Third new appointment at Derby ICT specialist

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Third new appointment at Derby ICT specialist

Derby-based outsourced IT and Telecoms specialist Link ICT has appointed Jordan Glover as a Business Administrator. This is the company’s third new appointment since the start of 2024 in response to growing demand from schools and businesses investing in improved ICT systems and connectivity.

 

Jordan, who lives in Derby and has an Honours Degree in Law from Keele University, previously worked for Enterprise Flex-e-Rent, a sister company to Rent-a-Car dealing with fleet vehicle contract administration.

 

In his new role, Jordan will be responsible for client liaison and procurement as well as general administration and health and safety. This will involve liaising with Link ICT customers and suppliers to maintain healthy and positive relationships, ensuring all customers get the best prices possible and providing support to technicians out on site.

 

Founded in 2004, Link ICT will soon celebrate its 20th anniversary and is about to move to new offices in Pride Park. The company proposition is slightly different to other outsourced IT providers as all clients have their own dedicated technician working in site on set days and times. This means they become part of the client team, helps to ensure problems are fixed quickly and helps all users gain confidence using IT to work more effectively and efficiently.

 

Jordan said: “One of the main reasons for joining is because the working environment is endlessly kind and caring. From the moment I was interviewed to being sat in my new chair for the first time, everyone has made me feel valued, cared for and that I am an important part of the team. This isn’t a feeling you get at every company. The role also provides me a huge opportunity to advance my career and gaining more experience in purchasing and customer and supplier relations.”

 

In his spare time, Jordan enjoys walking in the Lake District, going to the gym as well as running. He also enjoys playing and watching football, and is a huge F1 motor racing fan. As a person who has been diagnosed with epilepsy Jordan raises money for SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) and is currently training to run a 10k around Silverstone Circuit.

Leicestershire e-commerce retailer strengthens presence in nursery sector with acquisition

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Leicestershire e-commerce retailer strengthens presence in nursery sector with acquisition
Leicestershire e-commerce retailer, The Kid Collective has acquired Scandibørn, a supplier of Scandinavian inspired children’s toys, interiors and accessories, from Findel Education Ltd, for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition marks a significant milestone in The Kid Collective’s strategic expansion in the nursery sector. “We are so excited to welcome Scandibørn to The Kid Collective family,” said Laura Davies, Founder and CEO of The Kid Collective Ltd. “This acquisition represents a pivotal moment in our journey of growth within the industry, and we look forward to leveraging our expertise to continue to provide the Scandiborn community with products we know they’ll love!” The acquisition of Scandibørn, and its established customer base, will enable The Kid Collective Ltd to broaden its e-commerce portfolio, and reach a wider audience. Scandibørn will continue to offer a range of purpose-led gifts, childrenswear, maternity products and interior accessories for newborns through to toddlers, while The Kid Collective maintains its roots in play, for toddlers and the early years category. Chris Mahady, CEO, Findel Education Ltd, said: “We are extremely pleased to have found Scandibørn a great new home with The Kid Collective, where it will become part of a fully focused online retail consumer business. “As part of the recent change in business ownership of Findel with the recent acquisition by Manutan, this decision has been made to ensure Findel focuses resources, time and attention on its B2B core education brands which are its area of expertise.”

Jailed restaurant owner to pay more than £36,000 following Covid Bounce Back Loan fraud

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Jailed restaurant owner to pay more than £36,000 following Covid Bounce Back Loan fraud
The former owner of a Derbyshire curry house who was sent to prison for Covid fraud has been ordered to repay more than £36,000. Syed Hussain was jailed for 18 months and banned as a company director for three years in August 2023 after admitting charges of fraud by false representation and an offence under the Companies Act. Hussain fraudulently secured a £50,000 Bounce Back Loan in May 2020 while serving a suspended sentence for breaching fire safety regulations at the former Moja Indian restaurant in Matlock. The 24-year-old then dissolved his Magic of Spice Ltd company on the same day the funds appeared in his bank account. Hussain, of Provident Street, Derby, was ordered to pay £36,200 during a confiscation hearing at Derby Crown Court on Friday 17 May. Mark Stephens, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: “Syed Hussain’s cynical actions in exploiting a taxpayer-backed scheme introduced at a time of national emergency were completely unacceptable. “His behaviour in failing to notify the bank when he was applying to have his company struck off the register was equally calculated and pre-planned.

“The Insolvency Service will not tolerate deliberate abuse of the public purse which is why Hussain now faces a financial penalty to go with the time he has spent behind bars.”

Hussain applied for the maximum permitted £50,000 loan in May 2020, claiming on the application form that the turnover of Magic of Spice was £200,000. He later said putting this figure down was a mistake. Hussain said that he had decided to close down the company based on Dale Road in Matlock when he made the application as it had been struggling for the previous year. The loan application was made by Hussain when he was only months into a suspended sentence for breaching fire safety regulations at his restaurant. Hussain transferred £30,000 of the loan to two family members who used the money for their own personal spending. A further £10,000 was used for personal expenses such as hotels and car hire. No evidence was provided to the Insolvency Service of the money being used for business purposes. Hussain also made no repayments to the loan despite this being a condition of the scheme. Derby Crown Court gave Hussain three months to pay the money or face an additional 18 months in prison. Hussain would still owe the full amount ordered in the event he fails to comply and is returned to prison.

Environmental Consultancy EMEC joins the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024

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Environmental Consultancy EMEC joins the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Environmental Consultancy EMEC has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, backing the Contractor of the Year category. Speaking with Business Link, Ed Tripp, Consultancy Director at EMEC, said: “EMEC is the go to Environmental Consultancy based within the region, for ecology, biodiversity and land management services. EMEC decided to sponsor Contractor of the Year in order to contribute to rewarding exciting and innovative approaches to sustainable development. “As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, all profits are gift aided to the Trust to support nature conservation, and sustainability is at the heart of our core beliefs. Since Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation became mandatory in February 2024, new developments will need to deliver a minimum 10% BNG and its never been more important for Contractors and Ecologists to work together for the benefit of the natural environment. “Our top advice for any contractors looking to submit an application is to showcase a nature/ecology first approach to their development schemes. We firmly understand the need for new developments in order to drive the economy forward, but we will be looking for contractors who are showcasing an innovative approach to embracing sustainability. Our role as the consultant ecologist is as much about protecting habitats as it is about offering added value advice to the developer so that the communities they create, incorporate diversity.” The East Midlands Bricks Awards, which will take place on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, recognise development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes, schools and public spaces. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. Winning one of these awards will add considerably to a company’s or individual’s brand and enhance their commercial reach significantly. To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include:

Nominations end Thursday 5th September

A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening of celebration and networking with property and construction leaders from across the region. Tickets can be booked for the 2024 awards event here. Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire. Thanks to our sponsors:      

             

To be held at:

More than 1,100 businesses engage with Accelerator business support

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More than 1,100 businesses engage with Accelerator business support
A growing number of businesses in the East Midlands are benefitting from tailored business support, thanks to the Accelerator project. Evaluation of the project’s performance at its halfway point has identified over 1,100 businesses that have been engaged and are working with a business adviser to boost their growth. The project, which is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), was established in the autumn and is being delivered by East Midlands Chamber in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicester. Alongside one-to-one support from a business adviser, the project has so far also delivered the following:
  • 102 growth vouchers up to the value of £2,000 to help businesses access tailored, 1-2-1 consultancy support to introduce digital technology and green measures.
  • 300 workshops and webinars successfully attracting over 7,000 delegates.
  • 50 energy saving and improvement audit approvals to help businesses create an action plan to save money.
Businesses signing up to the project have also been introduced to the wealth of additional support available from other regional and national sources. For innovative SMEs, this includes growth and scale-up support from Innovate UK Business Growth. Manufacturing micro and small businesses can also benefit from Made Smarter support on how to switch to advanced and automated technologies. East Midlands Chamber Deputy Chief Executive Diane Beresford said: “From our launch events onwards, we’ve listened to what businesses want in terms of what, where, when and how they would like to access Accelerator support. We’ve set up a new Leicestershire Manufacturing Network, the first forum meeting for which will be held on 5th July at Loughborough University, as well as a new Gedling Business Support Network. “Chamber and D2N2 Growth Hub support is undoubtedly at its best when businesses are given a helping hand to apply for support from other sources, including grant funding and pitching for investor support. Trans-Sport.tv in Bassetlaw is one example of an Accelerator business that has been referred to the Made Smarter programme and has accessed road mapping, grant funding and leadership support as a result. “The Accelerator project has some challenging targets including the creation and safeguarding of jobs, creating new enterprises, accessing new technologies or processes and engagement in knowledge transfer activity. We’re certainly on the right trajectory to achieve that and for any business yet to sign up, I would urge them to seize the opportunity before the project ends in March of next year.”

Plans submitted for completion of Dove Valley Park as 35.29 acre employment site to be created

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Plans submitted for completion of Dove Valley Park as 35.29 acre employment site to be created
Plans for the completion of Dove Valley Park have been submitted to South Derbyshire District Council by Dove Valley Park LTD, a subsidiary of Clowes Developments, and IMA Architects. The plans will transform an area of land next to Dove Valley Park into a thriving centre of employment, creating local jobs and bringing economic benefits to Derbyshire. It will complete Dove Valley Park, forming the eastern part of the major 200 acre employment site on the A50 in South Derbyshire that is home to occupiers including JCB, Top Hat, Futaba Ltd and GXO. The application site could be brought forward for development immediately as the existing infrastructure of Dove Valley Park is already in place to extend into the site. If approved, the plans will see the 35.29 acre site developed to create circa 54,500m2 of employment space for B2, B8, with ancillary E(g) use. Four units of varying sizes will be created to meet market demand for quality industrial space, along with the necessary associated hard and soft landscaping, car parking and infrastructure. In addition, a new Innovation Centre will be created that will serve as a central hub for all businesses in the local vicinity. The aim is to draw people together and provide spaces for gatherings, along with informal meeting space and access to external areas. The Innovation Centre will also serve as a space for start-up businesses to begin and has been developed in consultation with The University of Derby. To enable people from the surrounding areas to access the site, a new bus route will be created to serve Dove Valley Park and the timings of the existing bus route will be altered to reflect occupier’s shift patterns. The proposals exceed biodiversity net gain requirements and will feature a 40 metre wide landscape buffer to the east which will screen the development from view. The buffer will also incorporate a new public footpath. Commenting on the plans, Marc Freeman, director at Clowes Developments, said: “There is significant demand across the East Midlands for industrial space and our plans for the completion of Dove Valley Park will deliver high quality units for businesses in South Derbyshire. “Since its inception in the 1990s Dove Valley Park has thrived and brought economic benefits to the area, so we are excited about the prospect of completing the site and creating hundreds of new jobs for local people.” Anthony Day, Managing Director of IMA Architects, said: “The completion of Dove Valley Park will be a significant development for South Derbyshire. “The plans we have created with Clowes Developments will ensure it is a quality site that will appeal to occupiers that will view Derbyshire as the long term home for their business, providing sustainable long term employment. “We are also proud to have exceeded biodiversity net gain at the site and will take this practice into future developments where possible.”

IT consultancy plans for expansion

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IT consultancy plans for expansion
Family-run IT consultancy 3RS IT Solutions is planning for expansion following its first anniversary. Wellingborough-based 3RS, which was launched by husband-and-wife team, Steve and Leila Souch in 2023, is looking to extend the company further into the East Midlands with the opening of a second branch office at Business Box in Leicester, following the opening of offices in Wellingborough and Nottingham. Director, Steve Souch said: “North Northamptonshire will always be home to 3RS IT Solutions but the opening of our branches in Nottingham and Leicester really positions us as one of the most ambitious and dynamic IT consultancies in the region. “We’ve seen considerable growth over the past year, with new clients coming on board and we believe that now is the right time to accelerate our growth and extend our reach and influence into other parts of the East Midlands. “The opening of the new office is central to that plan, allowing us to create new jobs in Leicester, which is perfectly located in the heart of England and where demand for our services is high. “The success of 3RS IT Solutions is down in no small part to the hard work and dedication of the whole team. Our strong family values, together with the team’s considerable expertise, are a winning combination and we can’t wait to see where the opening of our new office takes us.” Marketing director, Leila Souch said: “To be able to take this next step in our business – which was set up with our sons Reuben, Riley and Rory – the 3RS – at its heart is very special. “At 3RS, family really does mean everything. We’re so much more than just a business – we want to provide livelihoods for our team and their families, create a culture we can all be proud of and first-class service for our clients. “We can’t wait to share our products and services with our new clients in Leicester very soon.”

RBC Brewin Dolphin wins as charity event reaches halfway of £100,000 target

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RBC Brewin Dolphin wins as charity event reaches halfway of £100,000 target
The annual 3 Bunkers Golf Challenge has reached the halfway mark of its £100,000 target having raised £9,000 so far from the 2024 event which was won by a team from the Nottingham office of wealth managers RBC Brewin Dolphin who scored the most points and had the least deductions for going in a bunker. The 2024 event took place on Friday 24 May and saw teams from Actons Solicitors, Fiscal Engineers, MAF Finance Group, Shakespeare Martineau Solicitors, RBC Brewin Dolphin and Simple Marketing Consultancy play Morley Hayes Golf Club, Charnwood Forest Golf Club and The Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club, reaching three corners of the East Midlands counties of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire & Leicestershire, covering just over 70 miles within 10 hours. Commenting, event organiser Elliot Cook said: “Whilst we were privileged to have had an enjoyable day playing golf, we were also very conscious of that fact we are doing this to raise money to help find a cure for cancer and to help young people escape abuse and neglect. “I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part, to the golf courses for donating the tees, and to everyone who has donated so far and in the future as we press on to achieve our £100,000 target.” The 3 Bunkers challenge was established in 2020 by Elliot & Bev Cook from Simple Marketing Consultancy. All money raised will be donated to the charity Big C Little C which was founded in 2019 by business entrepreneurs, Andrew Springhall from Breedon Electrical Fire & Security and Colin Shaw, former Chairman of PKF Cooper Parry, who joined forces to create a charity that would encourage East Midlands businesses to organise events to raise money for Cancer Research, the NSPCC and other children related charities. The organisers also thanked Econix Bio Bin, Ruddington Grange, Oulton Hall, Nuneaton, and The Nottinghamshire golf clubs for donating prizes for the auction. The fundraising link is: https://givestar.io/ev/the-3-bunkers-challenge-2024

Law firm makes raft of promotions

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Law firm makes raft of promotions
Law firm Freeths has made almost 100 promotions across the business as it continues to bolster its offering throughout the UK. A total of 95 colleagues have been promoted across all legal and business support service areas within the firm’s 13 offices including four partner and 73 lawyer promotions. This year, over 50% of these promotions are women, demonstrating the firm’s ongoing commitment to gender equality. Within the senior promotions, alongside 13 Legal Director promotions, there are four Partner Promotions: The Real Estate Team has seen Sarah Rowe achieve Partner; the specialist Environmental and Planning Team has welcomed Ben Derrington to Partner level; Henry Clappinson has become Partner in Freeths’ Restructuring and Insolvency Team, and the firm’s Family Practice promotions included Mark Heppinstall to Partner. Freeths has also made a number of lateral hires over the past 12 months, including within the last three months alone Clean Energy Partner Deborah Harvey from Osborne Clarke, Patents Director Richard Ellis from Murgitroyd, Tax Partner Stephen Jones from DLA Piper, Corporate Partner Martin Smith and Insolvency Partner Su Garner, both from Knights Plc. Karl Jansen, National Managing Partner of Freeths, said: “As a firm, we’re passionate about developing our homegrown talent and it’s imperative that our people feel properly supported in order to be able to progress their careers and provide the very best for our clients. “I’d like to extend our huge congratulations to everybody at Freeths who has achieved promotion this year, and our thanks to all our colleagues for their hard work, commitment, and valued contributions throughout the year. These successful promotions recognise the breadth of our capabilities as we continue to build upon the strength of our offering.”

UK logistics market remains ‘prime’ destination for global investment

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UK logistics market remains ‘prime’ destination for global investment
The UK remains a ‘prime’ destination for global investment, as deal appetite returns for logistics and supply chain management businesses. In the first quarter of 2024, 38% of deals in the sector were cross-border, highlighting the growing interest from international investors. High profile transactions included Elanders’ acquisitions of Bishopsgate Specialist Logistics, Yusen-owned ILG’s acquisition of Global Freight Solutions and Hapag Lloyds’ acquisition of ATL Haulage Contractors. The rise in cross-border activity comes as overall deal activity in the sector fell marginally in Q1. Between January and March 2024, 26 transaction were completed, compared to 27 in the previous quarter. However, total disclosed deal value rose to £372 million, up from £53 million for the previous three months. According to the latest report from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP, the ‘UK M&A Update – Q1 2024’, in the first quarter of the year 42% of deals were tech-related, demonstrating that innovation is a driving force in the market, as companies seek to optimise operational performance to improve margins. Jason Whitworth, M&A partner at BDO LLP, said: “Following on from 2023, we continue to see venture capital targeting next generation technology and growth. Investment activity within the robotics and the drone delivery operations sector is still gaining momentum. “Albeit in its infancy, there is an argument that drone technology is paving the way for a revolution in delivery services, offering a sneak peek at a future where speed, efficiency and accessibility are dramatically enhanced.” He continued: “When it comes to overseas interest, with a scarcity of quality mid-market businesses not already controlled by larger global groups, there has been heightened interest in remaining opportunities, creating a real value end game for those businesses building scale and a differentiated service offering.” Deals also included London-based Skyports Series C funding led by Spain-based ACS Group, a key player in the infrastructure and construction industry. The $110m funding is set to be instrumental in advancing Skyport’s Infrastructure and Drone Service business. Elsewhere, UK logistic company EFS Global acquired pallet and parcel distribution specialists Leeds Parcel Company, Pass the Parcel and YDL; and UK delivery and logistics service provider Yodel Delivery was acquired by YDLGP, a newly formed company backed by a consortium of investors, including boutique investment bank Solano Partners Ltd, and the leadership team behind Shift, the growing UK-based logistics platform. Whitworth added: “Since the latter part of 2023, we have seen a steady stream of deal activity as companies strive to shake off the uncertainties of the past and gear up for the future. There has been an increasing number of bolt-on strategic acquisitions to bolster business growth and build scale. “What is noticeable about deal activity in Q1 is the lack of primary private equity investment, with only one direct investment deal during the quarter by HIG, which acquired DX Group. “Private equity firms appear to be in a holding pattern, waiting for clearer signs of industry-wide trading performance improvement before committing to new investment. However, private equity backed or cash-rich logistic firms are continuing to consolidate, developing their buy-and-build strategies.”
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