Gymnastics club chain expands geographic reach with East Midlands acquisition

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Gymnastics club chain expands geographic reach with East Midlands acquisition

The fast-growing chain of gymnastics clubs named after Leeds-born Olympic medallist Nile Wilson is continuing to expand with the acquisition of a Beth Tweddle Gymnastics centre based in Mansfield.

Established in 2019 with the vision of increasing participation in the sport at all levels, the first Nile Wilson Gymnastics Club opened in Dinnington, Rotherham, and was quickly followed by a second club in Bramley, Leeds, last year and a third club in Coventry in early 2023.

The acquisition of the Nottinghamshire gymnastics club enables the business to expand into the East Midlands as it pursues its vision of creating a network of gymnastics clubs around the UK that ‘change the game’ by delivering unique and more engaging activities, balanced against the requirements of gymnastics programmes. The clubs are suitable for all ages, offering pre-school programmes and recreational gymnastics for 4-16 year olds, through to adult gymnastics.

Beth Tweddle Gymnastics will be re-branded as Nile Wilson Gymnastics Mansfield and is already open at Portland Retail Park.

The venue features an 8,000 square foot facility with state-of-the-art equipment for gymnasts, and Nile Wilson Gymnastics has also taken a lease for the entire first floor of the premises which it plans to refurbish to provide a 21,000 square foot gym in total which will make it one of the most significant facilities in the Midlands, able to host regional and national gymnastics events.

The venue also features parent viewing areas with cafeteria facilities, as well as changing and toilet facilities. It is expected that more jobs for coaches in the Midlands will be created as the club more than doubles capacity at the Mansfield club.

The acquisition completed on 2 August with Nile Wilson Gymnastics once again supported by Leeds law firm Clarion, which also advised on its Leeds and Coventry sites. The Clarion team included Caitlin Hare (corporate) and Grace Allison (property).

Luke Sutton, director of Nile Wilson Gymnastics, said: “We are absolutely delighted that we have made this acquisition and opened Nile Wilson Gymnastics Mansfield. As a group of people, led by Nile, we are laser focused on creating the best possible gymnastics experience for both gymnasts and parents at all our clubs. Our aim is for everyone to leave our clubs with a smile on their face.

“We have some major development plans for our club in Mansfield and it will become a centre point for gymnasts and coaches in the Midlands. Our overall business continues to go from strength to strength and this acquisition is another step forward in an exciting journey that we have mapped out.”  

Caitlin Hare of Clarion adds: “It’s really satisfying to see such a successful Yorkshire-based business continuing to grow and expand beyond the region. We look forward to work alongside the Nile Wilson Gymnastics team as it pursues its ambitious vision.”

The Access Group acquires care tech firm

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The Access Group acquires care tech firm

Loughborough-based The Access Group has acquired Oysta Technology Ltd. This strategic purchase enables the Access Health, Support and Care (HSC) division to incorporate additional technology that bridges the gap between health and social care.

Established in 2008 and operating in the UK and Spain, Oysta Technology specialises in care technology solutions aimed at promoting safe, independent living and relieving pressure on health and social care systems. Their digital care platforms facilitate effective decision-making, prioritisation and personalised care, to deliver better individual outcomes.

Access HSC is a software provider for health, local government and care organisations. The acquisition of Oysta will further enhance its ecosystem of software solutions designed to help the NHS and Local Government plan for long-term challenges and targeted care provision.

Steve Sawyer, Managing Director of Access Health, Support and Care, said: “Welcoming Oysta into the Access family reflects our strategy of continuing to make a real difference in the provision of technology enabled care.

“Oysta combine cutting-edge technology with user-friendly devices that supports an individual’s independence and gives them the freedom to live their lives or carry out their job with the reassurance that help is at hand should they need it.

“The addition of the Oysta product range means that we lead the way in the provision of powerful care and support solutions for use in home and in business. Combined with Access Assure and alongside other Access HSC solutions, we can better support healthcare professionals and family members take a much more proactive and preventative approach to digital care and offer much more in the way of truly personalised care.“

Founder of Oysta, Mario Zuccaro said: “Over 17 years ago, I embarked on a journey to foster inclusivity, improve the lives of Vulnerable Independent People (VIPs) and transform the care delivery paradigm. I am convinced that Access is the ideal partner to realise Oysta’s mission. 

“Together, we will prioritise the safety of VIPs both at home and on the go, empower social care teams with informed decision-making, facilitate preventative care and bridge the gap between health and social care.”

Oysta currently collaborates with a wide range of partners in the UK and Ireland, including Local Authorities, Social Care Providers, Housing Associations, Care Homes and NHS Trusts, to efficiently manage immediate and long-term care needs.

Steve Sawyer continued: “We look forward to working alongside the Oysta team to facilitate safer patient discharges, reduce delayed transfers of care and lower overall care costs. 

“Leveraging the digital intelligence offered by the IntelliCare™ platform, we aim to minimise ambulance callouts and hospital admissions through our 24/7 service. Together, we are in an excellent position to drive a significant transformation in health and social care.” 

Oysta’s shareholders were advised by Pete Jennings, Ryan Shields and Soleiman Ben Sufia of Grant Thornton and Ian Morris, David Baverstock and Lisle Gannon of law firm Marriott Harrison.

Grant Thornton director Ryan Shields said: “Oysta is a superb innovator in its field, making a big difference to its users’ lives through the use of technology. It is now very well-placed to accelerate its impressive growth thanks to this strategic sale to The Access Group.

“Digital healthcare is a fast-growing sector and we are seeing strong demand from both trade and private equity investors for high quality, scaleable businesses such as Oysta.”

Chesterfield packaging manufacturer slips to a loss

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Chesterfield packaging manufacturer slips to a loss
Chesterfield-headquartered packaging manufacturer Robinson plc has slipped to a loss, while revenue has declined, in the six months ended 30 June 2023. According to interim results, revenue during the business’s first half was £24.3m, down 4.3% from £25.4m in the same period of 2022. Meanwhile, Robinson posted a loss before tax of almost £900,000, dropping from a profit of £2.8m last year. The results follow the implementation of a restructuring program in June, with exceptional costs of £400,000 and annual savings of £700,000, of which £400,000 will benefit 2023. Alan Raleigh, chairman, said: “The results for the first half of 2023 reflect the current very challenging macroeconomic conditions, which we expect to continue for the rest of 2023. Despite these conditions, we are now seeing more new business activity with existing and potential new customers, which provides opportunities for additional sales in 2023 and beyond. “We are progressing well with the previously announced major project in Denmark, with production equipment now installed in our factory and product trials underway; this investment is expected to begin to benefit sales and profit from 2024. “The demand slowdown that we anticipated has supressed volumes and resulted in lower than desired sales and earnings in the first half of 2023, however, we expect higher sales volumes due to recent business wins and seasonality, and the benefit of the restructuring program actioned in June, to lead to an improved result in the second half of the year. “Based on trading in the first half and our anticipated pipeline, we expect adjusted operating profit in the 2023 financial year to be marginally ahead of 2022 and in line with current expectations. “We continue to progress our surplus property disposal agenda, which along with the buy-out of the defined benefit pension scheme and return of the escrow funds will reduce indebtedness and result in a simpler and more streamlined organisation which is able to compete and win in a volatile marketplace. “We remain committed in the medium-term to delivering above-market profitable growth and our target of 6-8% adjusted operating margin.”

Just 2 weeks remain to make your nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023!

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Just 2 weeks remain to make your nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023!
With only two weeks remaining until nominations close for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, ensure to submit your entries for the annual celebration of the property and construction industry by Thursday 31 August. Scheduled to take place on Thursday 28 September, the Bricks shine a light on the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. The glittering awards ceremony revealing winners, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, will also offer the perfect chance to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. The event will additionally feature Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, as keynote speaker. Nominations for the awards are open until Thursday 31 August. 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:
The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will also be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
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:

Former Job Centre site acquired as part of Northampton redevelopment plans

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Former Job Centre site acquired as part of Northampton redevelopment plans
The former Job Centre located in Wood Street, Northampton, has been purchased by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) as part of the ongoing redevelopment of 35 – 45 Abington Street. The site is in the heart of the town centre, set just behind Abington Street and the Grosvenor Centre. Having sat vacant for more than a decade the site has fallen into disrepair. WNC has stepped in and bought the building to ensure that this site benefits from restoration and provides high-quality homes and services for the local community. The £475,000 freehold price plus costs, was funded through the Towns Fund, which is allocated by Government to enable WNC to transform Northampton Town Centre. WNC has been able to acquire this site to form part of the wider regeneration of the former BHS and M&S stores. The Towns Fund is part of the Government’s plan for Levelling Up the UK economy and the Council has secured £24.9 million to invest into transforming Northampton’s Town Centre. The completion coincides with the Expression for Interests as WNC seeks a development partner for the site. The site will undergo extensive redevelopment to deliver modern leisure or retail spaces to the ground floor with new homes for residents above. Through the densification of the site, it will bring forward new homes and flexible leisure space and which will lead to increased footfall into the centre to support the existing retail offer within the wider town. The next phase of the project on the former BHS property will see the large central building, measuring approximately 60,000 sq ft undergo a full internal strip out and the removal of any asbestos containing materials. This will ensure the building is safe and secure and enable the Council to bring forward the regeneration project at the earliest opportunity. Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at WNC, said: “Ensuring that Northampton is a place where residents and businesses can thrive is a significant priority for us as a council, and the redevelopment of both Wood Street and 35-45 Abington Street will transform this area for our communities. “I would like to thank our partners Evolve for their support in acquiring and completing on the purchase of the building. “We look forward to beginning the next stages of the project to enhance this area and to shape the future of the town, ensuring that it offers opportunities for businesses and residents alike.” These works form part of the Northampton Town Centre Masterplan (2019). The wider regeneration of Northampton Town Centre includes the Market Square redevelopment which will see this area become a cultural hub for the town centre, and public realm works in Abington Street and Fish Street which will see the area transformed with new paving, improved seating, lighting and landscaping, and public art installations.

Work to start this month at Sherwood Observatory for new Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre

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Work to start this month at Sherwood Observatory for new Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre
The countdown is on until ground is broken on site at Sherwood Observatory later this month as work starts on the new Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre. The construction of the Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre at Sherwood Observatory is one of the projects being funded by Ashfield District Council’s £62.6m Towns Fund. The contracts have now been signed and work will start on the new building at the end of August, with a planned finish of late 2024. Plans for the site are ambitious and aim to create a unique, world-class facility that will rival those elsewhere in the UK. The observatory, on Coxmoor Road, sits alongside a Victorian subterranean reservoir which will be sympathetically transformed into an education and exhibition space. The original features of the reservoir, such as the intricate brick arches, will be kept preserving the history of the building. The Planetarium will be built on top of the reservoir and will immerse visitors in space with a wraparound experience. Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society (MSAS), who own and run the observatory, currently run outreach programmes with local schools, group visits for adult and children’s groups, public open events and night schools and the new building will allow them to expand this valuable work in Ashfield and beyond. Schools, clubs, groups, businesses, and individuals will all benefit from having a cutting-edge facility in Ashfield; it will broaden horizons, educate and inspire, and add to the District’s visitor economy. In January 2023, it was announced that £3.1m from the government’s Levelling Up Fund had been awarded to the project. Since then MSAS have been working to secure match funding and they have now received contributions from The Garfield Weston Foundation, Foyle Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, and National Lottery Heritage Fund that total £850,000. Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Planning and Regeneration, said: “Everyone knows how excited we are for this project, and we can’t wait for the building to begin. The observatory is already a great asset to the District, but with the new centre and planetarium it will become world-class. “The importance of having access to a purpose-built science facility locally can’t be underestimated; allowing children and adults who can’t necessarily travel to London or Birmingham or Leicester the chance to experience the magic of space on their doorstep. “This is just one of the 16 projects being financed by our Towns Fund, which will transform the District, drive regeneration across our towns, and give Ashfield a new identity. We want Ashfield to be known as a place of innovation, somewhere people are proud to be from, and people want to visit, and the Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre will certainly put us on the map.” Steve Wallace, Planetarium Project Manager, said: “Sherwood Observatory is dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap within our community. We will do this through an ambitious outreach programme that uses astronomy as a means of inspiring people of all ages to take an interest in STEM subjects and careers, particularly for disadvantaged young residents, through extracurricular activities and a world-class visitor attraction. “Recognising that we can inspire the next generation of employees and entrepreneurs, we would love more businesses to get involved. The project team have developed a pledge list for those who share our vision, so please get in touch and add your name to this fantastic project.”

New University of Nottingham research to help small businesses improve cyber security

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New University of Nottingham research to help small businesses improve cyber security
A new research project has been launched to help businesses understand and improve their cyber security and streamline access to targeted support.
Experts from the University of Nottingham’s School of Computer Science have been awarded almost £700,000 funding from EPSRC to lead a project to enhance understanding of SMEs’ cyber security support needs and their ability to address them. The research aims to establish pilot Cyber Security Communities of Support (CyCOS), bringing together SMEs and advisory sources for practical help and support. The UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey indicates that half of small and a third of micro businesses experienced breaches or attacks in the last year. Whilst they do seek external guidance in relation to cyber security, they do so via a huge range of sources, and often find themselves overwhelmed with information and unable to understand the advice. The research team includes Dr Maria Bada from Queen Mary University of London and Dr Jason Nurse from the University of Kent and is led by Steven Furnell, Professor of Cyber Security at the University of Nottingham. Steven Furnell, Professor of Cyber Security at the University of Nottingham, said: “Businesses know there is a need to protect themselves from cyber attacks, but knowing just how to do this and where to go for trusted help can be a minefield. “We want to make the process of accessing help easier and more targeted. Our research will improve understanding of SME needs and the perspective of those that they turn to for support. We will then use these insights as a foundation for the design and evaluation of a new and more accessible model for support with the Communities of Support pilots.” The research will investigate the support needs of small businesses, to establish their current understanding and confidence around cyber security, and their awareness and perceptions of available support. The investigation will seek to determine the scenarios in which cyber security advice is sought (e.g. during product evaluation, at point of purchase, in response to threats and incidents), and whether it is deemed effective. The project will also analyse support routes available to these businesses, focusing on the coverage and consistency of advice, as well as the confidence and capacity of those providing it. Research findings will be used to establish three pilot CyCOS which will include the creation of an online Support Broker, enabling the SMEs to identify support needs and contact advisory sources positioned to help them (which, as the community develops and grows in experience, may include peer support from other SMEs). The project offers upskilling opportunities for advisors and interested SMEs, via foundational cyber security certification to increase their related knowledge and capability. The research is supported by strong industry collaboration, with partners including the Home Office, (ISC)2, IASME, the Chartered Institute of Information Security, the Centre for the New Midlands, and three regional Cyber Resilience Centres. Professor Furnell adds: “This project is an exciting opportunity to plug a gap that exists in cyber security for SME’s. We hope that if successful the CyCOS model could be rolled out nationally and become a vital tool in the fight against cyber attacks.”

First turf turned as work starts on new school build

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First turf turned as work starts on new school build

Work has begun on a new special school in Leicestershire. Bowman Academy will provide support for up to 65 pupils aged five to 16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

Based at the former site of St Botolph’s Primary School in Shepshed, facilities will include a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and a variety of classrooms, including science and art studios.

It will also feature a music room, a sensory / immersion room and a quiet, calming room, as well as a dedicated outdoor learning area and a car park and drop-off points.

The sustainably built school is being constructed by contractors Bowmer + Kirkland for the Department for Education and will be run by the Community Inclusive Trust (CIT), which heads up several schools including Foxfields Academy, a specialist SEMH school in Blaby.

A spokesperson for Bowmer + Kirkland said: “This is our tenth year of working for the DfE and we are delighted to be starting construction of the Bowman Academy, which will provide a sustainable and modern environment conducive to learning and developing the students of the academy.”

The school is being built using more sustainable methods, where ‘modules’ are constructed off-site and then assembled and installed on-site. This reduces waste, means less transportation is needed and uses renewable materials.

Bowman Academy is due to open in September 2024.

Irish engineering company chooses Chesterfield for UK HQ

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Irish engineering company chooses Chesterfield for UK HQ

One of Ireland’s leading industrial automation and electrical engineering companies has opened its UK headquarters in the centre of Chesterfield.

NeoDyne’s newly recruited team, based at the company’s state-of-the-art Spire Walk office, was joined at the launch by Toby Perkins MP, Shadow Minister for Skills and Further Education; local councillors Jenny Flood and Keith Miles, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council Amanda Serjeant; and Dom Stevens from Destination Chesterfield.

Referring to Chesterfield’s long history of engineering excellence, Matt Close, UK Business Lead, said NeoDyne was harnessing the area’s potential and local talent to guarantee the success of the office. “Chesterfield was the ideal location to base our UK headquarters, with its accessibility to the midlands and the north,” he said. “We are proud to invest in and support the local economy and to work closely with Destination Chesterfield to champion the area.”

Matt Close joined NeoDyne at the start of the year, bringing over 25 years’ experience of working with leading UK automation and engineering companies. He will head up the Chesterfield team.

Introducing Matt, Martin Farrell, NeoDyne MD, said: “With his industrial background, knowledge of our sectors and business connections, Matt brings a wealth of experience and local knowledge to the team. Matt has already grown our UK operation to 15 engineers with plans for significant further expansion. I am confident our UK office will go from strength to strength under his leadership.”

The launch was also attended by representatives from local universities, including Sam Trafford, Andrea Huidan and Greg Stewart, University of Sheffield; and Joe Hockney and John Sorsby, Sheffield Hallam University.

Thanking them for attending, Matt said: “Working with local institutions like Sheffield Hallam University and The University of Sheffield has helped us build a talented and skilled UK-based team. This talent pipeline is another key factor behind our decision to base ourselves in Chesterfield. We are committed to partnering with local universities to help develop future engineering talent through placement and graduate recruitment programmes.”

Toby Perkins MP said: “I am delighted to be joining NeoDyne for the opening ceremony of their new premises in Chesterfield. It is a real show of confidence in our town that NeoDyne has chosen to open here, bringing with them new jobs, and helping to boost the local economy. The company is bringing in highly-skilled jobs and will be a welcome addition to the strong engineering and manufacturing base we have here in Chesterfield.

“Manufacturing in Chesterfield has changed from the days when thousands turned up at factory gates every morning, but still there are products across the world, that are ‘Made in Chesterfield’. I look forward to formally welcoming NeoDyne to our town and discussing their plans for the future.”

Pick Everard takes place on £1.6bn national framework agreement

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Pick Everard takes place on £1.6bn national framework agreement
Extending its delivery of pan public sector services, multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has been appointed to NHS Shared Business Services’ new £1.6bn framework agreement.
Operating across a four-year term, the move will see the firm deliver each of its core services and more across ten lots of the NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) Healthcare Planning, Construction Consultancy & Ancillary Services Framework Agreement, spanning architectural and project management services to net zero environmental consultancy.
Open to local authorities, emergency services, higher education, NHS and the wider public sector, the new agreement builds on the previous NHS SBS Framework Agreement and a nine-year working relationship Pick Everard has held with the organisation on the NHS SBS framework agreement.
Alex Hamilton-Jordan, associate director at Pick Everard, said: “This agreement provides an efficient route to market to procure our services, and offers flexibility for organisations to adapt to meet their requirements.  
“Collaboratively, we aim to deliver better, together. Nothing can be achieved in isolation, and key to our continued success on this framework will be to engage and work with a full range of partners throughout the supply chain, including local SMEs that can offer valued, local insight.  
“We’re excited and open to the opportunities this will bring to appoint our professional services, engaging public bodies through the framework agreement.”
Pick Everard has successfully delivered a wide range of projects through the existing NHS SBS framework agreement, including the relocation of congenital heart services for the Leicester Children’s Hospital in 2021 – which had been threatened with closure until campaigning efforts ensured the centre received part of a £450m pot of government funding.
The firm also designed and managed a £250m+ schools expansion programme for the London Borough of Hounslow, which delivered more than 1,000 new school places.  
Alastair Hamilton, partner at Pick Everard, said: “Our strength as a business is being able to create a positive impact for local communities, that scale regionally and nationally. We’ve made huge strides in growing our operation over the past five years, and part of this owes to our framework appointments, which have a real focus on quality, a broad range of service delivery and technical excellence.
“We’re hugely proud to be able to continue our journey with NHS SBS and the success the framework agreement delivers – ensuring the best possible outcomes for clients and end-users.”
Melissa King, senior category manager – construction and infrastructure at NHS SBS, said: “We’re excited to launch our Healthcare Planning, Construction Consultancy and Ancillary Services framework agreement, which replaces our successful Construction Consultancy Services 2 framework agreement.
“It is designed to support the NHS and wider public sector by providing high-quality, innovative and cost-effective solutions through UK-wide coverage, a unique depth of expertise and a broad range of suppliers.”
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