First and second phases complete at Horizon 29

Tess Egginton
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First and second phases complete at Horizon 29

Phase 1A and 1B of industrial and distribution hub, Horizon 29, in Bolsover, Derbyshire are now finished. 

Horizon 29 is a new distribution development located one mile from Junction 29A of the M1, and once fully complete, it will span 1,150,256 sq ft and have a total of eight warehouses, delivered over three phases by McLaren Construction (Midlands and North).

Phase 1A comprises two single-storey distribution warehouses (units 1 and 2) and sustainable features including solar PVs, air source heat pumps, enhanced cladding, responsibly sourced sustainable materials, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging points. The units have been constructed to a BREEAM Rating of ‘Excellent,’ with an EPC ‘A’ Rating. 

Phase 1B, involved the construction of units 4 and 5, alongside all subsequent mechanical and electrical works, office fit outs and external works to ongoing conference laboratory car parks. 

The contractor also delivered earthworks, CMC and VSC piling, concrete foundations, steel framing, lift shaft and stair installations, nets for roofing works and office elevation cladding.

Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “We are delighted that works for both Phase 1A and 1B are finally complete.

“Once all phases are finished, Horizon 29 will be a premier distribution centre for the region, and an ideal hub for quality tenants looking for direct and easy access to the M1 north and south.

“We were pleased to be working alongside BentallGreenOak and Equation Properties for the second phase of this landmark scheme.”

Thrills galore for Safe and Sound fundraisers

Tess Egginton
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Thrills galore for Safe and Sound fundraisers
Safe and Sound has announced its first two fundraising events for 2024 with proceeds going to help the charity protect and support more young people and families whose lives have been affected by child exploitation. The first event will be the popular annual Race Night on Thursday April 25, sponsored by Cosy Direct. This is set to be the biggest ever and will be hosted by the city’s newly-opened Great Northern Classics. Guided by host and charity CEO Tracy Harrison, race goers place their bets and then cheer their chosen horses over the finishing line with the races played out on giant screens. Tickets can be booked for individuals or tables of eight and ten. Those looking for an even greater thrill will then have the opportunity to join a sponsored skydive on Friday June 28, at Langar Airfield, Nottingham. Representatives from several local businesses have already signed up including Smith Partnership, Gravity Digital, Bloc Digital and PIB Insurance – prompting organisers to look at booking a second date due to the high demand. Further events are planned for later in the year and Tracy Harrison explained: “The Derbyshire business community has always shown us amazing support and this is vital to ensure we can support children as young as seven who are being groomed and exploited both online and in person in our local communities as well as their families. “We like to set our supporters a new challenge every year and, having tackled abseiling and fire walking in the past, I hope that as many people as possible will join me in jumping out of a plane! “Although child exploitation is a serious and sometimes uncomfortable truth, our fundraising events are always designed to be fun to reflect our goal – to help young people and families move forward and bring joy and laughter back into their lives.”

Nimbus Disability prepares for expansion with office move

Tess Egginton
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Nimbus Disability prepares for expansion with office move
Derby-based Nimbus Disability has moved to new offices in Sir Frank Whittle Road, opposite Derbyshire County Cricket Ground, to pave the way for future expansion. The social enterprise, which is run by disabled people for disabled people, is now based in Grade A 4,077 sq ft offices on the ground floor at Pentagon House which, over the years, has been home to some of the city’s largest Blue Chip companies. The fully-accessible offices are home to Nimbus Disability’s 28 staff who administer the award-winning Access Card which is held by more than 350,000 disabled people and is recognised by more than 1,600 venues and events across the world who offer accessible tickets. Many of the venues and events are seasonal such as Alton Towers and Glastonbury Festival and employee numbers are set to increase in the coming weeks to cope with the annual increase of new and renewal applications for the Access Card. The Access Card is the first accessible ticketing scheme of its type in the world – offering a universal and consistent way of disabled people evidencing and communicating their needs to providers quickly and discreetly. Powered by ‘NOS’, Nimbus Disability’s bespoke software, the system translates its holder’s disability/impairment/access requirements into symbols and when booking online, informs providers quickly and discreetly about the access requirements that individuals need. It is already widely recognised at major venues including West End theatres, The London Eye and the O2 Arena to venues in the USA, Europe and New Zealand. Martin Austin MBE, who set up Nimbus Disability eight years ago, explained: “We have outgrown our previous offices in Pride Park and needed somewhere with the space and accessible facilities that our growing team needs. “We have particularly seen increased numbers of Access Card applications since we were recognised with The Queen’s Award for Innovation two years ago and our members now make at least 2.5 million visits a year using this invaluable service. “Our innovative Access Card scheme is improving the lives of thousands of disabled people across the UK and across the globe – opening up the opportunity for them to visit and engage with events and destinations and enabling them to play a more participative role in society. “These high quality offices will therefore pave the way for future growth as we onboard even more venue and event partners and the benefits of the Access Card are further recognised by disabled people both in the UK and abroad.” As a social enterprise, Nimbus Disability was established to donate most of their profits for a social or environmental purpose. At the official opening of the new offices, Mr Austin announced that £340,000 had been donated back to its sister charity Disability Direct in 2022/23 which provides information and advice service for disabled people, older people and carers and is the East Midlands’ largest user-led charity. Disability Direct CEO Dr. Amo Raju OBE DL congratulated the Nimbus Disability team on their success so far. He said: “We are incredibly proud of the growth and direction of travel which Nimbus is experiencing. “Whilst we naturally welcome the yearly donation for our vital projects for disabled people in the community, we are equally thrilled it’s meeting a genuine need nationally too. We’re looking forward to see Nimbus thrive and reach even greater heights.”

Purpose Media appoints senior account manager

Stuart Pearcey
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Purpose Media appoints senior account manager

Chris Lockwood has been appointed Senior Account Manager with the South Normanton-based agency Purpose Media, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the business after his time representing clients such as Barclays, Sony and Legal & General.

The University of Derby graduate had previously worked in marketing roles with Sports Direct, Punch Communications and Derby City Council and also operated as a freelance consultant.

HE said: “I’m really passionate about what we do and about using our expertise to really add value for our clients.

“The digital marketing sector is fast-paced and constantly evolving, which means we need to be forward-thinking, sometimes we need to be brave, and we always need to be creative.”

Chris’s career highlights to date include working with Sony Xperia mobile phones, running paid media and content campaigns to boost sales across the company’s European territories. He also helped Sports Direct to launch of the 2017 Liverpool FC home kit, with a strategy which included asset creation, email marketing and paid media.

Purpose Media MD Matt Wheatcroft said: “Chris’s track record is impressive; he’s achieved great results for many blue-chip clients and he’s massively enthusiastic about doing the same for the businesses we advise. We’re sure that Chris will be a great addition to the Purpose team.”

‘It’s wonderful’, says Chesterfield woman named amongst UK’s most impressive businesswomen

Stuart Pearcey
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‘It’s wonderful’, says Chesterfield woman named amongst UK’s most impressive businesswomen
Chesterfield business owner Lucinda White has been crowned one of the UK’s most impressive female entrepreneurs by Small Business Britain. Lucinda, who founded Pure Awards, a boutique award writing and content agency in 2005 is being profiled among 100 inspirational female entrepreneurs from across the country, as part of the campaign to celebrate the multi-achievements of women running businesses in the UK. She said: “I am thrilled to be recognised in this award and campaign for 2024. For the last three years I have had a client feature in the #IAlso 100 so it is really wonderful to be on the list for this year too. I am excited to get to know all the other wonderful female entrepreneurs in this community as the year unfolds. 2024 is going to be a fantastic year!”. From AI companies to female-run tradeswoman platforms and sustainable fashion designers, the Small Business Britain f:Entrepreneur ‘#IAlso100’ line-up particularly showcases trailblazing female founders who lead purpose-driven businesses alongside a roster of other responsibilities, such as volunteering, mentoring and community support. Lucinda was also called out for her success as a winning award writer, enabling businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the UK to benefit from hundreds of finalist positions and wins using her writing skills. She has also helped charities raise over £750,000 for good causes through grant applications and created content to showcase local and national brands. All of this whilst running a busy home and bringing up her two daughters with husband Matt. Launched in 2017 by Small Business Britain – the leading champion of small businesses in the UK – the f:Entrepreneur campaign aims to raise greater awareness of the impact of incredible female business owners across the country, and help provide inspiration and role models to the wider small business community.

Leicester wealth management company sees growth despite “complex macroeconomic backdrop”

Tess Egginton
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Leicester wealth management company sees growth despite “complex macroeconomic backdrop”
Revenue and pre-tax profits are on the rise at Mattioli Woods, the specialist wealth and asset management business, as demand increases for wealth management and financial planning advice driven by proposed pension and investment reforms, and market conditions. According to interim results for the six months ended 30 November 2023, revenue was up 8% to £59.1m, in comparison to £54.9m in the same period of the year prior. Meanwhile profit before tax grew 60% to £7.6m, up from £4.8m.

Ian Mattioli MBE, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The first six months of this financial year saw the Group deliver improved organic growth despite the complex macroeconomic backdrop that persisted throughout the period.

“Our priority remains the delivery of profitable organic growth and we are pleased to report further progress towards our medium-term strategic goals, with revenue of £59.1m up 8% on the equivalent period last year (1H23: £54.9m) driven by positive performance across our pensions advice and administration, employee benefits and investment management operating segments. 

“The success of our new business initiatives, combined with our expanding product range and the strength of existing client referrals resulted in organic revenue growth of 4% despite a 0.4% reduction in the value of total client assets to £15.2bn.

“The Group’s improved organic growth resulted from a combination of clients’ demand for advice and proactive communication by advisers, with a 13% increase in the value of new clients on boarded in the first half versus the equivalent period last year.

“The Group’s strong, integrated business model facilitates multiple engagement points in providing a holistic service to our clients and to generate multiple revenue streams to facilitate future revenue growth.

“The combination of improved organic growth, positive contributions from recent acquisitions and continued cost management delivered 10% growth in adjusted EBITDA to £16.5m (1H23: £15.0m).

“Profit before tax was up 60% to £7.6m (1H23: £4.8m), in part due to reduced deferred consideration payments recognised as remuneration expense under IFRS 3 of £2.5m (1H23: £3.9m) and lower acquisition-related costs of £0.3m (1H23: £0.5m), while adjusted profit before tax was up 15% to £15.6m (1H23: £13.5m) after adding back acquisition-related costs, platform project costs, deferred consideration recognised as an expense and amortisation of acquired intangible assets of £4.2m (1H23: £3.9m).          

“We believe the benefits of operating a responsibly integrated business allows us to secure great client outcomes while delivering strong, sustainable shareholder returns over the long term. The Board remains committed to a progressive dividend, while maintaining an appropriate level of dividend cover. Accordingly, the Board is pleased to announce an interim dividend of 9.0p per share (1H23: 8.8p) up 2.3%, demonstrating our desire to deliver value to shareholders.

“The first half of the financial year has seen the Group deliver a resilient trading performance against a complex macroeconomic backdrop. We plan to build on this position, advancing our key strategic initiatives: new business generation, investing in our adviser academy training programmes, developing our investment proposition, developing new products and services, reviewing our processes, and investing in technology to deliver operational efficiencies and growth through the integration of strategic acquisitions.

“Our trading outlook for the year remains in line with management’s expectations and we believe the Group remains well-positioned to take advantage of the growth opportunities in the UK wealth market and deliver sustainable returns for our stakeholders.”

Output volumes unchanged, while demand uncertainty and finance costs weigh on manufacturers’ investment plans

Tess Egginton
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Output volumes unchanged, while demand uncertainty and finance costs weigh on manufacturers’ investment plans
SME manufacturers reported unchanged output volumes for the second consecutive quarter in the three months to January, according to the CBI’s latest SME Trends survey. Total new orders fell slightly, with export orders down sharply. Firms expect new orders and output volumes to grow modestly over the next three months. Growth in average costs accelerated in the quarter to January, ending six consecutive quarters of steadily easing cost pressures. Costs growth remained well above average. However, both domestic and export prices were unchanged through the quarter, implying a squeeze on profitability. Against this background, investment intentions remain weak. SMEs plan to cut investment in buildings and plant & machinery over the year ahead. Around half of respondents cited demand uncertainty as a constraint on capital spending. Concerns around the availability of finance have also risen (internal and external finance), while the share of SMEs reporting the cost of finance as a barrier to investment rose to its highest since the 1990s (excluding the early stages of the pandemic). Investment in innovation is expected to be stable, while spending on training & retraining is expected to increase only slightly. Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “Sentiment among SME manufacturers was flat around the turn of the year. Faced with stagnant demand, ongoing pressure on costs, a tighter financing environment and enduring difficulties finding the skills they need, firms are taking a hard look at their overheads and plan to cut back investment over the year ahead. “SME manufacturers nonetheless remain hopeful that activity will begin to revive in the coming months, after an exceptionally challenging 18 months. The Budget in early March provides an opportunity for the Chancellor to build on this sense of hope by taking further steps to firm up the foundations of future growth. “Following the encouraging announcements around capital expensing in the Autumn, firms will be looking for measures that can help address labour and skills shortages. Expanding non-taxable health support for employees by making Employee Assistance Programs (EPAs) a fully tax-free benefit would go some way to alleviate this. “Establishing a R&D tax credit scheme alongside a Net Zero Investment Plan would give business a competitive edge, supercharge investment in high-growth sectors and drive technology and innovation.” The survey, based on the responses of 237 SME manufacturing firms, found:
  • Business sentiment was unchanged in the three months to January after deteriorating sharply last quarter (balance of -2% from -17% in October). Export optimism also fell, at a slower pace than in the three months to October (-7% from -22% in October).
  • Output volumes were broadly unchanged in the quarter to January (balance of +1% from +2% in October) but are expected to rise modestly over the next three months (+8%).
    • Orders or sales were the most commonly cited factor likely to limit output in the next three months (65% from 64% in October).
    • The share of firms citing a shortage of materials or components was broadly stable (25% from 26% in October).
    • The share citing a shortage of skilled labour as a likely constraint on output fell (to 28% from 36% in October) but stands well above the long run average (18%).
    • The share citing credit or finance as a likely limit on output was broadly unchanged through the quarter (11% from 9% in October, matching the joint highest figure since October 2009, excluding the pandemic period).
  • Total new orders fell slightly in the three months to January (balance of -2% from +1% in October) and are expected to grow marginally in the next three months (+6%). Export orders fell sharply (-16% from 0% in October) and are expected to fall again in the next three months (-10%).
  • Growth in average costs per unit of output accelerated in the quarter to January, ending six consecutive quarters of slowing cost growth (balance of +43% from +30% in October). Costs are expected to rise at a similar pace over the next three months (+41%).
  • Domestic selling prices were unchanged (balance of +1%, from +7% in October). Export prices were also unchanged in the quarter (+3% from 0% in October). Domestic selling prices are expected to rise next quarter (+14%), and export selling prices are expected to remain unchanged (+3%).
  • Numbers employed increased at a modest pace in the quarter to January (+8% from -7%). SMEs expect headcounts to be unchanged in the next three months (0%).
  • Investment intentions for the year ahead were mixed. SME manufacturers expect to increase investment in training & retraining (+7% from +6%) and product & process innovation is expected to be unchanged (+2% from +3%). But investment in tangible assets such as buildings (-22%, unchanged from October) and plant & machinery (-12%, from -10%) is expected to fall.
  • The main constraint on investment was uncertainty about demand (cited by 53% of firms), followed by labour shortages (24%). Financing constraints on investment have risen to multi-decade highs with the cost of finance (23%, its highest since January 1991, excluding the pandemic) and a shortage of internal finance (also 23%, at its highest since October 2013, again excluding the pandemic period) standing well above their long-run averages.

EMR urges HGV drivers to know their vehicle’s height after last year saw 54 bridge strikes across its network

Tess Egginton
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EMR urges HGV drivers to know their vehicle’s height after last year saw 54 bridge strikes across its network
East Midlands Railway (EMR) is urging drivers of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV), buses, and vans to fully understand the height of their vehicles after the railway operator was affected by 54 bridge strike incidents last year. Bridge strikes, where vehicles collide with bridges, continue to be a significant and recurring problem across EMR’s network. The operator has shared the top 10 most-hit bridges on its network in an effort to alert drivers to understand which structures regularly catch people out. The list includes a bridge on Debdale Lane (A6075) in Mansfield – which has been hit 40 times in the last ten years – and other hotspots such as the bridge in Rothwell Road in Kettering and Matlock Road in South Wingfield. Industry research has found that 43 per cent of HGV drivers admit to not measuring their vehicle before heading out on the road, and 52 per cent admit to not taking low bridges into account. On average, each strike costs the UK taxpayer around £13,000 and in 2023 the top ten bridge strikes in EMR’s region led to 3,325 minutes of delays alone. EMR is urging drivers to understand their vehicles’ height limits and guard against the causes of bridge strikes. These causes include:
  • Going off the line of route, including under diversion
  • Operating ‘not in service’ and taking a shortcut
  • Insufficient route knowledge returning a vehicle to the depot for maintenance
  • Those normally drive a single-deck vehicle taking a double-deck vehicle on a single-deck route
Michael Webb, Joint Head of Performance at East Midlands Railway, said: “Unfortunately, bridge strikes are a constant issue that affects our network each year. Drivers and rail customers may experience frustration and delayed journeys, but a bridge strike has the potential to cause a train derailment with catastrophic consequences as well as loss of life or serious injury to the vehicle driver, passengers, and other people nearby. “Those responsible for causing a bridge strike may be liable for costs associated with the incident, including the inspection and repair of the bridge and the cost of train delays, which can be considerable. “We have shared the top ten most-hit bridges across our network to raise awareness but we are also urging drivers to understand fully the height of their vehicle and not take any unnecessary risks – especially if they are on roads they are not familiar with.” Top 10 bridge strike locations in 2023  1. Mansfield – Debdale Lane (A6075) 2. Kettering – Rothwell Road 3. South Wingfield – Matlock Road (A615) 4. Syston – Fletton Bridge / High Street 5. Trowell – Stapleford Road (A6007) 6. Hinckley – Rugby Road (B4109) 7. Market Harborough – Scotland Road 8. Longton – Bridgewood Street 9. Sileby – King Street 10. Bull Bridge – Ambergate

Clowes Developments hand over £8m facility to Terinex Flexibles Ltd

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Clowes Developments hand over £8m facility to Terinex Flexibles Ltd
Clowes Developments, together with lead contractor Roe Developments, have achieved practical completion at plot 10A, a 46,000 sq ft unit for Terinex Flexibles Ltd, an OGM Holdings Group company at Dove Valley Park, Foston.
Following an extensive fit out period, the new £8m facility will become the new home of Terinex Flexibles, a supplier of printed flexible packaging films and solutions used within the food, pet food and medical packaging industries. The premises features production, warehousing and research and development facilities. The building also includes advanced sustainable energy systems to recover heat for re-use, and solar panels for generating power to operate the factory. OGM Holdings were keen from the outset to create one of the most sustainable, low carbon footprint, flexible packaging factories in the UK. Marc Freeman, Director at Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd, added: “Clowes Developments are delighted to hand the building over to Terinex Flexibles who are now pressing on with their bespoke fit out. The group are currently constructing a further 270,000 sq ft across Dove Valley Park which will enhance the existing offering for perspective occupants. “Dove Valley Park is a fantastic location for logistical enterprises, benefiting from easy access to the A50. The site continues to grow in popularity with occupiers creating valuable employment opportunities in South Derbyshire.” Dove Valley Park Ltd, a subsidiary of Clowes Developments, has been developing the business park for a number of years and is already home to occupiers including Top Hat, JCB, Müller, Futaba Ltd and GXO. Paul Wightman, Group Managing Director of the OGM Group, said: “Our new location for Terinex Flexibles will facilitate the further growth of our business and we are looking forward to adding to our team in South Derbyshire. “The new site provides more than double the size of our existing factory and will accommodate new equipment, our expanding team and increased R&D capabilities to benefit our food, petfood and medical packaging customers. Reducing the environmental impact of industry in the UK is both a moral obligation and a business necessity. “Our aspiration was to build the UK’s best flexible packaging factory with the lowest environmental footprint producing very high quality products, it’s great to see our vision come to life and we look forward to moving in once the fit out process is complete.”

Over a third of mid-sized businesses in UK unable to recruit apprentices

Tess Egginton
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Over a third of mid-sized businesses in UK unable to recruit apprentices
Over a third of mid-sized businesses in the UK would like to hire apprentices but do not have sufficient resources or guidance to do so, according to new data from accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO. BDO’s bi-monthly survey of more than 500 mid-sized businesses reveals that almost a third (32%) of respondents want to hire more apprentices but the costs associated are too high, with the same number wanting more guidance on how to go about it. The same number of respondents (32%) most want to see support from a future government to resolve staff or skills shortages including reform to the apprenticeship levy. This came as a higher priority than tax breaks and regulatory changes, demonstrating its importance to the businesses that sit at the heart of the UK’s economy. Less than one in five respondents claim to regularly hire apprentices through the Apprenticeship Levy, with high costs (32%) and a lack of guidance (32%) cited as the main barriers to doing so. Yet desire remains strong amongst businesses – a quarter of respondents said they would increase their hiring habits if they could work more closely with local schools and colleges in order to shape an apprenticeship programme. Apprenticeship hiring levels vary significantly across the UK’s mid-market. Nearly double the number of respondents in the North West (33%) said they needed support with the skills gap, compared to their counterparts in London. Other areas with a high number of businesses requiring additional funding and guidance to start hiring include the South West (42%) and East Midlands (40%), suggesting there remains some regional imbalance in opportunities to access training programmes. Skills shortages remain a challenge for mid-sized businesses across the board, with almost a quarter (24%) citing that they cannot find people with the right skills because of the region they work in. This jumps to almost a third of businesses in the North West (33%) and the North East (31%). In addition to regional cold spots, certain industries record significantly lower levels of understanding when it comes to the process of apprenticeship hiring. Almost two in five (38%) mid-market real estate companies claimed they would hire apprentices if they had more guidance on how to start a programme and 43% of technology and media companies, both high growth areas of the economy. Richard Austin, partner at BDO, said: “As we celebrate National Apprenticeship week, the importance of apprentices to the economic growth of this country is not lost on anyone, least of all the businesses at the heart of our economy. “These businesses are responsible for more than 8 million jobs, the equivalent of one in four across the UK and with the right level of targeted support, together we can help these businesses kick start their hiring; boosting the number of high quality opportunities on offer to our younger generations and providing the skills the UK so desperately needs.”
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