An eel protection business based at Boston in Lincolnshire has been closed down after investigations by the Insolvency Service revealed two cases of government loan misconduct.
The Eel Screen Company Ltd, based on Dolphin Road in Boston, was wound up at the High Court in Manchester. The company provided inaccurate and inconsistent information when it applied for a £50,000 Bounce Back Loan in 2020 and a £225,000 Recovery Loan Scheme payment in 2022.
David Hope, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: “Our investigations revealed concerns that The Eel Screen Company was being used as a vehicle to fraudulently obtain significant, government-backed loans during the pandemic.
“Bounce Back Loans in particular were made available for trading businesses adversely affected by Covid and were issued based on what should have been accurate financial statements.
“The Insolvency Service will not hesitate to apply to have companies wound-up in the public interest in such cases.”
Insolvency Service investigations into The Eel Screen Company began in August 2023. One of the former directors of the company told investigators that the business was involved in the installation of screens to protect eels in rivers.
A second director of The Eel Screen Company said it had since moved into drainage and most recently the construction business.
The Eel Screen Company obtained a £50,000 Covid Bounce Back Loan in May 2020, claiming an annual turnover of £320,000 for 2019.
Analysis of the company’s bank account showed a turnover of just over £49,000 for that year, with no loan repayments made despite this being a condition of the scheme.
The Eel Screen Company followed this misconduct up with a £225,000 application in January 2022 under the Recovery Loan Scheme, which supports SMEs to access the finance they need to grow and invest.
Insolvency Service investigators found inconsistencies in the accounts and VAT returns submitted as part of the application as well as bank statements that appeared not to be genuine.
Of the £225,000 The Eel Screen Company received, £148,000 was withdrawn as cash. The company made one repayment under the loan agreement to date, with £213,750 plus £30,726 in interest outstanding.
Current and former directors of The Eel Screen Company also failed to produce accounting records on request to the Insolvency Service. The Official Receiver has been appointed as liquidator of the company.
Plans to continue the development of Airfield Business Park in Market Harborough have been approved.
Leicestershire County Council’s Airfield Business Park, located next to the roundabout on the B6047 Harborough Road, has been fully let out to businesses since the first companies moved in during December 2019.
The next phase of the development will boost the local economy as well as generate income for the authority.
An application for 11 business units and two drive-thru food & drink units was approved by Leicestershire County Council’s Development control and regulatory board at their most recent meeting on Thursday (11 July).
As with the other phases of Airfield Business Park, commercial units range in size to cater for a variety of business needs.
Four businesses have already expressed their interest in occupying the units, including a Costa Coffee at one of the drive-thru units and three of the commercial units.
One of the commercial units is set to be leased to Bramble Foods, a fine foods manufacturer and distributor employing more than 150 people in Market Harborough. They currently lease a unit on Airfield Business Park and will take occupation at a 67,000 sq ft unit to expand their growing business.
The county council-led development will continue to be built with sustainability in mind, with this phase of the development featuring sustainable construction methods such as the use of solar panels, electric car charging points, insulation and the use of best practice construction methods.
Councillor Lee Breckon, cabinet member for corporate resources, said: “Airfield Park has been an incredibly successful development already and we’re excited to move onto our third and final phase.
“Based on the interest we’ve already had we know more businesses are ready to make the move to Airfield Business Park and into Market Harborough, which will continue to bring benefits to the local economy and local jobs.”
Upperton Pharma Solutions, a contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has announced the successful completion of a Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) inspection at its newly commissioned 50,000 sq ft development and GMP manufacturing facility in Nottingham.
This milestone inspection, conducted by the UK Government’s regulatory authority, marks a significant achievement for Upperton Pharma Solutions following the completion of the build, commissioning, validation and approval of the facility in just 18 months.
With the successful MHRA inspection approval, Upperton Pharma Solutions has further enhanced its offering, supporting the development of oral, nasal, and pulmonary drug products underpinned by the capability to provide Phase I, II, and III clinical supplies.
Nikki Whitfield, CEO of Upperton Pharma Solutions, said: “We are absolutely delighted to achieve this milestone.
“We have been conducting manufacturing scale-up activities since the start of the year following the installation of the larger-scale solid oral dosage form process trains and this gives the green light for our GMP facility to support clients right through to late-phase clinical manufacture and product registration.”
The successful MHRA inspection enables Upperton Pharma Solutions to transition from research and development (R&D) to GMP manufacturing and commercialisation on one site, following recent investment in large-scale process equipment including a Gerteis Mini-Pactor ®, GEA Post Hoist Blender, O’Hara M50 Tablet Coating System and a ZANASI 40 Capsule Filler.
Paul Kelsall, Director of Clinical Manufacturing, said: “This is a dedication to the tremendous hard work our colleagues have put in to achieve the targets and aspirations of our business.
“We are looking forward to working with our clients and offering services from early-stage development through to late-stage clinical manufacture and Product Registration. These are exciting times for Upperton as we continue to move forward and expand our capabilities.”
Specialist land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie has negotiated the sale of land on Cossington Lane in Rothley for development as an affordable housing scheme.
Mather Jamie were instructed by a private landowner to seek developer interest in a consented development site in Rothley which had been successfully self-promoted by the landowner who obtained Outline Planning Permission for 40 dwellings.
The land has been purchased by housing provider Longhurst Group, which owns and manages more than 24,000 homes across the Midlands and East of England.
Marcus Keys, Executive Director of Growth, Development and Assets at Longhurst Group, said: “We’re committed to providing the homes people want, where they’re needed most and so this opportunity to build much-needed affordable housing in this part of Leicestershire is an exciting one for the Group.
“We’ve been working closely with our partners to make this deal happen and develop our reserved matters planning application.
“I’m looking forward to the next stage of this process and seeing our plans become a reality as we enable more local people to take their first step onto the property ladder.”
The land sale was facilitated through MyPad, an established residential developer based in Beeston, which specialises in land, design, and build packages, partnering with Registered Providers. MyPad will be delivering the site as main contractor with construction expected to start in July 2025 with the first units ready for occupancy by January 2026.
John Turner, Land and Partnerships Director at MyPad, said: “We are thrilled to have secured the delivery of this new development. The opportunity aligns with the growth ambitions of our business and our commitment to addressing the acute need for affordable housing in the area.
“We extend our gratitude to Mather Jamie, the landowner’s agent, and Longhurst, our Registered Provider Partner, for their professionalism and pragmatic approach throughout the negotiations.
“We intend to build on our positive early engagement with Charnwood Borough Council to ensure our proposals address specific affordable housing need and make a positive impact on the local community.”
Brackley Property Developments (BPD) has completed construction of a new £16.5 million low carbon innovation hub in Leicester, on behalf of Leicester City Council.
The Dock extension project has created three new buildings which deliver c.65,000 sq ft of purpose-built accommodation for hi-tech industries in an area of Space City formerly known as Pioneer Park, within Leicester’s Science and Innovation Enterprise Zone.
Known as Docks, 3, 4 and 5, the new buildings include two new offices that cater for up to 45 businesses across c.43,000 sq ft. A terrace of nine manufacturing units provides more than 21,500 sq ft for innovative start-ups and established businesses seeking grow-on space.
The new buildings are net carbon zero in operation and require no gas heating. They house a range of environmentally sustainable features, such as low energy LED lighting, roof-mounted photovoltaic panels on the offices, air source heat pumps, and super-thick insulation. Externally there is cycle storage and 12 electric vehicle charging points in a new parking area.
The Dock extension has been designed to complement the look and feel of the original Dock workspace buildings and is part of Space City Leicester, one of the largest Enterprise Zones for space-related activities in the UK.
Stephen Pedrick-Moyle, Managing Director of BPD, said: “We are very pleased to have delivered the expansion of the successful Dock managed workspace development for Leicester City Council.
“These three new energy efficient units deliver purpose-built space for exciting new businesses in a range of sectors. Extending the Dock innovation hub will undoubtedly support the attraction and retention of local talent and hi-tech entrepreneurs, ensuring Leicester continues to be a hub for research, production and manufacture in the space industry.”
Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “It’s fantastic to see the next chapter of our innovative workspace development for hi-tech businesses take shape.
“Space City Leicester is helping to put our city firmly on the map for research, production and manufacture in the space industry.
“We’re proud to contribute to that momentum by further expanding our Dock innovation hub with three new, low carbon buildings which will help meet demand from businesses keen to locate here from the UK and overseas. The new buildings will also provide valuable grow-on space and much-needed manufacturing facilities for our local talent and high-tech entrepreneurs.
“The new buildings are looking fantastic and I’m particularly pleased that we have been able to work with locally-based Brackley Property Developments as our development partner on this ambitious project.”
The development was supported by £12 million from the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund, with the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership providing £3.5 million from Enterprise Zone retained business rates.
Watling Real Estate has been appointed to sell a prominent, mixed-use, city centre investment in Nottingham.
Ben Holyhead and Toby O’Sullivan of Watling are seeking offers in excess of £2.3 million for Huntingdon House at 278-290 Huntingdon Street, Nottingham.
The 16,256 sq ft is currently 69% occupied, producing gross annual rental of £297,886, but the agents stress that the site has potential for change of use and redevelopment, subject to planning.
Huntingdon House is held long leasehold, on a 125 year lease from August 1977 at a peppercorn rent, however, the freehold is owned by Nottingham City Council which is understood to be open to discussions on the sale of the freehold.
The property comprises a three storey building, providing multi-let retail space and serviced office accommodation, with covered car parking with 14 spaces to the rear. This includes four self-contained shops at ground level, each overlooking Huntingdon Street with return frontages on to Rick Street and Kent Street.
The first and second floors provide a mix of open plan and cellular office accommodation, currently operated as a serviced business centre.
Ben Holyhead, associate in Watling Real Estate’s Birmingham office, said: “The immediate area comprises mixed-use property, but high demand for student and residential accommodation within Nottingham city centre is driving change of use development.
“Huntingdon House offers various asset management opportunities, via rental uplift, refurbishment or redevelopment, or potentially change of use to student, residential or co-living accommodation, subject to planning permission.”
Nottingham broadcasting legend Mark Dennison has been appointed Patron of local charity Forever Stars, which is dedicated to providing support for families affected by baby loss and miscarriage.
Well-known for his mid-morning slot on BBC Radio Nottingham, as the matchday host and stadium announcer at Nottingham Forest, Notts TV presenter, and compere of Forever Stars’ fundraising Charity Black Tie Balls, Mark’s long association with the charity began soon after Richard and Michelle Daniels set-up Forever Stars 10 years ago following the stillbirth of their daughter, Emily.
“To become Patron of Forever Stars is a real honour,” says Mark. “I am absolutely delighted.”
Recounting when Richard Daniels asked him to become the charity’s Patron, Mark explains: “It was a very special moment. My wife and I joined the Forever Stars’ annual picnic at the Serenity Garden at Nottingham’s Highfield Park Nottingham, which the charity officially opened in July 2021.
“This is such a special place for so many people, especially for my wife and I, who often visit the Serenity Garden to reflect and remember our son Niall, who we lost shortly after he was born in November 1999.
“I was completely taken aback when Richard asked me that day to become the charity’s Patron. I am honestly so honoured and thrilled to take on this role, especially given my long connection with the charity, which began when I first interviewed Richard and Michelle for BBC Radio Nottingham shortly after they created Forever Stars.
“I am excited to continue highlighting the charity’s incredible, important, and valuable work, and as Patron, to play an even greater role in building on and developing its efforts. For now, I am helping Richard and the team to drive forward the plans and goals for specific projects both this year and those in the not-too-distant future, in particular the ‘Supporting 1 in 4 for 2024’.
“This flagship fundraising campaign for the charity’s 10th anniversary year aims to raise £50,000 to renovate and improve Ward A23’s clinical and non-clinical areas at Queen’s Medical Centre Nottingham.”
Richard adds: “I am absolutely thrilled that Mark has agreed to become the charity’s Patron. He has been an unwavering and dedicated supporter of Forever Stars pretty much from day one. His support has always been and continues to be invaluable, and we have become great friends over the last ten years.
“We owe so much to our Patrons and army of dedicated volunteers and trustees, who work tirelessly behind the scenes and give so much time to the charity every single month.”
Forever Stars’ next fundraising event is a skydiving challenge on 26 July. Levi Bradley, Callum Tighe and Omar Baird of Levi’s Barbers in Beeston, Ben Wright of Skinvasion in Toton, and Ella Peck, Joab Bryan and Abi Hallam, take to the skies in aid of the 1 in 4 Campaign. To date, donations exceed £1,000. To donate, visit their JustGiving page: JustGiving – Levi Barbers Skydive
Mark Dennison is a radio presenter and events host with over 30 years’ experience. He first came to Nottingham in the late 1980s to study humanities at Nottingham Trent. He then worked voluntarily for Nottingham Hospitals Radio, before working at Trent FM in the early 1990s, and joined the BBC in 2010.
During his time with the BBC, he hosted a broadcast while on a week-long trip along the Trent and canals by boat, and live from Sarajevo to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Torvil and Dean’s Olympic triumph.
Forever Stars is a charity dedicated to supporting families living in Nottingham and the wider East Midlands who have suffered a stillbirth or infant loss. Michelle and Richard Daniels created and founded Forever Stars in May 2014 following the stillbirth of their daughter Emily on 19 December 2013.
Forever Stars’ mission is to promote and protect the health of parents affected by stillbirth or other perinatal or neonatal death of their child or children, and in particular, to relieve suffering and emotional distress amongst such parents.
A dedicated team of volunteers runs the charity, and fundraises and campaigns to improve the bereavement care for parents, families and their loved ones. Forever Stars was officially given charity status by the Charity Commission in England (reg no. 1156990) on 9 May 2014.
Derbyshire accountancy and tax specialists Shorts has acquired South Yorkshire accountancy firm Hewson & Howson in a deal which sees all of the Hewson & Howson employees join the Shorts team.
Formed by Ian Hewson and Andrew Howson in 1995, Hewson & Howson built a respected reputation throughout its 30-year history, specialising in providing a partner led service to owner managed businesses. Driven by the decision for both Ian Hewson and Andrew Howson to retire, transferring the business to an accounting firm with a similar culture and service ethic was a key priority for both outgoing partners.
Andy Irvine, Managing Partner at Shorts, said: “Hewson & Howson have a long-standing reputation for providing their clients with high quality tax and accountancy service and we are delighted to now welcome their team and clients to Shorts. Their approach of providing a fully supportive and personal service, and building long standing relationships with their clients is very much in line with the culture here at Shorts and we are looking forward to working with their clients and team over the years to come. Our very best wishes go with Ian and Andrew for a long and happy retirement.”
Ian Hewson added: “When Andrew and I considered retirement and selling the practice, finding the right firm, with the perfect synergy for our clients and team was very important in that decision. Having built a business with a solid reputation, it was important to us that our clients would continue to be looked after with the same attention and support, following the transfer. We firmly believe that the culture at Shorts aligns with our own and we are confident that we leave our clients in the very safest of hands at Shorts going forward.”
With nominations OPEN for Business Link’s annual East Midlands Bricks Awards, it is time to applaud businesses, teams and projects by submitting an entry for the prestigious event.
Attracting leaders from across the region, the celebration of the property and construction industry is the perfect way for firms to raise their profile and promote the work they are completing.
Take this opportunity to showcase exceptional new commercial and residential developments, those demonstrating a leading position in sustainability and design excellence; gain recognition as outstanding developers, architects, contractors, and agents, as well as for significant deals; and ensure efforts in corporate social responsibility are rewarded, from eco initiatives to charity work, to social value schemes.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October,at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground– an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region.
After winning the Commercial Development of the Year award at last year’s event, Clare Swaine, business development manager at Henry Brothers, said: “I was delighted to collect this award on behalf of Henry Brothers, it was a fantastic team effort to deliver this impressive Passivhaus building which is supportive of Loughborough University’s path to net-zero and is a tremendous asset to the University and wider Leicestershire economy. The event was also a great networking opportunity and it was interesting to hear more about the various developments happening in the region.”
To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, with the winner, and recipient of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards)
Nominations end Thursday 5th September
Guests network at the East Midlands Bricks AwardsTickets 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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Melton Borough Council has launched the next tranche of funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) for local businesses.
The council have announced that £170,000 is available for capital projects, with two categories of grants available: Pre-Start/Startup Businesses and Supporting Business Growth.
Businesses can apply for amounts of £2,000-£10,000, which depending on their project may need to be supported by a Business Plan for pre-startups, and a Business Case (if applying for over £7,500).
Leader of the Council, Cllr Pip Allnatt said: “I am pleased that once again the award of grants will be by a panel with independent and impartial assessment of all applications. We want to ensure that taxpayers’ money is used fairly.
“Our Council is not a big ‘mover and shaker’ in the world of private enterprise, but it is important we do our bit to support local initiative and business enterprise. In the long run, thriving small businesses benefits everyone.”
The application window for this tranche of business grants opened on 12 July 2024 and closes at midnight on 09 August 2024.
During the past financial year, the council had a total fund of £152,806.60 allocated for capital business grants from the UKSPF and REPF. They received a total of 65 applications, a clear indication of the high demand for financial support among local businesses, of these 13 businesses were successful.
Businesses that were unsuccessful in the initial funding round, as well as others seeking grants and support, were offered free assistance from the Leicestershire Business Advice Service. They were also encouraged to participate in workshops aimed at enhancing their applications for the upcoming round.
Between May and July, four workshops were held to guide potential applicants on the grant application process and the necessary information and evidence for a successful submission.
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