Experienced farming consultant and graduate join property consultancy’s Market Harborough team
A highly experienced farming consultant has joined a property consultancy’s team in Market Harborough as it looks to expand in the East Midlands.
Peter Roberts has been hired as an Associate Partner by Fisher German after a 14-year career in farm business consultancy, and joins as the firm looks to help farmers through a particularly challenging time for the sector.
He will mainly focus on helping farmers in the Midlands with farm management roles and business development as they begin to adapt to new sources of funding, such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive, as the BPS scheme is phased out.
Peter said: “I had wanted to join a bigger firm, and Fisher German has an excellent reputation all over the country, so it was a great opportunity for me.
“I have an extensive background in farm consultancy, focussing on assisting clients to develop their businesses with a strong focus on the financials, so I am well placed to advise farmers around the best ways to manage their businesses through the adoption of new environmental schemes, whilst continuing to balance food production and ensure profitability.
“Farming businesses are facing real challenges at the moment, with the reduction of BPS payments, extreme weather and commodity price volatility all combining to put severe pressure on profitability and cashflow, but there are also opportunities out there to develop new income streams and potentially restructure existing enterprises.
“I’m looking forward to assisting as many farmers as I can to navigate these challenges, as well as winning more work for Fisher German.”
Joining Peter in Fisher German’s agribusiness team at Market Harborough is graduate Vicky Povey, who joins as an agribusiness consultant.
David Kinnersley, Head of Agribusiness at Fisher German, said: “It’s great to have a highly experienced agribusiness professional like Peter joining the team alongside a talented graduate like Vicky.
“Our goal is to grow the agribusiness team significantly out of our Market Harborough office, and we’re confident that we’ll be able to take on more staff of varying experience in the future as we continue to assist farmers across the Midlands.”
Chesterfield building to undergo extensive refurbishment following acquisition
A prominent building in Chesterfield’s retail centre is set to undergo extensive refurbishment after its acquisition by commercial interior design and build company We Are Spaces.
The three-storey property, located alongside the old Marks & Spencer building, spans 3,355 sq ft and features independent pedestrian access to the upper two floors.
Having acquired the Grade II listed building for an undisclosed sum via auction earlier this year, We Are Spaces is committed to maintaining it as a commercial space with the aim of attracting smaller businesses that can drive footfall and increase spending within the town centre.
The deal was completed with legal advice and support from regional law firm Banner Jones’ commercial property team, and the property was purchased through the auction house Mark Jenkinson.
Amy Revell, co-founder and creative director at We Are Spaces, said: “As a business, we are committed to projects that reinvigorate the high street, particularly those that bring derelict buildings back into commercial use.
“Having acquired the site earlier this year, we are now in the early stages of the planning process, with refurbishment works expected to start within a few months.”
We Are Spaces, which specialises in commercial transformation and interior design, added that plans to sympathetically refurbish the High Street building will factor in its heritage and history, whilst also incorporating state-of-the-art technology to ensure it meets the latest sustainability and environmental standards.
Ben Couch from Banner Jones’ commercial property team, who advised We Are Spaces on the acquisition, said: “We are delighted to have worked alongside the team at We Are Spaces to support their latest acquisition.
“As a fellow Chesterfield Champion it’s great to have been involved in yet another project that will fundamentally improve the High Street’s commercial offering, benefiting not only local businesses and the local community, but also the local economy.”
Amy Revell added: “We are dedicated to maintaining this unit as a vibrant commercial space that will help drive footfall, attract more out of town visitors, and bolster the local economy by contributing to Chesterfield’s dynamic business environment.”
Aggregate Industries acquires construction materials supplier
Aggregate Industries UK has acquired Land Recovery, a supplier of primary and recycled construction materials.
The acquisition will reinforce Leicestershire-based Aggregate Industries’ position in the construction and demolition materials (CDM) market in the UK and supports the company’s growth strategy in this area.
Land Recovery was founded in 1982 by the Beecroft family and has grown continually to become a leading supplier of CDM. This includes the supply of primary rail ballast, handling and treating spent ballast and recycling a proportion of it into new products either for the rail network or back into the value chain to create products such as readymix, precast concrete and asphalt.
The company, which employs 85 people plus 18 contractors, has four sites. Its main UK operations base is located in Stoke-on-Trent, where it conducts the majority of its business. It also has a rail yard site in Dewsbury in West Yorkshire along with quayside sites at Lowestoft in East Anglia and Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
Dragan Maksimovic, CEO Aggregate Industries and Head of Region West Europe at Holcim, said: “We are extremely happy to announce the acquisition of Land Recovery and welcome them to Aggregate Industries UK and Holcim.
“This acquisition further strengthens our position in the CDM market and, in line with other recent investments, reinforces our ambition to be the UK circularity market leader by 2030.
“There is very clear alignment between Land Recovery’s growth ambitions and our vision to increase the amount of CDM we process and recycle every year. Its strategic site locations in the country also allows us to introduce circular products to new regions utilising shipping and rail transport networks.”
Dan Beecroft, Managing Director of Land Recovery, said: “We’re really looking forward to taking the business forward with Aggregate Industries. This allows us to continue our ambitious growth plans and to develop our offering.
“It is really beneficial to be part of a leading UK and global company which has a clear vision for circularity and to be able to have access to their networks and expertise.”
£450m deal sees West Burton power plant sold
TotalEnergies has signed an agreement with EIG, an institutional investor in the global energy sector, for the acquisition of West Burton Energy for an enterprise value of £450 million.
West Burton Energy owns and operates the West Burton B gas-fired power plant in Nottinghamshire.
West Burton B comprises three combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGT) with total output of 1.3 GW. Commissioned in 2013, it is one of the UK’s most advanced power plants and supplies some 1.8 million homes. A 49 MW battery storage system was added in 2018.
Stéphane Michel, President, Gas, Renewables and Power at TotalEnergies, said: “I am delighted to welcome the West Burton B team to TotalEnergies. This acquisition contributes to our integrated strategy in the UK, which combines renewable and flexible generation capacity.
“It complements our 1.1 GW Seagreen offshore wind farm and allows us to accelerate development of our Integrated Power activities in power generation, trading and marketing in this market.
“The deal also contributes directly to our 2028 ROACE target of around 12% in this business sector.”
Nottingham food factory works with M&S to fight food insecurity
A food factory in Nottingham owned by manufacturer 2 Sisters Food Group is taking part in the second phase of a ground-breaking partnership with customer M&S and FareShare, the food charity, with a further 1.5m meal servings donated to those in need.
It’s one of three 2 Sisters’ factories across the UK which will be involved in producing vegetable curry, carrot & coriander soup and pizza meals using surplus ingredients which might otherwise go to waste, such as fresh vegetables.
The meals are nutritionally balanced to serve between two and four people and all meals will be freshly prepared with a guarantee of four days life from the day of donation. The meals are made at company factories in South Wales (RF Brookes), Nottingham (Pizza Factory) and Grimsby (Recipe Dish).
According to the latest Food Foundation tracker, 15% of UK households – equivalent to approximately eight million adults and three million children – have experienced food insecurity in 2024, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit the pockets of low-income families. It is estimated this figure has doubled in the last three years. Ranjit Singh Boparan, founder and President of 2 Sisters Food Group, said: “We continue to do the right thing by partnering with our customer M&S and creating these nutritious meal servings to help those that need it most. This second phase utilises surplus ingredients and what a better way to bring some good from this by creating quality food that have the M&S seal of approval. Helping to feed everyone in need with a nutritious meal is central to how we now think at our business and I am delighted to be leading on this with our partners.”Seven million people have used GenAI for work
Over 18 million people in the UK have now used Generative AI (GenAI), according to new findings from Deloitte’s 2024 Digital Consumer Trends research, based on a survey of 4,150 UK adults aged 16-75.
In the UK, three in five (60%) people are now aware of GenAI and over a third (36%) have used a GenAI tool, an increase of 26% (13 million people) from May 2023. However, notable gender and age gaps were apparent in the findings with 43% of men having used GenAI, compared to just 28% of women. The technology is also primarily used by younger groups, with 62% of people aged 16-34 having actively used it, compared to only 14% of 55-75 year olds.
GenAI in the workplace
One in seven people (14%) have used GenAI for work, equating to around seven million people, increasing from four million a year ago. Of those using GenAI for work, three in four (74%) claim a productivity boost of either ‘a fair amount’ or ‘a great deal’. However, just 27% of those in work claim that their employer encourages the use of GenAI, suggesting that the majority may be doing so without their employer’s official endorsement.
Among those who have used GenAI for work, the most popular reasons are generating ideas (44%) and looking up information (41%), followed by creating written content (39%), writing/editing emails (38%), and summarising text (37%).
Paul Lee, partner and head of technology, media and telecommunications research at Deloitte, said: “Employees are moving faster than their employers when it comes to adopting GenAI to transform how they work. While workers are signalling that GenAI can boost their output and save them time, many employees may not be supported, encouraged, or explicitly endorsed to use the technology by their organisation.
“While the most popular uses tend to be generating ideas and looking up information, these may not be optimal applications of GenAI, given known issues such as hallucination. Employers need to step up and invest in tools and governance to better support their staff in using this technology. Additionally, usage has to thrive among all types of employees, not just certain demographics, if the tools are to be most effective.”
Improving AI fluency is vital for businesses
The survey also demonstrates that the frequency of use of GenAI is variable. Amongst those using the technology, one in three (36%) do so either daily or weekly, whereas two in five (41%) use it less than monthly. Of these low-frequency users, 23% did not find it helpful, 19% were not satisfied with its answers and 18% claimed they did not know how to use it well.
Meanwhile, many of those aware of GenAI are not familiar with its risks, including potential inaccuracies and biases. Among those aware of GenAI, 25% believe it is always factually accurate, and 26% think it is unbiased. Those who have used GenAI are even more likely to be unaware of risks, as 36% of users believe it is always accurate, and 36% think it is unbiased.
However, among those aware of GenAI, more than half (59%) would be less inclined to trust an email if they knew it was created with GenAI. Similarly, 56% would be less inclined to use a customer service if they knew they were conversing with a GenAI assistant.
Costi Perricos, partner and global Generative AI lead at Deloitte, said: “Whether organisations have supportive or strict policies on the use of Generative AI, it is clear that improving business AI fluency is vital.
“GenAI deployment should be accompanied by a thorough learning and development programme, including training on ethics and responsible use, and guidance on how to get the most value from GenAI tools. HR leaders have a key role to play, creating a clear framework in which their workforce can operate.”
Lee concluded: “In 2024, companies ought to be asking what they should do with GenAI, rather than focusing purely on everything it could do. The C-suite is increasingly looking for proof of return on investment in technologies before funding large scale deployment across their workforce. However, there are barriers to this, as quantifying employee productivity can be difficult, particularly in knowledge-based roles.
“Businesses are also exploring customer facing GenAI tools but should be aware that they may face some initial hesitance as fluency improves. Customers may be more welcoming of GenAI if they can be convinced that it enables a better, faster experience, with higher quality answers. Business leaders must fund and drive this education.”
Vice-chairmanship of ethics committee awarded to East Midlands accountant
East Midlands accountant and ethics adviser Stuart Brown from Duncan & Toplis has been appointed as vice-chair of the Ethics and Advisory Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for the next three years.
Mr Brown, who has been a member of the ICAEW’s Ethics Advisory Committee since 2021 and the organisation’s Members and Commercial Board since 2023, is also a Director and Head of Technical and Compliance at Lincolnshire-based Duncan & Toplis.
He said: “Over recent years the accountancy profession has justifiably been under intense scrutiny because it is essential that accountants are reliable, honest and trustworthy professionals with absolute integrity. I believe that ethics is the foundation of being a Chartered Accountant and we must all play our part in upholding the reputation of our profession.
“It is a great honour to be selected as the vice-chair of this committee, helping to maintain the standards for accountants around the world.”
Damon Brain, CEO of Duncan & Toplis, said: “It says a lot about Duncan & Toplis and our commitment to accounting ethics when a leading member of our team is appointed as the vice-chair of the Ethics Advisory Committee at the ICAEW, one of our profession’s most respected membership bodies.
“We pride ourselves on upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism and we’re passionate about doing right by our people, our clients and our communities. I’m sure Stuart will make an excellent vice-chair of this committee and I’d like to congratulate him on his appointment.”
Grade II listed office building sold in Leicester City Centre
Andrew + Ashwell has sold Berkeley House, a Grade II listed office premises located in the heart of Leicester City Centre.
The 14,722 square foot property, renowned for its architectural significance and close proximity to Leicester Railway Station, has been acquired by CECOS Capital Ltd, reflecting continued confidence in Leicester’s commercial property market.
The property is an example of Leicester’s rich architectural heritage. Designed by Percy Herbert Grundy, a Leicester architect, who originally configured the property for Goddard’s Silver Plate Powder and Polish firm, the property is an impressive example of art deco design which boasts a number of ornate features, including large span curtain walling, crittall lights and expansive internal ceiling lights.
Despite its historical significance and original construction as a factory, the building has offered a mixture of open-plan and cellular office accommodation for some years and will continue in this vein with its new owner.
CECOS Capital Ltd, the new owner, is excited to integrate this iconic building into their portfolio. Jawad Tanveer, Director, said: “We are delighted to acquire such a distinguished property in Leicester City Centre.
“This building not only represents a significant investment opportunity for our business but also aligns with our vision of preserving historical landmarks while promoting modern business environments. We look forward to continuing its legacy and ensuring it remains a cornerstone of Leicester’s architectural and commercial landscape.”
Joe Dodd, Associate Director of Andrew + Ashwell, said: “This transaction highlights the strength and resilience of Leicester’s commercial property market and despite media uncertainty, the continued need for office space in a central location.
“Whilst there is a lack of Grade A accommodation within Leicester, the sale of Berkeley House represents demand for larger office footprints and a desire to be positioned within the City. We are pleased to have facilitated this sale for an existing client and contributed to the ongoing vibrancy of Leicester’s city centre.”
Historic Derbyshire mill complex set for transformation into apartments and houses
Matthew Montague Architects have submitted a planning application to Derbyshire Dales District Council for the conversion of a 300-year-old derelict mill complex located near Matlock in Derbyshire.
The proposal aims to breathe new life into the derelict Lumsdale Mill by converting it into 11 apartments and 14 houses, offering a blend of modern residential living combined with the rich heritage and beauty of the site.
The planning application proposes converting the former mill into apartments, with additional houses to be constructed within the surrounding grounds.
If planning permission is granted the development will include a mix of two, three and four-bedroom apartments plus a number of bespoke affordable homes; making much needed accommodation in the area available to a range of residents.
With a total of 59 parking spaces planned for the site, the project aims to strike a balance between historical preservation and modern functionality.
Architect at Matthew Montague Architects, Paul Myers said: “The redevelopment of the site will provide much needed quality accommodation whilst preserving and securing the buildings for many years to come. The new dwellings combine heritage, innovation and sustainability; it will be a great place to live.”
The mill complex was originally built as the Farnsworth Bleach Works in the 17th century, it has been used for various business over the years; most recently a printing business.
The remaining outbuildings would become commercial and business premises, adding a dynamic dimension to the revitalisation of the area. Matthew Montague said: “Because the buildings are in a varying state of disrepair and lack modern facilities, they are basically not viable for ongoing commercial use.
“With considered design the new development will fund the restoration of important historic structures and ensure the long-term preservation of the site, whilst providing great new facilities for business to work from.”
He concluded: “It’s a fantastic site, that is significant to the county’s history. We are delighted to be involved with its evolution and to help develop and preserve it for the next hundred years.”
A decision on the comprehensive scheme is expected from the district council in the coming months.
The mill complex was originally built as the Farnsworth Bleach Works in the 17th century, it has been used for various business over the years; most recently a printing business.
The remaining outbuildings would become commercial and business premises, adding a dynamic dimension to the revitalisation of the area. Matthew Montague said: “Because the buildings are in a varying state of disrepair and lack modern facilities, they are basically not viable for ongoing commercial use.
“With considered design the new development will fund the restoration of important historic structures and ensure the long-term preservation of the site, whilst providing great new facilities for business to work from.”
He concluded: “It’s a fantastic site, that is significant to the county’s history. We are delighted to be involved with its evolution and to help develop and preserve it for the next hundred years.”
A decision on the comprehensive scheme is expected from the district council in the coming months.
Kindeva Drug Delivery expands in Loughborough
Global drug-device combination product CDMO, Kindeva Drug Delivery has expanded its Loughborough facilities at the Charnwood Campus Science Innovation and Technology Park.
This strategic move by Kindeva supports the growth of green propellant commercialization and secures a dedicated space for the company’s commercial analytical laboratory services team who will be housed at this location after renovations are completed later this year.
The move doubles Kindeva’s UK laboratory footprint, expands operations, and will relocate approximately 50 quality control employees from Kindeva’s Loughborough manufacturing site.
The company just announced its investment in a second manufacturing line for the production of pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) products containing low GWP (Global Warming Potential) propellants at this facility.
This additional space also offers potential for further expansion to support future innovation and sustainability opportunities, including development and other supporting capabilities in one location.
“As Kindeva continues to grow worldwide, this expansion is one more step in furthering the commercialization of our customers’ low GWP pMDI products,” says Carl Brookes, Vice President, Manufacturing and Operations – Loughborough at Kindeva.
“This is an exciting time for green propellants, and Kindeva is committed to remaining at the forefront of these product transitions supporting a greener planet. As Kindeva continues to develop more sustainable technologies and processes, we are constantly evaluating the potential across all our drug-device platforms and our sites.
“Our expansion on Charnwood Campus will help Kindeva continue to advance with leading facilities for our employees who are tasked with ensuring some of the highest standards of quality and safety for the products we make, and ultimately improving the health of patients we serve.”
