Ashby property consultancy re-elects managing partner for third term after overseeing growth to record size
A property consultancy has re-elected its managing partner for a third term after he oversaw its growth to a record size.
Andrew Bridge was unanimously voted to stay on as managing partner at Fisher German by his fellow partners until at least April 2028, having first been elected in 2019.
His re-election follows Fisher German’s merger with the former Matthews & Goodman in 2022, and the opening of a major new office in Birmingham in late 2023, which has made Fisher German a firm of 800 employees.
Andrew is now looking to continue this success by increasing Fisher German’s influence in major cities and ensuring clients receive a joined-up approach from the firm’s many areas of expertise.
He said: “It’s a huge honour that Fisher German’s many partners saw fit to elect me again for a third term. It’s a real vote of confidence in the direction the firm is going in.
“As a firm, we not only want to help our clients with one issue but to enable them to maximise the value they get from us by assisting them in all sorts of property matters.
“We now have an incredible breadth of expert knowledge across our company, from investment; lease advisory, and valuations, through to planning; sustainable energy; infrastructure consultancy; and more.
“Our clients are already reaping the benefits of this cross-section of expertise, and I am confident we can continue to grow our influence and win more instructions as I enter into my third term as managing partner.”
Andrew is also focusing on Fisher German leading by example when it comes to factors such as ESG and career progression.
“Many of our clients are increasingly focused on sustainability and ensuring their supply chain meets that standard – which of course includes Fisher German,” he added.
“While achieving monetary value for our clients is obviously important, we need to match our clients’ values by doing all we can to work sustainably too – whether through having greener office space, partnering with charities, encouraging our colleagues to stay physically and mentally healthy, and enabling them to progress their careers as far as they wish to.
“I’m looking forward to not only leading Fisher German’s growth as a company over the next few years but to growing those values beyond the bottom line too.”
Magpies to build new nest for fans
Notts County’s plans for a new Fan Zone called ‘The Nest’ have been granted conditional permission.
The proposals relate a commercial unit on Iremonger Road in Nottingham, near the Meadow Lane ground, which will be used as a facility to meet before and after matches, selling food and drink from a bar and street food traders, and including a giant television screen showing football matches.
It will also be utilised as a multi-purpose events space for leisure, entertainment and community use.
Notts County said the site will “improve the overall community experience” on match days and several non-match days throughout the year.
The previous tenant was East Midlands Fabrications Ltd, who produced general steel fabrications and architectural metalwork.
The site offers 12,000 sq ft of indoor space complemented by a large outdoor area.
Notts County want to develop a space like that seen at Box Park in Wembley, the Rapidz Fan Zone at Burnley FC, and City Square at Manchester City FC.
Derelict Nottingham building given green light for student accommodation transformation
Plans to transform the Antibo building in Nottingham into student accommodation have been granted conditional permission.
The proposals for 54-60 Lower Parliament Street involve the conversion, extensive restoration and upward extension of the former commercial premises into student residence.
The building dates back to the 1940’s and was originally constructed as a department store. It was most recently home to the Chez Coor restaurant on the ground floor, with accommodation on the upper floors. The site has since been derelict and found to be
associated with anti-social behaviour and illegal activity.
Kexgill Ltd is behind the new scheme, which will provide 49 student bedrooms with associated amenity spaces as well as commercial and office space.
Why financial planning is pivotal in today’s economy: by Karen Sheldon, Director of Sheldon Flanders Financial Services Ltd
Karen Sheldon, Director of Sheldon Flanders Financial Services Ltd, the financial advisory firm based in Derby, speaks on why financial planning is pivotal in today’s economy.
I love the following sayings…’Fail to plan, plan to fail!’ ‘If you don’t know where you are going how can you ever get there?’
Whilst not specifically related to financial planning, this is so true of financial planning and in my view is essential, especially in today’s society. Most life journeys do not continue in a straight line. There are usually twists and turns and bumps along the way and without financial planning you could face difficult times. Financial planning ensures you can plan your journey and if life events get in the way you can adapt.
Financial planning is even more necessary in today’s world. I know every decade has had its challenges, and I’m aware that there hasn’t been such a thing as a “job for life” in a very long time. However, I don’t think I have ever experienced what feels like a constant barrage of challenges and issues affecting markets, issues affecting employment and uncertainty in the economy on such a regular basis, which has in my opinion exacerbated the need for strategic financial planning. I don’t see these challenges ending any time soon.
The world is changing rapidly, new markets are opening up, the employment arena looks vastly different and will only keep changing, and the economy is uncertain. The one thing I absolutely stress though, is whilst we do not know what is ahead of us, we do know what planning tools are available today, and whilst these may change in the future, the benefits of planning today will never change.
When I decided to set up my firm in 2008 I set out to make an impact and give back to the community as well as work around my children and I haven’t looked back since. At Sheldon Flanders Financial Services Ltd, we specialise in pensions and wealth management and I in particular deal with high net worths for this and with group pensions for companies.
As a firm we are on a mission to make sure financial planning is available to all, irrespective of wealth, in a sustainable way. I am looking to grow our team to include advisers that are available to offer advice to those who would at times feel financial advice isn’t available to them. I am also looking to develop an application that will be available to all to help as well in those vital decisions, effectively ensuring we can provide financial planning solutions for all who require it.
Go-ahead given to Rolls-Royce Raynesway site expansion
The green light has been given to Rolls-Royce’s plans to significantly expand its Submarines site in Derby to meet the growth in demand from the Royal Navy, and as a result of last year’s AUKUS announcement.
In March 2023 it was confirmed that Rolls-Royce Submarines would provide all the nuclear reactor plants that will power new attack submarines as part of the tri-lateral agreement between Australia, the UK and US.
This increase in demand will see new manufacturing and office facilities being built at the Raynesway site, alongside a multi-storey carpark, and will create 1,170 skilled roles across a range of disciplines, including manufacturing and engineering.
The proposal includes the demolition of five buildings and the construction of 10.
Rolls-Royce Submarines currently employs more than 4,500 people and designs, manufactures and provides in-service support to the pressurised water reactors that power every boat in the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.
Hire a drone operator in the East Midlands
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Former Government business champion takes helm at Loughborough Town Deal
A former Government business champion has been appointed as chair of the Loughborough Town Deal Board.
Martin Traynor OBE is a former consultant and Group Chief Executive of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce and spent many years in the hospitality sector.
More recently Martin has been a Small Business Crown Representative for the Cabinet office, helping to improve relations between Government and businesses.
He now chairs the Town Deal board responsible for working with 11 projects which are delivering over £40 million of investment into the area, boosting skills, regenerating the town and supporting the visitor economy.
Martin has been on the board since its inception and was appointed as chair at the March meeting, replacing Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL.
Martin said: “I am honoured to be appointed as the chair of Loughborough Town Deal Board.
“The Town Deal has already delivered almost £15 million of investment into the area and several projects have been completed including the creation of the Careers and Enterprise Hub, improvements to the canal side, a significant town centre regeneration scheme and support for the visitor economy.
“There is much more on the way, and I am determined to support the remaining Town Deal projects through to their completion. They will leave a significant legacy for Loughborough.”
Local businessman Charles Bentley has also joined the Town Deal board. Charles is managing director of Loughborough-based Charles Bentley which provides a wide range of products for the home and garden. The company was founded in 1860.
Charles said: “I am extremely pleased to join the board and look forward to working with fellow board members and officers to help drive forward this exciting investment for the town.”
Loughborough Town Deal secured £16.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund and is backing 11 projects in total.
Other Town Deal projects already completed include the creation of SportPark Pavilion 4 at Loughborough University which is part of the Healthy and Innovative Loughborough project. Several elements of the Living Loughborough project are also up and running including the expansion of free wi-fi in the town centre, an augmented reality heritage trail and free business support for local businesses. More elements of this scheme are being developed.
Other projects include work to save the last major Bell Foundry in Britain – John Taylor & Co; the Lanes and Links scheme which will better link the town centre and Queen’s Park and see the creation of a place to mark the impact of Covid on the community; a Digital Skills Hub at Loughborough College; the creation of the Generator, a creative arts and culture hub; support for Great Central Railway; and support for a flood scheme for Loughborough’s Wood Brook.
The Town Deal Board involves representatives from Charnwood Borough Council, Loughborough University, Loughborough College, Love Loughborough, Leicestershire County Council, the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, Charnwood Together Economy and Skills Group, local businesses and Loughborough MP Jane Hunt.
Plans for Derby theatres to move forward
Plans to restore Derby’s Guildhall Theatre and enhance Derby Theatre are set to move forward this week, as part of a major investment putting culture at the heart of the city.
Derby City Council’s Cabinet will agree terms for use of £20 million Government Levelling Up Funding allocated to Derby. The funding will be split evenly between the Guildhall Theatre and Derby Theatre. Combined the two projects will generate an additional £2.7m per year for the local economy.
A partnership agreement has been drawn up by the two organisations to agree details of how the funding will be spent, with the Council’s Cabinet set to agree the terms of the agreement this week. The £10m allocated to the Guildhall Theatre will contribute to the restoration of the Grade II listed building to its former glory and once again welcome audiences.
Restoration plans for the Guildhall Theatre will include a new front of house experience with enhanced foyer as well as a new ground floor cafe and box office opening onto the Market Place. The auditorium will also be remodelled to increase the seating capacity to around 280.
Back of house facilities will also be renovated to make the venue more accessible, other improvements include refurbished dressing rooms and the installation of a new service lift. A new courtyard will also be included in the works, adjacent to Derby’s historic Market Hall, which is due to re-open in the spring of 2025 following major renovations.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Deputy Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said: “By bringing the Guildhall Theatre back into use, we can not only restore one of our historic buildings but create more space for community-led arts groups to perform right in Derby’s cultural heart.
“We’re on a mission to put culture at the heart of our city, bringing pride to our high streets, and attracting further investment into the city. Change is coming and what is planned for Derby’s Market Place is truly exciting.”
Derby Theatre’s £10 million allocation will enable the Theatre and the University of Derby to complete phase one of its New Horizons project, delivering a state-of-the-art new accessible studio theatre and Learning and Research Hub.
The Learning and Research Hub will allow the Theatre and University to develop further the undergraduate and postgraduate offer onsite in a professional theatre continuing to make the most of and enhance the unique connection between students, professional artists, participants and audiences.
Sarah Brigham, Artistic Director and CEO, Derby Theatre, said: “These are exciting times for Derby Theatre as we continue to trailblaze new ways of training the next generation of professionals and creating high quality theatre for our communities. We are known for working directly with people from all backgrounds to release their creativity and this first phase of expansion on our current site will allow us to do even more of that.
“I’m excited that as we approach our 50th birthday we are adding a new auditorium to the site and our longer term plans will see a refreshed front of house and backstage facilities.”
The Guildhall restoration works are currently planned to begin on site in summer 2025 and be completed in late 2027.
The Guildhall already needed £10m of repairs to prevent the building falling into disrepair. In total the extensive restoration is expected to cost £24.55 million, which will be funded by a combination of the £10 million from the Levelling Up Funding and £14.55 million from the Council’s capital budget.
Work will also be carried out at 30 and 31 Market Place, which adjoin the Guildhall, allowing them to be brought back into use and contribute to the city.
Construction starts on Phase Two of Leicestershire business park
Construction has begun on Phase Two of Beauchamp Business Park, a new commercial development in Kibworth, Leicestershire. Due to the strength of demand for units at the site, construction of Phase Two has started earlier than originally planned.
Beauchamp Business Park is being brought forward by Clowes Developments and its team including IMA Architects, TanRo, Millward Consulting Engineers, Gateley’s Legal and Postins Project Services. Philips Sutton and TDBRE have been instructed as agents on the scheme.
Planning permission for Phase Two was granted by Harborough District Council in December 2023. The second phase will see the creation of two additional terraces and a self-contained detached unit to be used for B1 and B2 use class. Completion is expected in late 2024.
When complete, Beauchamp Business Park will feature a series of freehold and leasehold industrial units ranging from 1,270 sq ft to 10,085 sq ft.
Construction of the first phase of the development began in September 2023. Due to the demand for units from local business owners and investors, the construction of Phase Two has started earlier than originally planned. 80% of the units on Phase One were sold or under offer within two months of being made available for enquiries, and there is similar interest in Phase Two, with Unit E already under offer.
Clowes Developments have retained IMA Architects who are providing all architectural services and acting as Principal Designer on the scheme.
Ben Hall, director at IMA Architects, says: “The popularity of the site demonstrates the need for quality, well located industrial space in the local area. Phase Two was originally planned to begin in the summer, but due to the demand it was decided that the construction teams could remain on site and push on with the next phase.
“My colleagues and I are proud to be working with Clowes Developments to deliver another site that will bring economic growth and employment opportunities to Leicestershire.”
Kevin Webster, associate director at Clowes Developments, adds: “Groundworks have begun on the second phase, and we are hopeful that the whole site will be finished ahead of schedule. I am already looking forward to the occupiers moving into the units and seeing Beauchamp Business Park really come to life.”
Letting sees new use for former restaurant
A 2,105 sq ft former restaurant in Burton has been let to T J Parry Independent Funeral Directors.
The premises have been taken ‘back to the bricks’ and completely re-furbished and re-decorated to create a purpose-built Funeral Home, which is prominently located on the prestigious Anson Court Development at 188/189 Horninglow St.
T J Parry & Family Funeral Directors Ltd was conceived by founder Timothy Parry and opened in Station St, Burton in 2018. Tim grew up in Burton upon Trent and following family bereavement to himself, started working in the funeral industry at Bretby Crematorium as a 14-year-old.
He continued working his way ‘up the ladder’ at two Funeral Directors and continued to gain valuable experience working alongside many others during his employment. After achieving industry recognised qualifications, Tim decided to set up his own company to provide a trusted, independent service that truly cares for the local communities.
Tim said: “We have always provided the highest levels of professionalism, care, dignity, and respect to our clients which we have become well known for and this has resulted in us needing to relocate to larger premises.
“We chose the new location as it offers a beautiful and prominent setting for our business. The building is full of character and provides a real charm inside and out now, and following the refurbishment works carried out, offers the most perfect of Funeral Homes. Our new premises provide more quality space for our families and further deceased care facilities.
“This move has enabled us to create a calm and comfortable space for grieving families, whilst continuing to provide the highest standards of care for our clients. The additional space also allows for more staff to join our family, as part of our natural growth.”
Salloway commercial agency surveyor, Simon Walker said: “I am absolutely delighted to have helped Tim with his relocation to these larger premises, having been initially involved with finding him a suitable commercial property and concluding the letting when he started his own business over 5 years ago.
“His relocation to the award-winning Anson Court Development on Horninglow St, Burton provides much needed expansion space for his business, and he has transformed the premises completely to provide a truly high quality feel Funeral Home.”
