Plans submitted to continue regeneration along Leicester’s waterside

Tess Egginton
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Plans submitted to continue regeneration along Leicester’s waterside
A planning application to continue the regeneration programme along Leicester’s waterside has been submitted by multi-disciplinary design practice, rg+p Ltd. Acting on behalf of Trafalgar Global, rg+p has designed and submitted a proposal for 360 new homes on vacant brownfield land to the west of Charles Bennion Walk, formerly part of the British United Shoe Machinery (BUSM) site. Comprising seven apartment buildings ranging in height between four and five storeys, the proposed scheme also includes 43 two-, three- and four-bedroom houses, and allocated parking. “The land at Charles Bennion Walk forms part of a wider regeneration plan first envisaged in the early 2000’s,” explains rg+p’s director, James Badley. “This includes the neighbouring schemes at Wolsey Island and Abbey Park Road, both of which we designed and have now been delivered, so it’s exciting to be able to continue transforming the cityscape with this application. “Working closely with the local authority planning team and our client, we’re proposing a high-quality residential development that suits modern living yet honours the site’s footwear manufacturing heritage.” rg+p’s design approach was shaped by the site’s industrial history, proximity to local landmarks including the National Space Centre, and the traditional architectural language of buildings along the Grand Union Canal. The firm’s design director, Ben Walton continues: “Our design narrative plays on the waterside location and Leicester’s rich heritage in garment and shoe machinery production. The site was the former home of BUSM, which at one point was the world’s largest manufacturer of footwear machinery, exporting to more than 50 countries. “This is interpreted as pleats of fabric, folds of leather or ripples along the canal. In the façade of the new buildings, materials and textures were deliberately chosen to be indicative of those found on the warehouses of the time, and therefore continue telling the story of shoe making. “Brick and metal are draped over each other to create distinct layers, mirroring the traditional assembly process of a leather brogue. Sawtooth roofs mimic the design of the neighbouring Sock Island apartments, while also echoing the industrial buildings that once stood along the canalside. “The site’s wider placemaking has sought to maximise views to local landmarks through the shaping and arrangement of buildings. The landscape moves from a formal urban edge through a central open space into a natural, biodiverse environment adjacent the canal. Well defined public spaces and pedestrian/cycle routes enable strong connectivity with the city,” concludes Ben. Mandeep Singh, director at GS Developments, adds: “It’s hugely rewarding to invest in projects that will positively change the cityscape and encourage more homeowners to put down roots here. Re-using brownfield land for housing, and bringing people and families back into the city, is extremely important to us. “We believe rg+p has devised a development that will not only have widespread appeal but that also tells the history of the site with intricate detailing and a modern interpretation. Submitting this application marks an exciting milestone for the project and we are hopeful for a positive outcome.”

East Midlands property consultancy makes raft of promotions

Tess Egginton
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East Midlands property consultancy makes raft of promotions
An East Midlands property consultancy has made a raft of promotions, including a new partner, following a strong period of success for the firm. Fisher German has invited Carl Pearson, based at the firm’s Ashby office, to join the partnership. The firm has promoted 12 other colleagues at its Ashby office as well as five members of staff from its head office, also based in the town. Other progressions within the business in the East Midlands include two promotions at the firm’s Newark office and one in Market Harborough. Carl, who joined Fisher German in 2016, specialises in the strategic asset management of non-operational property portfolios for corporate real estate clients including CEMEX, Valencia Waste Management Limited, South West Water and Southern Water. He manages properties across all asset classes including commercial, residential, rural and amenity. Carl said: “I am very pleased to join the partnership at such a pivotal time for the business. “It has been an aspiration of mine to progress to this position and I would like to thank the existing partners for their support and the opportunity to develop. “Fisher German has seen a considerable amount of growth over the last 18 months, and I will now be leading a corporate real estate business plan focusing on ensuring our service lines are interlinked as we look to continue providing clients with the very best service possible. “It is fantastic to see so many promotions made not only in Ashby but across the whole firm, which gives our clients the confidence that Fisher German is investing in its people as it continues to strengthen the business.” Fisher German has promoted 39 colleagues – including three new partners – across all areas of the business across its network of 27 offices. Senior Partner, Duncan Bedhall, said: “It is always a privilege to announce colleague promotions and to reflect on their achievements as they progress through our business. “Seeing such a variation of roles across the divisions is reflective of our continued growth and the diversity of services we offer, and it’s great to see how much this has evolved over the last few years.”

Food ingredients supplier secures $55m financing deal

Tess Egginton
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Food ingredients supplier secures $55m financing deal
Food ingredients supplier, Jain International Foods, trading in the UK as Sleaford Quality Foods, has secured a $55 million cross-border asset-based lending (ABL) and cashflow facility from private debt fund Blazehill Capital, alongside Wells Fargo USA and KBC. Proceeds from the financing will be used to refinance existing indebtedness and provide additional liquidity to support Jain International Food’s working capital, enhance its food innovation capabilities, and drive cost efficiencies. Jain International Foods is a subsidiary of Jain Farm Fresh Foods Limited, a processor of fruits, vegetables and spices. It consists of three entities, Jain Farm Fresh Food Inc, Sleaford Quality Foods Limited, and Innovafood N.V.. With an expected consolidated revenue of approximately $160 million in 2023, Jain International Foods is well-positioned for growth having shown resilient performance through the pandemic. Lincolnshire-headquartered Sleaford Quality Foods, founded in 1968, was acquired by Jain Farm Fresh Foods in 2010. It specialises in importing, processing, and distributing dehydrated foods and spices, offering over 650 dried and dehydrated food products, including its own Chef William and Our Earth brands. California-based Jain Farm Fresh Foods Inc. specialises in the processing and distribution of dehydrated foods, including bell pepper, tomatoes, and onions, to large global customers. Blazehill Capital and Wells Fargo USA structured a hybrid ABL and cashflow facility which can be drawn in the UK and USA to maximise flexibility. The company was advised by Olympia Capital Partners (led by Nedim Music and Peter Lizza) and Hogan Lovells. Blazehill Capital was advised by a cross-border team from Dentons led by Simon Prendergast. Legal counsel for Wells Fargo was served by Bill Starshak, Prisca Kim, and Randall Klein from Goldberg Kohn. To strengthen its position in the food industry, the company has already implemented operational efficiencies and is committed to exploring expansion opportunities in new food categories and branded product lines. The UK frozen food market is projected to reach £6.1 billion by 2026, underscoring a favourable market environment characterised by increased demand for long shelf-life food products, including vegetables. Similarly strong industry tailwinds in the United States provide the company with multiple opportunities for global growth and expansion. Paul Lawlor, CFO of Jain International Foods Ltd, said: “This new facility represents a pivotal moment in our business journey. As demand for long shelf-life food products grows, we’re positioned to capitalise on burgeoning market opportunities and further enhance our industry leadership. The Blazehill Capital and Wells Fargo teams worked closely with us to understand our unique needs and establish a facility tailored to our ambitions.” Adam Sookia, Head of Investments at Blazehill Capital, said: “We are extremely proud to be working with Jain; a global business with a strong local presence in Lincolnshire, Jain has demonstrated its resilience and best in class governance over recent years. We look forward to seeing the company through its next chapter, setting new standards of food innovation and quality whilst working with partners to ease inflationary pressures on consumers.”

NEXT’s Chief Financial Officer to retire

Tess Egginton
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NEXT’s Chief Financial Officer to retire

NEXT’s Chief Financial Officer, Amanda James, is set to step down to retire from full time work.

Amanda has made a significant contribution to the business in her 28 years with NEXT, with the company saying she “has been an exceptional guardian of our finances.” NEXT added: “Our financial position today is testament to her diligence and hard work. The Board is extremely grateful to Amanda for her excellent service to the group.”

Amanda’s successor will be Jonathan Blanchard, currently CFO at Reiss. Jonathan will join NEXT in February 2024 and take over as CFO in July 2024 and also join the Board of Next plc at that time.

Jonathan is currently the CFO and Chief Operating Officer of the Reiss Group, having joined the company as a Board Director in 2017. Jonathan qualified as a Certified Chartered Accountant in 1994 and has over 30 years of experience in finance.

The last 25 years of his career have been at Board level in private equity backed businesses, all of which were in the retail/consumer sectors. Jonathan has a wealth of experience implementing rigorous financial and capital controls; he has also managed several successful private equity transactions.

Jonathan played a critical role at Reiss, not least negotiating and implementing the transition to Total Platform. NEXT has worked closely with Jonathan for over three years and believe that his skills are well suited to NEXT’s financial disciplines and its culture.

Lithia increases Pendragon offer

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Lithia increases Pendragon offer
Lithia Motors, one of the largest automotive retailers in North America, has increased its offer for Pendragon’s UK motor business and leasing business by £117 million, to £367 million.

The total cash consideration is £397 million, including a previously publicly disclosed subscription for shares in Pendragon.

Last month Nottingham-based car retailer Pendragon revealed plans to sell its UK motor business and leasing business to Lithia in a £250 million deal. They also agreed the terms of a strategic partnership, including the rollout of Pinewood, the company’s dealer management software (DMS) business, to Lithia’s existing 50 UK sites and the creation of a joint venture to accelerate Pinewood’s entry into the attractive North American DMS market.

As part of the transaction, it was announced that Pendragon’s Pinewood division, which operates the company’s proprietary DMS business, would become a standalone entity, retaining Pendragon’s existing listing on the London Stock Exchange and creating a pure play Software as a Service (SaaS) business with an accelerated growth plan.

The increased offer follows unsolicited bids for Pendragon from other companies, including shareholder Hedin and PAG International, and AutoNation.

Midlands businesses call for simpler ways to access capital, as exits loom

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Midlands businesses call for simpler ways to access capital, as exits loom

Midlands businesses are calling for simpler and greater ways to access growth capital, as more than half consider selling their business in the next 12 months.

According to BDO LLP’s bi-monthly Economic Engine survey of 500 mid-market businesses, more than a quarter of regional companies (26%) believe they would benefit from a greater variety of borrowing products, if smaller banks were helped to enter the business banking market.

Despite the Bank of England choosing to hold interest rates at 5.25%, following 14 consecutive increases, 15% of Midlands businesses believe that the current rate is too high to take out a new loan.

The survey by the accountancy and business advisory firm also found that nearly a quarter of regional businesses (23%) are searching for new sources of funding abroad due to difficulty accessing capital in the UK, with nearly a third (31%) stating that existing schemes do not provide enough support, such as the Enterprise Investment Scheme and the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme.

Roger Buckley, corporate finance partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “The issue of raising capital has been a familiar topic of debate for Midlands businesses over the last few months, as they continue to explore ways to meet their strategic growth ambitions.

“While the Midlands corporate finance market remains a good place to do business in, and is well served by private equity and non-debt growth capital that offers companies with an attractive option, there are frustrations being felt which are leading businesses to consider ways of realising the value within their business.”

According to BDO’s Economic Engine survey, remarkably, more than half (51%) of the Midlands companies surveyed are considering selling their business in the next 12 months.

Buckley added: “If this appetite to sell translates into exit activity then this will undoubtedly drive M&A transactions in the regional market, with other factors, such as an impending general election and a slowing pressure on inflation helping to trigger decisions made by businesses.”

Property developer fined more than £14,000 for breaking bat rules

Stuart Pearcey
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Property developer fined more than £14,000 for breaking bat rules
A Derby-based property developer has been ordered to pay more than £14,400 in a prosecution brought by Natural England for breaching the conditions of a European Protected Species Bat Mitigation Licence. Patrick Weekes, 55, of Radbourne Construction Limited, Vernongate, Derby, pleaded guilty to four offences relating to a housing development in Harehill, near Ashbourne. He was fined £3,200 plus a victim’s surcharge of £1,280 and ordered to pay full prosecution costs of £9,955.17. A European Protected Species Bat Mitigation Licence was issued to the defendant in October 2020, but, the court was told, Natural England’s Wildlife Licensing Service had been made aware of potential breaches of the licence. Natural England decided to prosecute because the breaches were considered so significant as to have impacted the welfare and Favourable Conservation Status of the bat species involved. The breaches left brown long-eared bats with no suitable maternity roosting provision within the site. They also significantly reduced the suitability of roosting opportunities for common pipistrelle bats, as well as endangering the welfare of both species. Following a compliance check, Natural England’s Enforcement Team led a multi-agency site visit in February 2023 which evidenced that the defendant had breached the conditions of his licence on four counts:
  • Failed to install Bitumen type 1F roofing felt with hessian matrix as agreed in the licence. This roofing felt is designed to be non-breathable which mitigates the risks to bats. Breathable roofing membranes, such as the one installed by the defendant, can cause bats to become entangled in the loose fibres and result in their injury and/or death. This is a significant risk to bat welfare.
  • Failed to install the compensation and mitigation measures as agreed in the licence. Mitigation and compensation measures are included in licences to reduce the harm to bats, mitigate for any impacts, and where impacts cannot be mitigated then compensation is designed to maintain the Favourable Conservation Status as required in legislation. In this case, the agreed compensation in the form of various specific ridge crevices and access tiles to allow bats to roost within the roof were not installed, and the loft space set aside in one building to compensate for the loss of a Brown long-eared maternity roost was unsuitable and did not meet the requirements set out in the licence.
  • Failed to complete post-development monitoring as agreed in the licence. Monitoring is vital to understand whether the impacts of bats have been successfully mitigated and compensated for, as well as determining if there are any issues with the compensation that need to be addressed to ensure they remain suitable for use by bats.
  • Stripped the roof of a property containing a Common pipistrelle day roost without direct ecological supervision, as agreed in the licence. Ecologist supervision is required wherever there is a risk that bats can be encountered such as stripping a roof of a property with a confirmed bat roost present. This requirement is to ensure that works are done in a sympathetic way towards bats and if any bats are found during the process they can be safely transferred to a suitable bat box on site.
Sentencing, the court noted that Mr Weekes had acted in contravention to the professional advice provided by both their own ecological consultant and Natural England, and did not carry out work to mitigate the harmful impact on bats when so instructed by Natural England. Steph Bird-Halton, Natural England’s National Delivery Director, said: “Natural England does not take the decision to prosecute lightly. However, where individuals or companies place the welfare or Favourable Conservation Status of protected species at risk, we will not hesitate to take targeted and proportionate enforcement action. “I would like to thank the Bat Conservation Trust’s Wildlife Crime Project for the assistance they provided in this case.”

Green light given for next phase of development at Wymeswold Business Park

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Green light given for next phase of development at Wymeswold Business Park

Wymeswold Business Quarter, an industrial development adjoining the existing Wymeswold Industrial Estate, is set to expand with the recent granting of planning permission for its next phase.

Located in Prestwold, near Loughborough, Wymeswold Business Quarter is a meticulously planned industrial development, that currently features 20 purpose-built new industrial units developed to the highest standards, with sizes ranging from 1,900 square feet to 12,000 square feet. The completion of phase two works will provide a further 21 units which will be available for lease or sale in early Q1 2024.

The development has already created 95 local employment opportunities and 80-100 more are expected.

The development sits on land within The Prestwold Estate, managed by the Loughborough-based specialist land development and property consultancy, Mather Jamie. Serving as the strategic land adviser, Mather Jamie played a pivotal role alongside The Prince Group who are the owner and developer, in conceiving the Wymeswold Business Quarter, facilitating planning permission, managing construction, and promoting units for sale or lease.

Hamish Byers, associate director, said: “When phase one was released all units were occupied almost immediately and underlines the success of the development. The demand for industrial units in a rural community is high and with careful planning these projects can help local communities to thrive and alleviate the impact on the environment.”

Geoff Prince, Managing Director of the Prince Group, expressed his gratitude, saying: “Yet again, the advice provided by Mather Jamie has helped secure planning on phase two of this development and assisted us to provide much sought after quality commercial units for small businesses which will also create local employment.”

The Prince Group and Prestwold Estate will be compensating the loss in biodiversity arriving from the development by investing in 14 acres of environmentally enhanced land providing a significant biodiversity benefit. The estate is a major investor in the environment and are again pioneering initiatives in the Leicestershire area for the benefit of nature.

To further reduce the development’s environmental footprint, The Prince Group has implemented several eco-friendly measures, including a green travel plan, ride-to-work scheme, and free bus passes.

Watch the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 as the event unfolded

Tess Egginton
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Watch the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 as the event unfolded
With the East Midlands Bricks Awards over for another year, the event can now be re-lived through a new video of the evening. Property and construction professionals from across the region gathered last month (Thursday 28 September) at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground for Business Link Magazine’s annual event. Recognising and celebrating those behind the changing landscape of our region, rewarding the very best companies, teams and individuals, the occasion offered the perfect opportunity to showcase the outstanding work carried out across the East Midlands over the past year and network with many of the region’s industry leaders over canapés and complementary drinks sponsored by Nicholas Associates. Attendees also heard from Matt Wallace, Director of Estates and Building Services at Leicester City Council, who kicked off the event with the keynote speech. Watch the event and see the list of winners below.
 
Ellis Cullen, FHP, Amy Howard, FHP, Ketlin Maeorg, FHP, and Joel Pennington, OMS

Most Active Estate Agent – sponsored by OMS

Winner

FHP

Runners up

BB&J Commercial

Mather Jamie

Sam Crawford, MKM, Andy Myton, David Morley Architects, Becky Rabjohns, Price & Myres, and Clare Swaine, Henry Brothers

Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by MKM

Winner

Henry Brothers Construction – SportPark Pavilion 4, Loughborough

Runners up

HBD – Power Park, Nottingham

Bolsterstone Group Plc, Chesterfield Borough Council – One Waterside Place, Chesterfield

Greg Simpson, Press for Attention PR, Emma Attwood, Cawarden, and William Crooks, Cawarden

Responsible Business of the Year – sponsored by Press for Attention PR

Winner

Cawarden

Runners up

G F Tomlinson

Aspbury Planning Limited

Jamie Duerden, Phoenix Brickwork UK Ltd, and Nic Rotton, Sterling Commercial Finance

Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Sterling Commercial Finance

Winner

Phoenix Brickwork UK Ltd – St Marks student accommodation, Lincoln

Runners up

Elms Developments – Elms Phase Two Ltd

St James Securities, Grainger – The Condor, Derby

Graham Bancroft, Rushton Hickman Limited, and Robert Cole, Mather Jamie

Deal of the Year – sponsored by Mather Jamie

Winner

Rushton Hickman Limited – Branston Locks deal

Runners up

Bassi Group Nottingham Ltd – Job saving Pizza Hut takeover

Rigby & Co – Aida Factory deal

Gillian Minogue, Clowes Developments, Kate Henderson, Clowes Developments, and Heather Foo, Ward

Developer of the Year – sponsored by Ward

Winner

Clowes Developments

Runners up

Chevin Homes

Brackley Property Developments

Louise Jones, Matthew Montague Architects, and Ben Dawson, Blueprint Interiors

Architects of the Year – sponsored by Blueprint Interiors

Winner

Matthew Montague Architects

Runners up

IMA Architects

Influence Landscape Planning and Design

Clayton Penny, Chevin Homes, William Crooks, Cawarden, and Dan Stack, Chevin Homes

Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden

Winner

Chevin Homes – Amber Farm

Runners up

Marchini Curran Associates – Phoenix cinema and art centre

Trident Construction Services – Lark Hill Retirement Village refurbishment

Justin Sheldon, HBD, and Lee Marshall, Viridis

Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services Ltd

Winner

HBD – Power Park, Nottingham

Runners up

Henry Brothers Construction – SportPark Pavilion 4, Loughborough

Elms Developments – Elms Phase Two Ltd

Oliver Ramm, RammSanderson, Christian Parnell, Bowmer & Kirkland, and Jon Moore, Bowmer & Kirkland

Contractor of the Year – sponsored by RammSanderson

Winner

Bowmer + Kirkland

Runners up

Cawarden

EE Smith Contracts

Clayton Penny, Chevin Homes, Robin Lee, Streets Chartered Accountants, and Dan Stack, Chevin Homes

Overall Winner

Chevin Homes

  See the event in the images below, taken by Richard Picksley. Thanks to all our sponsors for supporting the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023. Business Link Magazine looks forward to returning next year for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024!
                                                            Held at:
 

Sixways Stadium to host the next Motor Source ESFL Finals

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Sixways Stadium to host the next Motor Source ESFL Finals
An exciting announcement has come from the Motor Source ESFL as the date and venue for 2023/24 season finals was confirmed as Sixways Stadium on Saturday 8th June 2024. The 2023/24 Emergency Services Football League season may only have just kicked off, but we’re already looking forward to celebrating the women’s, veterans and men’s open age competition finals in June next year. In a similar format to last season, all three finals will be played on the same day, making it a full, exciting day of football, with the change of venue from last season bringing the added benefit of a 4G pitch, match day announcer and stadium big screen to add to the atmosphere. Sixways stadium is mostly used for rugby union and association football matches and is the home of Premier 15s side University of Worcester Warriors and Hellenic League Premier Division football side Worcester Raiders. It was also the third Premiership Rugby venue to lay an artificial pitch, but the first to feature organic infill rather than rubber crumb. ESFL co-founder Pete Overton said “We are really excited to be working with the Sixways Stadium events team to organise our league finals. A personal note of thanks to both Tracy and Nicole who helped make this happen. The stadium and its facilities look first class. As the ESFL continues to go from strength to strength we are excited to once again be hosting the finals in such an impressive stadium.” Zoe Critchley from title sponsors Motor Source commented: “As title sponsors of the Motor Source ESFL, we thoroughly enjoy working with the teams throughout the season and hearing their triumphs, not just in the games they play but also in their professional careers and how the league helps them. “After last year’s enjoyable season and unforgettable finals day, we’re ready to raise the bar and make this year’s ESFL Finals truly epic!” Follow and support the teams and results throughout the season at https://www.esfl.co.uk/ where you’ll also be able to buy tickets for the final when they go on sale. If you work in the emergency services, armed forces or teaching, you could be eligible for Motor Source new car discounts for NHS, Police, Fire & Rescue Services, Prison Service, military and teachers. Find out more and see how much you can save at https://www.motorsourcegroup.com/
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