Long Eaton ready for major improvements with £25m Town Deal
Major improvements to Long Eaton, after it clinched almost £25m of investment from the Government, will soon see locals reaping the benefits – despite the National Audit Office warning that similar Town Deal projects across England are floundering.
The man heading up the massive revamp told of his optimism that the place where he was raised is about to be transformed back into what he described as “an absolutely fabulous town.”
Richard Ledger – a Cambridge graduate who studied physics with Stephen Hawking – said it was natural for townsfolk to want to see big changes fast. But strict Government requirements over the best use of public funds have taken significant time to satisfy.
Four years of planning are now close to fruition. Richard, who is the Long Eaton Town Board chairman, said: “After an immense amount of work to get the project to its current stage we will see the results coming with increasing speed.”
The NAO warned in a new report that many local authorities were struggling to deliver Town Deal projects in time. Spiralling costs fuelled by inflation were blamed – together with contractors suffering from skills shortages.
Richard admitted there had been hiccups locally but said Erewash Borough Council was working hard to overcome them.
Work to transform the former stable block next to Long Eaton Town Hall stalled when the major building firm that was hired went into administration. A new contractor will be appointed imminently to continue turning the building into a state-of-the art business hub.
A new bridge across the Erewash Canal to link Broad Street to West Park is close to being commissioned. The park itself is getting new lighting at a cost of £245,000 – although work had to be paused due to flooding from Storm Babet. The town will also see a much-improved walking and cycling network. As part of this a second new bridge is planned for Britannia Road.
There will be a new West Park Waterfront development with space for food outlets where people can relax. Meanwhile, crunch negotiations with Derbyshire County Council to revitalise the High Street are entering their final phase.
On Derby Road there are plans for smart new housing and shops to replace the old cinema and the rest of Galaxy Row. Richard, 57, who is a former pupil at Grange Primary School, said: “I was saddened to see the vibrancy of Long Eaton slowly ebbing away and this is a fantastic opportunity to turn things around.”
He is a successful local businessman and inventor who was keen to bring his decades of expertise to the Town Deal initiative. The entrepreneur founded a Draycott-based firm that makes machinery for the food processing industry.
As a child he had helped out in his dad’s engineering business, fixing machinery in local lace factories. Richard launched his firm Millitec in 2005 after a friend working in a food factory asked if he could build a machine to butter bread.
Richard sympathised with other local authorities who have battled to keep their Town Deal projects on track. He said: “We have not been immune in Erewash. But the team has pulled together so we can truly deliver for Long Eaton.”
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said in the wake of the NAO report: “We continue to work closely with local authorities to support their delivery of their vital projects.”
Driving success in the East Midlands: a strategic guide to purchasing your business car
As business professionals in the East Midlands region, we understand the importance of making strategic decisions that can impact our success. One such decision that often gets overlooked is choosing the right business car. Your choice of vehicle can greatly influence your image, efficiency, and overall productivity. In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when purchasing a business car in the East Midlands and provide insights into popular models like the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz models.
The East Midlands Business Landscape
Before diving into the specifics of choosing a business car, it’s crucial to understand the unique characteristics of the East Midlands business landscape. The region is known for its diverse economy, which includes sectors like manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and logistics. As such, business professionals in the East Midlands often find themselves traveling between cities, attending meetings, and networking.Assessing Your Needs
The first step in selecting the right business car is assessing your specific needs. Consider the following questions:- How often will you be on the road? If you frequently travel within the East Midlands or even beyond, a reliable and comfortable car is essential.
- Do you need to transport clients or colleagues? If so, a car with ample space and a comfortable interior is important.
- What’s your budget? Determine a realistic budget for your business car, including not just the purchase price but also ongoing expenses like fuel, insurance, and maintenance.
BMW i5 Review
When it comes to selecting a business car in the East Midlands, the BMW i5 deserves special consideration. This electric vehicle (EV) combines luxury, performance, and eco-friendliness. Let’s dive into the BMW i5 Review:Performance and Efficiency
The BMW i5 is known for its impressive performance. Its electric motor delivers smooth acceleration and a quiet ride, making it an excellent choice for business professionals seeking a refined driving experience. The EV’s long-range capability ensures you can travel throughout the East Midlands without worrying about frequent recharging.Technology and Connectivity
Modern business professionals rely heavily on technology and connectivity. The BMW i5 doesn’t disappoint in this regard. It boasts an advanced infotainment system, seamless smartphone integration, and a host of driver-assistance features that can enhance safety and convenience during your travels in the East Midlands.Image and Prestige
Your business car can speak volumes about your professionalism and success. The BMW i5’s sleek design and BMW’s reputation for luxury and performance can help you make a positive impression on clients, partners, and colleagues.Mercedes-Benz Models
Mercedes-Benz is another brand that holds a strong presence in the East Midlands business community. With a range of models to choose from, Mercedes-Benz offers options suitable for various professional needs. Here are some popular Mercedes-Benz models to consider:Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a versatile choice for business professionals in the East Midlands. It offers a comfortable interior, a smooth ride, and a range of engine options to suit your preferences. The E-Class is known for its reliability and prestigious image, making it a common sight in the business world.Mercedes-Benz C-Class
For those who prioritize fuel efficiency without sacrificing style and comfort, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a great option. Its compact size makes it well-suited for urban driving, and it comes with a variety of technology features that can enhance your daily commute or business trips.Mercedes-Benz S-Class
If you want to make a statement and prioritize top-tier luxury, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the epitome of sophistication. It offers an opulent interior, advanced technology, and a smooth ride. While it may come with a higher price tag, the S-Class can leave a lasting impression on clients and associates in the East Midlands.Considerations for Electric Vehicles
In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have gained popularity, driven by their eco-friendly nature and potential cost savings. If you’re considering an EV like the BMW i5, here are a few additional considerations:- Charging Infrastructure: Ensure there are sufficient charging stations in the East Midlands to support your EV. Fortunately, the region has been investing in EV charging infrastructure.
- Government Incentives: Check for government incentives and tax benefits for EV purchases. These can help offset the initial cost.
- Range Requirements: Evaluate your daily driving needs to ensure the EV’s range meets your expectations. Most modern EVs, including the BMW i5, offer sufficient range for typical business trips in the East Midlands.
Conclusion
Choosing the right business car in the East Midlands is a strategic decision that can impact your success in the region’s diverse business landscape. Whether you opt for a BMW i5, one of the many Mercedes-Benz models, or any other vehicle, consider your specific needs, budget, and the image you want to project. With the right business car, you can navigate the East Midlands with confidence and make a positive impression on clients and colleagues alike.Octopus Energy takes 47,000 sq ft at Hinckley Park
Hinckley Park, an industrial and logistics park situated adjacent to junction 1 of the M69, has attracted a fourth significant occupier.
Hinckley 47 is to be occupied by renewable energy company, Octopus Energy, taking 47,000 sq ft. The facility is being used as a storage and distribution facility for customer’s orders of heat pumps and solar panels and will also act as a national training centre for installation engineers.
The unit is one of three in the final phase of development at Hinckley Park. The unit has been delivered to EPC A and BREEAM Excellent ratings and is equipped with the ability to provide electric car charging for every parking space.
The building is being delivered as Net Zero in Construction and Net Zero Ready, with the integration of solar PVs to help support an occupier’s journey to becoming Net Zero in Operation.
Harry Goodman, development manager for IM Properties, said: “This is another great name to add to the occupier list at Hinckley Park and is testament to our commitment to creating top-tier industrial spaces that meet the needs of innovative and forward-thinking companies like Octopus Energy.”
Renovation works begin on empty Sutton shop
Renovation works have started at 9-11 Low Street, Sutton, the second empty shop to be given new life by Ashfield District Council.
Ashfield District Council have purchased the former YMCA shop on Low Street as part of their £6.27million Future High Streets Fund. In May this year the Council completed the transformation of the old Yorkshire Bank on Low Street, from a dilapidated eye-sore, to a modern café, bringing vibrancy back to the high street.
Plans for 9-11 Low Street include refitting the interior of the shop unit to bring it back to a useable commercial space, installing energy efficiency measures, and renovating the first floor into modern, quality accommodation.
Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Regeneration, Growth and Local Planning, said: “It is fantastic to see work starting on another of our Future High Streets Funded projects. When all our 20 plus projects are completed, they will work together to transform our town centres and how people shop, visit, and do business in Ashfield.
“To some people it may just be repurposing a long-standing empty unit, but in conjunction with the Makerspace and business hub at High Pavement House, the redesign of Portland Square which will start in the new year, and work in the outer edges of Sutton at Kings Mill Reservoir and Sherwood Observatory, you can start to see our vision for the District. A place where businesses and aspirations can grow and succeed.”
Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “Ashfield District Council are transforming Ashfield, as a District but also as a place to visit, start a business, receive an education, and make a home. The future of Ashfield is truly bright thanks to the hard work of the Council. We have secured over £120million external investment to allow us to fulfil our ambitions for Ashfield, so keep watching for our progress.”
Manufacturing output falls and order books deteriorate
Manufacturers reported that output volumes fell in the three months to November, disappointing expectations for expansion, according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey (ITS).
Manufacturers expect output volumes to decline further into the new year.
A more subdued outlook for production comes as order books fell to their weakest level since the second COVID-19 lockdown in early 2021. Both total and export order books were reported as below normal in November, to the greatest extent since January and February 2021 respectively.
The survey, based on the responses of 232 manufacturers, found:
- Output volumes fell in the three months to November (weighted balance of -17%, from -6% in the three months to October) and is expected to fall further in the quarter to February 2024 (-7%).
- Output fell in 10 out of 17 sub-sectors in the three months to November. The decline was driven by the chemicals, mechanical engineering, metal products and metal manufacturing sub-sectors.
- Total order books were reported as below normal in November and deteriorated sharply from last month (-35% from -26%). The level of order books is well below the long-run average (-13%) and their weakest since January 2021. Export order books were also seen as below normal and deteriorated from last month (-31% from -23%). This was below the long-run average (-18%) and their weakest since February 2021.
- Expectations for average selling price inflation over the next three months saw little change from last month (+11%, from +7% in October). Selling price expectations were only marginally above their long-run average (+7%), having declined steadily over the last year and a half from the multi-decade high seen in 2022 (+80% in March 2022).
- Stocks of finished goods were seen as broadly adequate in November (+3% from +4% in October), below the long-run average (+12%).
Global software firm acquires Leicester transportation management systems provider
Global software firm Aptean has acquired 3T Logistics & Technology Group (3T), a Leicester-based provider of cloud-based transportation management systems (TMS) to shippers and carriers in the UK and broader Europe.
With the acquisition of 3T, Aptean adds new capabilities to its TMS offerings for shippers and carriers serving manufacturers and distributors in the food and beverage, fast-moving consumer goods, industrial machinery, automotive and building product verticals.
“Aptean is pleased to expand its TMS offerings in Europe with the addition of 3T’s cloud-based EVENT platform,” said Duane George, GM of EMEA and APAC at Aptean. “In today’s challenging business environment, 3T helps organizations deliver their products with greater speed and efficiency, enabling them to compete a global level.”
“Aptean shares our commitment to innovation and our solutions are highly complementary to Aptean’s existing ERP and SCM offerings for manufacturers and distributors,” said Steve Twydell, founder and CEO at 3T. “As part of Aptean we will be able to provide our customers with more solutions to enhance efficiencies and improve outcomes across their operations.”
Could it be described as a Black Friday Autumn Statement?
James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, reflects on the Autumn Statement.
As our seventh Chancellor since 2016 stood up to deliver his Autumn Statement, perhaps the good news was that in contrast to his immediate predecessor, he had run his figures by the Office for Budget Responsibility. Therefore, we hopefully will not experience an aftershock.In the media coverage on the run up to his speech there was much speculation as to what the Statement might include, from reductions in business and income tax to changes in inheritance tax. Over recent days it has felt that at times they were testing the acceptance of any proposed changes, especially with the electorate, as we are now probably only 12 months away from a General Election.However, it did feel a bit akin to a Black Friday sale, with some 110 measures and announcements to underpin growth, make work pay and increase work/UK productivity. Overall, a move to hopefully revert the government’s fortune, curtailing the growing shift in support for Labour and perhaps a red wall landslide next year. Whether it will achieve this we will have to wait and see.Whilst as ever the devil is in the detail and it will certainly take time to get through the 110 measures, the key announcements and changes were as follows:
- The headline grabbing reduction in Employee National Insurance from 12% to 10% – this cut will come into effect from 6th January 2024
- For the self-employed Class 2 NIC will be abolished with Class 4 NIC to be cut from 9% to 8%
- Business Rates will continue to be frozen for small businesses and the 75% discount on business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure will be extended for a further year
- The National Living Wage will increase to £11.44 per hour from April 2024
- State pension payments are to rise by 8.5% to £221.20 a week, worth almost an extra £900 a year. The triple lock will be “honoured in full”
Revenue and profits drop at Motorpoint Group
Revenue and profits have dropped at Motorpoint Group, the independent omnichannel vehicle retailer.
According to unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2023 (H1 FY24), the Derby car retailer’s revenue was parked at £607.2m, down from £786.7m in the same period last year, influenced by market headwinds.
Meanwhile the firm posted a £3.5m loss for the period, dipping from a £2.4m profit last year, which Motorpoint said was a result of lower volumes and a fall in finance commissions. Retail volumes declined by 18.4% and wholesale volumes by 22.4% as more stock was sourced direct from consumers and sold through retail channels.
Mark Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer of Motorpoint Group PLC, said: “I have been at Motorpoint for twelve years and the agility and resilience of our business model is something of which I am immensely proud.
“We have no structural debt, a flexible business model, a fantastic team and a tremendous opportunity ahead to achieve significant cash generation in the medium term following the actions of the past twelve months. Our focus on improving unit economics has been successful, although volumes remained challenging in the period.
“The rapid fall in used car values since the period end is unquestionably a near term challenge, however it also provides reassuring signs of supply finally beginning to improve in the nearly new market that we have dominated in the past. I believe next year will be a key turning point for the market and I look to the future with confidence.”
Hinckley businesses vote Hinckley BID back in for fourth five-year term
The Hinckley Business Improvement District (Hinckley BID) is starting its fourth five-year term, following a successful ballot result.
Hinckley BID is part of a national movement where businesses in a local area vote to pool their resources and support a range of initiatives designed to help their businesses to be more successful. In the Hinckley BID’s ballot, 74% of eligible businesses voted in favour of a further five-year term.
The BID team report to the Hinckley Town Centre Partnership Ltd (HTCP) whose unremunerated board of directors include senior representatives from Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council as well as a wide range of local businesses and the voluntary sector.
Steve Wegerif, BID Director, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been re-elected for another five years and would like to thank all our member businesses for their support. This is testament to the dedicated and hard work by the BID team.
“It also highlights how working in partnership in these financially hard times is essential and we look forward to continuing to promote the wide and diverse range of Hinckley businesses and all that they have to offer.”
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Chief Executive Bill Cullen said: “This is a resounding thumbs up from Hinckley businesses. It recognises the great work the BID team undertake in partnership with other local organisations such as the council to promote the town and drive business to the area.
“I look forward to continuing to work with them and supporting our local town centre – congratulations.”
Developer ordered to demolish Kettering building following trial
The developer of a six-storey building in Job’s Yard, Kettering has been ordered to totally demolish the building following a three-day trial in Birmingham High Court.
The case was brought by North Northamptonshire Council following serious concerns about the building work that has been continuing to take place as well as a lack of adherence by the developer to building regulations and the planning permission which had been granted.
The unauthorised structure resulted in formal action from the council’s building control and planning enforcement teams, supported by the Health and Safety Executive.
A three-day trial concluded with the court granting an order compelling the developer to arrange for a specialist contractor to demolish the building down to the ground.
The court ordered that the demolition should be completed by February 28, 2024, by a specialist contractor paid for by the developer, Michigan Construction Limited.
NNC were awarded costs and will be seeking to recover their costs incurred in the proceedings from the developer, Michigan Construction Limited.
Due to the current unsafe nature of the building, a cordon has been in place around the site since June 2022 in the interest of public safety. The cordon will remain in place to ensure the safety of the public is maintained until after the demolition has been completed.
Cllr David Brackenbury, the council’s Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration, said: “We have been trying to work with the developer of this site for some considerable time now and going to court was always a last resort.
“We are pleased that the court found in our favour and we will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that the developer follows the orders set out by the court. Following the demolition, we will be able to look at the safety of the area and consider removing the cordon in place, which will benefit residents of Kettering and businesses around the site.”
Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council, said: “We simply cannot permit unsafe construction that breaches planning permission to be allowed – it is unsafe for our residents and it’s a blight on our town centres.
“This case demonstrates that we will take tough action against developers who choose to flout the rules which are so necessary to ensure that high standards of construction are maintained, and new buildings are in keeping with surrounding areas.
“I’m delighted that the court has found in our favour – and I hope it sends out a warning to cowboy constructors who think they can cut corners.”
