Spire Recruitment expands into new Clowne offices
A Chesterfield recruitment company has marked further growth with a move to offices at Van Dyk Hotel in Clowne.
Spire Recruitment provides a tailored, personal service to both SMEs and large businesses in and around Chesterfield and Derbyshire in a variety of different industries.
The move to the new offices will enable the company to provide client and candidate meetings in a fantastic environment with beautiful surroundings.
The new office is off-grid, which will also make the company more sustainable, and provides good outdoor space which will enhance the wellbeing of staff and clients.
Lee Ashley, director at Spire Recruitment, said: “Being based in North Derbyshire is really useful to us being a recruitment company, we do quite a bit of travelling and one of the reasons we moved to our chosen location was the amazing transport links.
“We are right next to the M1 motorway and we also have good links to Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire from our base, this will enable us to gain more clients and be able to push our coverage further. We also have several industrial estates within minutes of the office, so this again gives us nice options to expand our client base further.”
Lee was also excited about the future growth of Spire Recruitment following the company’s relocation.
He added: “Once we have settled into life in our new office, we will then kick on and be looking to expand the team. We will be looking at options as to whether we go down the apprenticeship route, or if the company is in a position to need a recruitment agent who is experienced and can hit the ground running.”
£7m for local transport, housing, and skills programmes in the East Midlands approved by Government
Just under £7 million in funding for local improvements in the East Midlands has been approved by the Government.
The funding which has been given the green light is part of an early investment offered to our area as part of devolution negotiations. It is not dependent on devolution proposals going ahead.
It is part of £18 million on offer from the Government to the region for investment in different projects supporting local priorities, which relate to housing, the environment, infrastructure, skills, and transport in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham.
The programmes which are being funded are:
- £750,000 for a new cycling and walking route in Derbyshire, a 1¼ mile link connecting Markham Vale to the existing cycle route in Staveley.
- £1.5 million for the new roundabout on the A6 at Fairfield in Buxton, Derbyshire, allowing access to housing development land. The roundabout provides access to sites for 461 new homes, including 30% classified as affordable. It also brings work to an area of social deprivation. This work has been completed, with the funding which has just been approved going towards the cost.
- £1.5 million for a new growth through green skills. The investment will enable the creation of a new £5.4 million flagship skills centre and low carbon demonstrator in our region, to be operated by West Nottinghamshire College, as well as two electric minibuses for getting students to and from the site, to support the growth of a future low carbon economy as we work towards net zero.
- £2 million for a new long-term private rental scheme to address homelessness in Nottingham City and Derby City and reduce the use of bed and breakfast accommodation for housing.
- £1.22 million for more affordable housing in Derby City, where there is currently a shortage, to provide 15 extra social houses to be let at an affordable rent. It will mean less reliance on temporary bed and breakfast placements and shorter waiting times for longer-term accommodation.
Rushton Hickman expands team
Commercial property agent Taylor Millington has joined Rushton Hickman in Burton as the company’s new agency surveyor and will play an important role in the company’s plans to further expand its team and geographical reach.
Taylor graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2018 and has extensive experience in the commercial property market including at PPH Commercial and Derbyshire County Council.
He will focus on expanding the agency side of the business including sales, lettings, acquisitions and disposals and will take a lead on the company’s growing client portfolio across the region.
Taylor Millington said: “Being born and raised in Burton I was keen to join Rushton Hickman who have a superb reputation in the commercial property sector both locally and regionally. The company is the perfect fit for my knowledge and expertise and I look forward to working with the team to further grow the business.”
Director Graham Bancroft added: “We are delighted to have added Taylor to the team and this further strengthens our agency operations at a crucial time in the local and regional commercial property market.
“Taylor’s friendly, proactive and client first way of working fits in perfectly with the way the team operates and I am confident that with his knowledge and expertise we now have an even stronger team in place to provide the full range of property services to our clients.
“The start of the new year has seen a further increase in demand for all types of commercial property in the region and so Taylor has joined us at a very exciting time.”
Loughborough University spinout closes seed investment round to take nanotech solution to the drinks industry
Loughborough University spinout Figura Analytics has successfully closed a seed funding round, led by a syndicate of angel investors, to bring its nanopore technology to the drinks market this year.
Taking equity in the high potential start up, in return for cash and know-how, the high-net-worth ‘angel’ individuals join SFC Capital in backing Figura to enable drinks manufacturers to rapidly and accurately detect abnormalities and contaminants through the production process, saving them time and money.
Founded in 2021 by Chemistry researchers Dr Mark Platt and PhD graduate Dr Rhush Maughi, Figura has been on a fast track since launching in LUinc., the University’s incubator on its science and enterprise park, LUSEP.
Following a highly successful first year building prototypes, testing and validating them in industry, Figura has just launched its new testing service for drinks manufacturers. This year will see the first commercial customers take delivery of this innovative hardware and software solution.
Jason Druker, investment manager at SFC, said: “We have been delighted with the progress that Figura has made since our initial investment in 2021. This follow-on investment will see the commercial launch of their technology to the drinks market, as well as the continued R&D that is required to ensure a successful long-term business.”
Nick Whitehurst, Figura CEO, said: “We are delighted to have received the backing of our existing and new investors as we bring our new analytical technology platform to market in 2023. The team have worked tirelessly over the last 12 months to validate and pilot our solution in industry and this investment is testament to their hard work and dedication.”
Professor Dan Parsons, pro vice chancellor, research and innovation at Loughborough, said: “Congratulations to the team and Figura on securing this investment for the commercial roll out of their innovations. The team continues to grow on its LUSEP base, creating a suite of new high quality skilled jobs in the region. This is great news for Figura, the University, the local economy, the drinks manufacturing sector and UK innovation more broadly. I share their excitement for the future.”
Motorpoint ready to “emerge from depressed consumer market a more efficient business”
Motorpoint Group, the vehicle retailer, is remaining confident that it will “emerge from the current depressed consumer market a more efficient business,” as it reveals a new trading update for the nine months ended 31 December 2022.
Revenue was up 17% in the period to £1.06bn, though gross profit per unit sat below expectations due to higher financing costs and the falling value of electric vehicles.
The Derby-based company believes this will continue to impact sales and profitability for the foreseeable future, but expects to remain profitable for the full year.
Meanwhile the firm says it has “continued to make strong progress on its targeted strategic investments in FY23 in order to meet the medium-term growth objectives outlined in June 2021 – over £1 billion in e-commerce sales and over £2 billion in total sales – and to better position the company for the long-term with a lower cost base, a stronger brand, and improved customer experiences.”
In its latest financial year so far, Motorpoint has invested an incremental c.£5m compared to the equivalent FY22 period to grow market share, investing in its growing digital and technology capability, and roll out of more stores in new catchment areas.
Mark Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer of Motorpoint, said: “Motorpoint will emerge from the current depressed consumer market a more efficient business, having made progress on multiple key strategic initiatives. Over the long term we will make further investments in technology, digital development and national marketing, which will be offset to a degree by efficiencies across the business.
“In a period when some of the group’s competitors are retreating or lacking financial capability and when current macro headwinds are forecast to continue, the Board believes that there is significant opportunity to continue making targeted strategic investment to grow market share and become a highly profitable market leader.”
Rolls-Royce’s new CEO says company will not survive without transforming
Rolls-Royce’s new CEO has given an unsparing critique of the engineering company, saying it will not survive without transforming how it operates.
Tufan Erginbilgic, who took up the CEO role in January, told employees in a global address broadcast, parts of which were shared with the Financial Times, that the firm is underperforming all its key competitors, and that investors are losing patience.
From Rolls-Royce’s Derby manufacturing site, Erginbilgic said the business was a “burning platform” with an unsustainable performance. He further noted that this is a long-standing problem, not the fault of COVID.
Erginbilgic launched a “transformation programme” with the broadcast, with a focus on “efficiency and optimism.”
Tufan, who has a background in engineering, has built his career in international business including over 20 years with BP, with five years as part of its executive team. In his last role before leaving in 2020, he led BP’s downstream business, which included Refining, Petrochemicals, Service Station Network, Lubricants, Midstream operations and the Air BP jet fuel operation.
During Tufan’s tenure, the business achieved record profitability and delivered record-setting safety performance.
Rolls-Royce recently cut thousands of jobs as part of a cost cutting programme.
2023 Business Predictions: Rob Tice, Managing Director of BMcPrecept
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
The biggest challenge for employers in 2023 will be retaining and motivating their older members of staff, says the boss of a HR & Employment Law firm.
Rob Tice, director of growing Derby business BMcPrecept, sees continued challenges for businesses across the UK in the new year and is urging bosses to think of innovative ways to incentivise their staff.
Findings from the recent Resourcing and Talent Planning Report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that recruiting for senior and skilled roles was most challenging with 58% of companies struggling in this area.
Sixty per cent of companies also reported that talent was more difficult to retain compared with 12 months ago.
Rob said: “Retention of staff is a massive issue for many businesses. Pay is, of course, a huge factor in keeping employees happy but flexible working and other factors are becoming increasingly important.
“It is also important to bring in the right staff. Currently, we are seeing a lot of people in roles that they may not necessarily be suitable for because the Company has struggled to find the right candidate and that has a knock-on effect for management, owners and clients.
“That is where honest conversations need to be had. These conversations haven’t been held because people try to avoid them; they’re afraid of the consequences on livelihood, especially with the rising cost of living.
“But it’s vital for everyone that employers are honest and open.”
Rob also believes that, in 2023, we will see an increase in apprenticeships and a push on workers over the age of 50 being re-employed.
In November, the Government unveiled a network of dedicated 50PLUS: champions now in place across England, Scotland and Wales. It builds on £22m funding boost secured to support older workers.
“Brexit hasn’t helped the jobs market but the huge drop-out of people aged over 50 in the labour market is something that is being addressed,” said Rob. “These people are seen as a huge asset to our country with their skills and experience.
“We are also seeing quality apprenticeships come back in fashion, with more and more companies seeing the value of employing apprentices at all levels including degree-level apprentices.”
2023 Business Predictions: Kevin Hard, MD at Stagfield Group
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Kevin Hard, Managing Director at land promotion and property developers, Stagfield Group.
It is no surprise that the cost of living crisis has caused a high degree of market uncertainty within the housing sector. Despite the current economic challenges, now is a great time for housebuilders and land promoters to look ahead and keep pushing forward with sustainability and low energy homes.
Now more than ever, buyer demands and environmental concerns are influencing how we create housing developments that serve the local community. Here at Stagfield we are already predicting a greater focus on sustainability. With climate change and energy prices ever increasing, our focus is very much on providing innovative low energy homes, which helps combat the cost of living and creates desirable communities that people want to live in.
With the need for housing, biodiversity and improvements to infrastructure also a strong focal point, we’re also expecting to see a greater interest in landowners who own brownfield or greenfield land, looking to realise the value of their land and bring forward development opportunities.
New six storey office development opens in Chesterfield
A brand new six storey office development has opened in Chesterfield – a major step forward for the Chesterfield Waterside regeneration scheme.
One Waterside Place was officially opened on Thursday 26 January by Chesterfield Borough Council. The building, which has become a striking new feature of the local skyline, features six floors of ‘Grade A’ office space with a ground floor retail unit and has already drawn in new investment to the town.
BHP moved into the building in November 2022 and were closely followed by leading woman’s leisurewear company Varley in January 2023.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The opening of this new development is a key milestone for the £340 million Chesterfield Waterside regeneration project. One Waterside Place represents our ambition to build a thriving borough and create new opportunities for our residents.
“Our first tenants have already moved in and I look forward to welcoming more businesses to the building over the next year.”
BHP partner Dominic Staniforth said: “The new office is an excellent space that provides first-class facilities for our team, with an array of restaurants, cafés and shops close by. I know I can speak on behalf of my Chesterfield colleagues when I say that we’re proud to be the first tenants in such a prestigious building and we look forward to being in our new home for many years to come.”
One Waterside Place provides bespoke office accommodation for established businesses – offering a modern base for ambitious companies looking to grow and thrive in a central and well-connected location.
The 35,000 sq ft building delivers Grade A, large floorplate office accommodation, which does not exist elsewhere in Chesterfield. The building incorporates two passenger lifts, raised access flooring, air conditioning, LED lighting, a high-quality entrance foyer, showers, on-site cycle parking facilities as well as attractive public realm and landscaping.
The building has been designed with sustainability in mind, boasting a BREEAM score of Very Good and an EPC A rating for its energy performance. The ground floor has been designed to create a new retail or leisure space close to the train station.
Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group Plc, which project managed the delivery of the office and is delivering the Chesterfield Waterside scheme, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver this landmark building.
“Britcon began construction of One Waterside Place amidst the pandemic which brought many challenges in terms of staffing, health and safety and supply of materials. However, they have delivered an exceptional building which they have also used as a learning experience for local students during the build, following an initiative from the council.”
One Waterside Place sits within the £75 million first phase of the Basin Square neighbourhood of the £340 million Chesterfield Waterside regeneration scheme. Once complete, the Basin Square neighbourhood will also comprise 320 Built-to-Rent apartments, a 400-space multi-storey car park, a 140-bed hotel, retail and leisure units.
This area will be landscaped to a high quality standard with the canal basin being at the heart of the scheme, creating a great environment to spend time in on the edge of the town centre alongside a central community hub for occupiers and residents of the Chesterfield Waterside scheme.
The canal basin site has been brought forward with support from the South Yorkshire Combined Authority Infrastructure Fund. One Waterside Place was funded by Chesterfield Borough Council.
One Waterside Place provides bespoke office accommodation for established businesses – offering a modern base for ambitious companies looking to grow and thrive in a central and well-connected location.
The 35,000 sq ft building delivers Grade A, large floorplate office accommodation, which does not exist elsewhere in Chesterfield. The building incorporates two passenger lifts, raised access flooring, air conditioning, LED lighting, a high-quality entrance foyer, showers, on-site cycle parking facilities as well as attractive public realm and landscaping.
The building has been designed with sustainability in mind, boasting a BREEAM score of Very Good and an EPC A rating for its energy performance. The ground floor has been designed to create a new retail or leisure space close to the train station.
Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group Plc, which project managed the delivery of the office and is delivering the Chesterfield Waterside scheme, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver this landmark building.
“Britcon began construction of One Waterside Place amidst the pandemic which brought many challenges in terms of staffing, health and safety and supply of materials. However, they have delivered an exceptional building which they have also used as a learning experience for local students during the build, following an initiative from the council.”
One Waterside Place sits within the £75 million first phase of the Basin Square neighbourhood of the £340 million Chesterfield Waterside regeneration scheme. Once complete, the Basin Square neighbourhood will also comprise 320 Built-to-Rent apartments, a 400-space multi-storey car park, a 140-bed hotel, retail and leisure units.
This area will be landscaped to a high quality standard with the canal basin being at the heart of the scheme, creating a great environment to spend time in on the edge of the town centre alongside a central community hub for occupiers and residents of the Chesterfield Waterside scheme.
The canal basin site has been brought forward with support from the South Yorkshire Combined Authority Infrastructure Fund. One Waterside Place was funded by Chesterfield Borough Council.
Knight Frank and FHP Property Consultants are letting agents for the office space at Chesterfield Waterside.
Hinckley business forges partnership with global tech leader
Hinckley business Savage Lighting, a specialist in the design and manufacture of custom high-end lighting solutions for luxury yachts across the world, has been appointed an integration partner by global automation provider, Crestron Electronics.
The unique partnership represents a first for Crestron, as the international business is now working with Savage Lighting as its first LED lighting partner.
Described by Crestron as ‘one of the most prestigious marine lighting firms in the world’, the partnership will see Savage Lighting creating and manufacturing custom lighting solutions for superyachts, as the company’s Managing Director Julie Clark, explains:
“The integration partnership with Crestron will involve Savage Lighting creating highly customisable, easy to install and maintain lighting control solutions for superyachts, and brings together the power of the Crestron Home OS tunable lighting solutions and their DMX-C LED lighting driver to the Savage Marine line of fixtures.
“Crestron products are at the forefront of technology, are user-friendly, and beautifully designed, so the partnership fits perfectly in our portfolio of high-end lighting solutions. For Savage Lighting to be appointed an Integration Partner by one of the world’s leaders in technological innovation is hugely significant for the business.
“All the lighting solutions and products created under the Crestron partnership, will be designed, engineered and manufactured at our Leicestershire facility,” she adds. “Our in-house machining facilities and highly skilled teams of precision engineers and dedicated electrical engineers will handle the design and manufacture, alongside Crestron and their dedicated project management team.”
Dan Kerkhof, director of Crestron Marine, explains: “Together, Crestron and Savage Lighting offer a complete lighting and window treatment solution for superyachts in a way that is unique to this market. With just two suppliers, you have an end-to-end solution with all the features and customisation options you could need.
“One of the many benefits of the partnership is the simplification of the hardware that’s needed to run marine lighting, and resulting possibilities are nearly limitless.”
