Hucknall’s High Street to get boost
Shops and businesses in Hucknall are to get expert help and advice in a move aimed at revitalising the town’s High Street and shopping centre.
A six-month programme, led by High Street experts, will help businesses unlock new ideas and fresh approaches to increase footfall in the town’s retail areas and make the most of trading opportunities.
The programme is being funded using some of the £3.2 million allocated to Ashfield District Council (ADC) from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) – a fund aimed at building pride in local communities and increasing life chances as part of the Levelling Up agenda.
ADC has appointed SaveTheHighStreet.org (STHS) to deliver the programme.
STHS is an industry-led movement with an advisory board of 200+ High Street businesses and retail experts, a fast-growing community of local champions and dozens of other partners across both public and private sectors.
The Hucknall programme will see SaveTheHighStreet.org work with individual businesses in Hucknall Town Centre, Annesley Road and Watnall Road.
Each business will have access to JO – a unique business support tool used in a range of ‘accelerator’ programmes to help make the most of trading opportunities.
Experts will also ‘deep dive’ into each business to find out what help and support can benefit them most. There will also be access to an online event where top tips from across the UK will be shared.
The SaveTheHighStreet team will be out and about in the area over the coming weeks and will be connecting with local businesses and individuals to make sure everyone who needs to know about it does.
John Bennett, Executive Director Place, at Ashfield District Council, said: “High Streets up and down the country have changed significantly in recent years. Retailers and businesses have been faced with some big challenges – the surge in online shopping, the fall-out from the pandemic and cost of living crisis. Ashfield’s High Streets have not been immune from that.
“We know how important High Streets are to our communities and it’s why we’re excited about the opportunities this partnership with SaveTheHighStreet.org gives businesses in Hucknall.
“Our ambition is to make Ashfield a great place to live, work and visit. We continue to secure significant investment across the District and this programme is another example of our determination to help revitalise our High Streets and town centres, following on from the support made available to businesses in Sutton and Kirkby through the Council’s Business Support Service and Enterprising Ashfield.”
Julie Holden, Community Director at SaveTheHighStreet.org, said: “We are delighted to be working with Ashfield District Council to provide dedicated support to Hucknall’s high street businesses as part of this pilot programme. We have seen some great results in other areas recently and we look forward to getting started.
“Having access to the JO Accelerator is like having a whole team at your fingertips. The programme will help to develop and implement a plan to boost local footfall for the town’s high street businesses.”
Deal done on Burton town centre development opportunity
Rushton Hickman has sold 8 Shobnall Road in Burton to one of its existing clients, AH Investment Solutions.
The purchaser AH Investment Solutions has been granted planning permission for change of use from Use Class E to residential Use Class C4 in order for them to redevelop the two storey building from office space into residential accommodation.
Taylor Millington, the agent who put the deal together, said: “It’s great news for both our client and the purchaser that planning was granted.
“The change in use classification from Use Class E to residential is the ideal use for repurposing this building and will no doubt attract local professionals who need quality living accommodation, especially as the building is situated just a short walk from the train station.
“We are delighted to have achieved a positive outcome for our client, and welcome other opportunities to advise commercial owners who are looking to dispose of their property across the region, particularly those looking for advice on potential redevelopment.”
Azets strengthens regional senior leadership team
Azets has strengthened its regional senior leadership team by appointing Danielle Hamill as Regional Managing Partner of East and West Midlands. The appointment comes at a pivotal time of growth for Azets, as the business looks to double total revenue to become a £1bn firm by 2027.
With over 16 years of experience, Danielle joined the firm (previously Baldwins) at 16 years old as an apprentice. Having progressed her career with Azets, she is a partner within Azets’ Coventry office and an ACA-qualified chartered accountant.
Danielle provides a range of services to her clients which include accounts, taxation, audit & business advisory. Whilst working with a wide range of clients, Danielle specialises in owner-managed SMEs and UK subsidiaries of foreign groups. Danielle manages a diverse portfolio of businesses, across a range of industries including construction, engineering, legal & professional services, and retail.
On her appointment, Danielle said: “I’m delighted to be taking on the role of Regional Managing Partner for East and West Midlands, as we continue to grow in the region.
“We have an established office network in the area that includes teams in Tamworth, Coventry, Nottingham, Wolverhampton and Stourbridge and the next stage of our journey looks incredibly exciting.
“We’re looking forward to expanding within specialist areas of accounting such as medical audit, so that we continue to meet the needs of our expanding business, as well as supporting the regional business community.”
Richard Goddard, Regional Managing Director of Azets Central and West, added: “Despite the challenging economic background, as a region, we continue to go from strength to strength thanks to a collaborative approach from our teams and clients.
“The appointment of Danielle reflects our commitment to support continued growth, so we can continue to meet the needs of our expanding business, as well as helping the growing number of SMEs in the country across complex areas of accounting and business services.”
Build for the Future, East Midlands returns with expert workshops to showcase construction innovation and expertise
With two weeks to go until the coveted Build for the Future, East Midlands event, Heritage Lincolnshire and Archaeological Project Services have added more speakers and sessions to the agenda.
The event, which is set to take place on 23 April 2024, will celebrate its fifth year in 2024 and aims to address the evolving needs of those working within the construction, property, heritage, sustainability, and trade industries by offering a unique blend of insightful discussions, networking opportunities and workshops.
One of the highlights of this year’s event will be a series of exclusive talks and workshops dedicated to growing your business and gaining key contacts in the industry, including a Meet the Buyer session with Compliance Chain. This session will enable local businesses to connect with leading contractors such as Kier and Wates Construction and help grow their supply chains in the East Midlands.
Attendees can also expect expert-led sessions offering valuable insights into strategies for ensuring your business complies with the latest legislative changes including the Building Safety Act 2022, in addition to talks surrounding contracts for successful building projects, demonstrations and a business networking session hosted in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce Construction and Property Network with over 80 businesses in attendance.
Event Organiser, Hannah Tomlinson of Globella said: “Since the event launched in February 2020 it has grown significantly and year-on-year we receive more and more interest from attendees and exhibitors alike. We are really looking forward to the event later this month and providing a platform that connects businesses across the East Midlands to collaborate, share knowledge and gain inspiration for the future of the industry.”
In addition to the informative sessions, the event will also feature an expansive exhibition floor displaying the latest products, services, and innovations from leading industry suppliers. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with exhibitors, discover cutting-edge solutions and forge valuable partnerships to propel their businesses forward.
For more information about the events and to book your tickets, please go to www.buildforthefuture.co.uk.
Free delegate tickets can be booked online at Build for the Future: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/build-for-the-future-east-midlands-2024-tickets-682312243287
Free delegate tickets can be booked online at Heritage for the Future: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-for-the-future-east-midlands-2024-tickets-682322855027
Renewable energy company secures framework appointment
Nottingham-based Geo Green Power has been appointed to Fusion21’s Heating, Renewables and Electrical framework which supports UK Public Sector organisations in accessing a supply chain of trusted contractors for the full provision of Heating, Renewables, and Electrical works.
Fusion21 is a national social enterprise specialising in efficient and impactful public sector procurement and social value services. Geo Green Power’s 14 years of experience in installing renewable systems, demonstrable expertise and a number of key industry accreditations secured their appointment to the framework which will run until 2028.
Chris McQuillan, Framework Manager at Fusion21, said: “We are delighted to welcome all of the new suppliers onto Fusion21’s Heating, Renewables and Electrical Framework, including Geo Green Power. The tender process was highly competitive and has identified the best contractors for our members to use for the delivery of a whole range of heating and electrical programmes.
“Members accessing this framework will benefit from flexible call-off options, UK-wide coverage, and the option to deliver social value to their communities, aligned to their organisational priorities.”
Public sector organisations can now access Geo Green Power’s services, which include the installation of solar PV, battery storage, EV charging and heat pumps in addition to ongoing service and maintenance support through the Fusion21 framework.
Managing Director at Geo Green Power, James Cunningham, said: “We were drawn to Fusion21 as they share many of the same values as ourselves with regards to their social and environmental targets and taking positive climate action.
“We’re delighted to be part of the framework and are looking forward to discovering what opportunities it opens up for us. In the last 18 months we have gone from strength to strength, expanding our team and moving into new premises. We’re confident that we will deliver the outstanding results that Fusion21’s members expect.”
Derby IT and Telecoms company expands team
Derby-based IT and Telecoms company Link ICT has further expanded its IT support technical team following the appointment of Adam Walsh and Andy Barton.
The appointments follow a number of new client wins to provide outsourced IT services to four more local Derbyshire schools and project work won as part of the Government’s ‘Connect the Classroom’ initiative which is providing funding for schools to upgrade IT networks to improve IT performance.
Adam, who lives in Chellaston, holds several BTEC qualifications related to information systems and creative technology. He joins Link ICT as an IT support apprentice and will be mentored to provide customers with first line IT support.
He said: “I am very interested in IT and believe this apprenticeship role will enable me to build on the knowledge I have gained at college with practical ‘hands on’ experience working at Link ICT.”
Also joining the team is Andrew Barton who is an experienced IT technician who holds various hardware manufacturers accreditations, Comptia Server, AEB Exams and numerous software skills.
Also from Derby, Andrew previously worked for Specialist Computer Centre as a senior network and hardware engineer and team leader.
In his new role, Andrew will be broadening his software skills and utilising his vast knowledge and customer experience. He said: “Working at Link ICT has a real family feel with a great team spirit. I like the fact everyone gets involved and there is a sense of real team effort.”
RSM UK promotes new partner in Leicester
Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK has promoted Jo Duddle to partner to help shape the future of the firm and drive growth from within its own ranks.
Based in the accounting and business advisory team in Leicester, Jo joined the firm as a manager eight years ago and has successfully progressed her way through the ranks to partner.
Jo predominately works as part of the finance function support solution across the Midlands. With over 20 years’ experience she leads on a portfolio of entrepreneurial and scaling businesses, providing support to them across advisory, digital and management information, alongside their compliance needs.
Jo Duddle, partner at RSM UK, said: “Becoming a partner at RSM is a huge achievement. It’s an exciting time for the business so I’m thrilled to play a part in shaping the future of the firm and to continue supporting our clients in navigating opportunities in the everchanging business environment.”
Helen Brocklebank, regional managing partner in the Midlands at RSM UK, added: “I’m delighted to see Jo embark on this next chapter in her career at RSM. Jo’s promotion is a reflection of her hard work, talent and dedication, as well as RSM’s commitment to investing in and developing its people.
“Jo will have an integral role in ensuring we continue to deliver a premium service to clients in the Midlands, nationally and internationally.”
East Midlands retailers show interest in Ted Baker rescue
Retail giants Next, based in Leicester, and Frasers Group, based in Shirebrook, have reportedly shown interest in snapping up fallen fashion brand Ted Baker’s European arm.
Both companies, which have a history of acquiring troubled retailers, are understood to have contacted administrators at Teneo Advisory, according to The Times, to explore a sale of all of or parts of Ted Baker.
This week Teneo revealed the closure of 15 Ted Baker stores in the UK, including in Nottingham, and the cutting of head office roles, seeing the loss of 245 jobs.
Each store is said to currently be loss making, with administrators saying there is no prospect of a return to profitability.
Planned closure of Nottingham Ted Baker store underlines need for investment in the city, says Chamber
The imminent closure of Nottingham’s Ted Baker store on Bridlesmith Gate further reinforces the challenges faced by city centre retail and the need for investment, says East Midlands Chamber.
The store is one of 11 across the country set to close by 19th April after the brand entered administration last month.
East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Chris Hobson said: “The Ted Baker store has been a familiar part of Bridlesmith Gate for a number of years so it’s sad to hear its doors are to soon close, especially in a city centre with so much growth potential.
“The announcement is a reminder of the challenges faced by the retail sector, however, new and fledgling businesses with their sights on a traditional high street presence shouldn’t be discouraged – where possible businesses should wholeheartedly embrace digital technology and the wide customer base it provides, so that huge online market can be complementary to their bricks and mortar offering.
“It’s also a timely reminder that the public and private sector must work together to support the development and modernisation needed to pull people into the city centre to work, study and live.
“Getting the city centre where it needs to be so that people enjoy leisure time alongside their work life is within reach, but continued investment and following through on plans is critical.”
Vistry Group to deliver 1,000 homes in two deals with Homes England
Vistry Group, the mixed tenure housebuilder, has secured two partnership deals with Homes England, delivering 1,000 homes.
The majority of the 1,000 new homes will be manufactured off-site using timber frames from the Vistry Works East Midlands factory in Leicestershire.
Vistry Group has been appointed by Homes England to deliver the regeneration of City Hospital. In bringing this site forward for development, the company has worked closely with Birmingham City Council and Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust.
The site has outline planning permission for 750 homes, of which more than 50% will be affordable or private rent tenures, with the remaining homes for open market sale. The site will also have more than 8,000 sq ft reserved for commercial and community space.
A second partnership deal in Hardingstone, Northamptonshire, will see Vistry deliver 250 mixed tenure homes with more than 50% presold. The site is also formerly owned by Homes England and has outline planning permission.
Greg Fitzgerald, chief executive of Vistry Group, said: “These deals further evidence the benefit of our long-term strategic partnership with Homes England, enabling the Group to deliver a significant number of mixed tenure homes in the Midlands.
“Furthermore, the unique capabilities of Vistry Works will allow us to utilise timber frame manufacturing at scale across both sites, speeding up housing delivery whilst reducing carbon emissions.”
