Nottingham domestic abuse charity one step closer to safe properties for survivors

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham domestic abuse charity one step closer to safe properties for survivors
£3m plans by Nottingham’s largest domestic abuse organisation, Juno Women’s Aid, to buy its own properties to house survivors have taken a major step forward.
The charity has made offers on nine houses and is viewing several more, so that it can secure 18 homes that it hopes will be ready for women and their children to move into this summer so they can start building new lives.
The progress comes after it received ‘life-changing’ funding of £3,075,000 from Social and Sustainable Capital (SASC), which provides finance for ‘extraordinary’ charities and social enterprises.
Juno has been searching for the safe two and three-bedroom accommodation – which will be available to families for two-year tenancies – across Nottingham city and south Nottinghamshire.
Yasmin Rehman, CEO at Juno Women’s Aid, which has been running its services for 40 years, said the 18 properties will be secured with the first tranche of funding it has received, and is looking to secure additional funding for a further ten properties.
Yasmin said: “Things are moving ahead at pace – we have nine houses under offer and going through conveyancing. This funding marks a huge difference in what we can offer to the women we help. Instead of an emergency, sticking plaster approach, this is a longer-term strategy that will not only save lives but create the opportunities for long-lasting change.
“Being able to move survivors and their families out of a refuge and into one of these properties means they can start to build an independent life, putting down roots and creating safe social networks. They will be able to put their children into local schools and be helped to find work or training courses.”
Juno believes the social investment loan, distributed by SASC’s Social and Sustainable Housing Fund II, can support around 110 women and 220 children during the loan term. It will also benefit families with older male children who are often unable to access other refuge accommodation.
In 2022-2023, Juno worked with 2,726 women, 472 children and young people, fostered 56 pets, and received nearly 16,000 calls on its helpline. It supports 500-600 women and children in Nottingham and south Nottinghamshire at any one time.
Its domestic abuse services include a drop-in service; refuge provision, specialist one-to-one and community outreach support for women, children and young people; justice team support through civil and criminal court proceedings, group work programmes and access to Nottingham College training and education.
Yasmin praised the financial support that Juno’s services receive through the charity’s commissioners at Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council and the office of Nottinghamshire’s police and crime commissioner Caroline Henry.
But she admitted these were challenging times for the charity sector in the face of local government financial difficulties.
“It’s a tough time because everybody is stretched and wondering what is going to happen in the coming months,” she said. “In turn, people are coming to us with their own financial pressures. We have women saying they are going to stay in the house with their abuser because they either own the house or the tenancy is in their name and they don’t want that cycle of moving again and again.”
But she added: “We have to remain optimistic and we will find a way through. Buying these properties and developing a housing management arm, that is paid for completely separately from our public sector-funded services, is a game-changer for us.”
Juno also works in partnership with private sector organisations, including The Island Quarter and architects Marchini Curran Associates in Nottingham.
“It would be wonderful if the wider business community could help to support these women in their new homes through donations to us,” said Yasmin. “They could provide supermarket vouchers so they can shop for food or the basic items they need and also in choosing their own furniture when we take them to charities like The Arches.”
She added: “We want to give women and their children some valuable breathing space and support them in their new lives. Domestic abuse, if you experience it, should be an experience in your life – it should not define you for the rest of your life.”
Mark Bickford, CEO of Social and Sustainable Capital, said: “We are delighted to hear that Juno Women’s Aid has made significant progress in terms of using the investment from our SASH fund to purchase properties that will become safe havens for many women and children fleeing domestic abuse and enable them to rebuild their lives.
“Owning these properties will be transformative for the charity – making its model and services more sustainable and enabling it to support many more women and children.”

Lincolnshire IT support firm becomes part of Air IT

Tess Egginton
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Lincolnshire IT support firm becomes part of Air IT
Lincolnshire IT support firm SCS is now part of Air IT, the Nottingham-based Managed Service Provider (MSP) for SMEs. Matthew Stead, Managing Director of SCS, says: “We’ve spent the last 30 years developing and growing SCS into a successful regional business with an enviable local reputation. “By joining Air IT, we’ll be able to offer additional technical expertise, skillsets and new exciting capabilities, whilst continuing to deliver the highest levels of service to our clients. We are very much looking forward to continuing our journey of growth and establishing Air IT as the IT partner of choice for SMEs in Lincolnshire and beyond.” James Steventon, CEO at Air IT, said: “I’m delighted to welcome SCS to Air IT. They’re a great addition to our team, sharing a similar approach, culture, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to clients. “With a strong focus on our core services including managed IT support and Microsoft technologies, we’re looking forward to combining our joint knowledge, skills and experience to deliver even greater results for our valued clients.” SCS will be operating from the same premises with the same staff as before.

New business owners don’t need to go it alone, says Leicestershire Growth Hub

Tess Egginton
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New business owners don’t need to go it alone, says Leicestershire Growth Hub
Starting a new business can seem like a daunting prospect for many. There can be so much to think about and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. With this in mind, LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub is running Business Boost: Focus on Start-up Support on 12 March 2024 for would-be and new business owners. The free morning event will provide practical advice and support through a variety of expert speakers covering key business start-up topics for anyone thinking about or who has just started a business in Leicester and Leicestershire. Speakers will provide information on business planning, growing through social media, finance and well-being. This includes:
  • Raj Raithatha, NBV Enterprise Solutions: Business Planning, your roadmap to success
  • Barry Taylor, Laugh Therapy UK: March to WELLth: Happiness, Play and Laughter for Wellbeing and Business Success
  • John Morley, i-Sourcer: Using LinkedIn to grow your business, what worked for me and the benefits of advertising online
  • Gau Naik, Exemplas: Accessing the Right Money at the Right Time
An event highlight will be an inspirational talk by businesswoman, Sandra Wiggins entitled “You could say, I did it my way!” Sandra has forty years of diverse experience in business and working in male-influenced industries – Engineering, Logistics, Hospitality, Sign, Print & Display with the crescendo being the last ten in entrepreneurship and SME manufacturing. Sandra’s journey inspired her to establish, in partnership, Women On Boards CIC®, an innovative social enterprise championing gender equality and opportunities for female entrepreneurs. She will share her story with lessons learned so far, including her highs and lows, the importance of relationships, and a good sense of humour. To provide extra assistance on the day, there will be several specialist start-up support providers exhibiting at the event, who will be on hand to discuss their services and answer any questions. This includes Sir Thomas White Loan Charity, Loughborough University, Leicester Startups, the Federation of Small Businesses, First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans and NBV Enterprise Solutions. Sue Tilley, Head of Business, Innovation and Partnerships at the LLEP, said: “Moving into self-employment and starting up can be a lonely business. It helps if you have a support network – somewhere to go for guidance or someone to bounce ideas off. “We want people to feel supported and empowered to succeed in their new ventures, which is why we’ve organised Business Boost. It’s an opportunity to take advantage of the wealth of free help and information available, be inspired and connect with the right people and organisations.” Business Boost: Focus on Start-up Support will take place on Tuesday 12 March at Leicester Racecourse. The event runs from 9.30 am to 2.00 pm and includes a networking lunch. Anyone interested should book via the Business Gateway website, by Friday 8 March.

Lincolnshire timber firm to be sold

Tess Egginton
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Lincolnshire timber firm to be sold
Saint-Gobain has signed a binding agreement for the sale of its treated timber products (utility poles, fencing and railway sleepers) manufacturing brands. Iivari Mononen Group is to take on Lincolnshire-based Calders & Grandidge, as well as PDM in Ireland. The divested assets generated revenues of €50 million in 2023 and employ 80 people. The divestment of PDM completed on 1 March, and the sale of Calders & Grandidge is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, subject to competition authority clearance. Established for over 100 years, Calders & Grandidge is headquartered in Boston, Lincolnshire. The company noted that the divestments “are part of Saint-Gobain’s continued business profile optimization strategy, in line with its ‘Grow & Impact’ plan.”

Frasers Group to buy bike retailer’s brand and intellectual property

Tess Egginton
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Frasers Group to buy bike retailer’s brand and intellectual property
Shirebrook-based Frasers Group has agreed to buy the brand and intellectual property of bike retailer Wiggle from administration. According to reports from The Times, the deal is worth under £10m. It includes the brand and intellectual property of both Wiggle and Chain Reaction Cycles, adding to Frasers Group’s cycling business. The retail giant acquired Evans Cycles in 2018 and ProBikeKit in 2023. Wiggle fell into administration in October, with FRP Advisory assuming control of the business.

202,000 sq ft of new space completes at St. Modwen Park Derby

Tess Egginton
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202,000 sq ft of new space completes at St. Modwen Park Derby

St. Modwen Logistics has completed four new logistics units totalling 202,000 sq ft at St. Modwen Park Derby. An additional 147,000 sq ft pre-let unit is also due to be completed this Spring as part of this second phase of development.

This latest c.£60 million phase of the Park’s development adds to the existing first phase of 300,000 sq ft completed at the Park. The four new units, ranging in size from 27,000-82,000 sq ft, have been built to St. Modwen Logistics’ ‘Swan Standard’ of sustainable construction, achieving BREEAM ‘Excellent’ accreditation and an EPC A+ rating.

St. Modwen Logistics has already secured a diverse mix of occupiers at St. Modwen Park Derby.

German heat pump manufacturer Vaillant occupies a 131,000 sq ft unit, whilst Swedish medical technology company Getinge has also established a new Global Centre of Excellence for Chemistry within a 79,000 sq ft building which also acts as its UK headquarters.

In October 2023, St. Modwen Logistics also announced that it has leased a c.40,000 sq ft unit to global automotive company Kia for use as a cutting-edge new training academy for the next generation of Kia employees.

Robert Richardson, Development Director at St. Modwen Logistics, said: “St. Modwen Park Derby has already attracted a variety of blue-chip industrial and logistics occupiers, contributing to its reputation as a national hub for training and research for the manufacturing, healthcare and automotive industries.

“This latest phase of development, which will more than double the Park’s industrial and logistics floorspace, provides occupiers of all sizes the opportunity to benefit from the scheme’s thriving business ecosystem, exceptional sustainability features and commanding location in one of the UK’s most in-demand logistics markets.”

25,000ft² of space adjoining the A38 at Junction 28 of the M1 sold

Tess Egginton
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25,000ft² of space adjoining the A38 at Junction 28 of the M1 sold
Acting on behalf of private clients, FHP’s Tim Gilbertson has concluded the sale of 25,000ft² of space adjoining the A38 at Junction 28 of the M1 motorway. The sale concluded sees local occupiers CVH-OMFB Limited relocate from their current base on Carter Lane East in South Normanton to enable their continued growth and expansion in a much larger building which benefits from a large, oversized site. Tim Gilbertson said: “It was great to see this deal concluded so swiftly after we agreed terms with our purchaser. Again, this a rarity in the market, a building that can be sold and also one with a large yard, so it’s great to tie up a deal quickly and see exchange of contracts happen within a few weeks of instruction of solicitors. “I wish the new occupiers well in what I think is an excellent building and I am sure one which will serve them well for the future. “There still remains little space to buy on the market of any size in the East Midlands and indeed stock levels are starting to drop in terms of leasehold warehouse or manufacturing space too. “Hopefully though this in general is a good sign of demand, albeit we do need more space now to meet the aspirations of any number of occupiers that we know who are looking to move on.” Carl Hinds, Managing Director of CVH-OMFB Limited, said: “We are delighted at securing this top quality building to aid our expansion within the region. It has the yard space and internal accommodation we need, keeps us very close to the M1 motorway and being set so near to our current base, it ensures that we keep our staff happy which is always important. “Many thanks to Tim Gilbertson and FHP for helping us see this deal over the line, they are now marketing our current building and hopefully they will have similar success there as their positive, helpful attitude has been terrific throughout.”

Pace of AI adoption means Government and education system have to catch-up fast, say small firms

Tess Egginton
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Pace of AI adoption means Government and education system have to catch-up fast, say small firms
Small firms need protection from deepfakes and improvements to the education system to allow Artificial Intelligence (AI) to live up to its true potential, a new report by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shows. Redefining Intelligence: The Growth of AI Among Small Firms, published today, emphasises that while the technology can work in tandem with human intelligence and creativity, it should not replace human judgement entirely. It also highlights the importance of Intellectual Property (IP) rights, over fears that allowing AI to sidestep IP could disincentivise small firms from coming up with new, creative ideas. Figures show that small firms are adopting AI at a rapid pace, with one in five (20%) already using it, and 11 in 20 (55%) recognising its potential benefits. Similarly, three in five (60%) aiming for rapid growth plan to use it – but these figures are likely to grow quickly as the technology gets smarter. But while AI will bring many benefits, the risks must not be glossed over as the AI debate gains more traction, with the 73 per cent yet to embrace it worried about:
  • 46% not having the knowledge to use it correctly.
  • 31% their ability to manage security risks.
  • 24% the impact of deepfakes.
  • 20% the abuse of their IP rights.
  • 12% whether it will reduce the long-term viability of their business.
The fear of being left behind is most prominent in the information and communication sectors, with 25 per cent of small businesses in this sector concerned that it could undermine their viability. Despite this, small firms, who are nimbler by nature and tend to harness new technologies quicker than their larger rivals – do have plans to grow their business using AI. Indeed, 16 per cent plan to enrol on an AI course, 8 per cent will invest in training for their staff, 13 per cent want to use it to improve customer experience and 13 per cent want to explore how they can initiate new business models with it. Elsewhere, over a quarter (26%) do not believe AI is appropriate for their business – including over half (51%) in the construction sector and 45% in hospitality. However, as AI’s capabilities evolve, there needs to be a solid regulatory framework in place to help small firms use it to their advantage. Redefining Intelligence recommends the Government:
  • Make it illegal to use deepfakes with the intent to cause commercial damage, with legal recourse available for victims.
  • Request the Law Commission conduct a review into the use of AI and how it relates to IP, and how best to update existing laws to make it clear that copyright can only sit with a human author.
  • Broaden the remit of Ofcom so it regulates cloud infrastructure in the same way as utility providers, ensuring cloud infrastructure remains affordable.
On skills, FSB recommends:
  • Creating a GCSE and A-Level qualification in applied computing, that focuses on the practical use of AI.
  • Specific new programmes to help make small business owners make the best possible use of AI in their business, including to better assess training and to make sure take-up of new technology is supported.   
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Development Manager Jennifer Thomas said: “Sadly, our future is unlikely to hold flying cars and time travel, but it does hold AI – and that is something to be marvelled at. It has the potential to shape our economy in ways the dot.com boom only hinted at. “However, there is a genuine buzz of concern that AI must be properly regulated. It’s important to recognise that despite its leaps and bounds, the technology remains firmly in the shadow of the human mind’s creativity and critical thinking. “It might excel at recognising patterns at speeds that dwarf human capabilities, but it falls short on nuance, ethics, and empathy – qualities only humans can bring to the table. AI is great for supplementing human intelligence and creativity but will never replace it. “That is why it is more important than ever to prove that it can be an ally instead of a foe by investing in upskilling programmes, banning deepfakes and crafting sensible regulations that ensure small businesses’ intellectual property is not misused. “Small firms are agile and can make quick changes to their operations, and with the right framework, will be able to embrace AI at pace. It would be a big shame to leave them behind as AI grows in capabilities.”

New Government railway funding needs to do more to respond to East Midlands’ needs, warns Chamber

Tess Egginton
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New Government railway funding needs to do more to respond to East Midlands’ needs, warns Chamber
Long-anticipated government funds of £123 million allocated to Midlands Rail Hub – a project to improve connectivity between train stations across the Midlands – is to be welcomed, however does little to meet the needs of those in the East Midlands, say East Midlands Chamber. The initiative uses cash freed up by abandoned HS2 funds to upgrade stations and improve infrastructure across the overall Midlands area. East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Chris Hobson said: “While any investment in Midlands railway infrastructure is to be welcomed, we’re concerned that once again the primary focus is on towns and cities outside of the East Midlands. “Our Manifesto for Growth 2024, which we’re taking to Westminster on 11th March, asks our policy makers to ensure we deliver fair funding for infrastructure in the East Midlands. This isn’t about receiving investment at the expense of our neighbours to the west, it’s about Government doing more to rectify the fact that we are the most under-funded region in the country when it comes to rail travel. “We have desperately inadequate service between stations within the East Midlands and this hampers the tremendous growth potential of businesses. It’s all very well that a Birmingham-bound passenger might be able to jump on an extra train here and there at Nottingham but what we’re stating loud and clear in our manifesto is the huge need for transformational improvement within the East Midlands. “We look forward to taking our manifesto to Westminster on 11th March and insisting politicians listen to what our businesses need to succeed.”

Chesterfield plant company secures £400,000 asset finance package to support growth

Tess Egginton
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Chesterfield plant company secures £400,000 asset finance package to support growth

Paragon Bank’s SME Lending Division has supported Chesterfield-based plant company SH Plant Ltd to purchase two trucks through an asset finance funding solution of £400,000. The company has purchased two Volvo articulated dump trucks through an asset finance package of £400,000 to support its growing business, adding to its fleet of existing vehicles. Of the two vehicles purchased, one of the articulated dump trucks was bought at auction, with the finance agreed with Paragon Bank before the auction took place. This enabled SH Plant to finalise the deal with the auction house on the day and collect it in less than a week. The second vehicle was purchased directly from Volvo, via Paragon Bank. SH Plant is a family-run business in Chesterfield operating in the quarrying industry. It specialises in rock extraction, soil stripping, hauling, and restoration works. The company was founded by company Director, Terry McGrael, who has over 40 years’ experience in the industry. Terry works alongside his wife, Hazel, and daughter Rosie to manage the day-to-day running of the business. This deal was led on behalf of Paragon’s SME Lending division by Todd Auger, Business Development Manager who works in the Vendor team, headed by Terry Lloyd.

SH Plant Limited Managing Director, Terry McGrael said: “It’s been great to work with Todd and the Paragon team for the purchase of our two new Volvo articulated dump trucks that will help us to expand our business operations.

“We’re pleased that we were able to source the vehicles from two different suppliers, one direct from Volvo and the other via auction, and still work with Paragon to fund both.”

Paragon Bank SME Lending Division Business Development Manager Todd Auger added: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Terry again, we’ve had a relationship with SH Plant Limited since 2021 and have helped the company to acquire various types of machinery and vehicles to support its expansion over the years.  “At Paragon we can offer flexibility when it comes to the method of purchase, therefore we were thrilled to be able to support Terry to purchase one of the vehicles at auction, helping him to agree the funds before the auction took place.”

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