Silverstone Soccer hat trick raises record amount for hospice
Three was the magic number for Silverstone Fleet Management at their third annual five-a-side football fundraiser, which raised a record £3,231 for Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
Businesses from across Northamptonshire donned their football boots for the hattrick event at Daventry Football Club, which saw 10 teams compete for the much-coveted winner’s title.
Euro Building and Maintenance Contractors scooped the title and the trophy after an impressive pitch performance, with Ox Seven Talent Partners taking the runners up position and their goalkeeper being named player of the tournament.
The popular football fundraiser, which has become a much-loved yearly calendar entry, is the brainchild of Ryan Bishop, sales manager at Silverstone Fleet Management.
The self-confessed football fanatic decided to use his local business contacts and love of football to raise much needed funds for the hospice for the first time at the beginning of 2020.
Ryan was delighted by the incredible response from the Northamptonshire business community and the impressive amount of money raised, which motivated him to make it an annual event.
The first event raised over £1,000 and the fundraising target has climbed each year since, with a staggering total of more than £3,000 in the most recent tournament, which was sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors.
Some teams, such as YMD Boon, have played in all three events.
The vehicle leasing company’s nominated charity of the year, Cynthia Spencer Hospice, are hugely grateful for the invaluable support.
Nina Gandy, corporate partnerships fundraiser at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, said: “Silverstone Soccer has not only been a great event which has raised a fantastic amount for the hospice over the last three years, it has also seen a range of businesses get involved from across the county and further afield.
“We are so grateful to Silverstone Fleet Management for organising this event and encouraging support from the business community. Many teams return year on year to play in the tournament which is great to see but what tops this off is having new teams turn up, get stuck in and network with other businesses.
“It’s fantastic how the event has gone from strength to strength and we thank Scott, his team and everyone who has supported it. Together they have all made such a huge difference to our patients and their families.”
Ryan said: “It is our absolute pleasure to be able to raise much needed cash for the fantastic Cynthia Spencer Hospice. The tireless work they do really makes a huge difference to so many local families who are facing heartbreakingly tough times.
“Our Silverstone Soccer event has now raised more than £5000 over the past three years through a fun football fundraiser which is both a joy to organise and participate in. It was great to get everyone together to network and have fun.
“Thank you to everyone who came along to the event and dug deep in their pockets to donate and to our sponsors Wilson Browne Solicitors. I am over the moon that we’ve again managed to smash our fundraising target and collect such an impressive donation for the hospice.”
£10m of loans made available to fund major infrastructure projects in Leicester and Leicestershire
Jobs, homes and business space will be created as £10m is made available for loans which accelerate the creation of new infrastructure in Leicester and Leicestershire.
The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) is inviting expressions of interest in loans made available through the Growing Places Fund (GPF).
Previous GPF loans have been used to help deliver schemes including The Gresham, in Leicester city centre, and the £20m Leicester Waterside regeneration project.
GPF is a UK-wide loan scheme aimed at providing capital for major infrastructure projects.
Loans are made through a £730m Government-backed national investment fund, with expressions of interest invited from developers, local authorities and other applicants.
Andy Reed OBE, interim chair of the LLEP Board and chair of the Investment Panel, said: “The Fund will accelerate delivery of sustainable infrastructure projects that boost our local economy and create jobs.
“Our officers are ready to speak with partners who are interested in applying for loans, from £500,000 upwards, which will help to deliver growth in Leicester and Leicestershire.”
Applicants must demonstrate how their loan would contribute towards achieving objectives set out in the LLEP’s Economic Growth Strategy.
The Economic Growth Strategy sets out a number of objectives, through to 2030, under four core pillars of innovation, productivity, inclusivity and sustainability.
Neil McGhee, LLEP board member and Low Carbon champion, said: “We welcome expressions of interest from partners proposing imaginative responses to the priorities of our four strategic pillars.
“Sustainability is fundamental to LLEP strategy through to 2030 and this fund presents another opportunity to support the next wave of Low Carbon infrastructure projects.”
Growing Places funding is used for the building of homes, office and commercial developments. It could contribute to site access, clearance, broadband and transport infrastructure, utilities, refurbishment of buildings and more.
A total of £17.5m of GPF has already been loaned for projects in Leicester and Leicestershire. It has helped to create 1,786 jobs, 371 homes and more than 200,000 square metres of new or refurbished floorspace.
Developed sites have so far attracted 46 businesses, while new cycleways and roads have also been created.
Successful loans have included:
- £4m to support the transformation of the Grade II-listed former Fenwick’s department store in Leicester into The Gresham aparthotel, commercial units and almost 12,000 sq ft of new co-working space.
- £1.2m towards the £20m Leicester Waterside regeneration project, to transform a 150-acre former industrial site into a thriving neighbourhood with hundreds of new homes and commercial workspaces. The project is expected to create 455 jobs.
- £4.4m over three investments at Optimus Point, in Glenfield, between 2014 and 2017. Funds were used to fund on and off-site infrastructure. The site has the potential to create up to 2,000 jobs.
Joules expects “significant loss” as trading softens
Joules, the Market Harborough-based lifestyle group, is expecting a “significant loss” in its first half, according to a trading update.
It comes as the firm “continues positive discussions” with Next about both adopting its Total Platform services to support its long-term growth plans and a potential equity investment.
In the group’s previous trading update on 19 July, it reported significant pressure on gross margins with consumer appetite weighted towards mark-downs amidst a heavily promotional environment. Over the subsequent five weeks (to 14 August), Joules says trading has softened materially.
It noted that the recent extremely warm and dry summer weather has adversely affected full price sales of core categories such as outerwear, rainwear, knitwear, and wellies and has compounded the ongoing subdued consumer demand due to the cost of living crisis.
Retail sales have been down over this five-week period, resulting in an 8% year-on-year reduction in retail sales in the 11 weeks of the current financial year to date.
Wholesale trading for the Joules brand meanwhile has achieved 10% growth year-on-year despite delays experienced in US ports.
Joules said: “As a result of the recent softness in trading and the current weak consumer sentiment…the Board expects a significant loss in the first half, followed by an improved performance in the second half as the benefits of business simplification begin to be realised. In light of this, the Board currently expects the group to deliver a full year loss before tax, and before adjusting items, significantly below current market expectations.”
Last chance to enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 – nominations close TODAY
With nominations closing TODAY (Friday 19 August) for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, this is your last chance to shine a light on property and construction businesses, professionals, and projects in our region!
An opportunity to reward the hard work of your team, boost morale, and showcase your successes, the Bricks celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of the East Midlands, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools.
We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes.
The glittering awards ceremony revealing winners will take place on Thursday 15 September at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, also offering the perfect chance to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. The event will additionally feature John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker.
Nominations for the awards close TODAY. 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 exceptional companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking. Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
Chesterfield’s Corrugated Case Company acquired by global packaging specialist
The Corrugated Case Company (CCC), based in Chesterfield, has been acquired by the UK arm of global packaging specialists, Tri-Wall.
Tri-Wall UK Ltd, with its HQ in Monmouth, has signed a deal to take over CCC, with a clear intention to expand operations, invest in equipment and grow jobs.
Founded in 1996, The Corrugated Case Company has become one of the UK’s leading specialists in the design and manufacture of corrugated packaging products.
Gavin Peters, the UK CEO of Tri-Wall, says: “This is a great opportunity for both CCC and Tri-Wall to expand and grow into a stronger position. With CCC on board, we enlarge our footprint, both geographically and in product range, positioning us as the go-to supplier for all things packaging.”
He adds: “The business and people at CCC are fantastic and we are privileged to have them on board. The energy and enthusiasm I have felt from them throughout this process has been infectious and I cannot wait to start the integration process. We will all be learning from each other to develop better group practices and to provide our customers with even more product range.”
Mark Wilcockson, the CEO of CCC, says: “It’s with great delight that we are joining the Tri-Wall UK family. Throughout the acquisition process it’s been evident that the ethics, ethos and values of our businesses are completely aligned.
“We’re very excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for our staff, our suppliers and importantly our customers both existing and new. The future shines brightly and we’re delighted to be on the next part of our journey alongside the Tri-Wall UK team.”
Tony Hession, the chairman of CCC, adds: “At The Corrugated Case Company, we are delighted to pass on our business activities and the future of the business to Tri-Wall UK. This acquisition will be the start of the next phase of development for our company, with all the advantages that being part of a worldwide group will bring.”
Tri-Wall UK now has a turnover of over £60 million and has plans to grow over the coming months.
Growth off the menu for small firms as cost crunch bites deep, new report finds
Hopes of a small business-led economic recovery from the pandemic may be under threat, according to the Small Business Index (SBI) report for Q2 2022 from Federation of Small Business (FSB), which is published in full today.
The combined proportion of small firms who predict that they will stay the same size (38.7%) or downsize or even close their business (14.7%), at 53.4%, outweighs the 46.6% who predict they will grow in the coming 12 months.
The results differed by sector, with a better outlook for businesses in the information and communication sector, where 62.9% of businesses expected to grow in the next year, compared with only 33.9% of wholesale and retail firms, and 34.9% of hospitality sector businesses.
Small firms’ anaemic growth predictions coincided with the highest-recorded proportion of firms saying their costs are higher than a year ago, at 89.0%, and with the highest level of producer price inflation for four decades in June.
Fuel (cited by 64.2%) and utilities (63.5%) were the most-mentioned causes of this increase in costs, both up notably from the first quarter (60.1% and 58.0% respectively), and far higher than this time last year (Q2 2021: fuel cited as a cost increase factor by 25.9%, and utilities by 27.6%).
Of those businesses which expect to grow in the coming year, two thirds (65.1%) cite the domestic economy as a potential barrier to expansion, a figure which has risen from 58.6% in the Q1 report.
Lack of access to appropriately skilled staff was also noted as a significant worry, mentioned by 33.9% of businesses which expect to grow as a limiting factor. With ONS statistics showing there were 1.3 million vacancies in Q2, many firms are not able to find the staff they need, putting normal operations and usual opening hours – let alone plans to grow – in question.
Yet Q2 2022 also saw more small businesses reporting a fall in employee numbers than growing their payrolls, the first time this has happened since Q1 2021. One in ten small businesses (10.8%) grew their number of employees over the previous quarter, but were outnumbered by the one in seven (14.4%) who saw staff numbers fall over the same period.
More positively, a net balance of 7.2% of respondents anticipate that their employee base will increase in size in Q3, although this is around half the figure who predicted the same ahead of Q2 (14.5%), and many may find it tricky to get the people they need on board.
Natalie Gasson-McKinley, FSB development manager, said: “The fall in GDP in the second quarter and the record-high inflation figures show the scale of what small businesses are up against, with our second quarter Small Business Index uncovering warning signs in many different indicators, from overall confidence to staff numbers and growth aspirations.
“Longer-term, those hopeful of solving the UK’s long-running productivity puzzle will not find much cause for cheer in this report, with small businesses held back from growing and investing by numerous factors.
“A healthy business ecosystem requires businesses of all sizes to be able to realise their ambitions – from one-person start-ups with a great idea, through the small and medium-sized businesses which form the bedrock of the economy, right up to the largest companies, who rely on countless smaller suppliers and service providers.
“With our research indicating that smaller firms’ intentions to grow are muted at best, with businesses planning to grow outnumbered by those expecting to stay the same size, shrink, or even close their business, a key driver of economic recovery is threatened.
“Inflation is higher than at any point for the last four decades, and is also acting as an inhibitor to investment – machinery, parts, software, tools, rents, and employment and operating costs in general are all increasing in price more rapidly than small businesses can run to keep up. It’s a toxic recipe for the future health of the economy.
“If the next Government wants to be able to level up the country, small business considerations must be at the heart of its thinking. Our members are looking for concrete help.”
FSB’s small business manifesto:
- A reversal of the recent rises in National Insurance
- A VAT cut, especially on energy bills
- An overhaul of the business rates system and an increase to £25,000 in the rateable value threshold for relief (in England)
- Help on energy prices for small businesses, by including them in the price cap, and offering relief via discretionary funding as well as through the business rates system
- A cut in fuel duty
- Making corporate boards directly accountable for late payments to suppliers, which put an untimely end to thousands of otherwise-viable small firms every year.
Chesterfield drilling firm secures seven-figure loan to deliver green power to Ethiopia
A Chesterfield-based onshore deep drilling specialist has secured a seven-figure loan to help finance its work on the construction of two ‘green’ power stations in Ethiopia.
The Marriott Drilling Group has raised the funding from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF). The projects at Tulu Moye and Hawassa will be the country’s first independent power stations and will run off geothermal energy harnessed by drilling deep into the volcanic rocks below.
Marriott has already invested in two new rigs that are currently being shipped to Ethiopia. The funding will provide working capital to support the ongoing operations, which will last for four years and require up to 160 technical staff between the two sites at any one time.
Marriott, which won the Queen’s Award for International Trade earlier this year, provides services worldwide to the geothermal, water, mining, and oil and gas industries. The business was founded in 1947 by agricultural engineer Richard Marriott to drill wells for water supplies. In the 1990s, it began to diversify into other industries and played a key role in discovering oil in Belize and developing the country’s first oil field.
The company, which is now run by the founder’s grandsons Paul Marriott and Jonti Hobday, employs around 300 staff and is currently working on other projects in Ireland, Switzerland, Mozambique, Kenya, Ethiopia and Bolivia. Over the past two years, it has increased its annual turnover from £33m to £42m and aims to raise this to over £70m over the next two years. The funding is expected to create around 18 new jobs in Chesterfield.
David Jones, financial controller at Marriott Group, said: “The projects at Tulu Moye and Hawassa will be critical in rolling out renewable energy to meet Ethiopia’s growing power needs and we are delighted to be playing our part. However large-scale contracts like these require us to have the right finance in place. The funding from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance will provide additional capital to support the day-to-day operations on site.”
Andy Tyas of Mercia added: “Growing interest in geothermal power is opening up new opportunities for the Marriott Group. It is great to be able to support its work on these projects, which will enable it to continue to build its international reputation while supporting sustainable development in Ethiopia.”
WilSon Energy lands contract to retrofit cutting-edge metering technology into 250 homes
Newark-based WilSon Energy, a provider of fully integrated Heating, Metering, Pre-Payment and Billing & Bureau Services for residential homes and commercial developments, has won a new contract to deploy the latest LoRaWAN technology as part of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI).
The project will see a network of 250 residential properties in Stevenage benefitting from WilSon Energy’s implementation of the latest cutting-edge heat metering technology.
LoRaWAN is communications protocol that wirelessly connects “things” to the internet in regional, national, or global networks. Its popularity is growing in the residential property space as it is an easy-to-deploy, simple-to-manage, resilient, robust and cost-effective solution for managing heating, cooling, electricity, water and gas metering.
Together with Axioma Metering, the project will feature Qalcosonic E3 smart ultrasonic heat energy meters with LoRa modules operating within WilSon’s intelligent data management platform solution.
Andy Wilkinson, CEO WilSon Energy, said: “With this partnership we are able to provide customers with a one-stop shop solution; the smart heat energy meter, LoRaWAN network and IoT platform.”
Through the collaboration, the WilSon platform will allow building administrators to monitor and analyse data; use the data for billing; generate balancing, consumption and leakage reports; as well as receive customisable alerts. This includes immediate notifications of any water leaks in order to prevent damage to their infrastructure and avoid un-billed cases.
A spokesperson from the property management company added: “With the previous system that was deployed by a former contractor, the project has been inherently troubled with many issues over the last few years. Residents have been understandably unhappy about receiving incorrect bills or not being billed at all due to technical issues. With WilSon Energy on board we are now able to rectify this.
“We’re looking forward to working with the WilSon Energy team to roll out the latest technology to residents at our Stevenage development. The implementation of this smart metering will provide a myriad of benefits, including accurate readings and a more cost-effective solution for utility bill management. This will ensure accurate billing and help our residents monitor and manage their energy usage.”
Ultrasonic measurement is considered the most reliable way of measuring the hot or chilled water flow by providing accurate consumption reporting, as the data is collected automatically, while residents can monitor their energy usage with the help of a mobile App.
In addition, the advanced metering infrastructure can lower billing costs and minimise errors by eliminating the traditional drive-by/walk-by meter data collection, as all meters are equipped with LoRa modules permitting data to be transmitted to the system effectively and without the possibility of intervention.
Dan Mayfield, WilSon’s support and operations manager explained: “Working together in the market like this, enables us to have a strong focus and accelerate the development of our IoT platform.”
WilSon Energy is carrying out the full mechanical and electrical installation of all metering devices and central concentrators. The project will enable the property management company to experience the benefit of the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) for the first time.
Cadman Capital Group strengthens wine portfolio with acquisition of wine accessories business
Cadman Capital, which has offices in Northampton, has acquired The Waiter’s Friend Company, a supplier of wine accessories to the Fine Dining, Hospitality, Tastings and Events markets.
This latest acquisition is part of an ongoing growth strategy as Cadman Capital looks to strengthen its wine portfolio by diversifying its offering and widening its customer base. The acquisition follows the launch of Cadman Wine, the Group’s new wine business, giving customers a better user experience and wider range. It also offers the option to use crypto as a method of payment.
Their wine portfolio also includes Highweald wine, which won Best Wine in First Year of Production at this year’s International Wine Challenge.
James Dinsdale, CEO of Cadman Capital Group, said: “The acquisition of The Waiter’s Friend Company, and its sister business The Wine Gift Centre represents our commitment to growing our wine portfolio by adding well established, recognisable and profitable businesses. We have exciting plans to expand the business and improve our offer to a broader customer base.”
The Waiter’s Friend was prepared for sale and brokered by Rupert Beazley, director of CMC Business Advisers Ltd.
Construction of new schools begins in Wellingborough
Work has commenced on two educational facilities at Glenvale Park, a 3,000 home sustainable urban extension to the north of Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.
The works comprise a new two-form entry primary school for up to 420 pupils as well as a 75-place nursery and community centre.
Alongside these works, a new children’s play park facility will be delivered, creating a flagship recreational amenity for children living in the area.
The ground-breaking ceremony marks a key point for the delivery of the development’s masterplan. In attendance were members of North Northants Council, Wellingborough Town Council, Homes England, and local community groups.
Special guest Cllr Valerie Anslow, deputy mayor of Wellingborough Town Council, cut the first piece of grass and said a few words to mark the occasion: “The ground-breaking event was a great way to celebrate work beginning on the primary and nursery schools at Glenvale Park.
“It fills me with tremendous pride to be able to kick-off these works which will bring additional school spaces to Wellingborough and be a place of inspiration for future generations. I’m looking forward to seeing how the schools progress in the coming months ahead of their opening in 2023.”
Mark Best, director of Midtown Capital, Managing Partners of Glenvale Park LLP, said: “We’re delighted that the first works have commenced on the two educational facilities at Glenvale Park, marking a significant milestone in the development’s progress as well as delivering on our commitment to generating social value for the Wellingborough area.
“The primary and nursery schools will become a space to learn for children living at Glenvale Park and beyond for many years to come. We’re excited to welcome the first pupils and their families to the schools in 2023.”
The design and delivery of the schools is being led by Kettering-based architects and lead consultants, GSSArchitecture with the main construction works driven forward by Lindum Group.
Tom Jagger, partner and project architect at GSSArchitecture, said: “It’s fantastic to see works start on site at Glenvale Park. The new primary school, community centre, nursery and play equipment will provide a key hub for the new community, offering purpose-built facilities that can enable the delivery of excellent learning opportunities for local children and benefit the wider community.”
Darren King, Managing Director at Lindum Group, said: “We have now started working on the primary school and another team from Lindum will start on the nursery in three weeks.
“To secure both contracts for the nursery and primary school will create a unique, but interesting situation for us, in the sense that we will have two separate teams working on projects that are right next to each other.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Lindum to help to expand and develop the community in our local area. I am very much looking forward to seeing this project completed and welcoming this new community into the already thriving area.”
