Team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, acting for the joint administrators, said: “It was great to work with the joint administrators on the sale of Majestic Bingo, a deal that safeguards a number of jobs and ensures continuity of local businesses.”

Majestic Bingo operates from eight sites across England and Wales including:

Hippodrome, Bishop Auckland

Apollo, Caernarfon

Apollo, Camborne

Globe, Donnington

Apollo, Rhyl

Roman Bank, Skegness

Judges, Tonypandy

Majestic, Worcester

BSE supports Christmas charity campaigns

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BSE supports Christmas charity campaigns
BGF-backed Business Support Experts Group (BSE) – business tax relief specialists – has donated more than 500 presents to children through an initiative with Nottingham City Council and The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT) in Altrincham. The BSE team hand-picked personalised toys from Smyths and thanks to Nottingham based Global Solutions Clothing (GSC) they dressed up as elves to deliver the gifts and share with the children. They also provided the opportunity for children to meet Santa in Nottingham for a framed photo, thanks to the team at Captcha Photography. Commenting on the Christmas appeals, BSE CEO Mark Joyner, said: “Our team wanted to give back to the communities we all live and work in, especially during such tough financial times. We’ve absolutely loved this Christmas charity campaign which allowed us to spend time with some of the children, as well as donating the toys & creating some smiles.” Mark Joyner added: “As a business, we are committed to supporting the growth of other SME companies and it is thanks to our clients and partners continued support that we are able to do more for those who have less. As we have ambitious plans to expand further in 2024, we hope to be able to bring even more joy to children next Christmas.”

East Midlands one of only two regions to see increase in business confidence

Tess Egginton
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East Midlands one of only two regions to see increase in business confidence
Business confidence in East Midlands rose by five points during December to 34% – one of only two regions to report an increase – according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Firms in East Midlands saw a five point increase while those in West Midlands saw confidence up by one point to 33%. Companies in the region reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 13 points at 51%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down four points to 17%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 34%. East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as investing in their team (51%), evolving their offer (32%) and investing in sustainability (26%). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. A net balance of 40% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up ten points on last month. Overall UK business confidence fell two points in December to 35%, the first decrease since August, driven largely by firms’ outlook on the overall UK economy which dipped by eleven points from 38% to 27%. Businesses’ optimism in their own trading prospects also decreased, but less markedly so – by five points to 43%. Companies’ hiring intentions also dropped slightly with 29% of firms intending to increase staff levels over the next 12 months, down six points month-on-month. The North East was most confident, remaining at 48% for the second consecutive month, followed by the East of England (45%), London (38%) and the South West (36%). Firms in the services industry reported a significant decrease in confidence, down 16 points to 30%, due to moderation in both trading prospects and economic optimism. Manufacturing confidence also eased back (38%, down seven points). However, retail and construction both bucked the trend with rises to 44% (up two points) and 37% (up two points) respectively. Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Businesses in the East Midlands have marked the largest rise in confidence of any UK region or country as we conclude the year. “The rise was recorded following the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement where a new East Midlands Investment Zone, which could bring in £383m of private investment and create 4,200 jobs, as well as a deal to bring devolution to Greater Lincolnshire, was announced.” Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “This December data was collected following several key announcements, including energy prices rises and the UK economic outlook being revised down in the Autumn Statement. All of this will undoubtedly have had an impact on business confidence as we head into 2024. “Businesses are also balancing cost pressures with a challenging labour market that will see increases to minimum wage in April 2024, as perhaps indicated in the wage growth figures, at a time when they are managing staff retention and recruitment decisions. “However, over the course of the year confidence has steadily increased from an average confidence of 25% in the first three-months of 2023 and ending the year with a three month average of 39% – an indication of the positive trajectory business has seen this year. This provides a healthier position to begin 2024 with, compared to 2023.”

Seven-figure renovation for Leicestershire gastro pub

Tess Egginton
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Seven-figure renovation for Leicestershire gastro pub

The business owners of Swithland’s The Griffin Inn are investing £1 million into an extensive renovation of the pub, in conjunction with Everards.

The gastro pub forms part of The Cat & Wickets Pub Company, owned by ex-England cricketers Harry Gurney and Stuart Broad. Over the past year, £75,000 has been spent on refreshing the pub’s interiors and creating an elevated courtyard. A further £1 million is to be spent on further renovations, with work due to start at the beginning of January 2024.

The kitchen will be overhauled to double its existing size and will include fully electric equipment. The Old Stables will be transformed into an additional dining space within the gastro pub, creating 80 more covers. 30 additional covers will also be created in the courtyard as part of the planned work.

The management team anticipates a 60% increase in turnover following the renovations, which will equate to a 60% uplift in available working hours. As a result, the team anticipate that 20 new jobs will be created alongside progression opportunities for the existing team.

The management team hope to reopen the pub’s doors in March.

Harry Gurney, Managing Director at The Cat & Wickets Pub Company, says: “We’re really excited about this next round of renovations. I’m a Loughborough lad, and Stuart and I both know that we are simply caretakers of a pub that has meant a lot to the local community for hundreds of years.

“We promise to continually nurture and cherish it, while always looking for new and innovative ways to improve the customer experience along the way.”

Matt Crehan, business relationship manager at Everards, said: “We’re delighted to work with the Griffin team to bring their vision for the pub to life. In 2023, we’ve invested over £4 million in supporting our business owners with repairs and investments.

“We look forward to kickstarting 2024 by supporting the Griffin and the Swithland community by investing in their pub.”

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