Garden Communities schemes to get funding injection in North Northamptonshire

Tess Egginton
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Garden Communities schemes to get funding injection in North Northamptonshire
A funding injection for new Garden Communities which will put green, wildlife friendly spaces at the heart of new development has been welcomed by North Northamptonshire Council. The Government has announced that the Council will receive money to take forward projects in support of Hanwood Park in Kettering, and Stanton Cross in Wellingborough. Both projects will deliver footpath/cycleway infrastructure, integrating these new communities into routes that follow the Ise Valley Way, receiving £200,000, and the Nene Greenway receiving £241,000. Tresham Garden Village is another new Garden Community receiving funding support from the Government in its planning. The development of the garden communities is key to regenerating local areas by providing housing and creating job opportunities. The programme provides support to progress long-term major housing projects from their earliest stages. It enables local authorities to recruit specialist staff, undertake the required planning and receive advice and support from the housing delivery body, Homes England. The announcement builds on plans in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to put beauty and nature at the heart of new development design, with the introduction of mandatory design codes, which will make sure developers respect styles drawn up and favoured locally – from the layout or materials used, to how it provides green space. Cllr Jason Smithers, leader of the Council, said: “This is fantastic news for North Northamptonshire and is a terrific boost for us to be able to provide the homes and jobs which are necessary to allow growth and prosperity to thrive in our communities. “We want North Northants to prosper and flourish and be an area that creates great opportunities for our residents, while at the same time being mindful of our environment. Garden Communities are an innovative way of managing long term growth and I’m delighted to see these projects moving forward.” Cllr David Brackenbury, the Council’s executive member for growth and regeneration, said: “It is a huge undertaking for the Council to plan and manage these projects to deliver the high-quality development and infrastructure that our communities rightfully expect. The funding from the Government recognises this. “This is exciting news for North Northamptonshire as the Garden Communities offer a positive vision for how development can take place in a sustainable way that respects the existing communities and environment.”

Plans submitted for Health & Wellbeing Hub

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Plans submitted for Health & Wellbeing Hub
Architects working on behalf of Bassetlaw District Council have submitted a planning application to develop a vacant site owned by the Council on Newgate Street into a Health and Wellbeing Hub. Located next to Newgate Medical Practice, the proposed development would be built by Bassetlaw District Council and leased to the NHS. Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, Cllr Simon Greaves, said: “We are working in partnership with the NHS and Newgate Medical Practice to bring forward a vacant site and deliver a new Health and Wellbeing Hub that will benefit residents and patients across the area. A great deal of work has taken place to get us to the current stage. “The submission of the planning application is an important milestone and highlights the ambition of the Council and our NHS partners. The development is still subject to planning permission and NHS funding, but I am hopeful that we could see works begin over the next year.” A spokesperson for Bassetlaw CCG said: “NHS Bassetlaw continues to work in close collaboration with Bassetlaw District Council and Newgate Medical Group to support the development of a high quality Health and Wellbeing Hub adjacent to the current site of the Newgate Medical Practice. “A business case is being developed which seeks to attract several million pounds of NHS investment and, if successful, would mean the commencement of work within the next 12 months.”

Half of firms now more likely to invest in carbon reduction measures

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Half of firms now more likely to invest in carbon reduction measures
New data from the Institute of Directors shows that, as a result of rising energy costs, half of businesses are now more likely to invest in carbon reduction measures.
In a survey of nearly 600 business leaders, 16% also agreed that rising energy costs would make them more likely to invest in carbon reduction measures in the short term, 28% in the medium term and 22% in the long term. Alex (Alexandra) Hall-Chen, senior policy advisor at the Institute of Directors, said: “With rocketing energy prices, many businesses are increasingly looking at investing in carbon reduction measures to ensure that they are more resilient to the impacts of energy price volatility in the short, medium and longer term. “However, businesses also need clear signals from government to encourage long-term planning to move towards net zero. That is why we have called on government to introduce a lower corporation tax rate for companies that achieve net zero.” In its recent policy paper, ‘The Green Incentive: how to put net zero at the heart of business planning’, the IoD has put forward proposals to provide businesses, and particularly SMEs, with an effective incentive to play their part in decarbonising the economy.

Frasers Group sells pair of US businesses

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Frasers Group sells pair of US businesses
Frasers Group has disposed of its US retail businesses trading as Bobs Stores and Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS). The businesses have been sold for a cash consideration of $70m to GoDigital Media Group (GDMG). Frasers Group says the funds will go into its general working capital pool. In a statement, Frasers Group said: “The board of FG is grateful to staff in Bobs and EMS for their loyal service and wishes these businesses every success for the future.”

DCJ Group swoops for fellow Chesterfield business

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DCJ Group swoops for fellow Chesterfield business
DCJ Group, which is part of Global Risk Partners, has acquired SM Commercial Insurance Brokers Ltd (SM Commercial). SM Commercial was founded in 2006 and, like DCJ, is based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The deal is the third acquisition for DCJ since it became part of GRP in 2018. Steve Higgins, founder and Managing Director, will remain with the business under new ownership along with all the employees. Chris Breeze, Chief Executive of DCJ, said: “SM Commercial is a highly respected community broker with a reputation for high quality client servicing. I’m looking forward to working alongside Steve and his team to help them take the business to the next stage of its development.” Chris said that DCJ has an appetite for further acquisitions. “I am keen to talk to vendors who want more from their business and are keen to build out their footprint. DCJ is fully aligned to vendors who want to do more with their businesses, and, alongside our parent GRP, we create the best possible conditions for brokers to thrive and prosper.” Steve Higgins said: “Everyone at SM Commercial is excited by the prospect of being part of a bigger family and I’m excited by the opportunity to make a step change in the scale of our ambitions for the future. “As part of DCJ, with the extra leverage provided by being part of GRP, we will be in a great position to support our clients as the economy emerges from the pandemic.”

Derby City Council’s iHub set to house Rolls-Royce Submarines’ Nuclear Skills Academy

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Derby City Council’s iHub set to house Rolls-Royce Submarines’ Nuclear Skills Academy
Rolls-Royce Submarines recently announced plans to open a new academy dedicated to nuclear training within Derby. The academy forms part of Rolls-Royce Submarines’ plans to boost nuclear capability in the UK and create a pipeline for nurturing talent. In partnership with the University of Derby, the site will create 200 new apprenticeships every year for at least the next 10 years. The academy is set to open in September 2022. It has been revealed that the Council’s iHub – managed by Connect Derby – will become the home of the new academy, taking centre-stage at the manufacturing-focused innovation and technology site, Infinity Park. Councillor Chris Poulter, leader of Derby City Council, said: “The creation of this Skills Academy is a really exciting opportunity for Derby. We have already firmly cemented our name as world leaders in innovation and technology, and with the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC) and University of Sheffield, the National College for Nuclear, and the University of Derby all supporting this project, we’re poised for success once more. “It’s so important that we grow and nurture talent in Derby, and with 2000 apprenticeships set to be created over the next 10 years, we’re delighted to be facilitating such a significant project through the use of our iHub.” Steve Carlier, president – submarines, Rolls-Royce, said: “We are fortunate enough to have some of the smartest minds on the planet working for us and the iHub is the perfect place to nurture and develop the nuclear experts of tomorrow. “Being born and bred in Derby, I am immensely proud that we are playing our part in further boosting the area’s reputation for engineering excellence. The UK is embarking on a nuclear renaissance and we are determined to make the East Midlands the home of nuclear expertise for decades to come.” Professor Kathryn Mitchel CBE DL, vice-chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “At Derby, we understand the importance of ensuring we have the next generation of graduates ready to meet the region’s skills needs, so to be playing a key role in the creation of a Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby is incredibly exciting. “Through this collaboration with Rolls-Royce, Derby City Council, the National College for Nuclear and the NAMRC, we can further enhance Derby’s international reputation as a centre for industrial innovation and keep the city at the cutting edge of engineering and manufacturing, providing some of the most exciting and globally significant developments as we drive the recovery and future prosperity of our city and region.” Led by the University of Derby, the new apprenticeships will be spread across four courses: Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, Business Degree Apprenticeship, Nuclear Engineering Technician Apprenticeship and Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship. For 60 years, Rolls-Royce has provided the power for all of the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines from its base in Raynesway, Derby. Their work ensures submariners have the power to protect the UK’s interests at home and further afield and the new Nuclear Skills Academy will maintain that capability long into the future. Applications for the September 2022 start are open until Friday 27 May.

RammSanderson snaps up sponsor spot at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022

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RammSanderson snaps up sponsor spot at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
RammSanderson has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, supporting the Contractor of the Year category. Speaking to Business Link, Oliver Ramm, director at RammSanderson, said: “As ecology, arboriculture, and flood risk consultants, providing services to a wide range of public and private sector clients across all scales of developments, RammSanderson are thrilled to be sponsoring the East Midlands Bricks Awards for the first time in 2022, backing Contractor of the Year. “We were eager to get involved in such a prestigious event that has become a highlight on the business calendar and can’t wait to recognise and connect with the best firms in the region, hearing how nominees have gone above and beyond to deliver projects. “The team at RammSanderson are looking forward to attending the awards and networking event in September, celebrating with the winners, and networking with property and construction professionals from across the region.” The awards, which will take place on Thursday 15 September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. Nominations are now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards. To submit a business or development, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include: The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 will also be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
Find out who last year’s winners were here.

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, as well as award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking. Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:                                      

To be held at:

Nottingham’s Power Park industrial and logistics scheme takes shape following close of £53.8m deal

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Nottingham’s Power Park industrial and logistics scheme takes shape following close of £53.8m deal

Construction has begun on site at the landmark 28-acre Power Park scheme in Nottingham – formerly known as New Horizon – following the close of a £53.8m forward funding deal between property developer HBD and Oxenwood Real Estate.

Power Park will see the delivery of seven buildings up to 145,000 sq ft, all developed on a speculative basis, providing a total of 426,000 sq ft of industrial and logistics space.

Sustainability has been a key focus throughout, with HBD opting to repurpose or recycle over 90% of the material from the original structure. Concrete from the old factory will also be crushed and re-used by contractor Bowmer & Kirkland during the construction works, limiting the scheme’s environmental impact. The new units will each meet a BREEAM sustainability rating of Very Good.

The development is expected to complete in Spring 2023.

Justin Sheldon, director and head of region at HBD, said: “It’s fantastic to see Power Park beginning to take shape – it is a high-quality, sustainable development that will attract new business and investment into the city and could create as many as 1,000 new jobs at Thane Road.”

Jeremy Bishop, co-founder of Oxenwood, said: “Power Park is a very well located logistics development and we are delighted that construction has now commenced – the unit sizes and specification are designed to address the strong supply-demand dynamics in the Nottingham area.”

The forward funding agreement is with Oxenwood Logistics Fund 1 SLP, a discretionary fund managed by Oxenwood Real Estate.

Space Park Leicester invites businesses to free manufacturing and technology workshops

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Space Park Leicester invites businesses to free manufacturing and technology workshops

Leicestershire SMEs are invited to expand their knowledge on additive manufacturing techniques and 3D printing in a series of free workshops taking place at Space Park Leicester.

Delivered by top academics from the University of Leicester’s STAR Accelerator programme, the best practice workshops are open to SMEs that are interested in finding out how to deliver new and innovative products, components and tooling to help “build a better world for tomorrow.”

Businesses interested in attending can sign-up to one of seven two-day workshops, with the first one taking place on July 6 and 7.

Vinay Patel, head of Space Technology Applications from Research (STAR) Accelerator & commercial manager, Space Park Leicester said: “On this course, you’ll gain an advanced introduction to additive manufacturing techniques and hands-on experience of 3D printing, with opportunities to explore materials and see how the equipment works.

“The course is aimed at Leicestershire-based SMEs from all sectors that may need help refining their product and planning development & manufacturing stages.”

He added: “The course aims to help businesses deliver new and innovative products, components and tooling across all sectors to help build a better world for tomorrow.”

Other dates available include: July 26 and 27, August 30 and 31, October 4 and 5, October 25 and 26, November 29 and 30, and January 17 and 18.

The workshops will cover a range of different topics including:

  • Main principles and benefits of Additive Manufacturing in polymers, metals, ceramics, composites and wax
  • Complete Additive Manufacturing workflow from design to manufacture
  • Technologies and their applications
  • Understanding of materials
  • Design rules for Additive Manufacturing
  • Finishing, inspection and quality assurance
  • Standards and product certification
  • Cost factors and equipment selection
  • The future of Additive Manufacturing.

The STAR Accelerator is funded by the University of Leicester and the European Regional Development Fund.

It provides the opportunity to work with space and engineering experts at the University of Leicester to accelerate the design, development, validation, and testing of a new product, prototype or demonstrator or tooling using state-of-the-art knowledge, design and manufacturing capabilities and facilities.

This includes:

·         Computer Aided Design

·         Precision Machining and Measurement

·         3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing) in metals, composites and wax

·         Prototype Build, Electronic Prototype Design or Build, Prototype Sensor Design or Build, Testing and Fault Finding.

Woodward Group bolsters team with ten spring hires

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Woodward Group bolsters team with ten spring hires

Burton-based mechanical and electrical contractors Woodward Group has added ten new faces to its team this spring, including four senior hires, to meet growing demand for its services in the region.

The new roles follow several project and client wins in the first half of the year for Woodward Group, a second-generation family business that provides electrical, fire, security, building and compliance services for commercial and industrial businesses nationwide.

James Butler joins as fire and security manager and will utilise his wealth of expertise to spearhead Woodward Group’s fire and security division and help develop the talented apprentices within the team.

Engineering veteran Andrew Ramsay also joins the senior team as mechanical engineering manager, where he will use his 30 years’ experience in the mechanical and electrical sector to help the company’s customers to diagnose and solve their problems with process improvements.

Process specialist Mike Woolley is appointed as projects manager to oversee operations of the company’s larger-scale project sites, while Sudhir Sehdeva joins as purchasing manager to lead supply chain initiatives and ensure seamless business delivery for the team.

Aden Woodward, Managing Director of Woodward Group, said: “Woodward Group has seen sustained growth in new client and project wins in the first half of 2022, particularly as our service offering continues to grow.

“Reflecting our commitment to organic growth – and to recruiting only top-level talent – James, Andrew, Mike and Sudhir’s appointments represent significant additions to our expanding team. It’s been a privilege to welcome ten new recruits to Woodward Group this spring and to see the team flourish.”

Other recent new hires for Woodward Group include Claire Miller, who joins the team as accounts administrator, Michael Grey as office administrator, Chris Staunton as fire and security engineer, Morgan Atkin as an electrician, Marcus Harding as an approved electrician, and Jack Morley as an apprentice.

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