Bakery chain Greggs has its eye set on two new sites in the East Midlands to increase its manufacturing and logistics capacity.
In a trading update Greggs said: “In order to support the longer-term growth potential of the business we are…progressing with the development of two new sites in the Midlands which are expected to be operational in late 2026 / early 2027.”
Greggs has entered into an agreement for lease on a site at SmartParc SEGRO Derby for a facility that will be the focus of its increased manufacturing capacity needs whilst also supporting expansion of its logistics network capacity.
The landlord is currently constructing the building, following which Greggs will develop and install the first phase of manufacturing and logistics equipment through 2025 and 2026.
Meanwhile, negotiations are progressing on the purchase of land in the Corby/Kettering area, where Greggs will develop a National Distribution Centre for chilled and ambient goods.
This site will significantly extend its logistics capacity across the network to circa 3,500 shops and deliver efficiencies through semi-automated storage and picking solutions. Greggs aims to exchange contracts on the purchase of the land in the coming months.
Legal recruitment specialist returns to the heart of Nottingham
Bygott Biggs, the legal recruitment specialist, is back in the heart of the city after relocating to Cubo’s new Standard Court location.
During the pandemic, the team found a new home in the Engine Yard development next to Belvoir Castle, with home working the prevalent approach for many of their clients and the rural base a refreshing change of scenery for visitors and team members alike.
However, with many sectors returning to a more office-based approach once more, the Bygott Biggs team, led by Jane Biggs, is returning its HQ back to Nottingham whilst serving their clients in Birmingham, Leeds and the north-west from Cubo’s other locations.
Jane Biggs, founder of Bygott Biggs, says: “As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary, we look back at how our business has evolved and adapted to new ways of working.
“We also reflect upon the changes our clients have seen in that time. For many years, law firms were quite traditional places to work – wood panelled offices, imposing boardrooms and the holy grail of the prized and private corner office.
“Now we see a far more progressive and flexible model with hybrid working being the norm and office attendance offering an opportunity to mentor junior colleagues, foster team spirit and reinforce culture whilst maintaining that all important work/life balance.”
On returning back to the heart of Nottingham, where the business was founded by Jane in 1994, Jane added: “As this latest transition back to the office begins to take more of a foothold, we hope it will help contribute to a renewed vibrancy in the city centre as the professional sector returns to the office. “However, as the legal services market continues to flourish and the competition for talent remains high the key for law firms seeking to attract and retain the best talent is to offer a flexible and supportive working environment that allows an ever more diverse range of lawyers to find the right balance in their career / home lives.”Rotherhill makes new appointment to management team
Midlands commercial property developer, Rotherhill, has appointed experienced surveyor, Stuart Waite, to its management team.
Stuart joins Rotherhill from Commercial Property Partners based in Nottingham. A qualified Chartered Surveyor with thirteen years post qualification experience, Stuart has spent the last nine years as an industrial and logistics agent operating across the East Midlands, initially for Innes England in Derby and, more recently, seven years at CPP in Nottingham.
In his new role at Rotherhill, Stuart is responsible for identifying new development and investment opportunities within the industrial and logistics sector, as well as implementing asset management initiatives to deliver returns for investors.
Paul Bagshaw, Owner and Director of Rotherhill Developments, says: “We are keen to consolidate the company’s position and are looking to continue its growth. In appointing Stuart, I believe we are addressing those needs.
“Stuart’s experience and knowledge will help us to identify prime sites of approximately 5-15 acres suitable for redevelopment as well as industrial buildings in need of improvement and modernisation.”
Stuart has significant experience within the Midlands industrial and logistics market, having acted for high-net-worth individuals, property companies, developers, private equity and institutional funds.
Some key recent deals include the letting of a 77,000 sq ft warehouse in Beeston, Nottingham to Argos for a last mile logistics facility, 102,500 sq ft at Markham Vale, Chesterfield, let to Restore plc on behalf of a landed estates client and the letting of a 70,000 sq ft distribution unit in Worksop to Royal Mail on behalf of a private equity fund having advised on acquiring the premises with vacant possession six months prior.
Of his appointment, Stuart says: “I have developed a strong relationship with the Rotherhill team, having successfully acted for them in an advisory capacity on a number of projects during my time at CPP, so I know how they work and what it is they are looking for in the market. It will be my job to identify existing buildings and land where opportunities exist to add value through proactive asset management.
“Rotherhill is an agile investor and developer that has long term, robust relationships with its capital partners. This provides an opportunity to capitalise at a point in the cycle where access to debt is frustrated. The industrial and logistics sector, especially within the Midlands, still boasts incredibly strong fundamentals and this is an exciting time to be joining such a highly respected property company.”
East Mids warehouse technology firm makes chief commercial officer promotion
Castle Donington-based warehouse technology innovator, Synergy Logistics, has promoted Brian Kirst to chief commercial officer.
Brian previously looked after all customer facing elements of the business in North America, but now oversees all aspects of Sales, Marketing, Support and After Sales globally.
He brings 30 years of experience in supply chain, logistics and digital technology. Prior to joining Synergy in early 2022, Brian co-founded and launched two high growth 3PL order fulfilment companies – Total Reliance in 2014 and Resurge in 2019.
The restructure also sees chief product & delivery officer, Smitha Raphael, take on a more global role with the development services and implementation teams. Both report directly into Synergy Logistics chairman, Hugh Stevens.
Stevens said: “Brian is the ideal fit for this crucial role. As a fellow owner, operator, and entrepreneur; our strategic views align. I also like his leadership and decision-making approach. He recognises opportunities quickly and looks to make an immediate impact.”
Kirst has been using his applied knowledge, gained across multiple industries and sectors, to help customers identify their value drivers and further tap into the potential of Synergy’s technologically advanced software to drive revenue and profitability.
He added: “My focus will be growing and evolving with our existing customers, but also developing further enterprise-level business, as our highly configurable WMS and multi-agent orchestration solutions become increasingly relevant in today’s automation-driven supply chains.
“This includes executing on our ambitions of having a fully global and consistent product offering, with recent implementations in Asia and South America, complementing our long-standing and proven track record in the EMEA and North America regions.”
Rolls-Royce runners go above and beyond for local families
Two Rolls-Royce employees are gearing up for an epic sponsored 100 mile run in 24 hours to enable local children who have faced extreme trauma in their young lives to enjoy a seaside holiday with their families this summer.
James Spray and Matt Shillcock are taking on the challenge to raise money for Revive charity in Chaddesden which supports some of the most under privileged and vulnerable children and families in the local area.
The charity is taking a group of 30 children, parents and siblings on holiday to Butlins this August and are busy fundraising to give the families a holiday of a lifetime.
James and Matt are planning to run the 100 miles between the company’s site in Wilmore Road and Skegness in just 24 hours to help fund the trip.
James (45) works in the Turbines division and former soldier Matt (36) is a member of the team at Assembly and Test at Rolls-Royce.
As well as being members of local running clubs, Mickleover RC and Sinfin RC, they are both Livewell champions at the company and are busy training for the epic challenge which they have named #SAS Skegness to run between Wilmore Road and Skegness town centre on Friday July 26.
As experienced marathon runners, they have stepped up their training to around 50-60 miles a week, including night running.
On the day, their kit has been sponsored by Derby Runner and they will be accompanied by a support van manned by Rolls-Royce colleagues to ensure they take in enough food and water and deal with any injuries.
James and his colleagues in the Turbine and Rotatives division have supported Revive since 2016 and he was keen to use his 15 years’ experience of running to raise money for the Revive trip.
He has previously completed ten marathons in ten days, a 100 mile challenge and competed in Ironman triathlon events.
James explained: “I have seen the fantastic work that Revive does in this community and the positive difference it has made to the lives of so many families in this part of the city.
“100 miles is a long way to drive and cycle but it is a totally different matter to run the distance in just 24 hours so we know it will be both a mental and physical challenge.
“After 40 miles, there is always a lot of soul searching and the key is to ensure you get enough calories, stay hydrated and have a positive mindset.
“I am so pleased that we are doing this together as running with someone else keeps you alert and is a distraction when the going gets tough – particularly in the middle of the night.”
Matt, who is an accomplished marathon runner, continued: “The date of #SAS Skegness is important as it is the start of the school summer holidays and a time when children should all be looking forward to a holiday with their families.
“That is not possible for many families and, as parents ourselves, we were keen to ensure that these children supported by Revive who have all faced some extreme challenges will be able to do just that.”
Among those joining the trip this summer will be eight-year-old Joseph from Chaddesden who underwent a gruelling double lung transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital last May.
He will be joined by his parents Andy and Jade and his six brothers and sisters, including the latest addition to the family who will be just a few weeks old.
Joseph contracted pneumonia when he was three months old which scarred his lungs and he was later diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and Bronchial Obliterans. Before the new lungs Joseph only had 18% lung function, needed two litres of oxygen 24/7, regular hospital stays and a huge assortment of medication including IV antibiotics.
Since receiving two new lungs, he is still being treated for gastric problems but is otherwise doing well. He has taught himself to ride a bike and even joined a local football team but this will be the first time that the whole family have been able to go on holiday together.
Andy said: “Life for Joseph and the whole family has been really tough so we are looking forward to our first holiday together. It will be just over a year since Joseph had the transplant and will give us time to re-set the button on family life.
“We haven’t told the kids yet that we are going on holiday but one of things we do need to do is get Joseph used to swimming as he has never been able to do that before now because of the medication and oxygen tubes.
“It’s amazing what these guys are doing running from Derby to Skegness and it just shows that there are good people out there who recognise how tough life can be for some families and who are prepared to literally go the extra mile to help.”
Charity manager Jo Andrew concluded: “We are in awe of the challenge that James and Matt have set themselves. Their commitment will enable children and families to enjoy a well-deserved seaside holiday this summer which will be a welcome break from the individual traumas that they have faced.
“Rolls-Royce are one of the many companies, organisations and individuals who support our work throughout the year including Secret Santa, Winter Aid and our ‘Hopes, Dreams & Aspirations’ fund which we run on top of the job club and personal support for families in this area.
“All of the children invited on the trip have been through extreme trauma in their lives so it is always wonderful to see the joy on their faces and to give families time to enjoy new activities and create precious memories together.”
To support #SAS Skegness, please visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/sas-skegness
Improving inventory accuracy with modern tech tools
Inventory inaccuracies pose significant challenges for small businesses and warehouse managers. These can often lead to lost sales, surplus stock, and disrupted workflows. A key hurdle in achieving accurate inventory records is human error, compounded by outdated or inefficient tracking systems.
Additionally, inventory discrepancies can result from logistical errors during the goods in/out processes, incorrect stock placement, and theft or damage. Adopting modern tech tools can streamline these processes, ensuring data accuracy and reducing error rates significantly. Keep reading as we explore more ways to improve inventory accuracy with the help of modern tech tools.
The role of RFID technology in inventory management
RFID technology streamlines inventory management by providing real-time data on product movements and storage conditions. By implementing RFID tags, small business owners and warehouse managers can greatly reduce manual counting errors and time spent on inventory audits.
These tags store and relay information to RFID readers, allowing continuous inventory tracking without physical handling. The adoption of RFID can lead to substantial improvements in inventory accuracy, helping businesses manage stock levels more effectively and respond swiftly to market demands.
Enhancing inventory management with technology
Supply chain technology, particularly supply chain management software, enhances inventory accuracy. These systems offer tools that consolidate data across various points in the supply chain, providing a single source of truth for inventory management.
Warehouse management software solutions from companies like Balloon One exemplify how integrating sophisticated software can optimise logistical operations. These solutions offer automated stock updates, demand forecasting, and detailed reporting features, empowering businesses to maintain accurate stock records and streamline their supply chain operations.
AI and machine learning: revolutionising stock levels
Of course, artificial intelligence and machine learning transform inventory management by enabling predictive analytics and automated decision-making. These technologies analyse historical sales data to forecast future demand, helping businesses optimise their stock levels and reduce holding costs.
For instance, AI can identify patterns indicating a surge in demand for certain products, prompting timely reordering to avoid stockouts. Warehouse managers can implement AI-driven tools to refine their inventory practices, ensuring they meet customer demands efficiently without overstocking.
Integration tips: making technology work for you
Successfully integrating new technology into existing systems requires careful planning and execution. Businesses should start with a clear understanding of their inventory challenges and desired outcomes.
Training staff on new software and reviewing system performance can ensure the technology delivers its intended benefits. Additionally, choosing technology that seamlessly integrates with existing systems reduces disruption and enhances user adoption, improving inventory accuracy and efficiency.
Future trends in inventory management technology
Emerging technologies continue to shape the future of inventory management. Innovations such as blockchain for enhanced transparency and security, drones for automated stock-taking, and augmented reality for warehouse navigation are rising.
Staying informed about these developments and considering their potential application in your business can position you ahead of the competition. Forward-thinking managers will look to these technologies for improvements in accuracy and as opportunities to redefine their operational processes.
Optimising your inventory for better business outcomes
Embracing modern tech tools is essential for optimising inventory accuracy and, by extension, improving business outcomes. Each technology, from RFID to AI and cloud-based solutions, offers unique benefits that can address specific inventory challenges.
As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of inventory management, adopting these tools can lead to significant gains in efficiency, accuracy, and competitiveness. Managers should assess their needs and invest in technologies aligning with their strategic goals, ensuring sustained growth and success.
Building work well underway on Nottingham’s Green Heart
Building work is well underway to create the new wildlife-rich Green Heart in Nottingham, which is part of the Broad Marsh area and the site of the former shopping centre. This is a key element of the wider Broad Marsh Vision developed by Heatherwick Studios.
The new green space will be a place to enjoy nature with 38 trees, 34 of them newly planted, plus areas of colourful planting, a new ‘marsh’ area and several footpaths and places to sit.
Sandstone, which is the same rock on which Nottingham Castle was built and the city’s unique cave system was cut, is being used to create pathways and new large boulders for seating. Plus, there is a long new bench that arcs through the planting and marsh allowing people to sit, enjoy and experience nature.
The Green Heart is also a key pedestrian route, so there will be a main path creating a clear and direct route from the train station to the city centre. This pedestrian route will be well lit at night and will be the route to all the other seating areas during the day and a place for people with limited mobility to stop and rest.
This new space, which is just the start of the green transformation and is due to be completed this Summer, will enhance biodiversity by creating green, natural habitats and food for wildlife. A key aim is to put the ‘marsh’ back to the Broad Marsh.
Plus, this year a new law made it so that all new developments in England must be “nature positive.” This is to help the country meet our target to stop the decline in wildlife by 2030. This means that developers must increase the natural habitat by 10% (Biodiversity Net Gain BNG). The Green Heart has smashed this target and has increased the natural habitat by 438% (BNG).
The design of the Green Heart is unique to Nottingham and has been developed by Townshend Landscape Architects along with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, with Heatherwick Studio retained as a strategic design advisor, with contractor Willmott Dixon carrying out the construction work.
The Green Heart project is being delivered using grant funding secured from Central Government through the Transforming Cities programme.
While the Section 114 report means that money Nottingham City Council can spend is currently strictly controlled, because external grant funding has previously been specifically allocated and approved for this scheme it can go ahead.
Cllr David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s great to see this area of the Broad Marsh being transformed into a hugely important green space, which is right in the centre of our city. Public feedback in the Big Conversation consultation made it clear that green space was what people wanted – we listened, and we are now delivering.
“Anyone who has visited the area recently will see how much it has changed with lots of greenery, pedestrianised areas and seating. I am particularly pleased that Collin Street is now a family friendly space that people can enjoy right outside the new Central Library. The creation of the Green Heart will take the transformation of Broad Marsh a major step further and will be a beautiful addition to the city centre which is unique to Nottingham.”
Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “It’s a privilege to be involved in the transformation of such an important site in Nottingham, a city which many of our own employees live and work in.
“We have been involved in this regeneration since the demolition of the former Broadmarsh Centre in 2021, so it will be rewarding to deliver a vision we helped begin. Our aim is to always leave a lasting legacy in the communities that surround our work and this project embodies that spirit given the significant social benefits it will bring.”
Chair appointed at BakerBaird
BakerBaird, the East Midlands communications and engagement business, has appointed an experienced management consultant as its new company chair.
Nic Newall, who has worked with global brands such as Jaguar Land Rover and L&G, has been advising the Nottingham-based business since 2017 on strategy and business development.
She joins BakerBaird as chair at a time when it has become established as one of the leading communications and engagement businesses in the region, delivering projects for major regional bodies like the East Midlands Combined County Authority, local government, NHS, universities and private sector businesses.
Alongside founders Richard Baker and Stuart Baird, BakerBaird’s team of specialists includes account director Gaby Taylor, former director of communications at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.
Besides Jaguar Land Rover and L&G and government departments such as the DfE, Nic is also passionately committed to encouraging entrepreneurship, having been appointed Midlands Ambassador for Young Enterprise in 2023 after seven years as a voluntary advisor.
Nic said: “I’ve been advising BakerBaird informally since it was launched. Stuart, Richard, Gaby and the team have made significant progress as the communications and engagement supplier of choice for many of the East Midlands’ major initiatives and local authorities, and they’ve delivered award-winning projects regionally, nationally and internationally. I’m delighted to be alongside them as they start the next phase of their growth.”
Co-founder Stuart Baird added: “Personally and professionally, Nic has been an inspiration to us, providing a mix of technical guidance, strategic insight and strong challenge.
“She will help us grow as a team, grow as a business but also drive progress in what matters most – the quality of what we do for clients. We’re taking BakerBaird on to the next level and Nic’s sheer drive will help us build that momentum.”
Rolls-Royce offers £100,000 contract prize for nuclear reactor transport innovation
A contract worth up to £100,000 with Rolls-Royce is available for the winner of a contract to monitor and collect data during the transport of modules used to construct Small Modular Reactors, and it comes with an opportunity to supply systems, techniques, technology and services to the programme, which will deploy a fleet of the company’sSMRs around the globe.
Rolls-Royce SMR’s unique ‘factory-built’ nuclear power plant is a British solution to a global energy crisis – with each plant producing enough stable, affordable, emission-free electricity to power a million homes for at least 60 years.
UK factories will produce hundreds of prefabricated and pre-tested modules ready for assembly on site into a complete power station – drastically reducing cost and time when compared to large ‘gigawatt’ scale nuclear power plants.
The challenge, launched in partnership with Innovate UK Business Connect via its Innovation Exchange programme, will seek proposals on how to track the modules throughout their journey from the factory and monitor changes in real time.
Greg Wilkinson, Rolls-Royce SMR’s Research and Technology Manager, said: “Our modular approach is unique within the nuclear industry but is widely used and well proven across the oil and gas and renewables sectors. We want to use the latest digital technology to ensure the quality of our prefabricated and pre-tested modules as they arrive on site for assembly into the finished power station.
“This is a chance for specialists in the nuclear industry, and much further afield, to come on board and use their expertise on our ‘once in a generation’ project… We are looking for the best innovation that the UK has to offer.”
Plans to find buyer for Boots revived
The owner of Boots has reignited its plans to find a buyer for the pharmacy-led health and beauty chain.
Walgreens Boots Alliance is working with advisers to start talks with interested bidders, according to reports from Bloomberg.
It comes after a previous attempt to sell Boots in 2022, before Walgreens Boots Alliance decided to keep the business under its existing ownership, marking the conclusion of a review that saw multibillion pound bids put forward for the company. At the time Walgreens Boots Alliance said that despite being encouraged by productive discussions with a range of parties, as a result of market instability severely impacting financing availability, no third party was able to make an offer adequately reflecting the high potential value of Boots. The decision to retain the business was also supported, according to Walgreens Boots Alliance, by ongoing strong performance and growth, which exceeded expectations. The Nottingham-based business had an asking price of £7bn, with the owners now seeking a similar price. There is also a consideration of listing Boots on the London stock market.