New director of landscape architecture appointment for Pick Everard in Leicester

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New director of landscape architecture appointment for Pick Everard in Leicester
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has made a key hire with the appointment of Nicola Hamill as its new director of landscape architecture, further driving the firm’s growth. 

Nicola brings with her almost three decades of experience in the public realm, enhancing the team’s capabilities, output, and innovations. Her expertise lies specifically in working on urban design, regeneration, and developing places for people, with previous projects having included the Finberry homes development in South Ashford. 

Her day-to-day responsibilities will see her engaging in mentoring, interdisciplinary discussions, and design reviews, working initially across two of the firm’s locations in London and Leicester. 

Nicola said: “Pick Everard is a firm that’s renowned for its dynamic approach and diverse project portfolio. The potential here to expand my capabilities while working alongside a broad spectrum of clients and consultants was one of the large draws for me. It’s an exciting time for Pick Everard and I feel privileged to be part of the team.

“Leadership is about identifying, bringing out, and enhancing a team’s individual skills and strengths, and marrying them to our business objectives. This is where my focus will be in my new role, so that we can further build towards our targets and support sector growth.” 

As part of her new role, Nicola will be tasked with supporting on the firm’s response to emerging needs, particularly with the recent biodiversity net gain legislation. Her expertise will be instrumental in supporting Pick Everard’s fledgling environmental services discipline, while driving a company ethos of delivering better together for clients and communities. 

David Shaw, national design director at Pick Everard, said: “Nicola joining our team will be a tremendous asset going forward for Pick Everard. Her extensive experience and innovative approach to landscape design aligns uniquely well with our commitment to excellence and sustainable development.  

“Likewise, Nicola’s vision for team growth and her skills in mentorship will undoubtedly enhance our capabilities, driving our projects to new heights. I’m looking forward hugely to the positive impact she will have on our team, the collaborative and holistic approach to project design for clients, and shaping our future projects, as well as the landscape architecture sector as a whole.”  

Another year of significant growth as over £5.2m invested into Derbion by retailers

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Another year of significant growth as over £5.2m invested into Derbion by retailers

Expanding Derby retail and leisure destination, Derbion, has announced another year of significant growth with over £5.2 million invested into the centre by retailers through new lettings, store upsizes and refurbishments.

Across the year, 13 new brands have opened their doors at Derbion including three new restaurants in the recently refurbished Food Terrace, which is now fully let following a £2m investment by the centre. Chi, Tortilla and Villa Express have completed the line-up of food and drink operators which also features Popeyes, KFC and Burger & Sauce. Subway and GDK have also invested in their presence at Derbion through a refit and relocation.

Derbion has continued to expand its breadth of retailers this year, welcoming global cosmetics retailer Rituals and lifestyle brand MINISO alongside travel operator TUI and iconic fragrance company Yankee Candle. Local fashion retailer, 1NE., is the latest independent to open at Derbion as a result of the centre’s Hatch initiative, which supports small business owners to take their brand to the next level.

Alongside new lettings, over £3 million has been invested by existing retailers through refurbishments and store upsizes. Luxury watch and jewellery retailer, Goldsmiths, has revamped its showroom, extending its footprint by 1,000 sq ft to showcase a wider range of big-name brands, and will open a second store before Christmas featuring Breiting, Tudor and Omega. Renowned jeweller Beaverbrooks has increased its store to 1,628 sq ft, introducing a new standalone TAG Heuer boutique.

The centre’s longer-term development potential took a step forward in 2023 with planning permission granted for the Derbion Masterplan, subject to approval by the Secretary of State. The Masterplan is an ambitious framework for the next 10 years and beyond designed to support the existing retail and leisure centre and its significant position in Derby city centre. Proposals include new homes and commercial uses alongside public spaces and walkable streets to integrate these sites with the rest of Derby City Centre and improve connections with the River Derwent.

Managing Director at Derbion, Beth McDonald, said: “Since we transferred to new independent ownership in 2021 we have successfully delivered a strong leasing strategy that has transformed the centre with a wide range of leading retail and leisure brands, and this year has been no exception.

“We continue to broaden our offer for customers through new and exciting openings and expanded stores in addition to playing an important role in our wider community and the city of Derby.

“Our Derbion Cares charitable initiatives have included our hugely popular school uniform swap shop, designed to support families across Derbyshire with the rising cost of uniforms.

“This year we have also continued our sponsorship of the flagship running event, the Derbion Ramathon, alongside supporting the fantastic Museum of the Moon at Derby Cathedral, all helping to bring wider footfall to the city centre.

“Leasing momentum continues into 2024 and we’re looking forward to announcing our next phase of lettings in the new year.”

Councils give green light to £4bn East Midlands devolution deal

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Councils give green light to £4bn East Midlands devolution deal
Residents across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham will get the chance to vote for the first-ever East Midlands Mayor next May, after councils gave the go-ahead to devolution for the region. Yesterday (Thursday 7 December), Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council each approved plans to create the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), which will come into existence next Spring. EMCCA is set to bring in around £4 billion of funding for the region, alongside devolved powers for transport, skills and adult education, housing, the environment and economic development. Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “Our shared vision is for the 2.2 million people who live and work in the heart of the country to be better connected and more prosperous – addressing years of historically low investment in our region. “Devolution brings much more control over our own area. Rather than many major decisions being made for us in London, local people would have a say in the region’s priorities. This is just the start and more benefits and funding are already starting to flow – such as the Government’s recent announcement of £1.5 billion local transport funding for the new East Midlands Mayor. “The creation of a new mayoral combined county authority will unlock the benefits of the East Midlands devolution deal and bring improved public services and a brighter future for our residents.” Ben Bradley MP, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I am proud we have taken this final and definitive step to bring the necessary powers and funds needed to improve the lives of the people of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Devolved powers will result in better life outcomes for everyone; more investment in skills and jobs, and more control to deliver improved public transport. “It will give the East Midlands a platform and powers to bring lasting benefits and change lives for generations.” Baggy Shanker, Leader of Derby City Council, said: “I welcome this milestone moment for the city of Derby and the wider region. The East Midlands Combined County Authority is set to bring much-needed investment into our area and is the only way to get any additional funding, after years of austerity. “The ambition is for our region to – rightfully – be on an equal footing with the likes of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, so I am encouraging the residents of Derby to have their say on how the devolved powers and funding should be used next May.” David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “Nottingham has today taken a significant step towards an East Midlands Combined Authority. The extra funding this deal will bring will make a huge difference to the region. People in Nottingham will see real benefits with more investment in jobs, training and housing. It is vital that we continue to work closely with our neighbouring councils on this. “For too long, Nottingham has not had the investment it needs and deserves, and this deal will start to address this. It also brings significant powers from the Government into the region, giving us more control and allowing us to make better, more local decisions.” Plans for East Midlands devolution are similar to those already in place in other mayoral regions, like the West Midlands and Greater Manchester. The East Midlands devolution deal, agreed with Government ministers last summer, would see Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham benefit from a £1.14 billion investment fund. Other areas with devolution deals have been able to make their funding go even further and have greater impact by leveraging significant private sector investment. A public consultation on East Midlands devolution, carried out between November 2022 and January 2023, showed strong support for the plans among local residents, businesses and community groups. In October, the Government announced around £1.5 billion in transport funding for the East Midlands Mayor. Thanks to devolution plans, the East Midlands has also been invited to establish an ‘Investment Zone’, which will attract £160 million of support over ten years, with tax incentives for businesses that will help boost economic growth right across the region. It is estimated that the East Midlands Investment Zone will unlock hundreds of millions of pounds in private investment, creating thousands of jobs right across the region. Government will continue to work with the proposed East Midlands Mayoral County Combined Authority (EMCCA) and other partners to co-develop the plans for the East Midlands Investment Zone, including priority development sites and specific interventions to drive cluster growth, ahead of final confirmation of the plans. £18 million has already been awarded to the area during devolution negotiations, which is being spent on improving local housing, transport and skills provision. Further investment for the region would also be provided through annual Whitehall budgets and spending reviews. All four councils have now agreed to the creation of East Midlands Combined County Authority and the legal regulations around creating this new authority. The Government will now need take the deal before Parliament, as this is first of a new type of combined authority and it requires new legislation. If the legislation is passed in the coming weeks it would come into force by March 2024, meaning the EMCCA will officially come into existence. The inaugural election for East Midlands Mayor will take place on 2 May 2024.

New support programme secured for Mansfield businesses

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New support programme secured for Mansfield businesses

A new package of support has been secured for Mansfield businesses following the launch of a new scheme.

The Mansfield Accelerator project will help local businesses to improve productivity through innovation and digital technology, as well as supporting business sustainability and offering marketing advice. Additional help is available to develop workforces and get access to start up support. The programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and East Midlands Chamber of Commerce and signals a new approach to local place-based support for businesses in Mansfield and across the district at any stage of their development. Mansfield Accelerator will support businesses with:
  • 1-2-1 advice, mentoring and diagnostic support on a range of areas relevant to businesses. In addition to this, tailored support will be offered to businesses looking to invest in research and development.
  • Training and action planning workshops: providing the latest learning and tools in areas such as digital skills.
  • Growth vouchers: offering up to £2,000 (100% funded) for specialist consultancy and training, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Help to Grow – Management course: A 12-week executive development leadership and management programme.
  • Grant funding: helping businesses identify and apply for funding to help them grow, increase efficiencies, and build a sustainable business for the future.
  • Energy saving and improvement audits with 1-1 specialist advice to develop comprehensive decarbonisation plans.
  • Start-up advice including start-up ‘boot camps’
  • Networking and peer support
Councillor Stuart Richardson, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Growth, said: “Mansfield District Council is thrilled to be working with the Chamber of Commerce and its partners to bring this fantastic package of support to our businesses across the district. “This new and exciting programme of direct support and events will be a huge boost to businesses in Mansfield who need some support to increase their growth, management skills and energy saving measures. This package of events and support will help to promote business growth across our district.” As well as the comprehensive package of support on offer, there will also be a selection of two-day start-up boot camps for people in Mansfield looking to set up a business through to early-stage business trading. The workshops are led by experienced business trainers who will guide delegates through creating a business plan and gaining access to grants and investment to mentoring support and advice on reducing energy use and carbon footprint. Diane Beresford, Deputy Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, added: “The new Mansfield Accelerator project will help businesses across the district to improve their operations in a number of areas, whether it be developing a more energy efficient business, developing a decarbonisation plan, embracing all that innovation and R&D has to offer, or workforce development. “The first port of call for a business is a meeting with one of the team of locally based Advisers and Specialists, employed by the Chamber, who will get to know the business, assess diagnostics and produce a Business Action Plan.”

Housing deal to breathe new life into iconic Nottingham building

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Housing deal to breathe new life into iconic Nottingham building
Citra Living, the rental housing owner and operator that is part of Lloyds Banking Group, is to bring 95 new apartments to the private rental market as work commences on the redevelopment of Nottingham’s iconic British Waterways building. Citra, which operates a growing portfolio of more than 2,000 homes across the UK, has acquired the entirety of the Grade II-listed residential scheme, paving the way for new rental homes in the area. The homes have been developed in partnership with H2O Urban, a long-term joint venture between developer bloc and the Canal & River Trust, which owns and manages the surrounding canal network. With a shared aim to regenerate underutilised land and buildings close to waterways infrastructure, the joint venture has aimed to maximise the social and economic potential of the sensitive canal basin site. The apartments to be marketed by Citra include a mix of studio, one and two-bed homes, with residents to benefit from additional communal space, as well as having access to canal-side public realm. Car parking spaces will be provided in the basement of the development, while secure internal cycle parking will also be provided to help residents take advantage of the city’s improving cycle network. The refurbishment of the British Waterways building includes a rooftop extension that will provide eight apartments with views over the city. In keeping with the existing structure and design of the building, the parapet of the building will be used as a guard wall for the apartments, meaning much of the extension is hidden from street views. The scheme forms part of Citra’s growing portfolio in the East Midlands. The rental housing owner and operator, which was established in 2021, has recently acquired more than 100 homes across schemes in Nottingham and Leicester being brought forward by national housebuilder Keepmoat. Local contractor Jessops Construction have been appointed by H2O to complete the construction works which are expected to complete in early 2025. Andy Hutchinson, Managing Director of Citra Living, said: “This unique heritage development is a major addition to our growing portfolio of homes, providing high-quality homes in an iconic and now fully revitalised building. “As well as preserving this important building for years to come, the apartments will also help address a lack of purpose-built accommodation in Nottingham, as well as helping to look after the canal network. “We’re working in partnership with a wide range of leading developers and housebuilders to address the increased demand for rental properties across the UK, and we look forward to any future opportunities our relationship with H2O Urban brings.” Richard Thomas, CEO of H2O and Director of bloc, said: “We are delighted to finalise our first deal with Citra Living and look forward to future projects with their support. The British Waterways building is just one example of our ability to deliver impactful developments that create vibrant, sustainable properties from underperforming real estate. “Our alliances with Canal & River Trust and Network Rail allow for financial reinvestment in local communities through urban renewal, while ensuring environmental improvement.” Richard Wherry, Managing Director at Jessops Construction, said: “We are delighted to be working with H2O Urban and Citra Living to deliver much needed accommodation within the city of Nottingham and are excited to bring new life into this historic building.”

Acquisitive Phenna Group makes 15th strike of 2023

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Acquisitive Phenna Group makes 15th strike of 2023
Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group, whose aim is to invest in and partner with selected niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) companies that serve a variety of sectors, has made its 15th deal of 2023, and its 4th in food and health sciences. Formed in 1993 by vets Rob Jones and Pete Eville, Leeds-based Eville & Jones (E&J) is a provider of veterinary, compliance and public health solutions to the food industry. Its UK-wide team of nearly 1,000 professionals delivers audit, verification, inspection and compliance services in the fields of animal health, public health, food safety and animal welfare. E&J works with various government departments across the UK to safeguard animal welfare within abattoirs and ensure that meat is safe to enter the food chain. E&J is also the country’s largest provider of Export Health Certification services to the private sector, enabling the export of Products of Animal Origin. Charles Hartwell, CEO of Eville & Jones, said: “My team and I are hugely excited to join Phenna Group. Our business has grown steadily over recent years and I believe with Phenna’s support, that can continue and allow us to expand more rapidly into complimentary services and geographical areas. “Since our first interaction with Paul and his team, the process has run smoothly and they have acted with great integrity and professionalism throughout. I’m confident in our ambitious future growth strategy and look forward to working with the Phenna Team to deliver it.” Paul Barry, Group CEO of Phenna Group, added: “I am delighted to welcome Charles and his team to Phenna Group. The addition of Eville & Jones really augments our fast growing Food & Health Sciences platform. “By headcount, this is our largest deal to date and their experienced team creates a UK wide footprint of experts, that we hope to leverage into new adjacent services into the future. E&J provide a critical service to the UK food industry and I’m proud to have them join Phenna Group. I look forward to working with Charles and his team to help them deliver their exciting growth plans.” Phenna Group was advised by Avonhurst and RSM. Eville & Jones was advised by Blacks Solicitors, Parsons Chartered Accountants, and Claritas Tax. The deal follows hot on the heels of Phenna Group’s acquisition of CEIMIC Life Sciences Testing Group.

Team formed to develop proposals for new leisure centre and Civic Offices in Swadlincote

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Team formed to develop proposals for new leisure centre and Civic Offices in Swadlincote
A new Project Team has been formed to develop options and proposals for Swadlincote’s leisure centre and Civic Offices. Greenbank Leisure Centre and the Civic Offices are ageing and becoming unfit for purpose in comparison with modern leisure centre facilities and future office requirements. Due to their age, condition and South Derbyshire District Council’s decarbonisation targets these buildings will require substantial future maintenance and investment. At the Finance and Management Committee meeting on Thursday, 24 November, the Committee endorsed the establishment of a new Project Team that will work up proposals for a new leisure centre and Civic Offices. One of the initial challenges facing the newly formed team will be determining where the new buildings could be built. So, identifying potential sites and evaluating their suitability will be the priority focus of the project. The financial viability of the proposals will also need to be assessed. Councillor Robert Pearson, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council, said: “This new team will start work to explore and present a variety of options which will be carefully scrutinised by partners, stakeholders, residents and staff. “It is of paramount importance that we ensure residents and our staff have access to modern buildings and facilities that truly serve their needs well into the future.” The project is at an early stage, and no decisions about the new leisure centre or the Civic Offices have been taken. The Green Bank Leisure Centre, and the adjacent Civic Offices have been at Civic Way, Swadlincote, since the 1970s.

Just weeks left to save Derby train manufacturing

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Just weeks left to save Derby train manufacturing
A lobby of Parliament has heard from the UK boss of train-maker Alstom that there could be just weeks left to save nearly 180 years of train manufacturing in Derby. Managing Director of Alstom in the UK & Ireland, Nick Crossfield, made the prediction at the lobby after appearing at a meeting of a select committee on rail rolling stock. Production lines at the firm’s Litchurch Lane site are set to come to a halt due to a lack of orders for new train fleets from the UK rail sector. The lobby, attended by members of both houses, as well as city and business leaders, was convened to call on the Government to act. Mr Crossfield told the lobby: “We are at a most critical stage and if we do not get clarity and commitment in the next two to three weeks then we are in a very different environment. Long term, the UK rail market is the second largest in Europe. The question is, how does Britain want to get those trains?” Councillor Baggy Shanker, leader of Derby City Council, said: “The lobby was well attended and together Team Derby has highlighted just how urgent and critical it is for the Government to take action promptly to secure the immediate future of rail manufacturing in Derby. We all now anxiously wait for a decision from the Secretary of State for Transport.” Speaking at the lobby, John Forkin, Managing Director of Marketing Derby, said: “The Bondholder business community of Derby stands in full support of Alstom and its suppliers. “The short-term threat is real – and we must protect those thousands of jobs. We’ve been here before – and we need an industrial strategy that puts the rail sector at its heart.” Alstom, and its unions, have been in talks with the Department for Transport for months in an attempt to persuade it to bring forward contracts to safeguard the jobs of hundreds of workers at the Litchurch Lane factory and thousands more in the UK supply chain. It has been supported by management at Transport for London, which wants Alstom to build additional trains for the capital’s Elizabeth Line. Rail sector experts also believe there is desperately needed refurbishment work for current rail fleets in passenger service that could be commissioned into Derby. City leaders have been working closely with Alstom, Unite and senior government officials to explore potential resolutions to the current situation since possible job cuts were revealed back in September. At the lobby, local MPs of different political hues came together to discuss the crisis. Also present was Lord McLoughlin, himself a former Transport Secretary, who spoke about the skills that existed in Derby, the importance of the supply chain and the quality of trains the city produces, particularly for the Elizabeth Line.

Growth continues at Games Workshop

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Growth continues at Games Workshop
Revenue and pre-tax profits are showing continued growth at Games Workshop, the Nottingham-based manufacturer of miniature wargames. In a new half year update the business confirmed trading is in line with expectations, with the Board’s estimate of results for the six months to 26 November 2023, at actual exchange rates, being core revenue of not less than £235 million (up from £212.3 million last year) and licensing revenue of c. £12 million (down from £14.3 million). Core operating profit, meanwhile, is estimated to be no less than £82 million (increasing from £70.7 million) and licensing operating profit is anticipated to be £11 million (down slightly from £12.9 million). Furthermore, profit before tax is estimated at not less than £94 million (growing from £83.6 million). Under Games Workshop’s profit share scheme, it is paying £2,500 in cash to each employee in December to reward their contribution to the firm’s performance. Dividends declared and paid in the period are 195p per share, £64.2 million.

Frasers Group hails “strong set of results”

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Frasers Group hails “strong set of results”
The CEO of Frasers Group has hailed a “strong set of results” for the retail giant’s first half. According to unaudited results for the 26 weeks ended 29 October 2023 (FY24 H1), group revenue passed £2.7bn. Meanwhile, the Shirebrook-based firm’s reported profit before tax surged to £310.2m from £287.2m last year. Michael Murray, Chief Executive of Frasers Group, said: “We have delivered a strong performance in the first half of the year, with great momentum as we head into the Christmas trading period. The elevation strategy continues to drive strong trading performance across the business with good growth in Sports Direct supported by our brand partners. “Our long-term ambitions for our Premium Lifestyle business remain unchanged although it is likely that progress will remain subdued for the short to medium term in the face of a softer luxury market however, we continue to invest with confidence in our unique proposition. “During the period, we have opened new elevated stores, and further strengthened brand partnerships to allow us to deliver the best consumer experience. I am also excited about the potential of our strategic investments which we expect to unlock further opportunities for the Group. We have a clear ambition to be the leading sports retailer in EMEA and we are making progress on broadening our footprint through a focused international M&A strategy. “As we look to 2024, we are confident that our diversified proposition will continue to provide consumers with choice across a range of brands and price points. I want to thank our talented colleagues for their relentless focus and hard work which has enabled another strong set of results.”
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