Kimberley’s £16.5 million Levelling Up Project has taken a major step forward after planning permission was approved for significant works at Bennerley Viaduct, including a visitors’ centre.
Broxtowe Borough Council has granted planning permission, which includes:
The creation of an eastern earth ramp at the Viaduct.
The creation of a cycle path and pedestrian access on this new ramp.
A Visitors Centre which will include educational facilities, a shop, toilets, and a seating area in the summer.
Cycle racks.
Car Parking facilities for visitors.
Leader of Broxtowe Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Asset Management, Councillor Milan Radulovic said: “Bennerley Viaduct is one of the most iconic sites in the local area and the approval of plans to enhance its offering mark a major milestone in our investment plans for Kimberley.
“As well as improving accessibility and creating jobs these developments will help ensure that local people and tourists can learn more about the heritage of our area, preserving it for future generations.
“The Council has worked closely with the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct on the proposals for the site and as part of the wider Levelling Up Project and it is fantastic to see such an engaged and committed group working to improve the local area.
“It’s a really exciting time for Kimberley and I look forward to seeing this and our other projects come to life over the coming months and years.”
Chair of Trustees at the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct, John Scruton said: “The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct are thrilled to receive the positive planning decision from Broxtowe Borough Council.
“We are grateful to the Council, friends and the public for their support on this application. And we want to thank the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and their team for the opportunities this Levelling Up funding brings. We look forward to working with our partners to turn this ambitious plan into reality.”
MP for Broxtowe, Darren Henry said: “I am delighted that permission has been granted for the new Visitor Centre, Car Park, Bicycle Racks and Eastern Ramp at Bennerley Viaduct. The improvements are being delivered as part of the £16.5 million Kimberley Levelling Up Bid.
“The Eastern Ramp is something I have long campaigned for, it will increase accessibility to the ‘Iron Giant’ and mean that more of my constituents will be able to enjoy the incredible views, as well as making the ramp easier for those with pushchairs or bikes.
“I very much look forward to seeing the work completed and the ways in which our community benefit from these improvements.”
Chris Boardman of Active Travel England visited Bennerley Viaduct earlier this year to highlight the site as a key part of connecting Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire cycle routes.
As well as the improvements to Bennerley Viaduct, the Kimberley Levelling Up Fund includes a town centre improvement project with construction of a new business and community hub, small business grants and lighting equipment for town centre displays to drive visitor footfall, as well as new sports facilities.
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has been instructed to sell an established pair of pharmacies in Chesterfield, on behalf of joint administrators, Christopher Latos and Richard D’Arcy.
The two community pharmacies – Dents of Chesterfield on Windermere Road and Dents Pharmacy in Saltergate – are well-established, modern, health centre-integrated pharmacies with over 100 years of trading history. Together they dispense an average of 16,000 items per month and are run by employed Pharmacists with locum Pharmacists one day per week.
The settings are available for sale on a group or individual basis.
Carl Steer, director – pharmacy at Christie & Co, who is handling the sale, says: “We expect that the sale of these two long-established pharmacies within health centres that are thoroughly modernised throughout will bring about strong interest from a mix of pharmacy operators. Interested parties are encouraged to act swiftly to meet the deadline for offers of 30 November 2023.”
The pharmacies are on the market with an asking price of £850,000.
Applications have opened for the next cohort of a £1.2 million support programme for East Midlands creative businesses.
Companies are being encouraged to apply for the second phase of Create Growth, which is funded by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).
It comes as 23 East Midlands businesses completed the first cohort of the regional business growth accelerator.
The inaugural cohort, made up of firms from across Leicester, Leicestershire, Derby and Derbyshire, and Lincoln, Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland, have benefited from a programme of focused support over the last eight weeks.
Participants ranged from marketing and design agencies to architects, theatre companies to video producers.
Businesses completed an initial business health check, attended a full-day business bootcamp – which included opportunities to network, and logged on to eight virtual masterclasses covering themes including leadership, marketing, sales, finance and business planning.
As well as the 90-minute masterclasses delivered by industry experts, all participants were also assigned a mentor offering five hours of free support.
Guy Lewis, Director at programme delivery partner CDI Alliance, said: “Our first cohort were enthusiastic, engaged and committed to the programme.
“We’ve had some really encouraging feedback about the bootcamp session, masterclasses, and support offered throughout the programme, and look forward to seeing what’s next for the businesses who took part in Cohort One.”
All of the participating businesses now have the option to complete a fully funded 12-hour investment readiness workshop, helping to prepare their firms for growth.
To be eligible for Cohort 2 of the East Midlands Create Growth programme, businesses must:
Have turnover growth of 10% year-on-year over approximately 3 years (including either prior to or during the Pandemic)
Employ a minimum of 2 people over the last two years (full-time, part-time or freelance)
Have created a revenue generating product, launched a new platform or service, or reached a market of scale
Generated sales revenue in the last 2 years
Be trading or registered within Leicester, Leicestershire, Derby, Derbyshire, Greater Lincolnshire, or Rutland.
Refurbished industrial property is in good demand with the lease of warehouse and office space to a global engineering group on Leicester’s Hamilton Business Park.
Andrew + Ashwell, the Leicestershire commercial property expert, has negotiated the deal to bring engineering solutions specialist The Brush Group to the sought-after site following recent renovation.
The building, at 30 Waterside Road, occupies almost 1.45 acres (approx. 0.6 hectare) in a prominent setting close to the Hamilton Way/Thurmaston Lane roundabout, providing fast access to ring road connections for the A46 and M1/M69 motorway network.
With 21,625 sq ft of space the premises delivers modern accommodation, including a detached, single-storey warehouse and industrial unit, with integral two-storey office space, plus car parking at the front and a rear service yard and enclosure.
Constructed around a single span steel portal frame, the warehouse accommodation had been refurbished throughout. The air-conditioned two-storey offices were purpose-built to benefit from good natural light, incorporating an open-plan, first floor working area, with ground floor meeting rooms and amenities.
Kelvin Wilson, associate director at A+A, said: “We received healthy interest following the landlord’s refurbishment works to modern standards. Following competitive demand, Brush came forward and the transaction completed swiftly. The group aims to use the building for storage and distribution, alongside research and development from what is recognised as a prime Leicestershire location for communication.
“There is still a lack of good quality second hand industrial accommodation within the county and this important letting shows the benefit that an effective schedule of landlord refurbishment works can achieve.”
Charities and community groups in Corby are now able to access a new funding pot thanks to local building contractor Kori Construction.
The business, based on Headway Business Park in Corby, has launched an annual fund of £10,000 and is encouraging charities and other groups from the town to apply for a share of the money.
The fund has been set up to celebrate Kori Construction’s roots in Corby and to enable the town to share in the business’s ongoing success.
The money will be allocated in two sums of £5,000 each year, and any organisation working in sustainability, social inclusion, or strengthening local communities is free to apply.
Kori Construction Managing Director Jordan Connachie said the company had always been a keen supporter of its hometown and as it had grown as a business, the directors wanting to extend that support.
He said: “Although we now have a national footprint in terms of our developments, we are very much a Corby business. Many of our employees live in Corby and our name, Kori, dates back to the first settlers who created the beginnings of a town here.
“We’re launching this fund to help make a small difference to the lives of local people and communities, and we’re looking forward to receiving applications from a range of charities and organisations.
“With so many worthwhile causes out there, it is going to be difficult to decide which ones to support. However, knowing the money pledged will have the biggest positive impact it can is very important to us, so that will be high on the list of priorities when it comes to making a decision.”
The idea is the brainchild of Elaine Kendall, Kori’s Head of Sustainability and Communications, who was featured in the NFB’s 2023 list of Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction.
As well as pledging £10,000 to Corby-based charities and community groups, Kori Construction is also making £2,500 available to community groups around each of its developments.
Elaine said: “At Kori, we believe that construction doesn’t stop with creating a new building. Buildings, after all, are all about people – the people who will live in them, work in them, and live around them. They have a huge impact on people’s lives.
“Our philosophy is to always maximise the positive impact of our developments as far as we possibly can. By launching these funds, we’re trying to create real and tangible differences for local communities.”
The £2,500 funding, which will be part of each individual scheme Kori is appointed to, will provide support for community-based activities or projects aligned to Kori’s sustainability strategy, to promote inclusion and positive change, strengthen communities or safeguard the world.
Specialist online retailer The Luxury Food Collective has unveiled a new range of exquisite corporate hampers and gifts, perfect for sending a very special thank you to clients this festive season.
Bringing something different to the corporate gifting market, The Luxury Food Collective launched in summer 2023 by entrepreneur Peter Ahye. Peter devoted almost two years to sourcing the finest food and drink offerings from producers, growers and artisans across Europe. By nurturing relationships with the people who hold these traditional and time-honoured methods of production, he has been able to bring a unique portfolio of products to the UK for the very first time to create something truly special.
Starting from £38 and ranging to £240, each hamper has been expertly crafted by the team at The Luxury Food Collective for every taste. With products from artisans such as Fauchon, the French delicatessen, H Forman and Son’s delectable smoked salmon range, and champagnes and wines from the very best vineyards in Europe, the gifting range is the perfect solution for businesses searching for gifts with a personal touch for clients and colleagues.
Around 90% of the products available from The Luxury Food Collective are exclusive within the UK, meaning that a hamper or gift box is a totally unique way to spread joy this festive season. Each delivery from The Luxury Food Collective comes with a personalised information card detailing the products and their provenance. The card includes a scannable QR code for recipients to learn more about their gift.
Highlights from this year’s Christmas range include the Non-Alcoholic Wines, Juices & Tea (£95.00), a selection of six delicate beverages designed to toast to the party season without the alcohol content. Featuring French Bloom’s iconic Le Rosé Organic Bubbly as well as Alain Milliat Jus Raisin Rouge, a luxury Merlot grape juice.
Also available is the Hand Selected Crisps & Snacks Gift Box (£42.50) – the perfect selection of nine luxury snacks including artisan popcorn from Popcorn Shed, Fauchon’s Mini Crepes with Cheddar and Brusa’s Grissini Piemontesi breadsticks from Italy. For the season that’s peppered with guests popping by, it always pays to have some delicious snacks to tempt.
For a classic option, the Champagne, London Cure Smoked Salmon & Caviar Gift Box (£150.00) offers a timeless combination to ring in the festive season. This set comes with a mother-of-pearl serving spoon for that perfect final touch.
Founder of The Luxury Food Collective, Peter Ahye says: “Businesses are built on relationships, and we believe that there is no relationship more important than our connection with food.
“It’s that time of the year when many of us are searching for ways to show appreciation for clients and professional contacts across our networks, and we wanted to offer something that is truly special. A hamper or gift box from The Luxury Food Collective is unique and meaningful, as our range is meticulously curated to offer delicacies that you simply can’t find anywhere else.”
Thanks to The Luxury Food Collective’s close relationships nurtured with the producers directly, it is committed to championing ethical and sustainable products. The full range is responsibly farmed, prioritises animal welfare and minimises environmental impact. Additionally, there is a range of year-round gifts, prices from £60.
The Luxury Food Collective delivers throughout the UK. For more information and to purchase, please visit www.theluxuryfoodcollective.com/collections/corporate-gifting.
Leicestershire-based health and safety risk management experts; Finch Consulting, have appointed mechanical and electrical Chartered Engineer Tom Leach.
With over 20 years’ of practical experience starting with an NVQ in welding, more recently in various roles including surveying, project management, consultancy, and as an associate director, Tom will be joining Finch as a senior consultant.
In his new role, Tom will be fluid in his skillset working in both Finch’s Consultancy and Expert services able to win and deliver work.
Tom said: “I am thrilled to be joining such an agile and multi-disciplined team where I feel I can make my mark and add value to the business. I will also be furthering my professional development through Finch taking on several courses.”
Dom Barraclough, Managing Director, said: “Tom compliments our resources and competencies, mainly in Asset Management but also Health and Safety Management capabilities, by bringing additional infrastructure M&E experience and contacts to boost our plan.
“Our plan sets out to build work in manufacturing while diversifying with infrastructure, energy and defence, and build our reputation as the people to come to for highly qualified, highly experienced real-world experts in criminal and large complex technical cases (UK and International arbitrations).
“Tom is our first recruit through our new in house recruitment process designed and led by Jade which is a real testament to the growth of the company.”
A customer service advisor stole almost £70,000 from her employer and sent it to seven others in order to launder the proceeds from her crime.
Gina Rani used her position at E.ON to facilitate a series of refunds that she paid to family members and friends who in return refunded some of the money to her.
Police launched an investigation after E.ON reported £69,844 had been issued as false refunds by Rani between October 2016 and March 2021.
The company told detectives it had uncovered evidence that indicated Rani, aged 36, had abused her position in order to create the false refunds, which she passed onto friends and family in the form of cheques.
The police investigation found Rani had made changes to the E.ON systems in order to process the fraudulent refunds.
She attended a voluntary police interview in which she confessed to her offending, adding that she had “fully messed up.”
She admitted processing refunds totalling £69,844 and that the amount of money deposited back into her own account was approximately £24,000.
Rani, of Lamcote Street, The Meadows, was charged and put before Nottingham Crown Court, where she pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position and acquiring / using / possessing criminal property.
She appeared at the court on Thursday, 26 October, for sentencing and was jailed for two years, suspended for two years.
She appeared alongside her seven co-defendants, who all live in Nottingham and each pleaded guilty to acquiring / using / possessing criminal property. They were sentenced as follows:
Azim Aroon, 35, of Stotfield Road, Wollaton – given a community order comprising 120 hours unpaid work;
Ryan Aziz, 35, of HMP Nottingham – jailed for 12 months, suspended for two years;
Paula Fryer, 56, of Woodfield Road, Broxtowe Estate – jailed for 9 months, suspended for 18 months;
Kirpal Kaur, 62, of Parkdale Road, Bakersfield – jailed for 9 months, suspended for 18 months;
Shauna Kemp, 22, of Woodfield Road, Broxtowe Estate – discharged conditionally for 12 months;
Mark Thompson, 36, of Minver Crescent, Aspley – jailed for 12 months, suspended for two years;
Aisha Xavia, 40, of Eltham Drive, Cinderhill – jailed for 12 months, suspended for two years.
Following the sentencings, Detective Constable Akil Kapasi, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “Rani was a trusted employee but she abused her position by manipulating company systems for her own gain and committing fraud.“She was not alone in this enterprise. Indeed, seven others were heavily involved and I am pleased they, too, have been dealt with by the courts.“I hope this case sends a clear message to those who believe they can break the law for their own financial gain that offences will be uncovered and you will be brought before the courts to answer to your crimes.”An E.ON spokesperson added: “Acting in the best interests of our customers is of paramount importance and we took immediate action and worked with the relevant authorities to ensure this matter was handled as swiftly as possible.”
A planning application for more than 100 houses, along with more than 40 apartments at Chesterfield Waterside has been approved.
Following the submission of a detailed planning application in summer 2022, Woodall Homes has secured permission for a residential development and two commercial units as part of the regeneration scheme.
The residential development features 103 contemporary homes and 41 apartments, comprising a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties.
Darren Abbott, planning director at Woodall Homes, said: “We are thrilled that our Chesterfield Waterside application has now been approved.
“Sitting alongside the River Rother corridor, this development will transform the local area with modern, bespoke and energy-efficient properties plus comprehensive landscaping proposals, which include a linear riverside park with trim trail and a natural habitat edge that will provide a significant net gain in biodiversity.
“We can’t wait to reveal more details about the development over the coming months and see the exciting work getting underway as we look to further enrich the community.”
Pedestrian and cycle links are to be provided throughout the site to encourage residents to take advantage of local commuter facilities and nearby amenities of Chesterfield town centre, including the railway station, Chesterfield College and Tapton Golf Course.
Development at Chesterfield Waterside is rapidly continuing, following the completion of One Waterside Place, a seven-storey office building which has already been fully-let to new tenants. Companies now operating from One Waterside Place include two financial firms, BHP and Rosewood Wealth Management, along with Fashion brand, Varley.
New College Leicester is celebrating the shortlisting of its Business Development Manager, Wayne Allsopp, in the “Business Development Manager/Bursar of the Year” category at Education Today’s Schools & Supplier Awards.
The School & Supplier Awards, with Education Today, recognises and rewards the suppliers, schools, and individuals who work tirelessly for the greater good of the education sector.
Wayne was nominated by his colleagues at New College Leicester for his commercial acumen, commitment to collaboration and partnerships, as well has his marketing approach to raising the school’s profile among students, parents and the wider community.
Since his arrival at the school, Wayne has had a huge impact on the commercial operations at the school. He has introduced several new income streams, leading to the school now turning over half a million pounds in extra income annually. He is also driving additional income and community involvement through an asset-based community development approach, positioning the school at the heart of the local community.
Wayne has been instrumental in insourcing the catering provision that the school provides and creating an onsite coffee shop to increase footfall through the school at evenings and weekends.
Other projects he has worked on include Building Schools for the Future, the Closed Road Cycle Circuit, The Football Development Centre, The Gymnastics Centre, The Netball and Tennis Courts, the Salix Sustainability Scheme, the Data Centre and the Section 106 Funding from a local housing development, providing extremely welcome sources of income to improve and maintain the school’s estate, during increasingly challenging economic times.
Jane Brown, Principal at New College Leicester, said: “Wayne is always exploring new opportunities and ways of collaborating with additional stakeholders. He is an expert in developing and leading partnerships.
“Key organisations like the NHS West Leicester Children’s Mental Health Team now lease office accommodation from us and their support has been invaluable in dealing with the mental health crisis post the pandemic. Leicestershire Music Service are another partner now based at the school and in return for space they provide tuition for the students.”
Set in New Parks in Leicester, an area of above average levels of social deprivation, New College Leicester places itself at the heart of the local community and has become an over-subscribed school following the success of the team. It has recently increased their pupil admission numbers to cope with the demand.
Wayne Allsopp
Wayne Allsopp said: “I am so pleased that the hard work the team at New College has put into improving our school has been recognised by Education Today. It’s not just me, it’s for us all and its fantastic to be considered amongst the best in the UK for our work in providing included, rounded education for all.
“It’s a critical time for students and parents to make their secondary school choices and this kind of recognition helps us to demonstrate the range of opportunities we can provide here at New College.”
Winners will be announced at a black-tie celebration dinner at River Bank Park Plaza Hotel in London on Friday 8th December.
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