Jobs growth under spotlight as work on updated Local Plan continues
Future job opportunities in North East Lincolnshire’s growing renewables sector and the potential of the Humber Freeport will be assessed, as a picture is painted of how local life will look in the decades ahead.
The next stage of updating the borough’s Local Plan includes external experts examining key factors that will help outline the necessary growth between 2023 and 2042.
A key priority is to establish the number of new homes required to support the local population and meet the needs of people who will come to the area or decide to stay because of job opportunities.
Reflecting on how the updating of the Local Plan will progress, North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, thanked people for taking part in an initial public engagement held last autumn. And he said he looked forward to seeing others’ views when full public engagement of the draft updated Local Plan takes place later this year.
“The views of people who live in North East Lincolnshire, or who work here, or have a business interest here, are extremely important. Ideas that may not have been considered, suggestions, along with opportunity and challenge, is welcome as we look to support the development of a stronger and improved borough for us all,” said Cllr Jackson.
Every Local Authority must have a government approved Local Plan, which sets out the future vision, covering themes including the environment, health and wellbeing of residents, access to work and creating jobs in the area, meeting local housing demand, and ensuring access to education for children and young people. Adopted plans are reviewed based on a five-year cycle.
Cllr Jackson said that gaining a real understanding of the economic opportunities that are set to be a reality in North East Lincolnshire will shape the look and feel of the updated Local Plan here.
Figures already reported suggest how the low carbon and energy economy across the whole of Greater Lincolnshire is worth £1.2bn, with more than 12,000 people employed – figures that are set to grow along the south bank of the Humber estuary. Meanwhile it is predicted that the Humber Freeport development will be a driving force in the attraction of new industry in North East Lincolnshire.
“We are standing on the cusp of real and true opportunities here and we need to ensure we match the predicted business growth in other areas too. Our housing, schools, health and green offer must live up to the expectations that young people and families have. This means developing with consideration – providing the right balance of new homes and improving our urban areas whilst enhancing the natural environment,” said Cllr Jackson.
He added how work currently on-going was already in-sync with issues that were likely to come up. This work included planned new primary schools in Scartho and Waltham, unique wildlife sites along the Humber bank to offset development, and an £800,000 investment into some of the 150 acres of green space in the borough, which includes 50 managed parks and open spaces. The successful Cleethorpes LUF bid announced in January will also see a significant environmental investment with the regeneration of Pier Gardens, revamped green and activity space, and improved biodiversity.
Views captured during the initial engagement to update the Local Plan show that local people want reassurance on the scale of growth, want empty homes brought into use and for new homes to be affordable, whilst protecting green spaces and supporting a low carbon focus. These views are not made public at this stage, as is best practice, but are used alongside the expert analysis to shape the updated Draft Plan that will be published and go out for full public consultation later this year.
“As we move forward, we want people to continue to be involved and to also understand just how important it is for future generations particularly that we make the right choices with regard to both economic and domestic opportunities,” added Cllr Jackson.
East Midlands manufacturers see mixed start to the year
East Midlands manufacturers have seen a mixed picture in the first quarter of the year, although the trends are far more improved since the second half of last year, easing fears of a significant recession for industry in 2023.
The findings in the Make UK/BDO Q1 Manufacturing Outlook survey show a marked pick up on the picture in the final quarter of 2022, albeit from a very negative picture in the second half of last year. The figures echo the gradual improvements in other data such as the UK and European PMIs, which are now only just in negative territory, as well as a strong pick up in demand from China.
According to Make UK and BDO, this mixed picture reflects the ongoing difficulties being experienced by the automotive sector and the ripple effects being felt down the supply chain amid the transition to electric vehicles. However, this is balanced against the strong performance of food and drink where the East Midlands has a strong exposure.
Both output and orders picked up in the region although the balance on output was only just positive at +6%, an improvement mainly driven by export orders as UK orders remained very weak. However, despite this improving picture, employers’ intentions to invest remained at weak levels although conversely recruitment intentions were very strong showing employers are anticipating a pick-up in demand. Looking forward, the next quarter remains mixed although export orders are forecast to pick up significantly and investment intentions are also set to turn positive.
As a result of this mixed picture and the lack of any significant upturn in growth, Make UK is still forecasting a contraction for manufacturing in 2023 as the substantial challenges the sector is facing show few signs of abating.
Charlotte Horobin, Midlands director at Make UK, said: “Manufacturers in the East Midlands have seen a rebound at the start of the year as conditions have improved in their major markets and, business confidence has improved.
“However, one swallow doesn’t make a summer and it is far too early to say the worst has passed given the significant challenges the economy faces. However, the Budget should help boost investment in the short to medium term although ideally, full expensing should be made permanent to better reflect the investment cycle for manufacturers.”
Jon Gilpin, head of Manufacturing at BDO in the Midlands, added: “Despite a few glimmers of good news such as improvements in output and orders picking up in the region, inflationary pressures are still very evident for UK manufacturers with increased costs still being passed on. We caution that worst of conditions for the sector may still be to come. Manufacturers and investors need consistency and commitment to long-term support to shape their next steps.”
In terms of overall output this year Make UK is forecasting a contraction of -3.3% (a slight improvement from -4.4% forecast at the end of last year) and growth of just 0.8% in 2024.
Derby based Aquabox filters provide safe drinking water for earthquake victims
Derbyshire-based charity Aquabox is gearing up to send water filters and aid to victims of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Its volunteers are working hard to respond to the natural disaster and already have 300 units ready to send out. The charity is now working with international partners to establish secure access routes and is calling on the generous British public to help fund its invaluable work.
Established in 1992, Aquabox offers displaced people the gift of safe clean drinking water and humanitarian aid. The charity has so far sent more than 110,000 aid boxes to disaster zones and conflict areas around the world. Its ultra-filtration hand pumps convert polluted water into clean, safe water for drinking, cooking and washing.
The World Health Organisation estimates that the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have killed 47,000 people and left 26 million people in urgent need of assistance. When disasters strike, there is an urgent need to provide safe drinking water as supplies are damaged and contaminated with water from sewage and drains.
Aquabox filters remove all common pathogens, including cholera, typhoid, polio, dengue fever and other water-borne diseases. The charity is now working closely with fellow charities and distribution partners to open up safe access routes into Turley and Syria and set up reliable distribution networks.
The team is exploring the option of sending an initial consignment of aid by land into Eastern Turkey. It is also working with an NGO to send a container of aid to Syria.
Roger Cassidy, Chairman of Aquabox, said: “We have been working very hard getting consignments ready. It is estimated that there are 700,000 displaced people in Turkey alone and they desperately need a way of accessing safe drinking water. Each of our family filters will meet the daily water needs of up to 10 people and will go on working for months if not years. The disaster is on such a large scale that we foresee many more shipments over the next 6 months and will be very grateful for any donations received.”
Aquabox relies entirely on donations and fundraising activities to support its work. With the help of donors, it aims to reach its target of providing sufficient filters to dispense water to 100,000 people per year by 2025.
Works progress on second phase of Horizon 29 in Derbyshire
Pivotal construction works led by McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) are progressing well for Phase 1B of the prominent industrial and distribution hub, Horizon 29, in Bolsover, Derbyshire.
Located one mile from Junction 29A of the M1, Horizon 29 is a new landmark distribution development, which once complete will span 1,150,256 sq. ft and have a total of eight warehouses, delivered over three phases.
McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) commenced construction on Phase 1B in November and will be delivering design and construction work on two new speculative builds (Units 4 and 5), with extensive ground remediation works to stabilise the former coal site, which will complete this summer.
Works delivered to date for Unit 4 of Phase 1B include earthworks and VSC piling, concrete foundations and steel framing alongside lift shaft and stair installations. The installation of nets for roofing works and office elevation cladding are due to complete this month.
Earthworks are also complete for Unit 5 and concrete foundations have commenced alongside the construction of steel framing. CMC piling is also due to be finished this month.
The contractor is also in the process of constructing two single storey distribution warehouses for P1A (Units 1 and 2), which are due for completion in April, and all units at Horizon 29 will be constructed to a BREEAM Rating of ‘Excellent’ with an EPC ‘A’ Rating.
Sustainable features of the industrial and development hub include solar PVs, air source heat pumps, enhanced cladding, responsibly sourced sustainable materials, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging points.All external works are being undertaken by McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) including general hardstanding, car-parking, electric vehicle charging points, landscaping, mains services and drainage.
Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “We are delighted that works are progressing well at Horizon 29 P1B and we’re on track for completion this summer. In a prime location in the Midlands, Horizon 29 will be a premier distribution centre for the region, and an ideal hub for quality tenants looking for direct and easy access to the M1 north and south.
“Working with Bentall Green Oak and Equation Properties for the second phase of the build has allowed us to solidify our strong working relationship and we are incredibly pleased to be working with them across two pivotal phases of this landmark scheme.”
Equation Properties is a London-based property development company for the distribution and industrial sector.
Dick Smallman, construction director at Equation Properties, said: “We are delighted to be working with McLaren on the second phase of this prestigious development, the scheme is progressing extremely well. This is a high-quality product in a premier location.”
Forterra makes material contribution to net-zero future
Following a successful trial at Forterra’s Kings Dyke site, the programme has been rolled out to all 17 of Forterra’s manufacturing facilities, with non site-based staff able to utilise the recycling facilities at the site most convenient to them.
Avena’s 0% landfill policy provides a sustainable end of life process for all textiles and PPE, and as the only company in the UK that offers shredding as an alternative to incineration and landfill they are the perfect choice for Forterra to align with.
The old uniforms and PPE will be recycled in the most effective way, this includes the material being reused, turned into insulation or made into chips for energy generation.
David Manley, Forterra’s Head of Sustainability said, “As a business we’re looking into every aspect of our operations to work more sustainably, from our manufacturing processes to our energy sources. We have set ambitious ESG targets to reduce our carbon emissions by a further 32% by 2030, and I’m very proud that we’re on our way to achieving them.
“350,000 tonnes of textiles are sent to landfill each year, and we’re delighted that Forterra will no longer be contributing to that figure.”
This recycling programme follows a series of other important sustainability measures announced by Forterra, including a solar farm that will supply 70% of its electricity needs by 2025, a reduction in single use plastic used to wrap its products, the use of HVO (bio diesel) fuel to power all its mobile machinery at its Measham facility, and a £21 million investment in its haulage fleet.
Pick Everard relocates Derby office
Independent property, construction, and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard has relocated its Derby operation to Sadler Bridge Studios, part of the Connect Derby portfolio of managed workspaces.
Pick Everard, a multi-disciplinary practice encompassing architecture, engineering and professional management services, is making the move from Kenning Studios on Queen Street to Sadler Bridge Studios, located in the heart of the city’s Cathedral Quarter.
The practice, which was founded in 1866, has 15 offices throughout the UK, including London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, Leicester, Manchester, Glasgow, Nottingham and Derby.
The move is part of a wider national office strategy enabling the business to adopt more agile and collaborative ways of working for its growing 650 plus work force; specifically for its team of 30 based at the Derby Studio.
Its client list spans a wide range of public and private sector organisations throughout the UK and abroad, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, MoJ, MoD and the Houses of Parliament in addition to large banking clientele.
The Derby office directly supports a range of commissions with important locally based clients including Bowmer + Kirkland, Rolls-Royce, Nottingham Trent University, Leicester Tigers, Derbyshire County Cricket Club and PMI Developments.
Sadler Bridge Studios is located in the heart of Derby’s commercial district, close to shops, bars, and public transport links. The purpose-built workspace was constructed in 2014 and comprises of 35 units in a three-storey modern multi-occupancy office building. SBS also contains RASK, a Scandinavian-style café on the ground floor.
Commenting on Pick Everard’s move to Sadler Bridge Studios, David Nisbet, partner said: “We’re delighted with our new home at Sadler Bridge Studios. Its location in the heart of the city is perfect for us, and the facilities are ideal for our evolving office portfolio.
“Our aim is to provide outstanding services to our clients and communities, developing our agile and collaborative style of working.
“The team at Connect Derby have been very accommodating and have enabled us to achieve a seamless transition into our new office space.”
Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, added: “I’d like to welcome such a long-standing and well-established business as Pick Everard to Sadler Bridge Studios. They are a great addition to the range of creative businesses already based here.
“Sadler Bridge Studios’ city centre location is proving increasingly popular with businesses looking for a flexible and hybrid working environment. We now boast a diverse community of new and established businesses from across the creative industries and the supply chain to the creative industries.”
Leicestershire maintenance, repair, and operations supplier reaches deal with competitor’s administrator
Maintenance, repair, and operations supplier Cromwell has reached agreement with the administrators of a well-respected competitor Monks & Crane to take on some of the company’s staff, assets, and customer base.
The Leicestershire-based firm have signed a deal that will see some branches, stock, vending machines and most importantly some employees transferring over and in doing so have secured the continuation of supply to a number of customers.
Around 40 of Monks and Crane employees, three branches (Hook in Hampshire, Heathrow and Cardiff), stock, vending machines, and some customers will be moving over.
Neil Jowsey, Managing Director at Cromwell, said: “Monks & Crane has been an admired competitor over the years and it is truly sad to see this happen.
“We have been working closely with the administrators and management of Monks & Crane to see how we could keep elements of their operations going, provide continuity of service for customers and, importantly, provide a home for some of their team.
“Our core purpose at Cromwell is to keep our customers’ operations running and their people safe. Monks & Crane’s customers have unfortunately had several uncertain weeks, so our focus is on getting support to them as quickly as possible.
“The newly acquired locations of Hook, Heathrow and Cardiff provide a great opportunity to accelerate our expanding customer footprint along with adding some key strategic customer accounts to our portfolio.”
“Significant and sustained challenges” see Derby bicycle company cease trading
Raj Mittal and Nathan Jones of business advisory firm FRP have been appointed as joint administrators to Moore Large & Co.
Moore Large & Co. traded out of a 215,000 sq foot warehouse and office facility in Derby, and was a major importer and wholesaler of bicycles, accessories, cycle clothing and components.
The company completed a management buyout in April 2022 but has since suffered significant supply chain disruption and reduced consumer demand, as well as inflationary and exchange rate pressures on its margins.
An accelerated process was conducted over a number of weeks to attract investment. However, without any viable offers the directors proceeded to place the company into administration.
Upon appointment, after assessing all possible options, the joint administrators ceased trading the business. The majority of the 103 staff were made redundant with 26 retained temporarily to assist in winding-down operations.
The joint administrators have appointed agents John Pye & Sons Ltd to run an asset sale process, including the company’s stock of bicycles and accessories, through auctions over the coming weeks.
Raj Mittal, joint administrator at Moore Large & Co. Limited, said: “Between inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, dampened consumer demand and supply chain issues, Moore Large & Co. faced significant and sustained challenges. No doubt, many other businesses in the sector will be feeling similar pressures.
“Despite the directors’ efforts to save the company, crucial investment couldn’t be secured. Unfortunately, the financial state of the business meant that it could not keep trading and we’re now moving towards an asset sale. Our specialist employment team is on hand to support all impacted staff as they make claims to the Redundancy Payments Service.”
Work begins on new leisure centre in Clay Cross
Work to build a new leisure centre at Sharley Park in Clay Cross has begun, as the £24m transformation into North East Derbyshire District Council’s new Clay Cross Active leisure hub gets underway.
The new low carbon, low energy leisure centre, Clay Cross Active, will be a community hub, supported by Sport England, combining Clay Cross Clinic and Citizens Advice with leisure facilities. These facilities include a large gym, swimming pools, TAG Active, café, studio space and other activities.
Works have started on site and the first major change is the cordoning off some of the car park to the rear of the facility to enable site cabins and demolition works to be undertaken.
Construction is due to last approximately 24 months and during most of this period Sharley Park Leisure Centre will remain partially open with visitors still being able to use its fitness suite and pools, however the squash courts and sports hall are now closed for the new build.
“We’re thrilled to start works on the ground of the new Clay Cross Active Leisure Centre,” said North East Derbyshire District Cabinet Member for Leisure, Cllr Alan Powell.
“This is just what Clay Cross needs, after lots of consultation with our residents who said the old centre needed updating we are proud that works are now starting on site, building a facility that is state of the art and will be enjoyed for many years to come, delivering excellent facilities for all to enjoy in a safe environment.”
Vice-Chair of Clay Cross Town Board, Charlotte Cupit, said: “We have worked extremely hard to deliver this amazing new facility for the residents of Clay Cross and the surrounding area and we’re delighted to see it start to come to fruition. As the shovel is now in the ground, delivery of the excellent ‘Clay Cross Active’ is getting closer.
“It will be a fantastic facility for all to enjoy and is just one of many exciting new projects coming to the town as part of the £24 million Clay Cross Town Deal.”
Work to start on site at Riverhead in Grimsby
Work is due to start on site at Riverhead in Grimsby next week (Monday 20 March) to create a new open space in the centre of town.
Since the hoardings went up, the main contractors have been secured, and the build programme finalised. Additionally, work has been going on behind the hoardings to remove old trees, clear out old pipework and cables, and prepare the site for the start of the works.
In the coming months, the existing square will be completely re-remodelled, funded as one of the projects included in the Town Deal, the money for which was secured in 2020 and is ringfenced for specific projects.
The scheme will see the existing area changed to incorporate a lot more green-space and planting, as well as providing new seating, lighting, security and a flexible event space with improved infrastructure to support future events and activities. There will also be space for outdoor café seating at the entrance to Freshney Place.
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “This scheme will create a much more pleasant area for our residents and businesses and encourage more people to use the town centre. It’s part of our wider town centre ambitions that will also see, subject to planning permission, the western end of Freshney Place remodelled to introduce more leisure activities to the area.
“It’s vital for our borough that we look at Grimsby Town Centre with a real determination to attract families and people of all ages, so we can bring vibrancy back and make it a place where people want to visit at all times of the day.”
The new designs, approved at the Council’s Cabinet meeting in November, were drawn up by Arup Landscape Design, and incorporated input from local people, including children and young people, from recent consultations and engagement, in terms of what they want to see in the area.
The works on Riverhead are being managed by Equans on behalf of the Council and will hopefully be complete by the end of the year.
