Major milestone reached with topping out of National Rehabilitation Centre
A significant milestone in the construction of the NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) was reached this week.
The £105m NRC programme is building a 70-bed, state-of-the-art and energy efficient new facility, run by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme. Research, innovation and training will be led by academic partners the University of Nottingham and Loughborough University.
IHP, a joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine, hosted a formal ‘Topping Out Ceremony’ at the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate near Loughborough, marking the building reaching its highest level and the completion of the building’s frame.
The NRC is due to open in 2025 and aims to transform clinical treatment for patients in the East Midlands, and set a new standard for research and innovation, and education and training in rehabilitation for the whole of the UK.
The celebration was attended by key stakeholders including Sir Andrew McAlpine – partner at Sir Robert McAlpine on behalf of IHP, the Black Stork Charity, University of Nottingham, Loughborough University, and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, located on the same estate.
Pip Logan, Professor of Rehabilitation Research and Occupational Therapist at the School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, said: “The University of Nottingham’s partnership with the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) represents an essential part of our commitment to uplifting – through our world-leading experience in rehabilitation research and education – the health of the people in our region and across the UK.
“It’s a pleasure to celebrate this great milestone in construction of the NRC and we look forward to utilising this fantastic new integrated facility.
“Embedding our training courses in rehabilitation, alongside our research in robotics, physiology, mental health, rehab technology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, rehab medicine and rehab nursing, with patients, families, clinical professionals, and industry is vital for our institution and for developing world-class rehabilitation patient services.”
Miriam Duffy, NRC Director, said: “We began this journey almost eight years ago in 2016, and so today’s milestone is testament to the teamwork and perseverance that have brought us to this point, which is another step towards opening our doors to patients in need of rehabilitation.
“The NRC will not only serve as a centre rehabilitation excellence, but also as a symbol of hope for countless individuals and families across the country. We look forward to welcoming patients next year so we can help them start their own journey towards a better future with as much independence as possible.”
Professor Mark Lewis, Loughborough University’s NRC lead and Dean of the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, said: “It is fantastic to see the progress being made on the construction of the National Rehabilitation Centre.
“Loughborough University is proud to be a core partner for this state-of-the-art facility. We look forward to using our expert knowledge in research and innovation to help transform treatment and outcomes for patients, and to developing education and training programmes in rehabilitation that are truly world leading.”
HR failing to lead the way in gender inclusive job adverts
Despite being a women-dominated profession, the human resources industry is failing to set an example in attracting women to senior leadership roles due to job adverts containing masculine language and a lack of EDI and flexible working statements.
Research by Nottingham Business School, part of Nottingham Trent University, with Newcastle University Business School, examined the wording of more than 150 adverts for HR roles, including occurrences of agentic traits or ‘getting ahead’ (masculine) and communal behaviours or ‘getting along’ (feminine).
Findings show that as the HR role salary or title seniority increases, the proportion of words categorised as masculine – such as leadership, deliver and decision – in the job adverts increases.
In contrast, adverts for entry level and junior roles, traditionally filled in HR departments by women, used a broader range of feminine words like support, responsibility and trusted.
This finding suggests that leadership roles move away from the supportive nature of the profession and towards a focus on business acumen and patriarchal leadership, potentially hindering women’s representation at senior levels.
Even in cases where senior‐level job adverts were expressed in neutral or feminine terms, there was limited or no mention of other factors that would encourage women applicants, such as EDI statements or promotion of work‐life balance.
Such omissions could indicate that the ‘ideal’ candidate demonstrates male stereotypical characteristics, that is, not ‘burdened’ by family, and may reinforce existing stereotypes which deter women from applying to senior roles.
Dr Maranda Ridgway, Associate Professor of People and Inclusion at Nottingham Business School, said: “Human resources is seen as the custodian and driver of equality and wellbeing practices, yet in senior-level job adverts these commitments appear tokenistic or ‘tick‐box’ rather than a reflection of the organisation’s culture.
“The profession should be leading by example. Instead, the gendered language we found in job adverts is likely contributing to women’s underrepresentation in senior roles—even within a women‐dominated profession.
“Urgent and careful attention needs to be paid to job adverts to reduce instances of hidden gender bias, and statements of equal opportunities and flexible working should be embedded in job adverts rather than mentioned cursorily.”
The study also found that there is room for improvement in the representation of salary, with 8% of the adverts studied failing to detail the salary amount. With research showing that no explicit salary statement often results in women accepting lower wages, it is also recommended that specific wage details are included in all adverts.
‘Leading’ by example? Gendered language in Human Resource job adverts has been published in Human Resource Management Journal.
Government extends five-train lifeline to Alstom
Derby City Council leader Baggy Shanker says the Government has said five more Elizabeth Line trains are to be built in the city by Alstom.
He writes: “We received a letter on Wednesday from the Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper MP in response to the letters I sent last week. Mr Harper has outlined in his response that a further five Elizabeth line trains have been approved in principle for manufacture at the Derby site. This is in addition to the five trains that were confirmed in March, will make a total of ten trains.
“Alstom can now commit to the site in the short and long term, protecting valuable manufacturing and engineering jobs in our city. I’m especially pleased that Alstom has committed to basing the new global Adessia commuter train platform here in Derby – that’s a real win.
“We will continue to press the Government to complete the deal and commit to keeping this industry alive in the city, especially for the 1300 jobs that are at risk. Without these orders and the promise of future support, we will lose train-making in the UK forever and put almost two centuries of local rail heritage at risk.
“As a city, we’ll continue to work closely with our partners at Alstom and with the Secretary of State to bridge this gap and keep train making in Derby. The Government needs to ensure rail procurement is better planned in the future to avoid this feast and famine approach to train building in the UK.
“I’d like to thank everyone in Team Derby who has come together to give their support on such a vital issue for the prosperity of our city.”
£75m plans for Derby’s Friar Gate Goods Yard recommended for approval
Plans submitted by Wavensmere Homes and Clowes Developments for the redevelopment of the city’s historic Friar Gate Goods Yard have been recommended for approval by Derby City Council’s planning officials.
The detailed design proposals – submitted in August 2023 – set out the vision for the reanimation of two landmark Grade II listed buildings into over 110,000 sq ft of commercial space, with 276 new homes also planned for the 11.5-acre (4.96Ha) site.
A painstaking restoration of the 19th Century Bonded Warehouse and Engine House is set to deliver a total of 111,275 sq ft of flexible offices, health and fitness space, a restaurant/café, together with a regional sales centre for Birmingham-headquartered Wavensmere Homes.
The plans also include extensive new areas of Public Open Space, including play spaces and pocket parks. A new multi-purpose public realm and community space is also proposed for the elevated area adjacent to Friar Gate Bridge, with retention of some of the original railway arch facades.
New vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access would be created at various points around the site, from Uttoxeter New Road, Great Northern Way, and Friar Gate, with the Mick Mack cycling route also extended.
Friar Gate Goods Yard has been in the ownership of the Clowes family for over 40 years, with a number of options for redevelopment proposed but not progressed, due to heritage constraints and commercial viability.
Wavensmere Homes and Clowes developments worked with Glancy Nicholls Architects and Pegasus Group to incorporate the views from over 200 local public consultation responses into the comprehensive plans for the redevelopment of the derelict site.
James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “We are very pleased that this significant planning application will be considered by Derby City Council’s Planning Committee on the evening of Thursday 25th April.
“Alongside the drawings, our 3D model of the entirety of the Grade II listed Bonded Warehouse and Engine House enables us to clearly present how the buildings will be reanimated. The context of the eco-focused homes and several acres of new Public Open Space will be a much-needed catalyst for further urban regeneration.
“The fine attention to detail and bold investment we are set to inject in this £75m city centre landmark will see it become a nationally important trophy asset in Derby’s ongoing renaissance.”
If the plans receive the green light at Committee on 25th April, Wavensmere Homes anticipates receiving formal planning approval in time to commence work on site this summer.
Strong interest has been received from prospective operators of the health and fitness centre, office space, and the restaurant/café – all of which will be within the Bonded Warehouse. The housebuilder also has a database of over 500 prospective purchasers wishing to buy one of the townhouses.
Adam McPartland, Director of Glancy Nicholls Architects, said: “The Friar Gate Goods Yard redevelopment plans illustrate the millions of pounds that need to be invested into saving these distressed 150-year-old listed buildings.
“Glancy Nicholls Architects has proudly brought its expertise in restoration and retrofit design to sustainably restore two of Derby city centre’s most notable historic structures, providing a vibrant new chapter of their story.
“From the outset, the overarching brief from Wavensmere Homes was for a huge emphasis to be placed on exemplary placemaking. By having a mix of commercial uses within the two buildings – and opening the inaccessible site up to create a series of new linear parks – hundreds of people could appreciate these heritage assets on a daily basis.
“In addition to the proposals for the listed buildings, the designs for the 227 two- and three-bedroom townhouses are bespoke. Curved and terraced street scenes celebrate the beauty and vista of the Bonded Warehouse, while incorporating a range of energy saving technologies and strategies.
“A four-storey apartment building is also proposed, containing 49 apartments to reinstate the lost streetscape of the Stafford Street frontage. The highest EPC rating of A is being targeted for the new homes, with all plots designed to be future-proofed ahead of the 2025 Future Homes Standard.”
The site sits just outside the Friar Gate Conservation Area, which features notable Georgian townhouses with high-quality brickwork and fine architectural detailing. The Friar Gate Goods Yard was intended as the main goods depot for the Great Northern Railway line, to handle coal, livestock, timber, and metals.
Designed in 1870, and entering operation in 1878, the Bonded Warehouse building contained extensive warehouse space and offices. It was used as a store for the American Army in WWII to house ammunition and other supplies.
The Engine House was also built for the Railway by Kirk & Randall of Sleaford. It is Italianate in style and built from Welsh slate roofs. The Engine House supplied power to the hydraulic lifts and capstans at the Bonded Warehouse.
The site first became derelict in 1967, and over time became overgrown and fell into a poor state of repair. An arson attack took place at the Goods Yard in 2020, which exposed the whole inner iron structure of the two historic buildings.
Education group acquires Nottingham training provider
BPP Education Group has acquired Nottingham-based Buttercups Training Ltd.
Established in 1988, Buttercups Training is a training provider delivering programmes to pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and support staff working in hospitals, community pharmacy and primary care.
BPP’s acquisition will allow Buttercups Training to fast-track their growth trajectory, while further investing in quality, customer experience, and expanding its offering to serve the growing demands of front-line pharmacy staff.
Buttercups provides training using a blended-teaching strategy, covering apprenticeship programmes, professional qualifications, and professional development to community pharmacy, secondary care, primary care, healthcare, prisons, and Armed Forces.
BPP is a training provider for undergraduate and postgraduate healthcare and nursing programmes, and is excited to add another discipline to its portfolio by creating a presence in the pharmacy sector.
The acquisition links to BPP’s future growth strategy which, with backing from their sponsor TDR Capital, looks to expand its portfolio and geographical reach with the strategic acquisition of relevant education businesses.
Graham Gaddes, BPP CEO, said: “The acquisition of Buttercups Training introduces a new discipline into our healthcare portfolio. There is an unprecedented demand for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians in the UK, and this shortfall is set to continue to increase.
“The acquisition of Buttercups will allow us to support their growth plans and through exceptional training programmes, focus on bridging the skills gap in the healthcare sector. This in turn builds on our vision of ‘Building Careers Through Education’.
“The highly experienced team at Buttercups Training are a great cultural fit for BPP, and we look forward to welcoming them into the BPP Education Group.”
Vanessa Kingsbury, founder of Buttercups Training, said: “Reflecting on the journey from its inception in 1988 to where we stand today, fills me with pride and gratitude. From a small initiative Buttercups has evolved into a beacon of excellence in the industry, impacting not just our learners, but the pharmacy sectors where they work, by setting the standard to aspire to in pharmacy training nationally.
“Our success is testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of the entire Buttercups family, our staff, our stakeholders, and every learner who believed in our mission.
“I look to the future under the new stewardship of BPP Education Group with optimism and excitement. The synergy between our mission and their expertise opens unparalleled opportunities for growth, innovation, and further impact on the wonderful pharmacy workforce.
“Together we are poised to address the critical-skills gap, support the evolving needs of healthcare, and foster a workforce that it not just equipped with knowledge but with innovation, resilience, and compassion to navigate the challenges of modern healthcare.
“With expanded resources, our learners are set to receive an even richer learning experience that is contemporary and comprehensive.
“I am profoundly grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey so far and am eager to embrace the opportunities that now lie ahead with the BPP Education Group.”
Grant Thornton’s Corporate Finance team advised Buttercups on the sale.
Healthcare provider relocates to £30m UK HQ at Castle Donington
Healthcare provider Mediq has centred its UK operations at a major new base in Castle Donington.
The firm – which operates across 14 European countries – has created its largest site to date as it builds its presence in the UK market.
The 280,000 sq ft facility at East Midlands Distribution Centre will be used for medical healthcare distribution supply.
The new facility was built to a cost of £30 million, which includes a £6 million fit-out.
It means the Mediq UK fleet will operate from the prime location between East Midlands Airport, the M1 and the A50 – one of the most strategically important logistics locations in the Midlands.
The investment forms part of Netherlands-headquartered Mediq’s vision of combining efficiency and innovation to make a lasting impact on the future of the healthcare landscape in the UK.
Mediq UK officially launched in September following the unification by acquisition of H&R Healthcare, Bunzl Healthcare, and 365 Healthcare. The group employs 415 people in the UK and 3,000 across its global group.
Mediq UK currently operates from several sites around the country, including at Coalville, but will centre UK operations on Castle Donington over coming months. Smaller distribution sites will remain as regional hubs.
Richard Cornwell, Managing Director, Mediq UK, said: “Castle Donington is another milestone in the growth of our UK business and Mediq’s overarching strategy of developing exceptional healthcare solutions for our customers.
“By investing in our largest site yet – and transforming our processes – we are supporting suppliers and reducing procurement costs for customers including NHS England and a host of other public and private healthcare providers.
“We are committed to upgrading warehouse and traffic management systems and optimising our operations for swift and accurate deliveries.
“This is a further demonstration of our commitment to reducing inequalities in health outcomes and improving consistency in both the primary and secondary care markets.”
The Castle Donington site, which has 30 loading bays and parking for 44 HGVs, was acquired and developed with the support of Derbyshire-based Clowes Developments.
It has had material handling equipment (MHE) and racking supplied and installed by Milton Keynes-based Jungheinrich.
Local hospices receive another £21,000 thanks to Society savers
Three local hospices – Loros, Mary Ann Evans, and Myton – have received another £21,000 donation from Hinckley & Rugby Building Society, thanks to savers choosing to fund their Hospice Affinity accounts.
This special account sees the Society donate 1% of the average balance held in the account to the three local hospices each year.
This year each hospice received £7,000, which was handed over at the Society’s recent AGM, taking the total donated to over £220,000 since the account was launched back in 2008.
Society Savings Manager, Melanie Aspden, said: “The hospices do such valuable work with families in our local communities, it’s no wonder they mean so much to our members. It’s incredible to hear we’ve passed on over £220,000 to the three hospices since the account was launched!”
Reflecting on the impact of the donation, Partnerships Fundraiser Laura Eaton from Myton Hospices, said: “This support is priceless, allowing us to continue to provide our care free of charge to terminally-ill patients across Coventry and Warwickshire, and to support their families when they need it most. A huge thank you from everyone at Myton and on behalf of all those patients and families to whom this support makes such a difference.”
Fundraising and Engagement Manager Zoe Fawkner from Mary Ann Evans, said: “Over several years, Hinckley & Rugby – through their Hospice Affinity account and local branch activities – has supported the Mary Ann Evans Hospice with donations amounting to over £92,000. This is an amazing achievement, and I would like to thank everyone involved for their ongoing support. Thank you for helping us to continue to make a difference to the lives of our patients and those close to them.”
Supporter Engagement Officer Clare Bloomfield from Loros added: “We’re very grateful to the Society for their donations via the Hospice account. Every year we need to raise millions of pounds to fund our care for patients and their families. The incredible support from our community and the generosity of our partners is what enables us to continue to be there for people at the most difficult time of their lives.”
Plans submitted for new sports hubs
Plans have been submitted for new sports hubs at Sutton Lawn and Kingsway Park.
The sports hubs are being funded by their £62.6m Towns Deal, which is financing 16 major transformational projects across Sutton and Kirkby that will change the face of Ashfield for generations to come.
The exciting plans for Sutton Lawn centre around increasing provision for football at the park, and include creating two new 3G football pitches, improvements to the existing grass football pitches, converting the derelict shale pitch to grass pitches, refurbishing and extending the existing changing pavilion, creating additional car parking, and resurfacing the access road to the park.
These improvements to Sutton Lawn are being made in conjunction with the Football Foundation and Academy Transformation Trust Further Education.
Plans for Kingsway include building a new, modern, energy efficient changing room facility to support football, hockey, and wider sports at the site. Kingsway Park will see drastic changes which also include constructing a new energy efficient bowls pavilion, creating more car parking, installing energy efficient floodlighting, and creating new grass pitches.
John Bennett, Executive Director, said: “The huge investment into both parks marks the next phase of the Council’s transformation and modernisation of sports facilities available in Ashfield.
“The sports hubs will ensure more residents can enjoy football, hockey, and bowls whether just for fun, fitness, or as the start of a career. One of the Council’s priorities is helping our communities live healthy and happy lives and our long-term investment into sports in Ashfield is proof that we are committed to achieving this aim.”
To complement the wider sports provision in Ashfield, the Council recently worked with the Lawn Tennis Association to fund the refurbishment of the tennis courts at Sutton Lawn and Huthwaite Welfare Park.
Dunelm sees continued sales growth
Sales are on the rise at Dunelm Group, the Leicester-headquartered homewares retailer, according to a third quarter trading update for the 13-week period ended 30 March 2024.
Total sales increased by 3% to £435m, driven by volume, despite both the homewares and furniture markets remaining challenging.
Growth has been seen in both store and digital channels.
Dunelm currently expects FY24 PBT to be broadly in line with market expectations.Nick Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We have delivered a resilient performance in Q3, with continued volume-based sales growth through a period of more challenging and volatile market conditions.
“Whilst discretionary spend remains under pressure, our relevant and attractive product offer continues to resonate with customers as they shop across our broad ranges to find quality and value for all areas of the home.
“This performance reflects our deep-rooted understanding of our customers and the effectiveness of a total retail system which continues to drive growth across store and digital channels, bringing further market share gains.
“At the same time, our operational grip continues to mitigate ongoing cost headwinds and has supported a strong gross margin performance.
“Looking ahead, we are excited about strengthening our customer offer, and the breadth of growth opportunities this presents. Consumer behaviour continues to be difficult to predict, however we remain confident in our ability to navigate current conditions whilst delivering further sustainable growth and market share gains.”
Farming union President speaks up for farmers in Telegraph article rebuttal
“The notion that farmers have been benefitting from higher global food prices shows the need for an urgent lesson in how the UK’s food supply chains work. Retail price increases rarely make their way back to farmers and growers which is why we have been beating the drum for fairness in the supply chain for many years.
“Mr. Lesh also suggests that British farmers aren’t facing being undercut by lower standard imports, but there are currently no standards in place to safeguard farming business from imports that would be illegal to produce here. That is why, alongside the WWF, we have written to the three main political parties in England to call for the formation of a core standards commission.
“With war and climate change wreaking havoc on food production across the world, does Mr. Lesh really believe we can feed our nation, and a growing global population, by relying on imports?
“British farmers are not failing. They produce food for the nation to some of the highest standards in the world and have an ambition to produce more. But farms need to make a profit to invest in their businesses to continue producing food, and we need the right regulatory framework to do that. This must be a priority for government because our food security depends on it.”
