Rotherhill embarks on an active 2025 with new acquisitions
Midlands-based property developer and asset manager, Rotherhill, has marked the start of 2025 with impressive sales, acquisitions, and refurbishments across the region in Q1.
Alongside long-term funding partners, DCS 452 Limited and Nowell Spring Group Limited, Rotherhill acquired a 10,000 sq ft property on the Drayton Fields Industrial Estate in Daventry. A comprehensive refurbishment is underway, aiming to attract a long-term tenant or buyer.
The upgrades include a full strip-out, new mechanical and engineering lighting, an electric heating system, roof and cladding re-coating, gutter re-lining, and a complete redecoration of the office, welfare, and warehouse spaces. These enhancements are set to elevate the EPC rating to a B by July 2025.
Separately, in collaboration with a private office joint venture partner, Rotherhill secured a 13,767 sq ft industrial investment at North Portway Close in Northampton. The current tenant occupies the property under a lease expiring in October 2026, with a rent review in June 2025.
Ed Jeffrey, director of Rotherhill Developments, highlights the potential: “Supply of similarly sized existing properties, particularly where self-contained and with large service yards, is limited.
“This is a theme that is region-wide and we think is unlikely to change in the medium term. Paired with restricted new supply as a result of development viability pressures, we are confident that both investor and occupier demand will remain strong.
“The current passing rent is low by reference to comparable evidence, providing scope to secure an increased rent in line with the market at reversion, positioning this asset as a good addition to our expanding portfolio.”
Rotherhill also completed a major refurbishment of a 52,566 sq ft industrial property at Cosford Lane, Rugby, acquired from AW Precision in 2024. The £1.065m refurbishment includes comprehensive improvements across key areas, significantly raising the property’s specification and environmental performance. The property has been future-proofed for the long term, ensuring it is both sustainable and resilient.
Finally, phase 2 of the refurbishment at Radar Road has been completed, providing Next Plc with 30,000 sq ft of office space. This secure site is shared with Babcock International Group. The relocation of Next Plc, facilitated by Rotherhill and DCS 452 Limited, strengthens Next’s ties to the county, with their head office just five miles away in Enderby.
Paul Bagshaw, owner and founder of Rotherhill Developments, emphasises their strategy: “We target buildings with strong fundamentals, where we can add value through refurbishment, creating high-quality products at a discount to new builds.”
Sentiment deteriorates across manufacturing sector as cost pressures strengthen and global outlook weakens
Manufacturing output volumes were broadly unchanged in the quarter to April, according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Industrial Trends Survey.
While a broad range of sub-sectors reported lower volumes in April, this was offset by higher output in the motor vehicles & transport equipment sector. Manufacturers expect output to fall marginally in the three months to July.
Domestic orders fell through the quarter, as did the volume of new export orders, albeit marginally. Looking ahead, manufacturers expect the total volume of new orders to decline in the three months to July as both domestic and export orders are anticipated to fall. Half of respondents cited political or economic conditions abroad as a factor likely to limit their export orders in the quarter to July, the highest proportion since April 2021.
Manufacturers reported increased cost pressures. Growth in average costs accelerated in the quarter to April, compared with January, while expectations for costs growth in the three months ahead remain firm. Domestic prices are expected to rise at an accelerated pace in the quarter to July, whereas export prices are expected to be unchanged.
Sentiment across the manufacturing sector deteriorated in April and investment intentions for the year ahead are weak. Manufacturers expect to reduce spending on buildings, plant & machinery, product & process innovation, and on training and retraining, which saw the weakest balance since 2020. Manufacturers cited uncertainty about demand, inadequate net returns and labour shortages as key factors constraining capital expenditure.
The outlook for employment remains poor. Manufacturing headcount fell in the quarter to April, at the fastest pace since October 2020, and manufacturers expect numbers to fall again in the quarter to July.
Ben Jones, lead economist, CBI, said: “The recent downturn in manufacturing output appears to have eased, but manufacturers still seem gloomy about their prospects amid rising costs, an expected decline in new orders and heighted uncertainty around global economic conditions.
“The combination of financial pressures, market instability and falling confidence is leading manufacturers to cut back employment and investment, with plans for spending on buildings, equipment, innovation and training all taking a hit.
“The wider geopolitical environment is becoming increasingly challenging for exporters, with export optimism falling sharply for a second successive quarter and export order volumes now hovering around post-pandemic lows.
“The government is right to make the case for global free trade, with the Chancellor in Washington this week at the IMF spring meeting reaffirming that commitment. The uncertainty around global economic conditions only increases the importance of getting it right in domestic economic policy.
“Firms are already feeling the cumulative burden of rises in NICs and the National Living Wage – and tariffs represent another headwind for the business sector. The government needs to view every decision through the lens of kickstarting growth and incentivising investment.”
Pall-Ex strengthens senior team with operations director
Pall-Ex Group, a Leicestershire-based palletised freight distribution network, has appointed Kevin McDonagh as operations director following a strategic restructure amongst the business’s top talent.
Kevin joins the company with over 30 years of experience in the logistics sector across warehousing, distribution and pallet network services. Joining from Bow Distribution, Kevin boasts an extensive portfolio of qualifications and a proven track record in increasing operational performance.
Key responsibilities in his new role involve enhancing the efficiency of Pall-Ex’s UK hub operations, strengthening collaboration with Pall-Ex’s shareholder members and driving continuous improvement to service levels across the network.
Kevin said: “What initially attracted me to join Pall-Ex Group was the company’s culture and its openness to embracing change. Pall-Ex Group has a strong reputation within the industry for innovation and adaptability and I was inspired by the opportunity to contribute to a business that is committed to evolving and improving.”
Focus areas that Kevin will be prioritising in upcoming months include addressing the growing volume across the UK hubs and refining the current banding structure to streamline efficiencies. Increasing overall service levels across the network is another priority that Kevin will focus on as he heads up the operations team.
Kevin adds: “Through continuous improvement across our operations and by fostering a culture of teamwork and innovation, I am confident that we can navigate any challenges successfully to achieve sustainable, continued growth.
“I am looking forward to working closely with our shareholder members to drive operational improvements throughout the network wherever possible, with the goal to deliver high standards of service to every customer.”
The addition of Kevin as operations director follows a number of recent promotions across Pall-Ex Group, with former Pall-Ex UK managing director, Barry Byers, being promoted to chief operating officer (COO), Michelle Naylor moving from commercial director to managing director – UK networks and former operations director, Paul Pegg, becoming managing director – Pall-Ex Logistics.
E-commerce prep and logistics company moves into new Ilkeston HQ
Craner & Kirkman, the growing e-commerce prep and logistics company, has moved into a new headquarters at Soloman Park, Ilkeston.
The move marks a major milestone for the business, which has grown to over £500,000 in turnover in less than three years under the leadership of founder Tom Singleton.
Singleton, a former account director at Inspired Thinking Group (ITG) in Birmingham, left agency life after a decade to launch Craner & Kirkman. Originally started as a side hustle, the business now supports sellers across Amazon, Etsy, TikTok Shop, eBay, and Shopify.
The new facility at Soloman Park more than doubles the company’s operational space and allows Craner & Kirkman to meet growing demand from UK and EU-based sellers.
“We’ve built this business from the ground up — no outside funding, just good service and word of mouth,” said Singleton. “Moving into our new HQ gives us room to grow, but it also lets us keep raising the bar for e-commerce logistics.”
Limited NHS dental access persists in Leicestershire
Access to NHS dental services in Leicestershire remains a significant issue, with almost 75% of local practices still not taking on new adult NHS patients. Updated data from the NHS’s “Find a dentist” website shows that out of 120 dental practices in the region, 89 are not accepting new adults, mirroring the situation from six months ago.
The situation extends beyond adults, as 59% of practices are not accepting children under the age of 18. For those who are registered, many face long waiting times, with some practices only offering appointments “when availability allows”, which often doesn’t materialise. Rural and coastal areas, in particular, are severely impacted by the shortage, leaving many patients with no choice but to turn to private dental care, which can be expensive.
Efforts to address the problem include ongoing national initiatives to incentivise dentists to take on more NHS patients. Locally, the NHS Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Integrated Care Board (LLR ICB) is making changes to service commissioning to improve access, with a focus on areas of greatest need, including Leicester city, rural regions, and less affluent communities.
However, the issue of limited NHS dental care is not unique to Leicestershire. Nationally, 73% of NHS dentists still do not accept new adult patients, with some practices reporting waiting lists of up to 10 years.
Planning permission granted for Nottingham student accommodation scheme
A purpose-built student accommodation scheme in the centre of Nottingham has been given planning permission.
Peveril Securities and PMI Developments are working with Nottingham-headquartered CPMG Architects to create a residential offering consisting of 37 shared cluster flats and 50 studios – equating to a total of 247 rooms across sections ranging from three to nine storeys.
Originally proposed in spring 2022, the scheme located on Glasshouse Street in the Eastside area of Nottingham has been adapted through collaboration between the project team and Nottingham City Council to ensure it brings the client’s vision together with the needs of key stakeholders.
Chris White, director at CPMG, has led on the project since its inception. He said: “Throughout the design process, we’ve incorporated lots of feedback from various interested parties, while maintaining PMI Developments’ commitment to creating a high-quality offering which contributes to revitalisation of the Eastside.
“The result is much-needed student accommodation that will improve the student experience while also supporting the local economy in Nottingham.
“This is the third project we have worked on with PMI, strengthening the successful working relationship between us and creating more impactful outcomes. We’re excited to see our shared vision come to life, enabling students to join us in calling Nottingham their home.”
The site, which sits at the junction of Glasshouse Street, Rick Street and Howard Street, is currently occupied by a single storey industrial building and has been identified as a redevelopment opportunity to help reduce student demand for surrounding homes.
To contribute to the city’s ongoing regenerative change, the Glasshouse Street scheme is based on a contemporary design incorporating comforting interiors, efficient energy use, greenspace to maximise biodiversity and practical and active travel infrastructure, such as external cycle parking spaces.
Paul Ruane, director at PMI Developments, said: “Nottingham has two world-class universities so it’s important that the city’s residential offering is an equally high standard to continue to attract world-class talent that will train – and hopefully be retained – in Nottingham.
“We’ve maintained close collaboration with local stakeholders to design a scheme that not only helps meet the demand for purpose-built student accommodation but is sustainable and adaptable to the needs of current and future students.
“This is a major milestone in our journey but will be maintaining our unwavering commitment to helping Nottingham realise its potential – to benefit students, local businesses and local communities.”
Northants company provides vital support to local community food kitchen
A vegetation management and landscaping contractor is offering vital support to a local food kitchen, enabling it to provide free food to those in need in Kettering.
Responding to a call out for volunteers and resources, Wellingborough-based VMS Ltd is donating time and equipment to Central Methodist Food Kitchen.
Launched on Monday 7 April with a team of volunteers led by church member Vanessa Taylor-Griffiths, the service operates from its church premises on School Lane in Kettering and provides free, home-cooked, food every Monday between 3-5pm to those in need.
As well as donating volunteering time on a weekly basis, VMS Ltd has also provided essential equipment including soup kettles, a rice cooker, freezer and storage cupboards, to enable the new service to get up and running swiftly.
“It’s been great to see the donated items from VMS being used by the team,” said Kev Garfield, head of business support at VMS Ltd. “I’ve made a commitment to attend every weekly session and it has been fantastic to see the positive response received.
“It’s a big struggle for many right now but the new service is not just about offering food, it’s about giving people the opportunity to socialise and talk to each other. Vanessa and the team should be very proud of themselves.
“As a business we’re delighted to be involved and offer support to those in need within the community and I’m keen to get more businesses involved too.”
Of the support, Vanessa said: “Kev was one of the first to contact me when we put a call out for support in January. VMS donated essential equipment we needed to get up and running and they have also committed to continue supporting the food kitchen long term – both in volunteering, supplies and spreading the word about what we do so that we can keep supporting the community.
“Those using the services say that they love it and have found it really helpful. We now have a pool of volunteers who have all completed hygiene and safeguarding certification and we all have aprons with our names on, so that people know who we are.
“The support of VMS has been brilliant and by providing us with the large cooking items needed, it has taken the pressure off and allowed us to swiftly launch this new, vital, service.”
Commenting on the support given to the Food Kitchen, Rob Mallett, managing director, VMS Ltd, said: “This initiative by VMS is supported through our Asset Operation, Maintenance and Response Framework Contract with the Environment Agency.
“This Framework contract allows us to support various social value projects within the communities in which we work and operate. This specific initiative is part of the Welland & Nene Region, where we currently undertake grass cutting, weed control, tree works, plus other maintenance activities and flood response on behalf of the Environment Agency.”
The Central Methodist Food Kitchen is open Mondays, including Bank Holidays, from 3-5pm.
1.2million sq ft Leicester Logistics Hub site sold in Leicester
The Drummond Estate and Inverock have agreed a sale of an 82-acre site adjacent to the M1 and M69 in Leicester. Together they secured outline planning permission for circa 106,500 sq m of advanced warehouse and distribution space at the site, known as Enderby Logistics Hub, in September 2024.
Royal London Asset Management Property, partnering with Canmoor, plans to speculatively develop 1.2 million sq ft of prime logistics space with an estimated GDV of £300m. Strategically located in the heart of the UK’s logistics ‘Golden Triangle,’ the site sits at junction 21 of the M1 and junction 3 of the M69 on the outskirts of Leicester. The development will also feature a flagship 500,000 sq ft unit to address strong occupational demand. Ultimately, Enderby Logistics Hub will help to meet the region’s pressing need for employment space and would create some 2,000 new jobs, boosting the local economy. Martin Ward, on behalf of The Drummond Estate, said: “The site offers an exceptional location, adjacent to the M1 and at the heart of the UK’s logistics golden triangle. We had an extremely high level of interest as expected and following a competitive tender process have selected Royal London Asset Management Property and Canmoor, both of which have extensive track records of high-quality developments around the country.”Sale of Leicester packaging company set to deliver major growth
Accelerated growth is the target for The Packaging Company (Midlands) following the company’s sale to Antalis.
A provider of bespoke packaging solutions to customers across the Midlands from two premises in Leicester, The Packaging Company (Midlands) was originally established in 1994 as a supplier of packaging consumables to the hosiery sector.
The company has subsequently developed a customer base spanning the healthcare, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries, with annual revenues of £3.2m and a dedicated team of 24 professionals.
Jacob Lord, KBS Corporate deal executive, advised on the sale of The Packaging Company (Midlands) to Antalis, a global leader in distributing paper, packaging and visual communications solutions.
The acquisition will enable Antalis to expand its presence and enhance its service capabilities in the UK packaging market.
“Joining Antalis represents an exciting new chapter for our business,” said Mark Charles, co-founder and CEO of The Packaging Company (Midlands). “This partnership provides significant opportunities to accelerate our growth, expand our technical packaging range and further innovate sustainable solutions.
“Our customers will benefit greatly from access to enhanced resources and the latest packaging technologies. We look forward to collaborating closely to shape the future of packaging.”
Nicholas Thompson, Managing Director UK&I for Antalis, said: “The talented and dedicated team at The Packaging Company (Midlands) are known for their creativity, exceptional service and customer-focused approach.
“We will unlock new opportunities together, delivering even more innovative, sustainable and customised packaging solutions to delight our customers.”
Jacob Lord acclaimed the work of his KBS colleague Keighley Perkin, senior research analyst, in sourcing the buyer.
“We are very pleased with the outcome of the transaction,” said Jacob. “This acquisition will undoubtedly serve as a fantastic foothold for Antalis in their growth plans.”
Developer ordered to halt Leicestershire housing project over planning breach
Work on a 239-home development at Brascote Park in Newbold Verdon, Leicestershire, has been suspended after Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council issued Persimmon Homes a Temporary Stop Notice. The council acted after determining that construction activities had started without all necessary planning conditions being met.
This is the second time in less than a year Persimmon has received such a notice, following similar enforcement action at a site in Earl Shilton in November 2023. The latest notice demands an immediate halt to activities such as topsoil removal, bund creation, pond formation, and construction of compound areas.
The Brascote Park development has faced ongoing controversy. It was initially refused planning permission in 2023 over concerns about traffic and infrastructure strain, but permission was later granted on appeal. Reserved matters were only approved in March this year, with nearly 90 objections submitted during the planning process.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council described the Temporary Stop Notice as a key enforcement tool to prevent environmental harm and protect public safety. Council officers plan to meet with Persimmon Homes to discuss compliance and next steps. If the developer continues construction without approval, it risks prosecution.
Persimmon Homes maintains that all works have been carried out within permitted boundaries and has criticised the notice as unnecessary.
