Leef acquires Nottingham-based lettings business
A property management business has acquired the lettings arm of Hockley Developments, one of the largest supported living and residential development companies based in the East Midlands.
The Leef Property Group has acquired Sherwood Lettings and Management Ltd adding Sherwood’s 100+ units to its existing 3,000-strong portfolio of managed properties, which span from the Midlands to the North East and Yorkshire.
The Warrington-based business, which has operated a local team in the Nottingham area for more than five years, already has experienced agents covering the Midlands region to lease and manage the properties, supported by its head office function.
This latest acquisition is another boost to Leef’s fast ascending trajectory that’s seen it bolster its portfolio by more than 800 managed properties already this year. It’s on track to more than double its current portfolio within the next three years through new relationships with developers, investment companies and sales agencies.
Joe Knowles, co-founder and director of The Leef Property Group, said: “We’ve had a close relationship with Hockley Developments for a number of years and are familiar with its developments, so taking over the professional management of its rental portfolio fits perfectly into our operating model and specialisms.
“We’re expanding rapidly within the Nottingham area, which has a burgeoning rental market. Track Capital’s 2023 report placed Nottingham seventh out of all towns and cities in the UK in terms of rental yields. The average for Nottingham properties is 5.94%, which is well above the East Midlands average of 4.1%.
“As we have a proven scalable model, and unrivalled experience, we believe we have the capability to more than double our operations by attracting a range of clients from asset managers to property developers who are placing new schemes under our full management. Business acquisition is another key part of our future growth strategy.”
Managing Director of Hockley Developments and Sherwood Lettings, Alan Forsyth said: “The sale of our rentals management arm to Leef enables us to focus on our core business strategy, most notably the design and build of Supported Living developments, as well as sustainably led residential schemes.”
Lettings manager Daniella Martin added: “It will also ensure that Landlords will benefit from Leef’s exceptional levels of service, delivered through its well-honed processes and experienced team.”
Future support for businesses and economic prosperity across the South East Midlands assured
Future support for businesses and economic prosperity across the region has been assured this week following a recent agreement by six councils.
This week the SEMLEP Board and Central Area Growth Board (CAGB), the group of Leaders from the area’s six local authorities, approved recommendations for West Northamptonshire Council to be the host authority to take on Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) functions by 1st April 2024.
These include strategic economic planning, the Growth Hub, which supports and strengthens businesses, and the Careers Hub, which links schools and colleges with employers to create world-class careers opportunities.
The decision follows an announcement from Central Government that it would cease core funding of Local Enterprise Partnerships from April 2024 and for the LEP functions to be delivered by local authorities.
Working in collaboration, the six local authorities – Bedford and Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire – will build on the successes of the LEP to secure the future economic success of the South East Midlands region.
SEMLEP (South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership) and West Northamptonshire Council will now prepare for the transfer. Further work will happen over the coming weeks and months, led by the Central Area Growth Board, including shaping more detailed proposals for the engagement of local businesses.
Hilary Chipping, SEMLEP Chief Executive, said: “This decision marks the end of a long period of uncertainty for the SEMLEP team. We remain committed to responding to the needs of local businesses through our Growth Hub and Careers Hub and will work with our local authority partners to ensure a seamless transition to the new arrangements.”
Councillor Jonathan Nunn, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council and Co-Chair of the Central Area Growth Board, said: “SEMLEP has carried out excellent, invaluable work in supporting our region’s many businesses and boosting economic prosperity across our area and all six local authorities are dedicated to building upon those achievements under these new arrangements from spring next year.
“West Northants is privileged to be chosen to host these functions on behalf of all partners, and we will continue to work closely and collaboratively to support and strengthen business communities across our region and shape fresh opportunities for all.”
Councillor Pete Marland, Leader of Milton Keynes City Council and Co-Chair of the Central Area Growth Board, said: “It is important the business services currently provided by the South East Midlands LEP continue to be available and I am very pleased that the six local authorities in the area have come together to ensure that continuity.”
Trustees sought to drive forward Barrow Hill Memorial Hall refurb
Barrow Hill Community Trust is searching for new volunteer trustees to help support the delivery of a major project to refurbish Barrow Hill Memorial Hall.
The Trust is the community development charity for the village of Barrow Hill and surrounding neighbourhoods.
With around £1.8 million of funding through the Staveley Town Deal and National Heritage Lottery Fund, the trust will be refurbishing the historic Memorial Hall to create a new community hub where local people can access a variety of essential support services and socialise together.
Simon Redding, Chair of the Barrow Hill Community Trust, said: “This is a really exciting time for the entire community, our ambitious plans will help create stronger connections in the community and ensure local residents can access the support they need.
“We’re looking for trustees who can spare some of their time to help steer the delivery of this project and ensure we can maximise the benefits for residents.”
The Trust is particularly keen to hear from potential trustees who have experience in capital project management, finance, or communications.
Barrow Hill Memorial Hall was gifted to the community in 1920 by Charles Paxton Markham as a community war memorial that could be used to support the local community.
In 2024 it will be 100 years since the Deed of Trust was approved and to mark the centenary the Trust aims to refurbish the building to serve the community whilst honouring its legacy and past.
Plans for the refurbished hall are extensive including new community spaces, enhanced facilities for young people and children, provision for medical facilities, and classroom space.
Please e-mail info@barrowhill.community to express your interest.
Charity sleepout returns to Nottingham – and calls for business leaders to take part
A successful charity initiative to combat homelessness is returning to Nottingham for the seventh time.
CEO Sleepout, a national initiative that raises awareness of and funding for homelessness, will return with an event on November 9th at Meadow Lane Stadium, and has issued a call for local business and community leaders to sign up.
Homelessness is a growing issue in Nottingham, and chief executive of CEO Sleepout Bianca Robinson said: “According to the latest figures from Shelter, 1,614 people are homeless in Nottingham, which equates to a shocking one in every 201.
“Sadly, with the cost-of-living crisis showing no signs of slowing down and rents increasing across the country, we expect these figures to increase – which is why something must be done.
“The CEO Sleepout has a great deal of support from businesses across Nottinghamshire and it’s not surprising that we already have nearly 50 business leaders signed up to take part. Since 2016, CEO Sleepout has raised over £270,000 by and for the people of Nottingham. With this year’s efforts, we hope to take that figure well over the £300,000 threshold!”
Bianca hopes that the Nottingham Sleepout will raise £50,000 and is looking for another 20 people to sign up.
She added: “Business leaders have the power, the opportunity and the responsibility to ensure they are active within communities and play a role in strengthening the fabric of society.
“It’s just one night and it is my hope that while looking up at the stars at 3am, they will consider actions they can take as leaders, and enforce these into their business to create greater social impact.”
The event will benefit three different Nottingham causes – Emmanuel House, the Notts County Foundation and Friary Nottingham.
Ben Talbot, from the Friary, said he was “thrilled” to once again be involved with the event.
“Homelessness and the knock-in effects of it are being felt more than ever in Nottingham,” said Ben.
“I would encourage anyone who feels strongly about supporting people who are experiencing this to sign up for the sleepout.
“Not only will you make a contribution to the cause but you will feel first hand what it is like to be in this vulnerable position.”
And Denis Tully, Chief Executive Officer from Emmanuel House, added money raised from the event will help support the charity’s Winter Shelter, which provides 27 beds each night on the coldest months of the year.
“The work of the Shelter is about helping people find accommodation solutions. Out of the 107 people that used the Shelter last year we are able to support more than 50 per cent of guests into accommodation.
“We anticipate that this year will be particularly demanding on the Shelter as the number of homeless people is increasing with a further likely increase to come. Being involved in the CEO Sleepout gives you an opportunity to gain more insight into what homelessness is about.
“When it comes to donating financially you know you are supporting front line services. We can’t do it without you.”
And with just weeks to go before the event, Bianca has issued a final call to get as many business leaders as possible to sign up and make it a night to remember, adding: “We aim to raise big money to support charities on the frontline of homelessness in the city, and at the same time bring business leaders together to gain a deeper understanding of the issues around homelessness locally.”
Caddick delivers over 2 million sq ft of industrial space in 2023 following completion of St. Modwen Park, Lincoln
Caddick Construction has handed over St. Modwen Logistics’ newest sustainable warehouse, becoming the latest in a line of industrial buildings for the construction firm.
The £8m construction contract saw the delivery of a steel portal framed warehouse, featuring 10 dock levellers with an eaves height of 12.5 metres, making it the largest unit at St Modwen Park, Lincoln.
Totalling 111,000 sq ft, Lincoln 111 is the fourth phase at St. Modwen Park in Lincoln.
Rated BREEAM Excellent, this scheme secured an EPC A+ rating, helping its new occupiers to save on utility costs and reach their own Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) targets.
Paul Dodsworth, Caddick Construction Group Managing Director, said: “St. Modwen Park further demonstrates our skill set in the industrial market and has been built on time and on budget for our valued development partner, St. Modwen Logistics.
“This flagship scheme has taken our industrial projects this year alone up to 11, totalling £165 million and amounting to 1,988,234 sq ft. It’s a huge achievement for the business and I look forward to extending this pipeline further as we take on exciting new projects.”
Ian Martin, senior construction manager at St. Modwen Logistics, said: “We are always striving to develop industry-leading warehouses in fantastic locations for our customers and by enlisting Caddick Construction’s expertise we have been able to achieve this once again at Lincoln 111. Caddick’s experience in the industry has led to our development being delivered on time and to the highest level of construction standards.”
Nottingham-based Altia acquires digital evidence software business
Altia has acquired Aquila Intelligence Solutions Ltd, an internet-based digital intelligence and investigation solution.
Altia, backed by NorthEdge, is a provider of specialist intelligence and investigation software for government departments and law enforcement agencies across 18 countries, including the UK, US, Canada and Australia, which saw the business awarded a Queen’s Award in Enterprise for International Trade in 2021.
The business, which is based in Nottingham and Glasgow, supports police forces and investigation teams to automate processes using technology – reducing time and money spent on investigations and improving prosecution rates.
Aquila develops software designed for any organisation that conducts investigations, from volume crime and serious crime to fraud or regulatory breaches.
Rob Sinclair, CEO of Altia, said: “We want to continue to create the latest cutting-edge software that will transform the way the public and private sector tackle investigations. The addition of Aquila software complements our proposition perfectly and supports us toward these ambitious plans, helping us expand into the digital evidence market space.”
Tom McGhee, co-founder of Aquila, added: “This acquisition marks a significant milestone in our journey, and we are thrilled to join forces with a company that shares our vision and values. Together, we believe we can achieve even greater success and make a bigger impact in our industry.”
Allan Dunn, director at NorthEdge, added: “We’re thrilled to support the continuous growth and success of Altia. Aquila represents Altia’s fourth strategic acquisition since we invested in the business and it’s fantastic to have played our part in helping the business to expand.”
Browne Jacobson (Gareth Davies) advised on the deal.
Private equity firm invests in Burton solar and renewable energy service provider
Freshstream has invested in Project Better Energy, a solar and renewable energy service provider, acquiring a strategic stake from the company’s shareholders, who are reinvesting alongside Freshstream.
Based in Burton-upon-Trent, Project Better Energy was founded in 2011 by Chief Executive Officer Simon Peat, an electrical engineer who spotted an opening in the residential solar market.
The company has since expanded its product range to include off-peak power storage, electric vehicle chargers, air-sourced hot water cylinders and infrared heaters, providing a diversified range of green solutions across both the residential and commercial property sectors.
The business has experienced significant growth over the last 12 years and now employs approximately 300 people across its divisions and generates around £100m worth of sales on an annual basis.
It has also become one of the leading players in the domestic renewable energy sector in the UK, with nearly 40,000 solar energy systems sold and installed through its Project Solar UK division since inception.
The company’s Project EV division has sold to date approximately 80,000 electric vehicle chargers across the residential, commercial and public sectors, such as local councils and the NHS, as well as major retailers including B&Q and Arnold Clarke.
The company has also established relationships with major British housebuilders and Housing Associations, helping to install EV charging points at newbuild developments and to build and convert energy efficiency properties via Project CÜRV.
With Freshstream’s support, Simon Peat will continue to lead the business through an accelerated phase of growth, expanding the product range and customer footprint as demand for its services continues to grow.
Project Better Energy is the 6th investment in Freshstream’s first independent fund, which closed earlier this year having raised €762 million. The business joins other portfolio companies DeterTech, Bella Figura Music, Big Motoring World, Nafinco and MCR, which are all entrepreneurial and founder led businesses.
Simon Peat, CEO of Project Better Energy, said: “We are thrilled to be teaming up with Freshstream and look forward to working together as we continue our ambitious growth strategy. Their expertise and investment will enable us to further accelerate our expansion plans, both organically and through acquisitions.”
Gilles Gradassi, director at Freshstream, said: “Following a series of legislative and policy commitments by governments in recent months and years to mitigate the impact of global climate change, there has never been a more important time to invest in solutions aimed at expanding clean power availability and energy efficiency.
“Project Better Energy is one of the most exciting players in the UK green solutions market and the investment in the business demonstrates our commitment to supporting innovative, entrepreneurial companies solving complex issues, including the decarbonisation of the economy.
“Reaching net zero will not be achievable without private capital investment and we are confident that Simon will continue to find innovative, cost-effective solutions to support consumers, businesses and local authorities through the energy transition and make a real difference.”
Interiors business takes brand new unit at Teal Park
ROL Fredbergs UK Limited, a Nottingham-based interiors business, has chosen Teal Park, Colwick as its new home, seeing it expand its footprint within the city.
The global company boasts a range of well-known clients such as Hugo Boss, M&S, H&M, Jysk and McDonalds.
The unit at Teal Park comprises a brand new detached 31,500 sq ft warehouse premises, with a large secure yard, and forms part of the scheme which provides a 20 unit warehouse and trade park totalling 170,000 sq ft owned by national investor, Northwood Urban Logistics.
The scheme was completed in late 2022.
Iain Taylor, director at Northwood Urban Logistics, said: “We are very pleased to welcome our latest occupier to Teal Park demonstrating that it is appealing to a wide range of occupiers who will be able to adapt the units for a variety of uses.”
Charlotte Oswin, head of UK operations at ROL UK, added: “An exciting time for our UK Team based in Nottingham as we expand our UK business into Unit 3 at Teal Park. As a new build and a blank canvas, this letting will allow ROL Fredbergs UK to optimise the newly acquired space for efficiency and maximise production thus improving further on the excellent service currently provided to its clients.”
Jimmy McGarvey, warehouse and logistics manager at ROL Fredbergs UK, added: “Myself and the rest of the Team are very much looking forward to moving into Unit 3 at Teal Park, it’s going to make a massive difference to our business and our working environment.”
Anthony Barrowcliffe, associate director at FHP Property Consultants, said: “We are delighted to have secured this letting to such an excellent quality business in ROL Fredbergs who saw the opportunity to acquire a brand new facility with excellent sized yard areas, ideal for their expanding operations going forwards.
“We continue to bring forwards strong interest in the remainder of the scheme and I look forward to announcing further occupiers soon.”
Philip Sutton and JLL are joint letting agents on the scheme.
Work starts on 700-home development in Desborough
Construction work has started at a new housing development on the edge of Desborough, where Bellway and Ashberry Homes are building 700 properties.
A ceremony to mark the ground-breaking was held at the 88-acre site off Stoke Road on Thursday 3 August.
Bellway will be building 350 homes at its development, called Weavers Fields, while Ashberry Homes, which is part of the Bellway Group, will be delivering the other 350 properties at The Wickets.
Detailed plans for the overall scheme, which will include 140 affordable homes available for local people through shared ownership or low-cost rent, were given the go-ahead by North Northamptonshire Council last year.
Luke Southgate, sales director for Bellway Northern Home Counties, said: “Getting construction work started at Weavers Fields is a very welcome and much-anticipated development for this exciting project.
“We and our colleagues at Ashberry Homes have worked closely with the council on the plans for this development. This scheme will not only deliver hundreds of new homes to the area but will also see jobs created in construction and sales during the build life of the site.
“We are keen to forge ahead with the building programme here and hope to have the first homes on the market by October.”
The development, where land will be provided for a new school, will feature new public open space and parkland, including allotments, a community orchard and children’s play areas.
Steve Smith, sales director for Ashberry Homes, said: “There is a strong demand for new housing in this part of Northamptonshire and we have had a lot of interest in The Wickets since we first announced our plans to build here.
“We anticipate that the collection of three and four-bedroom houses at the development will be particularly appealing to families who want to live in a semi-rural setting, in the charming Ise Valley. Parents will be attracted by the range of well-regarded schools in the area, with Havelock Junior and Infant Schools and Loatlands Primary School all within walking distance.
“The development is ideally located as it is set on the edge of the small town of Desborough, which has a selection of shops and services, while the larger market towns of Market Harborough and Kettering are just five and six miles away respectively.
“There are excellent transport links in the area. Motorists will appreciate that the A14 is a five-minute drive, while people wanting to travel to London by train can use Market Harborough or Kettering railway stations which offer regular services to London St Pancras in under an hour.”
Local Leicester business, Innovative Leisure extends strategic partnership with Haven Holiday Parks to launch over 25 new adventure attractions in the last three years
Local employer, Innovative Leisure, the UK’s leading supplier of free-roaming high ropes courses, has extended their strategic partnership with Haven Holiday Parks, with the launch of 3 new projects and a new Service Contract in recent months, representing significant growth.
Based in Oadby, Leicester, Innovative Leisure has been a local employer for 23 years and is one of the UK’s leading adventure attractions specialists. Already working with some of the biggest brands in the visitor attraction and holiday park industries, including Haven, Center Parcs, Bear Grylls Adventure and Merlin Entertainments, Innovative Leisure have a global reputation for their expertise in providing active family fun, and hold exciting plans for growth in the UK and Europe.
Despite the economic challenges that the hospitality industry has faced throughout the pandemic and more recent cost of living crisis, the investment from UK leisure businesses in adventure attractions, and appetite from holidaymakers has been overwhelmingly positive:
Since installing their first adventure attraction with Haven Holidays in Spring 2019, the total number of Innovative Leisure attractions has grown to over 25 across 19 out of the 38 parks in the Haven estate. As well as representing a significant milestone, it reinforces the trend that both holiday park guests and operators are favouring active, shared experiences that can be enjoyed by young families and thrill seekers alike.
Commenting on the partnership with Haven, Phil Pickersgill, Managing Director at Innovative Leisure, said: “We have worked hard to help Haven develop adventure attractions over recent years and it’s satisfying to see their customers enjoying these at so many locations this summer.
“With the cost-of-living pressure on families, it’s been interesting to see revenue on leisure activities perform well this season even if spending on other areas of their holiday has retreated slightly. We think this reinforces the importance of experiences and parent’s willingness to spend on outdoor activities.”
As one of the largest parks in the Haven estate and having recently received significant phased investment over recent years, Haven Cleethorpes Beach, near Cleethorpes, UK was an ideal candidate for an exciting expansion to their activities offering. In summer 2022, Haven opted to commission two new ropes courses at Cleethorpes Beach to challenge and delight their guests and caravan owners.
The Aerial Adventure Max high ropes course caters for guests over 1m in height accompanied and 1.2m in height unaccompanied. Towering at over 10m tall across two levels and featuring a variety of challenges, including zip lines, rope bridges, and suspended platforms.
Meanwhile, the Mini Aerial Adventure junior low ropes course offers a more family-friendly experience for younger guests to enjoy with their parents – enabling Haven to cater for the full age range of their audience demographic.
Since the launch of the new ropes courses, Haven Cleethorpes Beach has seen more people on park than ever before and a significant uplift in a number of their key performance metrics, including guest satisfaction, revenue and footfall. This is a strong indicator that active, collaborative activities that families can share and enjoy together are an ever-increasing priority for holidaymakers, despite a tough year economically, as Matt Batey, Head of Activities at Haven Cleethorpes Beach, elaborates: “One of the things we have seen is a huge increase in our NPS results since the investment of the Aerial Max course, so not only are we seeing a huge uptake in terms of our revenue in our sales on park, but we are also seeing a much better and improved satisfaction rate from our guests and our owners.”
As with all their clients and projects, the Innovative Leisure team looks after the whole process – from initial planning and scoping, through install to full staff training, annual inspections and ongoing maintenance.
“Innovative Leisure have been fantastic in terms of communication and the way in which they’ve held our relationship,” said Matt Batey, Head of Activities at Haven Cleethorpes Beach. “They’ve always been at the end of the phone to support and talk through anything that they can help us with. But in addition to that, they’ve continued to provide the training and the support that we need to make sure we operate to the best that we can do. If you’re a business that’s looking at trying something different, looking to expand, certainly in terms of the high ropes courses, I would recommend Innovative Leisure.”
This project follows 27 other adventure attractions installed across the Haven Estate, including 9 climbing walls, 6 high ropes courses and 12 low ropes courses across 19 parks, including a first-of-its-kind double zip line element at Haven Haggerston.
