J Tomlinson awarded two-year contract for council home improvements
A new contractor has been appointed to deliver improvements to council homes in Charnwood.
J Tomlinson, a property maintenance firm, has been awarded a two-year contract by Charnwood Borough Council to deliver planned improvements to council-owned homes across the borough.
The contract will include full and partial kitchen, bathroom and toilet replacements as part of the Council’s programme of improvements to its housing stock. It will also involve works such as internal and external structural alterations alongside refurbishments to empty properties.
The new contract came into place this month following a rigorous tendering process.
Cllr James Poland, the Council’s lead member for public housing, said: “I welcome this new contract and continued investment into our properties. These improvements to amenities such as bathrooms and kitchens will provide a better standard of living for our tenants.
“I’m looking forward to seeing J Tomlinson delivering the works to a high standard as well as demonstrating care for our tenants.”
The Council manages around 5,500 residential homes across the borough.
The two-year contract has potential to be extended for an additional two-years and has an estimated value of around £9 million.
Chief Executive Officer at J Tomlinson, Mark Davis, added: “We are over the moon to continue what has been an excellent working relationship with Charnwood BC over the last few years and from a personal perspective for a lot longer.
“Having an impact on the borough and individual communities is what drives our enthusiasm, and we look forward to doing this under a much wider remit with our colleagues at CBC over the next couple of years.”
J Tomlinson were established in the 1950s by the Tomlinson family in Nottinghamshire. The business has expanded over the years, and they now work throughout the Midlands and the North of England.
Tiles UK demolition paves the way for new £5m business and retail space in Stapleford
A brand new £5m Enterprise Hub is on the horizon for Stapleford following the demolition of the old Tiles UK building on Derby Road.
The Hub will be an exciting destination for independent bistro style food outlets with space to host vibrant markets, events, creative and functional activities on the ground floor, flexible office space for start-ups and existing business on the first floor, and a community roof garden terrace on the second floor.
It will be built on the current Victoria Street car park which will move to the cleared Tiles UK site. Victoria Street car park will not be closed until the new car park has been completed.
The Enterprise Hub is one of six projects being funded through Stapleford’s £21m Towns Fund, a Government scheme which aims to regenerate and revitalise towns across the UK.
Paul Sweeney, vice chair of the Stapleford Towns Fund Board, said: “Local people told us it was important to them to bring the high street back to life. We have too many vacant and derelict buildings which has a negative impact on people’s perceptions of our town, as well as local pride.
“The Enterprise Hub project was designed to transform the town centre, to attract more people to come to work and shop, and enjoy their spare time eating, drinking and socialising too. We know this will breathe life back into our great little town and make it the place we know it can be.”
Milan Radulovic MBE, leader of Broxtowe Borough Council, said: “This exciting new £5m Enterprise Hub will give people a vibrant working and living offer that will appeal to different people at different times. We want Stapleford to stand as a model for what a small town can achieve. We’ve seen the success of Beeston and know Stapleford has got what it takes too.”
Construction of the Enterprise Hub will begin once the new car park has been opened on Derby Road. The Hub will be open for business in 2024/25.
Midlands businesses raise £110m in venture capital investment amidst global economic challenges
Growing businesses in the Midlands secured £110 million in venture capital investment in the third quarter of the year, according to KPMG UK’s latest Venture Pulse report.
A total of 31 innovative companies, 17 in the West Midlands and 14 in the East Midlands, received investment in the third quarter of the year, highlighting that the UK scaleup ecosystem continues to appeal to investors but they are increasingly cautious about how much they are investing.
Joining the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) as a leading investor in the region, FSE Group also supported SMEs in the Midlands with growth funding.
Among the companies securing investments were Onto, the all-inclusive electric car subscription, and Worn Again Technologies, the recycling firm working to rehaul the textile industry. This signals the growing investor interest in companies with genuine environmentally friendly credentials.
Khush Purewal, partner and head of deals at KPMG in the Midlands, said: “Amid a growing energy crisis, economic turbulence, continued pandemic impacts and increased pressures on businesses, funds continue to flow into businesses across all sectors in the Midlands, particularly those with strong ESG roots.
“Whilst some VCs will be focussed on existing portfolios, many have a commitment to investors to deploy capital so there is still dry powder and opportunities for good businesses with solid growth plans.
“Competition for good businesses in strong sectors will be fierce and could lead to some deal heat as we head into the final quarter of the year. However, as the economic conditions continue to deteriorate, it is likely that VC investment will remain subdued heading into Q4 2022 and beyond.”
Sainsbury, Tesco and M&S Xmas supplies hit as Lincolnshire food factory strikes
More than 700 workers at Bakkavor’s food manufacturing factory in Spalding, Lincolnshire, will strike from late November until the New Year over “poverty pay.”
Unite, the union, has said that many of the workers earn just 1p over the national minimum wage with some being forced to use food banks.
The production line operatives, who make own brand soups, sauces and deli produce for Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S, have rejected a 6.5 per cent pay offer. Unite says this is a substantial pay cut when the real rate of inflation, RPI, stands at 14.2 per cent.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The situation these workers face is exactly what is wrong with Britain’s economy today: A company earning millions and millions in profits expecting already low paid workers to take a pay cut while prices soar.
“Unite will not tolerate attacks on our members’ jobs, pay or conditions and our Bakkavor members have the union’s complete backing as they strike for a better deal.”
The strikes, which begin on 25 November and will last until 2 January, will impact own brand food products for Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S. More strikes will be scheduled if the dispute is not resolved.
Strikes were due to take place in early November but were postponed to allow for an amended pay offer to be voted on. The workforce rejected the offer and negotiations between Unite and Bakkavor have since collapsed.
Unite regional officer Ravinder Assi said: “Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S all have a case to answer if they do not pressure Bakkavor to use some of its massive profits to give these workers a proper pay rise.
“Supermarket customers will be appalled to know that the own-brand goods they are buying are made by supply chain workers who are being treated so disgracefully. Bakkavor can well afford to put forward an offer our members can accept and needs to do so.”
The news comes after Bakkavor announced proposals to close Bakkavor Salads in Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire and Bakkavor Desserts in Leicester.
Bakkavor said in a statement: “Bakkavor can confirm that following a ballot of its members the Unite union has rejected the proposed 6.5% pay increase and will move to take strike action at Bakkavor’s Spalding site. Around half of Bakkavor’s colleagues at Spalding are members of the union.
“We have detailed contingency plans in place to ensure that we continue to serve our customers and that any disruption is kept to a minimum.
“Across its UK sites, Bakkavor has been awarding pay increases for colleagues – a move to support its people despite the challenging economic context for the sector. Bakkavor believes its proposed 6.5% pay award for colleagues in Spalding is positive and sustainable and is part of a broader package of employee benefits.
“Bakkavor’s proposed pay offer ensures we remain competitive in the local market at a time when current trading conditions are causing significant levels of inflation across its cost base. As with businesses all over the UK, we are having to take decisive action to adapt to the challenging macro-economic backdrop, as we seek to protect our business. This has recently included our proposal to close two sites; Bakkavor Salads in Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire and Bakkavor Desserts in Leicester as announced on 9 November.
“Bakkavor is very disappointed the Unite union is going ahead with strike action based on pay claims that are simply unsustainable in the current trading environment.”
Corporate insolvencies rise by over a third as tougher economy bites
A sharp rise in the number of corporate insolvencies is highlighting the devastating effect on local businesses of rising inflation and falling consumer confidence, with increased numbers closing down voluntarily as trading conditions become insurmountable for some.
The warning comes from the Midlands branch of insolvency and restructuring body R3 and follows latest statistics published by the Government’s Insolvency Service which show that corporate insolvencies in England and Wales increased by 38.2% in October 2022 to a total of 1,948 compared to October 2021’s total of 1,410, and by 15.7% compared to September 2022’s figure of 1,684.
October 2022’s corporate insolvency numbers are also 31.9% higher than the October 2019 figure of 1,477.
R3 Midlands chair Eddie Williams, a partner at PwC in the East Midlands, said: “The monthly rise in corporate insolvencies is driven by an increase in Compulsory Liquidations, Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations and Administrations.
“Rising inflation, spiralling energy costs, the end of temporary insolvency legislation and a lack of post-COVID bounce-back have all hit hard on local businesses, resulting in more directors choosing to close their companies down and more creditors calling in debts to balance their own books.
“On top of this, business owners are worried about the prospect of an imminent and prolonged recession and where they’ll find the money to meet employees’ requests for increased pay as running costs increase and profits disappear.
“The jury is still out on whether the Christmas trading period, which will include an unseasonal football World Cup, will generate the traditional boom many businesses are hoping for or whether disappointing sales over the festive period will lead to companies turning to an insolvency process to resolve their financial issues.
“Now is the time for those businesses with cashflow issues and concerns over future trading to seek advice from a qualified professional, rather waiting until the problem worsens.
“Most R3 members will give an hour’s free consultation to potential clients to enable them to understand more about their circumstances and to outline the options available to help them improve their situation.”
South African brand owner considers bid for Joules
A South African group that owns brands such as Phase Eight and Hobbs is reportedly contemplating a bid for Market Harborough lifestyle brand, Joules.
According to Sky News, The Foschini Group (TFG) has been in discussions with Joules for several weeks – ahead of it appointing administrators – with an offer of investing in the business in return for a substantial stake.
Will Wright, Ryan Grant and Chris Pole from Interpath Advisory were on Wednesday (16 November) named joint administrators of Joules Group plc and Joules Limited.
At the same time, Will Wright and Ryan Grant were appointed joint administrators of Joules Developments Limited and The Garden Trading Company Limited.
Joules is one of the UK’s best-known retail brands, renowned for its premium, colourful clothing and homewear products, inspired by country living. Headquartered in Market Harborough, the group currently operates a total of 132 stores across the UK, employing over 1,600 people.
The joint administrators said they will continue to trade the group as a going concern while they assess options for the business, including exploring the possibility of a sale as a going concern.
All stores, including the group’s online store, will remain open.
Will Wright, head of restructuring at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “Joules is one of the most recognisable names on the high street, with a unique brand identity and loyal customer base.
“Over the coming weeks, we will endeavour to continue to operate all stores as a going concern during this vitally important Christmas trading period while we assess options for the group, including a possible sale.
“Since the group’s announcement on Monday, we have had an overwhelming amount of interest from interested parties. We will be working hard over the days ahead to assess this interest, but at this stage we are optimistic that we will be able to secure a future for this great British brand.”
East Midlands law firm introduces new diploma in Wills, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney
Derby-based law firm Right Legal Group has created a new diploma in Wills, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney, in collaboration with the Institute of Paralegals (IoP).
The diploma gives advisers, who may not be legal executives or solicitors or have a first degree in law, the opportunity to obtain an industry recognised and highly accredited qualification via an alternative route.
The collaboration between Right Legal Group and the IoP represents an innovation within the private client sector, with the law firm obtaining the endorsement of a highly respected provider of qualifications and training.
The diploma is provided through The Right Legal Group Training Academy and in order to achieve the diploma status, advisers are required to complete a six-week foundation level class room training programme, a six-month supervision and final assessment.
Ciara Wynne at Right Legal Group will be the first to obtain the full diploma, with other advisers having already met the qualifying criteria and await to complete their supervision.
Carrie Caladine, Managing Director at Right Legal Group, said: “We established this diploma, in conjunction with the IoP, to highlight achievements across our field, and our training academy helps a number of hardworking employees to build their credibility.
“Working with the IoP allows our advisers to develop their skills and training to enable them to move forward in their legal careers. I’m incredibly proud of every member who is working towards the diploma status and congratulate Ciara as our first graduate. We wish everyone the best of luck in their final supervisions.”
The Right Legal Group Training Academy has to date trained more than 150 advisers, since its inception in 2019. The courses delivered by the academy include pre-death and post-death advising at foundation, intermediate and advanced levels.
Leicester among global ‘A list’ for leadership on climate action
Leicester has retained its place as a global leader on climate action, achieving a top score on CDP’s ‘Cities A List’.
It means Leicester is one of 122 cities to receive an A score from environmental impact charity CDP for bold leadership, ambition and transparency on environmental action, its response to the climate emergency, despite the pressures of a challenging economic situation.
This year, for the first time, over 1,000 cities received a rating for their climate action from CDP, with Leicester among the 12 per cent to receive the top A rating.
To score an A, a city must have a city-wide emissions inventory, have set an emissions reduction target, published a climate action plan and have completed a climate adaptation plan to demonstrate how it will tackle climate hazards now and in the future, among other actions.
CDP celebrated Leicester and the 121 other cities on the A List for showing urgent and impactful climate action, having ambitious emission reduction targets, and for building resilience against climate change. Its analysis also shows that A List cities are taking twice as many mitigation and adaptation measures as non-A List cities.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on environment and transportation, said: “We’re immensely proud to be recognised by CDP for our work on climate action and ambition to become a carbon net zero city.
“When we launched our first Climate Emergency Strategy in 2020, we were under no illusion about the scale of the challenge we had set ourselves as a city.
“As a council, we are already working hard to cut our own emissions and to support local people, schools and business to make the changes needed to help reduce the city’s overall carbon footprint. We have a good record on carbon reduction which we can continue to build on. But we know we need to do much more and to do it rapidly.
“To meet our ambitions as a city will require significant and ongoing support from the Government and local stakeholders. We all have a role to play.”
Since launching the first Leicester Climate Emergency Action Plan in 2020, Leicester City Council has led on a range of initiatives and secured external funding representing an investment of over £120million in low carbon initiatives.
This includes:
- Investment of over £14million in the UK’s first carbon neutral bus station building, which opened in June as part of the St Margaret’s Gateway regeneration project
- Progress on an £80million citywide programme of investment in sustainable transport backed by £40million from the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF)
- Investment of around £25million secured through the Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme for low carbon, energy efficient improvements to more than 90 council buildings, including schools, leisure centres, libraries and community centres.
- A successful bid for £19million of Government funding towards a £47million investment in increasing the city’s fleet of electric buses to over 100, backed by local bus operators Arriva and FirstBus
- Launching an £8million programme of work that will see external insulation fitted to over 400 homes in the city, including council houses and housing association properties
- Securing £19million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund for new low carbon workspaces at Pioneer Park and Ian Marlow Centre.
Duo of off market lettings secured at Amber Business Centre
FHP Property Consultants have secured lettings at units 13.1 and 14.4 Amber Business Centre, Derbyshire, on behalf of private clients.
Amber Business Centre is an established industrial estate situated within 10 minutes of Junction 28 of the M1 motorway via the A38. The two properties comprise mid-terraced industrial/warehouse units benefiting from roller shutter loading doors and a recent refurbishment.
Both 13.1 and 14.4 have been let on new lease terms for a period of 5 years at a rent equating to £11.00 per ft² and £10.00 per ft² respectively.
Jamie Gilbertson, surveyor at FHP Property Consultants, says: “I am delighted to have completed these lettings. Following an initial call with our client I was able to place these under offer before we had actually listed them on the market.
“We have a strong database of active enquires which enabled us to match the property with an actively seeking business. This has been an excellent result for both our client and the tenant and I wish them every success.
“There is still good demand for quality small warehouse units and we are pleasingly placing units under offer and completing transactions on a weekly basis. We still have a couple units available on the estate, one unit is 1,272ft2 and the other unit is 618ft2 but these will be in high demand.”
Fraudulent builder prosecuted
A rogue builder who defrauded three households by taking money for work which was never carried out will have to pay £57,000 to his victims.
Trevor Anthony Lawrence – who is also known as Trevor Fail – pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading at Leicester Crown Court this week, following an investigation brought by Leicester City Council trading standards officers.
The court heard how Lawrence, aged 58, was living in Bakehouse Lane, Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire, at the time of the offences, and had been trading under the name of Max Crest.
Lawrence, who now lives in Spain, was charged under the Fraud Act 2006 in relation to home improvement works in Hamilton, Leicester, as well as at two other addresses in London between January 2016 and January 2018.
Leicester Crown Court heard how Lawrence obtained large sums of money for home improvements which were either never carried out or done to a very poor standard. He also took payment for materials which he never provided or even purchased.
Investigations into Lawrence’s business began after a customer reported concerns to Leicester City Council in 2016, and two more victims came forward via Action Fraud in 2018.
In one instance the investigator was provided with a fake invoice for goods. Evidence also showed that Lawrence had submitted no tax returns during the period when the fraud was taking place.
The court was told how Lawrence had a long previous history of fraud offences committed under the name of Trevor Fail, had been made bankrupt on a number of occasions and was a disqualified company director at the time of the most recent offences.
This week, His Honour Judge Spencer KC sentenced Lawrence to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years. As part of his plea, Lawrence will pay back £57,000 to the victims. Charges against two other defendants, one of which had since died, will lie on file.
Leicester City Council’s trading standards manager, Ronald Ruddock, said: “Home improvements frauds cause a great deal of inconvenience and distress to the victims.
“It important that householders do not pay up front for works that have not yet been undertaken. Only pay after works are completed and do not transfer large amounts of money upfront in the hope of saving money further down the line.
“Make sure you carry out checks on the builders before employing them – information can be found on Companies house, the registry trust and you can make general searches of the internet and that the contract is in writing.
“We are pleased that in this case, the defendant will pay back money he took from the people he defrauded.”
