Medical training and equipment provider makes Chesterfield move
A business which provides equipment and training to NHS Trusts, universities and colleges has opened a new facility in Chesterfield.
Sim & Skills will be based at the Peak Business Park on Foxwood Road in Sheepbridge, occupying the building which used to house local radio station, Peak FM.
Listeners to the old radio station will be happy to hear the company will be giving new life to the studio, using the space to showcase its latest products with webinars and online demos.
The company was founded during lockdown back in 2020, and since then has become one of the fastest-growing distributors of Healthcare simulation and clinical skills trainers in the country.
The business is now a team of seven people, all of whom boast a wide range of healthcare simulation experience. It says the town’s central location and transport links make it an ideal place to grow. The new warehouse, office and training space have been created with the help of local businesses and suppliers.
Sim & Skills aims to provide the training equipment that doctors, nurses and health professionals need. Having the resource to practice with specialised equipment in a simulated hospital environment enhances skills and improves patient safety.
The company has customers based across the country and beyond, and has already supported many local training providers, including Chesterfield College.
Managing Director Mark Cook said: “We’ve been searching for the ideal property for some time. When we saw Radio House in Chesterfield, we knew it was the one for us. The studio space is unusual but great for what we need. The building is a good size and will support us as we continue to grow.”
One visible change the company has made to the building is the installation of a defibrillator. As a medical training equipment provider, Sim & Skills believes it’s important to support the saving of lives.
A spokesperson for the business said: “We hope the defib is never needed, but if any of our Peak Business Park neighbours ever find themselves in an emergency situation, the defibrillator is there to be used and could save a life.”
Sim & Skills also has plans to support the next generation of professionals as the business grows. Operations director Chris Dinsdale said: “As we expand our warehouse and customer service team in Chesterfield, we’re really keen to help local young apprentices who have an interest in business and logistics.”
New occupier secured at Hinckley retail development
Harris Lamb has secured food on-the-go favourite Greggs as the occupier of a new retail unit in Hinckley.
The 1,200 sq ft premises are part of a newly developed two-unit site constructed by developers HDD and subsequently purchased by Heart of England Co-Operative Society.
Further to the Fieldfare Road development being completed earlier this year, Heart of England Co-Operative opened a 4,300 sq ft convenience store at the site, and tasked Harris Lamb’s Retail team with securing a tenant for the neighbouring unit.
David Walton, head of retail, said: “This is a prominent roadside unit with an estimated 25,000 vehicles passing its A47 location every day, which attracted significant interest from potential occupiers.
“Around 850 new homes are being built to the rear of the site, which was a key factor in us identifying it as a suitable location for Heart of England Co-Operative Society in its drive for additional convenience store locations.
“Greggs is a great fit for this location and we are delighted to have completed a new lease with them. Both occupiers complement one another with well-established, quality convenience retail offerings and will benefit from high levels of passing trade.”
Simon Smith of Wright Silverwood advised Greggs on the acquisition. The unit is now fitted out and Greggs has opened the shop to the public.
Major global award recognition for Noble Events
Noble Events, the Leicestershire-based multi-award-winning bespoke events agency, has won Best Event at the prestigious Global Agency Awards.
Sarah Cox, Managing Director at Noble Events, commented on the news saying: “We were beyond thrilled to see that our work with Bentley Motors creating and managing their Extraordinary Journey UK 2022 series of events was recognised at the Global Agency Awards in the category of Best Event.
“This once-in-a-lifetime road trip took guests on a breathtakingly scenic route from the home of Bentley Motors in Crewe to The Macallan Estate in Speyside, Scotland. Feedback from guests was glowing and the programme is now being repeated for 2023.”
Guest feedback included, “Kudos to the events team – it was a mind-blowing experience,” “The programme was beyond expectations. Loved everything about it – a trip of a lifetime,” and “Loved the warmth and attention to detail from the team. Made to feel very welcome.”
Caren Jochner, Global Head of Brand Experience at Bentley Motors, said: “We want to share with our audiences an extraordinary journey of discovery offering access to usually private and exclusive experiences that only Bentley can provide.
“We have worked closely with globally like-minded partners that share our passion for excellence whether it be in the field of cuisine, design, architecture, or wellness – all with sustainability at heart.
“This, coupled with our carefully curated driving experiences provides something truly unique – an Extraordinary Journey and once in a lifetime experience that offers the opportunity to connect guests with like-minded souls – an experience money alone can’t buy.”
Penny Noble, Founder and CEO of Noble Events, said: “Our relationship with Bentley goes back over many, many years and I was delighted that this event was recognised by the Global Agency Awards.
“The hard work the whole team put in over many months to make this the success it was – from both Bentley Motors and Noble Events – was incredible and I’m thrilled they received this incredible recognition. Well done team!”
Added Sarah: “We know from firsthand experience just how much work goes into creating and managing an event like this so we’d very much like to congratulate all the finalists in these awards and particularly those in our category. They gave us a close run for our money and we hope to see them all again next year when we defend our crown!”
Noble Events is the bespoke events agency that brings people together at unforgettable events by becoming an extension of a client’s team, enabling them to focus on their guests, meet their business objectives and shine in front of colleagues and customers. In short Noble Events connect people.
Services include media launches, customer events, incentive travel, conferences, global retailer training, product launches and employee engagement. With clients from across the automotive, luxury and financial services sectors, and with a particular strength in understanding and looking after Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs), VIPs, royalty and heads of state, Noble Events are privileged to work with some truly amazing brands.
Established in 2008 and headquartered in the UK, Noble Events has also maintained a branch office in Dubai since 2015.
New director for Turnaround Management Association UK
Charles Loake, associate director at Nottingham-headquartered auction house John Pye & Sons Ltd, has been appointed as a director of the Turnaround Management Association UK (TMA).
Following in the footsteps of John Pye colleagues, including Managing Director Adam Pye, Charles is taking over the role from John Pye’s joint head of Property and Business, Trevor Palethorpe as he prepares to step down from the board, following a two-year tenure.
TMA is a global organisation dedicated to business turnaround, recovery and renewal. With around 10,000 members across 20 countries, it combines global networking with sharing the latest news on business recovery, corporate turnaround and restructuring.
Charles has over 20 years’ experience with John Pye & Sons, and has provided valuation and sales advice on some of the UK’s most high-profile insolvencies, including Made.com and Phones4u Limited. He is also a Fellow of NAVA Propertymark (National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers) and a member of NAEA Propertymark, the UK’s leading membership body for property agents.
Charles has a long-term association with TMA and its board and is a regular host of the Annual UK Conference.
Paul Davies, president of TMA UK, said: “We are delighted that Charles is joining the TMA UK Board of Directors. Both John Pye & Sons and Charles have been great supporters of TMA UK and we look forward to working with Charles to continue our excellent relationship.”
Speaking of his appointment, Charles said: “I have always enjoyed being a part of TMA. As a director of a nationwide firm, it’s a great way to connect and stay informed on how our market is performing in all regions of the UK, as well as maintaining and developing new relationships.
“Following in Adam’s and Trevor’s footsteps, joining the board was a natural progression, as we can continue to offer John Pye’s support with hosting future events and grow the TMA membership further.”
Northamptonshire industrial unit sold for £3.2m
An industrial unit in Northamptonshire has been sold for £3.2 million.
Warwickshire-based The Wigley Group has sold Unit 1-7 Crick Industrial Estate, Eldon Way, to a London-based real estate investment firm.
The Wigley Group, which owns and manages business and commercial property across the Midlands, initially purchased the site with vacant possession in 2017 for £1.8m and has carried out a series of improvement works at the premises since.
Most recently, it has equipped the site with a new kitchenette, new offices, refurbished toilets, and carried out extensive maintenance works for logistics specialist Nu Vision Logistics, who have just moved in on a 10-year lease to facilitate their long-term business plan.
Set within a three-acre site, the 42,000 sq ft unit is located in the heart of the UK’s distribution network adjacent to J18 of the M1 at Crick, providing easy access to Northampton, Rugby and the wider West Midlands.
James Davies, Chief Executive Officer at The Wigley Group, said: “During the six years this unit has been part of our portfolio, we have carried out a series of improvement works, driven rental value, and secured a new tenant who sees their long-term future of the business at Crick Industrial Estate.
“With our property portfolio evolving and a series of construction and redevelopment projects due to begin shortly, it’s an exciting time for all of us at The Wigley Group and we are delighted to complete this latest deal, which is a reflection of our positive management of the site.”
The Wigley Group was represented by Nick Howe of Edgerley Simpson Howe LLP, while the Purchaser was represented by Ben Wisher of CBRE.
James Polo-Richards of J G Poole & Co LLP supported The Wigley Group on the legals.
Atlas to create 100 jobs at new site
Specialist manufacturing company Atlas Composite Technologies is set to create more than 100 jobs at a new facility on the back of a seven-figure investment.
Atlas is expanding with a new 30,000 sq ft building at Pride Park in Derby, opposite Derby County FC’s stadium.
The site is due to be fully operational by September and will enable Atlas to ramp up production to meet growing demand for its composites. The facility will initially generate 30 jobs, rising to more than 100 over the next three years.
Atlas manufactures complex composites for use in a range of sectors, including aerospace, defence, medical, elite motorsport and niche automotive, such as supercars and hypercars. It currently operates from three sites in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.
Its growth strategy is being supported by WeDo Business Services group, which made a seven-figure investment last year.
Ben Swain, head of commercial at Atlas, said: “The new facility takes our total footprint in Derbyshire to more than 90,000 sq ft. It marks a significant milestone for our long-term growth strategy while also reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality products and services to our clients, and helping to drive economic growth in the region.
“It will enable us to scale up production to meet growing demand for our composite solutions, representing a major expansion of our manufacturing capacity. The new facility will generate 30 jobs initially, and we expect this to grow to more than 100 over the next three years.
“It will also enable our Ilkeston headquarters to become a research and development centre, as well as increasing manufacturing there.
“Located close to other renowned manufacturing companies such as Rolls-Royce, the new facility positions Atlas at the heart of a thriving industrial hub.
“With this strategic move, we aim to leverage the synergies and collaborative opportunities that arise from coexisting with industry leaders, further enhancing our position as a trusted and innovative provider in the composite manufacturing sector.”
He added: “This expansion is testament to the hard work and dedication of our talented staff, whose expertise and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in our success.
“We are proud to invest in their skills and provide them with an even greater platform to showcase their abilities, while providing new highly-skilled jobs in the advanced manufacturing sector.
“The unwavering support and belief in the company’s vision shown by WeDo and Derby City Council have been pivotal in facilitating this expansion.”
Atlas, which currently employs 105 staff, expects to grow turnover to more than £10m in 2024 as a result of its expansion.
It is seeing strong growth in sectors such as niche automotive, aerospace and defence.
The company is recruiting for a range of roles at the new Derby site, including shop-floor manufacturing operatives and positions in its engineering, quality, stores and training teams.
WeDo Group Chief Executive Mark Lindsay said: “We are delighted to support Atlas with its latest expansion plans. Atlas has an excellent track record of supplying composite solutions of the highest quality to clients across a range of sectors, and it’s exciting to see the business flourishing.
“As our relationship with Atlas strengthens, we are looking to provide ongoing financial support to help kit out the new site and add further value through our outsourced HR support services, to support the recruitment drive and changing requirements of the management team.”
Nottinghamshire engineering company to be acquired out of administration
Shawtrack Services, a Nottinghamshire engineering company specialising in the manufacture of commercial vehicle bodies, looks set to be acquired after falling into administration.
Documents from the administrators show a difficult decade for the company, starting with a drop in demand after 2014 – a time in which sales staff left on mass to work for a competitor.
The announcement of Brexit then saw uncertainty and cancelled orders. While in June 2016, after the Brexit vote, many orders were reinstated, the business did not have the workforce to complete them and struggled to hire staff – an issue which continued to present day. Brexit import regulations would then cause disruption to sales.
Trade increased at Shawtrack until the COVID-19 pandemic, when half of staff were placed on furlough, with the other half working on essential vehicles. Sales for essential vehicles, however, were insufficient to cover the overheads.
Despite the problems faced by the company, it was only in the past couple of years that it became loss making, seeing the directors/shareholders introduce their own money to prop up cashflow, but this has not been able to continue.
In 2022, directors decided to sell the company but were unsuccessful. The business didn’t have the cash to enable continued trading, requiring a quick sale.
The company had also gone into arrears with HM Revenue and Customs, which had been to the offices.
In 2023, directors contacted Revive Business Recovery to evaluate options for the firm.
Administrators were appointed to the company, following which a sale has now been proposed to Lexen Adey of STS (Clipstone) Limited for £350,000 – a party with no connection to the company.
National leisure developer acquires Northampton site
Leisure developer, STACK is set to transform the vacant Market Walk shopping centre in Northampton Town Centre as they work with West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and acquire the central site.
STACK completed the acquisition of the Market Walk site on Monday, 1 August and will now bring forward a regeneration and development project to transform this site to offer an innovative food hall and leisure space.
Market Walk, previously known as Peacock Place, boasts a prominent spot at the heart of Northampton Town Centre adjacent to the historic Market Square, but has stood empty for many years.
The council will provide up to £4.2 million investment through the Towns Fund, coupled with private investment of £8 million from STACK, which will allow the space to be transformed into a new leisure, entertainment, and social community hub.
The Towns Fund is part of the Government’s plan for Levelling Up the UK economy and West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has secured £24.9 million to invest into transforming Northampton’s Town Centre. As part of the Grant Funding Agreement, the Towns Fund money must be spent by spring 2025, otherwise funds could be withdrawn.
The repurposing of the shopping centre will enhance the town’s vibrancy and vitality, supporting both the daytime and night-time economy and complementing the adjacent ongoing transformation of the historic Market Square and public realm of Abington Street and Fish Street.
Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “We are delighted that STACK will be bringing their first facility to the Midlands and will be opening an innovative food and leisure space in the heart of Northampton Town Centre.
“The scheme offers something unique for our town centre and differs greatly from those previously explored for the site.
“Market Walk is situated on Market Square and coupled together these two regeneration projects are set to rocket the leisure economy in Northampton by providing a diverse mix of entertainment, food and drink, and retail opportunities alongside fresh local produce provided by our market traders.
“Following the successful acquisition, the developers will now take the first steps to seek the relevant planning and licensing permissions to bring this project forward for delivery over the coming months.”
Once complete, the space will host a series of independent street food traders, all with their own unique offer and feel, a variety of bars and a dedicated space for interactive games, all focussed around communal seating and a main stage for live music performances and entertainment – offering something for all the family.
This type of leisure concept is already successful in other cities. STACK sites in Newcastle and Sunderland have both been successful in attracting visitors and generating footfall to underutilised sites. STACK Newcastle welcomed over 3 million visitors in the first three years and STACK Seaburn attracts over 70,000 visitors per month.
Neill Winch, CEO of STACK, said: “We are pleased to announce the advancement of our plans to introduce STACK to Northampton. Breathing new life into a long-vacant space is a venture we are fully committed to.
“This ambitious project holds the potential to make a substantial positive impact on the town, serving as a dynamic focal point for both the local community and visitors alike.
“We are confident that our innovative and inclusive leisure concept, which includes opportunities for local jobs and a platform for local street food traders, will contribute significantly to the local economy. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to bring the STACK experience Northampton.”
Gain exposure at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023: submit your nominations by 31 August!
Raise the profile of your business by submitting a nomination for East Midlands Business Link’s prestigious Bricks Awards!
Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and outstanding developments, the annual awards attract leaders from across the region and are the perfect way for firms to promote the work they are completing and create more buzz.
Award categories include: most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner.
A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening that will also provide plenty of opportunities to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region.
After winning deal of the year in 2022, Richard Foxon, Managing Director at Newton LDP, said: “My colleague Sam Jones and I thoroughly enjoyed the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022. The event was well attended, with some prestigious awards up for grabs. The evening offered a great opportunity to network with like-minded property folk, whilst enjoying the backdrop of Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Many thanks to all the organisers and sponsors.”
Entries for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 are open until Thursday 31 August. To nominate your (or another) business/development, please click on a category link below or visit this page:
To be held at:
- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, with the winner, and recipient of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, selected from those nominated)
Find out who last year’s winners were here.
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on Thursday 28 September 2023 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region, and hear from Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, our keynote speaker. Dress code is standard business attire. Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
Greatwell Homes names new executive director
Northamptonshire-based housing association, Greatwell Homes has named Chris Holloway as its new executive director.
With almost 20 years experience in the housing sector, he has spent the last five years as head of housing and neighbourhoods at Greatwell Homes and will start his new role on 1 September 2023.
During his time at the organisation, Holloway has led a number of strategic projects and initiatives including regeneration of community green spaces and piloting the use of data to sustain tenancies.
He said: “After working at Greatwell Homes for the past five years, I’m truly honoured to join the Executive Management team.
“I look forward to continue to work with our Board, colleagues, customers and partners to shape places that people are proud to call home.”
Jo Savage, Chief Executive at Greatwell Homes, said: “We’re delighted that Chris will be joining myself and Julie Robinson in the Executive Team here at Greatwell Homes. During the recruitment process, Chris performed extremely well throughout a robust recruitment process against a very strong field of internal and external candidates.
“I have no doubt that Chris’ knowledge of our communities and his existing connections with our customers and partners will be invaluable in planning the future of our organisation. I very much look forward to working with him in his new role from September.”
