Record turnover for McLaren Construction’s Midlands and North division

Tess Egginton
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Record turnover for McLaren Construction’s Midlands and North division

The Midlands and North division of McLaren Construction has delivered a record turnover of £271m for the latest financial year.

Following a year of expansion for the division and McLaren Construction group as a whole, the milestone follows news that the contractor generated overall revenues up 22% to £964 million in 2022/2023 and is on course to break the £1 billion annual turnover barrier in 2023/2024.

McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has experienced growth over the past 12 months, with new appointments across its leadership, project, and sustainability teams and six projects handed over for 2022/2023.

Nationally, McLaren Construction is active across multiple markets and intends to continue growth across its residential, data centre, commercial office, leisure, health, education and remediation portfolios. This vision for expansion is shared by the Midlands and North division, which is concentrating on diversifying its public sector work, with a focus on health, education and remediation, alongside data centres and industrial and logistics schemes.

Last year, Midlands and North secured its place on the £8bn Procurement Partnerships Framework and was appointed to two of the four lots awarded to McLaren nationally. Under the construction discipline, McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) was appointed to deliver public sector projects from £15m-£30m in the East Midlands and £30m+ in the West Midlands.

The contractor is one of 87 appointed to the second-generation Framework which will run from 1 November 2023 for four years and as part of this, is expanding its portfolio of data centre projects with further schemes set for the next 12 months.

In 2024, the division will be concentrating on continued growth of its project pipelines in the industrial and logistics arena, alongside the student accommodation and data centre sectors, while strengthening and further developing its supply chain across the Midlands and North regions.

Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “The last 12 months have been consistently successful for the division and our dedicated teams have worked hard to procure schemes across a variety of sectors, strengthening our position as a reliable contractor with diverse expertise.

“The quality of our product and service will always be of utmost importance in delivery and we are looking forward to the next 12 months and our expansion in new sectors, alongside working on prominent frameworks.”

Property consultancy makes raft of promotions across East Midlands offices

Tess Egginton
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Property consultancy makes raft of promotions across East Midlands offices
A property consultancy has made a raft of promotions across its offices in the East Midlands after a successful six months. Fisher German has promoted 15 members of staff at its offices in Ashby, Market Harborough and Newark, alongside a key promotion at the top of the company. Sarah DeRenzy-Tomson, based at Fisher German’s head office in Ashby, has been named as Fisher German’s new Head of Planning. She has been a Chartered Planner for more than 20 years and has been at the firm for 10 years. She takes over from Liberty Stones, who has become the firm’s new Divisional Managing Partner for its Advisory Services division. Further promotions at Ashby include Matthew Turner and Will Bostock, who both become associate partners, Matthew Handford and James Beverley, who both become senior associates, Marc Styrdom, who becomes an associate, Beth Simpson and Abi Hicklin, who both become senior surveyors, and Amber-Rose Heys who is now a department coordinator. Deborah Smith becomes head of bid management, Chloe Sharratt becomes a senior bid coordinator, Harman Basra becomes senior learning & development manager, and Brian Shaw becomes system administrator. In Market Harborough, Joy Brankin-Frisby has been promoted to associate partner and Frances Houseman is now a senior surveyor, while Eleanor Harding in Newark becomes an associate. The promotions at Fisher German are among 46 made across its 26 offices. Sarah said: “I’m extremely pleased to be taking on the role of Head of Planning at Fisher German and leading such a motivated and proactive department. “We have a very diverse client base and as such, have three separate delivery teams within our planning department covering general practice planning, strategic planning which includes residential and commercial, infrastructure, and energy planning. “This enables each team to focus on their technical specialisms and keep up to date with any developments in legislation to deliver robust planning strategies for our clients. “Since joining Fisher German 10 years ago the planning department has changed considerably and has not only grown both in terms of numbers, but also the scale and complexity of the projects we’re delivering. “We are embedded with some really ambitious, forward-thinking clients and are continuously expanding into new geographical areas and markets. “It’s an exciting time for planning with the introduction of biodiversity net gain, significant investment in infrastructure and new technologies emerging in the energy market, as well as the implications associated with a potential change in government coming forward which could result in changes in priorities. “We are at the forefront of these changes, interpreting them and ultimately helping to make a complex process as easy as possible for our clients to traverse. “We have three fantastic planning teams who all want to have a real impact on the landscape that we all live and work in, and we’re continuing to expand the department as we look to grow further.” The promotions were made after Fisher German introduced its ‘Grow’ career progression framework, which gives its colleagues clear guidance on what is needed to progress, and the responsibilities needed at each level of the business. Richard Benson, Senior Partner at Fisher German, added: “Promotions are an opportunity to reflect and recognise the fantastic achievements of our people and to celebrate their progression in the business. “The ‘Grow’ programme was launched as way of enabling colleagues to better understand how they can progress their careers here, and all 46 promotions as a result of the programme are thoroughly deserved.”

Grant Thornton invests in M&A team

Tess Egginton
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Grant Thornton invests in M&A team
Grant Thornton UK LLP’s East team has made two senior promotions on the back of a strong year of deal activity. Stuart Davies has been promoted to Partner, with Toby Hare being promoted to Director. Stuart will continue to focus on the East of England, leading the team alongside fellow Partners Mike Tillson and Doug Bentley. The team is already the largest dedicated Corporate Finance team in the region with 15 transaction specialists, with Stuart and Toby’s news following recent promotions of Huyen Nong and Zach Rose to Manager roles, alongside the recent recruitment of Usman Khattak since the start of the year, demonstrating the team’s investment to drive further growth following a successful 2023. Grant Thornton’s M&A team specialise in working with entrepreneurs in the region with stand-out deals during the past year including the sale of nursery school provider Orchard Day Nurseries to Kindred Education, the corporate carve out of manufacturing business Strata Products in a sale to Chiltern Capital, the Management Buy-Out of pharma services business MAP Patient Access, backed by Kester Capital and two acquisitions for the UK’s fastest growing retail group, AK Retail. Stuart Davies, Corporate Finance Partner at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: “Despite a slowdown in global M&A activity from the highs of 2021, there remains a high level of liquidity in both the UK and overseas market, and appetite for strategically important acquisitions remains strong. We remain optimistic as we progress through 2024 with a strong pipeline for good quality deals.” Mike Tillson, fellow Partner in the Grant Thornton UK LLP team, said: “The recent promotions and appointments within the team demonstrate our confidence in the local market across the East of England and our confidence in the market going forwards.”

MIRA Technology Park breaks ground on next phase of development

Tess Egginton
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MIRA Technology Park breaks ground on next phase of development
Following a groundbreaking ceremony that marks the start of the next phase for MIRA Technology Park, Plot 9 has officially begun construction, acting as the inaugural building in this stage. This next phase will add one million square foot of innovation and engineering facilities to the existing 850-acre site, heralding a new era of growth, larger footprints, and enhanced opportunities for existing occupiers to scale up. Plot 9 is divided into two units, each providing 36,000 square foot of space to deliver a total area of 72,000 square foot. These units have been designed to offer a blend of workshop and office space, surrounded by natural landscaping and parking. Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midlands Engine, said: “This milestone not only represents a significant economic opportunity for the region, with over £60m of high-value employment already present, but also signals a crucial next step in the evolution of both MIRA Tech Park and the global industry it supports. “This development is a testament to the commitment of fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth, and is a key asset for the Midlands and UK’s innovation landscape.” Tim Nathan, Managing Director for MIRA Tech Park, said: “The commencement of this next phase marks a significant step forward in the realisation of our vision and a key milestone unlocking the next phase of the Tech Park. “We celebrate not only the economic growth this brings but also the spirit of collaboration that has made it possible, further establishing MIRA Tech Park as a globally attractive location and UK national asset.” Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Chief Executive, Bill Cullen said: “The council is delighted to have played its role in the latest expansion of this research and development facility on Mira Technology Park. “The development marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the park bringing opportunities for more high skilled jobs to the area. Plus making a significant contribution to the local economy.” This next phase of MIRA Tech Park is being delivered in a joint venture with real estate investor and developer, Evans Randall Investors, with the project delivery managed by Swanvale Developments. GMI has been appointed as the construction company entrusted with the construction of Plot 9 which is set to achieve strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) credentials, targeting a BREEAM rating of “Excellent” and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A.

Rolls-Royce nuclear reactor model features in new Science Museum exhibit

Stuart Pearcey
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Rolls-Royce nuclear reactor model features in new Science Museum exhibit
A model of the Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor features in a new exhibition at the Science Museum. The Energy Revolution: The Adani Green Energy Gallery at the Science Museum has opened its doors to the public and features a Rolls-Royce SMR model in the Future Power exhibition. The model highlights the innovate modular approach and the vital role our Small Modular Reactor can play in a global low-carbon future. Rolls-Royce SMR CEO Chris Cholerton said: “I’m thrilled we’ve been able to help the Science Museum explore opportunities for the world to decarbonise through a more sustainable use of energy and to show how our technology can play a part. “The Science Museum has curated a range of exciting clean technology exhibits for the gallery that tell this powerful and compelling story for the first time in such a stimulating way and I’m proud our SMR has been chosen to be at the heart of it.” Energy Revolution: The Adani Green Energy Gallery is part of the Science Museum’s free offering and replaces the Atmosphere gallery, which welcomed more than six million visitors between 2010 and 2022. The Rolls-Royce SMR is a radically different approach to delivering new nuclear power based on proven reactor technology. Each of the ‘factory-built’ nuclear power stations will provide enough low-carbon electricity to power a million homes for more than 60 years.

Alstom to mothball Litchurch Lane factory

Tess Egginton
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Alstom to mothball Litchurch Lane factory
The production lines are stopping at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane factory in Derby, with the train-manufacturing site set to be mothballed. It puts 3,000 jobs on the line following 10 months of discussions with Government in an attempt to secure the facility’s future. The loss of work and jobs in Derby will also have a knock-on effect on the local and national supply chain, where it supports 15,000 jobs. It comes as the factory faces a significant 18-month production gap and HS2 delays, meaning it cannot continue functioning in the interim. Alstom said in a statement: “We have worked constructively with the government on securing a sustainable future for Derby Litchurch Lane, but after 10 months of discussions we have run out of time, and the production lines have stopped. We will now consult with our staff, with trades unions and with our UK supply chain to provide as much certainty as we can.”

East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “The uncertainty at Alstom has dragged on for too long and the government need to act urgently to safeguard production at Litchurch Lane.

“We know that as a country we have new rolling stock needs that can be met by the highly skilled workforce we have in Derby and its wider regional supply chain – any inability to iron out the gaps in orders would represent a significant failure of national planning and have detrimental knock-on effects in Derby, Derbyshire and across the country.

“This can’t be allowed to happen – it is imperative government intervention is stepped up so we can get a workable resolution that protects jobs in the sector now and for the long-term future.”

Nottingham City Council’s Workplace Travel Service secures new funding stream

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham City Council’s Workplace Travel Service secures new funding stream
Nottingham City Council’s Transforming Cities-funded Workplace Travel Service has wrapped up after two years, helping 87 local businesses and organisations. Although the initial Government support for Nottingham City Council’s Transforming Cities-funded Workplace Travel Service has ended, the authority has another stream of funding for 2024/2025. This comes from the Government’s Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Block, which means the team can assist more local businesses and organisations with sustainable travel improvements. In the past two years, the Workplace Travel Service has:
  • Worked with 87 local businesses and organisations to support them with either 100% or 75% funded improvements
  • Awarded more than £800,000 in grants to enable the installation of green travel measures, including EV chargers, bike shelters, pool e-bikes and more
Recently the programme installed four 22 kW 3 phase EV charging points at A.N. Wallis, a Bulwell business which manufactures earthing, lightning protection and other electrical items for projects around the world. The company plans to offer free charging for staff with electric vehicles to encourage them to ditch more polluting cars. After A.N. Wallis applied for help to install the charging points, the Council provided a grant of £9,271 to cover the work. A.N. Wallis contributed 25% towards the overall cost. Simon Sorsby, Engineering Director at A.N. Wallis, said: “As a local manufacturer working on many renewable projects nationwide, sustainability is very important to us and a key part of our ongoing efforts to be a good corporate citizen in everything we do. “We decided to apply for the grant to charge both our company EV vehicles and allow our employees to charge up at work too, encouraging them to switch away from petrol and diesel cars. “Assisted by our new charge points, we plan to move our company fleet to 100% electric by 2025, helping us save 32 tonnes of CO2 a year.” Councillor Angela Kandola, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Transport and Planning at Nottingham City Council, said: “Helping local businesses and other organisations become greener and cut harmful air pollution is a key goal of the City Council, and I’m delighted that our Workplace Travel Service can continue to make a big difference locally thanks to this new Government funding. “I encourage all local businesses, groups, charities and public sector organisations to think about what green travel improvements they could benefit from and then apply via our friendly team.”

Home and garden PR agency enters phase of rapid growth with team and services expansion

Michael Fisher
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Home and garden PR agency enters phase of rapid growth with team and services expansion
Specialist home and garden PR agency, Honest Communications, has announced the expansion of its team and services, with the creation of its first-ever Operations Director and the launch of its influencer marketing platform, The Honest Network. The promotion of longstanding employee, Fay Clarkson, to the position of Operations and Account Director bolsters the business’s leadership team, joining founder Holly Daulby at the helm of the company. Fay, who is one of Honest Communication’s first employees having joined the company in 2020 and has recently returned to the business following maternity leave, will be the driving force behind the agency’s operations and systems, leading on team productivity and efficiency. She will also be continuing to oversee her client portfolio and account director responsibilities, as well as ensuring the Honest team continues to achieve stellar results for its clients. Offering brands in its portfolio a fully integrated approach to communications with PR, social media, content creation and brand voice, Honest Communications has also launched its aptly named influencer marketing platform – The Honest Network. Designed to bring brands and influencers together, the Honest Network provides a unique way of connecting companies with the very best content creators in the industry, uniting both parties to deliver top-quality campaigns. While creating social media campaigns is at the heart of the Honest Network, it’s also about creating a community. Members will be among the first to hear the latest news from Honest’s clients, receive product samples, attend exclusive webinars, be invited to in-person networking events, and gain exclusive behind-the-scenes access to brands at events such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. These exciting updates come as the business enters a rapid phase of growth, having just celebrated its fifth anniversary and welcomed numerous new clients, including premium greenhouse manufacturer, Alitex, to its portfolio. Holly commented: “It’s an incredibly exciting time for us as an agency. We have secured several client wins over the past couple of months (watch this space for more updates on that of very soon!), and we are currently recruiting for two new positions – an account manager and an account executive – to help service these new accounts. We have big plans for 2024 and beyond, and hope to further expand our team, portfolio and services!” The Derby-based agency provides PR and social media support for a host of popular household names such as Wilkinson Sword Garden Tools, Henchman, Town & Country, elho, WOLF-Garten, Seedball, Hillier Garden Centres, and Cobra.

Leicester property investor sells two industrial units

Tess Egginton
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Leicester property investor sells two industrial units
Leicester property investor Custodian Property Income REIT has sold two industrial units. A site in Weybridge has been disposed of for £6m, while the firm has unconditionally exchanged on the disposal of a vacant industrial unit in Warrington for £9m. The Warrington disposal is expected to complete in mid-April 2024 and total proceeds from the disposals of £15m will be used towards repaying the company’s existing revolving debt facility. Richard Shepherd-Cross, Managing Director of Custodian Capital Limited (the company’s external fund manager), said: “Whilst planning consent has been received to redevelop the Warrington site we believe that, due to a lack of occupier demand and the ability to crystallise a substantial profit for our shareholders, now is the best time to sell. “Selling vacant property is particularly accretive to earnings by both saving void costs and reducing interest expense. “The Weybridge asset has provided a healthy level of income over its four years of ownership and having re-let the unit in 2022 at an increased level of rent, we believe future rental growth may not meet our income growth expectations going forwards so we have made the decision to sell.”

Funding sees automotive remanufacturer drive growth overseas

Tess Egginton
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Funding sees automotive remanufacturer drive growth overseas

Grantham-headquartered engineering firm Autocraft Solutions Group has secured a £24 million Asset Based Lending facility from HSBC UK to fund domestic growth and set up new facilities in Europe and the USA.

The facility will directly fund significant growth for Autocraft Solutions Group’s existing UK and European contracts with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and as part of the expansion plans, the business is projected to increase turnover by over 50 per cent and to increase its headcount by over 10 per cent.

The funding will also assist Autocraft Solutions Group in accelerating its expansion plans by replicating its REVIVE® facility in Arnhem in the Netherlands at multiple global locations, including Scandinavia, Southern Europe and North America. The first of these locations is expected to open in mid-2025, which will enable the business to grow with existing and new global customers.

The new REVIVE® sites will triage, repair and remanufacture EV battery packs, enabling the business to process 1,400 EV batteries each year. This more environmentally friendly alternative to creating new battery packs will see each facility save around 1,500 tonnes of CO2, six megawatt-hours of electricity and two million litres of water per year.

Mike Hague-Morgan, Executive Director at Autocraft Solutions Group, said: “We are growing the legacy of engine remanufacturing, and we’re also at the forefront of EV technology. HSBC UK’s global capabilities made the bank an ideal partner to support our next phase of growth and international expansion. Importantly, the bank also shares our passion for green-tech and helping our customers in their journey to net-zero.” 

Sam Owen, Business Development Director at HSBC UK, added: “Autocraft Solutions Group is playing an important role in the automotive sector’s transition to net zero, and this deal provides the business with financial firepower to boost supply to the growing EV market.” 

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