Warehouse upgrade attracts global engineering group

Tess Egginton
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Warehouse upgrade attracts global engineering group
Refurbished industrial property is in good demand with the lease of warehouse and office space to a global engineering group on Leicester’s Hamilton Business Park. Andrew + Ashwell, the Leicestershire commercial property expert, has negotiated the deal to bring engineering solutions specialist The Brush Group to the sought-after site following recent renovation. The building, at 30 Waterside Road, occupies almost 1.45 acres (approx. 0.6 hectare) in a prominent setting close to the Hamilton Way/Thurmaston Lane roundabout, providing fast access to ring road connections for the A46 and M1/M69 motorway network. With 21,625 sq ft of space the premises delivers modern accommodation, including a detached, single-storey warehouse and industrial unit, with integral two-storey office space, plus car parking at the front and a rear service yard and enclosure. Constructed around a single span steel portal frame, the warehouse accommodation had been refurbished throughout. The air-conditioned two-storey offices were purpose-built to benefit from good natural light, incorporating an open-plan, first floor working area, with ground floor meeting rooms and amenities. Kelvin Wilson, associate director at A+A, said: “We received healthy interest following the landlord’s refurbishment works to modern standards. Following competitive demand, Brush came forward and the transaction completed swiftly. The group aims to use the building for storage and distribution, alongside research and development from what is recognised as a prime Leicestershire location for communication. “There is still a lack of good quality second hand industrial accommodation within the county and this important letting shows the benefit that an effective schedule of landlord refurbishment works can achieve.”

Corby contractor launches new fund to help local community

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Corby contractor launches new fund to help local community
Charities and community groups in Corby are now able to access a new funding pot thanks to local building contractor Kori Construction. The business, based on Headway Business Park in Corby, has launched an annual fund of £10,000 and is encouraging charities and other groups from the town to apply for a share of the money. The fund has been set up to celebrate Kori Construction’s roots in Corby and to enable the town to share in the business’s ongoing success. The money will be allocated in two sums of £5,000 each year, and any organisation working in sustainability, social inclusion, or strengthening local communities is free to apply. Kori Construction Managing Director Jordan Connachie said the company had always been a keen supporter of its hometown and as it had grown as a business, the directors wanting to extend that support. He said: “Although we now have a national footprint in terms of our developments, we are very much a Corby business. Many of our employees live in Corby and our name, Kori, dates back to the first settlers who created the beginnings of a town here. “We’re launching this fund to help make a small difference to the lives of local people and communities, and we’re looking forward to receiving applications from a range of charities and organisations. “With so many worthwhile causes out there, it is going to be difficult to decide which ones to support. However, knowing the money pledged will have the biggest positive impact it can is very important to us, so that will be high on the list of priorities when it comes to making a decision.” The idea is the brainchild of Elaine Kendall, Kori’s Head of Sustainability and Communications, who was featured in the NFB’s 2023 list of Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction. As well as pledging £10,000 to Corby-based charities and community groups, Kori Construction is also making £2,500 available to community groups around each of its developments. Elaine said: “At Kori, we believe that construction doesn’t stop with creating a new building. Buildings, after all, are all about people – the people who will live in them, work in them, and live around them. They have a huge impact on people’s lives. “Our philosophy is to always maximise the positive impact of our developments as far as we possibly can. By launching these funds, we’re trying to create real and tangible differences for local communities.” The £2,500 funding, which will be part of each individual scheme Kori is appointed to, will provide support for community-based activities or projects aligned to Kori’s sustainability strategy, to promote inclusion and positive change, strengthen communities or safeguard the world.

The Luxury Food Collective launches exclusive corporate gift hampers in time for Christmas

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The Luxury Food Collective launches exclusive corporate gift hampers in time for Christmas
Specialist online retailer The Luxury Food Collective has unveiled a new range of exquisite corporate hampers and gifts, perfect for sending a very special thank you to clients this festive season. Bringing something different to the corporate gifting market, The Luxury Food Collective launched in summer 2023 by entrepreneur Peter Ahye. Peter devoted almost two years to sourcing the finest food and drink offerings from producers, growers and artisans across Europe. By nurturing relationships with the people who hold these traditional and time-honoured methods of production, he has been able to bring a unique portfolio of products to the UK for the very first time to create something truly special. Starting from £38 and ranging to £240, each hamper has been expertly crafted by the team at The Luxury Food Collective for every taste. With products from artisans such as Fauchon, the French delicatessen, H Forman and Son’s delectable smoked salmon range, and champagnes and wines from the very best vineyards in Europe, the gifting range is the perfect solution for businesses searching for gifts with a personal touch for clients and colleagues. Around 90% of the products available from The Luxury Food Collective are exclusive within the UK, meaning that a hamper or gift box is a totally unique way to spread joy this festive season. Each delivery from The Luxury Food Collective comes with a personalised information card detailing the products and their provenance. The card includes a scannable QR code for recipients to learn more about their gift. Highlights from this year’s Christmas range include the Non-Alcoholic Wines, Juices & Tea (£95.00), a selection of six delicate beverages designed to toast to the party season without the alcohol content. Featuring French Bloom’s iconic Le Rosé Organic Bubbly as well as Alain Milliat Jus Raisin Rouge, a luxury Merlot grape juice. Also available is the Hand Selected Crisps & Snacks Gift Box (£42.50) – the perfect selection of nine luxury snacks including artisan popcorn from Popcorn Shed, Fauchon’s Mini Crepes with Cheddar and Brusa’s Grissini Piemontesi breadsticks from Italy. For the season that’s peppered with guests popping by, it always pays to have some delicious snacks to tempt. For a classic option, the Champagne, London Cure Smoked Salmon & Caviar Gift Box (£150.00) offers a timeless combination to ring in the festive season. This set comes with a mother-of-pearl serving spoon for that perfect final touch. Founder of The Luxury Food Collective, Peter Ahye says: “Businesses are built on relationships, and we believe that there is no relationship more important than our connection with food. “It’s that time of the year when many of us are searching for ways to show appreciation for clients and professional contacts across our networks, and we wanted to offer something that is truly special. A hamper or gift box from The Luxury Food Collective is unique and meaningful, as our range is meticulously curated to offer delicacies that you simply can’t find anywhere else.” Thanks to The Luxury Food Collective’s close relationships nurtured with the producers directly, it is committed to championing ethical and sustainable products. The full range is responsibly farmed, prioritises animal welfare and minimises environmental impact. Additionally, there is a range of year-round gifts, prices from £60. The Luxury Food Collective delivers throughout the UK. For more information and to purchase, please visit www.theluxuryfoodcollective.com/collections/corporate-gifting.

Finch Consulting makes new appointment

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Finch Consulting makes new appointment
Leicestershire-based health and safety risk management experts; Finch Consulting, have appointed mechanical and electrical Chartered Engineer Tom Leach. With over 20 years’ of practical experience starting with an NVQ in welding, more recently in various roles including surveying, project management, consultancy, and as an associate director, Tom will be joining Finch as a senior consultant. In his new role, Tom will be fluid in his skillset working in both Finch’s Consultancy and Expert services able to win and deliver work. Tom said: “I am thrilled to be joining such an agile and multi-disciplined team where I feel I can make my mark and add value to the business. I will also be furthering my professional development through Finch taking on several courses.” Dom Barraclough, Managing Director, said: “Tom compliments our resources and competencies, mainly in Asset Management but also Health and Safety Management capabilities, by bringing additional infrastructure M&E experience and contacts to boost our plan. “Our plan sets out to build work in manufacturing while diversifying with infrastructure, energy and defence, and build our reputation as the people to come to for highly qualified, highly experienced real-world experts in criminal and large complex technical cases (UK and International arbitrations). “Tom is our first recruit through our new in house recruitment process designed and led by Jade which is a real testament to the growth of the company.”

E.ON worker steals £70k from employer

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E.ON worker steals £70k from employer
A customer service advisor stole almost £70,000 from her employer and sent it to seven others in order to launder the proceeds from her crime. Gina Rani used her position at E.ON to facilitate a series of refunds that she paid to family members and friends who in return refunded some of the money to her. Police launched an investigation after E.ON reported £69,844 had been issued as false refunds by Rani between October 2016 and March 2021. The company told detectives it had uncovered evidence that indicated Rani, aged 36, had abused her position in order to create the false refunds, which she passed onto friends and family in the form of cheques. The police investigation found Rani had made changes to the E.ON systems in order to process the fraudulent refunds. She attended a voluntary police interview in which she confessed to her offending, adding that she had “fully messed up.” She admitted processing refunds totalling £69,844 and that the amount of money deposited back into her own account was approximately £24,000. Rani, of Lamcote Street, The Meadows, was charged and put before Nottingham Crown Court, where she pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position and acquiring / using / possessing criminal property. She appeared at the court on Thursday, 26 October, for sentencing and was jailed for two years, suspended for two years. She appeared alongside her seven co-defendants, who all live in Nottingham and each pleaded guilty to acquiring / using / possessing criminal property. They were sentenced as follows:
  • Azim Aroon, 35, of Stotfield Road, Wollaton – given a community order comprising 120 hours unpaid work;
  • Ryan Aziz, 35, of HMP Nottingham – jailed for 12 months, suspended for two years;
  • Paula Fryer, 56, of Woodfield Road, Broxtowe Estate – jailed for 9 months, suspended for 18 months;
  • Kirpal Kaur, 62, of Parkdale Road, Bakersfield – jailed for 9 months, suspended for 18 months;
  • Shauna Kemp, 22, of Woodfield Road, Broxtowe Estate – discharged conditionally for 12 months;
  • Mark Thompson, 36, of Minver Crescent, Aspley – jailed for 12 months, suspended for two years;
  • Aisha Xavia, 40, of Eltham Drive, Cinderhill – jailed for 12 months, suspended for two years.
Following the sentencings, Detective Constable Akil Kapasi, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “Rani was a trusted employee but she abused her position by manipulating company systems for her own gain and committing fraud. “She was not alone in this enterprise. Indeed, seven others were heavily involved and I am pleased they, too, have been dealt with by the courts. “I hope this case sends a clear message to those who believe they can break the law for their own financial gain that offences will be uncovered and you will be brought before the courts to answer to your crimes.” An E.ON spokesperson added: “Acting in the best interests of our customers is of paramount importance and we took immediate action and worked with the relevant authorities to ensure this matter was handled as swiftly as possible.”

Plans approved for new homes at Chesterfield Waterside

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Plans approved for new homes at Chesterfield Waterside
A planning application for more than 100 houses, along with more than 40 apartments at Chesterfield Waterside has been approved. Following the submission of a detailed planning application in summer 2022, Woodall Homes has secured permission for a residential development and two commercial units as part of the regeneration scheme. The residential development features 103 contemporary homes and 41 apartments, comprising a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties. Darren Abbott, planning director at Woodall Homes, said: “We are thrilled that our Chesterfield Waterside application has now been approved. “Sitting alongside the River Rother corridor, this development will transform the local area with modern, bespoke and energy-efficient properties plus comprehensive landscaping proposals, which include a linear riverside park with trim trail and a natural habitat edge that will provide a significant net gain in biodiversity. “We can’t wait to reveal more details about the development over the coming months and see the exciting work getting underway as we look to further enrich the community.” Pedestrian and cycle links are to be provided throughout the site to encourage residents to take advantage of local commuter facilities and nearby amenities of Chesterfield town centre, including the railway station, Chesterfield College and Tapton Golf Course. Development at Chesterfield Waterside is rapidly continuing, following the completion of  One Waterside Place, a seven-storey office building which has already been fully-let to new tenants. Companies now operating from One Waterside Place include two financial firms, BHP and Rosewood Wealth Management, along with Fashion brand, Varley.

New College Leicester’s Business Development Manager shortlisted in national education awards

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New College Leicester’s Business Development Manager shortlisted in national education awards

New College Leicester is celebrating the shortlisting of its Business Development Manager, Wayne Allsopp, in the “Business Development Manager/Bursar of the Year” category at Education Today’s Schools & Supplier Awards.

The School & Supplier Awards, with Education Today, recognises and rewards the suppliers, schools, and individuals who work tirelessly for the greater good of the education sector.

Wayne was nominated by his colleagues at New College Leicester for his commercial acumen, commitment to collaboration and partnerships, as well has his marketing approach to raising the school’s profile among students, parents and the wider community.

Since his arrival at the school, Wayne has had a huge impact on the commercial operations at the school. He has introduced several new income streams, leading to the school now turning over half a million pounds in extra income annually. He is also driving additional income and community involvement through an asset-based community development approach, positioning the school at the heart of the local community.

Wayne has been instrumental in insourcing the catering provision that the school provides and creating an onsite coffee shop to increase footfall through the school at evenings and weekends.

Other projects he has worked on include Building Schools for the Future, the Closed Road Cycle Circuit, The Football Development Centre, The Gymnastics Centre, The Netball and Tennis Courts, the Salix Sustainability Scheme, the Data Centre and the Section 106 Funding from a local housing development, providing extremely welcome sources of income to improve and maintain the school’s estate, during increasingly challenging economic times.

Jane Brown, Principal at New College Leicester, said: “Wayne is always exploring new opportunities and ways of collaborating with additional stakeholders. He is an expert in developing and leading partnerships.

“Key organisations like the NHS West Leicester Children’s Mental Health Team now lease office accommodation from us and their support has been invaluable in dealing with the mental health crisis post the pandemic. Leicestershire Music Service are another partner now based at the school and in return for space they provide tuition for the students.”

Set in New Parks in Leicester, an area of above average levels of social deprivation, New College Leicester places itself at the heart of the local community and has become an over-subscribed school following the success of the team. It has recently increased their pupil admission numbers to cope with the demand.

Wayne Allsopp

Wayne Allsopp said: “I am so pleased that the hard work the team at New College has put into improving our school has been recognised by Education Today. It’s not just me, it’s for us all and its fantastic to be considered amongst the best in the UK for our work in providing included, rounded education for all.

“It’s a critical time for students and parents to make their secondary school choices and this kind of recognition helps us to demonstrate the range of opportunities we can provide here at New College.”

Winners will be announced at a black-tie celebration dinner at River Bank Park Plaza Hotel in London on Friday 8th December.

New College is judged to be ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

Council buys converted factory building for affordable homes

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Council buys converted factory building for affordable homes
Work is now underway to remodel and prepare 58 flats and bedsits to help address the urgent need for more affordable council housing in Leicester. The city council has recently completed the purchase of the Zip Building – on Rydal Street, close to the city centre – as part of plans originally announced last year. Leicester City Council bought the building for £5.55million, part-funded by £2.4million of cash from the sale of council properties under the Government’s Right to Buy scheme. This is the maximum allowed under the current rules. The remainder is through a mix of permitted prudential borrowing and allowable debt, which is common for council investments of this type. The three-storey former factory building will provide 58 affordable flats and bedsits, all of which will be added to the city council’s housing stock and help meet the growing demand for one and two-bedroom affordable homes across the city. Refurbishment work is now underway and the first council tenants are expected to be able to move into the property by March 2024. The majority of the units within the Zip Building will be one-bed flats and bedsits. The remaining units will be a mix of two-bed flats – including two wheelchair accessible properties – and three and four-bed cluster flats, some of which will provide support to help people with independent living. Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, assistant city mayor for housing, said: “The acquisition of the Zip Building will help meet the increasing demand for one and two-bedroom council housing. But we still face a desperate need for more affordable housing in the city. “The Right to Buy scheme has hit the supply of council housing hard. We’re losing homes much faster that they are being built and it’s time the Right to Buy scheme was abandoned. We have been forced to sell thousands of council houses over the past 30 years. “That makes it absolutely vital that we invest our Right to Buy cash receipts into schemes like this, which help addressing the critical need for more affordable homes.” Whenever a council property is sold under Right to Buy, the proceeds of the sale must be used in line with strict Government guidelines. This means that only some of the proceeds can be used to support the costs of building and/or acquiring new affordable homes. Each year, Leicester City Council loses an average of 400 council homes through the Right to Buy scheme. To help address the local housing crisis, the city council aims to help provide an additional 1,500 affordable homes in Leicester by 2027. The Zip Building dates back to around 1900 and was built to the designs of regionally renowned Stockdale Harrison for Thompson & Co wholesale boot and shoe manufacturers. By the mid-20th century, it had been converted into a hosiery factory. The building was redeveloped as residential accommodation around 12 years ago. As part of the sale negotiations for the building, the city council agreed that all previous tenancies should be honoured until the end of summer 2023, to minimise any disruption.

Gateley Legal bolsters East Midlands construction team with four appointments

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Gateley Legal bolsters East Midlands construction team with four appointments

Gateley Legal has bolstered its Nottingham-based construction team to a total of nine legal professionals servicing the East Midlands region following four new appointments.

Della Copley joins Gateley Legal as a senior associate. Prior to this, Copley spent five years at Geldards LLP and brings a strong construction background to the team, specialising in contentious matters including dispute resolution methods such as litigation, adjudication and arbitration.

Catherine Everington completed her training at Gateley Legal and spent a year with the construction team post-qualification before joining Shakespeare Martineau for eighteen months. Everington re-joins the Nottingham team as a solicitor and will work closely alongside legal director, Charles Jakeman, to support clients with the Government’s developer remediation contract, as well as core development matters.

Copley and Everington will both add significant specialist resource to strengthen Gateley Legal’s service offering which sees the team advising housebuilder and developer clients on a wide range of fire and building safety matters.

Miriam Forman and Davis Barwell join as trainee solicitors and will support the team with contentious matters for housebuilder, developer, contractor and subcontractor clients, as well as managing construction documentation for major projects.

Piet van Gelder, partner and head of the Nottingham construction team at Gateley Legal, said: “Our Nottingham construction team has grown to be one of the largest specialist teams in the East Midlands region through our work for major housebuilders and developers, as well as other construction stakeholders.

“The team has not only identified but is also leading on the implementation and scope of the Building Safety Act and so we have brought in Della and Catherine to strengthen the team and support clients with overcoming all the issues arising out of that piece of legislation. It’s also great to have new talent like Miriam and Davis on board to really boost the team.”

The four new appointments join partner – Piet van Gelder, legal director – Charles Jakeman, solicitors – Jaclyn Nelson and Ryan Ball and paralegal – Beth Eady to total nine construction team members in Nottingham.

Planning consent secured for industrial/storage and distribution facility at Leicestershire business park

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Planning consent secured for industrial/storage and distribution facility at Leicestershire business park
National property consultancy Carter Jonas has secured planning consent on behalf of Euro Property Investment Limited and its development delivery partner Henry Davidson Developments to deliver an industrial / storage and distribution facility with ancillary offices at Meridian Business Park in Leicestershire. The 1.38 acre (0.56 ha) site is located in Meridian Business Park. The scheme will deliver 21,062 sq ft (1,956.74m2) of warehouse / office floorspace and will help to boost the local economy by creating jobs for local people. The end user of the site is yet to be determined. Laura Stops, associate partner at Carter Jonas in Birmingham, said: “We are working with Euro Property Investment Limited and their development delivery partner Henry Davidson Developments on a variety of schemes across the Midlands and we are delighted to have worked alongside the project team, addressing concerns to receive unanimous approval at Planning Committee for the Meridian Business Park site.” Scott Davidson, Managing Director of Henry Davidson Developments, said: “The team have worked closely with the Local Planning Authority over the past few months, and we are extremely pleased that a resolution to grant has now been awarded. We look forward to commencing the delivery phase of the project and seeing the development come forward and provide jobs for the local community.” In achieving planning success, Carter Jonas worked alongside Stephen George + Partners LLP (architects), John Davies Associates Limited (highways and flood consultant), FCPR Environment and Design Limited (landscape consultant), Midland Ecology Limited (ecologists).
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