“The East Midlands Bricks Awards give us that opportunity to take our hat off to the people that draw up the blueprints, that lay those bricks and build our towns and cities”

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“The East Midlands Bricks Awards give us that opportunity to take our hat off to the people that draw up the blueprints, that lay those bricks and build our towns and cities”
With Business Link’s East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 drawing ever-nearer, East Midlands Chamber has highlighted the opportunity it provides to “take our hat off to the people that draw up the blueprints, that lay those bricks and build our towns and cities.”

East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “The work of the property and construction sector is something we can all be proud of as the East Midlands develops and our towns and cities modernise to meet changing needs.

“You only have to look at some of the regeneration we’ve seen in Leicester city centre or Chesterfield’s Waterside, Derby’s Becketwell or Nottingham’s Island Quarter, where once neglected areas now buzz with activity. Building work has brought benefits from modern living accommodation to open public spaces where people can get together.

“The East Midlands Bricks Awards give us that opportunity to take our hat off to the people that draw up the blueprints, that lay those bricks and build our towns and cities. Despite what have been tough economic times our property and construction sector has shown resilience and that’s worthy of recognition.”

A key event in the business calendar, showcasing the exceptional work of the region’s property and construction industry, the East Midlands Bricks Awards will take place on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Revealing the winners in a glittering awards ceremony, the evening also offers time to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region and hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby. Nominations for the prestigious event are open, and now is the ideal time to make your submissions, ahead of the deadline – Thursday 5th September. To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include:

Nominations end Thursday 5th September

Tickets can now be booked for the 2024 awards event, click here to secure yours. Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire. Dress code is standard business attire.
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To be held at:

20-acre Northamptonshire site acquired in off market transaction

Tess Egginton
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20-acre Northamptonshire site acquired in off market transaction
Trebor Developments and Hillwood have acquired a 20-acre site in Raunds from Aequitas Estates in an off-market transaction. The site benefits from detailed planning consent for a four-unit mid-box scheme in sizes ranging from 10,650 to 117,050 sq ft that will be marketed at ‘Quattro, Raunds’. All four units will be built on a speculative basis starting on site in August 2024, targeting Practical Completion in Q4 2025. Greg Dalton, Development Director for Trebor, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have completed this deal on a site we have long held an interest in acquiring. “It sits well within our strategy to expand along the A14/A45 and, with the benefit of detailed planning consent, allows us to deliver the scheme within 2025 to satisfy occupier demands. Thank you to Aequitas and also our team for getting this over the line.” Trebor and Hillwood were represented by Bidwells for the acquisition, whilst M1 Agency acted on behalf of Aequitas. Both have been retained as joint letting agents.

Careers Hub awarded £450k to grow successful SEND project

Tess Egginton
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Careers Hub awarded £450k to grow successful SEND project
Leicester and Leicestershire Careers Hub has been awarded £450,000 to scale a successful project working with teenagers with special educational needs or disabilities. Three years ago, Leicester and Leicestershire was one of 10 areas nationally to be selected for investment through a £2 million fund offering targeted support for disadvantaged young people during key points of career transition. Leicester and Leicestershire invested its £250,000 on developing a We Discover pilot project designed to meet the needs of 14 to 17-year-olds with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) as they move from school into further education or work. The success of the pilot has seen Leicester and Leicestershire now become one of only five areas to be awarded further investment. It is the only Midlands-based careers hub to win the Phase 2 funding, which is provided by JP Morgan through the Careers and Enterprise Company. Phoebe Dawson, Director of Leicester and Leicestershire Business & Skills Partnership, welcomed the opportunity to build on We Discover through the extension, which runs to 2027. “It’s fantastic that our Careers Hub has the evidence base to demonstrate that investing in effective, progressive, and long-term targeted careers interventions for disadvantaged young people makes measurable changes to sustained destinations,” she said. Phase 1 of the local project focussed on 90 young people as they prepared for the transition to ‘post-16 destinations’ such as college, apprenticeships, or work-based learning. Phase 2 will work with 300 young people. Research had shown that several barriers were preventing local young people with SEND from progressing into such destinations. These included hard-to-access information about options, lack of time to explore the options, and employers’ misconceptions about young people with SEND accessing Education, Employment, and Training (EET). We Discover reported success outcomes across a host of measures over two years. It tested new approaches including 1-2-1 sessions between pupils and career advisers, and pupil-focussed work experience placements ranging from fully fledged placements to one-day visits. By the end of Phase 1 of the We Discover project:
  • 85% of pupils had ideas about jobs that matched their interests and skills – an increase of more than a quarter;
  • More than three-quarters of pupils felt it was easy for them to do what was required to carry on in education or training after school – up 45%;
  • About half of pupils reported having found employers and organisations relevant to their career interests – up by 44%.
Hollie, a pupil at West Gate School, in Leicester, said: “I discovered a lot of different things, like new jobs that I didn’t know of and different things that you could use that are useful for your future.” Gerarde Manley, Careers Hub Manager, said: “Young people now better understand their strengths, skills and interests and how they might be relevant to further learning and work. “As we work with local businesses to embrace more inclusive recruitment practices, they are looking at the talent pipeline among these motivated young people. “We are very proud of this project and the additional funding means we are now able to scale it.” The Careers Hub is now looking to speak with local employers about getting involved with Phase 2 of We Discover (email businessboard@leicester.gov.uk).

Nottingham workflow automation specialist expands further into Asia-Pacific region

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Nottingham workflow automation specialist expands further into Asia-Pacific region
Nottingham-based workflow automation specialist, Intoware, is set to expand further into the Asia-Pacific region after securing a distribution partner based in Singapore. The company has joined forces with TPM Solutions Pte Ltd – which also has offices in America and Spain – to drive sales of its flagship digital workflow platform, WorkfloPlus across the APAC region. Keith Tilley, Chief Executive of Intoware, said: “Our new partnership with TPM Solutions represents a significant milestone in our global expansion efforts. “This collaboration allows us to increase our presence further into the Asia-Pacific region, a crucial market for continued growth. By building on our existing relationships with partners in this part of the world, we are not only broadening our geographical footprint, but also enhancing our ability to showcase Intoware’s technology to a diverse range of new markets. “Our partnership with TPM Solutions underscores our commitment to delivering digital transformation services to a global audience, reaching more customers and industries than ever before.” David Turner, Managing Director of TPM Solutions, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Intoware and to be playing a part in helping the company achieve its ambitious growth plans by combining its groundbreaking technology with our local expertise and market knowledge. “WorkfloPlus offers a whole host of benefits for companies across many sectors, from energy to transport and manufacturing to oil and gas. Its capabilities in streamlining operations, enhancing productivity and facilitating digital transformation are impressive, and we are confident customers throughout the Asia Pacific will relish what Intoware can bring to their businesses.”

Future of Ashby de la Zouch hotel secured as planning permission granted

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Future of Ashby de la Zouch hotel secured as planning permission granted
North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) has granted planning permission to build 17 town houses on land either side of the Royal Hotel in Ashby de la Zouch. The application was reported to a meeting of the district council’s planning committee in August 2023. At that meeting, members resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement – the obligations of which would secure the renovation of the hotel. After negotiation with the hotel’s owner – Oakland Hotels Limited – the Section 106 agreement was completed on Tuesday 23 July 2024. The development and sale of the town houses on land surrounding the hotel will now fund its renovation, and ultimately bring it back into use. The Royal Hotel closed in 2018 due to financial pressures and the need for investment to bring the building up to modern standards, and has remained empty ever since. Since its closure, the owners installed CCTV across the site to monitor both the building and the car park, boarded up the windows and installed fencing around the whole site. Conservation officers from NWLDC have inspected the building regularly to ensure it has been maintained in good condition whilst closed. However, the Grade II listed building was included on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register in 2021. Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of NWLDC, said: “Since the Royal Hotel’s closure in 2018, North West Leicestershire District Council has carried out a huge amount of work with the owners to not only protect and maintain the building whilst it stood empty, but also find a viable way to bring it back into use. “The planning permission granted to Oakland Hotels Limited paves the way for the hotel’s continued refurbishment and eventual reopening. “It also demonstrates the owner’s commitment to ensuring that the hotel remains an important and prominent part of Ashby’s heritage. “I am delighted that the Royal Hotel’s future should now be secure, and that local people will be able to enjoy and appreciate this historic building for generations to come.”

Midlands space innovation recognised at Farnborough Airshow

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Midlands space innovation recognised at Farnborough Airshow
The achievements of eight innovative projects that are pivoting Midlands manufacturers into the high-growth space industry as part of a £1m R&D programme were recognised at Farnborough Airshow. The Pivot into Space programme, which is being led by the Midlands Aerospace Alliance with funding from the UK Space Agency – matched by industry – has already created a launchpad into the space industry for nine small supply chain companies of a size that would normally face significant barriers to entering this demanding sector. The programme has not only provided grant funding worth £18,000 – £50,000 to each company, but also valuable technical and commercial guidance, access to industry contacts, exclusive events, and networking opportunities. The fast-track programme means that, following a rigorous assessment process by technology experts, the companies selected for the programme will have transformed their existing capabilities and technologies into potential solutions for space industry challenges within 12-18 months. These solutions will then have a wide range of applications in the UK’s growing space markets including use on spacecraft, launchers and ground support equipment. Even though the projects are only part-way through, so great is the potential that several have already attracted customer interest, with some customers already actively guiding and supporting them. Now, as the global industry gathers for the largest industry event of the year, three of the Pivot into Space companies have taken to the stage at a dedicated technology conference at Farnborough Airshow to share their initial results. Burcas, PAK Engineering, and SHD Composites each presented case studies showing how they have been transforming their specialist knowledge and skills to provide solutions to technology challenges faced by the space sector. Farnborough Airshow has proved the perfect opportunity to recognise the progress of these innovative projects as they enter their advanced stages. With 74,000 visitors expected to visit throughout the week, it was an optimum opportunity for these companies to showcase how their innovative capabilities can potentially transform the space sector. Antonia Yendell, Head of Space Ecosystem at the UK Space Agency, said: “Pivot Into Space is one of a number of initiatives that support the UK’s regional Space Clusters to build further on their strengths – in this case, the Midlands Space Cluster’s rich heritage in engineering and innovation. By backing innovative companies across the Midlands to unlock new opportunities and access growing markets, we want to kickstart economic growth, enhance our space capabilities and strengthen our national space ecosystem.” “We’ve been really excited by how many small Midlands manufacturers have come forward with novel ideas to help the space industry solve a range of technical problems,” said Andrew Mair, Chief Executive, Midlands Aerospace Alliance. “The Midlands is a rich pool of engineering talent keen to diversify into the high-growth markets of the future. With great support from the UK Space Agency, Pivot into Space is fast becoming a trailblazing programme that is helping our companies build on what they’re good at to create new business opportunities in new markets.”

Jobs on the line at Derby warehouse

Tess Egginton
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Jobs on the line at Derby warehouse
Jobs could be lost at a JD Sports warehouse on Derby Commercial Park. It follows the retailer signing a 20-year lease on the 514,000 sq ft distribution centre just three years ago. Now, the company has entered a period of consultation with staff as it reviews the future of the Derby site.

A JD Group spokesperson told the BBC: “We have entered into a period of consultation with colleagues based at our Derby distribution centre.

“This is in relation to a review of the Derby distribution centre. We are doing all we can to look after those colleagues impacted and recognise this may be an unsettling time for them.”

Elsewhere in Derby, it was recently announced that JD will more than double the size of its existing 9,397 sq ft presence at Derbion. Set to open towards the end of this year, the new 20,175 sq ft flagship store will showcase brands including Nike, Adidas, The North Face, Jordan and EA7.

Manufacturing output expectations strongest since 2022

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Manufacturing output expectations strongest since 2022
Optimism among manufacturers fell slightly in July, after rising in April for the first time in nearly three years, according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Industrial Trends Survey. Output volumes were broadly unchanged in the quarter to July, following a similar result in the three months to June, and under-performed expectations for modest growth. However, manufacturers continue to expect output to increase over the next three months, with growth expectations the strongest since March 2022. Total new orders fell in the quarter to July but are expected to be broadly stable over the next three months. Inventory building is expected to provide some support to output in the months ahead. Stocks of work in progress are expected to rise at the fastest pace in over two years, with stocks of raw materials and finished goods also set to increase. Average cost growth accelerated compared with April and remained elevated compared to historical norms. Cost growth is expected to slow in the quarter to October, while remaining historically strong. Domestic and export price inflation also accelerated but are both expected to slow in the next three months. Meanwhile, manufacturers expect to raise their headcount in the next three months (and at the fastest pace for a year), and investment intentions for the year ahead have generally improved. Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “Sentiment among manufacturers has cooled a little over the past few months, as output growth consistently underperformed expectations. But the near-term outlook for the sector remains positive amid an ongoing recovery in the wider UK economy. “Manufacturers appear confident that output growth will pick up in the quarter ahead, with expectations the strongest in over two years. Firms are looking to increase stock levels to meet expected demand. And the share of manufacturers working below capacity has fallen sharply over the last quarter, feeding through to a more positive outlook for both hiring and investment. “Last week’s Kings Speech, with welcome measures to reform planning and speed up approvals for major infrastructure projects, has the potential to give businesses the confidence they need to grow, invest and drive economic growth. And as the economy picks up steam, firms will want to see a relentless focus on delivery from the new government, to turn proposed measures into swift and bold action.” The survey, based on the responses of 257 manufacturing firms, found:
  • Output volumes were broadly unchanged in the quarter to July (weighted balance of -3%, from +3% in the three months to June). Firms expect volumes to grow in the next three months (+25%), the strongest expectations since March 2022.
    • Output rose in 6 out of 17 sub-sectors, with growth in the motor vehicles & transport equipment, chemicals, mechanical engineering and electrical goods sub-sectors offsetting declines in furniture & upholstery and metal manufacturing sub-sectors.
  • Total new orders fell in July, at a similar pace to the previous quarter (balance of -9% from -6% in April). Domestic orders fell through the quarter (-15% from -6%), while the volume of new export orders was broadly unchanged (+3% from -14%). Manufacturers expect total new orders to be essentially unchanged over the next three months.
  • Business sentiment fell in July, after rising in April for the first time in nearly three years (balance of -9% from +9% in April). Export optimism for the year was flat after rising last quarter (0% from +6%).
  • Investment intentions for the year ahead generally strengthened compared with April. Manufacturers expect to raise investment in product & process innovation (a balance of +18% was the strongest since January 2022, up from +15% in April), in training & retraining (+7%, from +1%), and in plant & machinery (+6%, from +2%). Investment in buildings is set to fall (-11%, from -3%).
  • The main constraint on investment was uncertainty about demand (cited by 44% of manufacturers), followed by inadequate net return (35%), a shortage of labour (20%), and a shortage of internal finance (19%). Concerns around the cost of finance have retreated from a 33-year high set in January (excluding the pandemic period) but remain double the long run average (10%).
  • Average costs rose rapidly in the quarter to July (balance of +52%, from +39% in April; long-run average of +18%). Costs growth is expected to remain elevated in the quarter to October (+36%).
  • Average domestic prices increased over the three months to July (balance of +15%, from +10% in April). Export price inflation also accelerated from April (+22% from +9%, and the fastest pace in over a year). Both domestic and export price growth are expected to slow in the next three months (+2% and +6%, respectively).
  • Stocks of work in progress (balance of +4%) rose marginally in the quarter to July, while stocks of finished goods (+2%) and of raw materials (-1%) were broadly stable.
    • Manufacturers expect stocks of work in progress (+13%) to rise at the fastest pace in over two years during the next three months, with stocks of raw materials (+7%) and of finished goods (+5%) also set to increase.
  • Numbers employed were unchanged in the quarter to July, after falling in April (balance of 0% from -6%). Firms expect numbers employed to rise modestly in the next three months (+16%).

East Midlands businesses urged to benefit from government training programme

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East Midlands businesses urged to benefit from government training programme
Small and medium sized businesses in the East Midlands are being offered their last opportunity in 2024 to take advantage of a government training scheme delivered by De Montfort University’s Leicester Castle Business School (LCBS). The Help to Grow: Management scheme is delivered via Small Business Charter accredited business schools for companies with ambitions to scale up and grow. LCBS has helped over 200 local SMEs realise their growth ambitions since launching the course in 2020. The programme, worth £7,500, is 90% funded by the government with the remaining 10% paid for by an LCBS bursary. A few places are still available for the upcoming course, which will take place over 13 weeks, beginning with an introductory online session on September 2nd. The programme will be delivered via a combination of nine online sessions and four in-person modules at Harborough Innovation Centre. This hybrid approach offers participants the opportunity to forge in-person relationships with professionals with similar concerns and challenges while maintaining the convenience of a predominately online format. The course is designed to fit in alongside the demands of full-time work and the tutors assigned to each module are professionals with real-world experience in their specialist areas which include digital transformation, winning new markets, marketing strategy, employee engagement and financial management. As well as the weekly sessions focusing on one topic, participants are assigned a mentor to support them in creating a bespoke Growth Action Plan. Peer-to-peer learning is also a key part of Help to Grow: Management, with professionals forming valuable support networks that last beyond the duration of the course. “We’re really looking forward to welcoming participants to our third and final intake of 2024,” said LCBS’s Help to Grow: Management programme director, Dr Danny Buckley. “As always, we’re anticipating great demand for the course, so we encourage interested parties to secure their place as soon as possible to end 2024 on a high and enter the new year armed with the resources and skills they need to make 2025 their best year yet.” This chance to grow their business is open to any decision-making professional with at least one direct report in a UK-based business employing between 5 and 249 staff, which has been operational for at least a year. 2023 participant Mark Massetti, Managing Director of Watford Control Instruments Limited, said: “The course was a complete game changer for me. As business owners, we think we know stuff but we don’t have any real way of benchmarking ourselves. “Unsurprisingly, and without a doubt, the content on digitisation was absolutely transformative for our business. We have saved hours of staff resources and these can now be redeployed into looking after our customers or generating revenue. I also found the modules on marketing really well explained and very helpful.” Nationally, 90% of participants reported improved leadership and management of their business six months following Help to Grow: Management. Not only that, 80% cited improvements in employee engagement in the same period. Following the programme, participants have access to alumni events, and many continue to engage with the peer network they establish as course members. “Implementing the process of asking how efficient and streamlined the business is and taking action has been a big takeout from this for me,” adds Mark Massetti. “Also, it was great to meet the other participants – we had some really good times on the course!”

26 acre Sherwood Oaks development site sold in multi-million pound deal

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26 acre Sherwood Oaks development site sold in multi-million pound deal
With a multi-million pound deal, heb have announced one of the region’s biggest land transactions. Acting on behalf of Arron Kendall of Moorfields, as Administrator for Sherwood Oaks Homes Ltd and Sherwood Oaks Holdings Ltd, heb Surveyors have confirmed completion of the sale of the 26 acre Sherwood Oaks development site to Persimmon Homes. The sale comprises some 30 fully finished, high quality houses together with the remaining part-serviced development land which has consent for a further 283 new homes. Chesterfield-based Stancliffe Homes have simultaneously acquired the completed dwellings from Persimmon, and are able to immediately begin the process of selling individual homes to occupiers. Persimmon will shortly recommence construction of the remainder of the development, which has been re-branded as Regency Grange. A sales office is expected to open for business this August. “We are delighted to secure a successful disposal of this substantial and complicated site for our client Arron Kendall at Moorfields, and in as short a time as possible,” said Robert Maxey at heb Chartered Surveyors. “We have been acutely aware that the local community has been keen to see this stalled development brought back to life, and it is always satisfying to assist with bringing much needed new family housing to the market.” Gareth Hankin, regional MD of Persimmon Homes, said: “We are really excited to be bringing the Persimmon brand to this part of Mansfield. It really is a great location – within easy reach of the town centre and with a wealth of local amenities. On top of that there is fantastic open countryside just minutes away.” “Interest in the existing houses is already strong, due in part to the fantastic build quality on offer,” added Sam Jones of Stancliffe Homes. “Our reputation for delivering quality is incredibly important to us. When became aware of the opportunity it was immediately apparent that the high specification of the houses was a great fit with our brand.”
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