Regeneration firm signs option agreement on Northamptonshire site capable of delivering 1.6m sq ft of employment space
Harworth Group, a regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, has entered into an option agreement to purchase the freehold to a 168-acre site south of the Junction 15 of the M1 in Northamptonshire.
Located within a prime Midlands industrial area, Harworth intends to promote the land for sustainable employment use as part of the emerging West Northamptonshire Strategic Plan (WNSP).
Proposals for the site include the development of up to 1.6 million sq ft of Grade A industrial & logistics space, alongside unique landscaping features and an ecological enhancement area.
Together, these elements will provide a net increase of biodiversity and protect the heritage assets and vistas of the local area. The plans also include proactive management of existing woodland areas to further improve ecosystem resilience and connectivity across the scheme.
The proposed development will target Net Zero Carbon status, an EPC rating of A and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification. The landscaping and amenity elements of the design will also enhance the wellbeing of those working at and visiting the site.
The site is situated in an area identified for employment growth in the local Development Plan and is one of those being considered for allocation in the emerging WNSP. Harworth says it will work with local stakeholders to bring forward a planning proposal that delivers significant economic and social benefits to the local community while being an exemplar for sustainable building design, environmental protection and historic preservation.
The deal follows Harworth’s acquisition in November 2021 of its Rothwell site, elsewhere in Northamptonshire, which the company is currently promoting for employment use.
David Cockroft, regional director – Midlands, Harworth Group, said: “At Junction 15, Harworth will use its placemaking skills to deliver an industrial & logistics scheme with excellent sustainability credentials that meets the need for jobs and investment in the region, and positively responds to landscape and habitat requirements, while protecting the heritage of the local area.
“Harworth has significant experience of creating sustainable places where people want to live and work, and we look forward to working with local stakeholders to bring forward our vision for this site.”
Rising costs top concerns for Midlands businesses in the run-up to Christmas
Rising costs for energy, borrowing and products and materials in the build-up to Christmas are the top concerns for Midlands businesses in the coming weeks, according to the latest report from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP.
The bi-monthly Rethinking the Economy survey of 500 mid-market businesses has revealed that the rising cost of products and materials is causing the greatest concern for nearly a third of businesses in the region.
The survey showed that a third see higher energy costs as their biggest challenge in the final few weeks of the year, together with rising interest rates and the cost of borrowing (32%).
As businesses in the region face significant cost pressures, many are taking proactive steps to address the latest challenges facing their business. According to the Rethinking the Economy survey, 29% of Midlands companies are taking on new debt or extending existing overdraft facilities – the highest rate of any other UK region – while a further 27% intend to launch new products and services to create additional revenue streams.
However, despite the challenges facing businesses in the final month of the year, an overwhelming number of Midlands businesses (76%) stated that they feel more optimistic about business prospects going into 2023, compared to this time last year, marking a shift in sentiment since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO LLP in the Midlands, said: “Hearing businesses report that they are in a better place than this time last year is a positive but there’s no doubt that trading conditions remain extremely challenging for many Midlands businesses, following a period of sustained pressure over an extended period of time.
“However, despite the concerns surrounding rising costs, the Midlands is a resilient marketplace and many businesses are well positioned and primed to ride out the economic storm.”
The Rethinking the Economy survey showed that more than half of Midlands businesses have changed their approach to raising funding in the last three to six months due to the economic climate, with 17% admitting that they are seeking funding earlier than planned to ease inflationary and other pressures on the business.
Bellingall added: “With rising costs set to be an enduring theme throughout next year, Midlands businesses cannot do this alone and are calling for more targeted support to help secure the long-term future of mid-market businesses – the engine of the UK’s economy.”
According to the survey, nearly a third of regional businesses believe the Government should be providing more investment in apprenticeships and skills programmes for businesses in 2023, with a further 30% looking to the Government for new education and skills policies at a local level, to align qualifications with businesses’ needs and help to ease skills shortages.
Plans submitted for Leicester’s Pilot House regeneration
Plans to transform Pilot House in Leicester have been submitted after receiving a boost from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund last year.
The £11.4m proposals, initially revealed in 2020, will see the cluster of heritage buildings on King Street redeveloped into a home for creative businesses with a central courtyard and atrium for shared use, a business zone for technical and digital businesses, and a co-working lounge.
The city council proposes to deliver the phased refurbishment of the 100,000 sq ft former factory, to create office and workspace to meet demand from inward investment, the professional sectors and creative/design businesses.
It is hoped that Pilot House will build on and extend the success of the city’s LCB Depot in the Cultural Quarter and will be a hub providing workspace, events, exhibitions and host key projects and services to support the growth of its business communities.
Speaking on the plans, City Mayor Peter Soulsby previously said: “This project will transform a group of architecturally significant heritage buildings into a landmark destination that will become a source of pride for Leicester.
“Not only will it contribute to the wider regeneration of the Belvoir Street, Market Street and New Walk areas, and complement exciting new developments like the Gresham Building, but it will also create and support hundreds of high quality new jobs.”
Subject to planning permission, work could start on site in early 2023, with the building open for business from spring 2024.
East Midlands Growth Hubs secure £3m to support manufacturing sector
The East Midlands Growth Hubs, led by Lincolnshire County Council, have successfully bid to secure £3m to support East Midlands manufacturing sector businesses over the next two and a half years.
The Government is extending the Made Smarter Programme to the East Midlands following a proposition from Lincolnshire County Council and the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
The investment is estimated to generate £80m in additional productivity, based on data from other Made Smarter Adoption Programmes.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This funding supports small and medium sized manufacturing firms to boost their productivity by implementing digital technology and improving leadership and management skills.
“It has already been running in the North East, West Midlands, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, with impressive results.
“I’m proud that we’ve led the East Midlands bid from Lincolnshire and that our manufacturing businesses will benefit from increased productivity and a higher skilled workforce as a result.”
The funding aims to provide advice to over 400 small and medium sized businesses, undertake 133 business assessments, provide intensive support to 70 businesses and boost the leadership and management skills of 36 senior manufacturing leaders.
The programme helps businesses implement more automation and take advantage of new technologies such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence and virtual reality, creating more high skilled jobs in the process.
Darren Joint, chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Manufacturing Board and MD of Viking Signs, said: “Our board had three priorities this year: to develop the GLEAM network, to work with the further education sector to increase employer engagement, and to land a Made Smarter programme for Lincolnshire.
“I’m delighted that we have been successful with our Made Smarter proposals, not only for Lincolnshire but for the East Midlands.
“My business Viking Signs has benefited tremendously from digital adoption, and this programme will give manufacturing businesses in Lincolnshire the chance to embrace digital transformation and increase productivity by as much as 25% while boosting employee skill levels and increasing the number of highly skilled, well paid jobs.
“The programme will be launched imminently and I encourage businesses to get involved.”
The East Midlands exports £16.6bn, 6% of all UK manufacturing exports, and accounts for nearly 9% of the UKs total manufacturing GVA making it an important contributor the UKs overall manufacturing sector performance.
2023 Business Predictions: Greg Guilford, CEO, HR Solutions
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 HR Solutions CEO Greg Guilford.
As we enter 2023, planning for the year ahead has never been more important. The UK’s employment climate remains volatile due to several significant domestic and global influences. These include the rebuilding after the pandemic, a change in Government, the war in Ukraine, a cost-of-living crisis, and a recession as well as potential new employment legislation. Together, all these major influences have had a direct impact on employment in some way.
The next few months are crucial for business, especially leading up to setting their budgets for the 2023/2024 financial year.
It is perhaps obvious that due to recession, cost cutting is likely to become a priority for many firms. However, there can be a fine line as to which area of spend you freeze.
For example, you may initially think that training costs should be frozen; but have you considered that investment in training and development may help the business to grow and become more productive?
With the cost-of-living crisis, a recession and job certainty waning, employers are wise to focus on employee wellbeing during 2023 not only to support employee engagement, but to limit employee mental health issues. Mental health issues can not only lead to high absenteeism, but for those who try to deal with them whilst working, they can lead to performance issues.
And at a time when businesses continue to re-build post COVID-19 and respond to a challenging recruitment market, it is more important than ever to demonstrate flexibility. Flexible working will be a key factor for many companies in order to increase morale and employee engagement, aid employee retention, and improve productivity, as well as provide greater diversity and inclusion.
Derby composite firm wins national net zero award
A Derby composites firm has won a national net zero award, thanks to its pioneering work to find a more sustainable composite manufacturing process.
Composite Braiding Ltd, based at the iHub innovation centre on Infinity Park, was awarded the ‘Sustainability Award: Net-Zero’ from Composites UK, the trade association for the UK composites industry, at an awards dinner in Birmingham.
The company impressed the judges by developing a lower carbon manufacturing process for structural composites, which also enables higher production volumes and lower costs. The initiative was part funded by an Innovate UK loan.
It’s the second Composites UK award in as many years for Composite Braiding, who last year won the ‘Innovation in Composite Materials’ category.
The new manufacturing process reduces energy consumption by up to 99%, compared to traditional processes, and uses tooling that is 50% lighter. The process even reduces consumable waste.
On top of the decarbonisation benefits, the innovation means the firm can produce composite parts in minutes instead of hours, enabling them to increase volumes and reduce costs.
Commenting on the award, Steve Barbour, Managing Director of Composite Braiding, said: “We’re thrilled to have won another prestigious Composites UK award this year for our work to decarbonise composite manufacturing processes. It just goes to show what small companies can do, when you have an innovative team and funding behind you.
“This is a game-changing capability. If this process is adopted by multiple users, which is our aim, it will help deliver decarbonisation at scale. We are already talking to third parties about broadening the awareness and availability of our capabilities.”
Leicester health brand recruits Oadby marketing agency to help the city detox
The expert health brand eternalbeing will be working with digital marketing agency, Digital Ethos, based in Oadby, to improve gut health in Leicester.
eternalbeing is a digestion health clinic and brand, headquartered in Enderby, which earlier this year announced the launch of its new patch ranges to support clients in their journey to better health.
Promoting the Leicester clinic, the marketing campaign will help accelerate the digital and local presence of the brand who are experts in gut health and disorders of the bowel, specialising in detox, advanced colonic hydrotherapy, Gut biome testing, intolerance testing, and well-being.
Michelle Geraghty-Corns, founder of eternalbeing, said: “I am confident that we can support anyone in improving their digestion health. Nobody should be suffering from bloating, IBS/IBD, constipation/diarrhoea, autoimmune responses, food intolerances or sleep deprivation, as we can find a solution. I want to help people in Leicester to find ways to be the best version of themselves, and to feel the best they can.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity with Digital Ethos to expand the reach of my clinic in Leicester to reach a wider audience. This means I can scale the launch of the new patches including the hangover and sleep patches which I am excited to amplify.”
Digital Ethos is a B-Corporation working with a number of health-based brands including Nourished, Reasons and &SISTERS, offering SEO, Digital PR, Paid Media, Social Media and content production.
“We are delighted to be working with eternalbeing, this is a niche we are incredibly excited to be involved in. We will be operating with cross-channel campaigns that tie in Digital PR, SEO, and organic social,” explained CEO of Digital Ethos, Luke Tobin.
“Supporting people in Leicestershire with their gut health, Michelle is an expert whose experience and knowledge know no bounds. To support such a passionate founder in taking their business to the next level is a journey we cannot wait to begin.”
Toyota to develop prototype hydrogen fuel cell-powered version of Hilux pick-up at Burnaston plant
Toyota is leading a consortium to develop a prototype hydrogen fuel cell-powered version of its Hilux pick-up at the company’s UK vehicle plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) has successfully secured UK Government funding for the project through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), an organisation supporting the development of cleaner technologies and new mobility concepts.
This new opportunity to bring zero emission technology to the commercial vehicle market reflects evolving customer demand and Toyota’s 360-degree approach to sustainable mobility across all sectors. The APC funding will enable TMUK to develop hydrogen technologies for this specific vehicle market segment during the next three years.
The consortium, led by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK), will receive funding to cover the development of a hydrogen fuel cell electric Hilux, working in collaboration with highly skilled UK-based technical engineering partners Ricardo, ETL, D2H and Thatcham Research.
The project will make use of components from Toyota’s second generation fuel cell system, as featured in the latest Toyota Mirai saloon, to transform a Hilux into an electric vehicle. While TMUK is leading the project, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) R&D will provide technical support to help the UK-based teams to build their expertise and become self-sufficient in developing next generation hydrogen drivetrain technologies.
The APC, is a non-profit organisation working with the UK Government, the automotive industry and academic bodies to accelerate the industrialisation of technologies to support the transition to net-zero emission vehicles delivery. It plays a key role in the UK’s automotive sector, offering opportunities to bridge the gap between industry and future technological requirements.
It aims to help achieve significant changes in the industry, creating commercial and strategic outcomes that benefit the UK. Its funding specifically covers the later-stage research and development that progresses a product from proof-of-concept to a prototype vehicle.
Toyota pioneered vehicle electrification with the introduction of Prius, the world’s first mass-market hybrid car, more than 20 years ago. It continues to promote a multi-technology path towards carbon neutrality, offering a diverse range of electrified technologies, including hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, battery electric and fuel cell electric, to meet different mobility requirements. Establishing a successful hydrogen transport sector is an essential element in achieving this goal.
Within the scope of the funding bid, initial prototype Hilux vehicles will be produced at Burnaston during 2023. Once successful performance results have been secured, the intention is to prepare the vehicle for small series production. The project is an opportunity to investigate a further application of Toyota’s fuel cell technology in a vehicle segment that is key to a number of industry groups and will help support the sector’s move towards decarbonisation.
Richard Kenworthy, TMUK Managing Director, said: “The opportunity that this funding enables is significant and goes towards developing the technical capabilities not only of our employees here at our site in Burnaston in the East Midlands but also of those within the wider consortium partners.
“This region is heavily committed to supporting zero emissions mobility and we see this project as a great opportunity to contribute to the critical path on the road to carbon zero mobility. This UK Government funding will enable teams within the consortium to acquire key skills that can then be used to investigate other fuel cell applications.”
Matt Harrison, Toyota Motor Europe President and CEO, said: “The UK is one of the key markets for pick-up trucks and an important market for Toyota. This funding represents a tremendous opportunity to develop a zero emission solution in a critical market segment.
“We would like to thank the UK Government for the funding that will enable the consortium to investigate the development of a fuel cell powertrain for the Toyota Hilux, supporting our carbon neutrality ambition.”
More rail services planned for region in upgrade package hailed “biggest step possible in levelling-up the Midlands”
Faster and more frequent train services are on the cards for up to forty-three communities, towns and cities throughout the region as part of a massive package of improvements to transform east-west connections in the Midlands.
The proposals, announced today (Monday), will reduce journey times, increasing rail journeys and supercharge the economy by bringing the East and West Midlands closer together.
Midlands Connect believe that this would create over 14.6 million more seats on the railway every year and will enhance access to HS2 for 1.6 million more people. It will also help safeguard 1,600 well-paid jobs in the construction industry.
Analysis also shows for every £1 spent on the project will deliver over £1.50 in benefits including faster journey times and benefits to the wider economy.
The plans submitted to the government by Sub-national Transport Body Midlands Connect will be launched today in Birmingham, bringing together politicians like West Midlands Mayor and chair of the West Midlands Rail Executive Andy Street, Preet Kaur Gill MP, Deputy City Mayor of Leicester Cllr Adam Clarke, councils and business leaders to all back the ambitious proposals.
The plan, entitled ‘Going for Growth’, proposes to build two chords as well as 11 further engineering interventions throughout the region to deliver a massive step change in rail transport in the Midlands. The biggest engineering proposals are between Bordesley and Moor Street, called the West Chord, allowing access to Birmingham Moor Street from South-West and Wales, and making sure services are improved on the Hereford and Worcester corridors. The project’s second chord is called the East Chord. This creates an access to Birmingham Moor Street from the East Midlands.
Other plans for engineering upgrades include: Snow Hill platform 4, Moor Street platform 5, improvements around Kings Norton-Barnt Green, Stoke Works junction, a Malvern Wells turnback facility, Ledbury – Shelwick partial double-tracking, Moor Street platforms A & B (east side), Bordesley viaduct widening, Water Orton remodelling, Nuneaton to Wigston signalling headways and freight loops between Nuneaton and Leicester.
The improvements will make space for up to ten extra trains per hour in and out of Birmingham. This means that passengers will see up to one hundred extra trains on the rail network in the Midlands every single day.
If funded by the Government, this would all will deliver a series of major benefits for passengers, commuters and businesses.
The pan-regional benefits for the Midlands are:
- An additional train per hour between Birmingham and Bristol
- An additional train per hour between Birmingham and Cardiff via Gloucester stopping at Worcestershire Parkway
- An additional train per hour between Birmingham and Hereford via Worcester. The service will also stop at Bromsgrove, Great Malvern & Droitwich & Great Malvern
- An additional fast train per hour between Leicester and Birmingham, stopping at Nuneaton
- An additional slow train per hour between Leicester and Birmingham. The service will stop at Coleshill Parkway, Nuneaton, Hinckley, Narborough & South Wigston
- One extra train per hour from Redditch to Lichfield Trent Valley stopping at Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Longbridge, Northfield, Kings Norton, Bourneville, Selly Oak, University, Five Ways, Birmingham New Street, Duddeston, Aston, Gravelly Hill, University, Chester Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield, Four Oaks, Butlers Lane Blake Street, Shenstone, Lichfield City
- One extra train per hour from Bromsgrove to Lichfield Trent Valley stopping at Barnt Green and the stations outlined by the service above. Together with the service above this means the Cross City Line runs at six-trains per hour
- Rerouting of the imminent two trains per hour from Kings Norton to Birmingham New Street (Camp Hill) service to instead run to Moor Street
Developer purchases new site in Lincoln
Commercial property developer, Stirlin, has announced a new site investment.
Stirlin has purchased 1.22 acres of land on Newark Road in Lincoln, which is situated directly adjacent to an Esso fuel station and the River Witham.
An existing planning application has been approved for 8 single-storey industrial units to be constructed on the site, which range in size from 1,000 sq ft up to 3,100 sq ft.
The site can also accommodate bespoke design and build opportunities of up to 15,000 sq ft, which will be offered by Stirlin on a long-term lease basis.
Stirlin holds a long-standing commitment in Lincolnshire; having developed over 260,000 sq ft commercial property across the county since their first development in 2007.
James Kirby, owner of Stirlin, says: “We are delighted to invest in another site in Lincoln. We have been aware of the site on Newark Road for many years, so were pleased when it became available. The site has a tremendous amount of potential and will greatly benefit from a complete regeneration.
“With its excellent access to Lincoln City Centre and the A46, the development will act as the perfect base for a variety of local and national business.”
Jamie Thorpe, chartered surveyor at Pygott & Crone, says: “It’s fantastic to see Stirlin going from strength to strength as they continue to acquire new sites across the region to deliver their high-quality brand of commercial units. They have been a key player in developing much needed business space throughout the city, providing accommodation that helps local businesses grow and supports economic growth in the area.
“The most recent acquisition at Newark Road is no different, a rundown site that is in desperate need of redevelopment. Situated in a central position, the site location is expected to be very sought after. We encourage all interested businesses to get in touch to discuss their requirements.”
