Exhibitor bookings flying for Midlands Machinery Show
Exhibitor bookings for this year’s Midlands Machinery Show are running 15% ahead of normal, demonstrating the farm industry’s delight at getting back out and about post-Covid.
The event, which will be held on 16-17 November at Newark Showground, provides farmers and contractors the opportunity to view the latest kit, from new tractors to robots and precision sprayers to low disturbance cultivators. “Exhibitors are clearly keen to return to farm events; new bookings were 15% up by the early bird deadline at the end of May, and repeat bookings are also flooding in,” says show organiser Elizabeth Halsall.
The event promises to feature some of the newest, most advanced machinery and equipment on the market, including the latest tractor models, robotic machinery, loaders, telehandlers, and mowers. “Last year, 77% of our visitors attended to research and purchase new products and to meet suppliers face-to-face, and there will certainly be plenty for them to see.”
Chandlers (MF) Ltd will be bringing a large selection of the latest Massey Ferguson models and the Chandlers (FV) Ltd team will have a full range of Fendt and Valtra tractors, including some brand new models not yet released at the time of going to press. Telehandlers and loaders will also be on view, joined by the innovative FarmDroid FD20 – which will for many be the first chance to see the new fully automated machine. The lightweight six-to-eight row FD20 runs entirely off solar power to reduce labour and costs of sowing and weeding crops, while being CO2 neutral, explains Gavin Pell, managing director at Chandlers.
“The farming industry is changing towards machinery that is high tech and often robotic to reduce labour and costs,” he says. “Requirements are drifting towards newer, more advanced technology and we are excited to be able to offer the new FarmDroid to our customers.”
Returning exhibitor Setchfields will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and will be exhibiting Kioti tractors, mowers, and equipment. The Lincolnshire–based firm will also be joined by JCB loaders.
“The Midlands Machinery Show is a good place to catch up with new and existing contacts,” says chief operating officer Hannah Setchfield, who joined the family business last year. “The farming community is continually evolving, and through our parts, service and machinery offering we are well equipped to meet the demands of the modern farming business.”
Almost 35% of visitors last year ordered a new product from the show, and 82% learnt about new products and innovations, says Mrs Halsall. “Given the close focus on farm and turf care machinery and equipment, both exhibitors and visitors know that they will get what they came for. Last year 93% of visitors were satisfied with the exhibitors’ offering, and with advance bookings already up on previous years, it promises to be a fantastic event for all involved.”
East Midlands furniture manufacturer delivers second contract for community hospital in Scottish Highlands
The new Broadford Community Hospital on the Isle of Skye is part of a £40m development by NHS Highland. This investment included the award-winning Badenoch & Strathspey Community Hospital in Aviemore, which opened towards the end 2021, and was also fitted out by Deanestor.
Deanestor provided both loose and bespoke fitted furniture for 142 rooms throughout the new hospital on Skye. This included storage units, medicine cabinets, height-adjustable changing benches, bedroom wardrobes, foldaway beds in some inpatient rooms, nurse stations, and a main reception desk with a walnut wood-effect finish and contrasting glacier white solid surface countertops.
Bespoke joinery was also manufactured and installed by Deanestor for a new six-bay suite for chemotherapy and renal patients to help create a more welcoming patient environment. This suite has large picture windows with stunning sea views. The white low-level counters are designed to house medical gases and vacuum outlets, and incorporate lighting, worktops, oak privacy screens, and coat and bag storage.
Commenting on the opening of the new hospital, Tracy Ligema, Project Director at NHS Highland, said, “This is a significant milestone in the history of Skye, Lochalsh and South West Ross. There has been a considerable amount of work involved in this process and we want to thank everyone who has contributed.”
“The new hospital will serve the community for many years to come and highlights the health board’s commitment to developing remote and rural health and social care services.”
Peter Ramsay, Project Director for hub North Scotland, said, “Broadford Hospital is a fantastic health facility which will bring huge benefits for the communities of Skye, Lochalsh and South West Ross. We faced major challenges progressing construction during the Covid pandemic but the support of all the partners and the local community ensured we have delivered a hospital that everyone can be proud of.”
A durable laminate finish was used for the storage solutions in two shades of blue to reflect the sky and the sea in the surrounding landscape. Darker blue was specified for the inpatient bedrooms and utility areas, with calming aqua for the treatment areas.
Deanestor also fitted out the pharmacy with tall cabinets, worktops, dispensing cabinets with integrated trays and metal drugs cabinets. A wide range of specialist equipment was also installed across the hospital – from physiotherapy bars to white boards, dispensers, sanitisers, and appliances.
Originally established in 1948 to manufacture hospital furniture and fittings for the newly established NHS, Deanestor now has the resources and expertise to manage 5,000-room hospital projects. It offers bespoke design services to meet specific healthcare project requirements and is responsible for installation to provide a seamless approach and a single point of contact for contractors, NHS trusts and other construction clients.
me&u open new UK head office in Burton
Burton-based commercial property agents, Rushton Hickman, has just let 3,197 sq ft (297 sq m) of ground floor office space to me&u for their new UK head office location.
Suite A/B, The Maltsters is located on Wetmore Rd, in Burton upon Trent. This former Bass Brewery maltings building was fully refurbished a number of years ago, to provide quality modern office space for rent. East Staffordshire Borough Council occupied a large part of the property for several years prior to moving back to the Burton Town Hall building.
me&u founder, Stevan Premutico is one of Australia’s leading tech entrepreneurs in the food & tech space. In 2007, Stevan conceptualised Dimmi Online Restaurant Reservations, and in 2015 it was acquired by TripAdvisor. Now he is back with me&u, which is set to change the way we order & pay for food and drinks in the hospitality sector.
James Winstanley, me&u country manager (UK), said: “The business benefits to the hospitality industry are an absolute game changer and we are transforming hospitality venues at a critical time for operators, through improved operational efficiencies, maximising customer experience and driving significant incremental revenue. Using me&u offers businesses on demand ordering, ability to accept a range of payments and provides a world class digital ordering platform to their guests.
“We chose The Maltsters site in Burton upon Trent, due to its central location within the UK, which is perfect for our National coverage, as well as the deep rooted links with the hospitality industry through the brewery trade.
“Rushton Hickman provided a comprehensive and fast service, which enabled us to identify the space required and get it open for business in the time frame we required.”
Rushton Hickman commercial property agent Simon Walker said: “We are delighted that me&u have chosen Burton upon Trent as the location for their new UK head office. Competitive levels of asking rents in the area coupled with good transport links are proving the commercial property market continues to remain very active in the locality.
“We have found both the number of enquiries received and viewings of commercial properties from interested parties are on the increase, which is fantastic news for our clients of course.”
Gateley announces a raft of new promotions at its Nottingham office
Legal and professional services group Gateley has announced its latest round of promotions, which includes eight people from its Nottingham office.
Charlie Jakeman – a construction lawyer, Elly Duggins – a lawyer in the real estate team and Natalie Howes, who is a commercial dispute resolution lawyer, have all been promoted to the position of legal director.
Three new senior associates have been confirmed with residential development lawyers Alexandra Smith and Lauren Jeffery, along with Charlotte Chapman who is a real estate lawyer.
Nathan Allaway, who is also a lawyer within the real estate team and banking lawyer Alicia Bradburn have both been made associates.
Andrew Macmillan, partner and head of Gateley’s Nottingham office, said: “I congratulate all those who have received a promotion and believe this sets a very positive tone as we continue to emerge from the challenges of the last two years and the pandemic.
“At Gateley we are committed to recognising and rewarding our region’s top legal talent which in turn ensures we can deliver the best service to our clients. All promotions are very well deserved as they have demonstrated dedication and a determination to succeed by going above and beyond for their clients and our business.”
A total of 70 promotions were announced across Gateley including eight new partners, nine legal directors, 23 senior associates and 30 new associates. In addition to Nottingham, the promotions span Gateley’s offices in Belfast, Birmingham, Dubai, Guildford, Leeds, London, Manchester and Reading.
£100,000 funding awarded to supercharge sustainable travel around Derbyshire
Independent research consultancy Cenex, in partnership with Derbyshire County Council, has been announced as the winner of Midlands Connect’s rural mobility competition, receiving £100,000 of funding to develop its proposal for an online Electric Vehicle (EV) charging and car sharing platform.
Once developed, the online platform will allow EV users across Derbyshire to ‘rent out’ their private charge points, giving motorists access to more chargers to power up their vehicles. The platform will also promote car sharing by providing opportunities for people to rent out their cars when they’re not using them, meaning that residents without their own private vehicle can get around more easily.
The project will encourage sustainable travel and open up opportunities for EV ownership to groups who may not have benefitted from access to local charging points before, particularly households without off-street parking.
The online platform will initially be targeted towards residents and local businesses, with hopes to expand to tourists in time.
Cenex and Derbyshire County Council will now use the prize money of £100,000 to further develop, test and trial the platform. Following the trial phase, should it be successful, it can then seek funding from either public or private sector sources for its widespread rollout.
Midlands Connect’s future of rural mobility competition received submissions from businesses which were asked to present new ideas that could help solve the social, environmental, and economic issues caused by poor connectivity in rural areas.
The winner was announced today at Midlands Connect’s Rural Mobility Conference in Melton Mowbray. The conference included panels from competition winners and runners up, as well as the Department for Transport, senior politicians and transport experts.
Midlands Connect CEO Maria Machancoses said: “Poor transport connectivity can be a challenge for rural communities, with residents often experiencing worse access to amenities and services such as schools, workplaces or hospitals. Our rural mobility competition was created to address these challenges and create innovative solutions that would enhance transport connectivity in isolated communities.
It’s great to see how many people have come together to challenge poorer connectivity at our conference today, particularly those from the Department for Transport, senior leaders and decision makers.
All our finalists for the rural mobility competition produced innovative solutions to tackle rural mobility – picking one winner was very challenging. We would like to congratulate our competition winner Cenex and look forward to seeing the idea developed in further detail.
Although there could only be one winner, we will be sharing all information and experience with our partners so that they can set up similar pilot schemes if they wish to do so.
BDO expands DRAS team with senior hire
Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP has strengthened its Digital Risk Advisory Services team (DRAS) with the appointment of Sandi Dosanjh as partner.
Sandi will lead BDO’s Digital team in the Midlands, specialising in controls transformation, cyber risk management, IT optimisation and technology enablement. Her previous roles included working as a director in Technology Risk Consulting, where she was responsible for leading large-scale control transformation programmes for FTSE 50 clients.
Evan Devetzis, partner, Digital Risk Advisory Services team (DRAS), said: “We’re delighted to welcome someone of Sandi’s calibre to the Midlands team, as we continue to grow our Digital offering, both regionally and nationally.
“Having someone on the ground in the Midlands, who has the experience and expertise to lead complex and large-scale risk programmes, will be vital to achieving our growth ambitions. In the last 12 months, DRAS has grown by 65% with significant potential in the Midlands market to expand our presence further.”
According to BDO’s latest global risk report, organisations that plan for and manage risk are more likely to succeed in a post-COVID economy, with 90% of businesses surveyed as part of the report admitting that the pandemic has triggered their organisation to completely re-evaluate their risk framework.
Sandi, who is also chair of the FA Women’s National League and passionate about making football accessible and safe for all girls of all ages, said: “I’m really looking forward to collaborating with colleagues to create something very special in my home region. To build and grow a team is an opportunity that doesn’t come around very often in your career and to have the opportunity to do that at BDO with a talented team of people is really exciting.”
“A great way to recognise the success of businesses in the area”: Invest in Nottingham encourages firms to enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards
Invest in Nottingham is encouraging Nottingham property and construction businesses to nominate themselves and others for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, to “celebrate their success and raise the profile of the region’s property industry.”
Lorraine Baggs, head of investment at Invest in Nottingham, said: “The property sector has its eyes firmly on Nottingham at the moment and for good reason. The Island Quarter is well underway, with lots of development around the train station and waterside ongoing, and that’s not to mention what is to come at the Broad Marsh site.
“Nottingham’s property industry is going from strength to strength and is currently undergoing a boom of investment. Despite the pandemic, 2020 saw countless cranes and developments appearing across Nottingham, and that has continued in the following years with over half a billion pounds of construction happening in the city right now.
“There’s a major spotlight on the city with Nottingham Forest’s recent promotion to the Premier League, so now is the time to shout about Nottingham’s successes.
“The East Midlands Bricks Awards returning to Nottingham for 2022 is a great way to recognise and celebrate the success of businesses in the area, and to reflect on the achievements of Nottingham’s property industry in the last year. I hope companies within the industry submit themselves and others for awards like this, to celebrate their success and raise the profile of the region’s property industry.”
Thanks to our sponsors:
If you haven’t submitted your nominations yet, now is the ideal time.
The East Midlands Bricks Awards celebrate the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and exceptional developments, and provide the perfect opportunity to shine a light on your team, reward their hard work, and boost morale. Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 15 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening that will also provide plenty of time to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. To submit a business or development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, please click on a category link below or visit this page.- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on 15 September 2022 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge County Cricket Club from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker. Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
Contractor appointed for exclusive new trackside homes at Silverstone
HG Construction has been appointed as the main contractor on an exclusive new trackside scheme, Escapade Silverstone.
The landmark scheme for Escapade will transform the trackside at the iconic Silverstone racetrack with 60 contemporary new residences and a clubhouse designed by architecture firm Twelve Architects.
The Escapade residences, which are available to purchase as an owner or stay in as a guest, have been billed as the ultimate experience for trackside enthusiasts, offering spacious, modern accommodation and driver-focused leisure facilities coupled with impressive views of the circuit.
The residences will offer guests light-filled entertaining spaces, high specification acoustics and ensuite bathrooms, in addition to car parking. The two-storey clubhouse will boast an indoor swimming pool and sauna along with treatment rooms on the ground floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows and dining facilities on the first floor as well as an 8.5 metre-high roof terrace.
Other amenities include a performance-focused gym and a private briefing room designed to enhance the year-round visitor experience at the UK’s only Grade 1 circuit.
Adam Quinn, Managing Director, HG Construction, said: “This is a really exciting project for HG Construction to be involved in given its iconic location and unique design. Twelve Architects have produced a sleek and stylish architectural concept which will complement and enhance the exceptional surroundings, and we are delighted to be bringing it to life on behalf of Escapade.
“We have worked closely with the client to ensure that the bespoke elements of the scheme are delivered in the most efficient and effective way possible, and we look forward to seeing the buildings emerge over the next few months.”
Will Tindall, founder & CEO of Escapade, said: “The opportunity to create something truly special at Silverstone requires partners who understand the nuances of such a challenging and complex location.
“Silverstone being a live racing circuit throughout the build, and the unique architectural and structural elements that make up our 14-acre project, mean we are pleased to work with HG on delivering our vision as it becomes reality. We look forward to welcoming guests from mid 2023 and will work closely with HG on all aspects of the project until completion.”
Manufacturers call for pre-recess support package amid worsening economic outlook
Britain’s manufacturers are calling for an emergency, pre-recess package of business support measures to help shield companies from a potent cocktail of escalating costs amid a worsening economic outlook.
The call comes on the back of the Make UK/BDO Q2 Manufacturing Outlook survey which shows growth and orders slowing significantly, exports almost at a standstill and, investment nosediving as companies cut or postpone their plans in order to maintain cashflow.
According to Make UK, the seriousness of the situation and, the prospects for the next six months, means that industry cannot wait for the promised help in the Autumn which the Chancellor made in the Spring Statement, with action required urgently before the summer recess. In response, Make UK has made a number of recommendations for measures Government can introduce now to address rising business costs including the following:
- Waive or reduce business rates for the next 12 months
- Implement VAT deferrals for larger businesses and waive completely for SMEs
- Temporarily freeze the Climate Change Levy and, if energy costs continue to rise, remove it completely
- Review the efficacy of the business interruption loan schemes introduced during the pandemic and deploy a successor scheme by Q3
- Extend the super-deduction investment policy
- Make the increase in the Annual Investment Allowance permanent
Leicester businesses asked for views on potential revamp of popular shopping street
Businesses in Leicester’s Clarendon Park are being asked for their views on a potential revamp of the popular Queens Road shopping street.
Leicester City Council is considering a range of possible improvements as part of a citywide programme of investment to help local businesses recover from the effects of the pandemic and the disruption it caused.
At Queens Road, the city council wants to help improve the shopping environment by creating more space for outdoor café areas and wider, safer pavements for pedestrians.
Initial ideas could see changes made to some side road junctions – including potentially closing the junctions at Montague Road and Cecilia Road to vehicles – to create more pedestrian space and cut the amount of traffic turning into Queens Road, helping to make the busy shopping street safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Pavements could be widened at key points to make more space for outdoor café-style seating areas to support businesses, while retaining the on-street parking spaces for shoppers and visitors, including disabled people. Additional loading bays could be provided for businesses.
This could include widening pavements outside Barceloneta and Friends Tandoori – between Howard Road and Cecilia Road – and filling in the existing bus stopping bay alongside the shopping area between Montague Road and Clarendon Park Road to create more space.
Improvements to make the route safer and more appealing to cyclists are also being considered, to complement the recent introduction of a docking station on Queens Road as part of the new Santander Cycles Leicester e-bike hire scheme.
Traffic calming measures, such as raised crossings, on Queens Road are also being considered to encourage motorists to cut their speed and improve road safety.
The initial ideas for improvements to Queens Road have been developed closely with ward councillors and now the city council is inviting local residents and businesses to have their say.
Assistant city mayor and Castle ward councillor Danny Myers said: “Queens Road is at the heart of the community in Clarendon Park. It’s a space that is held dear. Events like our Summer and Christmas fairs attract thousands and it is a place that can be enjoyed throughout the day and evening, all year round.
“Creating a high quality-space that reflects this popularity is a great opportunity. The area would really benefit for improvements to create a more attractive and safer environment for visitors and to support local businesses. It’ll be interesting to see what people think of these proposals and to hear other ideas they may have for Queens Road too.”
Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on environment and transport, added: “It’s really important that we continue to invest in streets like Queens Road to enhance the environment, make them more people-friendly and help ensure their local businesses continue to thrive.
“It’s clear that we have a real opportunity to invest in Queens Road and make it an even more attractive place for residents, local business and visitors.
“We’re very keen for the local community to be an integral part of the creative process as this scheme develops.”
An online survey has been launched to help gather people’s views. Closing date for comments is Saturday 30 July 2022. The project team will also be at the Clarendon Park Summer Fair on Sunday (19 June) to discuss the initial proposals in more detail, and letters outlining the ideas will be delivered to homes and businesses in the area.
