Refurbishment of former Joules industrial site begins in Corby

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Refurbishment of former Joules industrial site begins in Corby
Independent property company, Hortons’ Estate Ltd, has commenced the first phase of refurbishment at an industrial/distribution site in Northamptonshire.Work is underway on the comprehensive upgrade of Saxon 58, a 58,350 sq ft warehouse and logistics unit at Saxon Park off Great Folds Road in Corby.Hortons is refurbishing the unit to modern standards, including a minimum 500 KVA power supply and a range of sustainability features such as EV charging facilities, photovoltaic roof panels and LED lighting throughout.Additionally, Saxon 58 will benefit from new cladding, three dock level loading doors, two access doors and integral ground floor office space, and will target an EPC ‘A’ rating.The refurbishment is on schedule to complete before the end of the year, with the unit available for occupation from Q1 2024.Jeremy Boothroyd of Hortons said: “Saxon 58 will deliver more than 58,000 sq ft of extensively refurbished warehouse and logistics accommodation when complete, offering enhanced power and sustainability. The unit lies in an established industrial location within the ‘golden triangle’ with easy access to the motorway network, which we’re sure will be attractive to prospective occupiers.“Saxon Park is extremely well positioned for future development and we look forward to bringing forward plans to develop new accommodation on the site, as well as carrying out improvements to existing units.”DTRE and TDB Real Estate have been appointed joint agents at Saxon Park.
Tom Fairlie of DTRE said: “Saxon Park, Corby provides some much-needed supply to the local market, staggered over the next 24 months, and across different unit sizes. We have had some good interest on Saxon 58 to date, and we are looking forward to welcoming the first new tenant to the site.”Jack Brown of TDB Real Estate added: “We are delighted to be involved in this fantastic scheme. Saxon Park offers a mix of different sized units which can be tailored to occupier needs. Units are strategically located south of Corby, benefitting from quick access to the A14 and a skilled workforce in the immediate vicinity. We look forward to working alongside Hortons and DTRE.”Saxon Park is a 19.8 acre site on Oakley Hay Industrial Estate which was acquired by Hortons in 2023. Formerly occupied by Joules, the site comprises two existing distribution warehouse buildings totalling c.275,000 sq ft and c.3.2 acres of open storage land with development potential.

Microlise Group appoints new strategy and M&A director

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Microlise Group appoints new strategy and M&A director
Microlise Group, a provider of innovative technology solutions, has appointed Shenny Remtulla as the company’s new strategy and M&A director. Shenny brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise that will play a pivotal role in shaping the Group’s future. With an extensive career spanning senior leadership positions in prominent consumer multinational organisations – and a successful track record of creating and executing corporate growth strategies – Shenny is poised to drive Microlise’s next phase of growth. Previously, he served as the head of strategy at SABMiller plc, where he demonstrated an exceptional ability to create and execute corporate strategy and deliver performance improvement. His background as a strategy consultant with Bain & Company across North America, Europe, and Africa further enriches his strategic insights. He has worked across diverse sectors, including FMCG/CPG, Consumer Products, Financial Services, Telecoms, Transportation, and Natural Resources, in addition to his dedicated assignments within the Private Equity Practice. As strategy and M&A director, Shenny will spearhead the development of Microlise Group’s growth strategy. The role will encompass the research and identification of new products and markets, international growth analysis and prioritisation, and the management of the M&A pipeline, overseeing projects from inception to integration. Shenny will report directly to Nadeem Raza, the Group CEO, and collaborate closely with the Board, SLT, and key stakeholders. Speaking on the new appointment, Nadeem Raza, said: “Shenny’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Microlise Group. His extensive experience and strategic acumen will be instrumental in shaping our future endeavours, especially as we navigate opportunities and challenges in the dynamic landscape of sustainable growth and innovation. “His responsibilities will extend to leading a dedicated team, working in tandem with our SLT. Together, they will translate the company’s strategic vision into a comprehensive program of M&A projects and strategic initiatives.” Shenny Remtulla added: “The world is undergoing transformative changes, and Microlise is at the forefront of driving sustainable growth. I am excited to be part of this dynamic team and look forward to contributing to the company’s continued success by identifying new avenues for expansion, innovation, and strategic partnerships.”

Topps Tiles set for third consecutive year of record sales

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Topps Tiles set for third consecutive year of record sales
Topps Tiles, the Leicester tile specialist, has secured its third consecutive year of record turnover. In a new trading update for the 52-week period ended 30 September 2023, the business highlighted group sales of approximately £263 million. Sales are now more than £40 million higher than FY19, the last financial year before the Covid pandemic, while year on year, sales increased by 6.4%. Profits, meanwhile, are in line with market expectations, according to Topps Tiles. Rob Parker, CEO, said: “As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we are delighted to have delivered a third consecutive year of record sales in Topps Group, having increased our sales by over £40 million since the pre-pandemic period, reflecting the significant development and diversification of the Group over that time. “It was also a year of strong strategic progress, in which Topps Tiles continued to take significant market share, Parkside was set-up for profitable growth and Pro Tiler’s performance went from strength to strength. As a result of this progress, we anticipate delivering our goal of ‘1 in 5 by 2025’ significantly ahead of schedule. “Despite a slowing RMI market, we are confident that our core strengths of leading brands, world class customer service, specialist expertise and a strong balance sheet will enable us to grow sales, profitability and cash generation in the years ahead, delivering value for all stakeholders.”

A marathon to remember: Summit 53

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A marathon to remember: Summit 53
Lincolnshire business Systematic is a proud cheerleader for Summit 53. This is a mountain-sized, marathon-length challenge that team member Jill Bell embarked on with her friend Kate Brown. It culminated on Sunday 1 October in Caistor, the market town that Systematic is proud to have called home for 48 years. The Systematic team appreciate that struggling with a mental health issue feels like climbing a mountain too. Their Managing Director Chris Robey tragically lost the battle with his own mental health in September 2022. Chris was a respected businessman, a pillar of the Caistor community, and a running buddy for Jill and Kate. Through Summit 53, Jill, Kate and Systematic are supporting the critical work of Andy’s Man Club, a national suicide prevention charity. It helps men to get on top of their feelings through the power of conversation. The aim is to raise at least £5,300 for the charity, to help fund their peer-to-peer support groups and awareness events. The significance of 53? Well, to run a marathon distance to an elevation equivalent to running up and down Snowdon from sea level, Jill and Kate ran 53 ‘Round Robey’ circuits around Caistor. This is a training circuit that Chris devised after establishing Caistor Running Club in 2011, to help people ‘run for fun’ and for free. This half mile, undulating loop around the town, is still a firm fixture in the training plan of this popular club. Also, Chris was only 53 when he tragically passed away. It’s fitting that Summit 53 culminated on 1 October, his birthday and Lincolnshire Day. Jill and Kate are reaching out to those who knew Chris, as well as runners, the Lincolnshire community and the many people who know the devastating impact that mental health challenges have, not just every day, but every minute. Tragically, around every 90 minutes someone dies from suicide in the UK alone, with suicide being the biggest cause of death in men under the age of 50. Clearly the effects of suicide on family members, loved ones and colleagues can be severe and far-reaching. You’re invited to unite around this mental and physical challenge by finding Summit 53 on the Just Giving website. Jill and Kate are keeping their supporters in the loop on a Summit 53 Facebook page too. Most important of all, the call to action is to raise awareness of Andy’s Man Club and remind everyone of their first rule, that ‘it’s okay to talk’.

Sports Direct taken to High Court over £5.4m property payment

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Sports Direct taken to High Court over £5.4m property payment
Shirebrook-based Sports Direct, owned by Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group, has been taken to High Court by JPMorgan over a £5.4m property bill. Reports in the Financial Times note that JPMorgan is alleging the retailer owes the money for leaving a Wigan site in a state of disrepair when vacating in 2019 and taking advantage of a break clause in its 10-year lease, initially signed in 2014. Sports Direct is said to have not carried out much of the refurbishment work it was contractually required to prior to leaving the site, which included a distribution centre, office and warehouse space, leading to loss and damage. The bank reportedly had to undertake work worth £3.3m before it could lease the premises once more and lost £1.8m in rent during this time. The bank is requesting for interest to be applied, leaving £5.4m to pay, when also including miscellaneous payments such as surveyor fees.

Castle Gym revitalised by Omni Group – new £5m development at historic Maid Marian Way site

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Castle Gym revitalised by Omni Group – new £5m development at historic Maid Marian Way site

One of Nottingham’s most iconic brands has been brought back from the brink of extinction and has been completely transformed after the entrepreneur behind it confirmed the go-ahead for a multi-million pound development in the heart of the city.

Castle Gym was the oldest independent gym in Nottingham dating back over 40 years but that chapter closed in November 2022 after a long legal battle over the site on Castle Boulevard.

However, in March 2023, plans for a new chapter were submitted by Omni Group, created by Castle Gym’s owner, Luke Willmott, for a state-of-the-art 30,000+ sq ft facility split between 3 businesses including a new, revamped Castle Gym on the fabled “Tales of Robin Hood” site.

Those plans have now been given the green light, with the first phase of the project, a brand-new Fit Tech gym with all-new equipment and a transformed Castle Gym brand now being put into action.

The new site has been confirmed to have over 500 pieces of bespoke, custom-built equipment which will make it one of the largest gyms in the UK. The site is aiming to launch in 2024.

Luke Willmott, who is pioneering Omni Group as a hybrid business support, development and investment vehicle for businesses as the original Castle Gym was forced to close, explains: “It’s finally happened! We’re back baby! Castle Gym is back but not as you know it. It’s bigger, better, brighter and bolder than anything you will have seen here in Nottingham and further afield in the UK.

“I cannot even describe the amount of blood, sweat and tears that has gone into this as we have tried to get this project off the ground. Never mind the funding – this is a multi-million pound project now.

“This site has laid dormant for far too long but having worked on this deal every single day since we had to close our doors down the road I can see why. There are a huge number of challenges and complications, hurdles and barriers but…if we pull this off, this will transform the shape of Nottingham city centre!

“My new business, Omni Group, was created as a solution to help businesses through a number of services from business to design and marketing solutions. It just so happens that our first ‘client’ is my original business, Caste Gym and what can I say, I’ve poured everything into it!

“You hear a lot about 2.0 versions of things but trust me, you’re going to need to go a few points higher than that because what we have planned here in terms of the gym, nevermind the other businesses which will occupy the site, is on another level. This is Castle Gym 10.0!

“As a fitness enthusiast I’m beyond excited by what we will be bringing to the city and as an entrepreneur I know that what we have planned for the site is going to be a game-changer for a lot of ambitious young businesses that are in the city or looking to invest here.

“We are partnering with the best minds and best brands in the business, one of which we hope to announce very soon with regards to the gym equipment which is going to be a massive statement for Nottingham and the new Castle Gym brand. For now, watch this space and follow our journey on our social media!”

UK trade & investment advisory firm expands into Nottingham

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UK trade & investment advisory firm expands into Nottingham
OCO Global, the trade, investment and economic development advisory firm, has opened a new office in Nottingham. The office will help support a new multi-million-pound, five-year contract with the Department for Business & Trade (DBT) to support inward investment across the UK. Established in Belfast over 20-years ago, OCO Global now employs over 200 people in 14 offices in cities including London, New York, Frankfurt, Dubai and Beijing. Clients include international development agencies such as the Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority and blue-chip firms including PWC, Siemens and Pepsico. The Nottingham office will initially include five senior analysts focusing on the DBT contract but with the intention of growing operations to provide advisory services across the Midlands, particularly in emerging industries such as Clean Technologies. OCO analysts in Nottingham and Belfast are supporting a drive by DBT to attract higher value investment into the UK focusing on growth sectors such as quantum mechanics, net zero and sustainability. OCO provides potential investors with bespoke research to support their decision-making processes. Gareth Hagan, OCO’s CEO, said: “Nottingham is our third office in the UK after Belfast and London, and we’re delighted that our new work with DBT has enabled us to expand into the Midlands. “The city has an excellent university base and available talent, and we believe there are wider economic opportunities in the Midlands. The region has one of the UK’s most dynamic manufacturing bases with strengths in Digital Content, Life Sciences and Clean Technologies. “OCO offers firms advice on international market opportunities and we see a long-term opportunity to grow this side of our business in Great Britain.” Earlier this year a survey of 74 investment promotion agencies across OCO’s international client base found that 75% had developed specific strategies to attract quality rather than quantity FDI projects. Quality includes projects centered on innovative technology, better qualified jobs and those based in strategically important sectors such as energy and digital. Of the ten largest FDI greenfield projects announced in 2022, six related to renewable energy and three centred on semiconductor manufacturing. Richard Platts, OCO’s Products & Proposition Manager in Nottingham, said: “Geo-political events in Ukraine and China, and the impact of Covid-19 on national finances have put immense pressures on supply chains and talent retention. As a result, competition for inward investment has never been stronger and Governments have reacted by targeting projects which offer quality rather than quantity. “OCO has been working with DBT for over 12 years and in that time we’ve been involved in some of the UK’s largest inward investment projects. Quality inward investment projects require increasingly complex support and our Nottingham analysts will provide DBT and potential investors with bespoke, high-end research. “OCO’s expansion into Nottingham is a vote of confidence in the region and a good demonstration of levelling-up in action.” Last year the UK had the largest number of high-value FDI projects in Europe – 788 compared to second ranked Germany with 461. The UK also created more high-value employment through FDI than any other country in Europe – 25,010 jobs in R&D and headquarter operations.

Work underway on major Newark Town Centre project

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Work underway on major Newark Town Centre project
The first phase to transform the empty former M&S building on Stodman Street in Newark into an attractive hub made up of homes and retail units is underway. This ambitious project will breathe new life into the heart of the town when completed.
Stepnell is undertaking the initial phase and mobilisation of the project. Plans will see the empty building converted into a hub made up of 29 high-quality residential homes in the heart of Newark, which will provide a new town centre housing offer with a sympathetic but eye-catching and vibrant design. There will also be two new retail units which will improve Newark’s retail offer with the aim of attracting more people into the town centre. Councillor Matthew Spoors, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It’s exciting to see this project underway. We are showing that initiatives like this can help to develop town centres so that they that offer a vibrant experience which attracts different people at different times. “Without the Council’s intervention, this prominent building could have fallen into disrepair and become an eyesore. We’ve taken action into our own hands and are doing our best for Newark, turning a building that could have been abandoned into a thriving and active area where living, working and shopping come together. “We actively asked many high street retailers to take on the store but none were interested in occupying the large 32,000 sq ft building. The fact is that they may already have a presence in nearby Nottingham and Lincoln and it’s not viable for them to occupy such a big building in a town of Newark’s size and location. There is however demand for smaller units and we are confident that the site will be occupied as soon as renovations are complete. This is reflected by the uptake of the retail units by the Travelodge and in the Buttermarket.” Tom Cartledge, Co-Chair of the Newark Town Board, said: “This is an opportunity to transform a large empty building into something that will be hugely beneficial to the health of our high street in the future. “Across the country, retail in towns and cities is in decline which is why we’ve put this project together to inject new life in the area with the aim to make the heart of Newark a great place to live and shop. “There are many other projects running alongside the development including Newark Cultural Heart which has already brought people to the town centre through creating exciting events and programmes and the Stodman Street work is an extra step in encouraging more to visit, stay longer and take advantage of the activities and hospitality on offer.” Tom Sewell, Regional Director at Stepnell, said: “We are proud to be chosen as a trusted construction partner and to be beginning the important first phase of demolition works, which will create the space for building an exciting new hub in Newark. We are considerate of the need to minimise disruption to the public throughout the project, in what is a busy area of footfall in the town. “As the works progress, we will be making significant investment back into the local community. This includes targeted regional spending, employability programmes with local schools and colleges, and sustainability initiatives to reduce our carbon impact.” The District Council is putting emphasis on bringing sustainability aspects into the build. This development will utilise solar panels on the roof, have modern insulation and will recycle up to 90% of all materials removed from site. It will also create new green planting and expand St Marks Lane, opening up the link between Lombard Street and Stodman Street. The first phase of work is likely to take place until the end of Christmas this year with the construction taking place soon after. Completion is expected to be in summer 2025. The Stodman Street development is one of many projects being funded by Newark Towns Board’s successful application to the Government’s Towns Fund initiative. It is being delivered by Newark and Sherwood District Council whose aim it is to breathe new life in Newark town centre.

Corporate ambassadors unite for CEO Sleepout’s cause

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Corporate ambassadors unite for CEO Sleepout’s cause
National charity CEO Sleepout, which is dedicated to tackling homelessness and creating social impact, has launched its corporate ambassadors’ programme for compassionate people across the country to get involved in. The ambassadors in Nottingham, which include Deborah Labbate from Nottingham City Business Club and Stephanie Revill-Wiseman from Halo Recruit, have been recognised for their exceptional commitment and unwavering support of CEO Sleepout over the years. With their dedication to the cause and influential networks, the corporate ambassadors will play a vital role in championing the mission of CEO Sleepout in their respective cities. Chief executive of CEO Sleepout Bianca Robinson said: “I’m delighted the corporate ambassadors’ programme has launched. “The ambassadors that have been selected are passionate about creating social value within their business communities and take pride in raising awareness for CEO Sleepout among their networks. Many have participated in multiple sleepouts or raised substantial funds for the cause, demonstrating their genuine commitment to making a positive impact.” Becoming a corporate ambassador is an exclusive invitation extended only to those individuals who have exhibited exceptional commitment and dedication to the charity in tackling the levels of homelessness and raising much-needed funds for frontline charities across the country. Deborah Labbate is the president of Nottingham Business Club and will be recruiting members from the club to join this year’s CEO Sleepout event. She was delighted to be asked to become an ambassador for the charity. She said: “I’ve done all sorts of fundraising in the past for various causes and this year I’m making it my mission to raise funds and awareness of homelessness in my hometown of Nottingham. “The local beneficiary charities Emmanual House, The Friary and Notts County Foundation do amazing work supporting those who face the challenges that come with homelessness including unemployment, mental illness, addiction, exposure to crime and disease as well as loneliness, isolation and often fear.” Encouraging people to get involved, she added: “Do it. The one night will leave something with you that you will remember for a long time and you will have made a huge lasting impact on the lives of others.” Sales director from Halo Recruit, Stephanie Revill-Wiseman was honoured to be asked to become an ambassador earlier this year. Speaking of how she first got involved, she said: “I was doing research on homelessness and CEO Sleepout appeared. By raising awareness and offering assistance, we can work towards alleviating suffering and improving the lives of millions of people across the UK. “Sleeping out allows you to gain firsthand experience and develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by many individuals. As a business leader, your participation inspires peers, employees and community members to get involved and make a difference. By leading by example, you can create a ripple effect of positive change.”

MTMS stays on track with extension of long-running contract

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MTMS stays on track with extension of long-running contract
UK rail depot maintenance firm MTMS has been given the nod to extend one of its longest-running contracts after it signed a new deal with train operators Southeastern. The Leicestershire-based firm has maintained the equipment at depots serving the busy South-East network since 2014 and agreed to extend its nine-year association this month. The contract involves the maintenance and renewal of carriage wash plants, controlled emission toilets and associated bowsers at 10 depots, including Ashford, Dover, Gillingham, Grove Park, Orpington, Ramsgate, Slade Green, St Leonards West Marina, Tonbridge & Victoria. The depots are home to Southeastern’s 399 trains, which deliver 1,700 services each day across the network, which links London with communities in Kent and East Sussex. Between March 2022 and March 2023 the network carried 29.9m passengers – the fourth-highest in the country – serving 180 stations and covering 540 miles of track. MTM currently services and maintains rolling stock and specialist equipment, as well as carrying out routine infrastructure tasks, at more than a half of rail depots across the UK, with its central location in Moira, near Swadlincote, helping it to serve customers as far afield as Penzance and Aberdeen. However, Matt Forst, the firm’s managing director, says there is some extra local pride when it comes to the Southeastern contract because Southeastern mainly operates Class 375 Electrostars, which were made by Bombardier – now Alstom – in Derby, just 12 miles away. Matt said: “We’re thrilled to have extended our long association with servicing the equipment at the maintenance depots on the South-East network and are looking forward to continuing to work with Southeastern. “Our work is vital to supporting the quality of service that Southeastern is able to offer its passengers on what is undoubtedly one of the country’s most high-profile networks. “We’re also proud to operate within the Midlands rail cluster and it will be a matter of pride to our team that the trains they will be helping to service were built up the road, perhaps even by their friends or members of their family.”
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