Prime Minister urged to ‘switch on’ East Midlands by naming the date for electrification of final section of Midland Mainline

Tess Egginton
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Prime Minister urged to ‘switch on’ East Midlands by naming the date for electrification of final section of Midland Mainline
Rishi Sunak has been urged to ‘switch on’ the East Midlands rail network as fast as possible by accelerating work to electrify the region’s main link to London. The Midland Mainline carries 3.75 million passenger journeys a year between Chesterfield, Derby, Nottingham, Leicester and London, but trains still have to travel on diesel power for part of the journey – impacting emissions, reliability and the time it takes to travel. While the Midland Mainline section between London and Bedford was switched to electric power in the 1980s, the final section into the heart of the East Midlands still hasn’t been upgraded 40 years on. Now, the region’s local authorities have come together under the banner of Transport for East Midlands to call on government to name the date when work will start on a project that has been planned for years and was highlighted as a transport priority two years ago in government’s Integrated Rail Plan. Sir Peter Soulsby, the elected Mayor of Leicester who also chairs Transport for the East Midlands (TfEM), said: “In the wake of the decision to cancel HS2, our message to the Government is simple and unequivocal – name the date for Midland Mainline electrification, sign the project off and switch on the East Midlands rail network. “If we’re not proceeding with high-speed rail then we must upgrade our existing infrastructure as a matter of urgency. Midland Mainline will be able to offer a better service for more people on upgraded trains if the final stretch into the East Midlands is at last electrified.” Sir Peter added: “We need to change Westminster’s attitude towards transport investment in the East Midlands. We receive too little, it takes too long, and the huge potential of our businesses and communities is not being fulfilled. This has to change if we’re to power up our future.” As it stands, 80% of the environmental benefits of travelling by train instead of car can be lost due to the emissions from locomotives moving under diesel power. Diesel trains are also noisier, and impact air quality along the line and in stations. Transport for East Midlands has set out the case for Midland Mainline electrification in a new report called ‘The Future is Electric’. Produced by expert transport analysts, the report shows that: · Midland Mainline adds £450m a year to the economy · Passenger numbers on the line have more than doubled since the 1990s · Midland Mainline’s catchment is more densely populated than either West Coast or East Coast mainlines · But while they are fully electrified, Midland Mainline is not · Fully electric trains will be cheaper to operate, faster and more reliable · Midland Mainline’s diesel operations emit 48,000 tonnes of CO2 a year · Experience shows an electrification programme will benefit local jobs and businesses first. Electrification of the final section of the Midland Mainline would also become part of a much wider electrically-powered rail corridor, joining up with government’s Network North plan for electrification of the Hope Valley Line between Manchester and Sheffield, the line between Leeds and Sheffield, and enhancements between Nottingham and Newark. Sir Peter Soulsby said: “This isn’t just about the Midland Mainline finally receiving the investment it needs. It also makes strategic sense to upgrade the line so that it becomes part of a regional and national electrified rail network.”

Older person’s scheme reaches milestone

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Older person’s scheme reaches milestone
An older person’s scheme in Clifton has reached a significant milestone, with the first bricks for the 50 new apartments laid. These homes are part of the redevelopment of the old South Nottingham College off Farnborough Road in Clifton. The three-storey building, which has been named Farnborough Court, will have a mix of one and two-bed apartments, each fitted with a wet room for people aged 55 and over. Whilst the homes are self-contained, the scheme includes shared facilities, such as lounges, a kitchen and gardens. On-site staff will be on hand to provide additional support, and the building and surrounding areas will be fully accessible with facilities for storing mobility scooters. Allan Fisher, director of development at NCHA, said: “It was great to visit site and see the build progressing so well. It feels good to be providing these bespoke apartments, giving older people a greater choice in where they want to live.” There’s a special focus to make these new homes energy efficient. This will both reduce their carbon footprint and help reduce energy costs for the new residents. The homes will be completely gas-free, and fitted with PV solar panels. The walls, floors and ceilings are filled with thick insulation and the windows are argon filled to keep the warm air in. NCHA are working with Nottingham City Council, Homes England and Geda Construction to deliver the development which is due to be completed by winter 2024. Councillor Jay Hayes, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “The council welcomes this new affordable development for older people in Clifton. New homes of all types and tenures contribute towards local people being able to live in safe, warm and affordable homes, built to a high standard, in vibrant local neighbourhoods where everyone has a chance to thrive.”

Businessman reveals £5m vision to transform landmark Oakham hotel

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Businessman reveals £5m vision to transform landmark Oakham hotel

Rutland-based businessman Ryck Turner has unveiled his £5 million plan to create the quintessential English country inn located in the heart of Oakham.

The 54-year-old entrepreneur, who lives in Whissendine, bought the Whipper-In hotel and a number of neighbouring buildings in Market Place in the town for over £3 million last year.

Now he aims to spend a further £2 million extending, refurbishing and reshaping the inn.

Ryck’s grand design for the 17th Century Grade II listed building, which used to be called The George Hotel, includes creating a new restaurant to replace the current dining room, with the kitchen being doubled in size. The new dining room, which will face out onto the Market Place, will have a guests-only cocktail bar and an exclusive private dining room and lounge on the floor above.

He also plans to convert the coach house at the back of the property into a unit with bedrooms, a 15-seater private cinema, a gym and spa featuring a treatment salon, a sauna and a jacuzzi.

The masterplan for the new hotel, which is to be renamed The George Inn, will see the business run 18 bedrooms.

As well as the Whipper-In, Ryck also acquired the building which housed the Rutland Chinese Restaurant, the building currently occupied by Curtis bakery and the building where the Cancer Research UK shop is trading.

Ryck, who moved to Rutland five years ago, said: “I drove past the hotel in the spring of 2022, loved the look of it and thought the location was perfect. Within a few weeks I had paid £3 million for the hotel and the three buildings along the row.

“When I was a schoolboy at Oundle School I used to go for lazy Sunday lunches with my parents at The George Hotel in nearby Stamford and I thought that was heaven on earth. It was all so relaxed and convivial and we could just sit there playing cards and board games.

“To me that was the quintessential English country inn and that is what I want recreate here in Oakham. I saw the Whipper-In and thought: ’This can be my George Hotel’. That is when I set myself the challenge to make that happen.”

Ryck joined his family business, which was started as a wholesale and retail newsagents in Sheffield in 1891 by his great great grandfather Harry Turner, almost 30 years ago. The business evolved over the years moving into commercial property, crisp manufacturing and pet food manufacturing.

While continuing to manage the family property portfolio, Ryck has also created his own commercial property investment business.

The first thing Ryck did after buying the Whipper-In was to spend a year refurbishing and re-engineering many aspects of the hotel while keeping it open and running.

“The hotel needed a lot of TLC,” said Ryck. “So, I have spent the first 12 months having the place largely redecorated and redressed and certain aspects, including a new cellar cooling system in the bar, updated and refurbished. This process, which included bringing in new furniture, has enabled us to stay open and to continue to welcome guests while improving the customer experience.”

Ryck plans to tackle the future renovation, redesign and expansion of the hotel in phases.

“As things stand, the first phase will be to transform the old coach house at the back of the hotel near Burley Road into a fabulous new area which will feature bedrooms, a 15-seater private cinema, a gym and spa, featuring a treatment salon, a sauna and a jacuzzi,” he said.

“The idea behind this is that guests seeking peace and quiet can arrive here, and if they want to, enjoy a relaxing stay without having to leave the hotel as we will provide all the facilities they want.

“The hotel is ideally placed in the heart of the town. Some bedrooms have a wonderful view of the Market Place with Oakham School and Oakham Castle just yards away and the spire of All Saints Church in the background. Other bedrooms feature the original oak beams and some look out onto the courtyard garden.

“My dream is to have this hotel providing guests with a fantastic customer experience through a combination of a convivial atmosphere, first-class service and top-quality food.

“I am big believer that things happen for a reason. I think it is fate that I identified this place as perfect to create my own version of the George Hotel not knowing that it used to share the same name. Now all I have to do is create a coaching inn that befits that name.”

Inside the lounge area at the Whipper-In Hotel in Oakham’s Market Place

Northern Irish firm acquires Ilkeston precast concrete drainage business

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Northern Irish firm acquires Ilkeston precast concrete drainage business
Northern Irish firm Tracey Concrete has acquired Stanton Precast Drainage of Ilkeston. SATEBA, a French and European leader in sustainable rail infrastructure, has sold the Stanton Precast Drainage business. Tracey Concrete has been an established name in precast concrete drainage since 1979. A statement from Tracey Concrete says: “We are pleased to announce a significant milestone for Tracey Concrete in the UK market. We have successfully acquired Stanton Precast Drainage in Ilkeston, Derby. “This strategic move is a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality precast drainage solutions and reinforces our position in the industry. By merging our expertise and resources, we are well-positioned for continued expansion and success.” A statement from SATEBA says: “With a shared vision for the future, we’re confident this transition will herald a promising era for the Stanton drainage business, which was not a core business for SATEBA. “SATEBA is retaining its UK infrastructure and rail business and remains committed to its UK team for future development. The company will remain on the same site which has been split between the two companies.”

Pendragon shareholders vote in favour of Lithia bid

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Pendragon shareholders vote in favour of Lithia bid
In a general meeting, the shareholders of car retailer Pendragon have voted in favour of Lithia’s bid for the company’s UK motor and leasing business. Backed by 98% of shareholders, the offer by Lithia UK Holding Limited, a subsidiary of Lithia Motors, was revealed last month and was followed by a number of alternative bids from firms including Hedin and PAG International and AutoNation, who ultimately backed out of the acquisition race. Lithia Motors, one of the largest automotive retailers in North America, had increased its offer for Pendragon’s UK motor business and leasing business to £367 million. The total cash consideration is £397 million, including a previously publicly disclosed subscription for shares in Pendragon. Pendragon and Lithia also agreed the terms of a strategic partnership, including the rollout of Pinewood, the company’s dealer management software (DMS) business, to Lithia’s existing 50 UK sites, and the creation of a joint venture to accelerate Pinewood’s entry into the attractive North American DMS market.

As part of the transaction, it was announced that Pendragon’s Pinewood division, which operates the company’s proprietary DMS business, would become a standalone entity, retaining Pendragon’s existing listing on the London Stock Exchange and creating a pure play Software as a Service (SaaS) business with an accelerated growth plan.

East Midlands entrepreneurs take a hit as insolvency activity rises and start-ups fall, yet cashflow continues to improve

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East Midlands entrepreneurs take a hit as insolvency activity rises and start-ups fall, yet cashflow continues to improve

A fall in the number of start-up businesses in the East Midlands, as well as a rise in insolvency activity, indicates a significant economic challenge for local entrepreneurs entering the final quarter of 2023.

This is according to the Midlands branch of national insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 and is based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe.

R3’s figures show a month-on-month decrease of 5.81% in the number of businesses set up in the East Midlands in September, falling from 2,462 to 2,319, while insolvency-related activity – which includes liquidator and administrator appointments as well as creditors’ meetings – rose by 36.05% over the same period.

R3 reports, however, that business cashflow continues to rally against a challenging economy, with a marginal fall of 0.55% in the number of East Midlands companies with late payments on their books, a downward trend in the region which has continued over the last six months.

R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a director at law firm Thursfields in the region, said: “While this research contains some flickers of positivity for East Midlands companies, the economic backdrop remains vastly unstable, making it very difficult for businesses to forecast the challenges they will be facing next week, let alone next month.

“Monthly corporate insolvency figures are at their highest in many years, with director fatigue and creditor pressure meaning many companies are turning to an insolvency process to help resolve their financial issues.

“While the number of East Midlands companies with late payments on their books continues to fall, the statistic remains high at 23,331. Coupled with rising insolvency figures, it is clear that many organisations, both start-ups and established businesses, are now at a point where they need specialist help to survive.

“R3’s advice to any director who is concerned about the viability of their company is to seek professional help as soon as problems arise, with more potential solutions available to turn the business around. Many R3 members offer a free consultation to those who wish to explore their options.”

Refurbished Staveley business park 66% let

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Refurbished Staveley business park 66% let
Hartington Business Park at Staveley, which completed a refurbishment in July, has already secured significant lettings since its launch to market in January this year. Marketed by letting specialists Commercial Property Partners (CPP), alongside Knight Frank, on behalf of the Devonshire Property Group, interest to date in the brand new, terraced, industrial warehouse accommodation has been exceptionally strong, resulting in three of the units already snapped up with a fourth under offer – leaving just two available. Ranging in size from 2,479 sq ft up to 4,899 sq ft, the units have been built to a shell specification allowing occupiers the flexibility to utilise the space for maximum business benefits. Office fit-out packages are also available from the landlord, if required. The Hartington units, built with a steel portal frame and steel profile cladding, offer 6m clear height, secure concrete yards, EV charging points, full fibre broadband and ample parking spaces. CPP senior surveyor Max Pickering said: “Hartington Business Park has been built to a high specification and is in a great location for a range of commercial or industrial businesses looking to have a base in central Derbyshire. “Its easy access to the M1 has garnered interest from a variety of would-be tenants and we are confident the remaining units will be occupied in the very near future. “Its accessibility to a large skilled workforce within commuting distance of Chesterfield, Sheffield, Doncaster and Nottingham, has also been a strong pull for businesses looking to relocate.” Adam Mayfield, property development surveyor at the Devonshire Property Group, said: “We are delighted at the current appetite for Hartington Business Park, testament to a first-class build, fit out and premium location. “Our thanks to the team at CPP for their support and expertise in securing the current deals and ongoing marketing.”

Robotics firm set to occupy part of Lincoln office building

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Robotics firm set to occupy part of Lincoln office building
Part of the G Tech Building on Firth Road Business Park in Lincoln will be occupied by a firm operating in the robotics sector, confirms the local agency of Eddisons incorporating Banks Long & Co. The agency’s Lincoln office acted as joint agent with Fisher German, on behalf of the landlord, in a deal which sees the robotics firm take a lease on 7,740 sq ft of ground and first floor office space out of a total of 11,000 sq ft of business accommodation in the G Tech Building. Neighbouring occupiers on Firth Road Business Park include Siemens PLC, ITP & Aero Engines UK Ltd among other technology industry occupiers. The Firth Road Business Park is a short walk from the University of Lincoln’s city centre campus. While the name of the new occupier remains to be announced by the agents, following fit-out of its new premises, William Wall, director, Eddisons incorporating Banks Long & Co, said: “Robotics is one of the fastest growing of the new industrial sectors and an active area for R&D – particularly in the Agri-Tech field where robotics figures alongside digital technologies & artificial intelligence. “Together with the aerospace & defence sectors and large scale commercial logistics operators, robotics is a sector which is helping to re-present the commercial profile of Lincolnshire to new investors and operators.”

Leading accountancy practices merge

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Leading accountancy practices merge
Streets Chartered Accountants, a top 40 UK accountancy practice, has announced the establishment of Streets Steele Chartered Certified Accountants following the merger of the award-winning Bristol practice, Steele Financial with Streets Chartered Accountants. Ben Steele, now Managing Director of Streets Steele, said: “Having started Steele Financial only six years ago we have experienced significant growth and as such, in line with the advice we give our clients, we recognised the need to develop our practice to service growing demand. “In particular it would seem our approach to run a true cloud based and digital accountancy practice along with providing clients a virtual finance office, certainly has made us an attractive proposition for many entrepreneurs and businesses alike. “Recognising the potential, along with the need for us to provide a greater breadth of services, we sought to join up with a larger practice who can not only support us but also support the needs of our clients, now and in the future. We are delighted to say we have found that in Streets Chartered Accountants. “We also believe that our clients will benefit in that the combined firm will be able to offer a wider range of services, including areas of specialist corporate and private client tax planning, international advice and personal financial planning.” Looking at what the merger means to Streets, the firm’s managing partner, Paul Tutin, said: “We are delighted and excited to have Steele Financial become part of the Streets wide practice. “Ben and his team, including fellow director Ryan Saward, are a truly inspiring practice and have earned an enviable reputation, not just in Bristol, but also in London and further afield, for their progressive approach and innovative use of technology to look after the needs of clients. “Such an approach has seen them successfully grow a broad client base as well as particular sector specialisms in hospitality, food and drink and media and entertainment. “We are looking forward to working with Ben and his team on enhancing and developing a practice wide virtual finance office and our respective sector specialisms. “This recent merger comes on the back of an earlier one this year, with Streets Eadie Young in Banbury, Oxfordshire and this time last year Streets Whittles in Colchester, Essex. In line with our own growth aspirations, we also recently opened a new office in Burnley, Lancashire and are currently in talks with a number of practices around further mergers. “With Streets Steele in Bristol, we now have 23 offices from Burnley in the north to Brighton in the south. “Whilst many large firms have moved to more regional models, Streets remains committed to and focused on looking after clients that live, work and operate businesses in the local area. This approach is very much at the heart of our strategic focus for growth, which is likely to include further mergers of like-minded firms. Our aspiration is to become a top 20 UK practice by 2030.”

MTMS founder shortlisted for Rail Benefit Fund’s Heart of Gold Awards

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MTMS founder shortlisted for Rail Benefit Fund’s Heart of Gold Awards

A business owner who has dedicated more than two decades to the rail industry has been shortlisted for a prestigious award for his tireless work helping those less fortunate.

Malcolm Prentice, group chairman of MTMS, based in Moira, near Swadlincote, is in the running for the Lifetime Achievement award for the 2023 Rail Benefit Fund’s Heart of Gold Awards.

The awards celebrate those in the rail industry who have made a real difference in their workplace or community. The nominations are put forward by those working in the industry to thank people who they appreciate, value and inspire them.

Organisers said they received more than 90 nominations as they were “flooded with many inspiring and heart-warming stories.”

The award nomination says of Mr Prentice: “Malcolm Prentice has been a leader, mentor, and generous benefactor in the rail industry for over 20 years. With his heart-warming, gentle approach, patience and engaging good humour, he has shown limitless, and often unseen, benevolence and generosity.

“Caring for the poorest in society across big rail hotspots of the Midlands, he has helped countless young people in their development. With a focus on those in care, Malcolm has arranged Christmas lunches for those who are released from care and are finding life difficult.

“Recently he established hardship funds for cadets, and for decades he has supported hundreds of recently discharged veterans, many of whom work in the rail industry now.

“For over 40 years he has been quietly providing a springboard for the least fortunate in society whilst mentoring those new into business and providing professional guidance that has led many to generate success.”

Mr Prentice, whose charitable work includes a party at Christmas for young people who have come out of the care system and supporting the Armed Forces cadets, said: “I’m almost embarrassed to be nominated, but extremely privileged.

“I hope that if I do win, it would enable me to be a mouthpiece for the small UK manufacturing rail industry. This is a changing industry so they do need to have that voice.

“Businesses work with many charities and they do what they can to help young people. This is not about me. I am humbled by it but this is for the SMEs and to support the industry.”

There are five award categories that contenders are shortlisted for – Rising Star, Lifetime Achievement, Team, Wellbeing Champion and Rail Hero Award.

Voters have until October 31 to select their winner.

The winners will be announced online once the voting has closed and they will be invited to London later in the month to receive their awards from Rail Benefit Fund president Pete Waterman.

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