Nottingham apartments scheme sold to specialist retirement living developer

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham apartments scheme sold to specialist retirement living developer

Commercial developer, Peveril Securities and senior living developer, Charterpoint have sold a site in Beeston, Nottingham, to specialist retirement living developer Churchill Retirement Living.

Earlier this year, the site received full planning permission for a development of 51 retirement living apartments from Broxtowe Borough Council.

Situated on a mixed-use site, on land previously occupied by the former Myford Works, the scheme off Chilwell Road will feature one and two-bed apartments, plus communal owners’ lounge and coffee bar, along with a guest suite and a lodge manager.

The apartments are part of a wider development on the site which also includes Myford Court, a new development of penthouses and apartments by Peveril Homes, a Central England Co-op store, which opened in May 2020, and a 66-bed care home to be operated by Tanglewood Care Services.

This scheme will mark the completion of the 4.5-acre brownfield regeneration site.

James Smith of Peveril Securities said: “Once complete, this superb scheme will create a modern community in a prime location just a few hundred metres from Beeston town centre. Residents will also have excellent transport links and access to an abundance of amenities, as the site is close to a tram stop.”

Charterpoint CEO Adrian Goose said: “We are delighted to have sold this site to Churchill Retirement Living who will now take it forward to create a high quality new independent and activity retirement development close to shops, transport links, leisure facilities and other amenities.

“This is the final part of a visionary place-making scheme that has breathed new life into the area, and we are very pleased to have created such an attractive and popular mixed-use scheme so close to Beeston town centre.”

Churchill’s Regional Managing Director Robert Monkman added: “We’re looking forward to starting work on this new development, which will create a vibrant new community in the heart of Beeston.

“Retirement housing is the most effective form of residential development for generating local economic growth, supporting local jobs, and increasing high street spend. Our new apartments will also help improve the health and wellbeing of those who live there, and meet the housing needs of many older people in Beeston and the surrounding area.

“We are actively looking for more new sites like this to bring much needed retirement housing to the wider Midlands region.”

DMU wins funding to help businesses turn ideas into reality

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DMU wins funding to help businesses turn ideas into reality
Academics will be working with a range of companies on a new series of short-term projects designed to get innovative ideas off the drawing board and into reality. De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has won funding for five projects as part of the Government’s new £3m Accelerated Knowledge Transfer to Innovate programme. It was launched earlier this year to deliver short, fast and targeted projects that can make significant impact for a business. DMU won funding for all five applications it made, led by the university’s knowledge exchange team of Dr Rhianna Briars and Darsh Chauhan, working with academics across the university. DMU was awarded more than £143,000. Each project has a maximum funding amount of £35,000 and runs between two and four months. Dr Briars said: “DMU is always looking to collaborate with local businesses and SMEs to match our areas of expertise with companies in a way that adds real value to the region’s economy. “We have been delighted with the response from businesses and our academics, and to have all five projects win funding is a great result.” The projects which have won funding are:
  • Designing new technology to support Deaf dancers and choreographers to create new work, with Serendipity Arts – Professor Tracy Harwood and Dr Dave Paggett
  • Designing new software for finance firm Spitfire Analytics to help save customers time and money – Dr Graeme Stuart
  • Helping predict the strength of 3D printed components using a machine learning model – Dr Reza Baserinia and Gamlen Tableting Ltd
  • Testing and creating more efficient furnaces that give a more predictable performance – Dr Abolfazi Zahedi and Dr Meisam Abdi, and Vacuum and Atmosphere Services
  • Creating a database and search system to promote films in all languages – Dr Hiu Man Chan and Trinity Filmed Entertainment
Professor Harwood has worked with Serendipity for many years, including supporting the company with a Knowledge Transfer Partnership, which helped it to develop its range of digital products. The company stages culturally diverse productions, champions Black artists and is a part of the region’s National Portfolio, funded by Arts Council England. She said: “The project we have developed is a fascinating opportunity to bring together creative technologies researchers with a local business that is really pushing the boundaries in how it supports creative communities with diverse needs. I love how our collaboration creates a space for innovation as well as gives us new challenges in the process.”

WestBridge Group acquires 3,500 strong SSAS book from Rowanmoor Executive Pensions

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WestBridge Group acquires 3,500 strong SSAS book from Rowanmoor Executive Pensions
Leicester-based WestBridge Group (WestBridge), one of the UK’s leading SSAS administrators and tax experts, has continued its expansion plans with the acquisition of the employees, clients, and assets of Rowanmoor Executive Pensions Limited’s (REPL) book of 3,500 small self-administered schemes (SSAS), for an undisclosed sum. This is the second major acquisition by WestBridge and follows the purchase of the James Hay SSAS book in March 2021. The acquisition will see WestBridge add over 3,500 SSAS to its existing book of 1,000 plans. Completion is scheduled for the end of January when WestBridge will take over the duties and responsibilities of REPL. All 97 staff will be retained and continue to operate from the current offices in Bolton and Salisbury. The acquisition will include REPL’s actuarial team which will add to the professional services offered by WestBridge. The Group recently moved to a new HQ in Leicester on Meridian Business Park. Tom Moore, chairman of WestBridge Group, said: “We have made no secret that we are acquisitive for the right books of business and have shown how we can successfully integrate them into the WestBridge Group. This is another exciting opportunity for us to bring together the combined expertise of SSAS professionals from both firms to create a hub of SSAS excellence. We look forward to welcoming the team to the WestBridge Group and getting to know them all. “REPL is an established business benefiting from strong management and a depth of resources. We look forward to meeting their clients and intermediary partners to reaffirm our commitment to dedicated account manager driven SSAS administration.” Paul Downing of Rowanmoor Executive Pensions Limited said: “As a leading SSAS administrator, we received a number of expressions of interest in acquiring our business and client book. The board is delighted to have found the right home for our staff, assets under administration, and importantly our customers who will receive the benefit of continuity in service as WestBridge takes the helm.” WestBridge Group have also announced that the acquisition will see them rebrand the enlarged business in Q1 2023, recognising the growth and future of the firm.

Digital disruption expert joins Browne Jacobson

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Digital disruption expert joins Browne Jacobson
Law firm Browne Jacobson, which has offices in Nottingham, has appointed digital disruption legal expert Mike Rebeiro as strategic advisor to its UK & Ireland (UK&I) IP and Technology team. Mike who was the former Global Head of technology and Innovation at Norton Rose Fulbright, is a highly experienced senior business, technology and digital lawyer that has had extensive Chair and Board experience. Mike has 28 years’ experience advising British and international corporates on the regulatory and ethical implications of the use of new digital and disruptive technologies including, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, the Internet of Things (IOT), robotics and digital assets. Prior to joining Browne Jacobson, Mike has also held roles at Slaughter & May and Macfarlanes. Mike’s role will see him work closely with partner Declan Cushley, who leads the firm’s strategy for the corporate sector, and partner and head of Browne Jacobson’s Digital and Outsourcing practice, Anthony Nagle, in driving forward the firm’s digital disruption strategy which is a key strand of the firm’s overall vision for growth. Speaking on the appointment, Declan Cushley, said: “Mike has strong international links, which following our investment into Dublin presents an excellent opportunity to enhance our offering to clients who do substantial business globally and reach new target clients in the EEA and the US. “Mike will also be imperative in helping to build the bridge between our UK&I based commercial teams that are focused on digital disruption and support them to give clients a seamless service across both jurisdictions. We are thrilled to have Mike on board to help further shape our firm ambitions around digital disruption.” Anthony Nagle added: “Our clients are continuously being challenged by new technologies and business models and how they are disrupting the markets and industries they operate in. They are having to think creatively on how to adapt to these changes. We want to encourage our clients to embrace these disruptions and connect them to the many benefits and opportunities for growth that they offer.” Mike said: “Browne Jacobson has clear ambitions to be even more connected to the critical issues facing its clients, including how digital disruptive technologies are impacting their Environmental, Social and Governance agendas. Browne Jacobson is at the forefront of advising clients on the intersection of their ESG ambitions and digital disruption and the wider impact that it can have on society – this is what puts them ahead of other law firms. “I am pleased to become part of its digital offering and those aspirations, and to help see the bigger picture between the firm’s London, Dublin and wider international networks.”

New ‘Green Heart’ to take shape in 2023 following year of progress for Nottingham’s Broad Marsh

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New ‘Green Heart’ to take shape in 2023 following year of progress for Nottingham’s Broad Marsh
Work starts next year on the creation of a new ‘Green Heart’ in Nottingham city centre as part of the ongoing regeneration of the Broad Marsh area, which has seen a huge transformation in 2022. The Green Heart is the centrepiece of Nottingham City Council’s vision for Broad Marsh, created with the Greater Broad Marsh Advisory Group and world renowned designer Thomas Heatherwick, which was unveiled a year ago. The first phase of the Green Heart will see an area the size of the pitch at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground located between Collin Street and Lister Gate – previously part of the old Broad Marsh shopping centre – covered in trees and planting, creating a natural, tranquil green space with pathways between Nottingham Station and Old Market Square. One of the features of the Green Heart is what is believed to be the longest bench in the UK stretching across the space allowing people to linger and enjoy the environment. Major progress has been made in the ongoing transformation of Broad Marsh over the last 12 months. The demolition of the west side of the shopping centre building with funding secured from D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership, via the Government’s Getting Building Fund, has made space for the new Green Heart and enabled a new pedestrian Right of Way to be created across the site. This has provided uninterrupted open air access between the Southside of the city into the city centre for the first time since the Broadmarsh centre was built nearly half a century ago. Other key developments in 2022 include:
  • Work starting on the fit-out of a state-of-the-art new Central Library
  • The opening of the new Bus Station
  • The creation of new public space and public art around Sussex Street and Carrington Street
  • Progress on a detailed business case for the wider redevelopment of Broad Marsh
  • Submission of a bid to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund for developing the Frame as a key element of the Broad Marsh vision
  • Submission of an Investment Zone ‘expression of interest’ application.
In addition to work starting on the new Green Heart, 2023 will be another year of significant progress for Broad Marsh.
  • The new Central Library is expected to be completed and ready to open later in 2023.
  • A unique new Skateable Space is being created as part of the public realm works on Sussex Street, underlining Nottingham’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading cities for skateboarding.
  • A major new study into rejuvenating the unique cave network underneath Broad Marsh is to be published by the University of Nottingham.
  • Further work on the wider Master Plan and detailed business case for the Broad Marsh redevelopment.
  • ‘Meanwhile use’ opportunities will be progressed while the long term development plans are being finalised.
Cllr David Mellen, the leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “The ongoing transformation of Broad Marsh and the wider south side of the city over the last year has been a real positive for the city. The new green public spaces around the new Nottingham College building, along with recently opened bus station and new car park, which is proving so popular, have made a huge difference to the area. “The opening of the new Central Library next year and the first phase of work to create the Green Heart will be further major milestones in the regeneration of what is such an important gateway to the city centre. “The Green Heart is one of the key elements of the long term vision we unveiled last year and something there was huge support for among the thousands of responses we received as part of the council’s Big Conversation about Broad Marsh. “There is more work to be done to move forward with the wider vision but it’s great to see major progress being made on the ground.” Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio, said: “The world has fundamentally changed and city centres can’t just be about retail and shopping any more. They have to become amazing social spaces and bring nature back into, onto and around the buildings. Nottingham is at the forefront of this movement and doing it with a whole lot of bravery and creativity. We are proud to be on the journey with you.”

2023 Business Predictions: Simon Rice, founder and Managing Director of HSG

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2023 Business Predictions: Simon Rice, founder and Managing Director of HSG
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 Simon Rice, the founder and Managing Director of Derby-based washroom water conservation specialists HSG. Environmental sustainability and the cost of living crisis continue to share the headlines so I hope that 2023 brings a greater acceptance of how businesses can embrace technology that has a positive impact on both the earth’s precious resources and the corporate balance sheet. Most people are not aware that the majority of fresh drinking water that is used in a commercial premises goes through the urinals. Most urinals flush four times per hour – so every 15 minutes, even at night when the building is empty, resulting in a mammoth 96 flushes per day. Our Ureco water conservation system enables businesses to drastically reduce the amount of fresh drinking water flushed down the drain and saves them money on water and maintenance bills. In addition to the water and cost savings, the patented Ureco technology stops unpleasant smells and blockages which, in turn, negates the need for harsh chemicals being poured in the drainage system and sewerage system. It’s often the simplest ideas that have the greatest impact so I hope this is the year that business owners open their minds to the part they can play in reducing their carbon footprint for good of the environment and their own financial health.

Games Workshop appoints new chair

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Games Workshop appoints new chair
Games Workshop, the Nottingham-headquartered manufacturer and seller of fantasy miniatures, has appointed John Brewis as non-executive chair of the company. John has been an independent non-executive director of the business since 2018, the senior independent director since 2021, chair of the Remuneration Committee since 2019 and a member of the Audit and Risk and Nomination Committees. John takes over from Elaine O’Donnell, who steps down from the role of non-executive chair and non-executive director after serving as a director for nine years, and two as chair. The company will be appointing a new senior independent director and chair of the Remuneration Committee as well as seeking a new non-executive director in due course. The news came as Games Workshop released a half year trading update, in which it confirmed results are in line with expectations. The Board’s estimate of the results for the six months to 27 November 2022 is core revenue of not less than £210 million (2021: £191.5 million) and licensing revenue of c. £14 million (2021: £20.1 million). Core operating profit is estimated at not less than £70 million (2021: £69.6 million) and licensing operating profit of c. £13 million (2021: £18.9 million). Profit before tax is estimated at not less than £83 million (2021: £88.2 million).

Major shareholder proposes removal of Topps Tiles chairman

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Major shareholder proposes removal of Topps Tiles chairman
A shareholder at Topps Tiles is pushing for the firm to remove a director of the company from office, as well as ejecting him from the position of non-executive chairman. It is proposed by Lynchwood Nominees Limited, on behalf of MS Galleon (MSG), that Darren Shapland be replaced, while Lidia Wolfinger and Michael Bartusiak be appointed as non-executive directors of the company. MSG currently holds approximately 29.9% of Topps Tiles’ voting share capital. The Board however does not consider the proposals to be in the best interests of the Leicester-based company and its shareholders, saying it intends to recommend that shareholders vote again the Requisitioned Resolutions at the business’s AGM.

MSG owns Cersanit, a major European producer of tiles, in addition to having a range of home improvement and tile retailing interests, primarily in the Polish market.

Topps first received a notification of shareholding from MSG in May 2020, stating that MSG had a 4.1% beneficial interest in the voting share capital of Topps. By November 2020, MSG had built its shareholding to 20%. At this time, Cersanit was a minor supplier to Topps.

In 2021, MSG approached Topps regarding the potential appointment of an MSG representative to the Board, and proposed that Topps should purchase a greater proportion of its tiles from Cersanit. Topps rejected these plans.

Subsequently, MSG voted against the re-appointment of Darren Shapland as chairman of Topps at the 2022 annual general meeting. Since July 2022, MSG has increased its beneficial shareholding in Topps to 29.9% of the company’s voting share capital.

Darren Shapland, non-executive chairman of Topps, said: “The Board strongly rejects these proposals, which it believes expose a clear conflict of interest between MSG’s objectives for Cersanit and the interests of all Topps shareholders. The Board welcomes the support received from our other largest shareholders, who have confirmed their intention to vote against the Requisitioned Resolutions at the AGM.”

Keith Down, senior independent director of Topps, said: “The Board unanimously rejects these resolutions which it does not consider to be in the best interests of the company and its shareholders as a whole. In proposing a resolution to remove the chairman, who has led communications with MSG on behalf of the Board, MSG is seeking simply to strengthen its own position.”

Amazon brings Alexa Young Innovator Challenge to the East Midlands as new research reveals STEM gaps in local schools

Michael Fisher
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Amazon brings Alexa Young Innovator Challenge to the East Midlands as new research reveals STEM gaps in local schools
New research from Amazon reveals a need to boost the STEM skills gap in schools in the East Midlands to help meet future demand for jobs in computer science and AI. The research, which quizzed secondary school teachers in the East Midlands, is released as it’s also revealed that teaching Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills in secondary schools could help to fill increasing demand for computer science and AI related roles, supporting on average £71 billion of economic output annually to 2030 in the UK economy, according to a report published by Amazon and Capital Economics. The need to boost AI learning in schools in the East Midlands is supported by new YouGov research –commissioned by Amazon – among secondary school teachers and parents. The research shows:
  • 63% 107 of secondary school teachers surveyed in the East Midlands agree that AI should be part of their school’s syllabus, while 82% 43 of teachers in the East Midlands surveyed believe access to free AI and computer science learning resources linked with the curriculum would help students better engage in computer science.
  • Among teachers surveyed in the East Midlands, almost two thirds (62%) 61 have limited access to computer science resources, rising to three quarters (76%) 70 when focused exclusively on AI.
  • While two thirds (67%) 125 of secondary school teachers surveyed in the East Midlands believe that education in computer science better prepares students for future careers in all sectors, less than one in three (31%) 152 say AI learning is only part of an opt-in or extra paid-for club and not part of the syllabus.
  • Two thirds (66%) 198 of secondary school teachers surveyed in the East Midlands say children don’t have enough information to understand future career opportunities that involve computer science and AI.
  • Three quarters (74%) 92 of secondary school teachers surveyed in the East Midlands who think schools should be making an active effort to increase education and resources around AI and CS, say that without increased STEM education and resources, there will be long-term skill gaps
The research comes as Amazon launches the inaugural Alexa Young Innovator Challenge in the East Midlands, an educational programme for secondary school pupils to create an Alexa Skill to promote social good in their community. Designed to inspire young people about the potential of AI, teachers and educators will be able to access free curriculum-linked lesson plans and materials to engage students, while supporting the development of AI learning in classrooms. By taking part, schools will have the chance to win prizes, including £2,500 worth of tech products for the winner and a £2,500 donation to their school. The 20 runners up will also receive an Amazon gift card to the value of £250, redeemable on Amazon.co.uk and £500 will be donated to their school. Amazon’s research also estimates that demand for jobs that require computer science, AI or machine learning skills in the UK are expected to increase by 40% over the next five years. In addition, research that looked at the potential future use of AI by UK businesses estimates that expenditure on AI-related labour could increase from £46 billion in 2020 to between £80 billion and £103 billion by 2025. In order to have enough AI talent in the UK workforce to fill computer science jobs by 2030, students will need to experience some form of AI-based learning during secondary school.  An insufficient supply of skilled labour is one of the reasons why UK businesses are slow to adopt AI, with just 15% of UK businesses having currently adopted the technology. “AI is the world’s fastest growing technology and the UK is striving to be among the world’s leaders in this field, with 56% of businesses planning to increase investment in AI technologies within the next three years,” said Lauren Kisser, Technology Director at Amazon and UK Ambassador for Amazon Future Engineer. “Through the Alexa Young Innovator Challenge, we hope to not only build confidence in students’ ability to understand and control this incredible technology but also inspire young minds, regardless of their background, to realise their potential as creators, thinkers and builders of the future; using AI to create innovative solutions to real world problems.” Amazon announces the Alexa Young Innovator Challenge as it reveals ten innovative AI and computer science jobs that could be available to young people in the future. Compiled in partnership with futurologist Dr. Ian Pearson, the careers range from metaverse architect to paramedic drone programmer, AI sports coach and environment protection agent. The jobs highlight the ways that AI and computer science could be used to tackle societal issues, including sustainability – insight that is particularly relevant to the one in five (22%) secondary school children who felt AI could be used to speed up problem solving around climate change.  

Mansfield secures £2.95m investment for businesses and communities from Government

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Mansfield secures £2.95m investment for businesses and communities from Government
Nearly three million pounds has been confirmed by the government for projects to support Mansfield’s businesses and communities.
Mansfield District Council has been allocated £2.955m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for over three years. The funds will be used for community projects, business support, and to promote new skills and employment opportunities. It will also help to deliver the aspirations in the Making Mansfield strategy, which sets out council aims and ambitions between now and 2030. Elected Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “I am thrilled we have been successful in securing these resources to bring more opportunity and investment to Mansfield. “The £2.955m will help support long-term fundamental change, growth and regeneration across the district and open up more opportunities across Mansfield bringing new jobs and skills opportunities. “The creation of a dedicated community grant will also have a huge impact, and I believe it is a core and innovative feature of our approach. Local community groups know best what their communities need, and will now be able to make a difference on the ground. I look forward to seeing this roll-out begin in the New Year.” The Mansfield Community Grant Fund will offer a maximum of £15,000 in grant for community and voluntary groups to apply for projects that will make a difference in their local neighbourhoods. The council will work collaboratively with Mansfield Community and Voluntary Service. It is expected it will be open to applications shortly. There will also be an opportunity for direct bidding for projects over £15,000 that must demonstrate that they contribute to the council’s communities and place ambitions. Applications will be invited directly from Mansfield District Council. The plan will see the council deliver some of the projects itself, some via partners and commissioning, and others through grass-roots activity, targeted towards priority areas and themes and carried out in collaboration with community groups and partners. Plans for business support projects and skills related activity will follow in future financial years. Councils in England have drawn up the plans with a wide range of local partners that deliver for people in their areas. The authorities have chosen to spend the money on a range of initiatives, such as supporting people into jobs, helping local businesses to grow and fighting anti-social behaviour, and can now begin to deliver these. The Mansfield submission reflected on local opportunities and challenges to ensure the programme reflected local needs. The UKSPF marks the first availability of funding to replace EU funding streams previously available and was approved by Government on 5 December. Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison added: “We are taking full advantage of being outside the European Union and unlocking billions of pounds of investment to help level up communities and spread opportunity across the UK. “The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will have tangible benefits for people up and down the country, from a young entrepreneur in need of a helping hand or those who want to gain the skills they need to secure a decent, well-paid job. “The UK government has worked closely with local leaders across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, giving them a greater say in how this money is spent and ensuring funding is directed to where it is most needed.” The Government’s approach also means that councils and local partners will have the opportunity to adapt each plan to reflect new economic priorities over the period to 2025. Elected Mayor Andy Abrahams added:  “We have looked to work closely with our partners on the submission, not least via the Place Board and we are pleased to have had their support. We look forward to continuing this relationship as the programme develops.”
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