Derbyshire housebuilder expanding footprint with £10m funding
A Derbyshire-based housebuilder has secured a £10m funding package from Lloyds Bank to help ramp up activity and capitalise on the growing demand for new homes.
Family-run Woodall Homes, headquartered in Barlborough near Chesterfield, delivers homes across the Midlands and South Yorkshire. It has recently developed new properties in Mansfield, Tansley and Bolsover.
Founded in 2011, Woodall will use the funding from Lloyds Bank to increase its number of active sites, expand its footprint across the region and maintain high-quality development across its portfolio.
The firm’s turnover has grown by 25% over the last three years, with Woodall completing 60 homes in the last financial year. Woodall is now aiming to break the 100-home mark this year, with a view to completing 250 homes a year within the next five years. To bolster this growth, the business is looking to recruit five additional staff over the next year.
In December 2020, Woodall received a £4.25m investment from BGF. This created a step change in the aspirations of the group to accelerate acquisition of land in prime locations, and to increase development activity and building output. Finding the right banking partner to support future growth aspirations was the next natural step in the group’s evolution.
Experienced non-executive chairman Derek Mapp has also recently joined Woodall’s Board as it seeks to scale and drive quality. Mapp currently holds the same role at outsourcing group Mitie and has also held chair positions at the East Midlands Development Agency and Sport England.
Ian Grundy, CFO at Woodall Homes, said: “As the demand for housing continues to increase, we want to ensure that Woodall Homes is in the best position it can be to deliver the premium homes that the Midlands and South Yorkshire need.
“We’re doing this by adding fresh talent to our team, and also by working with experienced banking partners such as Lloyds Bank. Their know-how and understanding in this area meant that they immediately bought into our building ethos and ambition to drive quality. The funding from Lloyds Bank opens many new doors in terms of development for the business and I am excited to see where this will allow us to take the company in the future.”
Jeremy Prentice, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: “Woodall Homes is an excellent example of a business that’s investing smartly and capitalising on demand. Housing is always high on communities’ agendas, and there’s huge demand from families looking for green space following the pandemic.
“Investing in growth, where possible, is a strong way of mitigating current inflationary challenges. We’re committed to helping firms like Woodall target growth and achieving their ambitions, and we’re excited to be by the business’s side as they target this.”
Leicester surveyor secures seven-figure investment to support ambitious growth
Leicester-based surveying holding company SML Group, has secured a significant loan from independent asset manager BOOST&Co, to facilitate major expansion plans.
The funds will initially be used for the acquisition of My Home Needs Limited, a surveying business in the property industry. In addition to the acquisition, the funding will also assist in refinancing existing debt, as well as providing significant growth capital for business expansion.
As part of this growth, the investment will also create opportunities to recruit additional surveying staff across the business, as well as training existing staff in surveying and valuations work.
The SML Group is a specialist surveying company, providing services to the insurance, financial services, real estate, rail and property development sectors. Its foundations were firmly established through a dedicated subsidence monitoring business, but it has since become a holding company for multiple firms dedicated to the land, building and valuations surveying sector.
BOOST&Co chose to work with SML Group due to its management team and its broad spectrum of services across a range of business sectors and its ambitious future growth plans.
BOOST&Co is a provider of growth capital for innovative, fast-growing UK SMEs. The independent asset manager offers loans ranging from £2m to £10m, covering a wide range of sectors. It has funded more than £500m across more than 130 deals to date and provided close to £200m under the government’s CBILS initiative to support SMEs during COVID-19.
Matt Vincent, principal at BOOST&Co, says: “BOOST&Co is excited to be working with Tom and the SML team as they embark on the latest stage of their impressive growth journey.
“The progress SML has made in its expansion has been great to see, and the My Home Needs acquisition represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the business. We look forward to working with SML as its expansion plan continues.”
Tom Harpin, Managing Director at SML Group, says: “We are delighted to have had the support from BOOST&Co to complete the acquisition of My Home Needs, which is complementary to the wider service offering at SML Group.
“The funding has not only facilitated the transaction, but also supports our growth and enables us to invest capital into recruitment, existing staff and the expansion of SML. We are looking forward to continuing to work with Matt and the team as we embark on this next phase of our growth strategy.”
New president of auctioneering & valuing association elected
After a 12-month term as vice president, Trevor Palethorpe, joint head of John Pye Business & Property, has been elected as president by NAVA, a division of Propertymark.
Taking up the role last month Trevor aims to guide the organisation in re-engaging with its members and hopes to encourage the next generation of auctioneers.
Currently, Trevor jointly heads up the Business Assets and Property divisions of John Pye and has been in the auctions industry since his teens. Originally aspiring to be a history teacher when leaving school, a chance meeting with Adam Pye saw Trevor starting work in the salesrooms at Nottingham’s Cattle Market on Friday nights and it changed the course of his career.
Speaking of his appointment, Trevor says: “I genuinely love the profession which I’ve been part of now for over 25 years, so to be elected president of NAVA Propertymark is really a great honour. I grew up in auctions and have amassed experience that spans business assets through to property and fine art, plus everything in between. I’m looking forward to sharing this knowledge and experience with other colleagues and industry professionals.”
NAVA was established in the 1980s to provide accreditation and best practice sharing within the industry. In 2000, operations were taken over by Propertymark who set the benchmark for property professionals. Its members are expected to adhere to strict best practices and code of conduct, so both public and businesses can be assured they are dealing with a suitably qualified professional.
John Pye as a business have been active members ever since inception, with both John and Adam Pye previously serving as chair, the precursor to the role which Trevor is taking on now. The firm also actively encourages and supports its staff who wish to develop their careers within auctioneering and valuations to take Propertymark qualifications.
Talking about what he hopes to achieve during his term as president, Trevor adds: “I want to help raise the profile of our profession and be part of the wider Propertymark team to ensure the continuance of high standards to protect the integrity of the auctioneering and valuing professions.
“I’m also keen to inspire other colleagues within the profession and anyone thinking of an auctioneering career. It is not something that is often considered for school leavers. I’d encourage people to consider it as a rewarding career and take advantage of the variety of benefits that NAVA Propertymark members can access. This includes perks and industry benefits including legal advice, professional support and professional development courses, for absolute beginners to experienced auctioneers.”
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, says: “All of the Propertymark Board, alongside the staff at Propertymark HQ are really looking forward to working with Trevor in order to drive Propertymark further forward and deliver more to our members. We congratulate Trevor on his appointment within the team.”
Derbyshire vineyard business to be passed on after 17 years
A couple who planted vines as part of a retirement hobby plan are now ready to pass on their award-winning wine business – along with the historic house they restored.
John and Elisabeth Goodall moved to Sealwood Cottage, in Derbyshire, seventeen years ago when they decided to kick back after a successful career in farming.
They restored the 18th century Grade II listed farm cottage which had been built as a country retreat, part of which had not been occupied for more than a century.
But once that considerable job had been done, they took a visit abroad which set them on course for their next challenge.
John explained: “I had a pen friend from Germany since the 1970s and we decided to go and visit her. It was wine growing country and I noticed that the soil was very similar to that at home – light, free draining and sandy, and it started us thinking!”
In 2008 John and Elizabeth and their two children planted their first 4,000 vines and just two years later they produced their debut wine.
“We produced 820 bottles of red that first year and that has now grown to almost 13,000 bottles a year, including red, white and sparkling,” John added.
“We sell through our website, farm shops and some food festivals and fairs. We also do wine tasting and tours of the vineyard, so it really has become something quite special.”
But now John – who is in his late 70s – has decided to concentrate on tasting his wine rather than producing it.
“It has been so much fun creating and developing the vineyard, but it is time now for someone to carry the business forward. We are moving just down the road, and we would be more than happy to pass on any expertise we have picked up over the years.”
The Goodalls are marketing Sealwood Cottage and the vineyard, which is four miles from Swadlincote and seven miles from Ashby, through agents Fisher German.
The cottage has five bedrooms and four bathrooms, and a triple garage. The whole estate – which also includes a small camp site – stretches to 21.4 acres.
Emily McPheat, of Fisher German, said: “The Goodalls have not only created a wonderful home by bringing a character property back to life, but have created a fantastic business from scratch. Sealwood is a testament to their vision and dedication.
“They are really keen to see someone scale the business up and is a rare opportunity to buy a home and business, both of which are equally fascinating.”
Thurmaston site sold for affordable housing
A prominent site in Thurmaston has been sold to Leicester affordable housing developer Modus Partnerships in a deal arranged by specialist land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie.
The site, which comprises 1.61 Acres (0.65 Ha) of land, was formerly the premises of an industrial business that has ceased to operate. The land has been in the ownership of a private family for over seventy years and although surrounded by existing housing, it presented several planning challenges due to ground conditions and its brownfield site status.
Working with Modus Partnerships, Mather Jamie was able to broker the sale and help secure planning permission to build 18 affordable houses. Once fully constructed the development will be operated by Midland Heart Housing Association.
Gary Kirk from Mather Jamie said: “The sale of the site to Modus Partnerships represents an excellent outcome for our client. The site presented significant challenges due to its previous usage and we were able to draw on our experience on brownfield development land sales to bring this to a conclusion. We look forward to seeing Modus transform the site into much needed new housing for the Affordable Homes sector.”
Simon Preston, director at Modus Partnerships, added: “We are always actively seeking land acquisition and development opportunities including brownfield sites like this that are suitable for redevelopment. We are delighted that this deal has been completed and that we can begin to build much needed affordable housing to the area.”
The approved housing mix will comprise five different styles of two and three bedroom houses, all constructed to a high-quality specification which, when completed in Autumn 2023 will be made available as affordable rent and shared ownership housing.
A spokesperson from Midland Heart said: “Midland Heart provides a range of housing options, across the Midlands, that help people to live independently. We are really pleased to have secured this sought after site and look forward to working with Modus Partnerships to be able to offer 18 new homes in this popular location, within easy reach of both Nottingham and Leicester.”
Two new ecologists join EMEC
Ecology, land management, and arboriculture specialists, East Midlands Environmental Consultants (EMEC) has appointed two new ecologists.
Joining the Nottingham-based company are Alice Palmer and Sam Geldard. The appointments follow a rise in demand from landowners, developers and house builders wanting to progress planning approvals and meet new government biodiversity net gain legislation.
Alice joins as a senior ecologist and holds a MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation and Level 1 Class Licences for bats and great crested newts.
Sam is joining as an assistant ecologist and is currently completing a Biology and Environmental Management focused BSc at the Open University. He also has a Level 3 Business Administration NVQ and Level 3 Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue.
Before making the decision to become an ecologist, Sam previously worked for Doncaster Council, and then became a trainee reserves ranger at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
In his new role Sam will carry out and support fieldwork, surveys, and reports, along with project management of protected species surveys and liaison with clients and landowners.
Sam said: “Having worked as a seasonal ecologist for EMEC over the past 6 months, I found the team full of helpful and interesting people who are great to work with.”
Alice has over six years’ experience of ecological consultancy working on a wide variety of projects for both large multidisciplinary firms and smaller consultancies.
She will be working on a range of habitat and protected species surveys, including conducting Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and creating biodiversity enhancement plans. She will also be supporting the team of highly qualified ecologists in their work across the East Midlands and beyond.
Alice said: “I have worked for EMEC previously and enjoy the wide variety of work and supportive team ethos. The association with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is also great, as EMEC’s profits are donated to the NWT to fund habitat conservation work across nature reserves under their management and other wildlife conservation activities and campaigns.”
EMEC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust (NWT) and all profits are gift aided to the Trust to support nature conservation. Over the last 30 years, EMEC has gift-aided over £1m to NWT.
New hotel given green light in Nottingham
Plans for a new hotel in Nottingham have been approved by the city council.
The 26 bed hotel with a restaurant, bar and associated parking would be constructed at 326 Mansfield Road and sit within a single three storey block.
The development site is currently vacant with a previous hotel on the site demolished in 2005.
Nottingham Properties Ltd are behind the proposals, which follow a previous approval for a hotel.
A design statement says that the floor plans have been rationalised and floor heights revised to provide additional rooms in the roof without compromising the overall height.
It continues: “The elevations have been amended to suit the new internal layout and have been designed to reflect both that of the previous scheme and the existing properties in the area, with timber windows and stone detailing to compliment the main facing brick façade.”
Roadside investment sold
Chris Proctor and Steve Gillott of FHP Property Consultants have completed the sale of a 0.6 acre site off Bobbers Mill Bridge and Alfreton Road.
The site offers a potential long-term redevelopment opportunity in a highly prominent location and is currently held on a lease to UK Tool Hire Limited.
FHP Property Consultants acted on behalf of the vendor who was a private individual and the property has been sold to a private pension fund that will hold the investment with potential long term re-development plans for the site.
Chris Proctor of FHP Property Consultants said: “Roadside opportunities remain high in demand from both occupiers and investors with a wide range of potential uses attracted to these types of sites.
“We were pleased to achieve in excess of the quoting price and receive multiple offers within a swift marketing period.”
Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries to take occupancy of the upper floor of Newark’s Buttermarket
Transformative work on the Buttermarket in Newark town centre is nearing completion as part of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s commitment to transform the building into a space suitable for the town.
Following the extensive maintenance work carried about by Newark and Sherwood District Council to the building’s upper floor, including the strip out, restoration and renovation of the mezzanine, Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries are set to take occupancy in September.
Inspire: Culture, Learning, and Libraries deliver cultural and learning services across Nottinghamshire and is set to transform the upper floor of the Buttermarket into a brand-new centre that will offer a range of courses, workshops and events to young people and adults in Newark.
The space will include three brand-new learning spaces and fully accessible state-of-the-art facilities.
Councillor Rhona Holloway, portfolio holder for economic development and visitors, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to work with Inspire to develop the upper floor of the Buttermarket to create a space to bring this exciting opportunity to the young people and adults of Newark.”
Ian Bond, director of learning from Inspire, said: “We are incredibly excited to have been offered the opportunity by Newark and Sherwood District Council to bring a brand-new centre to the Buttermarket in Newark, offering inspiring courses, workshops, events and more! We hope to create a lively hub for learning, creativity and exploration and become a valued venue for educational and cultural activities in the heart of Newark town centre.”
In addition to the works taking place to the upper floor of the Buttermarket, Newark and Sherwood District Council is exploring the option of co-working spaces in the atrium space to create a safe, flexible, shared environment for communities in Newark.
Furthermore, the ground floor of the Buttermarket can boast 100% occupancy with a mix of national chains, independent shops and a popular restaurant.
Councillor Rhona Holloway continued: “Newark and Sherwood District Council is committed to the continued support of local retailers to boost the local economy, as evidenced by the works undertaken at the Buttermarket.
“We, along with our partners, have transformed the Buttermarket, a building continuously identified as an important feature to the people of Newark, into a space suitable for the town and can be utilised accordingly. I’m looking forward to watching the continued success of the Buttermarket.”
Ben Burgess snaps up Lincolnshire based John Deere dealership group
The shareholders of Lincolnshire/Norfolk based John Deere dealership group, JW Doubleday, have announced they have entered an agreement with Ben Burgess for the sale of the business.
In line with John Deere’s dealer of tomorrow strategy, Ben Burgess will formally acquire the Doubleday Group with all employees and existing Doubleday depots across Lincolnshire & Norfolk operating as part of the Ben Burgess group. Founded in the early 1970s by John Doubleday the business has remained family owned, successfully growing for over 50 years and becoming a core part of the agricultural community. In 1982, the business became a main dealer for John Deere – as Deere was first growing its UK presence. JW Doubleday operates from locations in Swineshead; Holbeach, Kings Lynn and Old Leake. The company employs 54 staff and has built an enviable reputation for serving customers across Lincolnshire and Norfolk Ian Doubleday-Collishaw, grandson of the founder, commented “This decision has not been taken lightly but we the Doubleday family, were determined to protect the future of our loyal team and the longevity of a reputable John Deere dealer across our trading area. We believe this is the correct decision for everyone involved. Ben Burgess share Doubleday’s values for providing premium brands backed by expertise and excellent standards of customer service. The combination of our joint processes, dedicated teams and the infrastructure already in place at Ben Burgess will deliver the best value to both our team and customers. We are confident the level of service you our customers are accustomed to will continue undisrupted. My family and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated team and our loyal customers, many of whom we consider our friends who have supported us throughout our 40 years as a John Deere dealer.” Ben B Turner Dealer Principal at Ben Burgess commented “The Doubleday family have built a highly successful, strong and customer focused business over the past 50 years and were adamant that they wanted to pass their legacy over to a family business that shared the same values. We are enormously proud that they have chosen Ben Burgess to continue their outstanding work. The combined business will strengthen our position in the industry and enable the future investments required in facilities and technologies to proactively support our customers, offer greater opportunities and security to all our employees whilst continuing to grow in a responsible and sustainable manner. This growth will give the company a strong platform to enable our business to continue building on the great legacy of these two-family businesses. We aim to conclude the deal by the end of September to facilitate a quick and smooth transition for the benefit of all our staff and customers.”