Leicester-based Unique Window Systems secures business of the year title

Stuart Pearcey
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Leicester-based Unique Window Systems secures business of the year title
Unique Window Systems has been crowned the Leicestershire Business of the Year by East Midlands Chamber. The Leicester-based company, which supplies the trade, new house build and commercial markets across the UK – also won the Outstanding Growth category at the Leicestershire Business Awards. It follows success recognition by the London Stock Exchange Group as one of the 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain for three years in a row, having built its name as a market leader, doubling its eight-figure turnover between 2020 and 2022, and growing its team from 200 to 300 people in the same period. The Leicestershire Business Awards recognised East Midlands Chamber members across 13 categories, ranging from Excellence in Innovation and Environmental Impact at organisational level through to individual honours for Entrepreneur of the Year and Apprentice of the Year, in addition to the overall Business of the Year winner.   Finalists, chosen by a judging panel of the Chamber’s senior leadership and board of directors, as well as sponsors, discovered their fate during a gala dinner attended by 350 people at The Venue@DMU, in Leicester. Scott Knowles, chief exec of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The winners of our Business Awards are testament to the resilience, ingenuity and hunger for growth within the Leicestershire business community, which never ceases to amaze. “Despite some of the relentless challenges that have been thrown their way, our region’s businesses continue to find new ways of succeeding and contributing to the communities in which they are based. “It’s always important to celebrate these achievements and shout about the great things happening right here in Leicestershire. We know it’s a fantastic place to do business and these organisations are shining examples.”

North Lincolnshire Council and British Steel join forces to develop 300-acre opportunity

Tess Egginton
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North Lincolnshire Council and British Steel join forces to develop 300-acre opportunity
Thousands of green jobs could be created in Scunthorpe as a globally renowned consultancy firm starts work on a masterplan for a 300-acre advanced manufacturing park. It comes after British Steel unveiled plans for the biggest transformation in its history – a £1.25bn proposal to become a clean and sustainable business. British Steel’s plans have been met with concern however, due to involving the shutting down of Scunthorpe’s blast furnaces, which could see 2,000 jobs lost. As part of the plan North Lincolnshire Council and British Steel have said they will develop up to 300-acres on surplus land at the steelworks. Backed with Government cash, the proposal is designed to create new development opportunities for businesses to create green jobs in the wider steel and engineering sector, harnessing hydrogen technology and accessing global markets with innovative new products through the vast port complex across the wider area. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “There is a huge opportunity to create something new, attracting innovative technology companies and well-paid jobs here to Scunthorpe on an underdeveloped site of industrial heritage. “The transition to net zero must be through taking opportunity not managed decline – taking advantage of the green opportunities globally while harnessing our engineering skills and capabilities locally is the future.” North Lincolnshire Council will take a role in developing the site – with a number of prospective new businesses already looking to invest. Internationally renowned consultants Arup have been drafted in to develop the proposals, focussing on design, engineering, architecture and planning. Holly Mumby-Croft, MP for Scunthorpe and Vice Chair of the Town Fund Board, said: “It is welcome news for our area that British Steel have committed to work closely with North Lincolnshire Council to develop the future of surplus land on the steelworks site. “There are businesses interested in coming to North Lincolnshire and I will work with the council and British Steel to ensure we make the most of those opportunities. “There is a unique expertise in our area, from generations of steelmaking. We need to champion those skills and expand on this with new green and well-paid job opportunities and this plan does just that.” British Steel’s Chief Commercial & Procurement Officer, Allan Bell, said: “British Steel and our owners, Jingye, are committed to building a sustainable future for our business and the communities in which we operate. “Parts of our Scunthorpe site offer excellent development opportunities and we look forward to working in partnership with North Lincolnshire Council to realise this potential.”

Freeths strengthens Employment, Pensions and Immigration team with eight new lawyers

Tess Egginton
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Freeths strengthens Employment, Pensions and Immigration team with eight new lawyers
Law firm, Freeths LLP has made eight new appointments across its Employment, Pensions and Immigration practice led by Rena Magdani. The hires are spread across the business’s 13 offices including London, Oxford, Leicester, Leeds and Manchester. The new starters join at an exciting time for the firm as it recently announced its financial results for 2022/3, revealing that its turnover is up by 14.9% to £129 million – an increase of £17 million from last year. This is reflected across all its main service lines, including the Employment, Pensions and Immigration team, which has seen a 34% increase in turnover in the last 4 years. The Employment team has been bolstered by Nicola Wallbank (partner) joining the Oxford office, Rob Smedley (director) joining the Leeds office, Ella Sheppard (senior associate) joining the Leicester office, Phoebe Anand (associate) joining the London office, Niamh Hogg (associate) joining the Manchester office & Adele Coupland (associate) joining the Sheffield office. In addition, Max Ballad (director) joins the Pensions team in Leeds and Irum Saleem (associate) joins the Immigration team in Leeds. Rena Magdani, partner and national head of Employment, Pensions and Immigration, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Nicola, Rob, Max, Ella, Phoebe, Niamh, Adele and Irum to the team. We have seen a significant increase in demand for our services and they join us at an exciting time as we continue our growth strategy. “They bring a wealth of experience and will significantly contribute to our commitment to provide our clients with highly responsive, pragmatic, and commercial advice. We are actively looking to continue to recruit and develop talented lawyers across all our offices.” Ella Sheppard added: “I am delighted to join Freeths and proud to work alongside such forward thinking and talented individuals. Freeths has a clear focus on doing the right thing and going the extra mile to deliver excellent client service, which really resonates with me, and I am really looking forward to continuing to grow with the firm.”

Phenna Group makes 13th deal of 2023 with Australian firm

Tess Egginton
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Phenna Group makes 13th deal of 2023 with Australian firm
Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group has made its 13th deal of 2023, acquiring Australian Soil and Concrete Testing (ASCT). The transaction provides geographic extension to Phenna Group’s current Infrastructure platform whilst augmenting its growing presence in the Australian Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) market. ASCT was formed in 2014 and is a NATA accredited geotechnical testing company that offers soil testing, concrete testing, and other related services to the Australian construction and infrastructure market. They provide a range of testing services, including soil classification, compaction testing, soil strength testing, and site classification assessments, operating from multiple locations across Queensland, through New South Wales and into Victoria with a proven track record in the delivery of major projects. Patrick Paynter, ASCT director, said: “The ASCT team and I are genuinely excited to be joining Phenna Group. This was clearly a strategically important decision for the business and from my our first dealings with the Phenna Group team, it became obvious that their culture and differentiated business model would provide a great home for ASCT. “I believe we have a very strong future together and look forward to working with Paul, Brett and their teams to expand the company.” Brett Coleman, regional MD, Australia, said: “It is hugely exciting to welcome Patrick and his team to Phenna Group. They have built an excellent brand and reputation within the Australian construction and infrastructure space and I look forward to helping that high growth journey continue.” Paul Barry, Group CEO of Phenna Group, added: “I am delighted to welcome Patrick and his team to Phenna Group. The addition of ASCT really augments our fast growing Infrastructure platform. “Their experienced team and wide network of labs and clients provide a fantastic market entry position for us in the Australian market. I look forward to working with Brett, Patrick and their wider team to continue their exciting growth plans.” Phenna Group were advised by Macpherson Kelley and Pitchers Partners. ASCT were advised by Pitcher Partners and Nicholas Black.

Creative Business Solutions expands to Derby

Tess Egginton
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Creative Business Solutions expands to Derby
A company that helps SMEs become more efficient and successful through the use of new digital technology and techniques is expanding.Creative Business Solutions (CBS) have secured 45 Brunel Parkway on Pride Park, in a deal brokered by NG Chartered Surveyors.The company is expanding to Derby from its current base in Shardlow.James Wright of Creative Business Solutions said: “We’re absolutely delighted to secure a location on Pride Park, this new premises forms a big part of our expansion plans.”Thomas Szymkiw, director and head of agency at NG Chartered Surveyors, said: “Pride Park continues to attract some of the best growing companies in the East Midlands, and CBS certainly fit the bill.“45 Brunel Parkway is ideally located for James and his team and strategically located on the city side of Pride Park, meaning CBS staff can take advantage of fantastic transport links, as well as everything Derby city centre has to offer. I wish them well in their new home and will watch their progress with interest.”

Phenna Group snaps up ACI Reports

Tess Egginton
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Phenna Group snaps up ACI Reports
Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group, which aims to invest in and partner with selected niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) companies, has made its 12th acquisition of 2023. Formed in 2009, ACI Reports, based in Skelmersdale, Lancashire is a provider of TM44 air conditioning inspection reports in the UK and a provider of EPC certificates and DEC certificates. They work on a wide range of projects from individual retail shops to large scale national contracts. The company operates nationwide and occasionally for international clients, across diverse sectors and with a national network of TM44 air conditioning unit inspectors. Jol Pearson, director of ACI, said: “We are really excited for ACI to be joining Phenna Group. Throughout the whole process the Phenna team have been very responsive, transparent and acted with a high degree of integrity. “There are always some challenges undertaking an M&A process but with Phenna Group and their advisers it has been seamless and we are confident that Phenna will be the supportive partner that ACI needs to continue its growth plan and further cement its market leading position. “As we transition out of the business, we will remain excited to see how the business develops going forward.” Mick Grist, MD of Industrial Safety Inspections at Phenna Group, who will take over responsibility for ACI following a short transition period, said: “I’m delighted to be taking on responsibility for ACI. ACI has built a fantastic business and I’m excited to work with the team to continue building on their legacy as we move forward together.” Paul Barry, Group CEO of Phenna Group, said: “Operating in complementary markets to several of our portfolio companies, we have been aware of ACI for some time and have seen it grow from strength to strength. “I am excited about the future opportunities ACI will realise by having it as part of the wider Phenna Group. ACI have built an outstanding business with an excellent team to support them and I am confident of its future ambitions being realised.” Phenna Group were advised by Johnston Carmichael and Avonhurst. ACI were advised by Brabners Solicitors and Nero Accounting.

Improved trading performance for Watches of Switzerland Group

Tess Egginton
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Improved trading performance for Watches of Switzerland Group

Leicester-based Watches of Switzerland Group has reported an improved trading performance in its second quarter, with revenue of £379 million.

This is up from £374 million in the same period last year and comes as the firm says demand for luxury watches remains robust and continues to exceed supply.

It puts half year revenue, for the 26 weeks to 29 October 2023, at £761 million, decreasing slightly from £765 million last year.

Brian Duffy, Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am pleased to report an improved Q2 trading performance, notwithstanding the difficult consumer environment. Our proven business model, the strength of our brand partnerships, international scale, bold marketing campaigns and dedication to exceptional client service, continues to drive the business forward. 

“We sustained strong momentum in the US where we delivered +11% constant currency sales growth. We are also encouraged by the early response to the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned programme which launched in the UK in September, following the US launch in July, as clients react strongly to the authenticity and guarantee of quality that the Certified Pre-Owned seal represents.

“The UK performance was delivered despite the impact of several high turnover Goldsmiths and Mappin & Webb showrooms being closed for upgrade and trading from pop-up locations during the quarter. These will reopen pre-Christmas. The UK business exited the quarter strongly, returning to year-on-year growth in October. 

“We have been focused on developing our network of luxury showrooms across the UK, US and Europe in the period, including the continued roll-out of the Goldsmiths Luxury showroom format, the Mappin & Webb contemporary concept, the refurbishment of the Rolex boutique in Millenia, Orlando and new mono-brand boutiques. 

“I am delighted to announce that, in October 2023, we agreed to acquire 19 luxury watch showrooms, including five mono-brand boutiques from Ernest Jones in the UK. I would like to welcome our new colleagues in the luxury showrooms we have acquired from Ernest Jones.

“We believe these are great showrooms and highly complementary to our portfolio. During the balance of the fiscal year, we will be working on systems, merchandising, training and marketing in order to have the full beneficial impact from this acquisition in FY25. 

“In the second half, our major showroom upgrades in the UK will reopen pre-Christmas along with the reopening of our US Rolex boutique at Millenia, Orlando. That, combined with our sequential sales improvement over the quarter means we reiterate our FY24 guidance.

“Our business is well planned and our teams full of enthusiasm for the upcoming holiday season.”

The news comes as Watches of Switzerland Group reveals its Long Range Plan, aiming to more than double sales and profits by FY28, to surpass the milestone of £3bn in revenue.

Recruitment group makes £113m acquisition

Tess Egginton
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Recruitment group makes £113m acquisition
The parent company of Chesterfield-based Gi Group and Grafton Recruitment, Gi Group Holding, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the European Staffing business of Kelly, a global specialty talent solutions provider, for cash consideration of up to €130 million. The transaction – with cash consideration of €100 million and an additional earnout potential of up to €30 million – is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024, subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Under the terms of the agreement, Kelly will transition its European staffing business within its international operating segment to Gi Group Holding, providing staffing services to customers in 14 countries. The transaction marks the 51st acquisition in Gi Group Holding’s history since 1998. Stefano Colli-Lanzi, Gi Group Holding founder & CEO, said: “Today is an exciting step for Gi Group Holding, as we advance our ambition to grow both organically and through strategic acquisitions. “Kelly’s European staffing business will strengthen our presence and capabilities in Europe, allowing us to scale up and draw on Kelly’s expertise in the region, while staying true to our commitment to contribute to the positive evolution of the labor market.”

Belper Town Ladies footballers score support from local science company

Tess Egginton
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Belper Town Ladies footballers score support from local science company

A Derbyshire first division ladies’ football club has scored valuable support from a neighbouring science company to help kickstart their season.

Belper Town Ladies Football Club has been going for more than 15 years and has been sponsored by local science company Lubrizol, whose UK technical centre is based a few miles down the road at Hazelwood.

From its beginnings as a group of women footballers meeting to train, the club has gone from strength to strength. It now boasts 55 players ranging in age from under-16s to women in their 40s, and has a first team playing in Derbyshire Ladies League Division 1, as well as a development squad.

This season Lubrizol has sponsored the club’s first and reserve teams with brand new kit, as well as sponsoring a match. The company has an advertising board at Belper Town Football Club too.

Ladies club chair Emma Varnam, who started playing for the club 15 years ago, said: “Lubrizol responded to one of our social posts asking for sponsors a few years ago. Both teams now are playing in exactly the same kit. It’s massive for us. People are struggling at the moment with money worries and we’re trying to make sure that football is always affordable.”

Rachel Ollier, who works at Lubrizol’s technology department, was one of the founder members of Belper Town Ladies back in 2008.

She said: “At my local leisure centre they were doing football training for ladies, as some alternative fitness. From that, there was a group of us who decided to start up a ladies football team.”

Rachel was part of the team for a few years before she had to withdraw through injury, but could not be more pleased that the club is doing so well with a strong performance in the past few seasons earning them a division one spot.

She said: “They’re winning a lot more games these days. There were times when we used to struggle to get 11 players for a team. To see it carried on and still successful is really nice.”

Now Emma would love to see more people come and support Belper Town Ladies in their 2023/24 campaign.

She said: “Come down and watch us! It’s a decent standard of football on a Sunday afternoon.”

Claire Hollingshurst, from Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee, said: “It’s with great pleasure that we are able to sponsor our local ladies football club in Belper. Encouraging physical activity and social exercise is very important to us at Lubrizol and this is a great club that is going from strength to strength. We’re very proud to support them.”

Nottingham expansion for IT support company

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham expansion for IT support company

A company offering IT support to businesses has expanded into Nottingham, moving into offices at Bridgford Business Centre in the city.

3RS IT Solutions, which has a headquarters in Northamptonshire, is headed up by Stephen Souch, who has worked in the IT industry for 16 years.

Stephen founded his first business in the IT sector in 2013, building it up to a £1 million turnover company before establishing 3RS IT Solutions with his wife, marketing manager Leila.

3RS IT Solutions was officially incorporated in February and has grown to a team of eight with 158 clients on its books. This next phase of expansion will see the company grow its coverage of the East Midlands further, first with Nottingham, followed by Derby in 2024.

As part of the expansion, 3RS IT Solutions has hired sales executive Eliza Nowicka who will cover the Nottingham area. Eliza said: “I am hugely excited to be joining an ambitious family business at a time of huge expansion. Everyone has been so welcoming. It already feels like I’ve been working at 3RS IT Solutions for years. It feels like home.”

Home is a reason that Nottingham was identified as a site for expansion with Leila Souch originally coming from the area.

Leila said: “Nottingham is where I am from and I know the area well, as well as the colloquialisms! It was always our ambition to expand 3RS IT Solutions further geographically and it makes me hugely proud to be doing this in Nottingham and bringing jobs to the region too.”

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