Planning permission has been granted for the new local centre within the Stanton Cross development in Wellingborough.
The approved designs for the neighbourhood centre include 37 new apartments. The apartments are designed to be dual-aspect one- and two-bedroom units. Additional amenities in the development include 8 retail spaces, office facilities, a convenience store, a nursery and a gym.
Developed by GSSArchitecture in collaboration with Vistry Group, the Stanton Cross local centre will be an integral part of the community, sat at the heart of the project. It reflects a commitment to integrating contemporary design with the area’s unique heritage.
The architecture draws inspiration from the nearby railway infrastructure, including the iconic, locally listed Roundhouse building, grounding the modern development within its historical and geographical context.
Stanton Cross is a mixed-use development in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, set to regenerate the area by developing approximately 339 hectares of green and brownfield land. Once completed it will feature 3,650 homes along with retail, leisure and commercial spaces.
The project will also involve extensive infrastructure upgrades, taking advantage of its close relationship to the railway station and links to the town centre to improve access to local and regional transportation.
The initiative represents a significant investment in Northamptonshire’s infrastructure and economy and aligns with plans to create sustainable urban extensions and mitigate flood risks.
Tom Jagger, Senior Partner and Project Lead from GSSArchitecture, said: “Securing planning permission for this project is an exciting milestone and a reflection of the collaborative efforts of everyone involved.
“It represents an opportunity to design a community hub that balances sustainability with the needs of future residents. We look forward to seeing how it contributes positively to the local area.”
Dave Bullock, Director (Stanton Cross Developments Ltd) at Riverside, said: “This marks an exciting milestone in our commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive space at Stanton Cross, where our residents can come together, connect with one another and thrive as a community.
“Working closely with a specialist commercial developer, we’re excited to see the hub come to life – not only to serve the needs of the community, but also to enhance the local area for residents.”
Nottinghamshire County Council elects new leader
Councillor Sam Smith has been elected as the new leader of Nottinghamshire County Council.
He was officially confirmed following a vote at Full Council at County Hall.
Cllr Smith, who represents Newark East and was previously Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, replaces Cllr Ben Bradley who has stepped down for family and personal reasons.
The new leader said he is honoured and privileged to be elected and has spoken about his priorities for Nottinghamshire residents.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be elected leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, and I am looking forward to working tirelessly to deliver on key priorities for people across the county.”
Cllr Smith highlighted the county council’s ‘great’ record of delivering services and spoke of the ‘challenging’ outlook facing all local authorities.
He said: “One of my first priorities will be balancing the budget in February 2025 and we have an excellent record in delivering well-run, efficient services while keeping Council Tax low.
“I am proud that we are one of a few local authorities that have not closed a single library, maintained a thriving youth service and have expanded rural bus services with our Nottsbus OnDemand.
“We have invested more than £100 million in our capital programme and have ploughed millions of pounds into improving our roads, as well as delivering on our commitment to build schools and improve the standards of education across the county.”
In his previous role as Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, Cllr Smith said he would remain focussed on his commitment to hit the government’s 50 per cent target of Educational, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) timescale by the end of the academic year. He stressed that as leader he would continue to lobby the government on SEND issues.
Cllr Smith will announce his successor as Cabinet Member for Education and SEND in the coming days.
The new leader will also be a loud voice for a fair Local Government Settlement, due to be announced on 23 December, through his work with the County Councils Network, Local Government Association and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).
Cllr Smith said: “As a board member on EMCCA, I will be banging the drum for Nottinghamshire on transport, infrastructure, skills and investment funding for and I look forward to working closer with the Mayor in these key areas.
“There are projects like STEP Fusion in Bassetlaw, which will provide thousands of highly skilled jobs for Nottinghamshire residents, including hundreds of apprenticeships for young people.
“Key infrastructure projects require the backing of the Mayor and our local MPs and I will be knocking on their doors regularly to fly the flag for funding across Nottinghamshire.
“For me it’s about delivery, delivery, delivery for Nottinghamshire residents as part of our ongoing drive to make our county a great place to live, work and visit.
“I hope I can maintain our proud record on the building and maintenance of schools, transport improvements, maintaining our library network and our fantastic youth service.”
Cllr Smith thanked his predecessor Cllr Ben Bradley for his three-and-a-half years as leader, saying he hopes to build on his legacy.
East Midlands Combined County Authority’s Business Advisory Board meets for first time
Business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the region have been appointed to the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA) Business Advisory Board.
Following an extensive recruitment process, 11 business representatives have been recruited to the board, and they met yesterday for the inaugural meeting of the Business Advisory Board, which took place at Bolsover District Council in Derbyshire.
The Business Advisory Board, chaired by David Williams, Chairman of Geldards and EMCCA’s Associate Member for Business, will provide strategy, advice and guidance to the EMCCA Board.
The purpose of the Board is to strengthen the connection between EMCCA and local businesses in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. It will help ensure the experience and knowledge of regional businesses, large and small, is harnessed when making decisions on the economy, skills, transport, housing and the transition to net zero.
At the inaugural meeting, members were provided with an overview of EMCCA’s recently launched Inclusive Growth Commission and discussed how the Business Advisory Board will inform its work. The advisory board members also discussed the current investment strategy and pipeline of development currently underway in the region, providing their input and feedback to the plans outlined.
Members of the Business Advisory Board are:
David Williams, Chair and EMCCA Associate Member for Business
Private Sector Representation:
Helen Bailey, Vice-Chair of the Institute of Quarrying
Andy Byrne, Property Development Director, Devonshire Group
Ian Cuddington, Economic Development Director, Rolls-Royce
Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire
Malcolm Hall, Founder and Managing Director, Hall-Fast
Paul Harris, Chief Executive, Cheesecake Energy
Natasha Johnson, owner, Global Entrepreneurs UK
Scott Knowles, Chief Executive, East Midlands Chamber
Shaun Lunn, Director, Atkins Realis
Becky Rix, Marketing Director, Roadgas
Nora Senior, Chair, East Midlands Freeport
EMCCA Representation:
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward
Councillor Neghat Khan, EMCCA Portfolio Lead for investment
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, EMCCA Portfolio Lead for Skills and Employment
David Williams, Chair of the Business Advisory Board, said: “I was delighted to welcome members of the Business Advisory Board to our inaugural meeting earlier today. We had an excellent discussion and heard great contributions from our members, who provide good representation from across our region in terms of sectors, geography, and small, medium and large businesses.”
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “The Business Advisory Board is an important part of our collaboration with our local businesses and I look forward to hearing the views of board members going forward as we progress our work on the Inclusive Growth Commission, and our investment pipeline for our region.”
Free business support to improve energy efficiency in the East Midlands
Businesses in qualifying areas of the East Midlands are being encouraged to take advantage of the fully funded business support on offer from the Accelerator project to help them improve energy efficiency and save costs.
To date, nearly 1,200 businesses have attended the project’s energy efficiency and carbon reduction events and training courses, with 146 accessing the Premises Energy Audit consultancy service and 132 developing decarbonisation plans.
The project, delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of participating local authorities, is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It offers businesses:
- Premises Energy audits designed to help identify energy efficiency improvements and opportunities to reduce costs. Audits typically involve a one-to-three-day site visit (depending on the size or complexity of the business) to review energy usage assets and gas/electric consumption pattern (as well as fuel consumption for businesses with a large fleet of vehicles). Findings are collated into an energy savings report which not only helps reduce energy wastage but is useful supporting evidence for grant applications.
- £2,000 Growth vouchers towards the cost of specialist consultancy or bespoke training supporting the adoption of energy efficient practices that lead towards the development or implementation of a decarbonisation plan.
- Training, both in-person and online, to help businesses gain green business skills and plan their journey towards carbon neutrality, including the one-day certified course on Carbon Literacy taking place on Tuesday, 21st January.
- Energy reduction workshops at Toyota Motor Manufacturing offering practical demonstration and shop floor observations with Toyota’s energy specialists, the next of which takes place on Thursday, 13th February.
- Access to online sustainability platform Zellar to help showcase the real-time environmental impact of activities and to produce a decarbonisation plan.
Aggregate Industries’ dome silo is inflated for the first time
An inflatable dome silo commissioned by Coalville-based Aggregate Industries has been inflated at the heart of a multi-million-pound cement import, manufacturing and distribution facility on Tilbury Docks.
The 45m tall, 32m diameter dome silo is one of only a handful of its kind in the UK, built using innovative construction methods and materials.
It is designed to store up to 30,000 tonnes of cement to support local demand for building materials, to be used across an array of construction projects in the region. Once operational in 2026, this facility will allow Aggregate Industries to serve its customers 24/7 with conventional, low carbon and circular cementitious materials from five loading heads.
In line with the firm’s commitment to sustainability, the new facility demonstrates Aggregate Industries ongoing commitment to be a leader in supplying low-carbon, sustainable construction solutions.
During construction, more than 25,000 tonnes of concrete from the existing site has already been recycled and reused, and over 10,000 tonnes of recycled asphalt planings have been incorporated into new asphalt products. Aggregate Industries is also incorporating lower carbon materials throughout every aspect of construction; including use of the firm’s own green-building solution, ECOPact readymix.
Local stakeholders and businesses are already seeing potential economic benefits, as the project is expected to stimulate demand for trades and materials in the region. More than 100 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase of the scheme, with a further 30 full time permanent positions generated once the site is operational.
Mather Jamie appoints Rural Estates Assistant
Loughborough-based land development and property consultancy, Mather Jamie has appointed Joanne Brown as Rural Estates Assistant.
Joanne brings experience in rural estate operations, along with a strong commitment to delivering quality service and support to Mather Jamie’s rural estates team.
She brings four years of experience managing the estate office at Melbourne Hall Estate. Her background also spans account management and sales executive roles with the logistics sector, where she refined her skills in client relations and organisation.
After taking time out to focus on her family, Joanne returned to Melbourne Hall Estate and developed a strong foundation in rural estate operations.
In her new role, Joanne will be assisting with residential and agricultural lettings, tenancy management, property repairs and maintenance, inspections and viewings.
Commenting on her appointment, Amy Biddell, Director at Mather Jamie, said: “Joanne’s hands-on experience in estate management and her approachable nature make her an ideal fit for Mather Jamie’s Rural Estates Team, where she will contribute to supporting clients and enhancing tenant relations.”
Adding, Joanne said: “In my previous role, I had dealings with Mather Jamie and saw them as a company with a great work ethic and fantastic staff. I’m excited to join a team that values professionalism and provides an opportunity for growth.”
Chesterfield’s Superior Wellness expands with new U.S. headquarters
Superior Wellness, the Chesterfield-based hot tubs and wellness products firm, has established its first U.S. operation in Orangeburg County, South Carolina.
This £8.9 million investment marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy, creating 35 new jobs and strengthening its commitment to serving partners and customers across the United States.
Located at 106 Logistics Drive in Cameron, the newly acquired 75,000-square-foot facility will serve as the company’s U.S. headquarters. It will streamline warehousing and logistics, provide faster service to U.S. partners, and act as a hub for spare parts and accessories.
Superior Wellness Managing Director Rob Carlin said: “This investment represents a significant milestone for Superior Wellness as we establish a strong foothold in the U.S. With the opening of Superior HQ in Cameron, South Carolina, we’re investing in the future of wellness while creating 35 new jobs for the local community.
“Our £8.9 million state-of-the-art facility will revolutionize our stock and logistics operations, ensuring faster service and greater support for our U.S. partners and customers. We’re thrilled to begin this exciting chapter and deepen our connection with the American market.”
Sales Director Gareth Ward added: “Our expansion into South Carolina demonstrates our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service and innovative products to our U.S. partners.
“Working with over 100 partners across the U.S., this facility allows us to better serve them with shorter lead times and improved availability of our award-winning products. We look forward to building stronger relationships and growing together with the Orangeburg community.”
Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright welcomed the company, stating: “Superior Wellness’ decision to bring their U.S. headquarters to Orangeburg County underscores the incredible momentum we’re seeing in our region.
“Their £8.9 million investment will create 35 good-paying jobs, benefiting local families and contributing to our community’s economic growth. We warmly welcome Superior Wellness and look forward to supporting their success.”
FPA Consulting appoints new Business Administrator
Derby-based independent management consultancy FPA Consulting has appointed Lily Ormsby as Business Administrator.
With a background in planning and technical administration at XEIAD, owned by British Engineering Services (BES Group), Lily brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her new role.
Lily has a wide ranging role which includes supporting FPA’s consultants, it’s accounts team, facilitating external Client training together with general day-to-day administration duties.
Commenting on her decision to join FPA, Lily said: “I really wanted to join a company that would allow me to progress professionally in a considerate environment. FPA is filled with opportunities for me to learn and grow. The team have been incredibly welcoming and I’m excited to now be a part of the company.”
Outside of work, Lily is passionate about health and fitness, loves traveling, walking her dog, and indulging in interior design as a personal interest.
John Barke, Managing Director at FPA Consulting, added: “We are pleased to have Lily join our team at FPA Consulting. Her proactive approach and dedication to personal and professional growth align perfectly with our values.”
Lincoln business celebrates 10 years of gourmet gifting with £3m turnover, expansion and ambitious growth plans
From kitchen table to £3 million turnover, Lincoln-based The British Hamper Company is celebrating 10 years of business success as it gears up for its busiest Christmas and unveils plans to double its turnover by 2026.
The family-run business, which was founded in 2014 from a gazebo at the family home, was born from a shared enthusiasm for great food, British individuality and a love of gift giving.
After a decade of business growth, it has marked its landmark year with a number of major milestones including a branding overhaul, the launch of its products into wholesale, expansion of its Lincolnshire premises and growth of its senior team.
The business is now preparing to fulfil more than 2,000 orders a day over the Christmas period, with the creation of 30 additional seasonal jobs.
This year The British Hamper Company has rolled out an ambitious growth strategy as it forecasts a £6 million turnover by 2026.
Central to this growth is the launch of a wholesale product range, which will see its artisan food and drink products, including Cornish Fudge, All Butter Cheddar Biscuits, Lemon Butter Shortbread, Raspberry Zing Jam, fine teas, and handcrafted sweets, sold in gourmet food stores across the UK and rest of world for the first time.
To meet growing demand from consumers, corporate gifting clients and its growth into the wholesale market, this year the business has significantly expanded its Lincoln-based warehouse facilities. The investment into its premises has increased its storage capacity by 36%, bringing the total operational area to approximately 15,000 square feet.
With 35% of its orders being sent to recipients overseas, The British Hamper Company has also opened a European distribution hub in the Netherlands to streamline its distribution to global markets and to help support its global growth ambitions.
The business has been further bolstered with the appointment of three new senior positions including an Export Sales Manager, National Wholesale Account Manager and Marketing Manager, taking the total number of permanent employees to 20.
With a commitment to supporting the local community, 2024 saw the business form a partnership with Lincoln City Football Club.
“Celebrating 10 years of The British Hamper Company is an incredible milestone for us as a family and as a business,” says Alice Tod, Sales Director of the Lincoln-based business.
“This year has been particularly transformative, from unveiling a refreshed brand identity to launching our wholesale range – we’re immensely proud of how far we’ve come. It all started from humble beginnings in a gazebo at our family home, we are now proud to be a multimillion pound business at the heart of the luxury gifting market.
“Throughout this journey, our Lincolnshire roots have been a constant source of inspiration and pride.”
James Tod, Managing Director, continued: “Lincolnshire has provided us with a strong foundation to grow, from the talented local workforce to the support of the community that has championed us every step of the way.
“This year, we’ve expanded our premises to meet rising demand, creating more jobs and investing in our future, all while staying true to our local heritage. Our new partnership with Lincoln City Football Club is a further example of how we’re staying connected to the region that means so much to us.
“As we reach the end of our anniversary year and prepare for our busiest Christmas yet, we remain committed to delivering exceptional gifts that showcase the very best of British craftsmanship and quality. We’re excited about what the future holds and look forward to sharing this next chapter with our loyal customers and partners.”
First half revenue rises at Watches of Switzerland
Revenue has risen at Leicester-based Watches of Switzerland Group during the first half its financial year.
In the 26 weeks to 27 October 2024 (H1 FY25) group revenue rose to £785m, from £761m in the same period last year.
Profit before tax, however, was down at £41m, from £67m last year.Brian Duffy, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are pleased to report H1 FY25 revenue growth of +4% in constant currency reflecting an encouraging improvement in trading in Q2, driven by growing demand in the UK and US, and consistent growth in client registration lists, along with the acquisition of Roberto Coin in the period.
“As previously outlined, in Q1 we increased showroom stock levels of key brands to enhance displays and client experience, particularly in the US. With the stock rebuild complete, in Q2 we drove significantly improved US revenue of +24% (constant currency) and revenue in the UK market turned positive.
“Price increases from brands in the half have been modest, and this has also positively influenced consumer sentiment. Consequently, overall Group revenue increased +11% in Q2, in constant currency.
“Our newly acquired Roberto Coin business in North America has traded strongly since acquisition and is now making a good contribution to our Group. Integration is progressing well, and growth plans are underway.
“We are also encouraged by the performance of the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned programme and the sustained growth in our overall pre-owned business. Additionally, we acquired Hodinkee, a leading global digital platform for luxury watch enthusiasts, further strengthening our online sector leadership. Integration is progressing in line with our expectations.
“Q3 trading has started encouragingly, and we have continued with our showroom transformation programme. Looking ahead, key showroom openings in H2 include the flagship Rolex boutique in Old Bond Street, London; Audemars Piguet Town House, Manchester; Rolex introduction in Plano, Texas, and a reintroduction in Jacksonville, Florida; and the conversion of Mayors Lenox, Atlanta, to a Rolex mono-brand boutique.
“Our trading momentum through November, visibility of intake and second half opening of large showroom investments support our full year guidance, which is unchanged.
“This year marks the centenary of Watches of Switzerland, celebrated with a number of exclusive products, and we extend our gratitude to our colleagues for their unwavering dedication and exceptional client service throughout the year.”
