Work completes on 55,000 sq ft urban logistics development in Brackley
Developer Chancerygate has achieved practical completion on its 55,000 sq ft urban logistics scheme in Brackley, South Northants.
Called Boundary43, the development is situated at the Buckingham Road Industrial Estate off Boundary Road. The scheme comprises 14 Grade A units ranging from 2,100 to 19,200 sq ft available on both leasehold and freehold basis.
All properties at the development have achieved an EPC A rating and benefit from electric vehicle charging points.
In addition, the units are constructed from high-performance building materials and 15 per cent roof lights to reduce CO2 emissions and occupational energy costs.
Chancerygate development director, George Dickens, said: “There is already strong demand from businesses in Brackley and the surrounding region for high-quality, sustainable urban logistics accommodation on both a freehold and leasehold basis.
“The region has a shortage in supply of small to medium sized Grade A industrial and warehouse accommodation. Boundary43 will act as key development to meet this demand.
“The scheme’s strategic location in one of Brackley’s most prominent industrial estates means occupiers will be best placed to serve both the town and wider region.”
New head office for RH Commercial Vehicles
RH Commercial Vehicles have recently secured Birkbeck House on Phoenix Business Park in Nottingham as their new head office facility.
Founded in 1977, the company operates from facilities in Nottingham, Leicester, Peterborough, Northampton, Alfreton and Newark and due to their continued expansion, required further office space close to their main dealership on Blenheim Industrial Estate.
The 4,912 sq ft building was recently sold by FHP with its clients undertaking a high specification refurbishment providing two, open plan floorplates with top quality fixtures and fittings including heating / cooling provision, LED lighting, brand new welfare facilities and the benefit of a substantial on-site car parking facility.
Phoenix Business Park itself is located within easy reach of the A610 trunk road – providing access to both Nottingham and the M1, with a NET Tram Terminus and Park & Ride on site.
Thomas Szymkiw of FHP’s Office Agency Department said: “It was a pleasure to work with both Landlord and Tenant on this transaction with both parties working towards completing the deal quickly and efficiently, enabling occupation within tight timescales.
“As soon as I was aware of RH Commercial Vehicle’s requirement, I knew that the building would be suitable due to it providing the high quality offices that they were seeking – with the location additionally in perfect close proximity to their main dealership on Blenheim Industrial Estate and Nottingham/M1.
“We were just about to formally launch the marketing of the property – so it really was a case of good timing for both parties – and therefore it just goes to show if you considering your options, please do get in touch as we have opportunities both on and coming to the market that could be of interest.”
New acquisition for Corby-based Nene Capital
Law firm Howes Percival has acted for Corby-based private equity investor Nene Capital on its acquisition of Woodland Corporate Interiors.
The deal is the first acquisition of 2023 for Nene’s long hold portfolio, which Howes Percival have been advising the client on since its formation.
Based in Harlow, Essex, Woodland Corporate Interiors (WCI) is a long established and highly regarded, lead contractor undertaking specialist corporate interior work for large institutional landlords in Greater London and the Home Counties, from office refit and light industrial work to education and luxury homes.
The existing WCI management team will remain in place for the foreseeable future, as part of a structured handover, and it is Nene Capital’s aspiration to continue to support and grow the business from its robust foundation.
Howes Percival’s Miles Barnes said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to advise Nene Capital on this transaction. Having worked with the Nene Capital team on this portfolio since its inception it’s been great to see the growth they’ve achieved so far and we look forward to working with them again as they continue with their acquisition strategy.”
New hub to bring history to life following rapid transaction
A commercial deal completed by Chartered Surveyors and Property Consultancy Wells McFarlane in just 17 days has secured a new hub in Melton Mowbray for historical re-enactment company, UP AN’ AT ‘EM! HISTORY.
Specialists in providing history days, character portrayals and accurately dressed models for schools, museums, photoshoots, film and TV work, UP AN’ AT ‘EM! HISTORY has taken a 1,159 sq ft unit on the town’s popular Rotherhill Business Park. After experiencing significant expansion in the last 12 months, UP AN’ AT ‘EM! HISTORY’S owner and director, Jed Jaggard urgently needed a centralised base.
“Covid gave us a unique opportunity to step back and reassess goals, and our planning in that time resulted in a year of rapid expansion,” explains Jed. “What this meant, however, was that we were operating from three containers, a workshop and space at home, which was not ideal so we either had the choice to standstill or take the next step and secure a dedicated premises.
“Melton is my home town, and many of our clients are local so it made sense to start the search there. When we realised there was a unit at Rotherhill Business Park, it was the obvious choice. Well connected, it has excellent transport links, plus is fully managed and secure. We contacted Wells McFarlane to arrange a viewing and they responded superbly to the urgency of our situation, ably helping us complete the letting in just 17 days, which was an incredible achievement.”
UP AN’ AT ‘EM! HISTORY will now use Rotherhill Business Park as its main operating base, encompassing office space, a You Tube studio, training area, plus storage for props, costumes and equipment including an 1840’s horse drawn fire engine and a 1930’s auxiliary fire service trailer pump.
Jed continues: “The new premises has allowed us to implement proper operational/delivery procedures while also providing adequate space to train casual and seasonal workers as required. I can focus more on client account management and business development, so it’s put us in a healthy position to achieve our five-year growth plan.”
Wells McFarlane’s director, Jason Hercock negotiated the deal, commenting: “The speed of this transaction was really remarkable and demonstrates what can be achieved when all parties are highly motivated and work seamlessly together. The legal team on this deal, led by Abe Mee of Bird Duckworth Mee Solicitors was also exceptional, acting swiftly throughout to enable such a positive outcome. We look forward to seeing UP AN’ AT ‘EM! HISTORY’s continued success and growth.”
Green light for housebuilder’s Darley Dale plans
Planning consultants Planning & Design Practice has secured permission for a new development by Chevin Homes.
On behalf of the housebuilder, the firm achieved the green light from Derbyshire Dales District Council’s planning committee for the 18-home development on land off Normanhurst Park, in Darley Dale.
According to Planning & Design, the sensitive scheme makes efficient use of land in terms of maximising the number and size of units deliverable on site, while minimising the potential impacts on the countryside and the occupants of neighbouring properties.
Chevin Homes is an award-winning Derby housebuilder, which has delivered homes across Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands.
In a statement, Planning & Design Practice said: “We work with developers of all sizes, from small companies working on one property at a time to large housebuilders and commercial organisations where multi-million pound schemes are the norm.
“We are well versed in researching and understanding local council’s policies and housing positions to ensure the best possible case is put forward for our clients.”
Lancaster Park welcomes security and fire experts
Rushton Hickman have completed the letting of a 2,409 sq ft warehouse unit to SAFE Security and Fire Experts Ltd at the Lancaster Park development in Needwood, Burton on Trent.
The modern unit is fitted to a high specification throughout and was extremely popular. It is situated in a prestigious business park within the rural setting of Needwood within close proximity of St George’s Park.
Agency surveyor Taylor Millington, who concluded the deal, said: “The letting to SAFE was a very great deal for our client as it brought a well-established business to the area.
“SAFE’s head office is based in Manchester with further offices in Kent, Salisbury and Derby.
“It’s great to see them expand their professional services into Burton on Trent. The team at Rushton Hickman wish them well in their new premises.”
Free Growth Hub conference will help businesses navigate ‘choppy waters’
Support for local businesses will be the focus of a one-day conference to be hosted by LLEP Board Members Glynis Wright MBE and Sonia Baigent next month.
The duo – both Directors at the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) Board – will lead a day-long focus on navigating the ‘cost of doing business’ crisis.
The event is aimed at small and medium-sized businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire looking for practical tools, tips, and information as we head into the new financial year.
Delegates will be able to build networks and gain business support advice at the event, being staged in Leicester by the Business Gateway Growth Hub.
And the hosts are keen to ensure it covers a number of topics, including coping with rising energy costs, recruitment and leadership challenges.
Glynis, who built and sold her own successful business, said: “Rarely has there been a time when businesses have been navigating such choppy waters.
“We’ve had the Pandemic, there’s the ongoing war in Ukraine, Brexit, an energy price crisis, the escalation of inflation – there is so much to contend with.
“Sonia and I, along with the Growth Hub team, want to bring together people who can offer nuggets of knowledge which help businesses continue to grow and develop strategies to get through these tough times.”
The purpose of the conference is to signpost business owners to available support, whilst also providing them with useful tools and tips to help them manage the current situation.
Glynis added: “We have a wide range of speakers, all of whom I am looking forward to hearing. These are people I want to hear from and will learn from.
“We know that, for a small business, a day is a lot of time to set aside – that’s why we will ensure that it is a valuable event.
“Sonia and I want everyone to leave with two or three really helpful insights into how to navigate these uncertain times.
“Hopefully coming together will motivate business owners and help them see they are not alone and the challenges they face are also faced by others.”
Businesses can register now to attend the free one-day conference, which takes place at the Morningside Arena from 8am to 3.30pm on Tuesday 18 April.
Gulliver’s Kingdom agrees delicious deal with Matlock ice cream maker
A sweet partnership between Gulliver’s Kingdom and a neighbouring dairy farm will see legendary local ice cream served to guests at the theme park resort.
Gulliver’s Kingdom, in Matlock Bath, has reached an agreement to sell Matlock Meadows ice cream at its hotel restaurant.
Matlock Meadows is based on the working dairy farm Masson Farm – a stone’s throw from Gulliver’s Kingdom – which has been in the Dakin family since the 1930’s.
After being inspired on a trip to Lake Garda, Italy, 12 years ago, the family began producing their famously-delicious artisan Italian-style gelato.
Following a “cow to cone” philosophy, Matlock Meadows’ ice cream is made onsite with the finest ingredients, including quality “farm assured” milk from their own dairy herd.
The farm supplies ice cream to restaurants, cafés and tourist attractions across Derbyshire and South Yorkshire. It has an ice cream parlour and coffee shop open Fridays 11am to 4.30pm (during termtime) for an end of week treat.
The partnership came about after Hannah Marsden, resort manager at Gulliver’s Kingdom, reconnected with Josh Dakin, who runs Matlock Meadows with his parents and brother. Hannah and Josh both grew up in Matlock and attended All Saints Primary School and Highfields (secondary) School.
Hannah, 34, who started as a ride operator with Gulliver’s in 2009 and has worked her way up to resort manager, said: “I visited the farm to have a chat with Josh and he gave me a full tour along with some samples to take away. I was hooked. It really is the best ice cream in town!
“It’s extremely important for local businesses to support one another and ice cream and theme parks fit perfectly together, particularly as we are both family businesses founded in this area. We’re thrilled to have Matlock Meadows ice cream at Gulliver’s Kingdom and we’re sure our guests will be too.”
Josh, 32, said: “I’m really proud to supply local places and Gulliver’s Kingdom is right on our doorstep. From where the cows graze at the top of our hill, Gulliver’s Kingdom is literally over the other side. The ice cream guests will be eating is made less than a mile away.
“It’s fantastic for me to have Matlock Meadows ice cream at Gulliver’s Kingdom and great for them to offer guests a truly local product.
“The main reason for making ice cream was to make some money out of milk and keep the farm going. We’ve had some really hard times but it’s at the point now where the ice cream is paying the wages on the farm and some of the bills and every year we’re expanding. My little lad’s eight and he’s already decided he’s going to make ice cream!”
OMS: celebrations for 25 years of being in business
OMS recently celebrated their silver jubilee in style with a luncheon hosted by founder and MD Clive Ormerod. Invited to the lunch were guests from the past and present, people who’ve had a positive impact on the success of OMS, family members and of course the OMS team.
25 years ago, OMS started life as a consultancy business where Clive offered the skills he had acquired in the engineering and construction sectors to businesses who needed to access his level of expertise.
Now a quarter of a century later OMS had a phenomenal birthday party allowing Clive to say ‘thank you’ to the team, clients, suppliers, and strategic partners in the room. During his speech Clive highlighted: “Going back to February 1998 it was all about me, over the years things have changed and it’s not about me anymore because we’ve built up a fantastic team. On behalf of OMS I would like to thank everyone who came along to celebrate with us.”
During their lunch celebration, people from strategic partnerships, valued suppliers, their very first OMS client and many customers attended. Here’s what some of them had to say about celebrating with OMS.
“Having trusted partners to deliver the NEBOSH training courses is paramount, OMS have long been one such partner. The team at OMS have always focused on putting the customer first and this is proven with 25 successful years in business. Happy birthday OMS,” said Ian Cooke Head of Corporate & Consumer Services – NEBOSH.
Managing Director of TMS Consultancy & Non-Executive Director – Xrail Group, John Jenkins says: “From little acorns – Clive and I first met in London Underground around 1995 and we forged a good friendship that lasts today. Together we implemented a competency-based ISO 9001 quality system for a team of engineers undertaking very complex safety critical work. It was the first of its type in London Underground and we achieved certification upon first assessment.
“The MD of Lloyds Register at the time personally congratulated us at the time and asked if we could discuss the detail with him as he wanted to implement something similar for Lloyds. A great start. I am very pleased that Clive has very successfully grown OMS from a one-person focus, through a family concern and into the internationally recognised and award-winning company it is today. This is all down to Clive and Allison’s drive, focus and life balance (something we all forget when success beckons).”
Carol Baker of ECA, Excellence in Electrotechnical and Engineering Services, says: “We send our Midlands based members to OMS for training and there is always positive feedback from every attendee for every course they go on. It was wonderful to celebrate 25 years of the business today and I enjoyed our lunch!”
“OMS have been our preferred Health and Safety consultants and HR advisor for over 15 years and continue to support our employees with advice and training. We are especially grateful for the support and innovation during the pandemic, to ensure that the MMS business could continue to work safely, whilst supporting our employees at work throughout lockdown. This support has been fundamental to the overall success of MMS since 2005 and I would have no hesitation in recommending their services,” said Andrew Pitchford, Managing Director of Midland Management Services Ltd.
Definitely a way to celebrate 25 years in business as everyone looks forward to the next 25 years and the impact that has on the ways of delivering training to businesses across the Midlands and further afield.
New energy park proposed for Lincolnshire
A new renewable energy park, which could provide power to more than 190,000 homes is being planned for North Kesteven.
The proposed Beacon Fen Energy Park will be made up of solar and energy storage and is proposed for land east of Sleaford, between the villages of Heckington and Helpringham.
Renewable Energy Company Low Carbon said, if given permission, Beacon Fen Energy Park would generate an estimated 600MW of electricity a year while also avoiding 120,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions annually.
James Hartley-Bond, director at Low Carbon, said: “We are looking forward to speaking directly with local communities about our plans to hear their views first-hand.
“We are currently planning an early engagement consultation so we can ensure residents’ feedback links into the proposals, before holding a statutory consultation which is planned for later this year.
“The UK Government has made clear its plans for the country to reach Net Zero by 2050. Its aim is to increase the nation’s solar capacity fivefold by 2035. If given permission, Beacon Fen Energy Park will be a significant step forward towards reaching this vital goal and securing sustainable energy for the country.”
The project includes building the infrastructure needed to export the electricity the energy park would generate onto the national grid. It is planned this would be via an existing connection point at nearby Bicker Fen.
Mr Hartley-Bond said: “For more than a decade, Low Carbon has been at the centre of the UK’s journey to Net Zero. Through working with local communities, we deliver renewables projects which bring about real change to ensure a cleaner and greener energy industry for all.
“The amount of electricity Beacon Fen Energy Park could generate exceeds 50MW and is therefore classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). This requires us to submit an application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to the Planning Inspectorate.
“We anticipate the development process for the project through to DCO submission and then examination will take between two and three years. Subject to achieving consent, construction would start no earlier than 2026.”
He added: “We look forward to speaking to residents within the coming weeks and introducing them to our proposals.”
