Travis Perkins completes relocation to new Worksop site

Steve Fisher
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Travis Perkins completes relocation to new Worksop site
Travis Perkins has sold their former site in Worksop and let a new purpose built 14,000ft² site. FHP acted on behalf of clients CEG, Lawrence Escott in the letting of their new purpose built 14,000ft Builders Merchants on their 2 acre site area and subsequently sold Travis Perkins former site in Worksop too. The enhanced location surrounded by Asda, Greggs, Burger King and 16 trade counter units supported the move for Travis Perkins to this new location. FHP were subsequently instructed by Travis Perkins to sell Travis Perkins former site on Carlton Road, Worksop of 1 acre with over 8,000ft of warehousing on the site. After competitive bids, the successful party was Euro Property Investments with Sam Sutton of Phillips Sutton acting for the purchaser. FHP worked with Stuart Rowse and Will Moss of Travis Perkins throughout the new letting and sale process. Chris Proctor of FHP Property Consultants commented:- “I am delighted to see the conclusion of Travis Perkins relocation in Worksop, which has provided an enhanced trading position on a more efficient site as well as a successful disposal of their former site. Great to work with all parties involved throughout these transactions.” Phillips Sutton and FHP have been retained by the purchaser of the Former Travis Perkins on Carlton Road, Worksop with all enquiries for the re-letting of the site.

Rolls-Royce Submarines opens Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby

Tess Egginton
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Rolls-Royce Submarines opens Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby
Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd has opened the doors of its new Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby. 200 new apprentices from all walks of life streamed into the Academy on 26 September for what marks the start of their nuclear careers. The Nuclear Skills Academy is the first of its kind and aims to sustain nuclear capability within the UK’s submarines programme by creating a dedicated pipeline of talent at the start of their careers. Based in Derby, the Nuclear Skills Academy is supported by industry and education experts, including the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the National College for Nuclear, the University of Derby and Derby City Council. This ensures new apprentices have access to the best courses and mentors throughout their apprenticeship. Rolls-Royce announced its plans for the Nuclear Skills Academy in May 2022 to huge interest from across the UK. With more than 1,200 applicants for only 200 places in its 2022-23 academic year it’s been a tough job to narrow down the successful candidates. Steve Carlier, president, Rolls-Royce Submarines, said: “We are thrilled by the levels of interest in these apprenticeships, and it highlights how attractive a career in the nuclear sector really is. With the growing demand for clean, carbon-free energy and with our submarines contracts with the MoD likely to sustain us into the next century, this could be a job for life for our new apprentices. “Having started with Rolls-Royce as an apprentice myself and being born and bred in Derby, the launch of the Nuclear Skills Academy is especially exciting for me. I’m delighted that we are leading the way in developing nuclear talent for the submarines enterprise and proud that it will all be done in Derby.” The Nuclear Skills Academy has the funding to provide 200 apprentices each year with nuclear education across four different courses for at least the next 10 years. The support of key industry organisations in driving the project forward has been invaluable for Rolls-Royce. Andrew Storer from the Nuclear AMRC spoke of the importance of collaboration when it comes to this programme: “We need to work together to tackle skills shortages which affect the whole nuclear sector. The organisations backing the Nuclear Skills Academy will ensure that apprentices have the best training and support and develop the skills to deliver the UK’s commitments for low-carbon power and national security. As a former Derby apprentice, I am very proud that we are helping set a new standard for training which could be rolled out across the sector.” Helen Higgs from National College for Nuclear said: “The Nuclear Skills Academy is a significant development for the sector and the National College for Nuclear is delighted to be able to play a vital role in its creation and future development. “Collaboration between ourselves, industry and education partners is at the heart of NCfN’s delivery model and our vision, and this is a fantastic example of how that partnership can bring about world-class opportunities for many apprentices.” The apprenticeships are spread across all functions of the business including: Engineering, Manufacturing and Business. They provide fully funded, further and higher education qualifications, while the apprentices receive hands-on practical work experience within the business. Each of the courses is accredited through the University of Derby and National College for Nuclear. Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, vice-chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Derby, said: “Equipping the future workforce with the skills and knowledge required to assure a pipeline of talent into the nuclear industry is crucial; the University is delighted to be playing a key role in this. “Derby is a city at the cutting edge of engineering and manufacturing, with an internationally renowned reputation as a centre for industrial innovation. The Academy will further strengthen this and is set to be a game-changer in how we respond, at pace, to the evolving skills needs of the country.” The home of the Nuclear Skills Academy is an iconic building in Derby, formerly known as the iHub. The hope is to position the East Midlands as the centre of nuclear excellence in the UK, an aspiration Derby City Council is equally excited by. Leader of Derby City Council, Councillor Chris Poulter said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the people of Derby which will help to further build our reputation as a city of innovation. It is vital that we bring forward the next generation into the nuclear industry and apprenticeships are a fantastic way for those of all ages to earn while they learn. “Additional funding worth £1.3m has been secured from Innovate UK to help fund bespoke training equipment and IT facilities for apprentices at the new training centre. The skills academy will also support key employers in the city and help to secure future talent in years to come.” Applications for 2023-24 academic intake will be opening from October 2022. For 60 years, Rolls-Royce has provided the power for all of the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines from its base in Raynesway, Derby. Their work ensures submariners have the power to protect the UK’s interests at home and further afield.

Taylors takes 42,000 sq ft at Huthwaite logistics site

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Taylors takes 42,000 sq ft at Huthwaite logistics site
B. Taylor & Sons Transport has taken 41,914 sq ft of prime warehouse space in Huthwaite. The logistics and warehousing firm has taken the lease on Unit 2 at Fulwood 28, joining the likes of Alloga, GXO and the Co-op at the site, which is located two miles from Junction 28 of the M1. The unit at Fulwood 28 is the company’s thirteenth in total. Commercial Property Partners (CPP) and Gent Visick sealed the deal to bring Taylors to the logistics park. Sean Bremner, director at CPP, said: “As we expected Fulwood 28 was let swiftly upon coming available, with many requirements being in the market. We have known Alan Taylor and his colleagues for many years and they have experienced considerable expansion over recent times. It is great to do deals with long established family businesses continuing their growth and success in our region.” Taylors’ Managing Director Alan Taylor added: “This building presented a great expansion opportunity for our business becoming our 13th building in the area to help win further work. We are delighted to have secured the accommodation. It was a pleasure working with Sean at CPP who was very responsive and brokered the deal in a sensible and efficient manner.” B. Taylor & Sons was established in 1974 in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. It has since grown to incorporate a number of divisions including Taylors Transport International, which caters for clients across the globe.

Specialist metals supplier secures £1m to support growth

Tess Egginton
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Specialist metals supplier secures £1m to support growth
A Chesterfield business has secured a £1m investment from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), provided by The FSE Group Debt Finance Fund and backed by the Recovery Loan Scheme. The funding follows a £500,000 MEIF loan in November last year, which helped the company with a range of business growth activities including marketing, IT, new jobs and a move to bigger premises. The most recent loan will be used for further staff hires, equipment purchase, and maintaining stock levels to support new contracts. International Energy Products is a metal stockholder and processor of speciality alloys servicing the oil, gas and renewable energy industries as well as aerospace, marine and defence sectors. The company was set up in 2017 by Emma Beresford who spent the next two years establishing a robust supply model before full trading commenced in 2020. This has placed the company ahead of the curve in a market where an already challenging supply environment has been worsened by the war in Ukraine. International Energy Products founder and Managing Director, Emma Beresford, said: “Having just reached the point of trading when the pandemic hit, our growth plans inevitably slowed but we are now ready to scale up in line with the recovery of our customer base. “As a new business that doesn’t have the trading history needed for bank funding, the MEIF loan will help us with the cashflow and capacity needed to take on new, large contracts and we are thankful to FSE for investing in our future growth.” Ann Marie McFadyen, investment manager at The FSE Group, said: “We would like to thank Sanjay Vallabh from Vallabh Associates for introducing us to International Energy Products. Emma is a forward-thinking MD who knows her market well and has been appointed Export Champion for the Department for International Trade for the second year running. “Her innovative approach has allowed her to minimise risk and future-proof against supply chain issues and pricing. Years of hard work have paid off with this small business now years ahead of its competitors and we are thrilled to be supporting Emma and her team at this crucial point in their growth journey.” Will Morlidge, Chief Executive of D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “The D2N2 area is the cradle of the Industrial Revolution and remains the heartland on manufacturing in the UK. It’s businesses like IEP that underpin our amazing manufacturers, so it’s great to see them being supported. They supply to many businesses who are crucial to us being able to transition to a net-zero future, so the impact of their growth will be felt in businesses across the region.”

Leicestershire business’s epilepsy medicine donation helps address the stigma of witchcraft in Africa

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Leicestershire business’s epilepsy medicine donation helps address the stigma of witchcraft in Africa
A Leicestershire pharmaceuticals business has helped address the stigma of witchcraft in Africa by donating medicines connected with the treatment of epilepsy. Morningside Pharmaceuticals, based in Loughborough, donated 1,000 packs of the drug to Syston Aid charity Inter Care, which has since distributed them to communities in Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Ghana. Due to a lack of healthcare provision, many African communities still associate epilepsy with witches and wizards, and often resort to traditional herbal treatments and even public ceremonies in-order-to ward off perceived evil spirits and to heal the patient. Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, chairman of Morningside Pharmaceuticals, said: “We have had the privilege of working with African communities for the past 30 years and have seen first-hand the excellent medical talent, skills and expertise taking place throughout the continent. “Access to quality medicines and healthcare remains a problem, which has led many rural communities to seek traditional remedies. I hope our donation helps support Inter Care and the work of other Aid organisations in addressing the lack of knowledge around conditions such as epilepsy, where a wide range of treatment is available.” As part of Inter Care’s community epilepsy work, they supported a five-year-old girl called Ella, from the city of Bo in Sierra Leone, who had been suffering seizures from birth. Her community sought out traditional remedies, which did nothing to prevent her often six seizures per day. This led her family to eventually seek hospital treatment where she responded well to the epilepsy medicine, and her parents were provided with comprehensive information and support to help manage her condition. Albert Sesay, from Bo Children’s’ Hospital, said: “Like in many epilepsy cases in the communities we support; when a patient has an epileptic seizure the elders of the communities, family members and others always claim they are attacked by witches and wizards, and traditional treatments are administered to them. “In most cases these patients are given garlics, smoked with traditional herbal medicines leaves and even take them to societal ceremonies. Before receiving medical treatment. Ella and other children and adults in her position go through so much pain and stress.” Diane Hardy from Inter Care stated: “We would very much like to thank Morningside Pharmaceuticals for their kind donation, which is helping to treat other people facing the same social barriers to seeking proper medical support, which patients such as Ella and her family have encountered.” According to Bo Children’s Hospital, 20,000 people fall sick with epilepsy each year, including over 2,500 children, which leads to four epilepsy-related deaths each day. During a recent visit to see Ella following her treatment, her parents were asked for their feedback on the support they have received from Bo Children’s Hospital and the Inter Care UK team. Ella’s mother, Nina, said: “Words cannot express how grateful I am, any time I look at my daughter my heart gladdens. I am so thankful for your relentless efforts. I don’t know if my daughter would have been alive if it were not for your support.”

Work starts on battery storage plant at former Lincolnshire gas power station

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Work starts on battery storage plant at former Lincolnshire gas power station

Centrica Business Solutions has revealed plans to convert a decommissioned Lincolnshire gas-fired power station into a battery storage facility capable of supplying the equivalent of a full day’s energy consumption for 11,000 households.

Working in partnership with GE, the company has started construction on a 50MW /100MWh battery storage project at Brigg, which will provide energy storage for the 43 onshore wind farms across Lincolnshire, maximising the potential of every megawatt of green electricity and providing vital resilience for the grid. Storing renewable energy in this way makes it possible to better control the peaks and troughs associated with renewable energy generation – charging the batteries when electricity demand is low and discharging when demand peaks. The battery installed at Brigg represents the largest investment in storage capacity Centrica has made to date. It will have the capacity to store 100MWh of electric energy, equivalent to a full day’s energy consumption for around 15 per cent of the homes in North Lincolnshire.

The battery storage system, supplied by GE, will provide grid support and energy services that will not only provide stability to the grid when there are power disruptions but also ensure renewable energy is utilised optimally, which should free capacity to allow more new renewable generation on the network.

Greg McKenna, Managing Director of Centrica Business Solutions, said: “Investing in low-carbon energy assets that boost the UK’s ability to store more renewable energy is key to getting to Net Zero. Lincolnshire has 242MW of onshore wind power capacity, but when supply outstrips demand some of those green electrons will go to waste if not stored. Working with GE we’ll store green energy produced locally and use it as efficiently as possible.

“As the UK’s power generation capacity becomes more distributed and the share of renewables increases, generation flexibility becomes critical to keep the lights on securely, sustainably, and affordably. Brigg battery storage investment will ensure we can maximise the use of the green energy generated by nearby wind farms – storing when the wind blows and discharging when it doesn’t.”

Prakash Chandra, renewable hybrids Chief Executive Officer at GE, said: “The UK has been one of the earliest and largest players in the battery energy storage space and the installed capacity keeps growing. However, there is a need for more if the country wants to achieve its Net Zero emission target for the power sector by 2035. We are glad to bring another project to life together with Centrica.”

Brigg battery storage is set to be fully operational in late 2023 with plans to run the site for 25 years. The solution implemented will be a 2-hour duration system with GE’s flexible duration architecture that will allow Centrica to modify the duration of the system in response to future grid needs and market opportunities.

Revenue and profit leap at Yü Group

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Revenue and profit leap at Yü Group
The CEO of Yü Group, the independent supplier of gas, electricity and water to the UK corporate sector, and smart meter installation services, has hailed “excellent” unaudited half year results for the six months to 30 June 2022. Revenue has soared to £129.2m from £65.8m in the same period of 2021, while profits jumped to £4.4m from £0.9m. The Nottingham-based firm expects the strong H1 performance to continue for the remainder of the financial year and beyond.

Bobby Kalar, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We continue to reiterate our promise to keep delivering profitable growth and are confident this is set to continue.

“I’m very pleased to report another set of excellent results reflecting a strong and reliable performance. Remembering this is our fourth consecutive and consistent set of results I’m proud to confirm our key financial KPI’s are performing well and have exceeded our forecasts following two recent upgrades.

“Revenue is up by 96%, cash in hand has increased 37%, average monthly booking have increased by 49% and EBITDA has jumped over 400% compared to H1 2021. Our strategy is working well and our strengthened and highly disciplined business driven by our joined up processes, people and platforms continues to deliver a seamless customer experience.

“Our digital transformation program is on course and several digital projects are now live and embedded into the business. We will see additional benefits of reduced operating costs, better efficiencies and greater predictability as we scale these digital channels.

“While I’m pleased with the recent government Energy Bills Relief Scheme announcement, pledging support for business customers with their increased energy costs, I fear businesses will feel the ongoing pressure of volatile wholesale commodity prices for some time. We will continue to work hard to help our customers manage these difficult market conditions.

“A £300m Mark to Market trading position gives me comfort our hedge book is very strong, in accordance with our hedging policy, and provides significant confidence in forward gross margin.

“The successful launch of Yü Smart is a game changer in terms of value chain ownership. As well as supplying energy to our business customers we have gained certification from the Retail Energy Code (REC) and approval from Elexon and Xoserve to operate as a Meter Equipment Manager (MEM) and Meter Installer (MI) for both gas and electricity customers, creating the opportunity to install and maintain SMETS2 meters. In addition, owning the asset, creating an annuity income, provides an exciting new value pool for the Group to benefit from. I look forward to updating the market as we rapidly scale this capability.

“We performed well in the pandemic; even better in 2021, despite challenges in the market; and we expect even better performance in the remainder of 2022 and beyond. I’m reassured our business continues to prosper and will use its strength and experience as an anchor for any further turbulence. As we continue to enjoy the fruits of our hard work, I look forward to delivering significant shareholder value in the near future.

“Finally, I would like to thank my wonderful team who continue to support the Board’s target to achieve £500m revenue at over 4% EBITDA as soon as possible.“

Travel company rescued following administration deal

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Travel company rescued following administration deal
Leger Shearings Group (LSG) has sealed an administration deal, which will see the Rotherham-based escorted tours company acquire the Arena Travel brand and assets. Arena Travel went into administration on Friday 23 September with a simultaneous transition to the new ownership. The agreement will see LSG acquire the special interest and touring travel company’s database, web domains and social media pages, covering all divisions and sub-brands of Arena Travel. As part of the agreement all fifty permanent employees will retain their jobs under the TUPE protection of employees’ rights regulations. All bookings were financially protected and LSG are enabling customers to continue with their holidays as planned, so customers won’t lose out. The three Arena Travel offices in Market Harborough, Buckingham and Nacton, Suffolk will be taken over by LSG. Arena Travel, which has been in business for over 45 years, is well known for its river cruise holiday and specialist niche escorted holidays, including rail and bridge holidays. Craft holidays are operated under the Stitchtopia brand and cultural and garden tours under the Boxwood and Art Pursuits brands. The company also has a music and events division with Elvis, Memphis and Germany Tours and operates unique events in partnership with the band Queen’s fan club. Leger Shearings Group CEO Liam Race said: “I am very pleased that the Leger Shearings Group was able to acquire the Arena assets and importantly, protect jobs during these challenging times. We are offering all customers the ability to take the same holiday that they had booked with Arena Travel. “The companies share some similar products, including an excellent UK tours selection and river cruise holidays, but Arena’s very specialist holidays will add a new high-end dimension to our current portfolio.” Arena Travel’s Managing Director Steve Goodenough will remain in position and he said: “Arena Travel is long established and prior to the pandemic was very successful, but it came out of covid battered and bruised. Our plan was to have a year of recovery, however, travel disruption hit every aspect of industry, from port delays, to flight and baggage disruption, to low water in Europe’s rivers and it took its toll and the business became untenable. “I am delighted to be working with the Leger Shearing Group to rebuild the business, with the backing and security of a much larger company, which shares Arena Travel’s value of good quality service. I am especially pleased that the holidays our customers have booked will still take place, without interruption or financial penalty.” In June 2020 Leger Holidays acquired the assets of former competitor Shearings after parent company Specialist Leisure Group went into administration. The Leger Shearings Group was established in January 2021.

New fully-funded programme launched for manufacturers in the Leicester and Leicestershire region, to support post-pandemic growth

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New fully-funded programme launched for manufacturers in the Leicester and Leicestershire region, to support post-pandemic growth
Advanced manufacturers in Leicester/Leicestershire are encouraged to book spaces on the fully-funded Ambition to Grow programme. The programme has been designed to nurture entrepreneurialism in the region by improving the growth success of advanced manufacturing businesses. The programme will consist of one-to-one tailored business support from an industry expert, peer networking and a series of six masterclasses which have been designed to address the challenges faced by local manufacturing business leaders. The programme is partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund, organised by Leicester Business Gateway and delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice. To apply for the Ambition to Grow programme go to: https://bit.ly/3RaBR7o

Approval granted on widespread improvements for Staveley Town Centre

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Approval granted on widespread improvements for Staveley Town Centre
Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet has given its approval to a new long-term vision for Staveley town centre and an initial £5m package of improvements, to be delivered over the next four years. A public consultation which took place late last year showed strong support for the draft Staveley Town Centre Vision Master Plan, with 70% of respondents stating that they would be more likely to visit Staveley town centre if the Master Plan’s proposals were implemented. The immediate improvements planned for Staveley town centre also received a high level of support from the public. These improvements include the regeneration of the Market Square, a shop front improvement scheme, a new and improved link to the canal, a new landmark pavilion building, an enhanced public realm and better signposting of facilities and attractions. The initial package of improvements will be funded and delivered through the Staveley Town Deal and have been selected on the basis of their ability to improve the current town centre offer, uplift footfall, and prepare the ground for future investment. They are also deliverable within the set timeframe for the Town Deal. Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We want Staveley to be a thriving town centre, that attracts both residents and visitors, encourages new business start-ups and supports existing retailers and businesses to flourish. “We received lots of support for the ideas and proposals that we set out within the draft Vision Master Plan but we cannot deliver everything at once. Our aim is to make best use of the Staveley Town Deal funding to deliver an initial package of improvements that will help ensure Staveley has a bright future as a place to start, to stay and to grow. “We will continue to work closely with Staveley’s retailers, businesses and residents to ensure we deliver the planned improvements to time and budget.” The planned improvements, many of which are conditional on receiving planning consent, include the regeneration of the Market Square, which was supported by 77% of respondents to the public consultation. Elsewhere in the Market Square, the disused toilet block will be demolished and a landmark pavilion building with new commercial space created. The Market Square will also benefit from new paving, lighting, planting, and benches, as well as improvements to Barnfield Close to encourage members of the public to shop and socialise. Ninety percent of respondents to the public consultation indicated that they would be more likely to visit the town centre if there was more space for festivals and events, which the planned improvements are designed to achieve. The High Street will benefit from a rejuvenation of the public ream, and a shop front improvement grant scheme will encourage retailers to make changes to their store frontages. There will also be a focus on increased connectivity both to the canal and wider Staveley area with improved signage, paths and cycling hubs. These improvements were supported by 74% of respondents to the public consultation. There will also be enhanced digital connectivity through the creation of a town centre wi-fi network. As part of the process of developing the draft Vision Master Plan an independent review was undertaken by IntoPlaces Ltd., a team of three High Street Task Force experts. IntoPlaces Ltd. commented that the Vision Master Plan has the capacity to transform Staveley town centre into a vibrant hub by creating new and diverse spaces and enhancing the current offer. The planned improvements have also been supported by Derbyshire County Council. The next step is for the Council to appoint a dedicated design team to finalise the planned improvements and seek planning consent, where applicable. Councillor Kate Sarvent added: “It will take time for us to finalise our plans and gain planning consent but we are committed to working with the community throughout the delivery process in order to ensure that we achieve the best possible outcome for Staveley town centre, its residents and businesses.”
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