Derbyshire specialist aggregate manufacturer makes acquisition

Tess Egginton
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Derbyshire specialist aggregate manufacturer makes acquisition
Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates, the aggregate manufacturers, has acquired the Resin Surfacing operations in Stalbridge, Dorset from Geveko Markings. This acquisition is said to make Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates the only manufacturer of resin and aggregate in the UK. The acquisition includes all manufacturing plant, product and equipment and employees will be retained by the company.

Sam Buckley, Managing Director, Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates, said: “This acquisition is the perfect next step in our commitment to offer only the highest quality resin and aggregate to the UK resin bound market. We are delighted to supply the superb products previously supplied by Geveko to customers who will continue to receive BBA approved products as normal.”

Martin Poulter, CEO and founder of Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates, said: “As the manufacturer of DALTEX, the UK’s no 1 brand in resin bound, we are delighted to announce this significant strategic acquisition which is a huge development in our plans for future growth in the UK and international resin bound market.”

André Thomsen, CEO, Geveko Markings Group, said: “After a thorough strategic review, we concluded that the decorative resin surfacing market is not a strategic area for our business. The transition of our devoted team and good customers to Derbyshire Aggregates embodies a promising chapter for all involved.”

The new site will add to Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates’ seven current sites across the UK including its Head Office and main production facility in Derbyshire, Daltex Central Hub in Ashbourne, DALTEX Trade Centres in Brighouse and Bridgend as well as a slate plant in Bangor, North Wales. These are supported by two large dock facilities in Mersey Wharf and Goole.

Modest rise seen in GDP

Tess Egginton
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Modest rise seen in GDP
A modest 0.2% rise in GDP in August, reported by the Office for National Statistics, is offering some relief for businesses, after the sharp drop recorded in July. A recovery in services has driven the increase, but this has been hindered by falls in manufacturing and construction. Tina McKenzie, policy and advocacy chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “This modest rise in August’s GDP is a relief, coming on the heels of the sharp drop recorded in July. “The recovery in services has driven the increase, but this masks concerning falls in production and construction, indicating that there are downward pressures on many sectors. “Today’s figures will go some way to allaying fears that the summer was a wash-out for small firms, although our research has consistently found that confidence levels in some sectors – especially consumer-facing ones such as retail and hospitality – have trailed behind the overall results for all sectors. “The early September pause in the upward march of the base rate has given small firms a ray of hope that the margin squeeze they’re enduring may ease. “As we’ve seen in recent months, growth is volatile and fears of a recession have yet to be fully banished. If this most recent monthly rise is to be sustained, the Government will need to consider how it can promote a trading environment where small firms can flourish. “It’s imperative for the Government to extend the 75% business rates discount for retail, hospitality and leisure firms beyond its current expiry date of April next year. It’s been a lifeline for thousands of small businesses and its continuation would limit the need for jarring price rises next April in consumer-facing sectors. “Extending the VAT threshold to £100,000 would be another smart move to support economic growth. “The blueprint for a thriving economy hinges on supporting small housebuilders. Small construction enterprises deserve a seat at the Government planning table, and by introducing brownfield development incentives and allowing the Community Infrastructure Levy to be paid at a project’s end rather than the beginning, we can lay the groundwork for strong GDP and economic recovery. “The millions of small business owners and self-employed people make up a powerful voting bloc, and they will be looking to the Autumn Statement for policies which will help them achieve their ambitions, and which will help the economy overall.”

Marks Electrical builds on good trading momentum

Tess Egginton
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Marks Electrical builds on good trading momentum
Marks Electrical Group, the Leicester-based online electrical retailer, has seen continued growth in its first half. According to an update for the six months ended 30 September 2023 (HY24), a strong trading period has seen revenue growth of 24.8% to £53.9m, up from £43.1m in the same period last year. The business saw continued market share gains in the Major Domestic Appliance and Consumer Electronics markets, and rapid growth in its premium next-day service offerings with integrated, gas, electric and television installation services achieving over 7,000 installation orders in the first half, against 2,500 in the prior year, and over 11,000 freestanding connection services against 5,000 last year. Robust performance was seen across product categories with particularly high growth in televisions (+71%), washer-dryers (+74%) and American fridge-freezers (+36%).

Mark Smithson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’ve built on the good momentum delivered at the start FY24, with revenue growth of 24.8% against a Major Domestic Appliances & Consumer Electronics market that is broadly flat in the first half of our financial year.

“Our strategic decision to add in-house installation services to our offering has strengthened the Group’s premium service proposition, enabling us to develop a market leading installation offering, growing market share and driving revenue growth.

“The launch of this service, alongside the well documented industry-wide pressures regarding wage inflation, impacted our H1 margin, with the pressure on distribution and installation costs being higher than expected. At the same time, year on year, we remained disciplined on marketing costs, maintained our cost control on overheads and are continuing to gain market share profitably.

“We remain focused on our full year targets and expect margin pressure to ease in H2 as we benefit from improved operating leverage during the peak trading period.

“Our differentiated operating model, leading customer service and free next-day delivery provides a unique premium service proposition that sets us apart from the competition. I’m proud of our achievements in the first half and thank all of our colleagues for their commitment to developing and maintaining our superior customer offering, positioning us as the UK’s leading premium electrical retailer.

“We’ve exited September with order growth of over 20%, made a strong start to October, and are laser-focused on maintaining our performance management discipline on revenue, profit and cash in order to grow sustainably and achieve our full year targets.”

Rolls-Royce places SMR fuel design contract with Westinghouse

Stuart Pearcey
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Rolls-Royce places SMR fuel design contract with Westinghouse
Derby-based Rolls-Royce SMR has placed a contract with Westinghouse Electric Company UK Ltd to develop a fuel design for its small modular reactor  – a vital part of the ongoing Generic Design Assessment by the UK’s independent regulators. The design work, undertaken jointly in the UK and US, includes associated core components and will be based on an existing Westinghouse PWR fuel assembly design. Helena Perry, Rolls-Royce SMR’s Regulatory Affairs and Safety Director, said: “Placing the contract to design the fuel for the Rolls-Royce SMR is an important step in our programme of work as we progress through the GDA process with the UK’s nuclear regulators. “Westinghouse has a strong heritage and unrivalled experience in nuclear fuel design and manufacturing. Placing this contract with Westinghouse will help deliver our commitment to maximise UK supply chain content and will support a long-term sustainable future for the nuclear industry.” The contract supports the recent Atlantic Declaration and civil nuclear partnership between the UK and US governments – which helps facilitate the safe, secure, and sustainable international deployment of advanced, peaceful nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors. “This collaboration between Westinghouse and Rolls-Royce SMR will help drive the future of nuclear fuel deployment. Westinghouse is proud to bring its generations of experience designing and manufacturing fuel in the UK,” said Tarik Choho, Westinghouse President of Nuclear Fuel. “This contract presents an exciting opportunity for our Springfields site in Lancashire.” Rolls-Royce SMR, supported by grant funding from UKRI, has a team of more than 600 UK based people already working on the project to develop a unique ‘factory-built’ power plant, with each unit capable of generating enough low-carbon electricity to power a million homes for more than 60 years.

New business park set for Market Harborough

Tess Egginton
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New business park set for Market Harborough
A new business park for Market Harborough is a step closer, as having resolved to grant outline planning permission for the development last year, Harborough District Council is set to issue the planning consent following the recent completion of the Section 106 Agreement. In a nod to its heritage, the 25 acre scheme will be known as Wellington Business Park and built on a strategically located site to the north-west of Market Harborough, within one mile of the A6. It will comprise some 450,000 sq ft of industrial, warehousing and office accommodation with a drive-thru coffee shop / restaurant on land north of Airfield Farm. The site historically formed part of the airfield that was used by the RAF in World War II and was home to the Wellington Bombers of No. 14 Operational Training Unit of RAF Bomber Command. Commercial property agent Prop-Search has been appointed as sole agent to market and promote the new business park, which could bring over a thousand new jobs and significant inward investment to the town, creating a new gateway from the north of Market Harborough. Buildings will initially be available on a build to suit basis with industrial/warehouse units from 10,000 sq ft to 100,000 sq ft and office buildings from 5,000 sq ft on a freehold or leasehold basis. Director at Prop-Search, Richard Baker, said: “Demand across the Midlands is not easing up as occupiers compete for the limited space available within the ‘Golden Triangle’. “We have received a significant amount of interest in the site for a variety of uses and I am delighted to be able to properly engage with interested parties now that the Section 106 has been signed and planning consent granted. “Wellington Business Park undoubtedly represents an exciting opportunity to meet this occupier demand, creating business opportunities and bringing inward investment into the town. We look forward to engaging with local, regional and national businesses seeking new premises within Market Harborough and this Golden Triangle location.”

Land purchase to see up to 150 homes developed in Burbage, Leicestershire

Tess Egginton
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Land purchase to see up to 150 homes developed in Burbage, Leicestershire
Land has been purchased to unlock a housing development in Sketchley Old Village on the outskirts of Burbage. The site will deliver up to 150 new homes, made up of 2, 3, 4, and 5 bed properties, in keeping with the premium Charles Church brand. A significant portion of the land will be kept as public open space for the people of Burbage, helping to enhance the area’s green space and biodiversity. Along with the boost to local housing needs, the scheme will bring with it a range of community benefits – including a total of up to £860,000 pledged towards the nearby area. Within this amount includes over £113,500 towards early years education, £192,000 towards local highways improvements and over £108,000 towards public transport improvements. Dan Endersby, Managing Director at Persimmon Homes and Charles Church North Midlands, said: “We’re proud to have completed the purchase of land to deliver up to 150 new homes in Burbage, Leicestershire. Our upcoming new community will bring a wide range of new benefits to the area, including major improvements to local roads, public open spaces, healthcare, and education. “Of course, what we do is about so much more than building quality homes. This development will not only generate significant job opportunities throughout the lifespan of the project but will also leave a lasting legacy of community benefits for the people of Burbage and the surrounding areas.”

Car mat firm unveils 7,500 sq ft Chesterfield warehouse

Tess Egginton
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Car mat firm unveils 7,500 sq ft Chesterfield warehouse
CarMats.co.uk, a business specialising in UK-manufactured tailored car mats to fit every make and model, has opened a 7,500 sq ft warehouse facility on Chesterfield Trading Estate. This new facility is set to play a pivotal role in the company’s ongoing expansion. The spacious facility grants the business the much-needed capacity to diversify its product offerings and creates job opportunities for local talent. Ash Young, founder of CarMats.co.uk, said: “I launched CarMats.co.uk during the COVID-19 lockdown. At the time, I was also running a digital agency in Sheffield. I set an ambitious goal of achieving £1 million in revenue within the first year. “I took the leap to document my progress on social media, and gained lots of followers interested in my journey with this start-up. We actually reached the £1 million mark just nine months after launching and, as of 2023, our revenue has reached £5 million. “Our new warehouse on Chesterfield Trading Estate is a game-changer for us in terms of expanding our business. It brings our remote team together, enabling a more collaborative work environment. “Having stock, order processing, customer support, and marketing all under one roof streamlines our operations. Plus, it provides the much-needed space to stock a wider range of products, which is essential for our growth.” Ash added: “Chesterfield is the perfect location for our growth plans. It’s got excellent transport connections across the country, which is essential for our distribution network. “It also provides cost-effective warehouse space and access to a highly skilled local workforce. As we expand, we plan to create more job opportunities in the local area. We’re looking to add another five roles over the next year, with the first hire planned for November. We’re excited about contributing to local employment. “Personally, this move is significant for me. It brings our team together in a physical location, which is great for collaboration, but as a Chesterfield resident, it also allows me to balance my work with family life. I still want to be able to do the school run every day!”

Stephen Eve Financial Planning partners with Nottingham charity Switch Up

Tess Egginton
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Stephen Eve Financial Planning partners with Nottingham charity Switch Up

Nottingham-based wealth management company Stephen Eve Financial Planning has partnered with Switch Up, the charity that empowers young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the city to turn away from crime.

The family-run financial advice team will support Switch Up by offering insightful talks and sessions around the world of work and business, as well as help with CV writing and financial guidance. In addition, the business has agreed to a monthly donation to the charity to contribute towards the everyday running of the charity and its services.

Based in Regent Street in Nottingham city centre, Stephen Eve Financial Planning was set up by Chartered Financial Planner Ben Slater and marketing specialist Danielle Slater in 2022. Both Danielle and Ben began their careers via apprenticeships, and strongly believe in supporting the city’s young people through providing access to mentors and businesses who can support people’s employment aspirations.

Ben Slater, co-founder at Stephen Eve Financial Planning, said: “After hearing about Switch Up’s work, empowering young people throughout Nottingham, we instantly knew we wanted to support them. We’re big believers in giving younger generations the confidence to pursue positive paths aligned to their skills and values. With the right guidance, they can be pillars of our communities.

“It’s also important to us to give back locally and we are passionate about opening financial careers through enhanced education to people of all backgrounds, helping them to overcome any barriers they may face by equipping them with knowledge and skills. We’re proud to partner with Baz and the team, who clearly have a profound impact throughout the city.”

Switch Up – which is part of the Marcellus Baz Group – empowers young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the city to turn away from crime. Its team of mentors deliver essential employability support within its five pillars model, to deter young people from violence and put them on a pathway to success.

More recently, the charity has been supporting families and individuals who have been affected by the cost-of-living crisis, arranging collections of food and other essential supplies and delivering across the city.

The charity and its sister organisation, the Nottingham School of Boxing, also recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Marcellus Baz BEM, founder and Chief Executive of Switch Up, said: “We are so grateful to have forged a new, exciting relationship with a local Nottingham business. Ben and Danielle’s support will extend beyond fundraising to include life-changing opportunities for the people that we work with.

“Building strong links is essential for Switch Up to help reach more young people and families who require support and it’s great to see the family values that Stephen Eve Financial Planning embodies. Their business goals and how they work to support their clients strongly aligns with what we strive to achieve at Switch Up, so I am confident this benefit will be incredibly beneficial for all organisations involved.”

Next prepares bid for FatFace

Tess Egginton
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Next prepares bid for FatFace
Leicestershire retailer Next is reportedly preparing to make an offer for fashion brand FatFace. According to Sky News, the deal, which is being finalised, could be worth over £100m. It follows Next increasing its stake in Reiss, as majority shareholder, as well as acquisitions of Made.com, Cath Kidston, and Joules. FatFace trades from around 180 shops in the UK and was taken over by its lenders three years ago.

CGI and University of Leicester open Innovation Lab with global vision for sustainability

Tess Egginton
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CGI and University of Leicester open Innovation Lab with global vision for sustainability
CGI, the IT and business consulting services firm, has launched a new Sustainability Innovation Lab in partnership with the University of Leicester, a founding member of CGI’s unique research initiative Sustainability Exploration and Environmental Data Science (SEEDS). The growing collaboration between CGI, the University and their partners is powering data-driven insight to help monitor and protect the environment. Located on the University’s main campus, the Sustainability Innovation Lab provides an environment where CGI can collaboratively help clients in partnership with University professionals and students to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future through technology, research and innovation. The Lab will also provide space for students and research professors to conduct and showcase their own research projects, attend seminars and workshops and collaborate on sustainability projects. The collaboration will enable CGI to build on the important projects it is working on with its SEEDS partners and accelerate efforts to address climate change and strengthen research for the environment and communities. Research areas will include climate mitigation and adaptation solutions, natural capital accounting solutions, chemicals and waste reduction solutions, and supply chain sustainability. New research and technologies will help spur low-carbon solutions and innovations and support the creation of new low-carbon business models.
“This partnership between CGI and the University of Leicester gives us the opportunity to demonstrate some of the exciting projects we have been working on regarding SEEDS. The space will be used for seminars, workshops, and continuing our work with clients on sustainability solutions,” said Tara McGeehan, president of CGI in the UK and Australia. ”Through this initiative, we aim to drive positive change, encourage environmental innovation, and inspire future leaders in sustainability.” Professor Henrietta O’Connor, provost and deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Leicester, said: “The route to a sustainable future depends upon harnessing the power of technology and innovation to provide the insight and solutions we need, through big data, earth observation science, and beyond. “The new Sustainability Innovation Lab cements our growing partnership with CGI and, together with the growing portfolio of Space Park Leicester, shows a continued commitment to bringing industry and academia together to find those solutions.”
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