Turnover rises at Totally in “challenging” operating environment
Turnover and profit are up at Totally, the Derby-based provider of healthcare services.
According to unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2022, group turnover has risen 14.1% to £70.3 million, while gross profit was up 2.6% to £11.9 million and profit before tax sat at £1 million.
During the period the business delivered services to approximately 1.25 million patients and was awarded extensions to 15 existing urgent care contracts amounting to £37 million in value.
Bob Holt OBE, chairman, said: “We are pleased to report the group’s interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2022.
“The operating environment has continued to be challenging for everyone in healthcare, and as the winter months approach, cases of COVID-19 and seasonal flu are, as expected, on the increase. This brings both opportunities and challenges for the group. Totally has a strong track record of managing services in difficult conditions and was established to support the NHS in the management of demand fluctuations just like this.
“Our most recent acquisition, Pioneer Healthcare, is responding to significant levels of demand for outsourcing and Any Qualified Provider (AQP) services. Responding to this growth opportunity is a priority for the group.
“We remain committed to the delivery of high-quality, responsive services that support our partners, the NHS and commissioners. The scale of the opportunity remains significant, with demand outstripping supply and waiting lists continuing to sit at all-time highs. We will continue to invest in our businesses and in new opportunities that enhance earnings opportunities and increase shareholder value.
“I want to pass my ongoing thanks to our exceptional teams. Our people are our greatest asset, helping us respond quickly, professionally and with flexibility to the needs of our NHS commissioners.”
Joules reveals intention to appoint administrators
Market Harborough-based lifestyle brand, Joules, is calling in administrators.
It follows the company’s announcement that it was in advanced discussions with a number of strategic investors to provide a cornerstone investment in an equity raise process.
The company also said it was in discussions regarding a bridge financing proposal in order to enable continued progress to be made with re-financing plans.
These discussions however have not been successful and have terminated.
As a result, Joules has resolved to file a notice of intention to appoint Will Wright, Ryan Grant and Chris Pole of Interpath Advisory Limited as administrators to the company and Joules Limited, and Will Wright and Ryan Grant to The Garden Trading Company Limited and Joules Developments Limited.
Joules has requested a suspension of trading in the company’s ordinary shares on AIM from today.
Frasers Group sets sights on Savile Row tailor
Shirebrook-based Frasers Group is on the cusp of acquiring Savile Row tailor Gieves & Hawkes.
According to Sky News, Frasers Group is in “advanced talks” to snap up the brand, which was put up for sale earlier this year following its owner’s slip into liquidation.
The deal’s value has not been disclosed.
It continues rapid expansion for Frasers Group, which has this year increased its investment in Hugo Boss, made an offer for Australian business MySale (for which it is nearing its takeover), and swooped for Missguided, I Saw It First, as well as Studio Retail Limited.
Gieves and Hawkes is a luxury menswear retailer dating back to 1771.
Katapult named Derbyshire Business of the Year at East Midlands Chamber Business Awards
Katapult, a creative business that designs themed attractions and experiences for some of the biggest brands in the world, has been crowned the Derbyshire Business of the Year by East Midlands Chamber.
The Derby-based company – which has worked with leisure industry leaders including Lego, Merlin Entertainments, Ferrari and Cartoon Network and Warner Bros – also won the Excellence in International Trade award at the Derbyshire Business Awards, which was held on Friday (11 November) in partnership with headline sponsor Mazars.
Established in 2001 and employing 15 people, the company’s portfolio of work includes the Ferrari Experience in Orlando – featuring simulator rides, an e-sports adrenaline hub and dining experiences – and the DOTS immersive experience for children at 11 Legoland Discovery Centres across the world.
Closer to home, it created an outdoor hospitality space in Derby market place during the pandemic. With a foothold in North America, it is now pursuing new opportunities in the Middle East.
The Derbyshire Business Awards, held in partnership with headline sponsor Mazars, recognised East Midlands Chamber members across 13 categories, ranging from Excellence in Innovation and Environmental Impact at organisational level through to individual honours for Entrepreneur of the Year and Apprentice of the Year, in addition to the overall Business of the Year winner.
Finalists, chosen by a judging panel of the Chamber’s senior leadership and board of directors, as well as sponsors, discovered their fate during a gala dinner attended by hundreds of people at Reach, in Pride Park, Derby.
Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The past few years have been challenging for our business community, and yet we continue to see so many shining examples of business success across our region.
“It’s always important to celebrate these achievements and shout about the great things happening right here in Derbyshire. We know it is a fantastic place to do business and these organisations – many of which have worked together to maximise their impact within their sectors and communities – are doing a wonderful job.
“Later this month, the Chamber will launch a Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond in Parliament that illustrates how our region is a Centre of Trading Excellence. Our Business Awards are full of companies that are living proof of this.”
The Derbyshire Business Awards – one of three awards hosted by the Chamber, along with Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire – were hosted by comedian Patrick Monahan.
A raffle was held to raise funds for East Midlands Chamber president Lindsey Williams’ three chosen charities this year – Focus, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and Treetops Hospice.
Lindsey, chief executive of housing association Futures Housing Group, added: “Behind every nominee and winner whose name will go up in lights are people and organisations that are truly delivering for the region. Their achievements generate employment, wealth and opportunity not just for those directly connected, but for the wider community.
“So I’m proud to see the Chamber yet again take the opportunity to bring us together and celebrate our top talent – for their success but also for what they bring to the East Midlands as a whole.”
Refresh for 200 Degrees with new recyclable packaging and coffee pods
Coffee roaster 200 Degrees Coffee has revealed refreshed packaging, across its retail coffee bag ranges and wholesale packaging soon to follow, which are both 100% recyclable.
The new black and easy resealable coffee bags represent 200 Degrees’ core ‘House Beans’ such as Brazilian Love Affair. The white coffee bags showcase their ‘Guest Beans’, which are rotating single origin selections for those who are looking to experiment and discover new flavours from Africa, Asia and Central America.
Both designs feature wallpaper print, which has been inspired by 200 Degrees’ flagship and first coffee shop at Flying Horse Walk in Nottingham. The shop is housed in a 17th century coaching inn building, with Tudor-style leaves, berries and flowers incorporated into the design.
200 Degrees is also giving coffee lovers another way to enjoy its signature blends at home, with the launch of coffee pods – in partnership with coffee pod recycling service PodBack – which will be compatible with Nespresso original machines.
The coffee roasters will be a part of the PodBack scheme, which encourages consumers to bring their used pods back to the shop to be recycled as well as at designated areas such as supermarkets, shops and through local councils at home.
Commercial director Will Kenney said: “As we hit our milestone of ten years in business this year, we felt it was time to refresh our 200 Degrees packaging and create something that was not only 100% recyclable but also practical and contemporary.
“We wanted to provide customers with better accessible coffee to drink and enjoy at home, and also make the roast that people know and love more recognisable when coming into our shops.
“We’ve chosen distinctive designs to firstly pay homage to where we first started selling coffee and secondly to help break down some of the language barriers that often deter people from buying speciality coffee.
“As well as the new packaging, we have launched coffee pods as part of our offering. With technology changing and new machines entering the market, it felt like the natural next step for us to make great coffee at home both convenient and accessible to more people.
“We want people to feel at home at 200 Degrees, by enjoying the same favourite blend in our shops as they do in their own homes.”
Thrive gobbles up Custard Technical Services
Thrive, a provider of cybersecurity and digital transformation managed services, has acquired Custard Technical Services, an IT support company based in Nottingham that specialises in managed services in the East Midlands and surrounding areas.
The acquisition will enable clients of Custard, including manufacturers, charities, and insurance groups, to benefit from Thrive’s next-generation managed cybersecurity, Cloud services, and automation platform.
Founded in 1996, Custard provides a comprehensive range of IT solutions including consultation, managed services, disaster recovery planning, IT security backup solutions, and ongoing software and hardware support and maintenance.
“Custard is a customer-centric, no-nonsense IT support and security company that has an excellent track record of providing a superb IT experience to clients of all sizes for over two decades,” said Rob Stephenson, CEO of Thrive.
“We’re excited to add Custard to our ever-expanding UK operations due to their incredible management team, dedicated employees and customers, as well as their attractive geographic location in Nottingham, which will open up the Birmingham, Manchester and Leicester markets for Thrive’s Managed Services & Cybersecurity offerings.”
“Custard has always been committed to delivering reliable and flexible high standards of IT services to go above and beyond the needs of the customer,” said Chris Pass, CEO and co-founder of Custard Technical Services. “We are excited to join Thrive’s global roster and believe that our proven track record and our top-tier talented professionals will be an excellent complement to expand Thrive’s extensive NextGen portfolio of solutions.”
Custard Technical Services is now the fifth acquisition by Thrive in 2022 and the second acquisition based outside of the US since 2021.
Financial planner snapped up
Colmore Partners has continued its expansion with the acquisition of a well regarded firm’s clients.
It has completed a deal for Clear Solutions (Financial Planning) Ltd, which extends its presence in the Midlands.
Clear Solutions, which has offices in Derbyshire, specialises in retirement solutions and investment planning. The fully independent firm was founded twenty years ago by Tony Wynne, who has joined Colmore Partners as a consultant during the transition process.
Richard Meek, Managing Director of Colmore Partners, said: “We are very pleased to have completed this acquisition. Tony Wynne has built a loyal client base over many years and wanted to make sure that they are serviced by a firm that will act in their best long-term interests.
“He had the option to sell the business to a large financial institution but chose Colmore Partners due to our reputation for doing things properly, with a proposition and level of service to match.”
Tony Wynne said: “Following discussions with a number of firms, I decided to team up with one led by Richard Meek, who is a chartered financial planner I have known and worked with for over 20 years.
“The service, expertise, values and culture of Colmore Partners is very similar to mine and I am confident they will offer clients the highest quality advice and personal service. I look forward to working with Richard and his team to ensure a smooth transition.”
Pall-Ex unveils special edition livery to mark gold award honour by Ministry of Defence
Pall-Ex has unveiled a unique livery to commemorate being awarded the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award by the Ministry of Defence, which recognises the network’s ongoing commitment to the armed forces.
Pall-Ex is the only UK palletised freight distribution network to hold the gold accolade and was awarded the honour due to its continued work supporting ex-military personnel via training, careers, and charity fundraising. The company joins an exclusive list of just three Leicestershire organisations that achieved the prestigious Gold accreditation in 2022.
To mark the occasion, the cameo-inspired livery was revealed in a special ceremony at the Reserves Forces and Cadet Association black tie event which took place at the National Memorial Arboretum, ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
Pall-Ex Group CEO Kevin Buchanan said: “We are delighted to reveal this one-of-a-kind livery to mark what is a very special accolade. I speak on behalf of everyone at Pall-Ex when I say we are honoured to hold the ERS Gold Award which recognises our efforts across the business in helping veterans build rewarding careers, with many of our staff having joined us from successful backgrounds within the armed forces.
“The causes we support we hold dearly and being recognised so highly further cements our dedication and commitment to Armed Forces personnel.”
Pall-Ex’s efforts have been recognised as outstanding due to its forces-friendly pledges, including enhanced leave for Reservists and Cadets, and its ongoing fundraising for veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress.
Combat Stress is the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health and has been Pall-Ex’s Corporate charity partner for the last few years. To commemorate their partnership Pall-Ex was awarded with the Corporate Fundraising Group of the Year award in early 2022 for raising a staggering £35,000 in 2021 alone.
The cameo-livery vehicle aptly named ‘Poppy’ will be used for collection and deliveries around the Leicester area and will support Pall-Ex’s corporate division. The design will also be rolled out throughout the network as many of its shareholder members look to become gold accredited in the next few years.
DSP (Interiors) Ltd complete fit-out for Surescreen Diagnostics’ new production facility
Design, refurbishment, and fit-out specialists DSP (Interiors) Ltd have completed the first and second phase fit-out at Sherwood Business Park for SureScreen Diagnostics’ new lateral flow test production facility.
Over the past 18 months, the company, which is based on the Parker Industrial Estate on Mansfield Road in Derby, has partnered with SureScreen Diagnostics to support their expansion with the completion of a range of fit-out projects across Derby and Nottingham.
SureScreen remains at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19, producing antibody and antigen tests, which have been exported to 53 countries across the world. With more than 25 years’ experience in rapid diagnostic test products, SureScreen was the sole UK manufacturer to be validated by Public Health England during the pandemic.
This growing demand and product development, which includes the recently approved dual Covid and Flu test, has perpetuated the need to expand facilities over the past 18 plus months.
In 2021, SureScreen announced its expansion to a new production facility at Lucinda House at Sherwood Business Park in Annesley, Nottinghamshire following an order for tens of millions of antigen Covid-19 tests from the Government, which created 1,000 local jobs.
DSP (Interiors) Ltd Derby was appointed principal designer and contractor to fulfil a staged completion of extensive turnkey works at the facility, which is the largest of its kind in Europe.
Work undertaken as part of phases one and two has involved transforming the original warehouse which housed a small office, amenity block, mezzanine level and a large logistics space into a state-of-the-art production and packing facility.
The existing amenity block was completely gutted and fitted out to accommodate new staff including underground drainage, toilets, and showers.
Work has also involved the installation of a new circa 31,500 sq ft mezzanine floor to extend the production and packing space.
DSP (Interiors) Ltd undertook all associated works including partitions, ceilings, flooring, and bespoke joinery, along with mechanical, electrical, fire protection measures and plumbing works including specialist dehumidification ducting for the machinery and upgrades to the mains electrical systems.
Further works on the project have included the fit-out of the new warehouse including adjustable pallet racking and the full refurbishment of the existing offices, toilets, and kitchens.
Work also just completed on Phase 3, which included a large agile office and amenity, details of which will be released in the coming weeks. Work on Phase 4, a large Laboratory area, is also due to start in the first quarter of next year.
Speaking about their partnership with SureScreen Diagnostics, Andy Priestley, director of DSP (Interiors) Ltd Derby, said: “We are delighted to have completed phases one and two at Lucinda House at Sherwood 80 for SureScreen Diagnostics on schedule and on budget.
“SureScreen Diagnostics do incredible work, and we are happy to have delivered a state-of-the-art facility where they can continue manufacturing and producing their Covid-19 antigen tests.
“As principal designer, DSP (Interiors) Ltd have been heavily involved in designing the spaces to accommodate the ever-changing needs of the production and packing workflow. SureScreen has invested heavily in the latest technology and as such the design of the bespoke facility has been fluid and continues to be adapted to accommodate these developments.
“We are excited to be working on phases three and four of the project and look forward to continuing the strong partnership with SureScreen Diagnostics.”
Alastair Campbell, director of SureScreen Diagnostics, added: “DSP Interiors Derby have done a fantastic job on the first two phases of this project. It is obvious that they have a huge amount of experience in design, installation and fit-out projects and are always able to find the right balance of design flair and practicality for the space given.
“Andy and his team remain valuable partners in this exciting project, enabling us to keep up with the demand for test kit production, the development of new products, and realise our desire and responsibility to supply these important diagnostic products.
“Being agile around design changes and applying out of the box thinking on a large, changing project like Lucinda House has been invaluable. On a personal note, the fact that Andy, the top man, has often been on-site is great, as you can work through the ongoing project decisions together, leading to better efficiency and slicker decision making.”
Food retail space and restaurant pods planned for Riverside Retail Park
Plans for food retail space and restaurant pods at Riverside Retail Park, Nottingham, have been submitted to the city council.
Proposals, prepared by Firstplan on behalf of The Trustees of the Blackrock UK Property Fund, are seeking permission for a ‘floating consent’ to use up to 2,000 sq m across Units A to D at the site for food retail use.
Full planning permission meanwhile is sought for two restaurant pods with drive-thru facilities within the car parking area of Riverside Retail Park.
These will be operated by Starbucks and Popeyes and could provide 60 jobs.
Riverside Retail Park has traded as part of Nottingham’s retail offer for approximately 30 years. The development is anchored by a large B&Q Warehouse store, with other retailers currently trading at the site including Boots, Next, Poundland, Food Warehouse and Home Bargains.
