Geldards chairman awarded MBE for services to business and the economy in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

Tess Egginton
-
0
Geldards chairman awarded MBE for services to business and the economy in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
Geldards chairman David Williams has been awarded an MBE for services to business and to the economy in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire in the King’s Birthday Honours List. An MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) is awarded for outstanding achievement or service to the community which has had a long term significant impact and stands out as an example to others. David has lived and worked in the region for over thirty years and has long been a champion of the East Midlands, advocating for the region’s growth and prosperity in the various positions he holds including, deputy chair of D2N2 LEP, chairman of EMB Group, non-executive director of East Midlands Chamber and Board member at Nottingham Trent University. Internationally, David also regularly represents the East Midlands abroad and has participated in trade missions for the region to China as well as attending MIPIM in Cannes, the world’s leading property event. Since joining Geldards in 1989 David has been an instrumental force in driving forward Geldards’ business expansion in the East Midlands, making a strong commitment to the region with offices in both Derby and Nottingham. Commenting on his award, David, said: “I am truly honoured and humbled to receive an MBE for Services to Business and to the Economy in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. I am committed to driving the East Midlands forward to become a regional powerhouse of productivity and growth for the country. “With its unique blend of infrastructure, business innovation and superb transport links boosting connectivity to and from the region, the East Midlands is an outstanding and ambitious area for business to succeed and grow. With its ambitious plans our region can compete nationally and internationally to be amongst the best in which to conduct business.” Jeff Pearson, Chief Executive at Geldards, said: ”My congratulations go to David who is an extremely worthy recipient of an MBE for his tireless support for the East Midlands. As well as being an inspirational leader and ambassador for our firm, David has been a driving force in championing the region. Everyone at Geldards is delighted that his significant contribution to regional businesses and the economy has been recognised.”

Practical completion achieved at Fairham delivering almost 270,000 sq ft of logistics space

Tess Egginton
-
0
Practical completion achieved at Fairham delivering almost 270,000 sq ft of logistics space
Hines, a global real estate investment, development, and property manager, in a joint venture with a global investment manager, have delivered three modern industrial units at Fairham Business Park in Nottingham, spanning a total of 268,814 sq ft, ranging in size from 65,810 to 101,775 sq ft. The joint venture acquired the site from Clowes Developments in a forward funding transaction. Clowes Developments acts as development manager. In total, the joint venture in conjunction with Clowes Developments is developing eight state-of-the-art warehousing and light-industrial units covering a total of 1.15 million sq ft across the East Midlands. Clowes, working alongside main contractor TanRo, reached practical completion of the first three units, B1, 2 and 3 at Fairham marking delivery of prime logistics space at the brand-new development. Furthermore, significant infrastructure works have also been completed including a brand-new signalled access road into Fairham and existing road improvements from Mill Hill Island to Clifton South Park and Ride. In 2022, 195,000 sq ft of space was delivered by the joint venture at Dove Valley Park in South Derbyshire. The remaining units under development, located at Castlewood Business Park and East Midlands Distribution Centre, are anticipated to complete during the course of 2023. Greg Cooper, Managing Director at Hines in the UK, said: “We continue to meet the needs of occupiers, delivering high-quality logistics space in a supply constrained market. “Each of the three units at Fairham are high specification, with BREAAM ‘excellent’ certification achieved including EV charging infrastructure and the ability to support the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. “We look forward to continuing our work with Clowes to deliver the remaining space at Castlewood Business Park and East Midlands Distribution Centre this year.” James Richards, director at Clowes Developments, added: “The practical completion of three units at Fairham Business Park marks a step forward in our commitment to deliver best-in-class warehousing across the East Midlands. “Our lead contractors, TanRo, have delivered this significant development totalling 268,000 square feet, to a tight schedule and have produced a set of quality industrial use facilities setting a high standard for this brand-new business hub. “With one occupier already lined up to take over one of the units, we are looking forward to watching the business park flourish with activity in the months to come. Our most recent development, A1 at Fairham Business Park is also fast approaching completion with its intended occupiers finalising the legal documentation ready for moving in later this year.”

East Midlands manufacturers see a brightening picture as outlook improves

Tess Egginton
-
0
East Midlands manufacturers see a brightening picture as outlook improves

East Midlands manufacturers have seen an improving economic outlook as the domestic and global markets have improved, easing fears of a significant recession for industry this year.

The findings in the Make UK/BDO Q2 Manufacturing Outlook survey show a marked pick up in the last quarter with both output and orders increasing significantly to balances at +57% and +43%, both substantially ahead of the national average. In particular, the East Midlands has benefitted from the pick up in the automotive sector as chip shortages and supply chain blockages have eased. Car registrations increased for the tenth successive month in May.

In line with this improving picture job prospects are improving substantially with the balance of companies increasing recruitment in the last three months at +14%, jumping substantially to a balance of +36% in the next quarter. East Midlands companies are also planning to boost investment with the balance of companies planning to increase investment at +7%, below the national average but still in positive territory.

In terms of overall output this year Make UK and BDO are forecasting a contraction of 0.3% although this is a significant improvement from the contraction of -3.3% made in Q1 and the -4.4% forecast at the end of last year. However, Make UK is maintaining its previous forecast for growth of just 0.8% in 2024. UK GDP growth is at 0.4% for 2023 and 1.3% for 2024.

Charlotte Horobin, Midlands region director at Make UK, said: “Manufacturers in the East Midlands are seeing a gradually improving picture but the word ‘gradually’ is doing a lot of heavy lifting.

“However, companies are at least seeing a relative period of stability after the political and economic turmoil of the last few years when they have spent most of their time firefighting. Substantial challenges still remain and so long as there is an absence of an overarching industrial strategy growth prospects will remain anaemic at best.”

Jon Gilpin, head of manufacturing at BDO in the Midlands, said: “Despite the first half of the year seeing some pressures easing for local manufacturers – and the short-term prospects looking healthier for it – there are longer-term systemic challenges in the UK market, with built-in inefficiencies that need to be addressed urgently in order for manufacturers to effectively plan and invest.”

Innovative careers scheme inspires Chesterfield’s next generation and aims to reduce skills gaps

Tess Egginton
-
0
Innovative careers scheme inspires Chesterfield’s next generation and aims to reduce skills gaps

A pioneering scheme, which is linking schools with leading property and construction firms in Chesterfield, is inspiring young people to pursue careers in the construction sector.

‘Careers Made in Chesterfield’ has resulted in fourteen quality placements being offered for talented young people to learn about the property and construction sector. This follows several businesses from the town’s property and construction sector participating in workshops at Parkside Community School, showcasing the range of rewarding careers available.

Providing face-to-face interaction with students proved very successful, with 40% of students who completed the programme expressing a high interest in working in the construction sector in the future – rising from just 20% when the scheme was originally conceived in September 2022.

The initiative was launched following a report by CITB, which outlines how an extra 225,000 workers are required in the UK’s property and construction sector by 2027, equating to roughly 3,500 per year in the East Midlands Region alone.

During the ‘Careers Made in Chesterfield’ programme, business leaders carried out an initial speed networking workshop with pupils, answering their questions and helping to open their eyes into the many different exciting roles associated with property and construction.

In the second workshop sessions, students were tasked with designing a new building within the Northern Gateway area of Chesterfield. Working in groups of five to design a community venue, each group was allocated an employer mentor from the property and construction sector to help develop the design.

The project is enabling students to gain vital work experience, but also showcases the breadth of skills needed to achieve Chesterfield’s ambitious growth and regeneration plans.

The innovative pilot has seen 20 professionals from 11 local businesses helping to deliver the programme to 110 Year 10 students at the school.

Andrew Byrne, property development director at The Devonshire Group, and member of the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group, added: “One of the main issues being faced by the property and construction sector is that its workforce is getting older.

“It is vital to begin bringing in the next generation, and Careers Made in Chesterfield is one of many initiatives which will help to secure the future pipeline of talent that our businesses rely on.

“It is a very exciting time to be getting into the sector, and with schemes such as this, our young people will one day contribute towards delivering the physical, social, and green infrastructure that Chesterfield needs to continue its sustainable growth.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for economic growth, said: “Working with local businesses to deliver the Careers Made in Chesterfield pilot demonstrates how direct engagement with students can spark their interest in different career paths.

“Helping young people learn more about the skills they need and the options available to them is key to ensuring that we can provide secure high quality jobs in Chesterfield and that they can plan for a great future in our borough.”

Ben Riggott, head teacher at Parkside School, said: “The Careers Made in Chesterfield pilot represented a step change in creating sustained connections between our Year 10 students and some great local companies.

“This model is fantastic for several reasons. Perhaps most importantly, students build relationships with employers across the programme, which in turn enhances their confidence and the likely outcomes of work experience.”

One of the firms to be welcoming a student on placement in July is Oasis Studio, which provides virtual reality and augmented reality services to property and construction businesses.

Tony Buck, associate director at Oasis Studio, said: “We jumped at the chance to get involved in the pilot scheme. The construction industry is continually evolving, adopting new technologies and construction methods.

“To stay competitive, I believe it’s crucial we have a skilled workforce that can embrace these advancements. I really enjoyed demonstrating the range of opportunities in the sector today.

“We utilised our VR headsets during the workshop to offer the students a virtual site visit and help them understand the brief. I was genuinely impressed by the student’s level of maturity and engagement throughout the workshops, and their ideation of concepts was fantastic.”

Further addressing the increasing construction skills shortage within Chesterfield, the Construction Skills Hub in Mastin Moor will welcome learners from autumn this year.

Funded through the Staveley Town Deal, the skills hub will provide a practical platform for construction training, careers activity and work experience on a live construction site. Initially the Skills Hub will provide training in site and bench joinery, brickwork, ground works and electrical installation but in time the offer will expand to include training in retrofit and green technologies. It will be open to school leavers and other residents seeking to train or retrain. The Hub will provide training, careers insights, and work experience for more than 5,000 learners over 10 years.

Cema Vending become finalists in four categories at the Vendies Awards

Tess Egginton
-
0
Cema Vending become finalists in four categories at the Vendies Awards
Cema Vending were thrilled to have been nominated in the prestigious Vendies Awards on Wednesday 7 June, not just once, but four times! Although the company didn’t grab the winning spot, the team were thrilled to have been, nominated, shortlisted and even becoming finalists in four categories: Best Overall Operator, Customer Service Award, Woman of The Year (for operations manager Kerry Turton) and Best Route Operator (for Sam Simpson), and are keeping their fingers crossed for the next one. Ellice Hudson, operations director for Cema Vending, was excited to attend the awards for the first time and take along some of the Cema Vending team to celebrate the event. The awards themselves are decided by a team of expert judges, including: · Phillipa Atkinson-Clow – General manager of the Water Dispenser & Hydration Association (WHA) · Erwin Wetzel – Director general of the European & Coffee Service Association (EVA) · Phil Reynolds – Director of the Vendex Show · Michelle Hefferon – Business manager at NIVO · Heather Ramsden – Editor of Vending International magazine The Vendies have a long tradition of recognising the people who make a difference to the vending industry.

Nottinghamshire County Council “encourage everyone to get nominating” for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023

Tess Egginton
-
0
Nottinghamshire County Council “encourage everyone to get nominating” for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
Nottinghamshire County Council is encouraging members of the property and construction industry to enter Business Link’s East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023. Nottinghamshire County Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, said: “With so many high-profile infrastructure and housing projects coming to Nottinghamshire and the region, the property and construction industry is more crucial than ever to our economy. “This includes a world-class cutting-edge project known as STEP Fusion. Nottinghamshire will be the home of a new prototype site, due to be built at the former coal-fired power station at West Burton near Retford. The aim is to create a virtually limitless source of clean electricity, with potential to export this across the world. “We’re also helping create new, greener communities and homes such as the Berry Hill development in Mansfield and Top Wighay near Hucknall as well as improving our transport infrastructure thanks to major plans for the A614. “These projects, which we as a council play an integral part in, will bring skilled jobs, investment and provide long-term contract opportunities for the supply chain. “So I would encourage everyone to get nominating for these awards as this industry deserves to be in the spotlight.” With nominations open until Thursday 31 August, now is the ideal time to enter your (or another) business/development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023. To do so – click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include: Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September, in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region. The event will also feature Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, as keynote speaker. Tickets can now be booked for the awards event, which runs from 4:30pm – 7:30pm – click here to secure yours. Network with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. Dress code is standard business attire.
  Thanks to our sponsors:                                                             To be held at:

Study finds small nuclear reactors could deliver cost advantages in green energy generation

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Study finds small nuclear reactors could deliver cost advantages in green energy generation
A feasibility study involving Rolls-Royce SMR and global business and investment company, Sumitomo Corporation, shows Rolls-Royce Small Modular Nuclear Reactors could provide a significant advantage over other energy sources in producing low-carbon hydrogen. Each Rolls-Royce SMR’s ‘factory-built’ nuclear power plant will produce 470MW of low-carbon electricity, but its compact footprint and flexible modular design means it can be located alongside energy intensive industrial processes – including hydrogen production. For the production of hydrogen via Solid Oxide Electrolytic Cell (SOEC) technology, it is possible to use the thermal output of the power plant to radically boost the overall efficiency of the hydrogen production cycle. This study analysed the use of both heat and power from the Rolls-Royce SMR to run electrolysers to produce low-carbon hydrogen. The detailed independent study was produced using real-world data and found that – when cost, availability and carbon emissions are taken into consideration – hydrogen production powered by a Rolls-Royce SMR has the greatest overall advantage compared to all other available sources. Harry Keeling, Rolls-Royce SMR’s Head of Industrial Markets, said: “This is an exciting move forward for Rolls-Royce SMR and Sumitomo Corporation. The potential for the Rolls-Royce SMR to be used for industrial purposes is one of its greatest strengths – being able to deliver large amounts of low-carbon, always-on power, but being flexible enough to be located close to where industry needs it. The production of low-cost hydrogen is a critical step on the pathway to decarbonising our wider society.” Earlier this year, the Rolls-Royce SMR design progressed to the second step of the Generic Design Assessment by the UK’s independent regulators which reinforced its position as the SMR design that’s furthest advanced towards being deployed in the UK. Sumitomo Corporation will now use the report to support site suitability work and develop its understanding around the potential for utilising Rolls-Royce SMRs alongside clean hydrogen production facilities in the UK. The Rolls-Royce SMR concept uses standard nuclear energy technology so far used in 400 reactors around the world. A single Rolls-Royce SMR power station will have the capacity to generate 470MW of low carbon energy, equivalent to more than 150 onshore wind turbines and enough to power a million homes. It will provide consistent baseload power generation for at least 60 years.

Two new lettings swiftly secured at Southgate Retail Park in Derby

Tess Egginton
-
0
Two new lettings swiftly secured at Southgate Retail Park in Derby
Real Estate Investors plc, the Birmingham-based Real Estate Investment Trust with a portfolio of 1.37 million sq ft of investment property, has announced two new lettings in quick succession at Southgate Retail Park in Derby. Ian Clark, director, Asset Management, at REI, said that when the two units were vacated by Subway, they were immediately snapped up by local businesses. The 1,600 sq ft retail unit to the front has been taken by Basat Mahmood and Aqib Iftikhar on a 15 year lease to open a local convenience store. The rear unit, also 1,600 sq ft, has been taken on a five year lease by Asgar Tair who runs a boxing gym as a charitable enterprise. Southgate Retail Park comprises a 53,202 sq ft, eight unit, retail and office property, combining a modern retail warehouse scheme and a business innovation centre, with extensive car parking facilities. The park is anchored by a Lidl store and serves as a district centre to residents of the Normanton suburb of Derby. As well as Lidl, tenants include The Gym Group and the Royal Mencap Society.

Portchester Equity extends UK rail portfolio with acquisition of Derby-based Yellow Rail

Tess Egginton
-
0
Portchester Equity extends UK rail portfolio with acquisition of Derby-based Yellow Rail
Portchester Equity Ltd (PEL) has acquired Derby-based Yellow Rail Ltd, a £15m turnover rail engineering service company, strengthening its rail portfolio in the UK rail sector. PEL is committed to the rail sector and increasing capability and service offering to passenger and freight customers, through its financial strength and by optimising existing PEL rail assets (W.H. Davis and Davis Wagon Services). This acquisition creates strong synergies with the existing rail assets, well-established business relationships and highly complementary portfolios in the areas of freight wagon maintenance, freight field services and material supply services. Enhancements to the portfolio through the acquisition include the introduction of rail services to the passenger sector, engineering design services, bogie overhaul and repair services and wheel lathe systems and services. Yellow Rail will benefit from access to the rail-connected facility at Shirebrook on the Robin Hood mainline for the new acquisition, for both passenger and freight projects, whilst ensuring W.H. Davis continues its full commitment to freight wagon building and re-purposing activities. This acquisition is a significant step up for the group of companies, now able to offer more ambitious services to the market, underpinned by the PEL financial strength and the integrated capability and geographical presence of the three companies. Paul Bragg, Managing Director of PEL responsible for leading the acquisition, says: “This is a perfect fit within our multi-industrial manufacturing side of the group, where we will be able to improve our capability to passenger and rail customers.” Andy Kevins, Managing Director of Yellow Rail, believes this acquisition offers a great opportunity to accelerate the growth of the company with the support of PEL and within a group of rail companies that includes W.H. Davis and Davis Wagon Services, two well-established suppliers within the UK freight sector. Andy says: “It also provides increased security for our amazing staff, access to an excellent rail connected facility and the opportunity to work with other companies in the same group, to increase our overall capability and service offering. After 16 years as an independent SME, Yellow Rail are looking forward to playing its part in a bigger rail family.”

Cooking oil-powered cement tanker is first for the UK

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Cooking oil-powered cement tanker is first for the UK
Coalville-based Aggregate Industries has introduced the first cement tanker in the UK to be powered by waste cooking and frying oil from the food industry, putting it to work in its Lafarge Cement business. Operated by logistics partner Lomas Distribution, the 30-tonne bulk tanker is powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, part of the paraffinic family of fuels and a fossil-free alternative to mineral diesel, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%. HVO is made by hydrotreating the waste oil, creating a direct substitute for conventional diesel, and reducing emissions not only of carbon but also nitrous oxide and particulate matter. The truck joins the fleet of 50 Lafarge Cement vehicles, and will operate out of the Cauldon cement plant in the Staffordshire Moorlands to serve locations in the midlands and northwest. Matt Owen, Supply Chain Manager in Aggregate Industries’ Cement division, said: “The benefits of using HVO are there for all to see. Being able to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent is huge for us, alongside the reduction in things like nitrous oxide. “Also, HVO is a direct drop in replacement for diesel so easy to switch to. We are trialling the vehicle and will be monitoring and evaluating its performance and its emissions. “We are already using HVO in our loading shovels at our three cement dockside terminals at Glasgow, Ellesmere and Chatham and are planning to introduce more HVO fuelled vehicles over the year.” The cement division has also recently taken an electric cement truck on trial working with Lomas. Luke Olly, Carbon and Energy Manager at Aggregate Industries, said: “This is a fantastic step forward as we look to accelerate our journey to net zero. “Our aim as a company is to reduce unblended gas oil usage by more than 90 per cent by 2035. HVO offers us one of a number of opportunities to do this. It is circular in nature as it starts out as raw material derived from plants and we are effectively re-using waste after it has been used in the food industry. “We have plans to increase alternative ways to fuel our vehicles and plant equipment whether that is through HVO, electric or hydrogen and we look forward to rolling these out across the business over the coming years.”
1...536537538...1,027Page 537 of 1,027