National construction firm’s Midlands and North division celebrates record year
McLaren Construction’s Midlands and North arm is reflecting on a year of record turnover and growth, with ambitions plans set for 2023 and beyond.
Alongside achieving £142m turnover for the financial year ending July 2022, the company has achieved 75 percent repeat business, winning multiple awards for its developments and expanding its team and portfolio into new sectors.
Projected turnover for the present financial year is £258m, an increase of 80 percent on 2022, and the Midlands and North division has already secured projects exceeding £100m into 2024.
McLaren’s strategy in 2022 was to focus on nurturing key client relationships, supporting valued customers through the delivery of quality developments, whilst enhancing social value through its sustainability and charitable efforts.
McLaren Construction as a whole, finished its financial year on 31 July 2022 with a turnover for the previous 12 months of £726.2m, exceeding pre-pandemic levels with an increase of £184.1m on the previous year. Turnover for the year ending July 2023 is currently forecast at over £850m, with 80 percent business already secured.
Gary Cramp, Managing Director, said: “We are extremely proud of our success in the last year, and this is all down to the amazing work of our team and our consistent approach to planning.
“The challenges following Covid have presented themselves during a busy construction market in 2022, and the industry has been presented with inflationary pressure on materials and labour resource to carry out projects.
“Despite these pressures, our solid preparation has allowed us to secure early procurement to mitigate risks to the business and we are excited by the value and rich variety of projects we have in the pipeline next year, and into 2024.
“While there are lots of positives to look forward to in 2023, we are prepared for the emergence of a tougher market, but our focus will remain on key relationships and supporting our valued customers, whilst investing centrally to enhance our social value, diversity and sustainability offering.”
2023 Business Predictions: Nishi Patel, Managing Director at N-Accounting
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Nishi Patel, Managing Director at N-Accounting.
We will be in recession in 2023, and in a recession it is much harder to borrow, so businesses must be far more organised with their cashflows in the coming months.
If borrowing is needed it must be planned for in advance.
It is vital that companies find ways to add value to their offering, and attempt to do more with the same resources.
The main focus for all should be on maintaining profitability, and in order to do that, businesses must hold their nerve and, whatever the circumstances, never discount.
During the 2008 recession, most businesses slashed their prices, but that caused long term issues for them when they tried to pull themselves back up.
In a recession, people don’t stop spending money, they just want better value. And they are more likely to part with cash if they can see a business’s credibility.
Therefore, it is important for businesses to work harder on their marketing and be specific about who they are helping.
They need to ensure that their culture is clear, accessible for all and owned by the whole team so that everyone is performing at their best to remain competitive and deliver value.
Finally, companies must also work harder on their solution and be clear on how they can help.
Even if businesses have a dip in sales, or a quieter time, they should focus any capacity they’ve got on creating good quality content, because even if they’ve got a good solution, they need to get the word out there and tell their story.
12,500 sq ft property deal completed at Evo Park
Commercial property specialist NG Chartered Surveyors, working in tandem with FHP Property Consultants, have completed the letting of Pod 1 at Evo Park Business Park, north of Nottingham.
Chauvet Lighting, innovator, developer and manufacturer of entertainment lighting, is the new tenant in the 12,500 sq ft Grade A office and warehouse space.
This letting is the latest in a number of deals the NG and FHP firms brokered during 2022 on Evo Park. These have included the sale of Pods 2 and 3 to owner-occupiers and the investment sale of Pod 5.
NG and FHP have now been instructed to sell or let Pod 1 and Pod 4 on behalf of landlord client M7 Real Estate.
Richard Sutton at NG said: “This just shows that, with the right product, priced in the right way and with two proactive agents, what can be achieved in what can still be a challenging market.
“We are seeing more and more companies opt to take space away from city centres and onto developments like Sherwood Park. When you have a client like M7, who is in tune with the market and their agents’ advice, it makes the project a positive one.”
Mark Tomlinson at FHP added: “The Evo Pods have proven very popular with investors and occupiers alike. They have given the unique opportunity to acquire good quality self-contained industrial/warehouse space with ready-made offices in a business park environment as opposed to an industrial estate.
“FHP and NG have concluded over 50,000 sq ft of deals on Evo Park in the last 15 months to breathe new life into this estate – which is very pleasing.”
Nottingham adventure golf development site sold
Acting on behalf of multi-site mini golf operator, Adventure Experience, Christie & Co has sold the lease of the company’s development site in Nottingham to Skegness-headquartered leisure and entertainment operators, Teen Spirit.
The development will occupy a high-profile site within Stockhill Park at the junction of the A610 Nuthall Road and Stockhill Lane, midway between junction 26 of the M1 motorway and Nottingham city centre.
Planning and full design is in place for the construction of an 18-hole adventure golf centre, with a former pavilion building to be refurbished as a retail kiosk, together with associated car parking on a site of approximately 1.5-acres.
As part of the transaction, Teen Spirit has entered into a new 25-year lease with Nottingham City Council, with construction due to commence early in 2023.
Director of Teen Spirit, Charlton Cooper said: “Our current portfolio of businesses including the likes of Skegness Aquarium, the Tower Cinema and a variety of family entertainment centres including our own adventure golf operation is focussed on coastal locations. The opportunity to grow the adventure golf business and incorporate a more suburban concept with a fantastic catchment and with planning already in place fitted our plans perfectly.”
Head of Leisure & Development at Christie & Co Jon Patrick, who brokered the sale, said: “The adventure golf market has changed over the last few years with a drive towards indoor concepts from a variety of operators. However, the outdoor version is arguably a more straightforward business to operate and with the growth in on-line booking and CRM marketing, the ability to manage these types of business as well as optimise the customer experience can deliver excellent returns on investment.”
BDO strengthens Midlands Risk Advisory team with partner hire
Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP has strengthened its Midlands team with the appointment of Ian Bennington.
Ian joins the Digital & Risk Advisory Service’s (DRAS) team as partner. He brings more than 20 years’ experience to the firm, with expertise in delivering internal audit, risk and compliance services to large global organisations across industry sectors, and a particular focus on life sciences.
At BDO, Ian will take on a national role, leading the firm’s Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) service, helping to build BDO’s capabilities in the area of ethics and compliance and organisational culture. He joins from Deloitte.
Tim Foster, partner and national head of BDO’s Risk Advisory Service, said: “Ian is a valuable addition to both the Midlands and National DRAS teams. His experience in guiding organisations through the complex area of corporate compliance will be vital, as we look to strengthen our footprint in this field.
“He will play a key role in helping large global entities to protect themselves against the reputational damage and business disruption that comes from non-compliance in areas, such as bribery and corruption, fraud and modern slavery.”
According to BDO’s latest bi-monthly ‘Rethinking the Economy’ survey of mid-sized businesses, 38% of those based in the Midlands intend to speed up their investment in recruiting risk management talent in 2023.
Ian said: “Crucial to the success of businesses in the future will be their ability to manage risks effectively in an increasingly challenging environment and embed ethical decision making into their organisation. At BDO, we have an important part to play in helping organisations to understand and manage their risks and to help them understand and change their organisational culture to improve standards of compliance, and help them to establish the culture they need to deliver their purpose and improve their business performance.”
He added: “I am looking forward to contributing to a collaborative organisation and helping others to succeed, by sharing the breadth of my experience and my network of relationships. I am passionate about helping both our clients and our people succeed.”
Wathall’s donation supports local families
Family-owned funeral directors, Wathall’s, have donated five computers to Derby’s specialist child exploitation charity Safe and Sound which will be passed onto local families in need.
The computers have been wiped clean of content and will be protected with high privacy settings before being given to young people who at present do not have access to computers to support their education.
Safe and Sound also took the opportunity to present Wathall’s with a trophy and specially designed poster to celebrate their nomination as Supporter of the Year which was decided by young people involved with the charity.
Helen Wathall MBE is the fifth generation of her family to run Wathall’s – Derby’s longest established independent funeral directors.
She said: “We were proud to be one of the companies who supported Safe and Sound during this, their 20th anniversary year. Therefore, when we replaced some of the office computers – we contacted Safe and Sound to see if they could be put to good use.
“I hope that they will be useful to young people who are still facing a challenging time to catch up with their education which was so badly disrupted during the pandemic and will take the pressure off families who are struggling with the cost of living at this expensive time of year.”
Tracy Harrison, CEO of Safe and Sound, added: “Wathall’s have been an amazing support to our charity for many years and we are delighted to be able to pass on these computers to families who really need them.
“In these challenging times, donations such as this show what can be achieved to improve people’s lives by businesses recycling unwanted equipment to charities so that they can be given to those who need them.”
Safe and Sound also have an ongoing recycling programme for unwanted mobile phones and tablets which are recycled and a proportion of the profits donated back to the charity.
Sluggish growth predicted for East Midlands economy as UK emerges from recession in mid-2023
Cities in the East Midlands will see their economies return to growth in the second half of 2023 but at a slower rate than Birmingham and cities in the South East, according to a new study by law firm Irwin Mitchell.
The Irwin Mitchell City Tracker has been produced by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) and examines 50 locations across the UK, forecasting future growth in terms of GVA and employment.
The report, which estimates that the UK entered into a recession in the second half of 2022, expects economic growth to resume in the second half of 2023.
According to the research, Nottingham and Leicester’s economies are predicted to be 0.6% larger in Q4 2023 than they were in the final quarter of 2022. Derby is expected to be further behind at 0.5%.
Derby however leads the way among East Midlands cities in terms of job creation with a 0.9% year-on-year increase expected in the final three months of 2023. This is set to take total headcount to 135,300.
Leicester is predicted to see job growth of 0.7%, whilst Nottingham’s rate of growth in this area is predicted to be 0.5%.
Charlotte Rees-John, partner and head of Irwin Mitchell’s consumer sector, said: “Last year presented numerous challenges and the downward pressure on spending activity, which continues to be concentrated in the consumer sector, looks set to continue throughout the first half of 2023.
“The consumer sector has however been one of the most resilient, agile and innovative sectors in recent times and those businesses that succeed during 2023 will be in a very strong position to take advantage of a more stable economic environment in 2024.
“Considering longer-term aspirations, such as the transition to carbon net zero, is something all businesses, irrespective of the sector they are in and the pressures that they are facing, need to do. ESG is fast becoming a priority for the majority, particularly at a time when there is huge pressure and scrutiny from consumers and investors who are increasingly making their decisions based on ethical as well as financial factors.”
Josie Dent, managing economist at Cebr, said: ”2023 will be a difficult year for consumers and businesses across the Midlands, with the cost-of-living crisis expected to lead to falling economic activity. However, Cebr forecasts that economic growth will resume in the second half of 2023, with most cities expected to see an annual expansion in GVA by Q4 2023.”
M&E firm solidifies Nottingham presence
Sustainability and M&E firm CPW has solidified its presence in Nottingham with its recent relocation to a new city centre office space.
Having been located on Stoney Street within the Lace Market area of Nottingham since 2008, the move to a 3,500 sq ft space in the Imperial Buildings on Victoria Street marks a new chapter for the firm, aligning with the firm’s consistent growth and success in Nottingham and the surrounding areas since joining the region’s business community in 2003.
Rising staff levels, flexible ways of working and the resurgence of client facing activity were key drivers in the decision to relocate CPW’s Nottingham team.
Carl Humpage, director and Nottingham office lead at CPW, said: “We wanted to create a space that enables us to produce the best possible work for our clients, while also achieving a flexible office setting for our 26 staff with all the modern facilities and intricacies needed for growth in the sector.
“Larger screens for building information modelling (BIM) capability, a boardroom with the ability to cater for larger meetings, a virtual reality room to bring our projects to life and the sustainability of air source heat pumps are just a few of the ways the new space is optimal for our line of work.”
Craig Waldron, director at CPW, added: “The new office has provided us with an opportunity to re-invest. It’s an exciting and creative workspace that our colleagues are already loving. It’s brilliant how the new environment has reinvigorated the team and really enhanced the energy, drive and passion for what we do.
“The location also provides us with easier access to the city centre and all its amenities, with a close tram stop improving connectivity for commuters and promoting more sustainable transport options.”
The fully refurbished office includes facilities to promote staff capacity and wellbeing, including larger spaces for social evenings, breakout spaces for varied meeting environments and a pool table for friendly competition.
The firm’s new fit-for-purpose space provides the opportunity for CPW’s already strong presence in the region to grow further. Carl Hubbard, director and Nottingham office co-lead at CPW, said: “Our work in the East Midlands is something we are really proud of and the mission to deliver low or zero carbon design solutions is never ending. Projects with the University of Nottingham and our involvement in The Island Quarter scheme are examples of the significant work we are involved in with local stakeholders.
“Looking ahead to our 20th year in Nottingham, we are excited to build further on our current client base and our new office plays a vital role in our position as a leading business in the regional construction community.”
CPW is an international M&E consultancy with more than 250 staff based across 12 offices.
Over 5,000 items donated as part of 200 Degrees’ Swap Shop initiative
More than 5,000 new, unused and unopened hygiene items were donated, as part of 200 Degrees Coffee’s annual Swap Shop initiative, in exchange for a free cup of coffee.
The event, which took place on Tuesday 6 December across all 18 coffee shops, saw customers and local businesses donate deodorant, shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes, toilet roll, nappies and baby products, washing powder, makeup, perfume, sanitary products and everyday household cleaning products.
The 200 Degrees team delivered a total of 20 coffee sacks, which were filled with a variety of products and donated to its charity partner Switch Up, to help those who need it most.
To provide much-needed funding, the coffee roasters recently announced its commitment to Switch Up in a three-year partnership, which included creating a special roast of coffee and coffee pods. £1 in every kilo sold will go directly to the charity, supported with a minimum donation of £10,000 a year.
Commercial director Will Kenney said: “Many people in the UK are unable to access basic hygiene products, and everyday essential items, and these donations will make a huge significance to helping vulnerable families across Nottingham this Christmas.
“We are thrilled and overwhelmed by all the donations that were made at the event and we’d like to say thank you to our customers for their kindness and generosity.”
Marcellus Baz, founder and CEO of Switch Up, said: “My team is absolutely determined to support vulnerable young people and their families through the bleak and dark time this country is currently experiencing. The cost-of-living crisis is crippling people across the UK, especially those from the lower socially economic groups that Switch Up supports.
“People are telling us that food and energy are priorities over toiletries and Christmas gifts this year. This collaboration has been essential in ensuring that vulnerable people and families across Nottinghamshire don’t need to make this heart-breaking choice.
“200 Degrees has ethics and values that align with those of Switch Up and this makes for a very strong partnership. Thank you to their team and everyone that has donated items, allowing us to continue helping those most in need.”
In addition to its work with 200 Degrees, Switch Up will continue its Community Appeal until 31 January. The team will be collecting financial contributions to create its own food parcels for distribution across the city and Mansfield, as well as accepting physical donations of food, toiletries, books, new toys and gifts. Items can be dropped off at Switch Up on Woodborough Road, Nottingham or at its Mansfield hub. Monetary donations can also be made via its donation page.
Founded in 2013, Switch Up has continued to support over 800 young people at any one time from its boxing gym in St Ann’s, Nottingham, and earlier this year, from a second location in Mansfield. The charity has further plans for expansion, to reach and support more young people and their families.
Enrok Construction appoints new project manager
Enrok Construction has appointed a new project manager to lead activity on its latest scheme in the West Midlands.
Mantas Tobulevicius, who has worked in the construction industry for over 12 years, will add his considerable experience to the Enrok team, particularly on the company’s new Wellington Road scheme. This new project, with leading social housing provider Citizen, will see the creation of 19 new build affordable homes in Handsworth, Birmingham.
Prior to joining Enrok, Mantas has worked for some of the UK’s leading housebuilders including Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon, Countryside and Wates Group. As project manager at Enrok, he will have full responsibility for the successful delivery of the Wellington Road project, from pre-construction through to completion, along with all health and safety, quality assurance and ensuring the scheme is delivered on time and on budget.
Commenting on his appointment, Mantas Tobulevicius said: “It is an exciting time to be joining Enrok and I am looking forward to delivering affordable homes in the West Midlands, and other future projects once this is completed. Enrok’s directors are developing a very experienced and talented senior team which I am proud to be a part of.”
Simon Bennett MCIOB, operations director at Enrok, adds: “Mantas’ appointment was partly about getting the right person for the right project, but also about the future of the business and succession planning. Once the Wellington Road homes are completed, we hope that Mantas will play an integral part on other projects and in the future growth of Enrok.
“I have previously worked with Mantas when we were both at Wates Group and he has a reputation as a conscientious, capable, and driven manager. I have no doubt that his leadership of Enrok’s latest residential project will result in a fantastic scheme that will be delivered on time and on budget, whilst providing the client and occupiers the high quality of home that Enrok is known for.”
Enrok Construction is a privately owned construction company, operating across the UK from its headquarters in Derbyshire and a newly opened office in the West Midlands.
