Local stakeholders meet with council bosses to discuss East Midlands devolution plans
Local leaders from a range of sectors came together this month to discuss the progress of East Midlands devolution, as plans to give the region extra powers and funding gather pace and momentum.
The event, held on Friday 18 August, saw Chief Executives at Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council provide updates on key elements of the region’s proposed devolution deal, including transport, skills and adult education, housing, and net-zero.
Stakeholders representing a broad range of interests across the region – including business, universities and colleges, and emergency services – were given the opportunity to put questions to senior officers at the four councils.
The event was held ahead of several major devolution milestones over the coming months. For the proposed East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to come into existence, new legislation is required from the Government, which is anticipated to be in place before the end of the year.
Detailed devolution proposals would then be sent to the Government for approval, meaning that EMCCA could be a reality from spring 2024, with the first ever election for a regional mayor – covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham – taking place in May 2024.
Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, said:The East Midlands has historically received the lowest levels of public funding in England. The fact that the East Midlands has consistently delivered GDP growth close to the UK average, from very low levels of investment, is testament to the commitment and ingenuity of the thousands of SMEs that are the backbone of the region’s economy.
Devolving decision-making powers over how funding is spent to local areas is an important step and a once in a generation opportunity to organise ourselves in a way so that it’s easy for Government to provide us with the funding we need to grow our local economy, productivity and wealth.
Greg Broughton, Sustainable Growth and Place Manager at the Environment Agency (East Midlands), said:Reflecting on the recent devolution stakeholder event, it was abundantly clear that there is a strong collective enthusiasm and drive to seize the opportunity for devolution to work together, to collaborate in new ways and to make the changes needed to transform the region.
I was particularly pleased to hear that tackling environmental inequality and climate change is at the heart of the commitment to build a resilient and vibrant future for the people and places of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and I am excited to be part of building this new vision.
If the plans go ahead, the EMCCA – spanning two counties and cities – would be the first combined county authority in the country, with a new elected regional mayor at the helm, representing around 2.2 million people.
Devolution would provide the region with a guaranteed income stream of at least £1.14 billion, spread over a 30-year period.
More funding is expected to become available once the EMCCA is formed – so far, £18 million has been awarded to the area as early investment during devolution negotiations, which is being spent on improving local housing, transport and skills provision.
Thanks to devolution proposals, the East Midlands has been invited to establish an ‘Investment Zone’, which will attract £80 million of support over five years, with tax incentives for businesses to help boost economic growth right across the region.
Emma Alexander, Managing Director at Derbyshire County Council, said:Devolution would unlock major benefits for our region, including extra powers and funding around a range of issues including housing, transport, skills, adult education and the environment.
It is vital that we engage with key stakeholders every step of the way in this process, which is why I was delighted to see so many partners and colleagues in attendance at our event.
Adrian Smith, Chief Executive at Nottinghamshire County Council, said:I’m hugely optimistic that the way partners are working together means we will ensure that everybody across the length and breadth of our region will benefit from this unprecedented opportunity.
We have a great many strengths on which to build and the new funding and powers we will bring to the East Midlands will help us improve living standards, business growth, transport, the environment and health and wellbeing.
Paul Simpson, Chief Executive at Derby City Council, said:It’s important to recognise that our devolution deal is just the beginning of our aspirations for more powers and funding for the East Midlands.
We’re focused on building on the deal, as other areas like the West Midlands and Greater Manchester have done, so it was fantastic to connect with local business groups, organisations and partners at our stakeholder event as we develop this ambitious vision.
Mel Barrett, Chief Executive at Nottingham City Council, said:It is vital that we work closely with partners and stakeholders to ensure that our region makes the most of the new powers and funding that would become available as part of our once in a generation devolution opportunity.
Nottingham Forest announces new chairman
Nottingham Forest has today announced significant changes to the Board structure of the Club and its chairmanship.
Nicholas Randall KC will step down from his role as Chairman with immediate effect and will be appointed as a non-executive director on the Club’s Board. Following six years in the role, Nicholas has handed over the chairmanship to Tom Cartledge, Chief Executive Officer of Handley House Group.
Nicholas Randall KC played an instrumental role in the leadership, growth and development of Nottingham Forest following the acquisition of the Club by Evangelos Marinakis in 2017. His dedication to the role of rebuilding the Club under new ownership, and the strides he made in strengthening relations between the Club and the city of Nottingham will leave a lasting legacy that will be remembered by all associated with Nottingham Forest.
In acknowledgement of his achievements, Nicholas has been invited by Evangelos Marinakis to remain on the Board of Directors in a non-executive capacity. He will also remain a trustee of the Nottingham Forest Community Trust and continue his work as the Club’s representative on a number of FA and Premier League committees.
Incoming Chairman Tom Cartledge, who is a life-long supporter of Nottingham Forest and lives in the area with his family, brings with him a wealth of experience in real estate, retail, economic investment and business leadership. Born in Nottingham and educated in the city, Tom now runs his family business based in the county.
As the Club continues its ambitious plans for growth off the pitch, Tom’s business expertise make him the perfect successor to the role. Since the acquisition in 2017, Tom has had close involvement in an advisory capacity to the Club’s ownership on infrastructure and expansion projects, including those for the proposed redevelopment of The City Ground. As a passionate Nottingham Forest fan, his vision for the club’s future align seamlessly with the values and ambitions held by the owner.
Commenting on the transition, Nicholas Randall KC said: “It has been an incredible privilege to serve as the Chairman of Nottingham Forest. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together.
“I would like to thank Evangelos Marinakis and Socrates Kominakis for giving me the opportunity to be the Chairman of this wonderful Club for the past six years and for the incredible support, investment and commitment they have shown to both me and the Club, which has been changed beyond recognition in the past six years. I also extend my sincere thanks to our loyal and dedicated staff and, of course, to our magnificent supporters. I could not have asked for more, through the good times and the bad, during my six years in post.
“I am delighted that Tom has accepted the offer to become Chairman of the Club. I have no doubt that he will bring the enthusiasm, energy and commitment to the role which is now necessary to take the Club forward in this next period of its history. Not only does he have an outstanding professional and business background but he has been a Forest fan all of his life. He is an outstanding candidate.”
Tom Cartledge expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying: “I am truly honoured to take on the role of Chairman at Nottingham Forest. This club has a rich history and a passionate fan base, as I know first-hand having been a proud season ticket holder for 40 years! Over the course of my life, I have moved home, moved jobs, moved schools, and moved stands but I would never move clubs; Forest and family are my constant.
“I am incredibly proud that my wife and my boys are all Forest fans too. This is our second home and there isn’t a day in our house when Forest isn’t mentioned!
“The first time I met the owner, he asked why the city had got used to accepting average instead of excellence. His plan was to change that through hard work and passion and no one can question the achievements to date. But now it’s time to kick on to the next level on and off the pitch.
“The owner’s passion for the Club is infectious, we both believe that there is so much more to do – with our role in the city, with our fans, with the infrastructure of the Club and, of course, with our performances and ambitions on the pitch. We share a vision for this great Club of ours both domestically and internationally. I can’t wait to get started.”
Speaking about the work of the outgoing Chairman, Tom said: “I first met the Chairman and then CEO over dinner in Nottingham, just a few months after the takeover. In those six years we have developed a close friendship and he was the very first person to congratulate me on the appointment. The Chairman should be proud of what the club has achieved under his guidance and I will forever be thankful for his support.”
Tom will continue as CEO of his family group of businesses trading across the world which, in turn, will help create more opportunities globally to promote Forest.
Cambridge & Counties Bank secures new £20m facility
Leicester-headquartered Cambridge & Counties Bank has secured a new £20m facility to increase its volume of competitive lending to smaller businesses.
The investment, made by British Business Investments, is a new £20m Tier 2 capital facility for Cambridge & Counties Bank Limited. Funds raised from the facility will enable Cambridge & Counties Bank to increase its volume of competitive lending to smaller businesses over and above levels it might have otherwise been able to provide.
British Business Investments is a wholly-owned commercial subsidiary of the British Business Bank, that aims to increase the supply and diversity of finance for smaller businesses across the UK by boosting the lending capacity of a range of finance providers. Since it was established in 2014, British Business Investments has committed more than £3.3 billion to providers of finance to UK smaller businesses.
The British Business Bank has been supporting Cambridge & Counties Bank since 2018, with a £100m guarantee through the ENABLE Guarantee programme, renewed in March 2023.
Leicester-headquartered Cambridge & Counties Bank specialises in providing lending and deposit products for smaller businesses. It was established in 2012 and lends to smaller businesses to invest in their own commercial premises, and to experienced commercial and residential property investors. It also provides finance for smaller businesses to acquire essential assets such as equipment, plant, machinery, or vehicles, using hire purchase and finance lease facilities.
Judith Hartley, CEO, British Business Investments, said: “At British Business Investments, our mission is to increase the overall supply and diversity of finance for smaller businesses across the UK. This £20m Tier 2 facility to Cambridge and Counties Bank supports that mission and will help more smaller businesses across the UK access the capital they need to grow.’’
Andrea Hodgson, Chief Financial Officer, Cambridge & Counties Bank, said: “When we were established in 2012, our aim was to create a responsible and competitive lender which had all the hallmarks of a traditional, customer-centric bank but one combined with the speed, efficiency, and innovation of a contemporary and agile institution.
“Last year, our loan book passed £1bn for the first time, almost all of which was lent to our valued SME customer base. We greatly value our long-standing relationship with the British Business Bank and are grateful to it for its latest investment in our new Tier 2 issuance programme. As we progressively draw down on this, we will deploy the additional regulatory capital to further support our UK SME client base with their own financing and growth ambitions.”
Peddler Market Chesterfield to host exclusive business networking event
The popular Peddler Market in Chesterfield is getting ready to welcome businesses from across the town and region to Peddler Connect, an exclusive networking session at its next market in September.
The event, which is one of the UK’s leading street food markets, launched for the first time in Chesterfield back in June and was enjoyed by visitors from Chesterfield and further afield, who enjoyed a wide range of food, drink, crafts, and live entertainment.
Visitors will once again be able to enjoy the buzz of Peddler Market in the scenic and historic setting of Chesterfield town centre next month, and the event has partnered with Destination Chesterfield to ensure businesses hear how they can get a slice of the action.
A free, informal networking session is being hosted on Friday, 15th September, offering delegates an exclusive opportunity to meet and purchase food and drink before the event opens to the public.
Luke Hood, Head of Marketing at Peddler Events commented: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming businesses to our next event in Chesterfield and are delighted to be playing our part in helping to create connections, which will benefit the local economy.
“On top of that, guests will be able to sample some of the amazing food, drink, and entertainment on offer, ensuring they can enjoy networking with a twist in a relaxed and informal setting. Our launch event in June was a huge success, and we can’t wait to welcome more people to Peddler Market Chesterfield this time around.”
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield added: “It has been fantastic to see the popularity of Peddler Market since its launch in the town this summer. We are pleased to be supporting firms by bringing them together in a unique setting and helping them to make those all-important links which businesses thrive on. I would encourage anyone in the business community to come along and enjoy the afternoon.”
Find out more about the networking event and book your place at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/peddler-connect/
Charity receives £1,500 donation from Northampton Homebuilder
Home-Start Northampton, a charity that provides support for families with young children in Northamptonshire, has received a £1,500 donation from Barratt Homes to assist with its work.
Established in 1973, Home-Start is a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under five years of age. Volunteers offer regular support, friendship, and practical help to families in their own home, helping to prevent family crisis and breakdown. The donation came as part of the Barratt Developments Plc Charitable Foundation, which is designed to support national and local charities, large and small, across the UK to leave a legacy in the communities in which the housebuilder operates. The donation will directly help support families in need by providing much needed summer outings for children who most likely wouldn’t go on holiday without them. It will also fund training for volunteers, meaning more expert support can become available to help families through challenging times. Zoe Reynolds, Manager at Home-Start Northampton, said:“We were absolutely delighted to hear we had been chosen to receive a donation from Barratt Homes. “For a large business to support local charities in this way is amazing, and it enables us to continue the work we do in the local community, ensuring vulnerable people receive the support they need. “It is our belief that children need a happy and secure childhood, and that parents play the key role in giving their children a good start in life, helping them to achieve their full potential. Through the offer of support, Home-Start empowers parents to grow in confidence, strengthen their relationships with their children and widen their links within the local community. “Our approach works with over 88% of families we support reporting an improvement in all areas of parenting, family life and children’s wellbeing and development. “We work tirelessly for those we support, so it’s especially great to see our work recognised through donations such as these. Everyone at Home-Start Northampton, staff, volunteers and our supported families would like to offer Barratt Homes our most sincere thank you.” Simon Francis, Managing Director at Barratt Homes Northampton, said:“As a leading housebuilder we strive to support the communities in and around the areas in which we build, and we are delighted to be able to offer Home-Start a donation to support the fantastic work it does. “Home-Start’s efforts align perfectly with Barratt Homes’ values of building stronger communities and creating sustainable futures for families across the county.”Scientific Laboratory Supplies get the keys to purpose-built premises at Fairham Business Park
Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS) has agreed a long-term lease with Clowes Developments for a purpose-built 56,000 sq ft property at the brand-new Fairham Business Park. The unit has recently achieved practical completion by lead contractor, TanRo, and the keys have been handed over to the client. SLS’s fit-out contractors are currently on site, completing the necessary works with the aim of being fully operational at the start of 2024.
SLS first began trading in 1991 and has since grown to become the UK’s largest independent supplier of laboratory equipment, chemicals and consumables. Having outgrown their headquarters in neighbouring town, Wilford, SLS wanted to remain local but make the move to a purpose-built facility.
The 56,000 sq ft building located on ‘plot A’ at Fairham Business Park sits prominently close to the entrance to the business park and has direct access to the A453 via Mill Hill Island. SLS’s bespoke unit will span 56,000 sq ft in total, incorporating approximately 12,000 sq ft of office space. There’s a large, secure yard with two loading docks and two-level loading doors to assist with their distribution and logistics requirements.
On a particularly wet and muddy Tuesday afternoon at the start of November last year, members of SLS’s leadership team met with Clowes Developments’ Development Director, James Richards and his team of professional advisors to officially ‘cut the sod’ and start construction. Now, eight months on, SLS is setting up their unit, ready for operations.
Tim Gilbertson, Director at FHP Property Consultants who negotiated the deal with SLS and Clowes Developments, commented, “It is a pleasure to see SLS choose Fairham for their relocation. Having worked with SLS many times over the years, I have seen first-hand the success of their business. I remember vividly my first conversation with them regarding Fairham and how, once they had seen the location of the site, enthused they were, which is why we have interest not only from SLS but so many other companies at present and are speculatively developing stock. They, like so many others, have been blown away by the connectivity of the site being outside of Nottingham’s Workplace Parking Levy but benefiting from a location that provides access to a dual carriageway link to the M1 motorway and Nottingham City Centre whilst having bus and tram stops and park & ride scheme next door to the site and being within spitting distance of East Midlands Parkway Station and of course East Midlands Airport.
It is a delight to see the way in which we have moved that first conversation through to reality and I look forward to seeing SLS grow still further at Fairham Business Park.”
James Richards, Director at Clowes Developments added: “It’s been a long time coming, but finally, Fairham is really starting to take shape. SLS will occupy the fourth unit to be built at Fairham Business Park and we are thrilled to have them on board. Fairham will become a place like no other, a combination of one million square foot of commercial development connected to a residential scheme for 3,000 brand new homes and a neighbourhood centre at the core knitting Fairham together as one. We look forward to announcing more businesses choosing to make Fairham Business Park their home over the next few months.”
Dellner Building in Burton on Trent sold for £2.9 million
Savills, on behalf of Ravensbourne Limited, has sold the Dellner Building on Wellington Road in Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, for £2.9m to a private investor. The sale price represents a net initial yield of 6.5%.
The property comprises a modern manufacturing unit extending to 32,365 sq ft which includes c.3,000 sq ft office space across two floors. The property occupies a site extending to 1.91 acres with 35 car parking spaces, two EV charging points and direct access off Wellington Road. It is let in its entirety to Silentbloc UK Limited for a term of 10 years from 1 June 2020 at a rental of £200,000 per annum.
The property is located within close proximity to the A38, which provides easy access to the Branston Junction of the A38 and national motorway network. Nearby occupiers include Wickes, B&Q, The Range, Unilever and Holland & Barrett.
Victor Ktori, head of office and commercial department at Savills Nottingham, comments: “This is a great manufacturing and office building in Burton on Trent which has an excellent location with strong roadside prominence. The investment offered the buyer a high quality building with great income in a sector in high demand.”
Dutch Software house Energy21 builds UK market presence with acquisition of Loughborough software provider Jules Energy
Energy21, a Dutch data insight company operating in the energy sector, has acquired Loughborough company Jules to provide the expanded organisation with an operating foothold and growth in the UK market.
The East Midlands firm together with Dutch branch partner Ecedo has been added to the Energy21 group expanding its employee numbers to over 100 including a UK-based operations, product and sales team. The company will continue trading under the Jules brand.
With annual revenue of around €20m this year and clients across Europe and the UK, Energy21 has established itself as one of the leading technology partners for European energy companies and consumers. It counts German chemicals giant BASF and Swedish renewables company Vattenfall among its clients.
Jos den Broeder, CEO at Jules, commented: “The acquisition of Jules by Energy21 will enable us to further grow our business and to offer a wider range of software solutions to existing and new customers in the UK and Europe.
“Becoming part of the Energy21 group brings a strong brand with an impressive track record to the UK. This positions Jules even better towards the energy supplier market, giving business prospects of at least doubling revenues in the next two years.”
The acquisition follows a rising demand for software-driven solutions across the energy sector which is growing in complexity due to rapidly changing market requirements. This includes implementing the energy price cap, the introduction of flexible contracts, and the rise of EV charging demand and EV-sharing.
With the addition of Jules’ software, Energy21 can now offer a new solution to energy suppliers and their clients. Their energy procurement platform enables business customers to independently manage electricity and gas positions. This enables the energy supplier to serve many customers in a scalable and cost-efficient way.
Alongside the Jules deal, Energy21 has also acquired Dutch SaaS company Ecedo.
Ecedo’s acquisition follows strong growth in recent years. For over a decade, the company provided software solutions to energy suppliers for traditional and dynamic contracts. With its cloud-based software, it assists more than 15 energy companies with managing, registering, and invoicing around one million customers.
Michiel Kuiper, CEO of Energy21, added: “These two acquisitions align well with Energy21’s strategy to be the go-to technology partner for energy companies. By adding the software solutions and expertise we can deepen our product offering and geographic presence. This will allow us to support more clients with more specific solutions in the energy value chain.
“Together, the group serves approximately 50 customers, from new challengers to established multinationals in Europe and the United Kingdom. What connects the teams? Passion for the energy market, deep expertise, and the ability to deliver business-critical software services securely and effectively. We are very pleased to welcome the knowledgeable teams of Ecedo and Jules.”
The acquisitions are supported by majority stakeholder Vortex Capital Partners. Jorre Bonjer, operating partner at Vortex Capital Partners commented: “Energy21, Ecedo, and Jules provide business critical software solutions that are developed based on deep market knowledge and many years of experience. With the further expansion of the product portfolio and the growing international footprint, the group is even better equipped to support current and new customers in the rapidly changing energy market.”
UK Export finance drives export success for Derbyshire-based recycling firm
A government financing guarantee helps award-winning metal recycling and waste management specialist Ward supercharge its export growth and achieve its highest annual turnover yet.
With the UK generating over 222 million tonnes of waste each year, recycling and waste management are booming sectors. They also export to a growing international market, helping this country manage its waste more sustainably while at the same time supporting jobs, boosting trade and helping to grow the economy. This is something which Ward, one of the UK’s largest independently owned recycling firms, can attest to.
The fourth-generation family business achieved record turnover and international sales in 2023 at £312m, thanks in part to backing from UK Export Finance (UKEF), the government department responsible for issuing loans, guarantees and insurance. This service is available to ensure that no viable export fails for want of finance.
Ward specialises in metal recycling and waste management, helping a range of sectors reduce their impact on the environment by collecting their materials and recycling as much as possible. It serves a growing export market for recycled scrap metal, shipping reclaimed material to a global client base.
In 2022, HSBC UK agreed to provide export funding with backing from UKEF to help Ward expand and meet significant demand for recycled metal from clients in India, Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt. HSBC UK secured a loan guarantee from UKEF for an extra £9 million in financing, with the guarantee issued under UKEF’s General Export Facility product; this allowed HSBC UK to release the funding to Ward.
Through its GEF product, UKEF provides partial guarantees to banks which help UK exporters gain access to trade finance facilities.
Ward has since used the additional funds to increase the amount of metal for export which is processed and stored at its docks in Immingham and more recently Cardiff. This allows it to load multiple ships simultaneously – each carrying up to 20,000 tonnes of material – and therefore export more metal in less time. In March 2023, less than a year after UKEF unlocked this £9 million financing deal, Ward achieved its highest monthly export sales of metals.
Tim Reid, CEO of UK Export Finance, said: “Stories like Ward’s show how UKEF, working with financial institutions like HSBC UK, can unlock new exporting opportunities for firms across the country.
“Backed by the right financing, innovative businesses like Ward are supporting growth and reducing waste in the UK whilst making global supply chains more sustainable – this is something which we are proud to support”.
James Balfour, Finance Director at Ward, said:“We have seen a phenomenal year of growth since this financing was agreed. Support from UKEF and HSBC UK has allowed us to bring our exporting business to new heights, especially in Asia and the Middle-East. I’m excited to see how our team can build on this success.”
Ward’s exporting success was recognized with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Excellence in International Trade in 2022.
Nominations close on Thursday! Enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 NOW!
With nominations closing this Thursday (31 August) for East Midlands Business Link’s prestigious Bricks Awards, don’t miss this opportunity to raise the profile of your business by submitting a nomination!
Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and outstanding developments, the annual awards attract leaders from across the region and are the perfect way for businesses to promote the work they are completing and create more buzz.
Award categories include: most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner.
A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening that will also provide plenty of chances to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region.
After winning deal of the year at last year’s event, Richard Foxon, Managing Director at Newton LDP, said: “My colleague Sam Jones and I thoroughly enjoyed the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022. The event was well attended, with some prestigious awards up for grabs. The evening offered a great opportunity to network with like-minded property folk, whilst enjoying the backdrop of Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Many thanks to all the organisers and sponsors.”
To enter your (or another) business/development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, please click on a category link below or visit this page:
To be held at:
- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
Find out who last year’s winners were here.
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on Thursday 28 September 2023 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region, and hear from Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, our keynote speaker. Dress code is standard business attire. Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
