Acres Engineering proves there IS such a thing as a free lunch
With the cost of living crisis dominating the headlines and with budgets squeezed across the UK, one Derby engineering firm has stepped up to support their hard working employees.
Melbourne-based Acres Engineering, which specialises in manufacturing custom solutions for clients across the UK and increasingly overseas, has a team of 38 at its Castle Lane facility.
With a growing order book and busy schedules right across the team, Acres has teamed up with a local supplier, Heaths Farm Shop, who will now be delivering fresh food to the site every week.
Luke Parker, Managing Director at Acres Engineering, said: “It is no secret that the current economic climate is a challenge for a lot of people. Acres is performing very strongly, despite these global challenges but that is only made possible by the hard work of our talented team.
“We’re a family business at heart. So we wanted to do what we can to support them and when we can do that by partnering with a local supplier, so much the better.”
It isn’t just staff who can access the new lunch offering. Clients and visitors to the manufacturing specialist are always welcome to lunch, with Major Bruce Spencer, the East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association regional employer engagement director joining the team this week.
Alison Parker, HR manager at Acres Engineering, who thought up the initiative, adds: “We appreciate that the cost of living increases are hurting everybody and we really want to help our employees in any way that we can. This is one of the ways that we do things differently and demonstrates just how much we care about the employees that work for Acres.”
Software developer takes final space at Nottingham business park
A software development company has snapped up the final available premises at a now fully let business park in the East Midlands.
DIGI-Steel has agreed a new five-year lease on Unit 4, a recently refurbished 5,440 sq ft office building at Interchange 25 Business Park, Bostocks Lane in Nottingham.
The company, which delivers cloud based solutions to the steel processing fabrication sectors, is taking further space on the estate where it has been based since 2019.
It is the third letting to be completed at Interchange 25 Business Park in less than six months and follows recent deals with UK house builder, Keepmoat Homes and global packaging solutions provider, GPA Global.
Hortons’ has also agreed a five-year lease renewal with accountants Coleby Associates LLP on Unit 3, a 4,240 sq ft property near the entrance to the business park.
Jeremy Boothroyd of landlord Hortons’ Estate Ltd said all eight buildings at Interchange 25 were now let and hailed the recent spate of deals as a positive sign for the out-of-town office market.
He said: “We’re very pleased that DIGI-Steel has chosen to expand its business at Interchange 25. The letting demonstrates the company’s commitment to the location and is indicative of the excellent working relationship we have with our tenants.
“We undertook a programme of building refurbishments on the estate which has been an important factor in letting the remaining properties in quick succession and in securing good rents. The business park benefits from a superb location and good facilities, with a high quality of established occupiers.”
Mark Tomlinson, director at property consultants FHP, who marketed the estate, said: “Occupier sentiment continues to move towards securing the best quality office spaces and those landlords who have invested in their buildings to present good quality specifications, finishes and eco credentials are reaping the rewards.
“We are seeing continued rental growth in the sector for the prime end of the market and increased deal activity and I am delighted that we have now secured full occupancy at Interchange 25.”
Interchange 25 Business Park is a development of eight self-contained office buildings, located at the intersection between Junction 25 of the M1 and the A52 (Brian Clough Way) which connects Nottingham and Derby.
Office activity continues on Pride Park as private investor snaps up two-storey business premises
FHP Property Consultants have completed on the sale of 10 Royal Scot Road on Pride Park, Derby to a local investor.
The property was sold on behalf of private clients who are relocating to a larger premises close by, which shows that there is still a desire for businesses to remain in the Pride Park area.
Dan Mooney of FHP Property Consultants said: “To have concluded this sale is fantastic and I wish both the vendor and new owners every success with their respective moves.
“The need for office premises across Derby is slowly on the rise again, and it is clear to see that Pride Park remains a significant focus in Derby.
“Unfortunately, at present there aren’t many, if any, freehold options out there to cater to the interest we are currently receiving.”
Redevelopment of major industrial estate in Derbyshire backed by bespoke loan
OakNorth Bank has completed a bespoke loan to support the acquisition and redevelopment of New Stanton Park in Derbyshire.
The project is being led by Verdant Regeneration, whose management team have successfully acquired and redeveloped industrial sites across the UK for over three decades, including the recent renovation of land adjacent to the New Stanton Park site.
Its past schemes include the regeneration of several brownfield sites and the conversion of industrial warehouses to commercial offices, both domestically and overseas.
Previously the Stanton Ironworks, New Stanton Park covers over 200-acres of land between the villages of Stanton-by-Dale and Ilkeston in Derbyshire. Centrally located and a short drive from the M1 motorway, the UK’s major industrial cities of Leicester, Sheffield, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester are all within relatively short travel distances.
The site also has its own railway, directly linked to the Midland Mainline, that can be utilised by all occupants, with East Midlands Airport, the UK’s busiest freight airport, also located only 11 miles away.
David Grier of Verdant Regeneration said: “Having acquired the site in 2020, we have worked hard across the team to quickly bring forward an outline planning application on what is one of the largest regeneration projects within the region.
“New Stanton Park offers an excellent strategic location, blending an active rail connection with strong private and public transport connectivity, plentiful labour and a large and significant power supply.
“When combined, we are confident this will result in a highly successful development with the next chapter set to positively transform and improve the area, bringing forward large-scale job creation in the process.
“This was our first time working with OakNorth Bank and we found their approach transparent throughout. Dale and the team knew the region’s industrial property market very well, meaning they were willing and able to go the extra mile to support us.”
Dale Cowdell, associate director of debt finance at OakNorth Bank, added: “With this scheme set to create up to 4,000 jobs, we’re delighted to be supporting such a positive project for the region.
“We’ve seen local demand for large logistical and industrial space increase significantly in the last 24 months, heightening the need for greater access to high-quality industrial and commercial buildings across the Midlands.
“Verdant Regeneration has been hugely proactive in its approach since purchasing the site, with the scheme’s recent successful planning application providing a major step forward for the project. We’re excited to be working with the team and look forward to supporting them on future schemes going forward.”
Burton manufacturer swoops for global business
Burton-based Doncasters, has acquired Uni-Pol, a global business specialising in the manufacture of superalloy cast parts.
This acquisition places Doncasters amongst the largest manufacturers of high-precision alloy components in the global supply chain, enhancing the future for the group, its employees, and customers.
The precision parts market is expected to reach revenues of $300 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of over 10 per cent between 2019 and 2025. Doncasters has seen the industry develop since 1778, when the company’s founder, Daniel Doncaster applied the crucible steel-making process to the manufacture of hand tools.
Since it was established, Doncasters has grown to be an international manufacturer of high-precision engineering components. Each of its eleven advanced production facilities across Europe and the US has specialist capabilities and serves a broad blue-chip client base, including Siemens, GE, Rolls-Royce, Ansaldo, BorgWarner, Garrett Motion and Cummins.
Established in 2005, Uni-Pol has four manufacturing facilities in China, India, Mexico and the UK. This acquisition means that Doncasters will have an annual revenue of over $500 million and employ nearly 3,000 people across 7 countries.
“Some time ago, we identified Uni-Pol as a natural fit with the Doncasters group of businesses,” explained Mike Quinn, CEO of Doncasters. “The additional support from the group gives Uni-Pol extensive opportunities to further develop its offering and, in turn, Doncasters will benefit from Uni-Pol’s additional expertise and technology.
“It also broadens Doncasters’ product offering, benefiting existing and new international customers, particularly those in Asia and South America.
“This is an exciting time for the Doncasters group of businesses, as we invest in upgrading our operating equipment, technology platforms and capabilities, so that we can be more efficient, accurate, timely and can compete on a wider scale. We’ll also be strengthening and developing our talent, who will benefit from the opportunities created by this acquisition,” concluded Quinn.
David Orr, Chief Executive Officer of Uni-Pol, said: “This is a fantastic new chapter in our history. This synergy is great for our people and for our customers as we focus on supplying complex, high-quality competitive products for the automotive and aerospace industries on an international scale. I’m looking forward to working together as one team, towards what looks like a bright future for us all.”
Clearbell fully lets Flintstone Portfolio with new Nottinghamshire deals
Clearbell UK Strategic Trust (CST or Clearbell), a Trust advised by Clearbell Capital, has fully let its Flintstone Portfolio, with two new leases agreed at Orchard Court industrial park in Nottinghamshire.
The Trust has agreed leases totalling nearly 18,000 sq ft at Orchard Court. This includes a 12,900 sq ft warehouse, which has been let to Dawson Group, and a 5,000 sq ft unit, now let to AF Switchgear Limited.
The lettings follow asset management work to improve the EPC ratings of the assets, to an A and B rating respectively.
As a result of these agreements, the Flintstone Portfolio, purchased in February 2022 is now fully let. The portfolio of eight properties comprise distribution, industrial and an office.
Clearbell was advised by joint agents FHP Property Consultants and Commercial Property Partners.
Alice Murray, asset manager at Clearbell Capital LLP, said: “Investor and tenant appetite for industrial and logistics assets shows no signs of abating. The strong letting activity we have seen across the Flintstone Portfolio is also testament to demand for quality assets and the importance of strong ESG credentials when tenants are making leasing decisions.”
Chris Proctor, of FHP Property Consultants, said: “I am delighted that Stuart and I have managed to conclude two lettings on behalf of Clearbell within a very swift marketing period.
“A high level of interest was achieved in both units and excellent commercial terms secured. The two units at Orchard Court provided modern good quality warehouse and distribution space within a strong location close to the A38 and Junction 28 of the M1.”
Stuart Waite, of Commercial Property Partners, said: “We are pleased to have concluded two leasing deals on behalf of our client following their recent acquisition of the estate. The units were let swiftly, at strong headline rental levels following competitive interest.
“To attract tenants the calibre of AF Switchgear and Dawson Group is a fantastic result for our client, who concluded a refurbishment programme within a tight timeframe post acquisition.”
Recognise your team’s outstanding work at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
With nominations OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s illustrious Bricks Awards, reward and recognise your teams, and boost morale, by submitting an entry.
Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry, award categories include: most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 15 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also providing the chance to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region.
Dan Stack, director at Chevin Homes, reflected on winning an award at the 2021 event: “We were absolutely delighted that Chevin Homes has been recognised and the Chase Farm scheme awarded as Residential Development of the Year. A great night away enjoyed by all and this award is a fitting reward for the team effort to create this bespoke development.”
To submit a business or development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Thanks to our sponsors:
- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on 15 September 2022 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge County Cricket Club from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker. Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
£20m Levelling Up bid set to move forward for Ilkeston
A bid for up to £20m of government funding for three projects to help regenerate Ilkeston town centre looks set to be approved next week.
A meeting of Erewash Borough Council’s Executive on Tuesday (5 July) is expected to agree that the bid should be submitted to the nationwide Levelling Up initiative as part of the drive to improve the town centre.
A report going to the meeting says that a seven week public consultation earlier this year produced clear results that have helped shape the ambitious bid, with residents particularly highlighting a desire for a better range and quality of shops, including restaurants and services for children, and action over vacant properties.
If approved by Executive members, the bid will go to the government next week and focus on winning funding for three inter-linked regeneration projects covering South Street, the Market Place, Bath Street and Station Road.
Details of these project proposals include:
- The purchase and refurbishment of the derelict Grade II listed Ritz building with a view to letting it out as a possible food court, market hall or entertainment venue.
- Tackling the long term empty shops on Bath Street where there are currently 10 properties that have been vacant from 4 up to 23 years. The proposal is to support whole building refurbishment by offering to buy the leasehold of refurbished commercial units in these buildings or, failing that, to acquire the buildings and appoint a development partner to carry out the refurbishment.
- A third project aims to raise the overall quality and attractiveness of the area to attract further private sector investment and boost the welcoming vibe for residents. Suggestions include more greenery, new gateway features to the main shopping streets and innovative new lighting schemes for the Market Place.
Multi-million-pound investment and development signals new era at Gamston airport
The first phase of the multi-million-pound development and investment at Retford (Gamston) Airport by Thatcham Research marks an exciting new era for the site and surrounding area.
The ambition is to create a UK centre of excellence around vehicle technology testing and safety research that will attract future investment as well as employment and skills development in the area, while securing a long-term future for aviation.
The initial construction work started on 20 June 2022, with the first phase focused on ensuring the continued safe operation of aviation with upgrades to the main runway, markings and runway lighting, as well as development of part of the site for vehicle technology testing and safety research. Construction work is expected to be completed in September 2022.
During this period, the airport will be closed to all visiting aircraft. Businesses and private flyers based at Gamston will continue to be able to operate using an alternative runway.
Jonathan Hewett, Chief Executive at Thatcham Research, says: “We are extremely excited to begin to realise our ambition of creating a UK centre of excellence for vehicle technology research and safety assurance testing, as well as securing a long-term future for aviation at Gamston.
“We have ambitious plans around employment and skills development at Gamston. We will be looking to create 30 jobs in this first phase, through the recruitment of key engineering and support roles from across the area, as well as transferring some of our staff from Berkshire to Gamston.
“We are also exploring opportunities with Bassetlaw District Council on extending the training and skills development that we already undertake for the automotive repair industry, with more than 3,500 technicians and apprentices benefitting from our training every year.
“In terms of this phase of the construction, we’re doing all we can to ensure that it has limited impact on the local community, and are working closely with our contractors to minimise noise and disruption, as well as making sure that aviation can continue.”
Cllr Jo White, cabinet member for regeneration at Bassetlaw District Council, says: “I am very pleased to welcome Thatcham Research to Bassetlaw and I’m thrilled that they have chosen our district as a home for their new UK centre of excellence.
“Their presence and investment at Gamston will be a step-change for the area in terms of the new technology that Thatcham will bring, but also for the higher skilled employment opportunities that will be developed.
“This is the beginning of a partnership that will benefit Thatcham and Bassetlaw and I’m excited to see how this flourishes and develops over the coming months and years.”
Thatcham Research received planning permission from Bassetlaw District Council in August 2021 to develop Retford (Gamston) Airport as a dual operations site, and became owners of Gamston Aviation Limited (GAL) who run the airport in December 2021.
Future of fire & security specialists secured with Employee Ownership Trust
The long-term future of fire and security alarm system installation specialists Tecserv UK has been assured following the completion of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
Based in Underwood, on the Notts & Derby border, Tecserv UK is about to celebrate its 21st anniversary and best ever turnover.
CEO Grahame Tilley said: “Tecserv is a great place to work and has a fantastic talented team driving it forward. I am planning on retiring within the next few years, so by adopting an EOT as an exit strategy, instead of selling the business to a 3rd party, we will be rewarding our staff for their hard work and loyalty with long term security and brand continuity.”
Founded in 2001, Tecserv UK employs more than 50 people across the UK installing and maintaining fire and intruder alarms, CCTV, access control and fire extinguishers.
Professional advice to establish the EOT was provided by John Sykes from Skye Corporate Finance in Leicester, Roger Harcourt from Shakespeare Martineau and Bob Johnson and Pujah Joshi from Mazars Leicester office.
