Robinson invests in two senior sales team members
Specialist packaging manufacturer Robinson has invested in its sales team with two new senior appointments in the UK.
Angela Doyle joins Robinson from Berry Plastics and previously Constantia Group where she worked in the flexibles sector in both the UK and Ireland in commercial sales, primarily in the food and beverage sector. Looking forward to her role as a New Business Development Manager at Robinson, Angela highlighted: “I have a strong technical and commercial skill set, working closely with customers and production on development, problem solving and meeting deadlines. I have always enjoyed being part of a team, leading innovation and out of the box thinking.”
“Robinsons has a really strong collaborative, welcoming culture and I am looking forward to playing my part in the team, creating new business opportunities and building on the strong company foundations”.
Also joining the team as Business Development Manager is Nick Hudson. His background is in UK manufacture and outsourcing of premium packaging across many substrates.
Nick commented: “I am really looking forward to creating awareness of the company’s commitment to sustainable, innovative rigid box packaging and its high standards of quality and service leading to Robinsons being the first choice for customers”.
Nottingham’s planners get access to 3D city map technology
Nottingham has been successful in securing a £375,000 Government grant to modernise the planning application process through the use of 3D technology.
The money, which has come from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, will be spent on enhancing a cutting-edge system to map the city in three dimensions.
The project is part of a national £3.2m scheme through the PropTech Innovation Fund involving 27 local planning authorities. Nottingham will work closely with Bradford Council on this particular pilot.
It will improve the planning process as applicants, planning officers, councillors and the public will be able to view accurate, real-life images of how a proposed development will look within the existing built environment. The main aims are:
- To make it easier for people to engage in the planning process;
- Increase the transparency of decision-making;
- Speed up the time taken from application to formal decision.
Lauren joins CMP Legal as Employment Director
Chesterfield-based CMP Legal has appointed Lauren Pickard as its new Employment Director. Lauren is a specialist Employment Law Solicitor and joins CMP Legal from national law firm Knights plc where she worked as a Senior Associate, previously based in Sheffield. She has a wealth of knowledge and employment law experience from managing performance, disciplinary and grievance matters to redundancy and restructuring advice, delivering training, drafting contracts and more.
Lauren said: “CMP Legal has swiftly established itself as a niche practice offering high quality advice. The lawyers at CMP Legal have a wealth of experience and this, combined with their desire to do things in a dynamic and progressive way, works strongly to the benefit of clients.”
Neil Brown, Co-Founder at CMP Legal says: “Lauren has an excellent reputation in the region and will be a fantastic asset to both our business and our clients. We are delighted to welcome her into our expanding team as we continue to deliver exceptional service to our clients.”
Multi award winning Derbyshire Architects celebrates 25 years
Matthew Montague Architects are celebrating 25 years in business. Formed in 1998 by architect Matthew Montague the business has evolved and grown into one of the largest, independent architects’ practices in the region.
The name Montague has long been synonymous with the built environment in Derby and across the Midlands. Derek Montague, Matthew’s father founded Montague Architects in 1969. Matthew worked at his fathers practice for 10 years before starting Matthew Montague Architects (MMA).
Over the past quarter of a century the practice has won over 20 awards for its designs including RIBA regional awards for housing, numerous civic and conservation awards and East Midlands Architects Practice of the Year 2019.
Back in 1998; working from his home office Matthew commenced his first solo commercial project; the refurbishment and extension of Lonsdale House for travel agents, Lonsdale Travel. The project comprised extension and refurbishment, it was at this time that the original mill building was almost doubled in size and the rotunda constructed. In 1998 the building had already been extended, an annexe was built in 1995, designed by Matthew whilst he was working at his father’s practice. The project took a year to complete and was awarded the George Larkin award in the same year for ‘Recognition of a significant improvement to the City of Derby’s Environment.’
Matthew commented, ‘I remember the time vividly, the A6 is one of the main arteries into the city and I wanted to create a visual gateway and Lonsdale Travel wanted a statement building. It was a £450,000 contract which was a healthy budget back then, I remember receiving my first cheque several months into the project, I’ll never forget it and to receive an award was the icing on the cake. Matthew Montague Architects, was off and running!’
In 2002 the practice moved to offices on Friar Gate as it continued to grow, projects in the 2000’s included St Benedicts School, the school Mathew attended, Derby Theatre, Denby Pottery, Derby County Football Clubs World Cup bid, the Clough Taylor Memorial, East Midlands Airport and G F Tomlinson builders HQ in Little Eaton.
In 2011 the practice merged with AFS Architects, the first job for Repton School also commenced in this year. The association with Repton School spans more than a decade, the practice has worked on many projects for the school including The Quad building, IT Block, the Theatre, Headmasters House and new sports facilities.
Matthew said ‘we have been working with Repton School for over a decade; the dining room at Repton Preparatory School (Foremarke as it was) is one of the buildings that I am most proud of. It was designed by my colleague Daniel Evans and is a fantastic example of the synergy between old and new; it is a modern, practical building set perfectly in a historic setting. We are currently working on several other projects for the school as part of their 5-year improvement plan, it is an association I am very proud of.’
The practice relocated to The Cheese Factory in 2013, a building Matthew purchased from the Buildings at Risk Register and painstakingly restored and converted.
2017 was a busy year for the Practice as it merged with Montague Architects once again strengthening the team and in a sense completing the circle which started back in 1969.
The practice emerged from COVID, staff returned to the office and the practice completed 100 domestic projects, in one year, the most it has ever done.
Recently the practice has worked extensively with The University of Derby on its vision of how the University intends to develop its city centre footprint and improve connectivity between its sites. The City Masterplan focuses on the development of the area around One Friar Gate Square, Ford Street, Bridge Street, Agard Street and Nuns Street, in Derby.
Matthew, said: “it has been a fantastic opportunity to be involved with the masterplan, it is ambitious, forward thinking and will help shape the future development of the University and the city, bringing new opportunities for students and businesses, it’s something we are proud to be involved with.”
Roll-Royce appoints new man to join the Board of its Small Modular Reactor business
Rolls-Royce SMR has appointed Neil Fleming, above, as a Director on its board representing Rolls-Royce PLC.
Neil took his place on the board of the Derby-based company, charged with creating Small Modular Reactor technology, to replace Ben Fidler, who resigned from the board after leaving Rolls-Royce.
Neil is the Rolls-Royce Group Mergers & Acquisitions Director, based in London. He leads a team based in the UK and Germany with oversight of all M&A activity (including acquisitions, divestments, and joint ventures) across the Group.
Neil joined Rolls-Royce in October last year with nearly two decades of global experience in M&A, strategy and partnerships across multiple sectors including energy, infrastructure, and industrial technology. Neil has previously served on the board of directors for several companies in the UK and Europe.
Rolls-Royce SMR Chairman Paul Stein said: “I’d like to thank Ben for all his hard work, support and commitment and I wish him the very best of luck as he pursues new opportunities.
“We’re glad to have Neil representing Rolls-Royce on our board; his knowledge and experience will be a vital asset at such an exciting time.”
Neil added: “Rolls-Royce SMR has real potential and is central to the delivery of several of Rolls-Royce’s key objectives including net zero, supply security, UK economic contribution and exports. I’m delighted to be involved and look forward to helping move forward at pace.”
Rolls-Royce signs MoU with Ukraine to pave the way for post-war rebuild
Rolls-Royce SMR has signed an agreement with Energoatom – Ukraine’s national nuclear energy generating company – paving the way for the two companies to work together at the possibilities of deploying Rolls-Royce SMRs in the Ukraine when the country begins its re-build.
In the document Rolls-Royce SMR makes a commitment to support the rebuild of Ukraine with its factory-built Small Modular Reactor power station – each capable of generating enough carbon-free electricity to power a million homes for more than 60 years.
The Rolls-Royce SMR CEO Tom Samson said: “The UK Government has led global efforts to support Ukraine and its people, it is an honour to support these efforts. We first began discussions with a Ukrainian utility company before the Russian invasion, after they saw how their country could benefit from a fleet of SMRs.
“Through Britain’s sovereign nuclear technology, we can potentially help the people of the Ukraine rebuild rapidly and restore their energy security and their independence.”
Petro Kotin, President of Energoatom, said Ukraine was continuing its course towards energy independence, which was impossible to imagine without advanced nuclear technology. He said: “The cooperation between Energoatom and Rolls-Royce SMR has reached a new level. Today we signed an agreement that will allow Ukraine not only to start an efficient post-war recovery of the energy infrastructure, but also to become one of the first countries in the world to attract promising technologies of small modular reactors for this purpose.”
Chance to dream becomes reality – N’hants community garden celebrates lottery funding
A Northamptonshire business centred around a community garden concept that “grows people” is celebrating after receiving a National Lottery award from the National Lottery Community Fund.
“Sol Haven”, run by Sammuel Yisrael and Natasha Caton in Moulton, hosts wellbeing projects, particularly for people who have experienced hardship and has delivered wellbeing events to over 500 people, including many vulnerable and homeless individuals.
Last year, after receiving commendation as “Points of Light” in parliament and a letter from the prime minister for their tireless work and impact, they also began to roll out these “Ploughing The Mind” workshops and projects to SMEs.
This sees employers and employers spending time at the garden with the Sol Haven team and their specialist consultants to work on wellbeing within the workplace.
Now, with the latest funding, Sol Haven will be able to treble the size and scale of their work, which co-founder Sammuel Yisrael will make a significant impact to many more people.
‘It is wonderful news that we have received this incredible support from the National Lottery Community Fund,’ explains Sammuel.
‘The work we do has the power to create and sustain incredibly positive change in people, whether they are signposted to us from health professionals and counsellors or visiting us as part of a corporate wellbeing day. We’d be honoured to welcome enquiries from any businesses that are exploring their wellness strategies and delighted to create a bespoke experience for them.’
‘Of course, this positive change cannot be achieved without a high class team and matching resources, all of which takes time and money. The funding will not only make a big difference to us as a business but to many more people who can hopefully now come and visit us to explore our concept as a “community garden where people grow”.
Prior to the funding announcement, Sol Haven also boosted their Artists in Residence programme which is run in partnership with C2C Social Action and The Hope Centre.
Sarclad employees’ hike raises £2,000 for Turkish earthquake relief funds
More than two dozen employees from specialist metals industry supplier Sarclad have stepped up to the challenge of a 10-mile sponsored hike in the stunning surroundings of the Peak District’s Hope Valley.
Rotherham-based Sarclad has a strong network of customers and contacts in Turkey, and had a team on the ground in the country at the time the earthquake struck, project managed by Alan Breeze.
Alan, who came up with the idea of the sponsored hike, said: “I was very impressed with the Sarcald team who pulled together to support this emergency. We are really delighted to have raised over £2k for the relief campaign so far and would welcome further donations.’’
Former Register Office to be regenerated as home for counselling service
Beighton Construction is overseeing the 14-week refurbishment of the former Chesterfield register office on Beetwell Street for charity Derwent Rural Counselling Service.
The company will carry out roof works, an internal strip out, a new damp proofing system and new electrics.
Inside the refurbishment project will include plastering, internal walls, decoration and floors plus new toilets and a lift with a view to the building opening this summer, and an official launch event in September.
Beighton Construction director Andrew Holmes said: “The works have started externally with scaffold erection, followed by the installation of new perimeter gutters by the roofing team.
“Internally, once the strip out works have taken place, the basement will be prepared for a new damp proofing system and structural alterations will be made to various walls and the first floor in readiness for the new lift.
“New floor screeds and plaster repairs will be carried out through the building, including the construction of new partition walls. Mechanical and electrical works will also run alongside the building works for the duration of the project.”
Final plans for the three storey premises, set to open in summer 2023, include office space, treatment and consulting rooms, meeting rooms and relaxation space to help cope with an increased demand for DRCS services in the area plus tenanted options including rooms and floorspace.
Janette Smeeton, chief executive at DRCS, said: “I am pleased that we are now moving forward on this important scheme that will be the largest building housing talking therapies in the county, and know the people of Chesterfield and beyond will benefit from having high quality facilities in the heart of the town.
“Restoring and reintroducing the building to community use will give it a new purpose, and allow us to deliver a high-quality service to support our service users, and offer room rentals and services to other organisations in the town.”
Over the last 30 years, DRCS has become the largest third sector provider of counselling services in the region offering help to individuals, via self referral or via a GP, with common mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress and long term conditions through counselling, CBT, guided self-help, and other forms of talking therapy.
In the last eight years, DRCS has been in partnership with Derbyshire Healthcare Foundation Trust to improve access to psychological therapies throughout Derbyshire achieving above national recovery rates and shorter waiting times.
Pick Everard on the move to Sadler Bridge Studios
independent property, construction, and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard has moved its Derby operation to Sadler Bridge Studios, part of the Connect Derby portfolio of managed workspaces.
The company is making the move from Kenning Studios on Queen Street to Sadler Bridge Studios as 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.
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 has 35 units in a three-storey modern multi-occupancy office building. SBS also contains RASK, a Scandinavian-style café on the ground floor.
Partner David Nisbet said: “The location of our new home 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 has 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.”
Sadler Bridge Studios is one of seven buildings within the diverse Connect Derby portfolio alongside Friar Gate Studios, Kings Chambers, Shot Tower, Riverside Chambers and the iconic Marble Hall on Nightingale Road in Osmaston.
