£24m loan provided for Wavensmere’s £75m Friar Gate Goods Yard redevelopment
Octopus Real Estate has provided a £24m loan to Wavensmere Homes to bring about the £75m redevelopment of the historic Friar Gate Goods Yard in Derby city centre. The nationally significant mixed-use project will reanimate two landmark Grade II listed buildings into over 110,000 sq ft of commercial space, alongside 276 new build homes.
The funding agreement marks the second time Octopus Real Estate (part of Octopus Investments) and Wavensmere Homes have teamed up to deliver brownfield regeneration in Derby. The lender provided a £22m loan to facilitate the redevelopment of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary – off London Road – into the £175m Nightingale Quarter, which is now in the final phase of construction.
Nick White, Head of Development Origination at Octopus Real Estate, said: “At Octopus Real Estate, we always want to work with stellar developers who are aligned with our vision and values.
“Wavensmere has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, sustainable homes to local communities by meticulously restoring heritage assets. We are thrilled to be working with this dynamic team again, and look forward to watching the positive impact the re-birth of Friar Gate Goods Yard will have on the city of Derby.”
Within a matter of weeks, work will commence on site to restore the 19th Century Bonded Warehouse and Engine House. The two fine terracotta buildings will deliver a total of 111,275 sq ft of flexible offices, health and fitness space, a restaurant/café, together with a regional sales centre for Wavensmere Homes.
Extensive new areas of open space – including play areas and pocket parks – will also be created, in addition to the retention of a TPO tree buffer, to enhance the biodiversity of the site.
The elevated area adjacent to Friar Gate Bridge will become a new multi-purpose public realm and community space, with retention of some of the original railway arch facades.
New vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access will be created at various points around the 11.5-acre (4.96Ha) site, from Uttoxeter New Road, Great Northern Way, and Friar Gate, with the Mick Mack cycling route also to be extended.
Matt Brighton, Commercial Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “We are proud of how Nightingale Quarter has been received by the residents who live there, the wider local community, politicians, and regional and national commentators.
“Located a mile away across the city centre, Friar Gate Goods Yard is another unique and emotive restoration project that we are fortunate to have the expertise and resources to undertake.
“Securing a £24m loan facility to draw down from during construction will enable us to commence work without delay and deliver an uninterrupted development programme.
“Derby has become a hotbed of regeneration activity, with compelling socio-economic metrics that support our level of commitment and investment. Octopus Real Estate is a proven and trusted partner of Wavensmere, and we’re pleased to be working together on such a significant mixed-use scheme.”
Wavensmere Homes has worked with Glancy Nicholls Architects and Pegasus Group to produce the detailed plans to transform the primely located historic asset, which has lain derelict since 1972. With funding from Octopus in place, the site will be brought back into public use, transforming Derby’s landscape and delivering much-needed attainable city centre housing.
The designs for the 227 two- and three-bedroom townhouses that will surround the two listed buildings are bespoke. Curved and terraced street scenes will honour the beauty and vista of the Bonded Warehouse, while incorporating a range of energy saving technologies and strategies.
A four-storey apartment building containing 49 apartments will also reinstate the lost streetscape of the Stafford Street frontage. The highest EPC rating of A is being targeted for the new homes, with all plots designed to be future-proofed ahead of the 2025 Future Homes Standard.
The site sits just outside the Friar Gate Conservation Area, which features notable Georgian townhouses with high-quality brickwork and fine architectural detailing. The Friar Gate Goods Yard was intended as the main goods depot for the Great Northern Railway line, to handle coal, livestock, timber, and metals.
Designed in 1870, and entering operation in 1878, the Bonded Warehouse building contained extensive warehouse space and offices. It was used as a store for the American Army in WWII to house ammunition and other supplies.
The Engine House was also built for the Railway by Kirk & Randall of Sleaford. It is Italianate in style and built from Welsh slate. The Engine House supplied power to the hydraulic lifts and capstans at the Bonded Warehouse.
The site first became derelict in 1967, and overtime became overgrown and fell into a poor state of repair. An arson attack took place at the Goods Yard in 2020, which exposed the whole inner iron structure of the two historic buildings.
The Goods Yard redevelopment will promote sustainable development through the use of low carbon materials, modern methods of construction, and renewable energy generation.
Microlise Group delivers “solid performance in the first half of 2024”
Microlise Group, a provider of transport management software to fleet operators, has “delivered a solid performance in the first half of 2024,” as stated by its CEO.
According to unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2024, the business saw an increase in total revenue to £39.1m, up from £33.9m in the same period of 2023, driven by strong recurring revenue growth and contributions from the acquisitions of Enterprise Software Systems (ESS) and Vita Software.
New customer acquisition, meanwhile, was “particularly strong” with 202 new direct customers added during the period.
Several major, multi-year, contract wins included WooliesX, GSF Car Parts, Foodstuffs North Island, STAF, Romac & One Stop, demonstrating execution of international expansion and company cross-sell and up-sell strategies.
Multi-year renewals signed in the period included Goldstar, DPD and M&S. Further, Microlise recently signed a five-year contract renewal with JCB covering recurring SaaS software licences and hardware sales.Nadeem Raza, CEO of Nottingham-based Microlise, said: “Microlise delivered a solid performance in the first half of 2024. Market conditions have greatly improved following the resolution of component supply issues, and localised delays in new vehicle rollouts are expected to resolve by year-end. Ongoing market consolidation is also expected to benefit Microlise as our solutions are tailored toward larger companies which now dominate the sector.
“The positive reception to our new products, coupled with the continued integration of our recent acquisitions and the increasing interoperability of our solutions, has enhanced the appeal of our offering. As a result, we are seeing improvements in our sales pipeline both in the UK and in target geographies where our brand is becoming increasingly recognised.
“With the appointment of a new Chief Revenue Officer, we hope to be able to accelerate the growth of our pipeline while improving its conversion into contracted business. The Company looks to the future with confidence and expects to meet market forecasts for the full year.“
New MP tours Siemens Mobility
Newly-elected North West Leicestershire MP Amanda Hack has visited the Siemens Mobility in Ashby-de-la-Zouch to understand how Siemens Mobility’s technology transforms rail travel and transport across the UK.
During her visit, Ms. Hack was given a tour by Operations Director Colin Rowcliffe, where she learnt more about the design, engineering and manufacturing operations happening at the site.
She said: “It was a pleasure to visit Siemens Mobility’s Ashby de la Zouch facility and see firsthand the innovative work they’re doing to shape the future of rail transport solutions. From cutting edge signaling technology, to customer information and control systems, the dedication to the future of rail infrastructure is impressive.
I was also struck by the commitment to local apprenticeships and graduate programmes. I chatted to several graduates who have been supported into local skilled jobs right here in North West Leicestershire.”
Colin Rowcliffe said: “We are proud of the work we do here in Ashby-de-la-Zouch and it is always great to be able to show off our talented workforce and demonstrate how we are contributing to the long-term growth and prosperity for the region.”
A highlight of this was a demonstration of the Digital Station Manager, developed by Siemens Mobility at the Ashby site. This technology delivers the control system and passenger information systems for the Elizabeth line and has already revolutionised the travel experience for millions of passengers in London and is set to touch every stage of a passenger’s journey through HS2 stations.
During the visit Siemens Mobility showcased its close partnership with local schools to promote STEM education within the community. Ms. Hack was able to see the important role Siemens Mobility plays in job creation and upskilling the local rail industry. The company’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers was evident as the MP met with some of the sites newest graduates during the visit.
Alfreton warehouse let by customised packaging specialist
Commercial agents at Harris Lamb have let an East Midlands warehouse to a packaging manufacture and distribution firm.
The 68,689 sq ft building on Clover Nook Road, located within the established Cotes Park Industrial Estate in Alfreton, has been let to George Utz Limited, Trading as the UTZ Group.
The business, which produces customised plastic packaging for logistics and storage within the automotive, pharmaceutical and electronics industries, was attracted to the building due to its proximity to its existing Clover Nook premises and a need for an additional storage facility.
Matthew Tilt of Harris Lamb’s Commercial Agency team, who oversaw the letting, said: “Acting for a private Landlord client it has been a pleasure working with George Utz as they moved quickly to secure the building.
“With two-storey offices, two service yards, eight-metre internal height to the haunch, and 79 parking spaces, the detached building was in good demand especially given its location being just two miles from Junction 28 of the M1.”
Russell Evans, General Manager of George Utz Ltd, said: “As a growing business in the returnable transport packaging market we have outgrown our current operational footprint. This building located within a few minutes of our main UK production site offers greater flexibility and the opportunity to take control of all our warehousing services in the UK.”
Earthworks and ground improvement contractor expands with South Normanton office
ZTL Contracting, a UK earthworks and ground improvement contractor, has opened a new office in South Normanton, Alfreton, marking a significant milestone in its growth strategy.
This strategic expansion positions the company to better serve its growing portfolio of projects across the Midlands region and creates 35 new jobs.
The decision to establish a presence in Alfreton aligns with ZTL’s vision of expanding its footprint and capitalising on burgeoning opportunities in one of the UK’s most vibrant construction markets. In 2023, ZTL achieved £28 million turnover.
The expansion is part of the company’s broader growth strategy, designed to leverage opportunities within the logistics and infrastructure sectors.
Wayne Morris, Managing Director of ZTL Contracting, said: “The Midlands region represents a vibrant landscape of new opportunities and growth for our industry. By establishing our new office in Alfreton, we’re not just expanding our geographical footprint; we’re aligning with the heart of where development is most dynamic.
“This is an exciting time for ZTL as we delve into projects that not only challenge us but also enable us to contribute significantly to the region’s economic and infrastructural development. We’re here to build a better tomorrow, and the Midlands is a key part of that vision.”
Manufacturing output falls in the three months to September
Manufacturing output volumes fell sharply in the three months to September, according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). Manufacturers expect output to decline again in the three months to December, the first-time expectations have been negative since November 2023.
Both total and export order books deteriorated in September, relative to August, and were reported as well below their long-run averages. Expectations for selling price inflation eased in September, with prices expected to rise at a rate close to the long-run average. Meanwhile, stock adequacy (for finished goods) fell slightly, but remains close to the long-run average.
The survey, based on the responses of 275 manufacturers, found:
- Output volumes fell sharply in the three months to September, following a more modest decline in the quarter to August (weighted balance of -20% from -9% in the three months to August). Looking ahead, output is expected to fall in the three months to December (-7%), the first-time expectations have been negative since November 2023.
- Output decreased in 14 out of 17 sub-sectors in the three months to September, with the fall driven by the motor vehicles & transport, metal products and paper, printing & media sub-sectors.
- Total order books were reported as below “normal” in September and deteriorated relative to last month (-35% from -22%). The level of order books remained significantly below the long run average (-13%).
- Export order books were also seen as below “normal” and deteriorated considerably relative to last month (-44% from -22%). This was also far below the long-run average (-18%) and left export order books at their weakest since December 2020.
- Expectations for average selling price inflation softened in September (+8% from +15% in August), with the balance standing close to the long-run average (+7%).
- Stocks of finished goods were seen as more than “adequate” in September (+11% from +15% in August), broadly similar to the long-run average (+12%).
Nottingham coffee roaster secures University of Birmingham contract
200 Degrees, the speciality coffee roaster based in Nottingham, has secured a significant wholesale client in the University of Birmingham.
The contract sees 200 Degrees supplying all coffee and ancillary drinks products such as syrups and hot chocolate to the 15 food and beverage outlets across the campus.
The wholesale team has already been working extensively across campus to ensure that coffee machines are calibrated, and that food and beverage teams’ barista skills are at the top of their game, ready for the academic year starting in earnest later this month.
Being a born and bred Brummie, 200 Degrees’ head of sales Ben Riley is especially proud of this win: “With thousands of students and academic staff requiring regular caffeine breaks, we’re expecting to help University of Birmingham satisfy this demand with tonnes of great tasting coffee and a boat load of hot chocolate!
“This is a huge achievement for a roaster of our size, and we are over the moon to be working with the University for the years ahead. We’re really excited for what’s to come and how we develop this partnership.”
Commercial director Will Kenney added: “Public sector tenders are incredibly competitive and complex, and 200 Degrees has shown the strength of our wholesale offering by winning this client.
“We’ve already proven the crowd-pleasing nature of our coffee with the success of our 21 shops, but this process allowed us to really showcase our client management skills and our commitment to delivering a bespoke, personal touch. We’re looking forward to helping University of Birmingham provide better coffee over the coming years.”
Chris Mellins, Director of Food, Beverage & Retail for University of Birmingham, said: “We are excited to have 200 Degrees as our official coffee partner.
“At the University, sustainability is one of our key strategic pillars, and it’s crucial for our Food, Beverage and Retail department to embed sustainable practices into all aspects of our operations, including our partnerships. 200 Degrees shares our commitment to these values and aligns with our ambitions in this area – and their coffee is excellent too!”
In addition, 200 Degrees is about to sign on the dotted line the deal for its 22nd coffee shop, which is due to open before the end of the year.
Splendour Festival set to stimulate Nottingham’s economy with 2025 return
Splendour Festival is set to return to Wollaton Park in the summer of 2025, with more than 30,000 music fans set to join the party on 19th and 20th July.
The festival has welcomed acts including Noel Gallagher, Anne-Marie, Confidence Man, Sugababes, Craig David, Sam Ryder, The Vaccines, Becky Hill, Antony Szmierek, Madness and Rudimental to Wollaton.
Each year, the live music industry contributes billions of pounds to the UK economy, and the return of Nottingham’s largest outdoor event to the East Midlands is set to be a significant contributor in stimulating the economy in the area, with local hospitality, tourism and transport sectors all set to feel the benefit from the tens of thousands of travelling visitors and merry-makers from closer to home, as well as the direct investment in local services involved in the event, from crafts people, trades people and event specialists to cleaners and first aiders.
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, highlighted the impact it is likely to have on the local economy, saying: “I can’t wait to see the city come alive again next summer! As one of the region’s most cherished summer events, Splendour not only brings incredible live music and entertainment to the beautiful grounds of Wollaton Hall & Deer Park, but also showcases the creativity and vibrancy of our community.
“Beyond the joy it brings to residents and visitors alike, Splendour plays a vital role in supporting our local economy—boosting our hospitality sector, providing a platform for local businesses, and contributing to Nottingham’s reputation as a destination for world-class events.”
Splendour is also known for supporting the region’s music scene each year, with emerging and established artists from across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire getting opportunities to perform in front of a festival audience.
Splendour’s relationship with local music charity, Nusic, has produced many of these “career highlight” experiences through the Future Sound of Nottingham competition, which gives even the very newest artists the opportunity to open the festival’s main stage.
Mark Del of Nusic said: “Every year Splendour gives Nottingham artists the chance to play the biggest stage of their career to date. No spin. No debate. That simple. From that start-of-career artist who opens the main stage via The Future Sound of Nottingham, to the ten to fifteen local artists Splendour embeds across the whole Festival line-up.”
Since 2008, more than 150 East Midlands artists have been given significant breaks by appearing at Splendour, including a notable headline appearance by Nottingham’s Jake Bugg, only two years after opening the acoustic Courtyard Stage.
The event has helped to shine a spotlight on regional talent coming out of the area, supporting the growth of individual artists while contributing to the growth of a healthy and flourishing local music scene, and encouraging the emergence of more acts. This in turn benefits local cultural and music businesses and helps to brand the city as a musical & creative place, further cementing the East Midlands as a key cultural hub and Nottingham a leading music city.
Megan Powell Vreeswijk, CEO of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “We’re thrilled to see Splendour Festival returning in 2025, now bigger and better as a two-day event.
“Splendour has become a cornerstone of Nottingham’s cultural identity, showcasing not only world-class acts but also shining a spotlight on our vibrant local music scene. Thanks to DHP Family’s incredible work, the festival brings major artists to our city, putting Nottingham firmly on the map as a hub for music lovers.
“What’s just as important is the platform it gives to local talent, offering opportunities for Nottingham-based artists to perform on larger stages, in front of bigger crowds, helping them build their careers.
“This festival is also a fantastic economic driver for the region, filling our hotels, restaurants, and supporting local traders. It’s a brilliant weekend for visitors and locals alike, with something for everyone, from major acts to family-friendly entertainment.
“Splendour truly embodies the spirit of Nottingham which is dynamic, diverse, and community-focused.”
Law firm sees 13% growth following another year of strong revenues
Law firm Freeths, which has offices in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham, continues its consistent revenue growth as it publishes its financial results for 2023/24, delivering another year of double-digit growth with turnover up by 13% to £145.5m.
The latest published accounts reveal a continuous upward trajectory for the firm with average annual turnover growth of more than 10% over the last five years and an increase of £16.7m over the last 12 months.
Freeths attributes much of its financial success to its 1,200+ people, including 14 lateral partner hires in the last year alone, and the support of its clients.
The business has also seen significant expansion across all main practice areas including high-end M&A, disputes, restructuring and insolvency, real estate and environmental and energy mandates.
Over the last year its dispute resolution team has grown by 29%. The team, led by Partner James Hartley, has continued to fight for justice for the sub-postmasters involved in the original Post Office scandal, and is now advising postmasters and other people who are among the hundreds whose criminal convictions are being overturned as a result of the flawed Horizon IT system.
Commenting on the results Karl Jansen, Freeths National Managing Partner said: “As we report on another year of strong performance, our success has enabled us to invest strategically in the future of the business.
“This includes our investment in the latest market leading technologies such as AI, helping to enhance our performance across the firm, and yielding significant benefits for our clients.”
East Midlands businesswomen receive top awards for outstanding achievement
Women with exceptional entrepreneurial skill, stand out apprentices and emerging leaders are among the recipients of the 2024 Enterprising Women Awards.
Organised by East Midlands Chamber’s Enterprising Women network, the prestigious event took place at Leicestershire’s Winstanley House on 20th September. ITV presenter Emma Jesson, who has hosted the event every year since its launch over a decade ago, announced the winners, spanning ten categories, as well as two special recognition awards.
The Businesswoman of the Year Award went to Andrea Gray, Managing Director of Leicester-based music licencing company PPL PRS.
Andrea said: “What a huge honour to win this award – I’m absolutely blown away. There was some phenomenal competition in this category. I want to say a huge thank you to Enterprising Women and East Midlands Chamber who put on these awards, as well as Michael Smith Switchgear for sponsoring this category.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Lindsey Williams, formerly Chief Executive of Futures Housing Group and a former President of East Midlands Chamber.
Judges described Lindsey as “an exceptional leader who has made a major contribution to the East Midlands business community for over 20 years. Lindsey has shared her expertise and experience to champion women in business, and who truly embodies the values of Enterprising Women.”
Enterprising Women Co-Chair Eileen Perry said: “All I can say is – ‘wow!’ There are those moments in life where you have to take a moment, a few seconds to reflect and you feel so incredibly proud of the East Midlands and its businesswomen.
“What we’ve seen right here this evening, evidenced as each and every one of our region’s winning women stepped up onto the stage, is that Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire are blessed with women that aren’t just keeping a business ticking over; they’re leading. They’re leading change, they’re leading ideas and giving people inspiration. We’ve seen sheer hard work and determination shine.
“We hold the Enterprising Women Awards each year to celebrate the very best of female business talent in the East Midlands and I extend my thanks to all of the sponsors who made this glitzy evening so memorable. I only wish there was an award for every one of the finalists as the standard was exceptional.”
Enterprising Women co-chair Jean Mountain said: “Being able to stand next to these women that have done so much for women in business in the East Midlands is something that cannot be underestimated. We can all look up to, all learn from, and all aspire to be like the businesswomen that have been recognised at this ceremony.
“While the network is ‘Enterprising Women’, winning an award is really elevating the role of women in business. It’s not just achievement; it’s attitude. The winners of these awards are women who don’t stand back – they’re generating new ideas and they’re influencing the people around them to achieve too.
“The quality bar has been broken tonight as, once again, we’ve seen exceptional entries and I’ve no doubt the judges will have pulled their hair out during selection. In my mind everyone that entered is a winner, because by doing so you’re doing East Midlands women proud. I’d like to give my deepest thanks to the sponsors that helped make this a spectacular evening.”
ITV presenter Emma Jesson, after the hosting the ceremony, said: “There’s so much innovation and resilience and it’s fantastic to see women in business across a wide range of sectors and backgrounds recognised, as well as ladies at different parts of their career journey, whether starting out in apprenticeship roles or already highly successful business leaders.”
Winners of the Enterprising Women Awards 2024:
Social Commitment Award (sponsored by Tomato Energy)
WINNER: Emma Sharpe – Menphys
Female Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Futures Housing Group)
WINNER: Sarah Illsley – Pentaxia
Female Employee of the Year (sponsored by Nelsons)
WINNER: Charlotte Barker – The Maynard
Emerging Leader Award (sponsored by Sarah Higgins Corporate Coaching)
WINNER: Alice Houghton – The George Hathersage
She Who Innovates in STEM (sponsored by Pick Everard)
WINNER: Elena Richards – Rolls Royce PLC
Female Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Fraser Stretton Property Group)
WINNER: Michelle Williams – Meesh Consulting
Small Business of the Year Award (sponsored by Unique Window Systems)
WINNER: Design Studio Architects
Team of the Year (sponsored by Breedon Consulting)
WINNER: Bodie Hodges Foundation
Businesswoman of the Year (sponsored by Michael Smith Switchgear)
WINNER: Andrea Gray – PPL PRS
Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by Paradigm Wills & Legal Services)
WINNER: Lindsey Williams
Enterprising Women Co-Chair Special Recognition Awards
WINNER: Lai-Yee Cheung – Sanjay Foods
WINNER: Laura Holland – EcoTech Engineers
