Free eco scheme to help local fleet operators
Leicester City Council has become the latest UK local authority to join the ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme.
The voluntary scheme encourages and supports operators of HGVs, buses and vans to run their fleets more efficiently and help improve air quality.
The city council has teamed up with international transport consultancy TRL to encourage more local fleet operators to sign up to the scheme. Funding for Leicester’s ECO Stars scheme comes from the Government’s Joint Air Quality Unit and joining is free of charge.
By signing up, organisations will receive an expert appraisal of their fleet along with practical advice about how to improve efficiency and cut fuel consumption.
So far, over 30 local fleet operators have joined the city council in signing up to Leicester’s ECO Stars scheme.
Samworth Brothers are one of the organisations who have already signed up to ECO Stars, and are in the process of converting vehicles to become more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.
Paul Marrow, Samworth Brothers Supply Chain Operations Director, said: “This scheme has been of great use for Samworths. We are doing our bit for the city by lowering the emissions our vehicles produce and are grateful of the support ECO Stars has offered our organisation.”
Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on climate, economy and culture, said: “We’re pleased to be to be bringing ECO Stars to Leicester. The scheme offers practical help and advice to local fleet operators on how to operate more efficiently and reduce fuel consumption. This can help local business bring down their running costs and do their bit to cut emissions and help improve air quality.
“We’ve had a really good response from local operators so far, but we want to make sure as many local operators as possible have the chance to benefit from this free, voluntary scheme.”
Leicester City Council is following industry best practice by managing its own fleet for efficiency and safety, and is adopting a move to electric vehicles where possible as part of its overall renewal programme.
Jim Chappell, fleet efficiency principal consultant at TRL, said: “For over 10 years the ECO Stars scheme has provided commercial vehicle operators with individually tailored practical help to reduce their emissions through the sharing of industry best practice and providing independent advice on new technologies. TRL is delighted to roll the scheme out in Leicester as part of the city’s actions to improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions and improve the quality of life for local residents.”
Local schools join Derby engineering firm for National Manufacturing Day
Students from schools across Derbyshire have visited Acres Engineering’s Melbourne facility to celebrate National Manufacturing Day (NMD – 28th September).
Around 60 Year 10 engineering design students from Chellaston Academy, Pingle Academy (Swadlincote) and Ashby School joined the family-run firm for an eye-opening experience at their recently expanded site.
Luke Parker, MD of Acres Engineering, says: “Acres has an ambition to drive more students into manufacturing and hope that by opening our doors we can inspire both girls and boys to be interested in an exhilarating career.
“The goal of NMD is to show the reality and increase the appeal of modern manufacturing careers so we are always keen to play our part in encouraging the next generation by working with our local schools.”
As well as Q&As with the Acres team, students created poppies for Remembrance Day from start to the end product, using CNC machines before applying a powder coat finish.
National Manufacturing Day demonstrates the value of a Manufacturing Apprenticeship, engaging with students, parents, teachers, community leaders and local residents.
Chris Corkan, Interim Region Director, Make UK, added: “I applaud Acres Engineering for throwing open their doors in support of National Manufacturing Day. An important showcase of what we do, make and the careers on offer in modern high-tech environments. Our sector provides fulfilling and exciting careers that pay wages 9% higher than the overall economy.
“The UK is the eight largest manufacturing nation in the world. National Manufacturing Day is all about shouting about that success and sharing with the local community how industry remains on the forefront of delivering net zero and entering into the fourth industrial revolution.”
Property professionals will gather tonight for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023!
It is finally the day to attend the eagerly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023!
It is an evening for Business Link and professionals alike to recognise, celebrate, and network with the property and construction industry – those behind the changing landscape of our region.
Winners will be announced today (Thursday 28 September) in the Derek Randall Suite at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. The event will start at 4:30pm and conclude at 7:30pm, with complimentary drinks and canapés served on arrival, kindly sponsored by Nicholas Associates Group.
The event will also feature Matt Wallace, Director of Estates and Building Services at Leicester City Council, as keynote speaker.
East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
When: Thursday 28 September 2023, 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground
Keynote speaker: Matt Wallace, Director of Estates and Building Services at Leicester City Council
Dress code: Standard business attire
Parking: Due to the Notts V Middlesex 4 day County Championship fixture, parking will likely be limited at Trent Bridge on the day, therefore parking has been made available for Bricks guests at the Notts Sports Club, Holme Road, NG2 5AA (by Nottingham Rugby Football Club), quoting “Bricks Awards” to any parking and gate stewards.
Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
Most Active Estate Agent – sponsored by OMS
BB&J Commercial
Mather Jamie
FHP Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by MKMHBD – Power Park, Nottingham
Henry Brothers Construction – SportPark Pavilion 4, Loughborough
Bolsterstone Group Plc, Chesterfield Borough Council – One Waterside Place, Chesterfield Responsible Business of the Year – sponsored by Press for Attention PR Cawarden G F Tomlinson Aspbury Planning Limited Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Sterling Commercial FinancePhoenix Brickwork UK Ltd – St Marks student accommodation, Lincoln
Elms Developments – Elms Phase Two Ltd
St James Securities, Grainger – The Condor, Derby
Deal of the Year – sponsored by Mather JamieRushton Hickman Limited – Branston Locks deal
Bassi Group Nottingham Ltd – Job saving Pizza Hut takeover
Rigby & Co – Aida Factory deal
Developer of the Year – sponsored by WardChevin Homes
Clowes Developments
Brackley Property Developments
Architects of the Year – sponsored by Blueprint InteriorsIMA Architects
Matthew Montague Architects
Influence Landscape Planning and Design
Excellence in Design – sponsored by CawardenChevin Homes – Amber Farm
Marchini Curran Associates – Phoenix cinema and art centre
Trident Construction Services – Lark Hill Retirement Village refurbishment
Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services LtdHBD – Power Park, Nottingham
Henry Brothers Construction – SportPark Pavilion 4, Loughborough
Elms Developments – Elms Phase Two ltd
Contractor of the Year – sponsored by RammSanderson CawardenEE Smith Contracts
Bowmer + Kirkland
The Overall Winner, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
To be held at:
McLaren Construction appointed on £8bn Procure Partnerships Framework
McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has been appointed to two of the four lots awarded to McLaren nationally on the £8bn Procure Partnerships Framework.
Procure Partnerships Framework has operated a national contractor framework for the last four years across 11 regions, and this second iteration covers four disciplines; construction, decarbonisation and retrofit, demolition and site preparation and infrastructure.
Under the construction discipline, the McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) division has been appointed to deliver public sector projects from £15m-£30m in the East Midlands and £30m+ in the West Midlands.
The contractor is one of 87 appointed to the second-generation Framework which will run from 1 November 2023 for four years.
McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) secured its place on the Framework through a rigorous selection process encompassing several critical assessments, including: PAS91 Selection Questionnaire, Financial Standing Checks, Relevant Experience, and Commercial Assessments, alongside Quality Assessments – covering aspects such as cost management, health and safety, sustainability, social value, and performance management.
Gary Cramp, Managing Director at McLaren Construction (Midlands & North), said: “The new iteration of the framework is set to transform public and private sector procurement. McLaren Construction is proud to have been selected to deliver high-quality public sector schemes.
“Both McLaren Construction and the Framework have a shared priority of delivering projects that have a strong emphasis on generating social value, and we are looking forward to what will be achieved for communities in the next four years.”
Robbie Blackhurst, Director and Founder at Procure Partnerships Framework, said: “It was of paramount importance to us that the new framework addresses the growing needs of the industry, whilst ensuring clients have access to specialist contractors for their projects.
“McLaren Construction has an extensive portfolio of delivering successful construction projects, and we’re delighted to welcome them back onto the second iteration of the Procure Partnerships Framework.”
McLaren Construction London and South have also been appointed to two lots covering £30m+projects in the East of England and Southeast.
£1m high street revitalisation celebrated by Stapleford businesses
Local business owners are celebrating the success of a £1m grant scheme that has transformed Stapleford’s high street.
Through the £21m Government-funded Stapleford Towns Fund, 75 businesses have received a share of a £1m Town Centre Recovery Fund pot aimed at regenerating and revitalising the high street after the economic downturn of the pandemic.
Beneficiaries include Peak My Body fitness centre, Sewing Bee, Wake Cup Café, Millepede micropub, Larry’s Bar, Rowells, Gurkha Nights, Affinity Dance School and Little Driver’s Play Centre.
Grants have enabled external building and signage work to many businesses to modernise their premises and improve the look of the high street, as well as internal decoration, accessibility and energy efficiency improvements, equipment, furniture and marketing.
Business owners came together at the first of a series of business networking events on Monday night (25 September) to share their achievements and network with each other and business experts from East Midlands Chamber, Nottinghamshire County Council and Broxtowe Borough Council.
Paul Sweeney, Vice Chair of the Stapleford Towns Fund Board, said: “Stapleford is a fantastic town with so much potential. This £1m fund was designed to boost the long-term prosperity of the high street and these grants, many co-funded by business owners, have not only made the town more visually appealing to residents, shoppers and investors, they’ve improved things like energy efficiency, accessibility and marketing, that will have a long-term impact too.”
Mike Millers of Peak My Body, has benefitted from the grant and the Stapleford gym has been open to everyone who wants to improve their fitness, including a GB American football athlete and an up and coming teen boxer from the town.
Mike said: “The business grant has helped grow membership of the gym and install app access for members so they can come to the gym around their own schedules. It would have taken eight to 12 months to do this on my own, the scheme has been fantastic.”
Darren Henry, MP for Broxtowe and Stapleford Towns Fund Board Member, said: “It was fantastic to meet so many local business owners and hear about the huge impact these grants have had on their businesses. Stapleford has a great community spirit which was very much evident at this networking event and I have no doubt that Stapleford has a prosperous future ahead.”
24-hour cycle challenge fundraisers celebrate after raising £2,000 for Mesothelioma UK
A team of fundraisers cycled through the day and night covering more than 450 miles virtually to raise money to support people living with asbestos cancer.
Last Thursday, the team from asbestos management consultancy Acorn Analytical Services started their challenge taking it in turns to complete legs on an indoor exercise bike at their office in Northampton’s Moulton Park. The challenge ended at noon on Friday – more than 450 miles later and with £2,000 raised to support the work of national charity Mesothelioma UK.
Director Ian Stone said: “We could not be prouder of the team who were absolutely incredible throughout.
“Even in the early hours of the morning when things got really tough, they just kept going, showing the strength of spirit and determination which is at the heart of our team.
“The work of Mesothelioma UK is a cause close to all our hearts and we are thrilled to have raised £2,000 to support their vital work, with money still coming in. More than 2,700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the UK every year as a direct result of exposure to asbestos fibres. We know how much this money means to the charity and to everyone affected by this devastating disease.”
Business Development Executive, Max Wright, was one of the team who cycled through the night. Speaking as the cycle ended on Friday, he said: “We’re all exhausted – the legs are certainly feeling it – but we did it and we’re over the moon with the amount we raised on behalf of Mesothelioma UK.”
For more information about the challenge, or to donate, visit their website at www.justgiving.com/page/acorn-analytical24hour-1690537890484
New bidder steps forward for Pendragon
Nottingham-based car retailer Pendragon has received a further unsolicited takeover proposal.
American firm AutoNation wants to acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Pendragon for 32 pence per share, in cash.
It matches the recently upped offer from shareholder Hedin and PAG International.
It additionally comes after Pendragon announced that it had agreed the terms of a proposed sale of the entire issued share capital of Pendragon NewCo 2 Limited (Pendragon NewCo) which will hold, either directly or indirectly through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the company’s entire UK motor business and leasing business, to Lithia UK Holding Limited (Lithia), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lithia Motors, Inc. for a gross aggregate consideration of £250 million.
Lithia Motors is one of the largest automotive retailers in North America.
Pendragon and Lithia Motors, Inc. have also agreed the terms of a strategic partnership with Lithia, 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 highly attractive North American DMS market.
As part of the transaction, 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.
Pendragon has also revealed today (27 September) its half year results to 30 June 2023 in which profit before tax is up by 10.6% to £36.4m and revenue is up 13.2% to £2.1bn.
Bill Berman, Chief Executive Officer, said: “I’m pleased to report a strong trading performance in the first half, with revenue and profits up across all our divisions despite a challenging backdrop.
“We delivered strong volume growth for both new and used vehicles during the period, while a robust operational performance supported healthy margins in our UK Motor division.
“Pinewood continues to make very encouraging progress, with investments into product innovation and the delivery of new functionality helping to drive user growth and higher average revenue per user. I’d like to thank all our associates for their hard work delivering another strong set of results.
“Earlier this month, the Board of Pendragon formally concluded its Strategic Review of the business, which was focused on delivering full value for our shareholders.
“The Group announced a recommended transaction with Lithia Motors that would deliver the sale of our automotive retailing and leasing operations, the launch of Pinewood Technologies as a standalone, listed company and a strategic partnership with Lithia to accelerate Pinewood’s growth in North America.
“The Board has subsequently received unsolicited approaches from Hedin Mobility Group and PAG International and from AutoNation, which it is considering in consultation with shareholders. We will provide a further update at the appropriate time.”
Former BAS Castings site acquired by George Dutton
The former BAS Castings site on Brookhill Road, Pinxton has been acquired by George Dutton Trading Limited. The 2.84 acre site comprises a former foundry works with some 45,000 sq ft of dilapidated buildings suitable for redevelopment.
The development sits just 5 minutes from Junction 28 of the M1 motorway with excellent access to major arterial road links including the A38.
George Dutton have recently started the demolition works and within a couple of months the site will be cleared. The initial plans are to develop the site to provide a new industrial/warehouse scheme under the name of Foundry Business Park. The units will be available on a build to suit basis ranging in size from 3,500 sq ft to 40,000 sq ft.
The units will be available to purchase.
Darran Severn from FHP Property Consultants says: “We are delighted to be instructed to market Foundry Business Park. It is increasingly difficult to find good quality warehouse units that are available to buy.
“These opportunities should prove popular with local businesses who are looking to move from rented accommodation into their own. The units will be delivered in shell specification with capped services ready to go and I look forward to speaking with all interested parties.”
Last chance to secure tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
With the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 taking place TOMORROW (Thursday 28 September), there are limited seats left at the event.
Property and construction professionals will be gathering in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, where Business Link will be recognising and celebrating those behind the changing landscape of our region.
The event starts at 4.30pm and concludes at 7.30pm and tickets are available here.
Make use of this opportunity to network with leaders of property and construction businesses from across the East Midlands.
Complimentary drinks and canapés will be served on arrival, kindly sponsored by Nicholas Associates Group. Dress code is standard business attire. The event will also feature Matt Wallace, Director of Estates and Building Services at Leicester City Council, as keynote speaker.
Attend the glittering awards ceremony to see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agents of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.
East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
When: Thursday 28 September 2023, 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground
Keynote speaker: Matt Wallace, Director of Estates and Building Services at Leicester City Council
Dress code: Standard business attire
Tickets: Available here
Parking: Due to the Notts V Middlesex 4 day County Championship fixture, parking will likely be limited at Trent Bridge on the day, therefore parking has been made available for Bricks guests at the Notts Sports Club, Holme Road, NG2 5AA (by Nottingham Rugby Football Club), quoting “Bricks Awards” to any parking and gate stewards.
Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
Most Active Estate Agent – sponsored by OMS
BB&J Commercial
Mather Jamie
FHP Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by MKMHBD – Power Park, Nottingham
Henry Brothers Construction – SportPark Pavilion 4, Loughborough
Bolsterstone Group Plc, Chesterfield Borough Council – One Waterside Place, Chesterfield Responsible Business of the Year – sponsored by Press for Attention PR Cawarden G F Tomlinson Aspbury Planning Limited Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Sterling Commercial FinancePhoenix Brickwork UK Ltd – St Marks student accommodation, Lincoln
Elms Developments – Elms Phase Two Ltd
St James Securities, Grainger – The Condor, Derby
Deal of the Year – sponsored by Mather JamieRushton Hickman Limited – Branston Locks deal
Bassi Group Nottingham Ltd – Job saving Pizza Hut takeover
Rigby & Co – Aida Factory deal
Developer of the Year – sponsored by WardChevin Homes
Clowes Developments
Brackley Property Developments
Architects of the Year – sponsored by Blueprint InteriorsIMA Architects
Matthew Montague Architects
Influence Landscape Planning and Design
Excellence in Design – sponsored by CawardenChevin Homes – Amber Farm
Marchini Curran Associates – Phoenix cinema and art centre
Trident Construction Services – Lark Hill Retirement Village refurbishment
Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services LtdHBD – Power Park, Nottingham
Henry Brothers Construction – SportPark Pavilion 4, Loughborough
Elms Developments – Elms Phase Two ltd
Contractor of the Year – sponsored by RammSanderson CawardenEE Smith Contracts
Bowmer + Kirkland
The Overall Winner, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
To be held at:
Historic bakery’s future safeguarded
Allen Jackson Bakery Limited, part of Lifft Group Limited, has acquired Chesterfield’s Jacksons the Bakers in a deal which has secured the historic bakery’s presence in the town and safeguarded dozens of local jobs.
With its history dating back as far as the late 19th century, Jacksons supplies a wide range of wholesale clients including schools, supermarkets, and English Football League Clubs, operating out of its head office, bakery and factory shop in Clay Cross.
The business also has a retail shop in Chesterfield town centre and is well known across the region for its quality baked goods, as well as its support of the local community including supplying Ashgate Hospice with fresh bread and cakes for patients and staff free of charge.
The acquisition, which completed earlier this month for an undisclosed sum with a turnaround time of just two weeks, follows news that the company had gone into administration amidst challenging trading conditions following the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, including rising energy costs.
Andrew Fielder from Chesterfield law firm Banner Jones, and Andrew McDaid from Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers, advised Allen Jackson Bakery Limited on the purchase of the company’s trade and assets.
Looking to the future the company’s new owners say they hope to build on its heritage and success over the years in order to establish new contracts with local independent pubs, restaurants, and cafes.
Commenting on the deal Allen Jackson Bakery Limited founder and Lifft Group Limited Director, Giles Allen, said it formed part of group’s strategic growth ambitions to expand its portfolio of businesses which operate commercial fleets and companies specialising in transport training.
He added that the move was also aligned to the group’s ethical, social and governance values (ESG), and its commitment to invest in companies that can help to create sustainable job opportunities in the local area.
“Jacksons the Bakers is a wonderful bakery which employs great people. It has an impressive heritage dating back more than 100 years, and a long-standing reputation for supporting the local community,” Giles commented.
“Like many businesses it has faced some challenges in recent years, brought about by the pandemic and increasing operating costs, but it also has an expansive, loyal customer base and there is considerable opportunity for further growth and expansion.
“We are delighted to be bringing Jacksons into the group, and to have secured the company’s continued presence in Chesterfield. We hope everyone in the community will now get behind the business and help us to grow by buying local.”
Andrew McDaid, Partner at Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers who acted as a representative for Giles in his negotiations with the administrators, added: “It great to work alongside ambitious, entrepreneurs such as Giles who share our passion for Chesterfield and want to improve the economic prosperity of the area.
“At a time when there has been so much in the press about businesses shutting down, resulting in thousands of redundancies, we are pleased to have been able to work together quickly to ensure that jobs were safeguarded, and the business moves forward.”
Andrew Fielder from Banner Jones added: “Banner Jones is delighted to have acted for Allen Jackson Bakery Limited in its acquisition of Jacksons the Bakers. The purchase has secured the future of a well-respected local business and protected the jobs of the business’s employees.
“We wish the new owners every success moving forwards.”
