Plans submitted for second phase of East Midlands logistics hub
Plans for the second phase of Summit Park, located on the A617 between Ashfield and Mansfield in Nottinghamshire, have been submitted by Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates.
The proposals include two distribution warehouses – Building One, a smaller unit of 172,000 sq ft alongside a 525,000 sq ft unit in Building Two – on the site adjacent to Summit Park, which is occupied by Amazon. The units will be built to BREEAM Excellent standard.
Matt Sladen, development director at Sladen Estates, said: “Summit Park was a hugely significant development for the area and we are very pleased to be bringing forward this second phase.
“Between the two units, it will create nearly 700,000 sq ft of additional distribution space following on from the success of the first phase in this key area for the logistics sector.”
The scheme spans two planning authorities, with applications being submitted to both Ashfield District Council and Mansfield District Council for buildings one and two respectively.
Ralph Jones, managing director at Peveril Securities, added: “Following the success of Summit Park – which delivered some 1,750,000 sq ft of distribution space for Amazon – we have now submitted applications for this important second phase of development on this site.
“With its links into the motorway network via the nearby M1 junction, the site is a prime location for the logistics sector, and these submitted proposals for two additional warehouses are a significant step forward for the development.”
East Midlands businesses most confident in UK
Business confidence in the East Midlands was the joint-highest of any UK region or nation in July, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in the East Midlands reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 33 points at 75%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy – which was 50%, the same as in June – this gives a headline confidence reading of 62% (vs. 46% in June). This was the joint-highest reading on the Business Barometer in July, alongside Wales (also 62%).
Looking ahead to the next six months, businesses in the East Midlands identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (51%), evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (41%) and entering new markets (36%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall UK business confidence climbed nine points in July to a net balance of 50% – the same as in May when confidence reached an eight-year high.
Businesses’ confidence in their own trading prospects rose 12 points to 56% – the highest reading since April 2017. Meanwhile, confidence in the economy climbed six points to 45%.
Sector insights
There was an improvement across all sector categories this month – most notably in retail which rose by 25 points to a post-pandemic high of 60%. There were also significant gains in manufacturing trading prospects, with the net balance increasing by 9 points to a two-year high. Services rose 10 points to 56%, while construction saw a more modest increase by 2 points to 44%
Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It’s encouraging to see East Midlands confidence rise again to now lead the country, and particularly to see such a strong outlook for businesses when it comes to their own prospects.
“As firms put their growth plans into action, we’ll be by their side every step of the way, whether that’s through expert support through our on-the-ground teams, or specialist products to help them manage working capital while expanding their operations.”
More than 120 new homes approved in Leicestershire
Housebuilder William Davis Homes has welcomed a decision to approve a scheme for more than 120 new homes in Leicestershire, to help meet the demand for new housing.
The development will be on a site off Snells Nook Lane in Nanpantan, which is allocated for housing in the emerging Charnwood Local Plan.
The area was previously earmarked for development as part of the Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park.
In addition to 128 new homes, the scheme will create publicly-accessible open space equivalent to almost 4.5 football pitches and a new children’s play area.
The Group Land Director at William Davis Homes, Sarah Whetton, welcomed the decision by Charnwood Borough Council’s Plans Committee.
Sarah said the company was committed to helping the borough council achieve its vision of making Charnwood one of the most desirable areas in which to live and work in the region.
“We have been proud to be part of Charnwood’s development landscape since 1935,” said Sarah. “Whilst we develop our award-winning schemes throughout the Midlands, the majority of our employees, apprentices and our supply chain is based in Charnwood.”
William Davis Homes has been working with Charnwood Borough Council to ensure there will be a range of house types to meet demand. The scheme includes both first-time buyer and larger family homes, with a 30% allocation of affordable homes.
Nottingham Venues sponsors The Westfield Health British Transplant Games
As a Games Partner for the upcoming Westfield Health British Transplant Games, Nottingham Venues has announced that it is supporting the games and its athletes through a sponsorship agreement.
The British Transplant Games will take place in Nottingham from 1st-4th August, welcoming over 2,500 participants to the city and 1,000 transplant recipients in a celebration of the gift of life.
The flagship event of charity Transplant Sport, the 46th annual British Transplant Games, is a multi-sport event, which aims to raise awareness of the life-saving benefits of organ donation.
To support the event, which will see 25+ different sports hosted in venues across the city, Nottingham Venues has provided a value-in-kind offer of £20,000, with their Jubilee Hotel & Conference Centre named the key partner venue.
The donation includes a total of 55 complementary bed and breakfast stays at either of Nottingham Venues’ hotels on the University of Nottingham campus, The Orchard and the Jubilee Hotel, for event participants and staff – located close by to many of the sporting events which are taking place at university facilities.
Furthermore, a team of volunteers from the organisation will be on hand to support during the Games, with the children’s team party and darts social events both being hosted at the East Midlands Conference Centre at a reduced cost and discounted food and drinks on offer.
Tom Waldron-Lynch, CEO of Nottingham Venues, said: “It is a very exciting time for Nottingham Venues, the university and the city itself as we host the British Transplant Games for the first time.
“We are proud to be able to support events happening in our city and it is a pleasure to be able to partner with such an important cause which will attract participants and spectators from across the UK to Nottingham. We are looking forward to showcasing Nottingham’s many fantastic venues and facilities at the Games.”
The sponsorship demonstrates Nottingham Venues’ commitment to the local community and continues its support of regional events – such as last year’s Robin Hood Half Marathon.
Paul Harden, Chairman of Transplant Sport, said: “Nottingham is a fantastic city, and we are very lucky to be partnering with local organisations like Nottingham Venues to deliver this year’s British Transplant Games.
“We are excited to be working with Nottingham Venues and are thankful for their generous donation which includes hosting some of our events and athletes at their spectacular venues. We look forward to welcoming everyone soon!”
Barber shop hits ‘best apprentice employer’ list for third year
Less Than Zero Barbers in Chesterfield has been recognised as one of the UK’s best apprentice employers, for the third year in a row.
The company has been named in the Institute For Apprenticeships Top 50 SME employer list for the company’s commitment to its team.
The list celebrates England’s outstanding SME apprenticeship employers, recognising their commitment to creating new apprenticeships, the diversity of their apprentices, and the number of apprentices who successfully achieve their apprenticeships.
The rankings are produced annually by the Department for Education, in partnership with High Fliers Research, who independently assess and rank the nation’s top apprenticeship employers
Martin Wallis-Keyworth the owner of Less Than Zero said: “We have always taken the formal training of new and existing staff extremely important and have always ensured people not only grow in the barbering skills but also in other skills such as training, assessing and teaching and have all those skills in the business to NVQ L5.”
“We have formulated a strategy and business plan to expand the business further and this will be achieved by leveraging the amazing team we have and their new skill set and also will help us grow a larger talent pool to help in that expansion. We would be unable to this if it hadn’t been for the training and development of the team.”
Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive National Hair and Beauty Federation added: “It’s fantastic to see one of our NHBF members being recognised in the Top 50 SME Employer list for the third consecutive year. Having previously worked alongside Martin in the trailblazer groups for the Barbering apprenticeship, I have first hand experience of his commitment to excellence and professional development.
“Less Than Zero Barbers’ consistent appearance on this prestigious list is a testament to their unwavering dedication to team growth and the barbering profession as a whole. Their approach to investing in their staff’s skills, not just in barbering but also in training, assessing, and teaching, sets a remarkable example for our industry.”
Ashfield businesses encouraged to apply for grants of up to £30,000
Growing and innovative businesses are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to £30,000 from Ashfield District Council.
The grants can be used to create jobs or bring new products to market. Businesses can also use it to invest in new technologies, processes or measures to improve productivity, and support improvements to commercial premises including internal refurbishments and shop fronts.
Funding is part of Ashfield District Council’s £3.2million UK Shared Prosperity Fund which has been channelled into three distinct business grant schemes:
- Enterprise Development Grant – up to £6,000 or 75% of eligible project costs
- Hucknall Shop Front Improvement Scheme – up to £9,600 or 80% of eligible project costs
- Ashfield Accelerator Grant – up to £30,000 or 50% of eligible project costs
Leveraging expertise is prescription as skin doctor meets the spin doctor
Nottingham-based thought leadership specialist, Press For Attention PR, has been retained by Eudai Clinic to bolster its reputation as a doctor-led medical aesthetics specialist. Eudai Clinic is based in Beeston, with clients across the UK and as far afield as the Channel Islands, seeking medically approved and accredited products and services to support healthier lifestyles, vitality and wellbeing. It is led by Doctor Dimitri Vichas (Dr Dimi), a Harley Street trained medical aesthetics specialist who studied at the University of Nottingham and still works within the NHS in the city. Eudai Clinic has been working with Press For Attention PR on safety campaigns as the warm weather entices sun seekers and has already benefited from national coverage after a controversial “DIY SPF” social media post was debunked and warned against by Dr Dimi. Press For Attention PR has been retained to leverage Eudai Clinic and Dr Dimi’s personal brand and champion the need for regulation of the industry, as founder Greg Simpson explains: “Pop on any popular social media platform or ask ‘Dr Google’ and there are some very misleading and downright dangerous pieces of content that get into the media. “It isn’t our job to police cyberspace but it is our job to help the media question such claims. There is a wider debate about regulation of the industry, which is crawling at a snail’s pace and that does not help those customers so for now, I am proud to be helping Dr Dimi to provide this critical advice and to offer balance and objectivity to the media.” Dr Dimi, who specialises in all areas of medical aesthetics and longevity and is fully licensed to provide and use medical grade products, said: “From the subtle artistry of dermal fillers to the transformative effects of micro-needling, our treatments are meticulously designed to address specific concerns, ensuring that every patient receives a bespoke experience tailored to their unique needs. “However, this is not the case across the board in our industry and as a doctor that is led by patient safety, we need to ensure the public knows the fact from the fiction. Some of it is harmless, it just won’t work, however bold the messaging or big the budgets. However, there is some advice that is simply dangerous and by working with Press For Attention PR I can be that trusted resource for an increasingly busy media that needs an expert opinion.”
Record first half for Journeo
Journeo, a provider of information systems and technical services to transport operators and local authorities, has hailed a record first half.
According to a trading update for the six months ended 30 June 2024 (H1 2024), Journeo had a strong H1 2024, with total group revenue increasing by 17% to £25.6m and adjusted profit before tax increasing by 54% to £2.8m.
Looking ahead, revenue for the full year is expected to be approximately £50m, marginally ahead of current market expectations, with adjusted profit before tax expected to be £0.4m ahead at £4.8m.Russ Singleton, Chief Executive of Journeo plc, said: “The record performance in H1 2024 and the uplift in sales order intake reflect the success of Journeo’s strategy to harness government-backed growth opportunities in the transport industry.
“There is increasing recognition by our target client base of our expertise in delivering leading-edge solutions that meet the challenges of increasing the number and quality of journeys using public transport.
“We continue to listen to our customers and invest in the research and development of future technologies and software, focusing on high performance, reliability, and sustainability.”
Council leader raises rail freight concerns to new government
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s leader has written to the new Labour Secretary of Transport, Louise Haigh MP, and new Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, inviting them to meet to discuss a major rail freight scheme.
The controversial scheme, proposed for the outskirts of Hinckley, from developers Tritax Symmetry is earmarked for 650 acres of land outside Hinckley and close to Burbage Common.
Previously, councillors and campaigners have raised concerns about the “permanent blight” this development would have on Burbage Common as well as the impact on residents and businesses with thousands of extra daily heavy good vehicle movements and an extra additional half a million vehicle movements per year the development is poised to generate in and around the area.
Due to the size of the proposed development, it is classed as a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project’ with the planning decision due to be made by the Secretary of State for Transport after a recommendation made by the Planning Inspectorate.
The Council leader’s letter sets out the concerns the Borough Council and residents have raised about the proposed scheme including:
- Lack of meaningful community engagement and consultation on the proposals
- Impact on Burbage Common and woods which he said would have a devastating impact on the common and people’s ability to enjoy the peaceful open space it provides.
- The huge impact of the 30m high units proposed resulting in the loss of open countryside that separates the village from the motorway, blighting the landscape forever
- The impact of the A47 link road proposed on the Green Wedge separating Hinckley/Burbage from Barwell and Earl Shilton
- Major concerns over the traffic gridlocking local roads at peak times and particularly on the A5
- The significant implications on the local highway network in the event of an incident on the M69
- No confidence in the delivery of the proposed sustainable transport strategy, particularly for connecting Hinckley, Barwell and Earl Shilton employees to the development.
Plans submitted for up to 95 new homes in Croft
Bellway Strategic Land is seeking planning permission for up to 95 new homes in Croft.
An outline planning application has been submitted to Blaby District Council for an 11-acre site at Croft Lodge Farm, off Broughton Road, to the south of the village.
The application includes plans for 25 per cent affordable housing, with some properties to be provided under the Government’s First Homes scheme, whereby buyers who meet certain criteria can get between 30 and 50 per cent off the market value.
If approved, the homes will be built by Bellway’s East Midlands housebuilding division, which is based in Leicester.
The design for the site features a collection of energy-efficient new homes with electric vehicle charging points.
The proposed development would include new footpaths into the centre of the village, a new bus stop on Broughton Road, land for nature and biodiversity enhancements, a children’s play area and a new entrance for the Sunday car boot market.
Details of the financial contributions the developer will make towards local infrastructure and facilities, including the parish council’s proposed new village hall, would be confirmed as part of a planning agreement with the local authority.
Bellway Strategic Land carried out a public consultation exercise in the village in April. This followed earlier engagement with Blaby District Council and Croft Parish Council.
Feedback from the public consultation highlighted the desire for affordable new homes with eco-friendly features such as solar panels, the need for improved local facilities and the retention of the popular Sunday car boot market.
Matt Smith, Strategic Land Manager at Bellway, said: “Blaby has a shortfall in its housing supply across the district and Croft is a sustainable village for a development of this size.
“As part of the planning process, following pre-app consultation with the district council, we reached out to the parish council and local residents for their views on our plans. This valuable feedback has helped to shape the proposals to ensure there are meaningful benefits to the community.
“We are proposing to deliver an attractive and sustainable development with green spaces at its heart. There will be landscaped open spaces including a children’s play area and existing trees will be retained to create a buffer to protect woodland to the south of the site. Additional land will be set aside for nature and new habitats to increase biodiversity.
“We have worked closely with the planning team at Bellway East Midlands and their localised expertise made an important contribution to our proposals.”
