A Race Night, organised by local charity Safe and Sound, romped home above target – raising more than £4,000 to enable the charity to support more children and young people across Derbyshire who are victims of or at risk of child exploitation.
More than 130 people attended the event at Nicco restaurant and bar in Pride Park including the Mayor of Derby Cllr Robin Wood and representatives from a wide range of local businesses.
Race sponsors included Loates HR Consultancy, Wathall’s, Timms solicitors, Cosy, HUUB, Colleague Box, Logic Barn and JJPR.
EVAD, Invictus Communications and Derby Daybreak Rotary Club each sponsored and specially designed cocktails for the evening and other sponsors included Melbourne Print who supplied the race programme, MiniAperture Photography who offered individual headshots during the evening and Derby LIVE who provided technical support.
Safe and Sound CEO Tracy Harrison, who was compere for the evening dressed as a jockey, said: “This is one of our major annual fundraising events and we are grateful for the support, once again, of the Derby business community.
“Thanks to sponsorship and the support of Nicco, we were able to plough the money raised on the night directly into the charity which will now be used directly on our support programmes for children, young people and families whose lives are affected by child exploitation.
“Demand for our support grows year on year and it is heartening that so many individuals and businesses recognise the value of work in local communities to protect and support those vulnerable to exploitation.”
Last year, Safe and Sound supported a record 343 children and young people aged eight and above who had been victims of or at risk of child exploitation including online grooming sexual exploitation, County Lines, trafficking, modern slavery and radicalisation. The charity also supported 40 families whose lives had been affected by exploitation.
After suffering a series of knocks over the past three years, East Midlands businesses are finally optimistic about what 2023 could bring, according to new research into the state of the region’s economy.
Uncertainty has been replaced with confidence, there has been a turnaround in sales and companies are now expecting to employ more people once again, East Midlands Chamber’s latest study illustrates. Economic indicators covered by the business representation group’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which is delivered in partnership with the University of Leicester School of Business, have been largely negative since the end of 2021, but they are all now heading in the right direction during the first quarter of 2023.
East Midlands Chamber director of policy and insight Chris Hobson said: “Following an uncertain end to 2022, these latest findings demonstrate how businesses are beginning 2023 by displaying signs of growth and an increasing confidence for the year ahead.
“Sales and advanced orders are steadily growing, cashflow is improving – although there are still significantly more businesses reporting a decline in cashflow (35%) as opposed to an increase (22%) – and price pressures continue their gradual drop-off.
“The relative certainty in the policy environment, at least compared to the constant flip-flopping that came before, is now leading to a significant upturn in business confidence and, therefore, investment intentions, which are crucial if we are to steer the economy back on track and achieve consistent growth.
“While the region’s unemployment rate has been at historically low levels in recent times, our research had shown a decline in employers recruiting – mainly due to an extremely tight labour market driven by escalating numbers of economically inactive people since the dawn of the pandemic combined with longstanding skills shortages.
“So it’s pleasing to see a positive swing, with a 7% increase in the proportion of businesses recruiting in the past three months and a 14% improvement in those expecting to add to their workforce before the summer, as this generates jobs and prosperity locally.
“While all this paints a far healthier picture than at the end of 2022, caution is required as many of these indicators are still down from where we were a year ago.
“We are moving slowly in the right direction but Government support is still required to ‘get the basics right’ by knocking down the everyday barriers to doing business, and then backing our firms to grow the economy by focusing on the ‘four Is’ – investment, innovation, infrastructure and international trade – all of which is laid out in our Business Manifesto for Growth.”
East Midlands Chamber QES Q1 2023 data
Key findings from the Quarterly Economic Survey Q1 2023 for the East Midlands, which was completed by 347 organisations between 13 February and 9 March, included:
· UK sales grew by a net 1% between Q4 2022 and Q1 2023, with UK advanced orders up by 15%. Overseas sales and advanced orders were both up by 6% quarter on quarter
· A net 12% of businesses added to their headcount in the first three months of 2023, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous quarter, while a net 30% of firms expect to recruit new staff in the next three months – a 14% increase
· Recruitment problems persist but are dropping off gradually – six in 10 (59%) businesses attempted to recruit in Q1 2023 and, of those, 73% faced problems filling roles, but this was down from 81% in Q4 2022
· A net 52% of businesses expect they will be forced to raise prices as they grapple with rising costs for people, energy, raw materials and fuel – although this is down from 57% in the previous quarter
· While a net 13% of firms reported a decrease in cashflow, there was a 4% positive swing
· Investment intentions are now trending upwards, with a 12% increase quarter on quarter in the net proportion of firms saying they will invest in training and a 6% rise for investing in plant and machinery
· Business confidence is now in positive territory, with a net 39% optimistic about growing turnover over the coming year – a 15% rise compared to last quarter – and a net 8% (up by 11%) expecting to improve profitability.
Professor Mohamed Shaban, associate dean for business and civic engagement at the University of Leicester School of Business, said: “The survey results are yet another testament to the resilience of businesses in the East Midlands.
“Despite the challenges in the past few years, businesses have successfully navigated their way through the uncertain domestic and global economic environment.
“Businesses have endured credit tightening, an inflationary environment, supply chain disruptions and skilled labour shortages, which have collectively hindered the possibilities for growth.
“New initiatives are required to support businesses to invest in technologies that help them achieve higher levels of automation, nudge them towards net zero goals and empower them to invest in upskilling employees.”
Derby-based Ascentant Accountancy have moved office to double the amount of space available as the firm continues to grow.
Ascentant Accountancy have moved to Ivygrove property Keynes House on Alfreton Road to accommodate the growth of its team as its headcount continues to increase.
The new space allows the firm to provide free hot desking to clients, an incubator space for startup businesses and dedicated conference room facilities for client roundtables and networking events.
Immediately following the move, Ascentant Accountancy have recruited new legal cashier, Su Churm, from Rothera Sharp, and a new apprentice, Thomas Finnegan via local provider, EMA Training.
Managing Director, Kevin Drew said: “The move has really enabled us to facilitate our growth plans as we can build out new client offerings, grow our headcount and build a community around our business.
“We quite literally ran out of space in our prior office, which impacted our ability to recruit and our ability to grow. We can now really focus on moving forward and have a number of new hires in the pipeline. The last 12 months have seen rapid growth at the business, record turnover and a churn of new client engagements.”
A competition to design a major social housing scheme in Mansfield’s White Hart Street area has resulted in a shortlist of five entries being invited to go through the next stage.
There were a total of 37 entries for the competition which is being managed by The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) on behalf of Mansfield District Council.
Mike Robinson, Strategic Director at the council, said: “There was a very high level of interest from architectural practices nationally and internationally and we are confident this will lead to a high quality scheme.”
The five shortlisted practices now have to develop a concept design for the site to be submitted by the end of May. These submissions will then be assessed by the evaluation panel to select the winning practice.
Whoever wins will work with the council subject to the approval of a business case for the scheme.
White Hart Street is an important area close to the town centre which has been run-down and largely derelict for many years.
The council is seeking a scheme that will address the challenges of climate change, provides affordable high quality homes for people of all ages and respects the architectural heritage of the site which is within the Bridge Street conservation area.
The council purchased land in this area last year (2022) in order to facilitate its regeneration. Redevelopment of this area would strongly align with the council’s Growth, Aspiration, Wellbeing and Place priorities.
Full Council approved a £16.5m budget to build new council homes on this brownfield site in 2019. Architects entering the competition currently have a £14m budget for the scheme although this may increase subject to a successful bid for grant funding.
The properties are expected to be a mix of housing types, including family houses and apartments for older people, and built to the Future Homes Standard to save energy for residents, in line with the council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan. They would be added to the council’s stock of affordable homes.
The firm winning the competition will progress the design for planning permission, subject to approval by the Full Council of the business case which is expected in early 2024.
If approved, a planning application will be submitted and if that is approved, demolition work could start around October 2024 and building work in February 2025.
In a testament to the growing confidence of the East Midlands commercial property market, Innes England has completed a major deal with an offer being tendered within 24 hours of the property reaching the market.
Located at The Triangle, at Nottingham’s NG2 Business Park, the detached5,730 sq ft property was put on the market on December 5, with an offer at the asking price being received the following day.
The final paperwork concluded on Valentine’s Day just 10 weeks later, with the new owners now planning to move in by the summer.
The seven-figure deal reflects the burgeoning commercial property market in the East Midlands despite it still absorbing the consequences of the UK’s economic turmoil in the second half of last year.
Ross Whiting, director at Innes England who handled the deal having previously managed the property, said: “The striking thing about it has been the quick turnaround between putting the property to market and signing the final bits of paperwork.
“Especially for a property of this size and for a solid price, the fact that an offer was tendered within 24 hours which was consequently paid just ten weeks later, with Christmas and the New Year period in between,is remarkable. The quick timeframe meant that handling the transaction was an exercise in due diligence and ensuring every detail was taken care of.”
Colleague Andy Nuttall, associate director in the property asset management department, added: “Our management of the property served us well as we worked with all the parties involved to ensure a smooth sale process, including dealing with the service charges and compliance. We are also pleased to continue managing the property on behalf of the new owners.”
The vendor, Rod Shiers, said: “It wasn’t surprising to see such keen interest in the property – it’s an impressive building in a desirable location that has great access to the tram and the A52. Ross and the team at Innes England worked hard to assist us in achieving a prompt sale and gave good advice throughout the process.”
After reporting record years for revenue in both 2021 and 2022, Topps Tiles, the tile specialist, has delivered a record first half.
According to a trading update for the 26-week period ended 1 April 2023, revenues at the Leicestershire-based firm reached £130.5m, £11.3m or 9.5% higher than the prior year.
Approximately £9m of revenue growth was related to the acquisition of Pro Tiler Tools and the launch of Tile Warehouse in 2022.
Rob Parker, CEO, said: “Our performance across the first half has been good, with a record period for group revenues, supported by like-for-like sales growth in Topps Tiles of 4.3% and an excellent post-acquisition performance from Pro Tiler Tools.
“The economic outlook remains uncertain but early signs of easing supply chain pressures, allied to the group’s strong balance sheet, world class customer service, specialist expertise and growth strategy give us confidence in our ability to drive value for all stakeholders over the medium term.”
Countryside Partnerships, the mixed tenure developer, has been granted planning permission by Rushcliffe Borough Council to start work constructing 333 brand-new homes at Fairham and has signed agreements with emh group and Start Living for the scheme’s affordable and private rented homes.
Countryside Partnerships is the first developer to start work on the site, which will bring forward much-needed housing to the local area. ‘Alvaredus’, so named as a nod to the area’s lineage to Alvaredus de Clifton, a Norman knight, will deliver 333 new homes and provide a sustainable new community made up of two, three and four- bedroom properties. The scheme will deliver 133 homes for private sale, 100 affordable homes for emh group and 100 private rental homes through Start Living, the single family build-to-rent joint venture between Gatehouse Investment Management and TPG Real Estate Partners.
Martin Harrison, Managing Director, North East Midlands, Countryside Partnerships, said: “We are delighted to get the green light to start work to build a well-planned, safe and friendly community with a great mix of housing options to suit everyone.
“It is great to be partnering with emh group on this inclusive residential development which will not only create housing, but also local employment and with millions of pounds of investment in the local economy.”
Chris Jones, executive director for development at emh group, said: “We are proud to be working with Countryside Partnerships on this exciting new scheme. These 100 new high-quality homes will contribute towards meeting the housing aspirations of people in the area and will support the local community to thrive.”
Paul Stockwell, Managing Director of Gatehouse Investment Management, said: “Having worked closely with Countryside Partnerships on other developments, it is hugely pleasing to be undertaking another project with them, which when complete will be Start Living’s third site in Nottingham. Securing planning permission is a major milestone for the scheme, and we look forward to construction getting underway.”
Homes England and Clowes Developments have partnered to deliver Fairham, a 606-acre mixed-use neighbourhood located on the southern edge of Clifton. Fairham will not only deliver new employment opportunities but will also assist Rushcliffe Borough Council in meeting its new homes target of 13,500 dwellings by 2030.
In order for Countryside Partnerships to achieve planning consent for Alvaredus, the team had to pay close attention to the Fairham masterplan and adhere to strict design codes intended to encourage developers to create schemes that comply with Fairham’s aspirations for quality, deliverability and sustainability, providing people with the opportunity to flourish and thrive in a well-rounded built and natural environment.
Residents at Alvaredus will benefit from Fairham’s expansive cycle ways, green corridors, ecological and wildlife zones, a neighbourhood centre and excellent public transport links.
Robert Hepwood, director – Clowes Developments, said: “After many years of planning Fairham, we are absolutely delighted to welcome Countryside Partnerships to the development. To date, most of the works at Fairham have centred around a £100 million infrastructure works package, ensuring that power, utilities, sewerage, drainage, and roads are in place.
“The first four buildings on Fairham Business Park are nearing completion with occupiers scheduled to move in before the end of the year. We have worked closely with the NET to create a brand-new access road off Mill Hill serving the Park and Ride and Fairham.
“Having the first housing developers mobilising their team on site is a very exciting next step for Fairham.”
Countryside Partnerships is due to start the construction of Alvaredus at Fairham imminently.
A property consultancy has made 24 promotions across its offices in the East Midlands following a period of growth.
Fisher German has promoted 19 colleagues at its head office in Ashby, while five have been promoted at its Market Harborough offices.
Three have been named as partners – Louise Duffin and James Watson at Market Harborough, and Richard Gadd at Ashby, while seven people have also progressed within the partnership.
At Ashby, Matthias Charlton becomes associate partner, Joanne Ziemelis becomes senior associate, while Antonia Wyatt, Emma Pattisson, Hannah Price and Robert Webster have been promoted to associate.
Bev Cowley becomes PR manager, Joanne Morton becomes senior administrator, Katy Bregazzi becomes senior GIS technician, Emily Weston becomes senior planner, and Joanna Grew is now people system officer.
Further promotions at the Market Harborough office include Harry Edwards, who becomes associate partner, Matthew Trembath, who is now an associate, and Julia Dilworth, who becomes a senior estate administrator.
The promotions in Market Harborough come after a recent move for the team to a new office at Welland Business Park after being based in the town’s high street for decades.
Louise, who joined Fisher German as a graduate in 2001, advises a variety of clients across Leicestershire, Rutland and beyond on estate management, and regularly works with Fisher German’s development and planning teams on major projects.
She heads up a team of seven and is hopeful of attracting new surveyors into the company now she has been invited into the partnership.
Louise said: “It’s fantastic I have joined the partnership after working my way up through Fisher German since joining right after I finished my degree.
“Fisher German has always supported me in my career from day one, and for me to have the opportunity to become a partner despite working part-time shows the faith in me and in what I can do for the company.
“It’s great that 24 of us have been promoted across the East Midlands, and this reflects the strength of the team in the region.
“I am excited to help bring in new talent to our new office in Market Harborough, help them grow their careers, and continue the excellent advisory work we provide for our clients every day.”
The news follows Fisher German’s merger with Matthews & Goodman in June last year – a deal which has created one of the largest providers of multi-disciplinary property services in the UK, with 28 offices and a turnover approaching £60 million.
Fisher German has made a total of 54 promotions, including ten partner promotions, through the firm’s career progression framework, which gives employees a clear pathway to advance within the business. There have also been 20 progressions within the partnership.
Duncan Bedhall, senior partner at Fisher German, said: “I would like to congratulate all of those who have received promotions, and it is fantastic to welcome ten colleagues to the partnership.
“This announcement demonstrates the career progression opportunities at all levels and specialisms within the firm and shows our commitment to investing in learning and development right across the business. It also highlights the exceptional quality and hard work of our colleagues.
“It is excellent to see a number of colleagues who joined us from Matthews & Goodman receive promotions.
“The business continues to go from strength to strength following the merger, and we continue to capitalise on collaborative opportunities within the firm which benefit both the business and our clients.
“I look forward to announcing further promotions across the firm later in the year.”
The 1st April to most is an opportunity to play tricks on each other, but for Aspbury Planning, this year was serious, as the business turned 40 years old.
The business (originally named Antony Aspbury Associates) was founded by Tony Aspbury in 1983 with the first offices based at Castle Gate, Newark. In 2007 the business moved to its current location at 20 Park Lane Business Centre in Basford. In the spirit of growth and reinventing itself, in 2015 the business moved into its next phase with a new name and so ‘Aspbury Planning Ltd’ was born.
Aspbury has always been and will continue to be a hub for development and growth. It has helped to develop confidence and skills in its team that have led to substantial promotions for them in the planning world.
2022 saw Denise Knipe become Managing Director and secure Asbury’s future for many years to come. In an ever-changing world where many things are uncertain, Aspbury Planning has stood the test of time. Its future looks bright and its team are stronger than ever.
It plans to celebrate this momentous occasion with a party in the summer months to thank everyone who has helped Aspbury Planning to achieve the success it has, so watch this space.
In the meantime, if you need help with your project contact Aspbury Planning today!
Aspbury Planning is small, but mighty, with the skills and knowledge to drive projects forward, whilst providing a consistently excellent service.
Nominations are now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards, shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry.
The prestigious 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.
Take this opportunity to showcase your team, reward their efforts, and boost morale.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
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)
Nominations end Thursday 31 August
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September,at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening of celebration and networking with property and construction professionals from across the region. The event will also welcome Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, as keynote speaker.
Find out who last year’s winners were here.
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – 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 County Cricket Club 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.
Guests network at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
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It plans to celebrate this momentous occasion with a party in the summer months to thank everyone who has helped Aspbury Planning to achieve the success it has, so watch this space.
In the meantime, if you need help with your project contact Aspbury Planning today!
Aspbury Planning is small, but mighty, with the skills and knowledge to drive projects forward, whilst providing a consistently excellent service. 
To be held at:
