Friday, April 25, 2025

Revenue and profits grow at Derby recruitment group

Tess Egginton
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Revenue and profits grow at Derby recruitment group

Revenue and profits are on the rise at RTC Group, the Derby-based engineering and technical recruitment group, according to unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2024.

The first half of 2024 saw revenue increase to £49m, up 7.5% compared to the same period in 2023. Profit before tax, meanwhile, grew to £1.2m from £1m.

Andy Pendlebury, Chairman and Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted to announce that the first half of 2024 saw a further enhancement in performance for the Group, building upon the success achieved in 2023.

“Throughout the first half of 2024, we have continued to make investments in training our people, increasing our headcount, and developing our systems and technology solutions to drive productivity, elevate our client offerings, and secure future business opportunities.

“Our balance sheet remains in a very healthy position with no term debt and no borrowings other than lease liabilities.

“Whilst we are in the early days of a new Government, which inevitably brings some uncertainty regarding long-term strategy, we are encouraged by the proposed 10-year infrastructure plan outlined in Labour’s manifesto, which includes significant investment in the sectors where we are focused.

“Combined with anticipated improvements in the UK’s macro-economic conditions, such as lower inflation and subsequently decreasing interest rates, we are optimistic that this will create an environment where our business can continue to grow.

“Despite the ongoing uncertainties facing the recruitment sector, we remain encouraged and optimistic about our short, medium, and long-term prospects.”

Ground engineering contractor delivers “resilient” results

Tess Egginton
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Ground engineering contractor delivers “resilient” results

Van Elle, the ground engineering contractor, has “delivered a resilient performance” in the year ended 30 April 2024 (FY2024).

Results for the year show growth in pre-tax profit, which stood at £5.6m, up from £5.4m in the year prior. Revenue, however, decreased from £148.7m in the year prior to £139.5m, though this was in line with expectations.

The business was hit by the impact of a softer housing market, though partially mitigated this through a diverse customer base including partnership and affordable housing customers.

Looking ahead, market conditions are expected to remain challenging throughout the remainder of calendar year 2024.

Mark Cutler, Chief Executive, said: “Van Elle delivered a resilient performance in the year, benefitting from the breadth of its capabilities and end markets, despite very challenging market conditions across most sectors.

“The Group has continued to expand its offering, grow geographically and enter new sectors, through the acquisition of Rock & Alluvium, its strategy for the water and energy sectors, and the establishment of rail operations in Canada.

“We start the new financial year with a strong order book and multiple framework agreements. Our focus on key customer partnerships and strategic markets is expected to deliver significant growth opportunities over the medium term.”

Five-step plan revealed to supercharge small business exports

Tess Egginton
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Five-step plan revealed to supercharge small business exports
A new paper geared at unleashing a new wave of small business exporters has been released – setting out five priorities to make that goal a reality. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) was asked to lead on an SME Export Taskforce by Jonathan Reynolds MP when he was Shadow Business and Trade Secretary, to address the fact that only 10 per cent of small firms trade internationally. The taskforce, which features input from companies such as Amazon UK, EY, and Santander, found that the current rules make trading difficult, that Government support is confusing and not always helpful, and the firms that do trade do not have adequate advice. The paper highlighted five key priorities:
  1. A cross-Whitehall approach to policy: International trade should be made a priority for all Government departments. Domestic and trade policies must be aligned to ensure the UK maximises the benefits from Free Trade Agreements. This means other Whitehall departments and regulators need to be more aware of trade goals and actively contribute to trade negotiations.
  2. An open relationship with business: Legislation and trade deals should be developed through open and honest discussions that prioritise the needs of small businesses. A Senior Exports Council should also be created to ensure continuous and meaningful engagement with the business community.
  3. Global leadership on digital trade: The UK should lead the way on paperless trading across the global supply chain.
  4. Open to export from day one: SMEs should receive immediate support when they start trading internationally, including robust expert guidance and efforts to overcome mindset-related barriers.
  5. Addressing the finance gap: Improving SME access to trade finance and reducing the financial barriers to trade.
Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Our economy has been proving its mettle over the last few years, but to ensure sustainable growth we need to focus on exports. After all, international trade is the ultimate growth hack for small firms – it allows them to tap into new markets and diversify their revenue streams. “In turn, exporting businesses are more likely to grow faster and keep their heads above water during tough domestic times. But with only 10 per cent capitalising on those opportunities, we set out today a roadmap of how more can, and should, be done. “Our taskforce identified several roadblocks – a regulatory environment that ties SMEs in knots, Government support that is a labyrinth to navigate, and those who already export apply an ‘as and when’ approach. “However, with the right policies, the benefits to local economies across the UK could be enormous. We need to cut through the red tape and lift our small business community to trade globally, easily. We hope this paper will form the blueprint for policies that will change the SME exporting landscape for the better. “We were pleased to have been asked to lead on this taskforce by the now Secretary of State for Business and Trade, and to have received valuable input from so many critical organisations, business groups and firms. They all recognise the role SMEs play in our economy, both at home and abroad, and we thank them for contributing to this important piece of work.”

Businesses connect with students in innovative work experience programme

Tess Egginton
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Businesses connect with students in innovative work experience programme
A team of volunteers headed up by Nicola Moss of Moss Social and Lucy Wake of Thinking Space have delivered an innovative work experience placement for no less than 12 year 10 students from Welland Park Academy, Market Harborough. Supported by the team at Harborough District Council for the space to host at Harborough Innovation Centre along with Welcomm Communications donating 12 laptops for the students they planned to support, communication has been key to this project. It’s a required skill in business and indeed the focus for the week at The Business Hub work experience program. The students addressed communication via creating flyers for a networking event. They encouraged businesses to attend by telephoning, emailing and by walking around and knocking on office doors at the Innovation Centre (prearranged and accompanied) to speak with different business people about their sector, their career paths and inviting them along to ‘Cake and Careers’. A key part of the week was developing a website for The Business Hub, guided and supported by Martin Robson of Roman Britons. They created a plan for the networking event and communicated to each other who would be responsible for which task. They prepared for the event, did a meet and greet as their guests arrived and chatted over common ground. The students who walked in quiet on Monday morning were professional, conversational, confident and curious. They listened and were interested in what these business people had to share and asked intelligent questions. John from Design375 said: “It was excellent to have an in-person visit requesting us to join in with the networking event, that takes a lot of courage and the students did themselves very proud stepping out of their comfort zone. Well done.” They now have lots of business connections who are excited to come into school next term to deliver career talks, support mock interviews and more. Friday saw the students round off the busy week with a presentation on diversity inclusion from Marc Rowley of HIT Leadership leading to real in-depth discussions. Marc reflected: “Excellent workshop that engaged the students and made them feel part of something bigger than themselves.” Topics addressed during the week were sustainability, delivered by James Cox of Unyte Group; marketing with an insightful look at the way charities address marketing from Tim Gorman-Powell from Hope Against Cancer; a masterclass in website creation from Martin Robson who also delivered insight into AI and what it might mean for future jobs and their workplace. Abigail Brown of Oak Wealth Planning and the Market Harborough Business Network spoke about the value of networking, particularly for small businesses. David Scott of Rambutan cemented the communication piece and how key it is to listen in a methodical way to capture all the data in order to make decisions, and Marc supported with understanding the value differences bring to team working. Along with team-building activities facilitated by Lucy, these students were challenged to think creatively to build a collaborative outcome. With a supportive network of volunteers, thank yous were also given to Carmen Harrington of Inspired to Change, Linda Dominiak of Tatum Financial Services, Michaela Forty of Family Care Advice Ltd, Cameron Meany of Tax Assist Accountants Market Harborough, Rupert Turton of Action Coach Oakham, Kettering and Market Harborough, and Jack Khurana of Spencer West LLP.

Nottingham care home operator secures funding for expansion

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham care home operator secures funding for expansion
A family-owned Nottingham care home operator has acquired a home in Solihull with the support of a seven-figure funding package from HSBC UK. Sherwood-headquartered Affinity Care Consortium will use the funding to continue its nationwide growth strategy, supported by the acquisition of the 50-bed Silver Birches care home. Silver Birches will undergo a full estate review, with plans to upgrade and modernise the home, including a full redecoration and technological advancements. The acquisition comes as part of Affinity Care Consortium’s plan to open six homes in the West Midlands by 2025, in addition to its existing site in Coventry, Coundon Manor, as well as five other services across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. As a result, Affinity Care Consortium is forecasting a £2.5 million annual increase in turnover with 60 new permanent roles expected to be created. Tanzeel Younas, Co-Owner of Affinity Care Consortium, said: “Buying Silver Birches marks a pivotal milestone in our strategic expansion into Birmingham and Solihull. Our vision is to breathe new life into existing homes through modernisation and enhancement, while simultaneously pioneering new services in the region to cater to those in need.” David Subba, Healthcare Sector Lead for Thames Valley & Solent at HSBC UK, added: “We are very proud to be able to support the growth ambitions of Affinity Care Consortium, particularly as in doing so the care facilities for residents in Solihull are being improved. “The healthcare sector needs regular investment to ensure facilities are suitable for increasing numbers in need of support and HSBC UK are keen to support this wherever possible.” Affinity Care Consortium operates a total of 48 adult care homes, 100 supported living homes, ten children’s homes, one school and 30 homeless housing units.

Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership marks one-year milestone

Tess Egginton
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Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership marks one-year milestone
An innovative partnership which is helping local people access workplace skills and training has marked its one-year milestone. The Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership brings together representatives from the business community, education providers and public sector, to develop programmes and initiatives that aim to help local residents improve their skills to access new opportunities, which will help the local economy to grow. The partnership has had a busy first year – launching five new skills programmes, established a skills brokerage service, hosted almost 20 events, and created a new initiative that has helped more than 200 young people to make more informed decisions about their future. Michael Timmins, a director at AECOM and chair of the Skills and Employment Partnership, said: “It has been an incredibly busy first year and we’ve launched lots of new initiatives and programmes that will help ensure everyone can develop the skills that local businesses need to grow. “By working in partnership with the public sector, it has helped ensure that support can be provided to solve the challenges faced by businesses and I look forward to seeing how this partnership develops, and to launching more programmes that will help local people access skills training.” The Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership is a key element of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Skills Action Plan. Launched in 2023, it sets out a variety of partnership initiatives – working with local agencies and businesses – to help bridge the skills gap. Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Skills and Employment Partnership, said: “We want to ensure that everyone can benefit from a growing local economy and through working in partnership with businesses and the community sector we can help local people develop the skills to progress in their careers or access new opportunities as they become available. “Over the last year we have launched lots of new programmes with the business, education, and voluntary sector, I would like to encourage local residents to look into these opportunities and take full advantage of them because they can help progress their career and build a better life in our borough.” The Skills Action Plan runs until 2027. It is just one of a range of projects and initiatives which is being funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), after the council was successful in securing £2.6m from the Government. It will fund initiatives, until 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

Lindum works on 16 schools during summer lesson break

Stuart Pearcey
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Lindum works on 16 schools during summer lesson break
Lincoln-based Lindum construction is working on 16 schools across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and Yorkshire to complete projects before students return this Autumn, ensuring teaching and learning are not disrupted. In Nottingham, teams are delivering projects ranging from fire alarms to re-roofing at seven primary schools for Nottingham City Council, another repeat client. The work for repeat client the Priory Federation of Academies at four sites in Lincolnshire includes science classroom upgrades and internal remodelling of a trades training centre. In Yorkshire, work involves delivering a pipeline of refurbishments for Red Kite Learning Trust, a multi-academy trust of 14 schools across North and West Yorkshire. The works include a new landscaped outdoor space for children to enjoy, and roof replacement. We procured our school summer projects through our membership of frameworks. Lindum Framework Manager Steve Duckering said: “Our commitment to forward-planning is evident in projects like our summer works programme for Nottingham City Council where discussions began as early as October last year, utilising the efficient procurement mechanisms offered by frameworks. “These frameworks enable us to collaborate with clients early in the process, ensuring projects are meticulously planned and resourced. This proactive approach is essential for successful delivery, especially when working under tight deadlines like the school summer holidays.” Other school summer works include refurbishments in Boston, Wisbech and Peterborough.

Over 3,000 North West Leicestershire businesses could be eligible for rural grant funding

Tess Egginton
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Over 3,000 North West Leicestershire businesses could be eligible for rural grant funding
Rural businesses in North West Leicestershire are set to benefit from over £350,000 in grant funding to support the growth of the rural economy. The North West Leicestershire Rural Business Grant programme, funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is being administered by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) this year. The grants will help small and medium-sized businesses in rural locations to fund investment projects that can demonstrate business growth, tourism and visitor economy development, invest in carbon reducing technology or farm diversification. A total of £351,818 is available in 2024, with businesses able to apply for a grant of between £1,000 and £25,000. Recipients will have to provide at least 50% match-funding alongside the grant. The window for applications will close on 29 September. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. All successful projects will need to be claimed for by 31 January 2025. Businesses employing fewer than 250 staff can use the funding to support capital projects, such as purchasing new equipment to:
  • Modernise farm tourism facilities such as accommodation, wedding venues and leisure facilities
  • Invest in energy efficiency or achieving zero carbon
  • Invest in business premises, new technology and innovation.
NWLDC has used guidance and eligibility criteria from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). DEFRA has defined areas of the district as rural. This definition excludes businesses in parts of Bardon, Coalville, Hugglescote, Thringstone and Whitwick. An estimated 3,120 businesses in the district could be eligible for the fund. Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration at NWLDC, said: “This grant fund is great way for small and medium-sized businesses in North West Leicestershire to grow. “North West Leicestershire is a predominantly rural district with a thriving rural economy – so we welcome applications from any eligible local business looking to expand and invest in its facilities.”

Buyer sought as Lincolnshire manufacturer falls into administration

Tess Egginton
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Buyer sought as Lincolnshire manufacturer falls into administration
A Lincolnshire manufacturer has fallen into administration, with a buyer being sought for the business. Gareth Harris and Deviesh Raikundalia of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP were appointed as Joint Administrators of MTAG Composites Ltd, MTAG (Holdings) Ltd and Electric Future Group Ltd on Friday 12 July 2024. Based in Coningsby, MTAG Composites is the trading company in the group and is a manufacturer of moulded composite parts for the rail, aerospace, automotive, construction and leisure sectors, producing items such as train interiors, aircraft seating and boats. Whilst viable options were being considered, the administrators took the decision to temporarily cease day-to-day operations immediately upon their appointment. Following an accelerated and detailed review of the financial position, the administrators have decided to recommence day-to-day operations on a limited basis to align with the timetable for an accelerated sales process. Thus far, the administrators have made minimal redundancies but have retained all of the operational and production staff on a ‘lay-off’ basis. The administrators understand that employees had not been paid for some time prior to their appointment and they are working with the Redundancy Payments Service (RPS) to ensure that those affected receive their statutory entitlements at the earliest possible opportunity. Gareth Harris, restructuring advisory partner at RSM UK and joint administrator, said: “The decision to recommence operations demonstrates the commitment of all stakeholders to attempt to save this business and the livelihoods of the staff. Although not at full operational capacity, ongoing production will assist us in finding a buyer for all or part of the businesses.” Deviesh Raikundalia, restructuring advisory director at RSM UK and joint administrator, added: “We have received significant interest in the acquisition of the business in the short time that we have been undertaking the sales process. We are continuing to engage with all parties who have expressed an interest in acquiring all or part of the businesses. “Staff that we have retained since our appointment will continue to be paid and we appreciate the commitment and patience shown by the employees to date.”

Willmott Dixon to deliver £61m estate investment for the British Army in Rutland

Tess Egginton
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0
Willmott Dixon to deliver £61m estate investment for the British Army in Rutland
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has appointed Willmott Dixon to deliver a £61m estate investment for the British Army at Kendrew Barracks in Rutland. Procured through the Crown Commercial Service framework, Willmott Dixon will be delivering technical infrastructure to enable the rebasing of 18 Army Education Centre and 1 Military Working Dogs from St George’s Barracks to Kendrew Barracks. The project will deliver 15 buildings – 11 which will be brand new with four being refurbished or retrofit – and will enable the disposal of St George’s Barracks scheduled from 2026. The project will deliver some 13,000 sq m of space, including refurbishment of 110m of hangars. The facilities will comprise 173 new kennels for permanent, isolation and quarantine needs with a vet centre and training facilities, squadron offices and stores for all squadrons, a new gym and the repurposing of hanger B as the Regimental Headquarters and Quartermaster stores. Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “This significant investment from the Army, supported by the DIO, is set to create high-quality facilities for those stationed at Kendrew Barracks. It’s always a privilege to contribute to national defence by making sure the estate meets the needs of those who access and use the facilities. “Operating on a live barracks, as we will be throughout this project, creates unique challenges in terms of ongoing operations, but our wealth of experience within the sector means we are well positioned to understand and overcome these. “Works will incorporate DREAM – the environmental assessment tool for new building and refurbishment projects on the defence estate – and we are aiming for high standards across all elements of the project. “In particular, the new build elements will be targeting net-zero carbon in operation. With modern methods of construction also set to be used within the kennels structures, the entire scheme has been considered in relation to its current and future impact.”
Belinda Lunn, Senior Responsible Owner Army Basing Project Kendrew said: “I am delighted to see the Kendrew Barracks project progressing as part of our ongoing effort to rationalise the Defence estate, provide the right infrastructure for the Army and enable the delivery of the important Military Working Dogs capability.” Expected to complete in December 2025, the project team working on the scheme also includes architect Corstorphine + Wright.
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