Yorkshire law firm acquired by Castle Donnington counterpart

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire law firm acquired by Castle Donnington counterpart
A Yorkshire law firm has been acquired by a Castle Donnington-based counterpart, creating a 60 plus-strong workforce and paving the way for future expansion. WLR Law has purchased commercial, media, and sports law expert Front Row Legal (FRL) for an undisclosed fee. Claire Dibb, WLR group CFO – who has worked with several legal firms in Yorkshire and across the UK, providing commercial financial management & CFO leadership to both SME & corporate clients – will be part of the Board of Directors, to help drive future growth. Richard Cramer, FRL Managing Director, says: “This seamless integration of our expertise and resources is a remarkable opportunity to elevate our client offerings and tap into WLR Law’s vast resources. “I’m thrilled to embark on this journey which will set new benchmarks for legal services in our focused sectors – further refining our approach to meet the evolving needs of our clients with even greater precision and care.” Richard adds: “The new combined workforce will be around 60 – greatly enhancing the scope of services we can offer. We’re always looking to recruit quality professionals, and I’m confident this acquisition is just the start of an ongoing expansion plan to create additional jobs in the coming years.” Martin Collins, WLR Law principal MD and board director, says: “This merger is a celebration of shared values and our unwavering commitment to client success. Together we’re perfectly poised to drive further innovation in the way legal advice is delivered, improving the impact and accessibility for our clients.”

Leicestershire businesses offered Government funded training

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Leicestershire businesses offered Government funded training

Small and medium-sized businesses in Leicestershire are being offered a time-limited opportunity to take one of the remaining places in a fully funded government training scheme for business owners.

Help to Grow: Management is a government scheme delivered via Small Business Charter accredited business schools. The programme is designed to empower businesses to innovate, increase profits, develop staff and improve leadership and management skills.

Limited places are available for the next intake delivered by De Montfort University’s Leicester Castle Business School (LCBS), which will take place over 13 weeks, beginning with an introductory session on June 11th.

The course is delivered by expert tutors with real world business expertise and is designed to fit in alongside full-time work. The next programme will be delivered entirely online to offer ultimate convenience for time-pressed business owners located throughout the whole of Leicestershire.

The programme, worth £7,500, is 90% funded by the government and 10% through a bursary from Leicester Castle Business School, which has been successfully delivering Help to Grow: Management since 2020.

In addition to the weekly 2-hour online sessions, creating a bespoke Growth Action Plan in partnership with a one-to-one mentor is an important aspect of the programme.

Weekly peer-to-peer support sessions also offer a valuable opportunity for business leaders in various sectors and at different stages to support each other through sharing experiences and offering support.

Areas covered in the programme include developing a growth plan, leading innovation in business, team management and motivation, building resilience as a leader, creating new opportunities and fostering a culture of responsible business practice.

“We’re delighted to be offering places for our 11th Help to Grow: Management course, which due to demand will be immediately followed by our 12th intake on September 2nd,” says LCBS’s Help to Grow: Management programme director, Dr Danny Buckley.

“Over the past four years we’ve helped over 200 fantastic SMEs from our area develop the skills they need to take their business to the next level. We look forward to more of the same on our upcoming course, which will be an option for more business owners than ever thanks to being delivered fully online with no valuable time taken up by commuting.

“As always, places are filling up fast, so we would urge anyone interested to act now to secure their place.”

This fully funded opportunity to grow and scale up their business is open to any professional with decision-making responsibilities and at least one direct report in a UK-based business which has been established for at least a year and employs between 5 and 249 staff.

2023 participant Megan Murray, partner in Market Harborough-based Duncan Murray wines, says: “The main benefit is having a chance to work on the business rather than in the business. We found the introduction to new models, frameworks and ways of thinking very beneficial.

“In particular, the business planning model was a very strategic tool to help us really sit back and take the time to evaluate every aspect of the business. It was a great opportunity to do some proper planning which can be difficult amidst the day-to-day running of a business.”

Across the UK, 90% of participants reported improved leadership and management of their organisation after six months, with 80% stating employee engagement had improved in the same period after attending Help to Grow: Management.

On completion of the course, members have access to various alumni events, and many continue to benefit from the valuable peer network they establish as a member of the programme.

“We found the peer support really valuable,” adds Megan Murray. “Even though we were quite a disparate group, it was so helpful to get together with people who are all facing the same kinds of challenges. There really is a ‘greater than the sum of your parts’ kind of thing that comes out of this sort of collaboration.”

New network launched in Leicester to support Asian founded businesses

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New network launched in Leicester to support Asian founded businesses
A new network designed to support Asian founded businesses to scale up and innovate is set to inspire businesses around the country after launching in Leicester. The Asian Founders Community Meet will see hundreds of businesses attend events held around the country from Scotland to Southampton, run in partnership between Barclays Eagle Labs and De Montfort University Leicester (DMU). And it all began last week as entrepreneurs, business owners, mentors and funders came together for the launch event at Winstanley House in Braunstone. The Asian Founders Community Meet was devised by Eagle Labs ecosystem manager Poonam Sharma and Nimesh Kanani, city leader for Barclays Leicester to offer targeted support and networking opportunities for businesses owned by or founded by Asian entrepreneurs. Poonam said: “I’m extremely proud to launch the Asian Founders Community Meet with Nimesh Kanani in Leicester before heading to eight other cities across the UK. “Supporting and empowering Asian entrepreneurs is vitally important and for Barclays Eagle Labs to launch the initiative here in Leicester, a city which boasts so many successful Asian businesses, is very exciting indeed.” Helen Donnellan, director of Research Business and Innovation at DMU, said the university was proud to be a partner of the Asian Founders programme. She said: “At DMU, we believe that diversity inspires innovation. “Different approaches are taken, different ideas shared and exciting things happen when you empower people to succeed. That is why Asian Founders Community Meet is so important in showcasing and connecting founders and creating opportunity for everyone.” A fireside chat saw Chandila Fernando of Innovate UKRI, Jaz Kaur of Fraser Stretton Property Group, Shahid Sheikh OBE of Clifton Packaging Group, and designer Jay Gill, founder of Jheez Clothing, share their stories and experiences of starting and running successful businesses and pitching to investors. Taruna Mistry of CIC Leicester Community Links said: “Events like this are really important – hearing other people’s stories gives you ideas and I have already made connections tonight that will help my business.” Keynote speaker Anuj Ashar, a 22-year-old entrepreneur who has already had more than five businesses, said: “I am such a supporter of Asian Founders programme and to hear events will be held around the country is brilliant. It’s so important to come together as a community and supporting each other through sharing our expertise or our contacts or our skills to help each other.” DMU’s Innovation Centre, home to the only Eagle Lab in the East Midlands, hosted the first event last year when the idea was trialled with three events.

Strategic senior hire expands Freeths’ corporate practice in the East Midlands

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Strategic senior hire expands Freeths’ corporate practice in the East Midlands
Law firm Freeths has appointed corporate partner Martin Smith to further grow and develop the practice across the East Midlands. He joins from Knights Plc. Renowned in the market, Martin has over 25 years’ experience advising high profile clients both nationally and internationally on all aspects of M&A across a variety of sectors. He regularly works on high value private and public equity transactions, fund raisings and restructurings. In this new role at Freeths, Martin will work alongside partner and head of corporate Leon Arnold and corporate partner John Heaphy to establish a presence for the practice within the region, expanding on the firm’s national capabilities. Commenting on the appointment, Leon Arnold, said: “This is a real notable hire for our team as we look to match the firm’s strength in strategically growing its offerings across the UK. With an illustrious history in the corporate finance industry, Martin’s capabilities will help provide a solid grounding in the East Midlands market.” Martin’s appointment is the first of several significant senior hires in the East Midlands corporate team for Freeths over the next six months. Martin Smith added: “This new role will give me the opportunity to utilise my experience in helping Freeths really embed and expand its corporate practice in such a thriving region. “With a shared vision on expanding this offering for clients across all sectors and a strategic commitment to the East Midlands, I’m incredibly eager to hit the ground running at such a prominent national firm.”

Clowes Developments sponsor employee in ‘Rams in Kenya’ trip

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Clowes Developments sponsor employee in ‘Rams in Kenya’ trip
Clowes Developments back employee, Amanda Page, personal assistant to the Managing Director, is set to take part in Derby County Community Trust’s (DCCT) ‘Rams in Kenya’ trip in May. Rams in Kenya is an annual trip to support schools in the slums of Nakuru, Kenya. Derby County fans, Derby County Community Trust supporters or anyone with an interest to take on the trip of a lifetime and improve life for children in the project’s five partner schools are invited to take part. Amanda was volunteering at DCCT’s inaugural Ball & White Ball in 2023 which was hosted by Clowes Developments at their head office, Ednaston Park, when she became aware of the opportunity to get involved in the ‘once in a lifetime’ trip to Kenya with the Trust. Amanda discussed the opportunity with DCCT and committed to the adventure with little hesitation. Clowes wanted to support Amanda with a £500 donation to help get her fundraising off the ground. Other business contacts including Wytech, O’Brien, TanRo, Pride Plumbing and Gareth Martin – Obsidian Finance have also generously donated meaning Amanda has now surpassed her fundraising target. Colleagues at Clowes are now invited to donate small gifts for the children at the school, anything from personal care and sanitary products to stationery are reportedly well received by the students in Kenya. Amanda said: “I have been overwhelmed by the support from local businesses, friends and colleagues from far and wide who have not only donated money but also their generosity in donating everything from stickers, crayons, books, games and back-packs which I know will be so very greatly received by the children at the Ungana Academy.” Amanda will be joining 78 other volunteers as they head out to Nakuru on the 25th May for a minimum of one week. Participants volunteer in partner schools to improve sanitation, build new classrooms or facilities, and increase safety measures. They also support teaching and physical activities within the schools. Volunteers get the opportunity to take part in the Rift Valley Adventure Day which includes a visit to the Nakuru National Safari, Thompson Falls and the Equator. Every volunteer is tasked with fundraising to cover flights, transfers, accommodation and three meals per day, plus a contribution towards the Community Trust’s programmes at home and the Kenyan school projects. Since 2012, over 500 volunteers have taken on the adventure, supporting partner schools and their pupils to flourish. Facilitated by African Adventures, the trip benefits the Derby County Community Trust and also the impoverished areas around Nakuru, in Kenya. To support Amanda’s fundraising activity, donations are welcome here.

FSB urges Ofgem to act over soaring standing changes for energy

Stuart Pearcey
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FSB urges Ofgem to act over soaring standing changes for energy
The Federation of Small Businesses has called for energy regulator Ofgem to take action on the standing charges paid by small businesses, many of whom have seen soaring daily fixed prices. The Federation is backing up requests from Ministers to Ofgem chief exec Jonathan Brearley that he ensures energy bills are fair an affordable, and has told him he must recognise the “specific, negative impact standing charges are having on small firms”. FSB’s Policy Chair Tina McKenzie said: “We want Ofgem to do a thorough review of standing charges for businesses as well as consumers, for better transparency and to discern whether energy companies are behaving fairly towards their small firm clients. “Small business energy customers behave in a way more akin to consumers than big businesses, lacking the resources, the expertise and the buying power necessary to get the best possible deal out of their energy suppliers. However, they do not benefit from anything like the same level of protection as that rightly available to households, leaving them caught between two stools. “Many small businesses could be forgiven for suspecting that they have been seen as something of a soft target for price hikes in their standing charges, and they do not have a full picture of where the money they pay on a daily basis is going – something that needs to change. “Small firms were put through the wringer by the energy price crisis, which sadly spelled the end for many otherwise viable businesses who saw their utility bills become completely unmanageable. “The price increases which led to the crisis have thankfully eased off to an extent, but many thousands of small firms are now stuck on tariffs which are far higher than before, which is a leading driver of cost increases. “While it’s possible for most firms to cut their energy use – something which many did in response to spiralling bills – the standing charge must be paid day in, day out, so ensuring that small firms aren’t being fleeced is absolutely vital. “We’re very keen to hear what Ofgem’s next steps in this area will be, to ensure that small firms pay standing charges that are fair and transparent, no matter where they’re based.” One small firm whose owner got in touch with FSB reported an increase in the business’s daily standing charge from 70.94p per day in July 2021 to 969.64p per day in September 2023 – over 13 times higher. Standing charges are used to fund network infrastructure, operating costs, and policy costs for schemes such as the Warm Home Discount, but this can be difficult for small firms to comprehend. Business customers are not covered by the energy price cap for consumers and many small firms suspect that their costs have been hiked as a result.

Rolls-Royce to supply engines to Indian airline

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Rolls-Royce to supply engines to Indian airline
Rolls-Royce has secured its first agreement with Indian airline, IndiGo, which is placing an order for 60 Trent XWB-84 engines, assembled in Derby.
Flying to more than 110 domestic and international destinations, IndiGo flew 100 million passengers in 2023 and is among the fastest growing airlines in the world. The new order will power the airline’s expansion plans, particularly its growing footprint on international routes.

Ewen McDonald, Chief Customer Officer, Rolls-Royce plc, said: “This substantial order from IndiGo for our Trent XWB-84 engines is a great win for Rolls-Royce. It re-affirms the position of the Trent XWB as the future-ready, engine of choice among airline operators.

“India is an important market for Rolls-Royce. The future promises to be exciting, with significant infrastructure developments and further growth expected in air travel. “We are grateful to IndiGo for placing their trust in us and we look forward to partnering with them on this journey. Together we will reach more destinations, serve more customers and capture the opportunities of this exciting market.”

Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, added: “We are delighted to partner with Rolls-Royce for their future-ready Trent XWB engines as we expand our widebody aircraft fleet with an agreement to order a new fleet of A350-900 aircraft.

“We have immense trust in the reliability and efficiency offered by Rolls-Royce’s Trent engines and we believe it will reinforce our vision to connect the length and breadth of India to the world.”

As the “world’s most efficient large aero engine in service,” the Trent XWB, which is assembled in Derby, is also well-positioned to help fast track IndiGo’s sustainability journey. With a 15% fuel consumption advantage over the first generation of Trent engines, the Trent XWB goes further on less fuel and offers leading performance and noise levels. It is also certified to operate on a 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend today and has been proven to be compatible with 100% SAF for the future.

Markham Vale expansion plans submitted

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Markham Vale expansion plans submitted
Property developer HBD, part of Henry Boot, is bringing forward a new 31,264 sq ft commercial scheme at Markham Vale which could create more than 100 new jobs. Reserved matters planning has been submitted for Markham Vale Trade Park; a brand-new development designed for trade counter businesses and SMEs. A 4,000 sq ft pre-let is already under offer to a national operator in a deal that could create around 16 full-time jobs. Markham Vale is a 200-acre industrial and logistics scheme delivered in joint venture between HBD and Derbyshire County Council. Vivienne Clements, Executive Director at HBD, said: “The Trade Park will be the newest addition to Markham Vale aiming to accommodate trade occupiers and smaller businesses who want to benefit from the scheme’s prominence and accessibility to the surrounding demographic. “The Trade Park will provide much-needed Grade A space, allowing smaller trade businesses to operate from energy-efficient buildings in a prime business location. The job creation element is also significant, with the potential to provide 100 full-time jobs. “Almost 20 years after development began, Markham Vale remains one of HBD’s most successful projects and we’ve no doubt this latest addition will see strong interest from potential occupiers looking for well-located, high-quality space in an area with a strong local labour market.” Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said: “This is a fantastic addition to Markham Vale bringing more jobs to the area and opportunities for small businesses, as well as providing a supplies hub to trades operating in the area. “We’re proud of the positive impact Markham Vale continues to have on the local economy and this announcement sends yet another strong signal to other investors that Derbyshire is a place that helps businesses to survive and thrive.” Occupiers will benefit from Gridserve’s new Electric Forecourt being developed on the adjacent plot. Markham Vale Trade Park is expected to start on site late this year. The letting agents on Markham Vale Trade Park are JLL and M1 Agency. Harry Fullerton, Associate Director at JLL, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for trade occupiers and small businesses to capitalise on the prominence of Markham Vale as well as the growing number of homes and population surrounding the scheme. “The energy-efficient specification and long track record of delivery by HBD at Markham Vale will undoubtedly make this latest development an attractive proposition for occupiers in a market of low supply. “Markham Vale offers an appealing location for occupiers given its population of 270,000 (expected to increase further with more than 4,000 new homes being built within the area) and 119,000 passing vehicles each day on the M1. “Its location close to amenities including McDonalds, Starbucks, KFC, ASDA and Burger King, plus the new Gridserve EV charging forecourt, will also benefit occupiers.”

Third-party logistics specialist raises over £80,000 for children’s hospice

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Third-party logistics specialist raises over £80,000 for children’s hospice

A third-party logistics company currently operating from warehouses at Magna Park, in Lutterworth, and Nuneaton has raised over £80,000 for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.

Rhenus Warehousing Solutions UK has been supporting the charity since 2007. Fundraising carried out by the company and its employees is vital in helping Rainbows provide invaluable care to around 750 babies, children and young people with terminal and serious illnesses.

The £80,000 has been raised through various initiatives including seasonal raffles. Employees have also provided donations for the Rainbows’ recycling bins – which are distributed to its seven shops in the East Midlands.

Yvonne Fenwick, HR director at Rhenus, said: “We are incredibly proud to have reached, and indeed, passed the milestone of £80,000 for this amazing charity.

“I’d like to thank our extremely kind and generous employees and suppliers, as well as our Charity and Events team for taking part, donating and all their fundraising efforts in numerous charity events.

“At Rhenus Warehousing Solutions UK, charity is something that is very close to our hearts and we pride ourselves on our commitment to raising money, for not only our nominated charity Rainbows, but for a number of other local causes too.

“We’re already planning on how we can reach the next milestone and hosting more fundraising events.”

Lauren Baker, Corporate Partnership Fundraiser at Rainbows, added: “Over the years, Rhenus has raised a staggering amount – which will all help us to provide a service to the families who need us the most.

“On behalf of everyone at Rainbows, I thank each and every member of the Rhenus team, and its suppliers, who have supported us in our commitment to brightening short lives.”

Mattioli Woods receives shareholder approval for acquisition by Pollen Street Capital

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Mattioli Woods receives shareholder approval for acquisition by Pollen Street Capital
Mattioli Woods, the specialist wealth and asset management business, has received shareholder approval for its acquisition by Pollen Street Capital at a Court Meeting and General Meeting. The acquisition of Mattioli Woods by Pollen Street Capital was approved by over 95% of shareholders who voted. The offer values Mattioli Woods at approximately £432 million. Completion remains subject to regulatory approval and the next stage is for the FCA to approve the Change in Control application that has been submitted. The transaction is currently expected to complete in the second or third quarter of 2024. Listed on the AIM exchange since 2005, Mattioli Woods is a provider of wealth management and employee benefits. They look after more than 11,000 clients and have £15.3 billion of assets under management, administration and advice. Following the completion of the deal, Mattioli Woods will be delisted from AIM. Ian Mattioli MBE, CEO of Mattioli Woods, said: “We are really pleased that our shareholders have overwhelmingly voted in favour of our acquisition by Pollen Street Capital. This is the next step in the evolution of the business and while the transaction is still subject to regulatory approval, receiving shareholder approval is an important milestone in this process. “We are excited for the future and to work with Pollen Street Capital who share our passion for delivering exceptional client outcomes and together we will accelerate the delivery of our strategy and provide our clients with the proactive advice and bespoke investment solutions they require.” Michael Wright, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Mattioli Woods, said: “We are very grateful to our shareholders, over 95% of those that voted approved the acquisition by Pollen Street Capital. “This is a significant step forward in the Mattioli Woods journey and shows the strong financial and strategic rationale underpinning this deal and that is what is so exciting for all of us. We will continue to invest in our staff, our business, and our client propositions and look forward to doing this with the support of our partner, Pollen Street Capital.”
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