IM Properties pushes button on 340,000 sq ft net zero scheme at Hinckley park
IM Properties is pushing forward with a new 340,000 sq ft speculatively built Net Zero Ready logistics and manufacturing unit on its Hinckley Park employment scheme.
The delivery of Hinckley 340 is part of the final phase of development on the remaining 18 acres at Hinckley Park, providing a new HQ facility opportunity with two storey offices, alongside two other smaller buildings of 47,000 and 60,000 sq ft .
Located next to junction 1, M69, Hinckley Park has already created jobs for 1500 people and is a proven prime location, home to DPD who have one of Europe’s largest and most technically advanced parcel depots and a 532,000 sq ft unit let to Amazon.
An industry leading specification in line with the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) recommendations will set Hinckley 340 apart and reflect the ambitions of IM Properties’ new Sustainable Future’s framework.
Hinckley 340 will be delivered as *Net Zero in Construction and **Net Zero Ready which means the building will be optimised to allow occupiers to be ***Net Zero in Operations.
It will target BREAM Excellent and an EPC A rating with solar PV roof coverage, EV charging spaces, cycle storage facilities and have an active travel plan in place to include a regular bus service and a network of cycle paths and footways for future occupiers and their staff.
Harry Goodman, development manager at IM Properties says despite the economic headwinds the company felt Hinckley Park offered a compelling case for investment.
“The key drivers of location, labour and connectivity have always stood out for the employment park, set on the borders of the East & West Midlands and just a short distance from the major conurbations of Leicester and Coventry.
“It draws on a large catchment area for last mile delivery operators and is also close to air and rail hubs including BIFT and Hams Hall Railports which appeals to the rich source of supply chain operators in the Midlands.”
Goodman continues: “The increased transparency required for all businesses on the sustainability front allows Hinckley 340 to aid occupiers in futureproofing their operations ahead of regulation and set a benchmark within their own sectors.
“As a major investor in the Midlands, we hope to use our influence to help set industry standards and work alongside our occupiers and supply chain to create positive change and reduce carbon emissions.”
Working in partnership with the main contractor, Winvic Construction Ltd, IM Properties continues to play an active role in the community, committing through an Employment and Skills Charter to provide training and employment opportunities for local businesses and individuals at all stages of construction on site.
IM Properties is represented by local agents Wells McFarlane and CBRE and Avison Young.
Downsized plans submitted for Lincoln Imp’s Stacey West Stand project
Lincoln City FC Directors have downsized plans for the redevelopment of the iconic Stacey West Stand at the LNER Stadium.
Original plans for the stand included an extra tier with a hospitality suite, boosting capacity by around 1,500, but due to the current economic climate, the project will now proceed as a two-tier development.
In a press statement, the club said: “Against the acute backdrop of an economic climate that has further weakened, and which remains both challenging and volatile, this project has presented many challenges which were unforeseen at its outset three years ago. Despite this, the board’s non-negotiable position on investment remains unchanged – firmly and responsibly committed to growth and progress, but without placing the financial future of the club at risk.
“Following a further project review, the board concluded that the original proposal would present an unacceptable risk to this commitment. Nevertheless, it remains absolutely dedicated to investing in infrastructure, and to delivering on the original project objectives – increasing capacity, improving fan experience and creating new community facilities.
“Therefore, to maximise the £1.8m already secured from various grant funds and investment from supporters and investors alike, the project will now proceed with a two-tier development, omitting a proposed third-tier hospitality suite, demonstrating that the club remains fully committed to increasing its social impact in the community through the vital work delivered by Lincoln City Foundation.
“Building a new Community Skills and Education Hub will help tackle the growing skills gap in the city by providing the Foundation with a fit-for-purpose facility from which it can champion the delivery of education and employability skills, all under the brand of the football club. The contemporary new-build will offer community space, offices and dedicated classrooms, enabling the club to increase its social impact value and improve the quality of life of local residents through its wide range of educational, health and well-being initiatives.
“Following a successful pilot scheme in early 2022 and a recent landmark change in legislation, the club will seize upon this new opportunity by investing in rail seating. Working closely with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, the club have submitted an application to trial ‘safe-standing’ in a small section of the Stacey West Stand – with the intention of installing rail seats throughout the entire stand should the trial be successful.
“In addition, the club will install barriers in Upper 7 of the GBM Stand to facilitate the safe-standing of supporters in that area. If successful, along with improving stadium aesthetics and fan experience, this significant investment in infrastructure would place Lincoln City as a leading player in safe-standing at football stadia in England, and also offer the potential to increase the LNER Stadium capacity to 11,500.
The project will also benefit from some key infrastructure improvements including:
• Investment in a new mains water supply to the LNER Stadium, addressing the much- needed demand for improved services for supporters
• Investment in power supply to the LNER Stadium, part of a longer-term strategic plan to become more energy-efficient, which will also enable other further plans such as enhancements to the University of Lincoln Fan Village
• Investment in a new, state-of-the-art recycling irrigation system which aims to re-use up to 50% of the water used to irrigate the fibre sand pitch, providing much-needed economic and environmental benefits and a major step forward as part of the club’s climate action plan
T”he matchday experience will be further enhanced by using the new Hub in other ways such as a social space, a shelter for vulnerable fans, family activities or a multi-faith prayer room.
“In line with the board’s vision to have a home that is contemporary, accessible, has soul and reflects the strength of the club’s ambition, this project is just one of many potential investments into infrastructure from a maintained list of future opportunities to upgrade the stadium as part of a longer-term plan.”
If only taxes were the only barrier to growth: By James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants
James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, considers the barriers to, and avenues for, business growth.
The mini-Budget or fiscal event on Friday 23 September not only sought to address, in part, the cost-of-living crisis with its energy support bill but also to unleash the country’s economic potential with the lowering of taxes. The focus being on putting an end to what has been described as economic stagnation.
Having a tax regime that incentivises or motivates entrepreneurs and business leaders to start and grow enterprises needless to say is key, however it is perhaps only one element of what empowers, drives or facilitates growth.
Against a backdrop of a pandemic most businesses will have probably been more in survival mode as opposed to growth. Whilst innate resilience, along with financial support from the government, has no doubt helped organisations weather the storm, many in business are still recovering. Growth therefore may not yet be back on the agenda, or part of a short term or even longer-term strategy. Few business owners therefore probably have a growth mindset.
For those striving for growth there appears to be a number of key barriers, not just the current tax regime. Certainly, one of the biggest barriers, not just for growth but for just maintaining business, is the lack of available labour and skills to fulfill key vacancies. New approaches to recruitment and ways of working have in part helped to ease the situation, however much more needs to be done as part of a longer-term approach.
For those fortunate to be operating in a growing market, increasing revenue is somewhat easier than for those operating in a mature sector. For the latter, growth is more dependent on looking at innovation in terms of service and product and gaining a competitive advantage to take market share. For some growth may come about through increasing their geographical coverage.
When it comes to growing a business, it invariably requires investment, whether it’s in new products, business processes and systems, people or sales and marketing. Access to either own funds and external finance make such investment therefore key. Having the wherewithal is one thing, having the confidence to make such an investment is another. In uncertain times, and with the rising cost of finance, many will perhaps defer such a commitment.
Business growth fundamentally requires business leaders to have confidence in the market they operate and economic certainty, along with their organisations’ capabilities, competence and capacity to deliver growth.
Whilst growth may be close to the heart of many an entrepreneur or business owner, unless the conditions are right for it perhaps greater focus in the current climate should be around consolidation and improving profitability. A drive for growth can often be at the cost of increasing the value of what you already have. Perhaps a more balanced approach is what should be strived for.
See this article in the November edition of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.
Four days to go until the East Midlands Expo – the ultimate networking opportunity
The highly anticipated East Midlands Expo is now just around the corner, offering the perfect chance to forge new contacts.
Free to attend, the established event of over 20 years will take place on Monday 14 November 2022 at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, presenting everything you require for the ultimate day of business generation.
A well targeted exhibition and networking opportunity, aimed at the construction, property, business, investment, finance, professional services and related B2B markets, register to attend the expo for free here.
Business Link is a proud partner of the day, which will begin with exhibitor breakfast networking and open to attendees at 9am.
A seminar will take place between 10:45am and noon with BSP Consulting’s directors Mark Rayers and Tony Goddard lined up to present ‘Sustainability and how engineering plays its part’.
A special networking lunch (for which tickets are now SOLD OUT) will then take place between 12:15pm and 2:15pm, and the exhibition will close at 3:30pm.
East Midlands Business Link looks forward to greeting visitors old and new and to add a little fun to the occasion, we’re inviting guests to drop their business card in to one of our ‘festively-charged’ staff for a chance to win a case of wine delivered direct to your door.
If you’d like it delivering to your home rather than your office, just write the delivery address on your card when you drop it in and don’t forget to let us know whether you prefer reds, whites or a mix.
For more information on exhibiting at the event click here.
To register to attend the event for free click here.
From property agents to developers, architects, contractors, investors, PR firms, and more, see the list of current exhibitors here.New office and team growth for Loughborough coaching firm
Business coaching franchise ActionCOACH Loughborough has moved into new and bigger office space in The Heritage Building in Loughborough, Leicestershire.
Located in the heart of the Loughborough business community, the new office will provide much-needed and dedicated space for the team to deliver coaching, training and seminars, and will house ActionCOACH Loughborough employees.
The office includes a meeting and board room, which will be available for other businesses to hire out and use for company or team meetings, as well as additional spaces for co-working and the ability for people to hire a desk on a daily basis.
The business has been based in Loughborough since 2015 and the move follows a successful period of growth for the firm, which is led by Managing Director Matt Bull.
Matt said: “I am incredibly proud of the team and all we have achieved as a business over the past few years, and delighted to have moved into a new and bigger office space to operate in.
“We are part of a supportive business community in Loughborough and by providing office and meeting space for businesses, we hope to connect with more people and grow our relationships beyond Leicestershire.”
As well as the office move, personal growth has been achieved for a number of team members including business development executive Jake Kebble, who has been promoted to head of membership development – leading on key events for the business and growing its membership.
Jake started at ActionCOACH Loughborough in November 2021, as part of the Government’s six-month Kickstarter scheme, as a data analyst before being promoted into a BD role.
Coach Kerry Malster has also been promoted to membership manager, she will be looking after and managing all members, social events and ensuring the ActionCOACH Loughborough experience is world class. Kerry will also continue her role as a business coach.
Matt added: “As a close-knit team of ten, we are committed to investing in our team members and I’m delighted that Jake and Kerry have been promoted into new roles within the business. Jake in particular has had a fantastic journey with us and I’m proud to see him grow into a head of role.
“We recently hit our milestone of 50 clients and the goal for 2023 is to continue to grow our client base as well as support local talent and investment in the area. We want to expand our coaches, to serve the demand, and recruit apprentice level and young people to train them to be the next generation of coaches.”
Digitised smart energy networks could save billions in energy costs across the Midlands
As the energy crisis continues, a new Midlands Engine report finds that digitised smart energy networks could save billions in energy costs across the Midlands.
A new report from the Midlands Engine has put forward a plan for the Midlands to become the UK’s first Smart Energy Region, helping tackle both the cost-of-living crisis and climate change. The report, Smart Energy – An Energy System for the 21st Century, was co-authored by the Midlands Engine partnership, Siemens and the University of Birmingham. It calls for the accelerated digitisation of regional energy systems to usher in significant domestic energy savings, job creation, and support for the continued rollout of cheap, clean energy sources. Smart energy systems can include ‘microgrids’, electric vehicles and smart meters, and would use digital technologies and artificial intelligence to balance energy needs across a network. In the case of the Midlands, the report identifies opportunities for consumers and businesses to save up to £70bn in energy costs, while slashing hundreds of thousands of tonnes of CO2 emissions and establishing the region as a world leader in smart energy. This month the National Grid began trialling a scheme using smart meters to help customers access discounts by using less electricity at peak time. The Smart Energy report identifies opportunities for similar schemes for small businesses and electric vehicle charging and highlights ways in which interconnectivity and use of data can drive even greater efficiencies. It calls for a number of initial steps to set the region on the right path, including the rollout of large-scale Smart Energy Pathfinder projects, the creation of a regional energy data taskforce, and the formation of a smart energy skills programme. It highlights the need for public sector support for decentralised energy systems, especially through more local renewable energy generation. These steps would follow a number of regional smart energy projects that are already underway, including the University of Birmingham’s smart campus plan. Combined with the region’s scale of energy utilisation (the Midlands accounts for a sixth of Britain’s electricity and gas demand) and its ambition to reach net zero, the report says the region could become a smart energy exemplar. Lord Bilimoria, Chancellor of the University of Birmingham and President of the Confederation of British Industry, said of the report: “The UK energy system is changing at an unprecedented pace. The ongoing energy crisis has shown how crucial it is that we secure a robust domestic supply of cheap energy, as well as reinforce our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. “Smart energy systems are a crucial step on the way to achieving these aims, while providing regional growth and supporting high-skilled jobs. It’s fantastic to see the Midlands leading the way in their development, with the University of Birmingham, Siemens and the Midlands Engine combining their expertise to make potentially transformative policy recommendations.” Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midlands Engine partnership, said: “The Midlands Engine partnership is committed to growing our region’s economy while ensuring a net zero transition for the next generation. The exceptional work of partners to lay the groundwork for smart energy, combined with our world-leading research and manufacturing base, means we are well placed to build on our history of powering the UK by driving forward the implementation of smart energy systems. “Smart technologies will also make an immediate impact, enabling users to better manage energy demand at a time of high inflation.” A focus on smart energy follows numerous recent advancements in the green growth sector in the Midlands. The region was recently chosen to host the West Burton STEP fusion project and has been moving forward with its plans for a hydrogen technologies valley. These are all underpinned by the Midlands Engine’s ten-point plan for green growth, which has set out a roadmap for a 36% reduction in CO2 emissions from 2020 levels, while generating £24.2 billion GVA for the region’s economy by 2041.North Lincolnshire Business Centre snapped up in £14m acquisition run
A North Lincolnshire Business Centre has been bought by property investment and development company, Hurstwood Holdings in Manchester.
The Queensway Business Centre in Scunthorpe was previously owned by by Dean Property Group, and the recently Refurbished centre boasts 20,820 sq ft comprising 33 offices from 168 sq ft.
Hurstwood Holdings has added the hub to its portfolio as part of a recent £14 million acquisition run in recent weeks, taking its total spend on new properties this year to £35m.
In addition to the Queensway Business centre, the company has completed the purchase of five additional industrial and office properties, nationwide, which include:
- Vision Park in Peterborough: Six modern warehouses totalling 15,037 sq ft and set to undergo a refurbishment, providing flexible leasehold accommodation from 1,150-6,781 sq ft.
- Fraser House in Ipswich: A 16,409 sq ft multi-let office building on Museum Street in the town centre where Hurstwood already owns another building. The prominently located, period building is fully let to Savills (UK) Limited, Peopleplus, Netscout, Attwells and Brewin Dolphin.
- Bridge of Don Industrial Estate in Aberdeen: Comprising six warehouse units, totalling 30,470 sq ft and fully let with occupiers including Andrews Hydrographics.
- Mandale Triangle in Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees: A 30,656 sq ft industrial building that is part vacant and part let to a Gym company.
- Kings Court in North Shields: Situated close to the town centre, this two-storey modern office building totals 78,577 sq ft, the majority of which is let as a courthouse to the Secretary of State, which has been in occupation for more than 20 years.
IDT achieves landmark carbon neutral accreditation
Ilkeston-based managed service provider IDT has achieved a significant environmental milestone – a whole two months ahead of schedule.IDT has been verified with Carbon Neutral + accreditation, which means the company is offsetting 25% more carbon than it is producing.The landmark marks a sustained, year-long effort by IDT to lessen its carbon footprint. The company has also started the process of changing its vehicle fleet to a complete EV and Plug-in Hybrids. This will be complete in the next six months.Other environmental work has included investing in the IDT head office, replacing the legacy lighting with up-to-date energy efficient LEDs throughout, as well as the expensive and inefficient electric office heating with air conditioning. IDT has also installed the latest roof insulation technology.IDT is also educating its staff by doing the simple, important things like turning off lights in rooms that are not used and unused equipment.Luke Draper, Managing Director of IDT, said: “For IDT, being sustainable is a priority for myself and co-founder James Cartwright, not because of how it is viewed or commercial pressure – but because it’s the right thing to do. Of course, our clients care that we’re carbon neutral. But if they didn’t, we still would be doing this.“As an IT MSP it’s going to sound silly, but we have actually reduced the amount of IT equipment we run and replaced old hardware with newer energy efficient upgrades. Having been completely cloud-based for the past three years we ensure our cloud partners who we use share the same ethos as us.“From a personal point of view I have two young boys and ensuring I am doing everything I can to lessen the impact my business has on our world and set an example for them is really important to me.”Luke says that IDT’s staff have reacted positively to the initiative.He added: “This is exactly what we hoped for as we are now classified as a Carbon Neutral + organisation. Working closely with carbonfootprint.com there were many different carbon offsetting projects, but we decided it would be nice to put back into the local area so we this year have backed the UK Tree Planting project and specifically focussed on the East Midlands.“Now that we have drawn a line in the sand and had it verified where we are today as a business, my plan is to year on year try to reduce and improve our impact on the world around us.”
Revenues soar at Leicester-headquartered luxury watch retailer
Leicester-headquartered luxury watch and jewellery group, Watches of Switzerland, has seen revenues soar in the first half of 2022 with a 31% increase in watch sales and 38% increase in jewellery sales taking group revenues to £765m.
Brian Duffy, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are pleased to report another quarter of strong trading driven by broad based sales growth across our portfolio of world leading partner brands. Demand remained strong through the quarter and continues to exceed supply, with client registration lists extending as consumers respond to innovative new products, impactful marketing and elevated client service.
“The first half of the year has been a busy period of new showroom openings – including five showrooms at the iconic Battersea Power Station in London and additional mono-brand boutiques across the UK, US and now Europe – together with showroom refurbishments as we continue to invest to elevate the luxury experience for our clients.
“Our strong H1 performance underpins our full year guidance, which we have upgraded to reflect the benefit of foreign exchange movements. Looking ahead, we remain confident in our Long Range Plan objectives, supported by a strong pipeline of expansionary projects as we continue with our strategy of investing for growth.”
The Watches of Switzerland Group Foundation has now also approved charitable donations of £2.7 million to continue to support disadvantaged communities in both the UK and USVision for Grimsby town centre regeneration to go before planners
Plans for the transformation of Grimsby’s Riverhead Square in the town centre, next to the troubled Freshney Place shopping centre, will go before councillors at the Cabinet meeting next week.
The new design for the area, drawn up by Arup Landscape Design, incorporate input from local people through public consultation and, if approved, will be funded as one of the projects included in the Town Deal, with funding that was secured in 2020 and ring fenced for specific projects.
Public sentiment seems to point to “more green spaces and places to relax” and “social space around the water” and these comments helped create the vision for the revamped public area.
Councillors will consider the plans at next weeks cabinet meeting.
