Team’s achievement leads to promotion for Daniella
Professional services recruitment company Sellick Partnership has promoted Daniella Pye to the role of associate director in recognition of achievements made by the large, multi-specialism team that she leads.
The team focuses on partnering with public and not-for-profit sector organisations within the HR, finance and accountancy and procurement specialisms.
Daniella, who is also part of the Wellbeing Team at Sellick, has been an integral part of the company for 15 years – joining in 2009 as trainee recruitment consultant.
Her new role will involve focusing on the growth and development of the HR division, using her sector experience and knowledge to drive the team’s progress.
Group director Nikki Kinsey said: “From the very beginning, Daniella’s resilience and drive set her apart. Her journey is a testament to her exceptional abilities and the remarkable results she has achieved.
“Today, Daniella stands as a shining example of success and growth within Sellick Partnership, having joined as a trainee and now sitting as part of the senior management team as an associate director. This is what each and every person working here can do, if they want it.”
Record sales year for Carfulan Group
A surge in demand for advanced manufacturing and 3D printing systems has paved the way for a record year for an East Midlands industrial specialist.
Carfulan Group has seen revenues rise by 14% to £19.2m, creating six new jobs as a result.
Significant investment in boosting its sales team and several new product releases have been behind the expansion, with the family-run business now setting its sights on meeting a £40m target by 2030.
“Manufacturing has entered a new era of global competitiveness and our customers, whether they are OEMs, tier 1s or further down the supply chain, are all looking for ways to save costs, increase capacity and improve quality,” explained Chris Fulton, who is Joint Managing Director alongside his brother Matt.
“This is where we come into the equation. Our range of advanced metrology solutions gives them the opportunity to reduce the amount of downtime in their machining operations and the confidence that the parts they are producing are going to be right, first time.”
Founded in 1989 by the brothers’ mum and dad Andrew and Angela, Carfulan Group has evolved into a critical partner to industry.
It has invested more than £2.5m in creating a state-of-the-art demonstration centre in Derbyshire.
Chris went on to add: “Getting the right people into our business has been really important to our growth, with the workforce now topping sixty for the first time.
“Recent recruitment has seen us take on experienced specialists in our field and more apprentices that are making the most of our partnership with the JCB Academy.”
Agencies and businesses unite in bid to save jobs at Alstom factory
Marketing Derby, Derby City Council, and hundreds of Bondholders are calling on the Government to act now to save thousands of jobs by approving a solution to prevent the closure of Alstom’s city factory.
John Forkin, MD of the inward investment agency wrote to Bondholders outlining the imminent threat posed to the future of the train-making in Derby, and within hours more than 200 had given their support for the campaign to save the factory.
Alstom’s Litchurch Lane site is the nation’s largest train factory – in operation for 185 years – and is the only UK site where trains are designed, developed, built and tested.
At risk are 1,300 direct jobs in Derby and a further 15,000 jobs in supply chains across the country.
In his letter, Mr Forkin wrote: “We urge the Government to approve the viable identified solution. The closure of Litchurch Lane would be terrible news for our city – most especially for those who work at the site and their families – as well as those who work for suppliers across the UK.
“It is not too late. A viable option for 10 new Aventra trains (as used on the Elizabeth Line) which Alstom and its supply chain can deliver immediately is available.”
Councillor Baggy Shanker, leader of Derby City Council said: “We are doing everything we can to save these jobs and the future of train manufacturing in Derby.
“Unfortunately, so far this has fallen on deaf ears, and we now need the wider Derby community to make their views known. We will not let 185 years be destroyed without a fight.”
Planned Clay Cross town square revives historic name
The Clay Cross Town Board has decided the nw town square to be built as part of the town’s redevelopment will be called Baileys Square.
The new name is based on an old map of Clay Cross, featuring ‘Bailey’s Square’ in the same location as the new development, brought by the Town Centre Regeneration project.
Chair of the Clay Cross Town Board and Managing Director of Inspire Design and Development, Lee Barnes, says: “I am extremely eager to unveil Baileys Square to the public. It will be a place to host some amazing events, make some fantastic memories for those attending and will become a household name to residents and visitors of Clay Cross, as a substantial leisure space at the heart of Clay Cross.”
Baileys Square will be a place to meet with family and friends, hosting a unique selection of places to wine and dine, a place for families to take part in experiences and crafts; and enjoy vibrant events.
The Clay Cross Town Deal project will enhance Clay Cross’ evening economy with a wider food and leisure offer thanks to the flexible business units coming as part of Baileys Square.
UK economy sees slight growth
UK GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, rose minimally, by 0.1%, in February, following a revised 0.3% rise in January (up from 0.2% previously).
It comes as the UK tries to clamber out of recession.
The increase was driven by strong growth in production sector output, up 1.1% month-on-month (following a fall of 0.3% in January), with a smaller contribution from the services sector, growing 0.1% month-on-month (following growth of 0.3% in January 2024). Construction output, however, fell 1.9% month-on-month, following a growth of 1.1% in January 2024.
Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “With the damp and dismal weather hitting retail and other sectors, it’s not surprising to see activity was broadly flat in February. But lower inflation is easing pressure on household incomes and spending, and the economy still seems to be on course to exit its mild recession in the first quarter.
“While growth was probably fairly modest over the first quarter, the outlook is improving with our business surveys showing growth expectations for the second quarter at their strongest for almost two years.
“But we need to get some momentum going in economy without undoing hard work to bring down inflation. In this General Election year, it’s crucial parties of all stripes focus on structural challenges facing economy – like poor productivity and labour market pressure.
“What firms across all regions, nations and sectors tell us they need to drive sustainable growth, is stability and a long-term economic vision – which in turn will deliver prosperity to businesses and households alike.”
Aggregate Industries invests in import facility at Port of Liverpool
Coalville-based Aggregate Industries is to invest several million in a new super shed at the Port of Liverpool to help the company support increased demand for cement products for UK construction industry.
Owned by the UK’s second largest port operator Peel Ports Group, the substantial new import facility – one of the largest of its kind in Europe – will store more than 40,000 tonnes of cementitious products at any one time.
AIUK has made a long-term commitment to the Port with the signing of a 25-year lease agreement. This represents the third major deal made by the manufacturer in the last six months, as part of a strategic investment programme into deep sea terminals.
The latest investment will help the business maintain a continuous supply of lower carbon cementitious solutions throughout the North of England & Wales, with the addition of two surrounding berths and a two-chamber flat store at the Portside. This will help accommodate larger vessels and improve overall transport efficiencies.
With each import investment strategically chosen to support the firm’s regional logistics infrastructure, this growth in distribution capability will help Aggregate Industries to offer best in class service to local customers – with minimal lorry miles from terminals to sites – for the ultimate in sustainable, agile, secure supply.
Head of Supply Chain at AIUK’s Cement Division, Matt Owen, said: “Our commitment at Liverpool is one of a series of planned developments to respond to increasing market demand across the surrounding regions.
“By investing in deep sea facilities, we’re looking to streamline operations as well as reduce the embodied carbon in our imported products, saving up to 25% of CO2 per tonne of material thanks to increased vessel capacities.
“Our investment in the Port is indicative of the key role freight is playing in helping us to build resilience and surety of supply for customers, so we can always respond in an agile way to customer demand.”
Tom Harrison, Group Strategic Accounts Director at Peel Ports Group, said: “This significant investment highlights AIUK’s long term commitment in driving growth and opportunities across the Port of Liverpool and we’re proud to be involved in seeing it come to fruition.
“At Peel Ports, we believe we’re more than just a port, but central to enabling a more agile, efficient, and sustainable supply chain for the UK’s industries by offering port-centric solutions such as this to help our customers thrive.
“Providing these facilities, which enables AIUK to better serve the industry across North of England and Wales with its cementitious solutions is a prime example of this.”
NFU says Farming Recovery Fund is a post-storm washout
The Farming Recovery Fund was announced in the aftermath of Storm Henk to help those affected, with eligible farmers set to access grant support of up to £25,000, with those around Nottinghamshire’s Rivers Trent, Devon, and Soar being in the catchment. In Lincolnshire Lit covers the Witham, Brant, Welland, and Ancholme.
However, in a new statement released today, NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos has said it had very quickly become clear that there are major issues with the fund. She said: “We are hearing from numerous members who have suffered catastrophic impacts who have been told they are not eligible for the Fund because some of their affected areas are more than 150 metres from ‘main’ rivers. These include members with 90% of their land saturated or under water, and huge damage to buildings and equipment.
“We are taking this up with Defra urgently. I cannot believe this is what Ministers intended when they launched the Fund, which was a welcome and well-intentioned development which seems to have been fundamentally let down in the detail. While the impact of the weather goes far beyond Storm Henk, this could have been a good start but, as it stands, it simply doesn’t work.”
The grant is to support the cost of recultivating and reinstating agricultural land that was flooded due to notably high river levels between 2-12 January 2024, caused by Storm Henk.
The Rural Payments Agency is administering the fund on behalf of Defra, with landowners or tenant farmers who occupied eligible land parcels at the time of Storm Henk able to claim £130 per hectare for recultivation work.
Eligible farmers can access grants of between £500 and £25,000 to return their land to the condition it was in before exceptional flooding due to Storm Henk.
Lincoln digital marketing agency sold
Peter Watson and Bradley McKenny, former Directors of Distract, have sold the digital marketing agency to Steve Bryant, founder and Managing Director of Umbrella Brands Group, behind affiliate marketing agency Thoughtmix.
As an old friend of Watson and McKenny, Bryant’s interest in Distract’s journey has always been more than just professional curiosity. Over time, he witnessed the agency’s growth, direction and potential. When the pair decided to sell the business to focus on new areas, Bryant was a natural fit to lead the next phase of its development with a clear vision for Distract’s future.
Having established Thoughtmix in 2015, Bryant has many years of experience scaling an agency and delivering partnerships that grow businesses worldwide.
Bryant’s portfolio includes working with brands such as cardfactory, National Express, and The Couture Club, and he is now ready to pass on his knowledge and expertise to help Distract grow and excel further.
Assuming the role of Managing Director, Bryant has exciting plans for Distract, redefining and consolidating its offering. Recognising the team’s strengths in paid advertising, Distract will become a specialist paid media agency.
He will work closely with Stephanie Henderson, the commercial and strategy lead, and Hannah Langton, the delivery lead, to implement the new business strategy and tactics.
Bryant is looking to focus Distract’s services on the B2C E-commerce, B2B and Education sectors.Bryant said: “I’m excited to lead Distract into its next phase of growth and development. The team deliver some exceptional results for its Clients, and I’m delighted to have been welcomed in to harness their skills and expertise.”
Stephanie added: “It’s a really exciting time for Distract. Steve brings a host of knowledge from his experience growing Thoughtmix to one of the largest agencies within the affiliate space. The offerings from both separate agencies complement each other really well and offer the potential for some really unique collaborations.”
Hannah said: “Steve’s approach to Distract and the direction he has presented have been very refreshing and give us a clear plan for the future. His experience in affiliate marketing has given the team a new perspective, and we’re all looking forward to the changes being made and the relationship with Steve and Thoughtmix.”
Nottingham sales and lettings agent snapped up
Lomond, one of the UK’s largest acquirers of estate and letting agency businesses, has made its latest swoop within the East Midlands, further bolstering its John Shepherd brand following two recent deals within the region.
Having previously acquired the Nottingham and Derby lettings book of Royston and Lund, swiftly followed by the significant rental portfolio of Centrick, the firm has announced the acquisition of Nottingham-based agent, Tassi Sales and Lettings.
Originally established in 2009, the purchase of the three branch business will see Lomond’s John Shepherd brand inherit some 768 lettings properties across the Nottingham territory whilst also increasing their footprint within the student market and expanding their regional rental portfolio to almost 8,000 properties under management.
John Shepherd, which already operates 10 high street branches covering the West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire, will retain the experienced team from Tassi Sales and Lettings who will continue to service its new client base.
The latest deal will further bolster Lomond’s presence within the region, while also marking the company’s 53rd acquisition since launch just three years ago.
Lomond CEO, Ed Phillips, said: “There has been significant growth across the Midlands property market in recent years and, as such, it has been a particular area of focus for us in helping to realise our growth ambitions.
“Our latest acquisition will help to further bolster our presence within the East Midlands market and Nottingham, in particular, building on the impressive footprint we’ve already managed to establish in a short period of time.”
Chief Executive of John Shepherd, Richard Crathorne, said: “We’ve already established an impressive rental portfolio across the Midlands and we continue to see consistent demand from investor landlords who recognise the opportunities on offer within the region.
“Nottingham is certainly a regional hotspot in this respect and our latest acquisition will not only help to expand our portfolio considerably, but it allows us to do so with experience and expertise of an already established team at Tassi.”
Two join packaging company in account management roles
Certified packaging company Reuseabox at Dry Doddington near Newark has welcomed Tom Spencer and Alicia Anderson to its team as National Account Managers.
Tom said: “I love the ideals and purpose of Reuseabox and I wanted a job where could I make a difference. Plus, I saw that Reggie, the office dog, was listed as Barketing Manager on the website and knew this was the place for me!”
Alicia Anderson, recognised as Apprentice of the Year by the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce in 2023, comes to Reuseabox with a background in business development and B2B sales. She said: “I wanted to get my foot in the door within the environmental industry and have the opportunity to connect and grow with a more purpose-driven company. What I love about Reuseabox is that we’re actively giving back to the planet.”
As National Account Managers, Tom and Alicia will play crucial roles in supporting Reuseabox’s existing customer base, ensuring seamless order processing, and assisting clients in finding the perfect boxes for reuse.
These appointments follow Reuseabox’s recent contract wins with industry giants such as Hovis, Yeo Valley, and a prominent nationwide distribution company. This success also led to them opening a second warehouse in Nottingham at the end of 2023.
The expansion not only underscores Reuseabox’s growing market presence in the cardboard box industry but also reflects the increasing demand from companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Company founder Jack Good said: “We are thrilled to welcome Tom and Alicia to our team. Their expertise and passion for sustainability align perfectly with our mission to disrupt the packaging industry through reuse. As we continue to grow, their contributions will be invaluable in serving our customers and driving our vision forward.”
With the addition of Tom and Alicia, Reuseabox’s team has grown from 14 to 20 members in just 12 months, further solidifying their commitment to promoting sustainable practices and offering exceptional customer service.
