Octavian Security UK has appointed Rick Todd as its new armed forces champion.
Rick joined the army in 1985, and was born into a military family. His father was in the RAF.
Rick ceased his army career in 1999 with his final posting in Germany, as a full corporal before stepping into the security world and embarking on his new career path. He joined Octavian in July 2022 as its new operations manager.
The armed forces champion is the person who supports and works with HR to bring veterans, reservists and forces families into the company and assists them with their career path.
Reshma Sheikh, chairperson at Octavian Security UK, said: “We are proud of their Silver status through the MOD Employer Recognition Scheme, and our armed forces champion is the ‘go-to’ person for any staff seeking advice on a range of matters.”
Clowes Developments have appointed contractor TanRo to begin works at Beauchamp Business Park in Kibworth following planning consent being granted by Harborough District Council.
J.C. Balls & Sons have commenced earthworks which has seen plateaus, infrastructure and landscaping beginning to take shape just a short while since works began on site.
The commercial development comprises a circa 11acre allocated site located on the outskirts of Kibworth between Leicester and Market Harborough on the A6. Clowes will deliver a range of high-quality industrial units ranging in size from 1,270 sq ft to 10,085 sq ft available on a freehold or leasehold basis.
Left to right: Robin Orgill – TanRo, Dominic Jackson – Clowes Developments, Anthony Jamison – Postins Project Services Ltd, Dan Barker – TanRo, Mark Tynan – TanRo
Robin Orgill, director at TanRo, said: “It’s great to get this development under way. There’s a hive of activity around the site as we team up with J.C. Balls & Sons to begin preparing the site for construction. Storm water drainage has been installed at the main entrance and footings are being laid, an attenuation pond has been dug out and the rest of the ground is being levelled off in readiness for the next phase of development.”
Agents Phillips Sutton and TDBRE have been working closely with interested parties during the planning process which has seen Beauchamp Business Park “receive unprecedented interest from day one.”
A landmark address in Nottingham’s Professional Services Quarter has been sold in a deal brokered by property specialists NG Chartered Surveyors.
The former Actons Solicitors offices at 20 Regent Street in the city have been sold by a private pension fund to the J&R Group & Clarendon Land & Development of Nottingham.
Ross Jackson, Director of Clarendon Land and Development, said: “We are excited to enter the next chapter unfolding from our new premises on Regent Street. The location within the professional hub of Nottingham is perfect for welcoming clients and colleagues, whilst the property also allows us ample flexibility for the onward expansion of our business.”
Richard Sutton, Managing Director of NG, said: “This elegant Victorian building certainly attracted a lot of interest as it offered a rare opportunity to purchase a property on Regent Street.
“We arranged block viewings which generated a huge amount of interest and competitive bidding was strong. I have advised the pension fund owners for many years and advised that the time to sell was perfect. They are incredibly pleased with the outcome – as are we – and I’d like to thank Ross Whiting at Innes England for the important part he played with his client.”
Ross Whiting, Associate Director at Innes England acted for the new owner of the building. He said: “I am very pleased to have acquired this property on behalf of my retained clients following a competitive best bids situation. It was a pleasure to work with Richard Sutton of NG and I am glad we have been able to get this deal over the line as my clients now have an office to call their own in a prominent location.”
Russell Thompson at Massers acted for the pension fund in documenting the sale. Vik Moothia of Landsmiths acted for the purchasers.
Fairstone Wealth Management, which has offices in Leicester, has completed the acquisition of PAX Financial, marking its entry to the Irish market.
Based in Dublin, Irish financial planning firm PAX has 66 staff and advisers, offering a range of financial services for over 7,700 clients. Additionally, the acquisition secures funds under management of €200m.
PAX is also behind the well-established and hugely successful brand ‘AskPaul’, which offers jargon-free financial advice to consumers via social media channels. The service has been a unique player on the Irish landscape, combining expert insight with an innate understanding of digital trends to serve its target market.
Commenting on the deal, Lee Hartley, CEO of Fairstone, said: “We are delighted to welcome PAX into the Fairstone family. We have been looking to expand into the Irish market and in PAX, we have found the perfect partners to deliver this growth.
“The combination of Fairstone’s extensive experience in the UK sector with PAX’s management team, presence and local market knowledge, makes for a powerful partnership and opens many exciting opportunities.
“We both share the same values around ambition, growth and delivering first-class client outcomes and I believe that with Paul, Ian, Conor and the management team at PAX, we have found long-term business partners who will play a key role in the next part of our journey. Together we want to shape the future of financial advice in the Irish market.”
PAX CEO Paul Merriman, who will now take on responsibility for Fairstone in Ireland as CEO, said that the Fairstone proposition appealed as it is a proven and highly successful model in the UK which offers huge potential for the Republic of Ireland, a market which is on the cusp of expected regulatory change and consolidation.
Paul Merriman said: “The decision by Fairstone to acquire PAX is a measure of confidence in the Irish market and represents an exciting opportunity for the Irish consumer.
“Thanks to the hardworking team at PAX, we have spent over a decade developing our business and reach in order to facilitate a move such as this. The relationship with and support of Fairstone will further accelerate this growth in the months and years ahead.
“I would also like to welcome Fairstone into our home and look forward to continuing to work with the PAX team as we deliver on our collective promise to preserve, plan and protect the financial future of our clients.”
Earlier this year Fairstone celebrated three major milestones: securing it’s 50th acquisition, notching up 10 years of M&A activity and exceeding £100m of revenues.
The UK labour market is set to see an end to its 10-month streak in positive hiring intentions following a dip in productivity and growing recessionary fears according to the latest Business Trends report from accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO.
BDO’s Employment Index has seen an increase each month since October 2021, increasing 0.53 points to 115.33 in August. This was driven by record payroll numbers and has been reflected by the ONS unemployment figure which sank to 3.6 percent in the three months to July, its lowest point since 1974.
The labour market now sits at a turning point, however, with recessionary fears expected to put downward pressure on employment as businesses exercise caution in the coming months. Official data has started to reflect this with hiring intentions falling for the first time since August 2020.
Whilst employment continues to show resilience, BDO’s Inflation Index soared to an all-time high of 119.05 in August, its highest reading since the first Business Trends survey was first published in 1992. This was driven by a 1.15-point rise in the Consumer Inflation Index to 117.41, following a drastic rise in energy prices.
A combination of these soaring energy costs and inflationary pressures, coupled with input shortages, have led to a decline in business output and productivity. BDO’s Output Index fell to its lowest level since the third national lockdown to 95.66. Further pressure on the index is expected to take the reading below the 95-point mark – regarded as the point of contraction – signalling a recession on the horizon as production slumps and the threat of recession looms.
Mounting economic headwinds and the drop in productivity have driven a decline in business confidence with BDO’s Optimism Index falling for its fifth consecutive month to 100.80. This fall has been caused by a drop in the Services Optimism Index which, following a slump in consumer demand, now sits just above the point of contraction at 95.76.
However, the overall economic environment in the face of a recession, is expected to remain far stronger than during previous downturns. The unemployment rate is predicted to rise to 4.1% by the end of this year before peaking at 4.6% in Q2 2023 – much lower than the 7.9% recorded in the period¹ immediately after the global financial crisis.
Kaley Crossthwaite, Partner at BDO LLP, says:“We’re already seeing the impact of a challenging environment, with many businesses forced to make cuts and – in some cases – consider whether the business will continue to be viable.
“Soaring energy costs and inflationary pressures are headwinds we can expect to become more severe in the coming months, exacerbating the economic and political uncertainty both firms and consumers feel this winter – particularly as we await the first signs of a fall in employment figures and a recession approaches.”
Small firms need details about energy arrangements in order to plan for winter says FSB National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses Martin McTague.
He said: “The statement leaves a lot of questions unanswered. It was a very high-level and sparse on detail so we will be working with the new Government to clarify what happens next. Small businesses’ instant reaction is that this is not enough information, yet, for them to plan.”
He said the unanswered questions included:
What will be the fixed unit prices (and standing charges) from October 1?
What practically will now change – will energy retailers suspend high quotes and contract offers and recalculate from October 1?
Will those who have accepted hugely increased bills in recent weeks be able to renegotiate to bring their bills down to reasonable levels?
As a small business normally gets quoted for at least 12 months, does that new quote include 6 months at a low rate and 6 months at a high uncapped rate? How does the energy retailer know who to quote extra support to, for the secondsix-month period?
He added: “This must not result in a cliff-edge after six months, with the withdrawal of support to all but ‘vulnerable’ targeted industries, sectors or types of business. The definition of who falls in and out of that support will need to be looked at carefully at the three-month review.
“Our work on vulnerability of small businesses to energy costs has revealed huge bills causing damage in virtually any sector that uses energy in any meaningful way, just like most households. Any future definition of ‘vulnerable industries’ will need to be broad, realistic and fair.
“The Government should also make good on its commitment for comprehensive help for all small businesses affected. If any have energy circumstances such that, in practice, they turn out not be covered by the measures announced today, the Government must keep an open mind and ensure policy decisions do not create another group of disenfranchised or excluded small businesses without support, just like it did on income support during COVID.”
The rise in Consumer Prices Index inflation by 9.9% confirms the sustained pressure businesses and consumers have been facing over the past year, according to Alex Veitch, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce.
He said: “This is also reflected in the squeeze on businesses’ operating costs as Producer Price Inflation figures remain at record highs of 20.5% in the year to August 2022.
“While the rate of growth has eased slightly, this has been driven by a fall in motor fuel costs – other goods continue to rise.
“There is a limit to how long any firm can sustain these rising costs before something has to give. We know from our research that two thirds of businesses plan to increase their own prices.
“The size of last week’s Government intervention on energy prices should have a dampening effect on inflation when it is enacted.
“But the lack of detail on exactly how much help any individual business will get, and for how long, means very few will be planning to invest any time soon.
“There are also a whole host of other issues ranging from transport and shipping costs, raw material prices, energy sector regulation and the tight labour market that must be addressed.
“It is imperative the Government’s forthcoming ‘fiscal intervention’ provides business with confidence that there is a cohesive plan to take the economy forward.”
UK company insolvencies have increased by 72% in the year to the end of August, from 11,949 to 20,512 says international audit, tax and advisory firm Mazars.
The hospitality sector has been hit especially hard, with 216 insolvencies of pubs, bars and restaurants in just the last month – up 37% from 158 in July. Over the past year, insolvencies of pubs, bars and restaurants have increased 59%, from 1,354 to 2,156. Spikes in energy bills seen in the sector are forcing many to consider closure.
Adam Harris, Partner at Mazars says: “Many UK businesses were already in a weak position before energy prices surged. The size of energy price rises was always likely to cause some businesses to close but the scale and pace of these insolvencies is especially concerning.
“Small business owners in particular are struggling under the weight of multiple crises, often without the resources or financial cushion to see them through.
“The hospitality sector is facing an unusually challenging environment as the cost-of-living crisis hits them from both sides. Just as their energy costs are spiral and their interest costs rise their customers are cutting spending on non-essentials such as eating out.
“The Government’s upcoming energy package will be key to determining whether many businesses survive. Unless the picture dramatically changes, we are likely to see many more businesses close their doors in the months to come.”
AS the whole country stopped to show its respect for the queens passing, a gathering for reflection took place in Nottingham’s Old Market Square, on the 18th September, to allow people to celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth II.
The ‘Remembering Her Majesty’ event, which incorporated the national Moment of Reflection at 8pm, was attended by around 1,000 people and was an opportunity to look back over The Queen’s 70-year reign.
Organised by Nottingham City Council, the multi-faith event included contributions from the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Rt Rev Paul Williams; local Muslim leader Dr Musharraf Hussain; the Catholic Bishop of Nottingham, the Rt Rev Patrick McKinney; and Senior Pastor at God’s Vineyard, Dr Ezekiel Alawale.
Other contributors included councillors, members of the local community and the City Council’s Chief Executive, Mel Barrett.
The evening started with music from the Hucknall and Linby Mining Community Brass Band and concluded with a minute’s silence observed for the national Moment of Reflection at 8pm.
The Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Wendy Smith, said: “We were lucky enough to welcome The Queen to our city on a number of occasions and it was therefore special this evening to be able to reflect on her decades of service to the country.
“Her 70-year reign was both unprecedented and unlikely to be seen again. We wanted to offer a way for people from Nottingham to come together and remember an incredible life, while also mourning her loss.”
Leader of the City Council, Councillor David Mellen, said: “It was entirely appropriate to give Nottingham residents the opportunity to remember Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ahead of her funeral tomorrow.
“It’s been clear from the thousands who have signed our Books of Condolence over the past week that she is held in the highest regard. This evening was the city’s way of paying tribute to her dedication and service to the country over seven decades.”
Queen Elizabeth visited Nottingham at least ten times, including the Coronation year (1953) and three Jubilees (Silver in 1977, Gold in 2002 and Diamond in 2012).
She opened The Queen’s Medical Centre and the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee campus, visited famous Nottingham industries of bicycle and lace manufacturing, met local cricket and skating legends, Derek Randal and Torvill and Dean, and inspected Nottinghamshire-based military regiments.
In line with the rest of the country, Books of Condolence in Nottingham – at the Council House, Loxley House, and Dales, Clifton and Bulwell Riverside libraries – will remain open to sign until 5pm on Tuesday (20 September).
Property and construction professionals from across the region gathered last night (Thursday 15 September) at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground for Business Link Magazine’s annual East Midlands Bricks Awards.
Recognising and celebrating those behind the changing landscape of our region, rewarding the very best companies, teams and individuals, the event offered the perfect opportunity to showcase the outstanding work carried out across the East Midlands over the past year and network with many of the region’s industry leaders over canapés and complementary drinks sponsored by Brooklands Service Group.
Highlights of the night saw John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, kick off the event with the keynote speech, Galliford Try Construction take home a hat-trick of awards for Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park, while Cawarden stole two awards.
The finalists and winners in each category are revealed below:Victoria Golborn, Mather Jamie, Amy Bidell, Mather Jamie, Sue Alland, Mather Jamie, and Rob Day, Blueprint Interiors
Most Active Agent – sponsored by Blueprint Interiors
Winner
Mather Jamie
Runners up
OMEETO
BB&J Commercial
Alistair Branch, Stephen George + Partners, Phillip Johnson, Galliford Try Construction, Ben Bowley, Leonard Design, and Ben Sansom, Frank Key
Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by Frank Key
Winner
Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park – Galliford Try Construction
Runners up
Etiquette Park – Clowes Developments
Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service joint HQ – Henry Brothers
Emma Attwood, Cawarden, and William Crooks, Cawarden
Responsible Business of the Year – sponsored by Press for Attention PR
Winner
Cawarden
Runners up
Arc Partnership
Phoenix Brickwork
Sarah Woolf, Sterling Commercial Finance, and Angie Cooper, on behalf of Glenvale Park
Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Sterling Commercial Finance
Winner
Glenvale Park – Glenvale Park LLP
Runners up
The Rise, Southwell – Stagfield Group
Hindle House – KMRE Group
James Phillips, APB, Trevor Wells, Wells McFarlane, Richard Foxon, Newton LDP, Sam Jones, Newton LDP, and Richard Picton, Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers
Deal of the Year – sponsored by Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers
Winner
Wells McFarlane, APB and Newton LDP – sale of 460 acres of land in North Leicestershire, making way for a new garden village
Runners up
St James Securities – Phase Two of the Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby – 3,500 capacity Becketwell performance venue with ASM Global
Morgan Industrial Properties Limited – acquisition of the former Ewart Chain site in Shaftesbury Street, Derby
Josh Spencer, HBD, Mark Evans, HBD, and Donald Ward, Ward
Developer of the Year – sponsored by Ward
Winner
HBD
Runners up
Hockley Developments
St James Securities
Steve Rayner, Rayner Davies Architects, and Laura Burton, OMS
Architects of the Year – sponsored by OMS
Winner
Rayner Davies Architects
Runners up
Swain Architecture
CPMG Architects
Nick Gregory, CPMG, and William Crooks, Cawarden
Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden
Winner
St. Peter’s Gate renovation – CPMG Architects
Runners up
Health and Allied Professions Centre at Nottingham Trent University – Pick Everard
Brookside Farm – Chevin Homes
Alistair Branch, Stephen George + Partners, Ben Bowley, Leonard Design, Philip Johnson, Galliford Try Construction, and Lee Marshall, Viridis Building Services
Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services
Winner
Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park – Galliford Try Construction
Runners up
Refurbished HQ for LKAB Minerals – Scenariio
Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – Chesterfield Borough Council, Whittam Cox Architects, Robert Woodhead Group
Nick Sanderson, RammSanderson, Emma Attwood, Cawarden, and William Crooks, Cawarden
Contractor of the Year – sponsored by RammSanderson
Winner
Cawarden
Runners up
Galliford Try Construction
Enrok Construction
Alistair Branch, Stephen George + Partners, Philip Johnson, Galliford Try Construction, Ben Bowley, Leonard Design, and James Pinchbeck, Streets Chartered Accountants.
Overall Winner –sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants
Galliford Try Construction
See the event in the images and video below. Thanks to Richard Picksley for photographing the event.
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Guests network at the East Midlands Bricks Awards
Guests network at the East Midlands Bricks Awards
Lee Marshall, of Viridis Building Services, hands over the 2022 Sustainable Development of the Year award to Alistair Branch of Stephen George + Partners, Ben Bowley of Leonard Design, and Philip Johnson of Galliford Try Construction for Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park
Victoria Golborn, Mather Jamie, Amy Bidell, Mather Jamie, Sue Alland, Mather Jamie, and Rob Day, Blueprint Interiors
Thanks to all our sponsors for supporting the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022. Business Link Magazine looks forward to returning next year for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023!
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