Microlise Group continues decade-long partnership with Bidfood contract renewal

Tess Egginton
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Microlise Group continues decade-long partnership with Bidfood contract renewal

Microlise Group, a Nottingham provider of technology solutions, has secured an extension to its partnership with Bidfood, a leader in foodservice distribution. The Group has supplied software solutions to Bidfood for over a decade.

Bidfood has been harnessing the Group’s ‘Fleet Performance’ product, providing telematics and tracking capabilities, both of which integrated with precision temperature monitoring.

The product has played a role in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of Bidfood’s fleet operations, with the software now in use across 984 fleet vehicles – up 4% from the previous contract.

Speaking on the renewal, Charlie Brackley, Microlise Group’s Head of Account Management, said: “We are delighted to have Bidfood onboard for another three years. The trust they have placed in our technology – and our team – over the past decade underscores the substantial value we bring to its operational framework.

“Microlise remains resolute in its commitment to provide innovative solutions that consistently elevate efficiency, safety, and sustainability for Bidfood’s expanding fleet.”

Luke Poundall, Bidfood’s Procurement Manager, added: “We’re really pleased to continue our partnership with the team at Microlise and looking forward to working with them over the next three years.”

Nottingham game studio on the brink of closure

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham game studio on the brink of closure
A Nottingham game studio could be set to close before Christmas, as part of cuts company-wide at Embracer and its owned publishers. The shuttering of Free Radical Design, which is behind the TimeSplitters game, has been acknowledged privately by publisher Plaion, according to reports in VGC. Sources have shared with VGC that a company email slates the Nottingham business may be closed on 11 December, following the completion of a consultation process. Free Radical Design was founded in 1999. After going bankrupt, in 2009 the company was acquired by Crytek. In 2014 the studio closed with most staff moving to Dambuster Studios. In 2021, the original founders revived Free Radical Design.

£29m secured to support acquisition of Leicestershire and Lancashire sites

Tess Egginton
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£29m secured to support acquisition of Leicestershire and Lancashire sites
OakNorth has provided a bespoke debt finance facility to support the latest acquisition project of ALMCOR and an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. ALMCOR has over 25 years of experience operating in the UK and European real estate investment markets via its core mission to identify opportunistic real estate opportunities. Founded in 1992, Cerberus is a pioneer in alternative investing with c.$60bn in assets across complementary credit, private equity, and real estate platforms. Following its launch in 2022, their joint venture (JV) has €500m of allocated capital to deploy in target markets across the UK and Europe. The £29m loan from OakNorth will be used to support their acquisition of the 50-acre Leyland Business Park in Preston, Lancashire, and the 90-acre Melton Commercial Park in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, for their European Industrial Outdoor Storage (EIOS) platform. The Leyland site, located less than a mile from the M6 and M65 motorways, consists of high-quality warehouse units, offices, and fully serviced sites ready for bespoke development. Meanwhile, the Melton site is located less than two miles from Melton Mowbray town centre and benefits from two rail sidings, in addition to offering opportunities for redevelopment and energy generation. As a result of this latest transaction, OakNorth has now lent £37m to the JV. Peter McCluskey, Head of Active Value at ALMCOR, said: “These acquisitions provide an excellent snapshot into what we are doing in our EIOS platform. From the highly strategic location of Leyland Business Park, to the critical rail facility in Melton, we’re quickly developing a diverse income-producing portfolio with scope to drive value in a number of areas.” David Lane, Managing Director, Cerberus European Capital Advisors, continued: “We’re delighted to welcome these two new major sites to our EIOS platform. We continue to value OakNorth’s approach to delivering structured debt funding and look forward to working with them again in the future.” Deepesh Thakrar, Senior Director, and Josh Mailling, Senior Associate of Debt Finance, at OakNorth, in a joint statement added: “This is an excellent example of an asset that fits into Cerberus and ALMCOR’s investment strategy to acquire open storage assets with strong reversionary potential. “Both sites are in highly sought-after locations with excellent connectivity, resulting in impressive occupancy rates, we anticipate they’ll be a successful addition to the EIOS platform.”

Engineering consultancy snaps up Burton firm

Tess Egginton
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Engineering consultancy snaps up Burton firm
Burton-based Lorien Engineering Solutions, a division of GP Strategies Corporation, has been acquired by engineering consultancy NIRAS. The deal accelerates NIRAS’ growth ambitions within the global food & beverage and life science sectors and strengthens the company’s market position within process industry. Senior Vice President, NIRAS, Thomas B. Olsen said: “Lorien Engineering Solutions and NIRAS are a strong fit in terms of expertise, scale, clients and markets. “With this integration, we can grow and develop Lorien Engineering Solutions’ services as part of our core business to solidify our position in the food & beverage and life science industries and expand the offering for our clients throughout and globally.” Lorien Engineering Solutions is a full-range provider of engineering consultancy services ranging from conceptual and predesign through to project management and commissioning within the food & beverage, life science, and advanced manufacturing industries. They also provide compliance and energy optimisation services to clients worldwide. In joining NIRAS, Lorien Engineering Solutions becomes part of a multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy with more than 2,800 employees focused on delivering sustainable solutions. The acquisition facilitates opportunities for increased international scale and growth, diversity, and balance across all products, services, and geographies. “We are delighted that Lorien Engineering Solutions has been acquired by NIRAS, a renowned engineering consultancy recognised as a leader in the food and beverage industry,” said Shay Moran, Senior Vice President EMEA, GP Strategies Corporation. “With this merger, our dedicated employees join forces with a like-minded organisation, presenting expanded opportunities. We will be well positioned to provide our clients with greater value and support as we expand our services, enhance our capacity, and deepen our expertise.” The transaction is expected to be completed on 1 January 2024.

University of Nottingham research partnership results in new industry tech

Tess Egginton
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University of Nottingham research partnership results in new industry tech
A partnership, which paired researchers from the University of Nottingham with a UK tech company, has produced a highly advanced power converter to drive an electric motor that could revolutionise the manufacturing and renewable energy industries. For the past five years, researchers from the university have worked closely with digital motor control solutions company, Sprint Electric, to develop and prototype the Generis AC regen drive – set to be the next generation in AC drive technology. Launched at the Smart Production Solutions (SPS) exhibition in Nuremberg, one of the most highly regarded international trade fairs in the field of smart and digital automation solutions; this leap in innovation has been made possible thanks to two Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) between researchers at the University of Nottingham’s Power, Electronics and Machines Centre (PEMC), and Sprint Electric. The aim of a KTP is to connect businesses that have an innovation idea with the academic expertise to develop new products or services, expand markets, and improve efficiency and productivity. In Sprint Electric’s case, it fully embraced the collaborative opportunity, establishing a base at the PEMC at Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus. Dr Azlia Abdul Rahman, a PhD graduate recruited to lead the KTP, said: “I was based at these premises for the duration of the second KTP, which meant I was right there in the thick of it and involved at every stage of the research and development lifecycle. “I worked closely with Associate Professor Liliana de Lillo as the main academic supervisor, while Professor Pat Wheeler, Head of the PEMC Research Group, oversaw the project. Liliana was part of a wider team of researchers supporting me in transferring the theoretical knowledge the company needed to develop the technology. “Training Sprint Electric’s staff, documenting everything we did, and writing technical reports was just a fraction of my work – to all intents and purposes I ‘joined’ the company for two years to help make this happen.” Sprint Electric has been manufacturing variable speed controllers since 1987, traditionally specialising in the control of DC motors. With the help of the University of Nottingham it has removed the need for a DC link in the AC drive, offering several advantages over conventional converters, such as higher efficiency, faster response, and two-way power flow. One of the main applications of matrix converters is in renewable energy systems, such as wind turbines, solar panels, and fuel cells. Mark Gardiner, Director of Sprint Electric, said: “Our experience with KTPs has been a wholly positive one. Not only has it quickly and effectively embedded understanding of a complex technology in our business but it has also established a relationship with the PEMC group that I am confident will continue to deliver benefits to both parties in years to come.” While KTPs may initially seem like consultancies, where a company hires an expert to advise and guide them through a project or period of transformation, there is more to them. Andrea McCluskey, Business Development Officer for KTP at the University of Nottingham, said: “KTPs meld the theory from the academic side with specialist knowledge and expertise from within a business. “What they have achieved will absolutely transform Sprint Electric as a company, and part of the electronic motor industry as a whole. Not only will it give them a significant competitive advantage, but it could also completely change the landscape for other businesses now and in the future.”

Gove intervenes with new homes masterplan by council

Tess Egginton
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Gove intervenes with new homes masterplan by council
A crunch council meeting about Erewash’s future was halted last week after a dramatic 11th hour intervention by Michael Gove to ban the borough from revamping its overall development strategy. The “extraordinary” meeting at Long Eaton Town Hall (Thursday 30 Nov) had been called as the council’s new administration moved to fulfil an election commitment to change a long-running masterplan – including for new housing. The leadership had branded it out-of-date and unsuitable. The new administration aimed to come up with a fresh blueprint. Housing Minister Lee Rowley fired off an urgent letter to Erewash’s leader James Dawson on behalf of Secretary of State Mr Gove. It contained an order that Erewash should stick to working on the existing plan. Mr Rowley cited powers the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is able to exert under Section 27 of the 2004 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act. He confirmed: “The Secretary of State is exercising his powers.” His letter warned of further action unless the council backed down over altering what is known as the Erewash Core Strategy Review. The council, which claims new housing is slated to be built in the wrong places, now plans to seek legal advice.

‘Hardest working personal injury solicitor’ in East of England promoted to partner

Michael Fisher
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‘Hardest working personal injury solicitor’ in East of England promoted to partner
The largest law firm in Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire has promoted two home-grown lawyers to partner, increasing the support available to individuals suffering from catastrophic injuries and employers experiencing commercial fraud. After a combined 32 years of experience practising law at Wilkin Chapman, Nick Shaw and James Kinnaird have been promoted to partners at the leading regional law firm. Both men are credited by name in the recently launched UK Legal 500 2024 – a leading directory widely recognised as a de facto list of the best law firms. In the rankings for 2023 and 2024, of which Wilkin Chapman is recognised in sixteen separate categories, Nick Shaw is described as “the hardest working personal injury solicitor in the East of England”. Similarly, they describe James Kinnaird as a “technically brilliant commercial litigation lawyer.” Both solicitors joined Wilkin Chapman straight out of school and were fully supported by the firm throughout their part-time studies, while also working full-time roles, to qualify as chartered legal executives and ultimately become solicitors. Nick Shaw joined Wilkin Chapman in 2006 after graduating from Lincoln College. He has spent the last 17 years working at the firm’s Lincoln office, gaining practical experience and being supported in undertaking specialist qualifications to further his career. Nick said: “I’m very proud and excited to be taking on the role of partner at Wilkin Chapman’s personal injury and clinical negligence department in Lincoln. “Whether it’s the UK’s hardworking military personnel or our agricultural workers – which is recognised as one of the most statistically dangerous industries in the UK by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – I look forward to furthering the firm’s important work supporting people with life-changing, catastrophic injuries in these incredibly dangerous areas.” “I haven’t taken the most conventional path to become a partner, but Wilkin Chapman has nurtured me from day one. It has encouraged me to learn as I earn, instead of going to university. I’ve been hands-on, experiencing the law and its evolution in real-time. “This to me proves that there really are no barriers to what you can achieve – if you have the right support and the right mentality.” James Kinnaird joined Wilkin Chapman in 2008 and has spent 15 years building his knowledge of commercial litigation to support businesses across the country. He said: “I’m thrilled to be accepting the position of partner in Wilkin Chapman’s commercial dispute resolution team at our Lincoln office.  I look forward to continuing to support businesses, directors, and shareholders when they get into disputes with other businesses or internally with each other. On his high court employment specialism, James said: “whether companies are struggling with the misuse of their confidential information, a breach of restrictive covenants or unlawful team moves (a team of employees resigning to work for a competitor), I’m here to provide critical support for this niche area of law.” Senior partner, Andrew Holt said: “This is a huge personal achievement for them both. Nick and James are what you might call ‘home-grown lawyers’, having trained and worked in the firm to reach this position. We saw their potential, supported their career progression and we’re delighted they are joining the partnership.”

Rotherhill completes lease re-gear for Meggitt Plc

Tess Egginton
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Rotherhill completes lease re-gear for Meggitt Plc

Midlands-based property developer Rotherhill has completed a lease re-gear for UK aerospace manufacturer Meggitt Plc’s facility in Shepshed, Leicestershire.

Meggitt has occupied the site on Gelders Hall Road since its construction in 1987 (previously as Cobham Composites), with buildings extending to 48,845 sq ft set upon 3.8 acres. 

The original agreement made in February 2022 was for a 3.25-year leaseback in order to allow Meggitt to relocate to a nearby site.

Following the takeover of Meggitt by US manufacturer Parker Hannifin Corporation in September 2022, Rotherhill agreed terms for a lease re-gear of up to 11.5 years. The terms of the lease re-gear also allowed for the release of development land, enabling a future industrial development of circa 30,000 sq ft.

Ed Jeffrey, associate director at Rotherhill, says: “We are delighted to have completed the lease re-gear with Meggitt and that they have chosen to commit to the location for the long term.

“The new agreement enables us to bring forward land for future development, whilst improving the rental return on the existing buildings and extending the duration of income for up to 11.5 years from an excellent covenant.

“It has been satisfying to develop a long-term relationship with Meggitt, working flexibly to accommodate their requirements whilst generating value for our investor partner.”

Rotherhill director Paul Bagshaw adds: “Our experience and sector knowledge allows us to take on investment and redevelopment opportunities with short term income. By proactively working with the current occupiers, we’ve been able to meet their requirements and achieve a positive and favourable outcome for all involved.”

Rule change allows advice and funding for the region’s tiniest SMEs

Stuart Pearcey
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Rule change allows advice and funding for the region’s tiniest SMEs
Made Smarter East Midlands has announced that the programme eligibility criteria are being changed to include manufacturers with headcounts of nine people or fewer. Since its launch a year ago, the East Midlands Made Smarter Programme has been open only to SME Manufacturers in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire,  and Greater Lincolnshire with headcounts between 10 and 249 people. With immediate effect the programme will now accepting expressions of interest from micro sized manufacturers Made Smarter East Midlands now offers the following support to micro manufacturing businesses in Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Greater Lincolnshire through the national Made Smarter Website https://www.madesmarter.uk/

•  Digital Road Mapping – A lighter touch road map is available to Micro businesses, which will set out a Digital Implementation Plan.

•  Access to 10 hours of fully funded Industrial Digital Technology Advice (IDTA)

•  Grant funding to support CAPEX and revenue projects.

Programme Director Dr Chris Owen said: “We can now expand the scope of the East Midlands Made Smarter programme to thousands of micro SME Manufacturers across the region. Since we opened our doors for business in December 2022, we have had a healthy interest from micro sized manufacturers who are eager for support to adopt industrial digital technology but we have been unable to help them. “We’ll be reaching out to all those micro manufacturers who have already registered and expression of interest in Made Smarter East Midlands, and opening our doors to new expressions of interest from other micro manufacturers across the region. We have created a pathway of support specifically designed for micro manufacturers, which is quicker and lighter touch than the core programme, but still gives companies access to packages of free and impartial technical advice and grant funding of up to £20,000 to help them adopt industrial digital technology.” Alongside the new Micro manufacturer pathway the core programme will still continue to accept expressions of interest from manufacturers with headcounts of 10 to 249 people. In just one year, Made Smarter East Midlands has engaged with over 150 manufacturing businesses across the region providing much needed grant funding, free and impartial technical advice, digital transformation road mapping and Leadership Development. To find out more about what is available, visit the Made Smarter East Midlands website, where you can also express your interest and sign up to this fantastic opportunity https://www.madesmarter.uk/adoption/in-my-region/east-midlands/

Science staff step up to the plate helping Derby County charity give hot meal to hundreds of vulnerable people

Tess Egginton
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Science staff step up to the plate helping Derby County charity give hot meal to hundreds of vulnerable people

Local businesses have been invited to join science company Lubrizol in supporting a valuable Derby County Football Club-backed project giving a hot meal to hundreds of people struggling under the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Derby County Community Trust (DCCT) is marking a year of its highly valued project giving weekly hot meals throughout autumn and winter to people who are suffering for a range of reasons in a society that is currently seeing soaring food, energy and mortgage costs.

The scheme, which launched in November 2022, sees between 50 and 60 people a week invited through referrals to enjoy a hot meal prepared Derby County Football Club chefs. Businesses sponsor the cost of the meal and their employees are invited to volunteer serve it too.

So far the project – backed with city council funding connected with the warm spaces scheme – has helped feed hundreds of people throughout Derby, including families struggling to feed children in half term; Ukrainian refugees; members of the homeless community; people with dementia and many others.

Meals are served at Harrison’s Hub, a café space formerly occupied by Starbucks which is now run by the Community Trust to offer its wide range of activities.

Lubrizol, a global science company with a Derbyshire headquarters based at Hazelwood, is a corporate partner of Derbyshire County Community Trust and has also sponsored its STEM learning scheme involving Sphero robots which is being offered to Derby school children to teach them about computer programming.

The company sponsored one of DCCT’s community meals and employees Tom Grazier, Claire Hollingshurst and Rachel Ollier turned out to help serve it. All three are members of Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee which gives thousands of pounds to many worthy causes throughout the year.

Rachel said: “We really enjoyed coming down to Harrison’s Hub at Derby County Football Club to help serve one of these community meals. But it was also very sobering to appreciate the need that many people in our community currently have for a service such as this.

“On the night we sponsored, there were lots of people there and it was clear how much they were looking forward to having a hot meal. It would be great if more businesses could come forward and support this much-needed scheme.”

Now DCCT is looking for businesses to help support the scheme from early 2024.

Pete Collins, DCCT business development manager, said: “We get different groups of people coming each week to our meals, although we do have some regular people we invite from our local homeless community too.

“There’s a growing need for the service we are providing. There are lots of health inequalities in Derby, and lots of social and economic inequalities that we are seeing too, all of which were compounded through Covid.

“There are more and more people going down into the lower end of these social economic groups and these health inequalities. It’s a growing issue and it’s a concerning issue, involving more members of the public than people perhaps realise.

“We’re extremely grateful to Lubrizol who have supported not just one of our meals but also our Sphero robot programme too. Their support is wonderful.

“Being one of our trust partners and sponsoring a weekly meal involves being attached to a very community minded programme. We are looking for businesses to support us from January onwards.”

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