APSS eyes further growth following office furniture business buyout
Lincolnshire-based APSS Group has acquired furniture supply and installation business TPS Office Furniture Ltd, significantly expanding its furniture offering and expertise.
For over 25 years, APSS, as part of the APSS Group, has been at the forefront of designing and creating dynamic spaces for office, retail, healthcare, educational and industrial environments.
Following the acquisition, TPS Office Furniture Ltd, which will maintain its distinctive identity, will join the group and operate from the APSS Group’s headquarters on Kingsley Road, Lincoln. Founder Ted Sidebottom will stay on as a consultant and Rob Coomber as installations manager to ensure a seamless transition.
Laurence Barrass, APSS Managing Director, expressed his enthusiasm, emphasising that integrating Ted and his team’s knowledge will strengthen APSS Group’s comprehensive range of services.
“This acquisition aligns perfectly with the APSS Group’s growth trajectory. Over the past 25 years we have evolved from providing office partitions to offering a complete design and fit-out service,” explained Laurence.
“With TPS Office Furniture now on board, a dedicated service for standalone furniture will be available to our customers across the East Midlands and throughout the UK.
“The synergy between the two companies will benefit both sets of customers. TPS Office Furniture’s clients now have access to APSS’ team of skilled commercial design and fit-out specialists, enhancing workspace efficiency.
“Simultaneously, APSS customers now have a broader range of furniture options and over 30 years of knowledge, contacts, and experience at their disposal.”
Ted added: “I’ve really enjoyed my time in the furniture industry and I have built up a lot of good relationships and I am excited by this next chapter.”
TopHat secures £15m debt facility with Homes England
TopHat, the Volumetric Modular house builder, has agreed a £15 million debt facility with Homes England.
It follows previous news that TopHat raised £70 million from existing and new shareholders including listed housebuilder Persimmon and institutional investor Aviva Capital Partners.
The new investment raised this year by TopHat will be transformational for the company, enabling it to scale-up production and accelerate manufacturing capacity as it draws closer to opening Europe’s largest modular housing factory in Corby, Northamptonshire in 2024.
TopHat currently manufactures energy-efficient homes from its first factory in Derby, which is capable of delivering 800 homes a year. The company will begin production from its 650,000 square feet advanced manufacturing facility in Corby in 2024, where it will employ 1,000 people from the local community and manufacture up to 4,000 ultra-low carbon homes every year.
Jordan Rosenhaus, CEO of TopHat, said: “The investment TopHat has received from Homes England alongside others, including Goldman Sachs, Persimmon and Aviva Capital Partners, reflects the continuing recognition that it is simply not possible to build enough new homes, including affordable homes, without a strong volumetric modular sector.
“Following some recent, well-publicised challenges, which will always be faced by pioneering, innovative sectors, I am especially pleased that our investors have all recognised the critical importance of expanding the capacity of the sector.”
The debt facility is funded via Homes England’s Levelling Up Home Building Fund, which supports innovative developers to build more homes more quickly.
Peter Denton, Chief Executive of Homes England, said: “This funding will support TopHat to manufacture more than four times the number of new homes it currently can each year. Not only will this significantly increase the delivery capacity of the MMC sector as a whole in the UK, it will also create 1,000 jobs.
“It is vital we continue to support innovations that promote a diverse, efficient homebuilding sector. This is about a long-term commitment to driving forward the creation of quality, thriving places for people to live and work.”
Persimmon plc, the listed homebuilder, invested in TopHat earlier in 2023 establish a strategic partnership between the two businesses that provides guaranteed access to both TopHat’s innovative brick façade product as well as highly energy efficient modular homes.
Pilot homes have been built by TopHat as part of Persimmon’s scheme in Stroud, Gloucestershire with additional further opportunities identified. Detailed technical work continues to integrate the brick façade with Persimmon’s own Space4 timber frame panels.
Dean Finch, Group Chief Executive of Persimmon, said: “We are delighted that Homes England has joined this year’s funding round and demonstrated its commitment to the important role TopHat’s brick façade product and volumetric modular homes can play in meeting our country’s housing needs.
“We continue to work closely with Jordan and his team to build upon our initial pilot scheme to develop a larger work plan that incorporates TopHat’s products into our build programme.”
Henry Brothers receives Green Apple Award for SportPark Pavilion 4
Construction company, Henry Brothers, has received an award for Environmental Best Practice at the Green Apple Environment Awards.
Designed to recognise organisations across the world that show innovation and commitment to being environmentally responsible, Henry Brothers received the prestigious accolade for its work on SportPark Pavilion 4, built for Loughborough University.
Ian Taylor, Managing Director at Henry Brothers Construction, said: “It is fantastic to have been recognised on an international level for our efforts to help Loughborough University decarbonise its estate.
“Having achieved Passivhaus Classic accreditation, widely regarded as the most challenging energy efficiency and comfort standards in the world, SportPark Pavillion 4 adds to our already impressive portfolio of sustainable builds.
“This accolade is testament to the dedication of our staff to make a meaningful impact on the communities in which we operate and further strengthens our commitment to net zero.”
Joel Callow, founding director of Beyond Carbon Associates, worked alongside Henry Brothers to obtain Passivhaus Classic accreditation for the build. Joel said: “We are delighted that one of our favourite Passivhaus projects has won this prestigious award.
“A notable achievement for Henry Brothers and setting a great example both for the region and nationally, as Sportpark Pavilion 4 is one of the very few certified Passivhaus office buildings in the UK. Great leadership by Loughborough University.”
Ford & Stanley secures exclusive recruitment partnership with Unipart Rail
Derby-based talent specialist Ford & Stanley is celebrating a three-year contract win with tech and supply chain solutions provider Unipart Rail, part of Unipart Group, after being selected as its exclusive recruitment partner.
The agreement follows an initial period of working closely together throughout 2022, with intent to enter into a partnership agreement in 2023. Ford & Stanley will be responsible for the provision of permanent and contract recruitment services spanning white collar and executive search across all business disciplines over the next 24 – 36 months.
Wanda Elliott, human resource director, Unipart Rail, said: “As part of a review of our recruitment processes within Unipart Rail, we were exploring new initiatives that would enable our business to secure a competitive advantage in a highly competitive recruitment and candidate market.
“We wanted to move away from transactional recruitment with several suppliers to a long-term collaborative partnership and were looking for a recruitment partner with a strong track record of delivering successful recruitment partnerships, who understands and operates within our varied areas of expertise, and whose values are aligned with our own.
“Our biggest asset is our people, so finding the right partner to provide us with the right people was essential to underpin our growth and to ensure we have the right capability to support our customers in improving the performance of their operations; positioning us as the Performance Improvement Partner for the rail industry.”
Daniel Taylor, director, Ford & Stanley Group, said: “Our partnership with Unipart Rail is based on a shared commitment to excellence and a multi-disciplinary approach. Together, we aim to deliver exceptional services and provide a range of modern recruitment solutions beyond sourcing top talent.”
As well as providing a dedicated account delivery team to Unipart Rail, Ford & Stanley has pledged several sustainability-driven commitments, including its ‘A Tree For Every Placement’ initiative.
Each time a hire is successfully appointed, an oak tree is planted that provides up to 500 years of daily environmental benefit.
Join Streets Chartered Accountants’ Autumn Statement webinar
Following Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement today, join Streets Chartered Accountants for a post event webinar tomorrow at 11am.
Colleagues from Streets Tax and Streets’ financial services team will present on the announcements made along with providing an update on topical issues affecting business clients and private individuals during this tax year 2023/24.
Whilst the Autumn Statement will most likely focus on measures to bring down inflation, it is likely to provide some indication as to the treatment of taxation and potential changes that might take place in the Spring Budget 2024.
This presentation will be recorded and available on demand for those not able to join live. Simply register to receive a link to watch on demand.
Ideagen makes sixth acquisition of 2023
Ideagen, a provider of software solutions for regulated industries, has acquired Australian tech disruptors Op Central.
Ideagen CEO Ben Dorks said: “The acquisition of Op Central enables Ideagen to provide something that every compliance professional desires: time.
“Productivity is a huge concern for businesses globally and is increasingly being discussed at board level as reduced productivity impacts both the top and bottom line.
“With organizations being forced to do more with fewer or the same resources, the one element that cannot be compromised is compliance.
“Ideagen Op Central and it’s AI functionality will do the heavy lifting for organizations on essential but time-consuming tasks, freeing up people to focus on adding the value where it makes the biggest difference.”
Headquartered in South Yarra Victoria, Op Central is Ideagen’s third Australian acquisition of 2023, following on from collaboration and compliance solution Ideagen OnePlace Solutions in May and Health safety and quality software Ideagen Lucidity last month.
Josh Cairns, CEO of Op Central, added: “Joining Ideagen brings immense opportunities for Op Central and we’re excited about the possibilities this could unlock.
“We know our customers see our platform as a game changer in helping them manage multi-site operations. Our tech, combined with Ideagen’s reach and resources, means we can empower more organizations globally to increase their operational consistency.
“We’re thrilled about the potential this move brings, as it sets the stage for a new chapter of growth for us.”
Op Central is Ideagen’s sixth acquisition of 2023 following Qadex (now Ideagen Quality Management Food and Beverage edition) in January, Ideagen Tritan and Ideagen OnePlace Solutions in May, Ideagen DevonWay in September, and Ideagen Lucidity in October.
Gateley reports “resilient” performance in first half
Professional services group Gateley has hailed a “resilient performance” in its half year results, amidst a challenging market due to macro-economic conditions.
According a trading update ahead of its half year results for the six months ended 31 October 2023 (H1 24), group revenue grew by 7% and is expected to be not less than £81.5m.
Underlying profit before tax, meanwhile, is expected to be not less than £10m, representing growth of 4%.
Rod Waldie, Chief Executive Officer of Gateley, said: “Given the economic conditions during the period, I am pleased with the group’s performance in H1 24 and improving activity levels as the financial year progresses mean that we are carrying good momentum into H2.
“Whilst the macroeconomic and geopolitical outlook remains uncertain, the group continues to benefit from the resilience created by our strategy of investing in a diverse and complementary range of professional services.
“Our balance sheet provides a strong foundation from which to take a long-term view of potential opportunities to further invest in both legal and consultancy services.
“Finally, as always, I would like to thank our clients for their support and our dedicated people for their ongoing hard work, commitment and can-do attitude.”
Leicester gets share in new call centre jobs created by British Gas
Leicester is one of several UK locations chosen by British Gas to increase the number of jobs at its call centres.
The company is hiring over 700 new roles across its network of energy contact centres, helping to boost its existing customer service teams in Leicester, Leeds, Stockport, Edinburgh, and Cardiff as the winter heating season begins. These roles will all be in post by the end of the year with continued hiring taking place in January as part of the company’s aim to move call centre resource to the UK.
Last winter, British Gas experienced an increase in call volume due to the energy crisis and invested £25 million in its customer services operations to meet this demand. Whilst energy prices have come down, the company still expects customers to need support so is continuing to boost its UK teams. The increased staff will also mean longer opening times for British Gas customers of 8am to 6pm on weekdays and 9am to 2pm on Saturday.
British Gas has a £100 million support package in place to help customers who are struggling with energy costs – the largest voluntary support package offered by a UK supplier. Its customer services teams will receive additional training in how to help customers in financial difficultly including directing them to available support.
Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, parent company of British Gas, said: “Although energy prices have come down slightly, many of our customers are still struggling overall with the cost of living and need to speak to us for longer about their energy bills. Strengthening our UK call centre operations will allow us to help more households with expert advice and support during this time.
“I’m extremely proud of how our expert teams support our customers every day – in the past year they’ve helped over 1 million customers who’ve been struggling to afford their bills with additional support such as grants, debt relief and payment plans.”
In addition to hiring UK based call centre staff, British Gas will continue to train apprentices to help accelerate the drive to net zero and to fix boilers and ensure people are heating their homes efficiently over the winter. The company has a strong history of boosting jobs and training in the UK with 3,500 new apprentices to be hired by 2030.
Nottingham Forest submits plans for new ‘Fan Zone’
Nottingham Forest Football Club is seeking permission for a new ‘Fan Zone’ at its City Ground, in the car park to the rear of the Brian Clough Stand.
The plans include converted shipping containers, a modular unit, and mini marquees to provide a temporary Fan Zone with Food & Beverage and merchandise.
The focal point will be a Media Screen with seating, with the perimeter areas for the bar and beverage and merchandising offerings.
A design statement submitted by Benoy on behalf of the football club says: “There is a drive from the Premier League and English Football League to make football a more family friendly environment. There is also ambition by the Club to make a statement in respect of environmental sustainability which our ownership our passionate about. The Fanzone is seen as a vehicle to demonstrate this.
“The Football Club propose to change the use of a small section of their existing car park to generate greater excitement around the matchday experience with activations before and
after the game. To provide supporters with a safe environment as a starting point to help generate the atmosphere pre-game and a place to enjoy food & drink, music and activities for all.”
Tyre dealer faces £1,325 penalty for waste tyre offences
Failure to failing to submit waste transfer notes when asked to move 844 tyres from his base has cost a Derbyshire tyre dealer £1,325.
Wayne Rogers, 40, who operated as ECO Tyres rear of Church Street, Swadlincote, admitted the offence and was fined £518, ordered to pay costs of £600 and the victim surcharge of £207 coming to a total of £1325.
The court was told that Environment Agency officers visited his premises following information that a large number of tyres were being stored around the premises. The officers visited the site again on 11 October to find that the tyres had been removed. However, Rogers then failed to produce the waste transfer note.
Further attempts to contact Rogers via mobile phone and email were ignored. Rogers was issued with a fixed penalty notice for failing to produce waste transfer notes which he failed to pay. Every person who produces, carries, keeps or disposes of waste is subject to duty of care legislation to ensure the waste is managed appropriately, which includes ensuring the transfer of waste is recorded.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “The requirements to keep and produce waste transfer notes are in place to protect the public and environment.
“Failing to comply with legal requirements to keep and produce records undermines legitimate businesses that work hard to operate within the regulations. The regime is intended to ensure that waste is disposed of correctly. The production of transfer notes is an important aspect of that regime.
“We hope this sentence sends out a clear message to others that proper records as required under the law must be maintained and produced when required.”
