MRZ Logistics UK secures new 21,000ft² Nottingham premises
Chris Proctor of FHP Property Consultants, on behalf of the landlord, Abbeyfield Estates Limited, has let 4 Padge Road, Beeston, Nottingham to MRZ Logistics UK Limited on a new 10 year lease term.
The modern warehouse unit provides MRZ Logistics with the expansion space to take on further contracts for their growing e-commerce and 3PL fulfilment business.
Chris Proctor of FHP Property Consultants said: “Having dealt with MRZ Logistics for a number of years, I am delighted to finally have found them the right home for their expanding business. It has been a pleasure working with Winne and Jun and I am pleased that the result of this letting has ended with a happy tenant and happy landlord.”
Innes England were joint agents on this transaction.
Skanska secures contract to deliver A46 Newark Bypass improvement scheme
Skanska has signed a contract with National Highways to deliver the A46 Newark Bypass improvement scheme.
The contract will lead to the upgrade of a four-mile (6.6km) stretch of the A46 Newark Bypass, an important route connecting the M1 and Leicester to the A1 and central Lincolnshire, and is identified as a strategically important scheme in the Government’s Road Investment Strategy. The scheme is expected to cost between £400 – £500 million.
Skanska will undertake the design and construction of the widening of the A46 to a dual carriageway, providing two lanes in each direction between the Farndon and Winthorpe junctions. Works will also include the construction of a new five-arm roundabout at Winthorpe and traffic lights at Farndon junction to improve traffic flows during peak hours. A new bridge will be built to take traffic over the A1, and a flyover installed at Cattle Market.
“We’re really excited to be delivering these important improvement works for National Highways,” said Jonathan Willcock, Managing Director of Skanska’s Infrastructure business.
“We have established a collaborative and trusted relationship with our key customer and this contract builds on our current projects at M42 junction 6 and the A428.
“We’ll be working with National Highways and our design partner, Mott McDonald, to bring together a really strong and integrated team, alongside our wider supply chain.
“We’re taking the lead for this project from the preliminary design stage, which enables us to more closely align design, consultation and buildability activities. This will help us to identify opportunities to optimise productivity, reduce cost and carbon emissions and deliver the project safely – while leaving a positive legacy for the local community.”
The works will deliver improved capacity to address traffic congestion on the A46 around Newark-on-Trent and provide better links to the A1 and M1. It will boost productivity and economic growth through providing a more reliable and resilient road network. The scheme is due to open for traffic in 2028.
National Highways senior project manager, Phil Boffey, said: “We’re delighted to have reached a major milestone in the development of the A46 Newark Bypass, with the appointment of Skanska to deliver this much-needed upgrade.
“This scheme will bring relief for the communities enduring the current congestion, as well as drivers using this key trade corridor.
“We are determined to ensure that, as far as possible, the improvements work for the community as a whole and will continue to consider the views of road users and local people as we work with Skanska in the design and delivery of this upgrade.”
Skanska won the project through the National Highways Regional Delivery Partnership (RDP) framework, for which it is a Delivery Integration Partner for the East of England and Midlands regions.
Leicestershire logistics warehouse acquired for £35m
Urban Logistics, the last mile logistics focused REIT, has acquired a Leicestershire logistics warehouse as part of a wider £90 million swoop.
The 249,211 sq ft logistics warehouse is two miles from the M1 at Beveridge Lane, Bardon. The purchase price paid was £35,385,000.
The unit is let to DHL Supply Chain Ltd on a lease expiring in 2027.
Richard Moffitt, Chief Executive, said: “During recent market volatility we have been deliberately patient in our deployment, and that patience has been rewarded by our ability to acquire these properties in prime locations on advantageous terms.
“Our occupational market, with its focus on supply chains for essential goods, remains strong with continued upward pressure on rents. We firmly believe that, at any stage in the property cycle, if we improve lease lengths we will see yield compression.
“We therefore see substantial potential valuation increases in these acquisitions, driven by our asset management plans.”
Bookings flood in for the East Midlands Expo
As bookings for the East Midlands Expo flood in, register to attend the event for free now!
Returning on Monday 14 November 2022, the established event of over 20 years offers an ideal day for networking and business generation, and is already seeing more bookings than last year.
Event organiser Tina King said: “It is great to see so many exhibitors and delegates engaging with networking and exhibiting again following Covid restrictions.”
The expo, for which Business Link is a proud partner, is well targeted and aimed at the construction, property, business, investment, finance, professional services and related B2B markets.
Taking place at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, the exhibition will open to attendees at 9am, with a seminar taking place between 10:45am and noon.
A special networking lunch (for which tickets can be purchased here) will then take place between 12:15pm and 2:15pm, and the exhibition will close at 3:30pm.
From property agents to developers, architects, contractors, investors, PR firms, and more, see the list of current exhibitors here.
For more information on exhibiting at the event click here.
To register to attend the event for free click here.
To secure tickets for the networking lunch click here.
Netherfield-based educational resources supplier acquires online Scandinavian nursery brand
Educational resources supplier Findel has acquired online Scandinavian nursery décor, furniture and baby toys brand Scandibørn for an undisclosed sum.
The Netherfield-based company will use its ownership of Scandibørn to further expand its early years offer, which is a key element of the company’s future growth plans. By joining the Findel family of brands, Scandibørn will further strengthen the company’s ethos of supporting children and growing education for generations.
All Scandibørn’s 38 employees, including the company’s founder Grace Tindall, have transferred to Findel and the Scandibørn brand and website will continue as they are.
Findel Chief Executive, Chris Mahady, said: “Scandibørn is a leading online brand for 0–4-year-old babies and toddlers which provides us with the ideal platform for further growth within the early years marketplace.
“We are very pleased to welcome Scandibørn to the Findel family. We believe the brand has tremendous untapped potential and are confident we can realise it by creating sustainable profitable growth with the support that being part of Findel will deliver.
“We will work closely with the company’s existing suppliers to further evolve Scandibørn’s offer for the benefit of our customers and the children who are the ultimate benefactors of what we provide.”
Scandibørn was founded in 2016 and has its head office in Melton Mowbray. Findel’s origins as an educational resources supplier can be traced back to 1817. Today, its brands and websites offer more than 32,000 products to educators and parents based in the UK and overseas with the business exporting to 130 countries.
In addition to its distribution centre and offices in Netherfield, the company has its headquarters in Hyde, Greater Manchester, and employs around 300 people in total.
Scandibørn founder, Grace Tindall, said: “I am extremely pleased for us to become part of the wider Findel family of brands. We are all excited by the opportunities it brings to further enhance and grow the Scandibørn brand in the early years marketplace.”
Findel is backed by private equity firm Endless, which supported a management buy-out in April 2021.
Findel was supported on the transaction by law firm Walker Morris.
LDC exits investment in Littlefish
Mid-market private equity firm LDC has exited its minority investment in managed IT and cyber services provider Littlefish, to Bowmark Capital following a three-year partnership.Founded in 2003, Nottingham-based Littlefish provides a range of managed IT, cyber security, cloud and IT consultancy services to over 200 customers across both the private and public sectors.
LDC backed the management team at Littlefish in April 2019 with a minority investment to support the fast growth business. Over the last three years, the business has almost doubled revenues from £18.6m to £36.4m in its latest financial year.
During this period, the business continued to win significant new client contracts and developed its cyber security arm, which is now its fastest-growing service line. Littlefish also opened a new office in Sheffield and more than doubled its headcount to employ over 450 people across its Nottingham, Sheffield and London offices.
The transaction was led by LDC’s David Bains, partner and head of LDC’s East Midlands and East of England team.
Steve Robinson, CEO of Littlefish, said: “The business has been on a significant growth journey over the last 12 years, which has been achieved almost entirely organically. With LDC’s support, we have expanded our offering to cement Littlefish as a market-leader for quality and innovation in the delivery of end user services, and we’ve continued to invest in our people. Their flexibility, sector expertise and financial support have helped us to build our business with confidence.”
David Bains, partner and head of the East Midlands and East of England at LDC, added: “Littlefish is a stellar example of our growing tech industry here in the heart of the East Midlands. Its expansion is testament to the strength of the proposition that Steve and his team have developed. We’re proud to have been part of their journey during this exciting time, and we wish them every success on the next stage of their journey.”
LDC and the company was advised by Clearwater International (corporate finance), PwC (financial due diligence), Armstrong (commercial due diligence) and Browne Jacobson (legal).
Extra funding secured for Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby
The Nuclear AMRC has secured additional funding from Innovate UK to develop and deliver state-of-the-art training equipment for the new Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby.
The £1.3 million funding will help fund bespoke training equipment and IT facilities for engineering apprentices at the new training centre at Infinity Park Derby. The Nuclear Skills Academy will open its doors in September to train 200 apprentices a year for Rolls-Royce’s submarine propulsion business.
“There are significant skills shortages across the nuclear sector, and we urgently need to develop a new generation of skilled nuclear engineers to deliver the UK’s commitments for low-carbon power and national security,” says Andrew Storer, CEO of the Nuclear AMRC.
“High-quality training needs high-quality equipment tailored to the needs of the industry, and this new funding from Innovate UK helps ensure that apprentices at the Nuclear Skills Academy will be able to develop their skills on state-of-the-art equipment for advanced manufacturing. As a former Derby apprentice myself, I am very proud that we are helping set a new standard for training in the sector.”
The Nuclear AMRC, based at the University of Sheffield, is part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, a national alliance of seven leading manufacturing research centres backed by Innovate UK. The new funding has been provided by Innovate UK to support the Catapult’s work in addressing future skills gaps in key industries.
“Innovate UK is working closely with the Catapults to invest in skills development, a critical part of driving innovation and capitalising on emerging technologies,” says David Wilkes, director of Innovation Ecosystem at Innovate UK. “The additional £1.3 million funding to Nuclear AMRC for the Nuclear Skills Academy, provided by Innovate UK through the HVM Catapult, will help provide the foundations needed to strengthen the UK’s R&D system to enable recovery and growth across the economy.”
“The Nuclear Skills Academy is a much-needed investment in the skills that will enable low carbon power across the UK,” says Katherine Bennett, CEO of the HVM Catapult. “By connecting our world-class engineers to the future workforce, we are making sure that the next generation is not just prepared for the cutting-edge technologies of today, but also the emerging technologies of tomorrow. This will ensure the right skills are available for a vibrant future economy.”
Rolls-Royce is creating an extra 200 apprenticeships each year, for at least the next 10 years, providing a regular flow of new nuclear expertise to support Rolls-Royce’s commitments to the UK submarines programme. There has been strong interest in the four-year apprenticeships, with more than 1,200 applications for the initial 200 places. Offers have been made to more than 180 people.
Training will be led by the University of Derby, using material developed by the National College for Nuclear. The National College for Nuclear is a federation of education providers at further education and higher education levels, providing apprenticeship and training for nuclear projects.
The Nuclear Skills Academy will be based at the former iHub building at Infinity Park Derby. The University of Derby is working to develop the facility, and convert the building into a classroom learning space.
iHub is owned by Derby City Council, and opened in 2016 as a flexible workspace for start-ups, early-stage businesses and high-growth SMEs. The council is now working with existing iHub office tenants to manage their move to other properties within the Connect Derby estate or to find alternative premises.
The Nuclear AMRC has occupied workshops and offices in iHub since 2019. Construction is now underway on Infinity Park for a new full-scale home for Nuclear AMRC Midlands.
As well as allowing the Nuclear AMRC to expand its capabilities in areas including digital engineering, equipment qualification, and controls and instrumentation, the new 4,300m2 facility will also provide a new home to the University of Derby’s Institute of Innovation in Sustainable Engineering. The Nuclear AMRC Midlands facility is part-funded by £9 million from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.
Meet the sponsors: the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
In less than a month the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 will take place on Thursday 15 September, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.
Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry while providing a prime opportunity to connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks, the event has been backed by a plethora of prestigious sponsors.
Workplace consultants and commercial office interior fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors offer award-winning, people-focused office design and fit out with the aim to create environments that have a positive impact on those that use them.
Blueprint’s work involves transforming average spaces into inspiring workplaces that prioritise wellbeing and where people feel empowered to achieve their goals.
The company, which is based in Ashby de la Zouch, is sponsoring the most active agent category for the third year running. The winner of this category will be the estate agents who has had the biggest impact on the commercial property sector over the last 12 months, whether that be in deals done, quality of any given deal, or excellent customer service.
Frank Key – sponsor of commercial development of the year
Since 1907 Frank Key have been renowned for supplying market-leading building, plumbing and timber materials. Built on family values, it has grown to now stock interiors, landscaping, civils and drainage products, as well as providing high-quality plant and tool hire equipment, making Frank Key a true one-stop shop for all your project requirements.
Frank Key understands that convenience and getting the right product, at the right time and place is important to all its customers, as such it now covers a larger area across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Lancashire.
A returning sponsor of commercial development of the year, the winner of this category will be the 
commercial development that has gone above and beyond in fulfilling the criteria of the build, in terms of design and construction. This can include special requirements, features or elements that make the commercial development stand out from the crowd. Developments must have been completed within the last 12 months.
Press for Attention PR – sponsor of responsible business of the year
Press for Attention PR’s founder, Greg Simpson, quite simply thinks that PR is ‘broken’. It appears out of reach for so many businesses but it does not need to be like this. Greg established the agency in 2008 having spent the previous decade announcing business news to the regional and national press, or receiving it as a former journalist. He
had worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan.
As well as being a former journalist, Greg has been a marketing manager for a £60m business, and is the author of The Small Business Guide To PR. This background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s and consultant’s perspective.
Press for Attention is returning to sponsor the responsible business award for another year. The winner of this award will have demonstrated corporate responsibility in their field, working in harmony and for the betterment of the local community in which it operates and setting a shining example for the rest of the supply chain.
Sterling Commercial Finance – sponsor of residential development of the year
Established in the year 2000, Sterling Commercial Finance have been arranging commercial finance for its clients for over 20 years. Its professional team are from a commercial banking and accountancy background and have extensive experience in Commercial Mortgages, Property Funding, Business Loans, Invoice and Asset Finance. Sterling also source funding for Company Acquisitions and Management Buy-Outs.
Over the years, it has become increasingly difficult for a business to approach their existing bank for funding. As an independent commercial finance brokerage, Sterling can help you source and secure finance from its panel of Challenger Banks, Specialist Lenders and Alternative Finance providers.
Sterling is another repeat sponsor, backing residential 
development of the year. The winner of this category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to providing much-needed housing in the East Midlands. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Ward – sponsor of developer of the year
Specialists in metal recycling and waste management, Ward aims to prevent 100% of the waste it collects from ending up in landfill. With a turnover in excess of £300million Ward is the largest independent metal and waste recycling company in the Midlands with multiple sites nationwide. Stretching from London to Middlesbrough it can provide UK coverage for metal and recycling solutions.
An ISO accredited, multi-award winning, fourth generation family-run business, Ward has been established for over 80 years and now employs over 400 people locally with a fleet of more than 120 modern vehicles.
Ward is returning to sponsor developer of the year for another year. The winner of this category will be the 
developer that has truly pushed the limit over the last 12 months. Their scheme(s) will have shown to not only be a success, but that there was true demand for them. The winning developer will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver award winning results. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers – sponsor of deal of the year
category will be the deal that has truly pushed the boundaries over the last 12 months – from jobs created to complexity, size and scale. However, that’s not to say the biggest deal will automatically win; the deal which has had most impact in the East Midlands is what we’re looking for. The winning deal will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver a great outcome for all concerned. Deal must have been completed over the last 12 months.
OMS – sponsor of architects of the year
Trading for over 23 years, OMS was founded by Clive Ormerod to build on his extensive experience and to provide consultancy and training services to the highest possible standards and with a culture that is recognised as highly ethical. With a clear focus on listening to its customers, OMS has grown through developing solutions that meet customer needs and aspirations.
Today, OMS has a core team at its head office and training centre in Leicestershire, as well as a number of other training venues throughout the Midlands and UK and a network of specialist associates, enabling it to provide a broad range of expertise to public and private sector organisations of all sizes.
Returning to sponsor architects of the year in 2022, the winner of this award will be the 
architects who have had the greatest impact on the region, be it in a single development or a series of them. Originality, the ability to rise to a challenge or initiative shown in accomplishing a difficult brief, this award celebrates our architects. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Cawarden – sponsor of excellence in design
Cawarden is a family-owned and operated specialist contractor with over 35 years of experience in delivering exemplary projects.
It has a rich history of successfully delivering demolition, land remediation and earthworks projects across the UK. These activities remain its core business. However, its capability continues to grow to meet the changing needs of its valued clients.
Today, Cawarden offers a range of services that can be tailored to clients’ requirements. Cawarden can fulfil a one-off service or integrated ‘destruction to construction’ solution – resulting in value-engineering, programme efficiencies and value for money.
Cawarden is a new sponsor this year, backing excellence in design, the winner of which will be those who have shown true originality in design excellence across a scheme or schemes over the last 12 months, whether this be aesthetically, functionally or in any other manner.
Viridis Building Services – sponsor of sustainable development of the year
Viridis Building Services are experts in helping you create sustainable, appealing and cost-effective buildings. They understand how every single detail in the construction of a building can impact our environment. Working in partnership with architects, builders, project managers and their clients, they provide intelligent, innovative and, above all, sustainable building services to projects across a wide range of sectors.
From designing in core sustainable principles at the earliest stages of projects, through to delivering low-carbon, low-cost lighting, water and energy systems, Viridis are ensuring the East Midlands spearheads Sustainability and Environmental Design.
Returning to sponsor sustainable development of the year, the winner of this award will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to sustainable development in the East Midlands, whether this be in an environmental development, social enterprise or a scheme which will benefit the region in other ways, so long as it benefits the future generation. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
RammSanderson – sponsor of contractor of the year
RammSanderson are ecology, arboriculture, and flood risk consultants, providing services to a wide range of public and private sector clients across all scales of developments. They are founded on the principles of customer service, technical excellence and pragmatic solution-based consulting.
RammSanderson was established by Oliver Ramm and Nick Sanderson in 2014. Since then they have grown to a team of 40 staff over offices in the East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire and Northern Ireland.
RammSanderson are backing contractor of the year for the first time this year, which celebrates the contractors who work on the project. This
award celebrates builders, construction companies and the contractors themselves, and nominees should be those who have gone above and beyond the word of the contract to deliver a truly exceptional service. Contracts must have been within the last 12 months.
Streets Chartered Accountants – sponsor of overall winner
The practice was founded in 1907 and today has annualised fee income of £20 million, 36 partners and over 200 staff.
Repeatedly returning to sponsor the overall winner award at the Bricks, this award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated and receiving a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
Brooklands Service Group – drinks sponsor
Brooklands Service Group are specialist providers of exterior cleaning services and have been supporting some of the UK’s largest house builders and construction companies over the last seven years.
Backing the Bricks for the first time this year, the business is the event’s drinks sponsor.
Meet the sponsors of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Blueprint Interiors – sponsor of most active agent
Workplace consultants and commercial office interior fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors offer award-winning, people-focused office design and fit out with the aim to create environments that have a positive impact on those that use them.
Blueprint’s work involves transforming average spaces into inspiring workplaces that prioritise wellbeing and where people feel empowered to achieve their goals.
The company, which is based in Ashby de la Zouch, is sponsoring the most active agent category for the third year running. The winner of this category will be the estate agents who has had the biggest impact on the commercial property sector over the last 12 months, whether that be in deals done, quality of any given deal, or excellent customer service.
Frank Key – sponsor of commercial development of the year
Since 1907 Frank Key have been renowned for supplying market-leading building, plumbing and timber materials. Built on family values, it has grown to now stock interiors, landscaping, civils and drainage products, as well as providing high-quality plant and tool hire equipment, making Frank Key a true one-stop shop for all your project requirements.
Frank Key understands that convenience and getting the right product, at the right time and place is important to all its customers, as such it now covers a larger area across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Lancashire.
A returning sponsor of commercial development of the year, the winner of this category will be the commercial development that has gone above and beyond in fulfilling the criteria of the build, in terms of design and construction. This can include special requirements, features or elements that make the commercial development stand out from the crowd. Developments must have been completed within the last 12 months.
Press for Attention PR – sponsor of responsible business of the year
Press for Attention PR’s founder, Greg Simpson, quite simply thinks that PR is ‘broken’. It appears out of reach for so many businesses but it does not need to be like this. Greg established the agency in 2008 having spent the previous decade announcing business news to the regional and national press, or receiving it as a former journalist. He
had worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan.
As well as being a former journalist, Greg has been a marketing manager for a £60m business, and is the author of The Small Business Guide To PR. This background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s and consultant’s perspective.
Press for Attention is returning to sponsor the responsible business award for another year. The winner of this award will have demonstrated corporate responsibility in their field, working in harmony and for the betterment of the local community in which it operates and setting a shining example for the rest of the supply chain.
Sterling Commercial Finance – sponsor of residential development of the year
Established in the year 2000, Sterling Commercial Finance have been arranging commercial finance for its clients for over 20 years. Its professional team are from a commercial banking and accountancy background and have extensive experience in Commercial Mortgages, Property Funding, Business Loans, Invoice and Asset Finance. Sterling also source funding for Company Acquisitions and Management Buy-Outs.
Over the years, it has become increasingly difficult for a business to approach their existing bank for funding. As an independent commercial finance brokerage, Sterling can help you source and secure finance from its panel of Challenger Banks, Specialist Lenders and Alternative Finance providers.
Sterling is another repeat sponsor, backing residential development of the year. The winner of this category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to providing much-needed housing in the East Midlands. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Ward – sponsor of developer of the year
Specialists in metal recycling and waste management, Ward aims to prevent 100% of the waste it collects from ending up in landfill. With a turnover in excess of £300million Ward is the largest independent metal and waste recycling company in the Midlands with multiple sites nationwide. Stretching from London to Middlesbrough it can provide UK coverage for metal and recycling solutions.
An ISO accredited, multi-award winning, fourth generation family-run business, Ward has been established for over 80 years and now employs over 400 people locally with a fleet of more than 120 modern vehicles.
Ward is returning to sponsor developer of the year for another year. The winner of this category will be the developer that has truly pushed the limit over the last 12 months. Their scheme(s) will have shown to not only be a success, but that there was true demand for them. The winning developer will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver award winning results. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers – sponsor of deal of the year
Blythin & Brown’s experienced team are here to help guide you through all your insurance and risk management needs whether that be for your business, personal life or a combination of the two. The firm understands the ever-changing demands of business today and looks to use its expertise and knowledge to explore new ways of managing and reducing your risk exposure, giving you more time to focus on what matters to you.
With 50 years experience, Blythin & Brown help businesses meet the needs of their insurers to obtain the most competitive deal. Blythin & Brown works with an extensive list of leading UK insurance providers to offer the very best package to suit your needs.
Coming on board as sponsor of deal of the year for the first time, the winner of thiscategory will be the deal that has truly pushed the boundaries over the last 12 months – from jobs created to complexity, size and scale. However, that’s not to say the biggest deal will automatically win; the deal which has had most impact in the East Midlands is what we’re looking for. The winning deal will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver a great outcome for all concerned. Deal must have been completed over the last 12 months.
OMS – sponsor of architects of the year
Trading for over 23 years, OMS was founded by Clive Ormerod to build on his extensive experience and to provide consultancy and training services to the highest possible standards and with a culture that is recognised as highly ethical. With a clear focus on listening to its customers, OMS has grown through developing solutions that meet customer needs and aspirations.
Today, OMS has a core team at its head office and training centre in Leicestershire, as well as a number of other training venues throughout the Midlands and UK and a network of specialist associates, enabling it to provide a broad range of expertise to public and private sector organisations of all sizes.
Returning to sponsor architects of the year in 2022, the winner of this award will be the architects who have had the greatest impact on the region, be it in a single development or a series of them. Originality, the ability to rise to a challenge or initiative shown in accomplishing a difficult brief, this award celebrates our architects. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Cawarden – sponsor of excellence in design
Cawarden is a family-owned and operated specialist contractor with over 35 years of experience in delivering exemplary projects.
It has a rich history of successfully delivering demolition, land remediation and earthworks projects across the UK. These activities remain its core business. However, its capability continues to grow to meet the changing needs of its valued clients.
Today, Cawarden offers a range of services that can be tailored to clients’ requirements. Cawarden can fulfil a one-off service or integrated ‘destruction to construction’ solution – resulting in value-engineering, programme efficiencies and value for money.
Cawarden is a new sponsor this year, backing excellence in design, the winner of which will be those who have shown true originality in design excellence across a scheme or schemes over the last 12 months, whether this be aesthetically, functionally or in any other manner.
Viridis Building Services – sponsor of sustainable development of the year
Viridis Building Services are experts in helping you create sustainable, appealing and cost-effective buildings. They understand how every single detail in the construction of a building can impact our environment. Working in partnership with architects, builders, project managers and their clients, they provide intelligent, innovative and, above all, sustainable building services to projects across a wide range of sectors.
From designing in core sustainable principles at the earliest stages of projects, through to delivering low-carbon, low-cost lighting, water and energy systems, Viridis are ensuring the East Midlands spearheads Sustainability and Environmental Design.
Returning to sponsor sustainable development of the year, the winner of this award will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to sustainable development in the East Midlands, whether this be in an environmental development, social enterprise or a scheme which will benefit the region in other ways, so long as it benefits the future generation. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
RammSanderson – sponsor of contractor of the year
RammSanderson are ecology, arboriculture, and flood risk consultants, providing services to a wide range of public and private sector clients across all scales of developments. They are founded on the principles of customer service, technical excellence and pragmatic solution-based consulting.
RammSanderson was established by Oliver Ramm and Nick Sanderson in 2014. Since then they have grown to a team of 40 staff over offices in the East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire and Northern Ireland.
RammSanderson are backing contractor of the year for the first time this year, which celebrates the contractors who work on the project. This award celebrates builders, construction companies and the contractors themselves, and nominees should be those who have gone above and beyond the word of the contract to deliver a truly exceptional service. Contracts must have been within the last 12 months.
Streets Chartered Accountants – sponsor of overall winner
Streets Chartered Accountants is a well-established and widely respected mid-tier, top 40 UK firm of Chartered Accountants, advising a diverse portfolio of entrepreneurial growth companies, high net worth individuals and third sector not for profit organisations.
The practice was founded in 1907 and today has annualised fee income of £20 million, 36 partners and over 200 staff.
Repeatedly returning to sponsor the overall winner award at the Bricks, this award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated and receiving a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
Brooklands Service Group – drinks sponsor
Brooklands Service Group are specialist providers of exterior cleaning services and have been supporting some of the UK’s largest house builders and construction companies over the last seven years.
Backing the Bricks for the first time this year, the business is the event’s drinks sponsor.
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 – click here to secure yours.
Manufacturing output falls
UK manufacturing output fell for the first time since February 2021 in the three months to August, with no growth expected in the three months ahead. That’s according to the latest monthly Industrial Trends Survey from the CBI and Accenture.
Manufacturers also reported order books falling below “normal” levels, and expectations for selling price inflation picking up.
The survey, based on responses from 257 manufacturers, found:
- Manufacturing output volumes fell in the three months to August (balance of -7%, from +6% in three months to July), marking the first time since February 2021 that output has declined. Output is expected to be broadly flat in the next three months (-2%), making a significant worsening of expectations from just a few months ago.
- Output increased in 10 out of 17 sectors in the three months to August. The fall in headline growth reported this quarter was largely driven by food, drink & tobacco, mechanical engineering and paper, printing & media.
- Total order books were reported as below “normal” for the first time since April 2021 (-7% from +8% in July). Export orders were also seen as below par, to the same extent as last month (-12% from -12%).
- Stocks of finished goods were seen as broadly adequate in August, after being seen as less than adequate in the previous quarter (+2% from -7% in July).
- Expectations for average selling price inflation have picked up (+57% from +48%) and remain well above the long-run average (+6%).
Henry Brothers selected for YORbuild framework
Contractor Henry Brothers Midlands has been appointed to Lot 2 of the YORbuild3 Minor Works Framework.
The company has been successful for the South region of the framework, which covers local authorities, public sector bodies and third sector organisations in the South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire, and North Derbyshire areas.
Henry Brothers has been selected for the Lot that includes new build and refurbishment projects valued between £1m and £4m.
It is estimated that around £60m of work over four years will be procured for the South region of the framework via the Lot.
Managing Director of Henry Brothers Midlands, Ian Taylor, said: “This is great news for Henry Brothers as we continue to expand our portfolio.
“It is the eighth framework that Henry Brothers Midlands is currently on, meaning we have access to a significant pipeline of work in a range of sectors, including health, local authorities, and education.
“We look forward to working in partnership with clients who procure via the YORbuild3 Minor Works Framework.”
The South region of the framework is being procured by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and relates to the area covered by the Sheffield Local Enterprise Partnership. It includes the areas overseen by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Sheffield City Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Bassetlaw District Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, and Bolsover District Council.
Nottingham-based Henry Brothers Midlands is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out.
