Sandra Lukoseviciene joins digital innovators Cube Purple

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Cube Purple, a software company, has welcomed Sandra Lukoseviciene, CEO and founder of the award-winning OK’s Digital, to their expanding team. Sandra’s expertise and visionary approach bring a transformative shift to Cube Purple, strengthening its ability to drive revolutionary solutions in today’s technology landscape. Sandra has earned acclaim across the UK for her work in digital solutions, celebrated for empowering businesses with accessible tools that elevate their digital presence. Through OK’s Digital, she has simplified complex processes, helping business owners leverage high-end visuals and cutting-edge digital training. Her mission aligns seamlessly with Cube Purple’s commitment to innovative and effective software solutions. In joining Cube Purple, Sandra’s creative approach to digital solutions combines with Cube Purple’s robust software development capabilities. Together, they will offer a comprehensive suite of products, from time management systems and fire safety tools to custom app and software development, cloud solutions, in-house systems, and advanced AI-driven automations, all designed to empower businesses to thrive in today’s competitive environment. “Joining Cube Purple marks a pivotal step forward,” Sandra said. “It’s not just about broadening our capabilities; it’s about aligning with a team that shares our vision for growth and impact. Together, we’re positioned to offer an even richer range of solutions, enabling businesses to embrace and excel with technology.” Mark Shaw, CEO of Cube Purple, also sees this as an invaluable opportunity. He said: “Sandra’s forward-thinking approach perfectly complements our commitment to cutting-edge software. With her expertise on board, we’re uniquely positioned to blend creativity and technical excellence, helping businesses streamline and grow in an ever-evolving marketplace.” As part of this new phase, Cube Purple will launch the Purple Pod—a podcast dedicated to inspiring and informing businesses on digital transformation.

Worksop land sale paves way for care home and houses

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A new care home and 10 houses are set to be built in Worksop following the completion of a land sale. Property consultancy Fisher German has completed the sale of a 3.8-acre site, based to the north of Gateford Toll Bar, to Stancliffe Homes. The development is set to include a 70-bedroom care home as well as 10 residential dwellings of varying sizes to cater for local needs. Fisher German provided the landowner with strategic development advice before acting on the sale of the site. Outline planning permission for the land was granted in December last year, and Fisher German was able to devise a well-structured agreement which reduced the time to complete the sale. Work on the site is now anticipated to commence when the final planning conditions have been agreed. Alex Morrison, of Fisher German, said: “We are delighted to announce the completion of the sale of this site in Worksop. “This development will introduce a much-needed care facility to the area, offering accommodation and creating valuable employment opportunities. Additionally, it will include the construction of 10 high-quality new houses. “It is a really intricate parcel of land with good access, and we were able to use our expertise to advise the landowner on how to market the site. “In this case our client’s main objective was certainty around the receipt they would achieve as a result of the sale. We structured an agreement which enabled the landowner certainty, so they can plan appropriately. “It also meant that we were able to execute the deal swiftly which is highly beneficial for everyone involved. “We now look forward to seeing the development come to fruition for the benefit of those in and around the area.”

Works start on Lincolnshire charity’s new HQ project

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Works have now started on new premises for charity Naomi’s Garden following a team of construction partners coming together to offer free labour and materials at cost price. Louth-based Naomi’s Garden provides conductive education to families who have loved ones with movement disorders, such as Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s, Dyspraxia and Motor Delay, as well as conditions including Autism, ADHD, sensory processing and genetic disorders and Long Covid. Having outgrown its current centre – which limited the number of families it could support – the small team of therapists at the charity raised enough funds to secure a new building, however funds are still needed to complete the purchase and to renovate it to make it fit for purpose. Landscape architecture practice, Influence Landscape Planning & Design, stepped in to support Naomi’s Garden by bringing together construction and professional services partners to move the project forward. Internal works have now officially begun by Lincolnshire firm GBM Demolition, who are stripping out and widening door frames. As previously reported, East Midlands-based construction partners who have committed to providing services are Influence, contractor G F Tomlinson, project manager and quantity surveyor Gleeds, solicitor Knights, and A + G Architects. New to the project are commercial fit-out company APSS, glazer Tradeglaze, GRS Electrical, retailer B&Q Louth, and West Lindsey Landscapes. The charity is still hoping to find a drainage, heating, and M&E partner. The new centre, located on Manby Park in Louth, was previously a motorcycle shop and needs extensive internal and external works to make it suitable for the charity to deliver its life changing services. The construction partners will be working together to completely transform the building, with works including internal strip out, raising floors, installing ramps, new windows and doors, complete interior decoration, and landscaping to the exterior. If enough money is raised, which is approximately £150,000, Naomi’s Garden’s new centre should be complete at the end of this year and welcoming families in early 2025. When complete, the new centre will enable the charity to extend its working hours, provide group sessions and create a dynamic learning environment for all – no matter what their disability, resulting in supporting many more adults and children each year. Managing director of Influence Landscape Planning and Design, Sara Boland, who lives in Louth, contacted Naomi’s Garden during the pandemic after having read about its plight and initially offered to help by providing landscaping services. That conversation continued to Sara offering to bring together a team of willing partners to deliver the works. Sara said: “It’s been a real journey to get to this stage. This small charity worked incredibly hard to get to this position and through sheer grit and determination, the new centre they so desperately need is now in sight. “A really big thank you to the companies which have supported us to date. What we are creating will positively impact so many lives and with these sort of services limited across the country, will offer more Lincolnshire and East Midlands-based families hope. “Fundraising continues while the construction team and I focus on finding new partners and getting the work done. Any offers of help toward the project, no matter the size, are always welcome.” Sarah-Jayne Walker, lead conductor at Naomi’s Garden, said: “As a small charity, we are overwhelmed by the kindness of local businesses who have come alongside us to help create Naomi’s Garden’s permanent home. “Teamed with the fundraising efforts of our community we have started to see the transformation take place. We, as trustees, are beyond grateful as we continue to build on Naomi’s Legacy. Here’s to the next stages!” Retailer B&Q at Louth recently chose the charity for its volunteering community day. At the end of October volunteers from the store spent a day creating some of the outside spaces, which included planting hedging, bulbs, hanging baskets, raised beds and clearing pathways. The retailer also donated £1,000 worth of B&Q materials which were needed for the day. West Lindsey Landscapes were also present, preparing and digging the ground for the hedging which they kindly donated. B&Q and West Lindsey Landscapes have transformed the external areas of the new centre. Naomi’s Garden has a SEND (Special Education Needs and Disabilities) specialist who works with the needs of children with autism, ADHD and sensory processing issues, and with the help of Lincolnshire County Council, also provides free school holiday provision services including free healthy meals and enriching activities. To make a donation towards Naomi’s Garden’s new centre, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/naomis-gardens-big-move?utm_campaign=p_nacp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

Midlands Connect seeks views on need for M54/M6 link

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Midlands Connect is urging firms to come forward and let them know how the proposed M54/M6 link  would impact their businesses and operations. The organisation believes a lot of businesses along the M54 corridor would benefit from stronger connections to the northbound M6, but are currently held back by gridlock and daily delays on roads like the A449 and A460. Integrated Transport Programme Lead for Midlands Connect, Swati Mittal said: “We want to hear from businesses and we want to hear their experiences. We want to hear about the impact that local congestion and gridlock on the A460 and A449 can cause your firm on a daily basis. “Please do get in touch with us over the next couple of weeks. We need your views to highlight the critical demand to upgrade this vital link to the local road network. Your experiences and thoughts could make a massive difference, please do take five minutes to get in touch and let us know what the impact is on your business.” The new government has outlined ambitions to unlock key economic growth corridors, and Midlands Connect wants to build a strong case for it to invest in the M54/M6 northbound link. They would like to speak to organisations that use this route to understand how it impacts their business operations, and how investment in the proposed link road would support their businesses to grow or operate more efficiently. These discussions would be used to form the basis of a qualitative report that will help build the case for this much-needed upgrade. Midlands Connect is urging local business to share their views over the next two weeks. Views are invited via email to mcadmin@midlandsconnect.uk.  

Future of Peak District hotel secured following acquisition

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The Premier Inn Chesterfield West hotel and Highwayman Beefeater Restaurant, situated at the edge of the Peak District National Park just six miles from Chatsworth, has been acquired by the Devonshire Group, securing the site’s future. The Group has purchased the site for an undisclosed sum and will focus on protecting and growing the impact of the hotel and restaurant within the local economy and Peak District visitor landscape. Located in Eastmoor just off the A619, the hotel currently offers 25 rooms alongside a Beefeater restaurant, and employs 28 staff. The Devonshire Group will enter a period of planning to bring forward a new vision for the site that will be announced in due course. In the meantime, the restaurant and hotel will retain the name The Highwayman. All existing staff at the site will continue in their employment at the hotel and restaurant under the Devonshire Group’s ownership. The Devonshire Group has a strong track record of investing in local business and hospitality. It oversees a diverse collection of hotels, restaurants and holiday cottages across the Chatsworth Estate, including The Cavendish Hotel and The Devonshire Arms at Beeley and Pilsley. The group has also owned the nearby Peak Village shopping centre and nature reserve since 2021, consistently developing the site’s offer since its acquisition, as well as its reputation as a destination for local communities and visitors alike. Stephen Vickers, CEO of the Devonshire Group, said: “We are always looking for opportunities to create and grow businesses that have a positive impact on local people, local employment and the wider visitor economy in Derbyshire. “The Highwayman site represents just that, providing us with the chance to enhance an already successful site to encourage even more visitors to this special corner of the UK, connecting them with nature, heritage and the wealth of local activities and produce on offer here. “We are looking forward to welcoming our new colleagues to the Devonshire Group and sharing our plans for the site in due course.” Richard Palmer, Managing Director of Devonshire Hotels and Restaurants Group, said: “We’re very excited about the opportunity to add the Highwayman to our portfolio of restaurants and accommodation in Derbyshire, and to build on the warm welcome and strong reputation created over years by the staff at this site.”

BRUSH acquires majority stake in Scottish engineering contractor

Loughborough-based energy engineering solutions provider BRUSH Group has acquired a majority stake in Scottish infrastructure and environmental engineering contractor McGowan Group. The multimillion pound deal sees McGowan – a National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS) accredited Independent Connection Provider (ICP) – become a key part of BRUSH Engineering Solutions, a leader in turnkey solutions to the UK’s power distribution network. Based in Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands, McGowan employs 60 people in three business units: McGowan Infrastructure, McGowan Environmental, and Eco Cable Protect UK. Nicolas Pitrat, CEO of BRUSH Group, said: “This is an exciting deal for both BRUSH and McGowan, creating significant growth opportunities both north and south of the border. There are strong synergies between our two businesses and McGowan’s impressive environmental credentials add a new dimension to our engineering capabilities. “What’s more, their exclusive Eco Cable Protect business gives BRUSH customers a lower cost, lower carbon alternative protection system for cable and pipe laying projects across the UK.” Ross McGowan, who founded McGowan Group in 2009 and will continue as Managing Director alongside the existing management team, said: “Becoming part of BRUSH Group is an exciting new chapter in our story and we’re looking forward to working with the team at BRUSH to apply our approach to working in the natural environment to a broader range of customers as we support the growth of the business across the UK.” McGowan is the latest in a series of acquisitions by BRUSH, which when combined place the Leicestershire-based firm in a leading position among engineering solutions providers including Aprenda, ETA Projects, KUS Power Engineering, Poise and Rybka. Nicolas Pitrat continued: “2024 has been yet another year of transformation for our business – one where we have made huge strides towards our vision of delivering complete turnkey solutions for our customers. “Together, we are changing the landscape of the industry, redefining what it is to be an original equipment manufacturer; using our hard-earned experience, industry expertise, and drive for excellence to build a business fit for the future. As we move into 2025, we are in a stronger position than ever to deliver industry-leading products, services, and solutions to support the UK’s energy transition.”

Leadership unites as Penny delivers 7-language international programme

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With elections and organisational change the focus of global affairs, one Nottingham-based expert has completed a major contract with one of the world’s foremost construction and engineering companies. Nottingham-based leadership and change specialist Penny Strutton, has been working with BrandSafway, which has a network of 340 strategic locations across 30 countries and more than 38,000 employees, on a major leadership and development programme. It has not only seen Penny delivering her “Think Forward” programme’s Elevated Leadership course in various countries but also, thanks to translation, in 7 different languages! Working with Penny over the last 6 months, the BrandSafway team have been discovering more about themselves and their leadership style and potential through the Lumina Learning concept. This includes psychometrics that reveal people’s dynamic personality, accelerate collaboration, creativity and problem-solving. Speaking about the programme, Penny said: “This has been one of the more challenging programmes to deliver purely from the scale and logistical perspective of so many countries, cultures and languages that we need to factor in but that challenge is what has made this such a rewarding journey for all of us. “There has been that one common thread uniting the entire programme as we’ve rolled it out and that is leadership. Now more than ever, in an era of great change and indeed challenge across the globe, this is a key skill that the world needs. “It has been fantastic to work with the BrandSafway team, they are a forward thinking organisation that is proactively placing their people at the heart of the business and I’ve learned a huge amount myself – how can’t you in such diverse teaching and learning situations!”

Housebuilder submits plans to deliver £78m, 275 new home development in Duckmanton

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Housebuilder Honey has submitted plans to deliver a £78m, 275 new home development on a 41-acre site in Duckmanton. The proposed site, which will be called Pearl, is located on Tom Lane on the outskirts of Duckmanton and is adjacent to the M1. Subject to planning, Pearl will comprise a mix of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes and will include terraces, semi-detached and detached properties. If given the go ahead, work at Pearl is anticipated to start in February with the first residents expected to move into their new homes in spring 2026. The 41-acre site has been allocated for development by Chesterfield Borough Council as part of the Chesterfield local plan to deliver 4080 homes by 2035. Since being launched in October 2022, Honey has secured 19 sites across Yorkshire and the East Midlands that will deliver 2,349 homes and a combined gross development value of £665m. The housebuilder is backed by private equity firm Alchemy Partners and its Alchemy Special Opportunities Fund IV which has £937m of fully committed capital. Honey chief executive officer, Mark Mitchell, said: “Our proposed development will provide much needed new homes for people living in, or wanting to move to, Duckmanton at a range of price points. “Duckmanton is an excellent location for us to execute our vision of delivering high specification, sustainable homes within a well thought out development to further enhance local communities. “We have designed a range of house types that combine style, substance and sustainability. This ensures our buyers, and the wider community in which we build, benefit from a high quality development. “We are excited by the opportunity to make our vision for our development a reality and we now look forward to Chesterfield Borough Council considering our plans for the site.”

Chesterfield’s Superior Wellness expands global presence with acquisition of European hot tub manufacturer

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Superior Wellness, the Chesterfield-based manufacturer and distributor of hot tubs and wellness products, has acquired the ongoing trading business of Portcril, a well-established Portuguese hot tub company. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in Superior Wellness’s ambitious growth strategy. With a robust network of over 500 partners worldwide, Superior Wellness is the parent brand of some of the best-selling hot tub, ice bath, and sauna brands, including Platinum Spas, AquaSolus, HEKLA, and Chill Tubs. “We are incredibly excited to welcome Portcril into the Superior Wellness family,” said Rob Carlin, Managing Director of Superior Wellness. “Portcril has a strong legacy in the hot tub industry, and we look forward to working closely with José and Diogo, from the founding family and current Executive Directors of Portcril, to build on their success. “This acquisition not only strengthens our product portfolio but also allows us to continue delivering exceptional products and services to our customers, with the addition of a European production facility and operating base to our global network of manufacturing and operational facilities.” Gareth Ward, Global Sales Director of Superior Wellness, shared his excitement about the new European facility: “I’m thrilled to announce the acquisition of Portcril, the renowned European hot tub manufacturer! “After spending time at their facility and working closely with their team over the past few months, I’m incredibly excited about this significant milestone for Superior Wellness. This acquisition represents a major achievement for all involved and marks a huge step forward for our company.” As part of the acquisition, all 44 employees of Portcril will retain their full-time employment and have their continuing employment rights honoured. José and Diogo Teixeira, the Executive Directors of Portcril, expressed their enthusiasm for the future: “Joining forces with Superior Wellness is an exceptional next step for us. We are confident that this partnership will allow Portcril to thrive for many more decades, and we are excited to be part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking company.”

Maven appoints Investment Manager for East Midlands

Maven Capital Partners has appointed Paul Davis as Investment Manager in the East Midlands, where he’ll lead on deal origination and execution, with a focus on deals and opportunities for MEIF II Debt Finance East and South East Midlands. Paul has more than 17 years’ experience within the business and commercial banking sector, and has worked for several major high street banks and alternative lenders including Barclays, Allica Bank, Metro Bank and The Co-operative Bank. His deal experience spans a wide variety of industry sectors, particularly in the manufacturin. Paul will lead on sourcing and executing deals in the South East Midlands, as Maven continues to back ambitious and entrepreneurial companies across the region. Maven has a long-established deal team operating in the Midlands, and earlier this year was appointed as Fund Manager for the initial £46 million debt fund for the East and South East Midlands, part of the overall £400 million Midlands Engine Investment Fund II. The new addition to the growing team underscores Maven’s commitment to nurturing innovative businesses across the Midlands and driving their growth to realise their full potential. MEIF II Maven Debt Finance has already announced a number of new deals into local businesses including Advance Tapes, a Leicester-based independent manufacture of specialist adhesive tapes, and Nottinghamshire specialist logistics and trackway installation provider DUKE Distribution. He said: “I am proud to join and be part of the MEIF II team, as it’s really rewarding to support SMEs operating in the same area I live. I’ve grown up seeing local businesses thrive and create new employment opportunities and I get great enjoyment in knowing I’ve had a small part to play in growing the South East Midlands economy.”