East Midlands care provider opens new home for people with brain injuries thanks to £1.6m funding
A specialist care provider for people with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) has opened its third residential home thanks to seven-figure funding from Unity Trust Bank.
Lucy Fallon and Paul Constable, who established Ariya Neuro in 2015 to address a national shortage in suitable ABI support, used the £1.6m funding to buy half an acre of land in Chesterfield, Derbyshire to build a bespoke eight-bed property plus two adjoining bungalows.
The development, called Elizabeth House, offers living accommodation, a gym and therapy rooms as well as therapeutic outdoor space including accessible gardens, wildlife pond and some chickens.
Lucy said: “People with ABI were leading normal lives before they suffered a significant injury, such as an accident or a stroke, and quite often they’re sent home from hospital without support or put into care homes which don’t suit their needs. We offer high quality care and effective rehabilitation to help people get their life back.
“It’s important that people are in a nice place while they recover, rather than feeling like they’re in an institution. The combination of an exceptionally kind and therapeutic atmosphere, highly skilled therapists and a conducive environment, ensure people can thrive.”
Lucy added: “We approached Unity for funding because they support the healthcare sector and there was a synergy in our value-base. We spoke to Mike Wicks, who is now our relationship manager. He was personable and genuinely interested in what we do and we knew we could work with him.”
Michael Wicks, relationship manager at Unity Trust Bank, said: “We support organisations that share our values and Ariya Neuro is a perfect example of this.
“The fact that Lucy and Paul have been awarded the highest CQC rating in terms of the care they provide, and the highest IIP rating in terms of how they support their staff, speaks volumes about the passion they have for making a positive difference to people’s lives.
“Elizabeth House is an impressive addition to their portfolio and we were delighted to support the project.”
Innovative fitness business expands into West Bridgford
An East Midlands-based provider of innovative fitness classes and complimentary holistic practices has expanded into West Bridgford in a deal brokered by Landa Associates & Savills.
The Reformer Studio, a self-styled “inner-city holistic retreat for mind, body, and soul” owned and operated by entrepreneur and fitness guru Holly Essuman, specialises in Pilates classes at its studios in Nottingham’s Lace Market, Derby and Loughborough.
Now, after mining Landa Associates director Sunny Landa’s forensic knowledge of the local market, the company has taken the lease of 10a Gordon Road in the affluent Nottingham suburb of West Bridgford.
Landa, well-known for completing a string of high-calibre deals in the area, was retained by the client to advise on lease terms and acquisition strategy.
Luke Epps of Savills in Nottingham acted for the landlord.
Sunny Landa said: “Working with Luke on this deal was a pleasure and I am delighted for Holly at The Reformer Studio. There are few things in life more important than wellbeing, so it’s great that even more people will be able to benefit from Holly’s expertise now! The business is a true East Midlands success story and I wish the team all the very best.”
Holly Essuman, founder and owner of The Reformer Studio, said: “Sunny was the first name that came up when we decided the time was right to expand again. We’re over the moon with the location. Locals have been signing up in droves and I’m excited to welcome even more of the good people of West Bridgford to the studio over the coming months.”
Luke Epps, of Savills, added: “I’d like to extend my congratulations to Holly and thank Sunny for his work in getting this deal across the line swiftly and smoothly with me. My landlord client was delighted with the professionalism shown by all parties. They’re thrilled to welcome The Reformer Studio to Gordon Road and looking forward to watching the company go from strength to strength in its new home.”
Workwear company fined £400,000 after woman suffers horrific injury
A workwear company has been fined £400,000 after an employee had the skin ripped off the palm of her left hand.
Sharon Chaplin, 51, was working an evening shift for Johnsons Textile Services Limited at the company’s site in Burbage, Hinckley on 16 December 2021.
The mother of two, from Barwell in Leicestershire, was trying to manually clean a sensor to initiate movement of a conveyor belt, but as she did so, her left hand was drawn into a gap where two conveyor belts met.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Johnsons Textile Services Limited had inadequately guarded machinery, did not have a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for the machinery that caused the injury and inadequate health and safety management systems in place.
Johnsons Textile Services Limited, of Logix Road, Burbage, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
The company was fined £400,000 and was ordered to pay £5,919.63 costs at a hearing at Leicester Magistrates Court on 12 July 2023.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Nicholas Moreby said: “This injury was easily preventable by applying known standards of machinery guarding and the risk should have been identified. Employers should make sure they properly assess risk and apply effective control measures to minimise the risk from dangerous parts of machinery.
“The fine imposed on them should underline to all employers that the courts, and HSE, take a failure to follow the regulations extremely seriously.
“We will not hesitate to take action against companies which do not do all that they should to keep people safe.”
This prosecution was supported by HSE enforcement lawyers Karen Park and Nathan Cook.
Third-party logistics provider signs long-term lease for 163,000 sq ft warehouse
Delin Property has signed a long-term lease for third-party logistics provider Lloyd Fraser to occupy its 163,000 square-foot crossdock warehouse at an East Midlands logistics and distribution hub.
The property, XDock 163, is in Lutterworth’s Magna Park.
Duncan Jarvis, head of portfolio management at Delin Property, said: “We’re delighted to
welcome Lloyd Fraser as a new customer. This is a great outcome for our UK portfolio and
underscores the quality and location of this property.
“We signed at an attractive rent with Lloyd Fraser utilising the existing racking and fit-out as a plug and play solution, limiting how long the property stood empty after the previous occupier vacated it in the first quarter of this year.”
XDock 163 features 22 dock doors and three level access doors. Inside, the property has a
12.5m clear height, with the storage potential for 17,000 pallets, 360-degree circulation for
heavy good vehicles and a low 40% site cover.
Lambert Smith Hampton and Carter Jonas advised Delin Property.
TC Group completes merger with business advisory and accountancy firm’s Midlands and East regions
Fortus’ Midlands and East regions are to join business services firm TC Group. It comes as part of the business advisory and accountancy firm’s business reorganisation designed to facilitate a focus on expansion in the North of England and Scotland.
TC Group said it was “pleased to announce the completion of a merger with Fortus Midlands and Fortus East with the support of new investor Inflexion Private Equity.”
The transaction continues TC Group’s M&A strategy.
Fortus Midlands and Fortus East will now trade as TC Group and will add six new offices to the group in Milton Keynes, Northampton, Peterborough, Leicester, Southampton, and Hertford.
“TC Group is delighted to have joined forces with Fortus Midlands and Fortus East,” says TC COO Grant Bartholomew.
“They are a trusted and highly respected firm of professionals who go above and beyond to give exceptional services to their clients – an ethos shared by TC Group. As a result, Fortus clients can expect a smooth transition and the continuance of the high-quality services they have come to expect as our two firms merge and move forward as one.”
Carly Liston, managing partner of the East region, says: “We’re delighted to be joining TC Group. It’s a great opportunity for us to share in the depth of knowledge, expertise and structure the group offers to both our clients and team. We have a shared vision for the quality of service we offer our clients, both in accounting and our extensive business-related service lines.”
Stephen Watts, managing partner of the Midlands, adds: “We’re thrilled to announce our merger with TC Group at a time of significant growth and opportunity.
“With the support of TC Group’s strong national and international network, this merger allows local Partners to retain control to better serve our existing clients, expand opportunities for our fantastic people as well as support future M&A growth in some key strategic locations.”
Make your entry now for Architects of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
On Thursday 28 September, East Midlands Business Link’s prestigious Bricks Awards will return to the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground to celebrate the region’s property and construction industry.
The annual event recognises development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools.
With nominations open until Thursday 31 August, and 10 categories available to enter, take this opportunity to showcase your projects and team, reward their hard work, and boost morale.
Amongst this year’s categories is Architects of the Year, which can be entered here.
The winner of this award will be the architects who have had the greatest impact on the region, be it in a single development or a series of them. Originality, the ability to rise to a challenge or initiative shown in accomplishing a difficult brief, this award celebrates our architects. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Last year the award was won by Rayner Davies Architects. Judges indicated that Rayner Davies Architects stood out as the winner because “they are heavily invested in carrying out work in the East Midlands and their work encompasses a diverse range of developments including commercial, retail, nursing homes, and housing. Many of their projects have been challenging, with one of their high profile projects, The Curve, being recognised as an exemplar housing project by RIBA.”
Other finalists for the category included Swain Architecture and CPMG Architects.
This year’s Architects of the Year award will be sponsored by Blueprint Interiors. Speaking with Business Link, Ben Dawson, Business Development Manager at Blueprint Interiors, said: “We have been involved in the awards since 2019 either as an award nominee or a sponsor.
“We continue to be impressed with both the quality of award submissions, but also the event, which attracts the elite of our region’s construction and property professionals. It is therefore the ideal platform to promote our own expertise as workplace consultants and commercial office fit-out specialists.”
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region.
Other award categories open for entry include: Commercial Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Developer of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Estate Agent, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here.
The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will also receive a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
To be held at:
Submit your nominations for Architects of the Year here before entries close on Thursday 31 August.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region.
Other award categories open for entry include: Commercial Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Developer of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Estate Agent, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here.
The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will also receive a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
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:
University joins Nuclear AMRC to work on research and skills development
The University of Derby has joined the Nuclear AMRC to collaborate on industrial research and skills development for nuclear and other low-carbon sectors.
Based at the University of Sheffield, the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre is part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult. It collaborates with manufacturing and engineering companies of all sizes to help them innovate and win work in the nuclear supply chain.
The University of Derby is taking tier one membership of the Nuclear AMRC, joining major industry players in nuclear new build, manufacturing, engineering services and research.
The University joins as the Nuclear AMRC opens its new industrial R&D facility at Infinity Park Derby, which will also provide a new home for the University of Derby’s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering.
While the Nuclear AMRC’s original facility in South Yorkshire focuses on mechanical manufacturing processes for power plant components, Nuclear AMRC Midlands specialises in emerging technology areas which will deliver the maximum impact for the UK’s nuclear supply chain – including digital engineering, control and instrumentation systems, and additive manufacturing.
The factory-scale building includes an open-plan workshop for work on large fabrications and assemblies, plus dedicated laboratories for 3D printing and rapid prototyping, virtual reality and visualisation, and equipment qualification. The centre will act as a regional hub to help Midlands-based manufacturers enter and win work in the nuclear supply chain, and will also engage with local schools and colleges to help encourage young people to consider careers in science and engineering.
Around a quarter of the space will form a new base for IISE, with University of Derby researchers moving into dedicated laboratories and workspace in the autumn.
Professor Warren Manning, Provost – Research and Innovation at the University of Derby, said: “Collaborating will further strengthen our partnership and enable us to share research and development opportunities, as well as exchange knowledge and expertise, supporting and addressing the local, regional and national skills needs. This is an exciting time for the sector with many opportunities, and we look forward to driving forward innovation together.”
Tom Purnell, Business Development Director of the Nuclear AMRC, said: “The Midlands is home to a host of companies and organisations which can play a vital role in meeting the challenges of decarbonisation and energy security. The University of Derby is at the heart of collaboration, innovation and skills development in the region, and it’s a pleasure to formally welcome them to the Nuclear AMRC’s network.
“With our shared facility now open for business alongside the Nuclear Skills Academy at Infinity Park, we are perfectly placed to work together to help manufacturers in Derby and beyond to seize the opportunities of the energy transition, and deliver sustainable growth and skilled employment for generations to come.”
Notts firm digs deep to fund new charity scheme
Nottinghamshire PR agency Arch Communications is funding the launch of a major new project for a local homelessness charity.
The Friary in West Bridgford wants to transform its old allotments into a haven of peace and reflection for the vulnerable adults it supports.
The launch of the scheme has been made possible by a £10,000 donation from Arch, which is based in the South Nottinghamshire village of East Leake, just a few miles from the allotments. It marks the 35th anniversary of charity, which is appealing for further funding to bring the plans to full fruition.
The Friary has helped hundreds of people through its drop-in centre and outreach work. Demand for its services has increased by more than a third over the past year alone. The charity has supported more than 850 vulnerable people in the last 12 months.
The project will see the charity’s three allotments in West Bridgford re-vamped to create a quiet and creative space, where service users can help to grow vegetables, learn new crafts and practice mindfulness.
With the help of volunteers, the allotments already produce one tonne of produce a year. This is used by the charity’s drop-in centre on Musters Road or given away to other good causes.
The Chief Executive of The Friary, Ben Talbot, said: “These allotments will provide the perfect place for our clients to learn new skills, while also helping their mental health and giving them a sense of purpose.
“We started to draw-up some proposals for the allotments a few years ago, but then the pandemic came along and we had to abandon the idea. We’re extremely grateful to Arch Communications for their financial and practical support, which is now helping to get the whole idea off the ground.
“It’s still a tough time for many people at the moment and we hope this area will become an ideal space for some peace and reflection. Our clients already feel part of The Friary family and, with the valuable help of our volunteers, we hope this will be a space they can feel part of too.”
Based in East Leake, Arch Communications believes in ploughing profits back into the community. The firm has donated over £165,000 to local good causes through donations and unpaid work.
Arch Communications founder and director Matt Youdale said: “We’ve been aware of The Friary’s excellent work for some time, so when we heard about this project we were keen to help bring it to fruition. As well as providing the initial funding, our practical support is part of our whole business ethos.”
Part of the donation from Arch has already paid for the replacement of an old wooden-framed greenhouse with a brand new high-spec greenhouse with tempered safety glass. There are further plans to improve the infrastructure, with a range of new facilities for things like woodwork, arts & crafts and meditation.
The Friary hopes to attract further funding for the ongoing management of the allotments and the supervision of visitors.
Government announces financial backing for SMR nuclear power
The government is to pump millions into development of nuclear power to develop cutting-edge technologies delivering cleaner, cheaper, more secure energy.
Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps says Great British Nuclear will drive the rapid expansion of new nuclear power plants in the UK at an unprecedented speed, boosting UK energy security, reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports, creating more affordable power and growing the economy, with the nuclear industry estimated to generate around £6 billion for the UK economy.
Companies are now able to register their interest with GBN to competeto secure funding support to develop their products, with the potential to create billions of pounds of public and private sector investment in small modular reactor (SMR) projects in the UK.
Unlike conventional reactors that are built on site, SMRs are smaller, can be made in factories and could transform how power stations are built by making construction faster and cheaper. Rolls-Royce at Derby has already done considerable work on the technology
GBN will play a key role in helping the government hit its ambition to provide up to a quarter of the UK’s electricity from homegrown nuclear energy by 2050 and achieve among the cheapest wholesale electricity prices in Europe, whilst supporting jobs across the country.
Simon Bowen, interim chair of GBN said: “GBN is core to delivering the government’s new nuclear programme. Building on the work done at Hinkley Point and Sizewell, announcement of the start of the SMR selection process signifies a real step forward in delivering the scale of nuclear power that Britain needs for secure, sustainable energy future.
“We look forward to working with all interested parties – technology vendors, the supply chain, the wider industry and local communities as we move this essential programme forward.”
On top of today’s GBN competition launch, the government is also announcing today a grant funding package totalling up to £157 million: Up to £77.1 million for companies to accelerate advanced nuclear business development in the UK and support advanced nuclear designs to enter UK regulation, maximising the chance of small and advanced modular reactors being built during the next Parliament. Up to £58 million funding for the further development and design of a type of advanced modular reactor (AMR) and next generation fuel. AMRs operate at a higher temperature than SMRs and as a result they could provide high temperature heat for hydrogen and other industrial uses alongside nuclear power. Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “The launch of GBN marks a new era for nuclear deployment in the UK – helping drive a programme of construction at pace and at scale to strengthen our energy security, create good jobs across the country, and advance our net zero future by providing up to 25% of our future power needs. “Focus on the SMR selection will demonstrate the commitment to deployment of innovative technologies and open up new opportunities for the UK industrial supply chain here and abroad. There a range of sites and communities across the country ready to host SMR technology, alongside the large scale nuclear capacity we will also need.“Britain has an important leadership role in the global nuclear industry, and nowhere more so than in our determination to drive Russia out of the nuclear fuel markets. The government’s Nuclear Fuel Fund will bolster those world-class capabilities that make us uniquely placed to help our allies replace Russian supplies with Western nuclear fuel.”
New support set for Ilkeston and Long Eaton town centre shops
A new grants scheme to encourage fresh shops into empty town centre retail units in Ilkeston and Long Eaton is poised to see Erewash Borough Council help pay for the signage the stores need to get up and running.
The grants apply to new shops only and are worth up to £2,000 each. Erewash Borough Council experts are aiming to support new business and fund “quality signage, thereby enhancing the street scene and improving the overall vitality and viability of our town centres.”
A report says the money will help “reduce vacancy rates in our town centres by encouraging new businesses to occupy empty units.” The grants over the next two years will come from cash allocated to Erewash under the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Erewash’s Council Executive meets on 18 July and is set to give the green light to what is called the Empty Shop Signage Grant Scheme. The borough’s Director of Resources said: “It will allow the council to support town centre businesses with immediate effect.”
Councillor Alex Breene, the council’s Lead Member for Town Centres, Regeneration and Planning, said: “We want our town centres to be vibrant and thriving but too many shops have been left vacant.
“These grants of up to £2,000 recognise financial support is necessary when opening a new business. The grants also signal the council’s wider ambitions to revitalise Erewash high streets.”
