Law firm BRM makes four new appointments
Chesterfield and Sheffield-based law firm, BRM is delighted to announce the appointment of Director Simon Lockley, alongside Kirsty Coggin as Senior Associate, Annabel Denby Hollis as Senior Solicitor and Adam Mayer as Chartered Legal Executive, to the firm’s Dispute Resolution team.
Simon joins BRM with more than 30 years litigation experience with his most recent role being Head of the Sheffield Office at Lupton Fawcett.
Kirsty, Annabel, and Adam are joining Simon in the move after a combined 15 years with Lupton Fawcett and have started at the firm this week. Annabel will join BRM on 15 January 2024.
Simon is regularly instructed by both corporate and individual clients in high-value litigation and specialises in company and shareholder disputes, complex contractual claims and professional negligence.
He also has extensive experience in claims against employees and directors for breach of contract/duty, civil fraud and insolvency litigation.
Listed as a key individual in his field in the Legal 500 UK, Simon is regarded as ‘highly rated by clients’ and ‘technically superb’.
He said: “BRM is an ambitious, modern and forward-thinking firm and I am delighted to be joining its Dispute Resolution team as a Director. The firm is business-focussed and has a fantastic reputation in Sheffield and Chesterfield as well as the wider city region”.
“BRM is making a real statement and both my team, and I are looking forward to being part of the firm’s growth in Sheffield and its ambitions for the future.”
Rob Cooke, Head of Dispute Resolution and Executive Director at BRM, said: “We’re extremely pleased to welcome Simon, Kirsty, Annabel, and Adam to the Dispute Resolution team here at BRM.
“As we have previously worked together, I know first-hand the fantastic reputation Simon has both in the city and the profession and the positive difference he will make to our team.
“Kirsty, Annabel, and Adam will bring their collective experience to the team and will position us as the largest Dispute Resolution team in the region.”
Kirsty joins the firm as Senior Associate and was recently rated as a ‘Key Lawyer’ in the Legal 500.
She said: “BRM is dynamic and forward looking. I am thrilled to bring my experience to the firm and be part of its growth and exciting vision for the future.”
New tenant delivered at Air Cargo Centre
DHL Air has flown into Air Cargo Centre, located off Beverley Road, within the East Midlands Airport campus.
Following the success earlier last year where Unit 438 was let to an established airport user, FHP Property Consultants have let 419 Air Cargo Centre to DHL Air for a period of approximately 5 years to bolster their existing operations at East Midlands Airport.
Air Cargo Centre comprises 23 industrial/warehouse units with a total floor area of some 200,000ft2. Units range in size from 3,000ft2 to 25,000ft2 and benefit from dedicated car parking and loading to the front.
Darran Severn of FHP Property Consultants says: “Air Cargo Centre is a very popular estate due to its proximity to East Midlands Airport. The estate generally appeals to businesses that have a direct connection with the airport.
“On this occasion we have been able to line up a new tenant prior to the expiry of the existing lease eliminating a void period for our client. A truly great result for all involved.”
Peter Molloy, Regional Commercial Manager for DHL, says: “East Midlands Airport is home to the UK’s largest dedicated cargo operation, and DHL already occupy some 500,000ft² across the airport. The new unit at Air Cargo Centre will be predominantly used for repairs and maintenance, keeping this separate to our parcel hub.”
Turkish Airlines set to be largest user of Rolls-Royce Trent engines
Turkish Airlines is set to become the world’s largest operator of Rolls-Royce Derby-built Trent XWB engines with its decision to order 140 between 2025 and 2033.
It will order 100 Trent XWB-84 variants and 40 XWB-97 ones, all to be covered by the Rolls-Royce comprehensive TotalCare service.
This order will complement the airline’s existing fleet, adding to the 40 Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 A350-900s already in service and on order, and 26 Trent 700 powered A330s.
Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgic said: “This announcement is proof that the actions we are taking to transform Rolls-Royce into a high performing and competitive company underpinned by profitable growth are working.
“The Trent XWB is the perfect engine platform to support Turkish Airlines as it continues to grow. This order will make Turkish Airlines the largest Trent XWB operator in the world, and I would like to thank them for putting their trust in Rolls-Royce.
“Türkiye is a strategically important market for us, and it is imperative to develop long-term partnerships with the airline and other important Turkish stakeholders.
“We look forward to working with Turkish Airlines as they continue to connect their passengers across global communities and cultures.”
Flying to more than 340 destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, Turkish Airlines has grown from a passenger base of 10 million in 2003 to more than 82 million in the last twelve months.
Copper recycling company falls into administration
A Leicestershire company which processed unused or discarded copper materials for resale has been placed in administration.
Steven Wiseglass, a director at Manchester-based Inquesta Corporate Recovery & Insolvency, has been appointed as administrator of Pure Copper Recycling Ltd.
Pure Copper Recycling, based in Gaddesby, had stopped trading while it sought new premises. All eight employees have since been made redundant.
The company, founded in 2018, was a granulation specialist which repurposed and recycled unused or discarded copper cables and materials bought from a variety of clients, including scrap merchants, tradesmen, waste sites and electricians.
In the period from December 1 2022 to September 28 2023, the business generated sales of £10.4m.
Steven Wiseglass said: “We have been appointed as the administrator of Pure Copper Recycling Ltd.
“Due to a number of issues, the business was unable to continue trading and regrettably the employees have been made redundant.
“We are now working with advisers to assess the value of the company’s assets and will then undertake a sale process with a view to securing a return for creditors.”
Airport academy allows aviation industry careers to take off
Next week sees the start of the second course offering learners a direct route into the aviation industry thanks to collaboration between the East Midlands Airport Academy and Nottingham College.
The partnership at the on-site Academy offers tailor-made pre-employment and upskilling training for around 200 unemployed or low-income adult learners a year and existing employees.
The two-week courses are free and take place on-site at EMA, covering a range of topics including an introduction to the aviation industry, customer service and team work and aviation terminology, to equip them with the skills needed to take up various careers that are available at EMA.
Fifteen learners were the first to complete the course, during which they were taken on an airside tour, took part in mock interviews and given support to apply for roles in the airport including help with CVs, covering letters and five-year checkable history. They heard from guest speakers from, Swissport, DHL, Leonardo’s Hotel, and Boots, as well as EMA’s HR, Security and Assisted Travel teams.
Marcella M’Rabety, Group Head of Education, Skills and Employment for EMA’s owner Manchester Airports Group, said: “We are pleased that 15 learners have completed our first course with Nottingham College. They have been given skills and support towards gaining employment on site at EMA and have heard from a range of employers. We are really grateful for our on-site businesses attending the course to talk about roles, job opportunities and inspiring our learners to find work at the airport.
“Our next course is 15th January which will include attending the Jobs Fair on Wednesday 17th January. We can’t wait to welcome more learners on site.”
Aggregate Industries adds electric cement mixer truck to its fleet
Leicestershire-based building materials supplier Aggregate Industries has added an electric cement mixer truck to its fleet.
It will be based at the Coleshill Readymix Plant in Birmingham, from where it will serve the West Midlands.
Putzmeister, as one of the leading manufacturers of concrete equipment, offers the fully electric eMixer under the brand name iONTRON. The electrically powered truck with a 350kWh battery is provided by the parent company SANY. This cooperation ensures zero emissions and significantly reduced noise during transport and on site.
EV fleet and battery storage specialist Zenobē provided the charging infrastructure for the e- Mixer with a 120KW/h charger sited at the Coleshill base. Zenobē also integrated the EV charging software to monitor the charging profile of the e-mixer and provide valuable insight into the operational performance of the batteries on the vehicle. This data will be used to develop and roll out Aggregate Industries’ long-term strategy to electrify its heavy fleet.
Gary Brennand, Md of Aggregate Industries’ Readymix division, said: “We’re delighted to welcome our latest electric mixer truck in partnership with Putzmeister and Sany. Our mission is to be the UK leader in innovative and sustainable building materials and to decarbonise the construction industry.
“Electrification of our fleet, machinery and plant is a vital component of that and of helping us achieve our net zero ambitions.
“Traditional mixer trucks use diesel fuel so to be able to have vehicles with zero emissions on the roads is a hugely positive step change in our operations. We are at the start of our journey but this will gather pace as the technology continues to evolve along with the infrastructure.”
Banner Jones welcomes six new trainee solicitors
Regional law firm Banner Jones has welcomed six more colleagues from across its Chesterfield, Sheffield, and Mansfield offices onto its Trainee Scheme as three more graduate from it.
Banner Jones’ CEO Simon Wright said: “We’re delighted to be training such a large number of colleagues to qualify as Solicitors, in addition to providing support to those undergoing various other qualifications.
“It is important to us that all of our staff enjoy working for Banner Jones, and that they have every possible opportunity to further their careers during their time with us.
“Our trainees and apprentices are an integral part of our future, and we wish them every success moving forward with their studies.”
Training Principal Katie Ash added: “With recruitment so difficult at the moment, and having always sought to support our employees’ development and ambitions, the decision to extend our training programme to nurture even more of our own talent was a natural one.”
All the candidates have completed their LPC and are now undertaking their Period of Recognised Training, following which they will be fully qualified solicitors.
Over the period of their training they will gain an understanding of several areas of law, spending a period of time in a contentious area of law, a non-contentious area of law and the Company’s compliance department.
Banner Jones’ fully-funded Trainee Schemeaims to provide an opportunity for those with a desire and interest to learn new skills to further their careers, whilst also training to achieve a recognised legal qualification.
In addition to providing support to this cohort of trainees, the firm is also supporting Tim Barley in his Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship, Claudia Risorto, who joined Banner Jones in September, and is undertaking her Law Degree Apprenticeship, and various other members of staff to undertake CILEx and Licensed Conveyancing qualifications.
Accountancy firm moves HQ into new offices
A Derby accountancy practice has moved its HQ into new offices on one of the city’s established business parks.
Maple Accountancy, whose Derby headquarters is currently based in a period building on Friar Gate, is uprooting and relocating to a purpose-built, pavilion-style office at Wyvern Court on Wyvern Business Park.
William Speed of Salloway Property Consultants, who negotiated the sale to Maple on behalf of a private client, said: “We are experiencing fewer freehold properties coming onto the market currently, so it isn’t surprising to see that when an opportunity like this does present itself there are high levels of interest.
“It is particularly rewarding to close a deal with a well-known Derby professional firm which will now make this property their new headquarters.
“The new office building comprises some 4,300 square feet over two floors and is extremely well located for accessing both the city centre and the principal road network meaning easy access to the rest of the UK.
“It will provide Maple with the perfect opportunity to create a contemporary fit-out which is sure to impress employees and clients alike.”
Jennifer Priestly, Director of Maple Accountancy, added: “We are really excited to make the move over to Wyvern Court. The modern office gives us the perfect opportunity to create a new, state of the art work environment.
“The quality of workspace is becoming more and more important in this modern day and age, creating an environment that encourages people to work in the office is something that we are very keen on achieving at Maple Accountancy.”
William Speed added: “Maple’s strategy follows a common trend we have encountered since COVID. Many companies are seeking to create a more vibrant and versatile work environment allowing for flexible and hybrid working routines and taking into account both staff well-being and the company’s ESG aspirations. Modern freehold offices provide this opportunity.”
Property consultancy strengthens Ashby planning team with four appointments
A property consultancy has strengthened its planning team in Ashby after making four appointments.
Fisher German has welcomed John Nicol as a planner, Kerry Andrews as an assistant planner, and Isabelle Holliday and Jabu Phiri as graduate planners.
John has more than four-and-a-half years’ experience in planning, originally beginning his career in the public sector before moving into the private sector.
In his last role, John specialised in renewable energy projects, obtaining planning permission and carrying out pre and post-planning approval project management.
Kerry joins the firm after spending more than four years working in the public sector, specialising in planning policy and supporting the development of the authority’s local plan.
Isabelle is welcomed to the firm after studying Human Geography at the Manchester Metropolitan University and a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Sheffield. Jabu joins after studying English at the University of Liverpool followed by a postgraduate degree in planning at the University of Manchester.
The expansion comes as Fisher German looks to not only respond to increasing client demand but expand its presence across the Midlands.
John said: “I’m extremely pleased to join Fisher German at what is an incredibly interesting time for the planning sector. The firm has a very strong reputation and offers a wide range of property services and expertise, meaning working here exposes you to a great range of work and clients.
“My role primarily involves working on infrastructure projects mainly covering water, waste, and power. It is an interesting time to be a planner, particularly in relation to the changing legislation around Biodiversity Net Gain.
“It is great to be practising at a time when the operations of the profession are changing quite significantly in this regard and building an understanding of what this will mean for the delivery of development and for our clients in the future is important.”
Kerry said: “Fisher German has a fantastic planning team with a strong work ethic. Everyone works together to do a good job for clients, which is excellent to be part of. I’m working in strategic planning on a variety of different projects, of all scales.
“Planning plays a huge part in the delivery of new housing, and the next year or two will be very interesting in terms of the new planning regulations being introduced by government.”
Liberty Stones, Head of Planning at Fisher German, said: “We are delighted to welcome four new members of the planning team to Fisher German, further strengthening the services we provide to our clients.
“There is a significant need for both housebuilding to meet housing targets and large-scale infrastructure projects, and we are well-placed to support the delivery of these.”
Nottinghamshire childcare provider acquires new nursery
A Nottingham business providing childcare for children aged two to five has acquired a 2,000 sq ft nursery and hired two additional childcare specialists.
Ducklings Nursery has used a six-figure funding package from HSBC UK to purchase Beeston Nursery, located on Station Road in Beeston.
The purchase ensures Beeston Nursery can continue to offer essential childcare to over 100 local children as well as retaining its 13 staff members. This would not have been possible without the acquisition as the previous owner had decided to retire from the business leaving the future of the nursery in doubt.
In addition to securing the future of Beeston Nursery, the acquisition will also see two specialist jobs added at the nursery with the potential for further expansion and job openings in the future.
Medusa Sojourn, owner and founder of Ducklings Nursery, said: “As a local resident myself, it is heartening to be able to provide a safe, supportive environment for Beeston children. I’m extremely grateful to HSBC UK for its support throughout this process.”
Dominic Edgar, relationship manager at HSBC UK, added: “Ducklings Nursery has a reputation for providing an excellent service to the local community. This commercial business loan from HSBC UK will help the nursery grow significantly, allowing more parents and children to benefit.”
Ducklings Nursery was established in 2009 when its first nursery opened in Sutton Coldfield. A second nursery was later acquired in Sandiacre.
