£3.5m award to create new cutting-edge automotive training facilities in Derby
Derby College Group (DCG) are set to receive a £3.5 million capital award from the Government’s Post 16 capacity fund. This will enable DCG to provide additional capacity for 16-19 learners and create a space that meets local and national skills requirements and is reflective of learner demand.The new state-of-the-art facilities will ensure that DCG is equipped to provide training for the changing automotive technologies including the evolving requirements for electric vehicles.The new facility will be located at the back of the current Stephenson Building on the Roundhouse site in Derby. And importantly, it will be built in the most efficient and sustainable way in order to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. To accomplish this, the construction will be future-proofed and will incorporate air-source heat pumps, thermal-resistant materials and solar panels.Iain Baldwin, Director of Estate commented on the new building: “It is excellent news to be awarded this grant as this will enable us to create a building that will be totally aligned to the needs of the automotive industry. “The building will be in the region of 1150 metres and will incorporate facilities such as high-level lifts, and a double workshop and will be designed to integrate with the existing Stephenson Building. And the construction will be environmentally friendly incorporating the latest building techniques and materials.”
Steven Elliott, Head of Technology Apprenticeships said of the new build: “This facility will help strengthen the automotive skills of today’s learners and support the education of the next generation. “We want to inspire anyone who is interested in working in the automotive industry as it is an ever-changing and exciting area to work in. It really has evolved and it’s now an extremely technical industry which requires an abundance of new skills.
“So by creating this propose-built training centre, DCG will be perfectly placed to meet the needs of the learners and of the employers.”
The building is currently in the planning stage, looking at enhancing the design, finalising costings and preparing all the specifications ready to go out for tender for an anticipated date of the end of July. September 2024 is the anticipated completion date and occupancy of the building is expected in the new academic year.
80% of offices let at Chesterfield enterprise centre
After being open for just one year, 80% of offices are now let in Chesterfield’s flagship enterprise centre.
The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre was officially opened in July 2022 and to mark one year since opening an informal networking session was held on Thursday 13 July to celebrate with tenants.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for economic growth, said: “We faced many challenges when developing this building but it was a cornerstone of our Covid recovery plan and to see the building almost fully let just one year after opening shows that our local economy is strong and that Chesterfield is a great place to do business.
“The building is home to a really diverse range of businesses with lots of them being new startups that we hope will grow and thrive in our town. It was fantastic to speak with our tenants and learn more about what they do and the opportunities they are creating for local people.”
The Enterprise Centre includes 32 office suites in a range of sizes. It has meeting facilities allowing businesses to host hybrid meetings and secure cycle parking and shower facilities to allow tenants to bike to work – supporting low carbon transport options. There are also features like the break out room where businesses can network and find out how they can work together.
But the centre provides more than office space, as tenants can access bespoke business support services to help them grow and develop, supporting the creation of more jobs and boosting the local economy.
The building also boasts some first-class sustainability features which help keep energy use down and ensure the building is fit for the future – supporting to the council’s target of becoming a carbon neutral organisation by 2030.
The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre was part funded through a grant from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Investment Fund, with additional funding provided by Chesterfield Borough Council.
The region’s Residential Development of the Year to be revealed at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
With the nomination deadline nearing for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, there are 10 categories open for entry, offering a prime opportunity to showcase outstanding businesses, teams and projects at the prestigious event.
One such category is Residential Development of the Year, which can be entered here.
The winning scheme will be that which has displayed a true commitment to providing much-needed housing in the East Midlands. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Last year the award was won by Glenvale Park. Judges said: “The winners tonight were recognised for their social values, engagement with local residents, commitment to environmental and economic impact and sustainability.”
Mark Best, director of Midtown Capital, managing partner of Glenvale Park LLP, said: “We’re delighted to have received this award as recognition for our commitment to deliver a new vibrant community at Glenvale Park. Engaging with the local community has been integral to making sure that the development can generate social value for the wider community, whether it’s through providing accessible green open spaces, schools, sports facilities and other amenities as well as creating employment opportunities for the people of Wellingborough and wider Northamptonshire. We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has played a role in ensuring Glenvale Park is a place people are proud to call home.”
Runners up were Stagfield Group’s The Rise, Southwell and KMRE Group’s Hindle House.
With this year’s Residential Development of the Year award once again sponsored by Sterling Commercial Finance, Nic Rotton of Sterling Commercial Finance said: “At Sterling Commercial Finance, we are delighted to continue our support as sponsor for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023.
“As property finance specialists, it is fascinating for us to see the wide-ranging developments taking place across the region with design, functionality and sustainability at their heart. We are proud to continue our affiliation with the Residential Development of the Year category for the fifth year and we look forward to celebrating with everyone later in the year.”
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region.
Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Estate Agent, Commercial Development of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here.
The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will also receive a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
To be held at:
Submit your nominations for Residential Development of the Year here before entries close on Thursday 31 August.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region.
Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Estate Agent, Commercial Development of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here.
The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will also receive a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
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:
Could you and your business get greater value from your year-end? By James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants
James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, helps you gain more value from your year-end.
Not to be confused with the tax year-end, which is 5 April each year, the year-end date for your business is specific to you. The largest proportions of businesses tend to opt for either a 31 December or 31 March year-end.
Typically, most businesses, when it comes to their year-end, will focus primarily on finance and financial reporting, with directors, owners, and shareholders keen to know the financial outcome. Those charged with financial reporting will both be considering the preparation of financial statements as well as any potential financial year-end planning. This for many is often a task carried out hand in hand with their external accountants or auditors and tends to be a process which aims to:
- Assess the level and treatment of potential profits.
- Attempt to reduce the overall potential tax liability.
- Review capital expenditure and maximise the use of tax allowances.
- Consider tax efficient remuneration and pension contributions for directors/owners.
- Consider bonuses for staff and directors (actual payment may be made up to 9 months after the year-end).
- Consider the basis for profit extraction including dividend payments.
- Review directors’ loan accounts and act on these as necessary.
- Consider and influence the timings of transactions.
- Review and consider catching up with revenue expenditure (e.g. maintenance, mileage claims, etc.).
ONYX awarded inaugural Made in the UK, Sold to the World Award
Nottingham-based ONYX Insight has been recognised by the UK government’s Department for International Trade for its export strategy.
Recognised in the digital category, ONYX was awarded an inaugural ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ award. The company demonstrated how its innovative technology is used to help the wind industry work better and smarter, accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.
ONYX Insight’s CEO Bruce Hall received the award from Thulani Simbani, International Trade Adviser for English Regions – The Midlands, Department for Business and Trade, at the company’s headquarters on the University of Nottingham campus.
ONYX Insight provides expert data monitoring and engineering consultancy services to those in the wind industry across the globe, in addition to research and development into new technologies and products worldwide.
Bruce Hall, CEO, ONYX Insight, said: “This award is a great recognition of how ONYX Insight, an SME headquartered in Nottingham, has created a world-leading predictive maintenance solution that is used by six out of the top 10 OEMs in the wind industry around the globe. A technology solution with an engineering approach that is lowering the cost of energy, making wind energy more efficient and affordable for the world.”
New designer joins Blueprint Interiors
Workplace consultants and office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors has appointed Maninder LLoyla Lupton as a project designer.
Maninder, who lives in Derby, holds a BSC in Interior Architectural Design and has been working freelance since 2016. She has been involved in many projects ranging from conceptual ideas right through to detailed design planning for the commercial fit-out of offices, hospitality and retail venues.
Initially, she will be providing maternity cover and will be working alongside the Blueprint team to understand their client needs and translate them into creative yet functional workspaces that inspire people to be motivated at work.
The company, which is based in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, recently celebrated its 22nd anniversary and so far in 2023 has completed a number of high profile office fit out projects for the region’s top 200 companies. These included Melton Building Society, Worldline, Horiba Mira and Gleeds. Their HQ called WorkLife Central has recently undergone refurbishment to showcase the latest workplace design trends, furniture, tech and well-being aesthetics.
Commenting on her new role Maninder said: “Most workplaces in the UK (post covid) have had to consider a much needed shake up. There is no doubt in my mind that Blueprint Interiors can help businesses embrace this need for change.
“They place a lot of importance on wellbeing and understand that creating the right environment for an evolving workforce can make it an enjoyable and productive space. Now I get to enjoy working from WorkLife Central myself, it is evident that everyone here knows what they are talking about.”
In her spare time Maninder is a huge foodie so loves trying new flavours and cooking. Travelling also makes her happy and she enjoys getting lost in a new city or town with a camera. She has also volunteered with two charities in Mexico for 5 months, living with a Mexican family and is a 3rd degree black belt in kickboxing.
The Access Group acquires ResDiary to extend hospitality proposition
Access Hospitality, part of the Loughborough-headquartered Access Group, has acquired ResDiary, a provider of bookings and table management software to clients in the hospitality sector, with a particular focus on European and ANZ markets.
ResDiary’s booking and table management platform supports over 9,000 venues by maximising reservations, reducing no-shows and unlocking venue potential. The acquisition will expand the suite of products that Access Hospitality offers operators of hospitality venues, who will benefit from a greater range of solutions that best suits their bookings and table management requirements.
Henry Seddon, Managing Director of Access Hospitality, said: “We are delighted to add ResDiary to the Access Hospitality division. As well as enabling us to offer customers a greater range of tailored products to best suit their requirements, the acquisition will enable us to expand into new territories and introduce our suite of connected solutions to new customers, given ResDiary’s strength in European and ANZ markets.
“We have been particularly impressed with the strength and experience of the ResDiary management team and look forward to welcoming our new colleagues into the Access Group.”
Colin Winning, CEO of ResDiary, said: “We are thrilled to become part of Access Hospitality, a division of The Access Group. The expertise and resources of The Access Group will undoubtedly fuel our collective success and empower us with a broader range of solutions with which to offer our customers. We look forward to the opportunities and achievements ahead as we embark on this transformative new chapter together.”
Shadow Skills and Further Education Minister visits UK’s first Nuclear Skills Facility in Derby
Toby Perkins MP, Shadow Minister for Skills and Further Education, has toured the Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby, the UK’s first dedicated facility for training the next generation of nuclear engineers.
The Academy, which welcomed its first apprentices in September 2022, was established by Rolls-Royce, the University of Derby and industry partners including Derby City Council, Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC), and the National College for Nuclear.
The Academy will create a dedicated pipeline of talent to support the United Kingdom’s submarine fleet, and the new AUKUS submarine for the Australian Royal Navy. The power and propulsion for the current fleet is manufactured by Rolls-Royce from its Raynesway facility in Derby.
Toby Perkins, Member of Parliament for Chesterfield, toured the Nuclear Skills Academy and met with apprentices who are currently enrolled at the Academy. During his visit, he also participated in a roundtable discussion with representatives from the University, Rolls-Royce and University Alliance – of which the University is a member – on plans for building the UK’s future workforce.
Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “The University has played a key leading role in the development of the Nuclear Skills Academy, and we are delighted with its success to date.
“Through our apprenticeship delivery, we are producing a pipeline of outstanding graduates and engineering technicians, who are ready to meet regional and national skills needs now and in the future. By working in close partnership with industry and responding to their needs, we have together created a highly effective model that can help address the UK’s nuclear skills challenge.”
Toby Perkins MP, Shadow Minister for Skills and Further Education, said: “It was wonderful to visit the Nuclear Skills Academy today and take a tour of the facility. It was great to meet some of the apprentices at the site and to discuss with staff their future plans for apprenticeships and skills.”
Lee Warren, Engineering & Technology Director at Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd, said: “As a former apprentice myself, I know how valuable it is to learn and develop through both education and on-the-job training. As we come to the end of our first academic year at the Nuclear Skills Academy, I have been delighted by the passion, commitment and proficiency of our apprentices. Their enthusiasm is contagious and I look forward to what the next academic year will bring.”
Vanessa Wilson, Chief Executive of University Alliance, said: “The Nuclear Skills Academy is one of the best examples of how University Alliance members like the University of Derby are working with industry to deliver high-level skills for the future.
“The world is changing faster than ever. We will need high-level skills, research and innovation to build a thriving green economy and healthy society for the future. It is essential that government takes a long-term strategic view of the knowledge and skills we need as a country, and works closely with universities, industry and employers to meet those needs and enable the path to innovation and opportunity.”
Earlier this year, the University of Derby and Rolls-Royce won the ‘Employer & Training Provider Partnership Award’ at the UK Nuclear Skills Awards 2023, in recognition of the strong partnership working between the two organisations on the Nuclear Skills Academy.
Ratcliffe on Soar power station site granted planning permission to fast-track investment
The Ratcliffe on Soar power station site has received Local Development Order (LDO) planning permission status that could fast-track new investment, green industry and business projects and potentially create thousands of permanent highly-skilled jobs.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Full Council meeting passed a vote in favour of the order at a meeting yesterday (July 13).
The power station, owned by international energy company Uniper, will close at the end of September 2024 in line with government policy to end coal-fired power generation.
The LDO could now increase the speed at which planning processes could be progressed for a range of modern industrial uses and the vision for the site sets out guiding principles by which any development could be brought forward, including:
- A zero-carbon technology and energy hub for the East Midlands
- Highly skilled, well-paid jobs
- Modern industry and business uses, served by on-site sustainable energy generation and storage
- Advanced manufacturing and low-carbon energy production, for example to produce electric car batteries
- A hub for research, development, and innovation, through links with universities, business support organisations and established industry.
The Access Group expands hotel sector offerings with acquisition
Access Hospitality, part of Loughborough-headquartered Access Group, has acquired Guestline, a hotel distribution and operations platform provider.
Guestline’s cloud software platform supports over 2,900 venues in 23 countries, through its end-to-end distribution, property management and guest experience system.
The acquisition presents an opportunity for Access to expand the range of products that it is able to offer hotel operators.
Henry Seddon, Managing Director of Access Hospitality, said: “We are delighted to welcome Guestline to the Access Group. As well as enhancing our ability to serve the requirements of hotel customers through the provision of a tailored product that fulfils their operational needs, the acquisition will enable us to expand into new territories, given Guestline’s strength in European and international markets.
“We have been particularly impressed with the strength and experience of the Guestline management team and look forward to welcoming our new colleagues into the Access Group.”
Andrew McGregor, CEO of Guestline, said: “Guestline and Access are a natural fit and we are very excited to be joining the Group. The combined Group’s cloud software solution will provide the most comprehensive set of capabilities in the market, making a real difference to hoteliers across the globe.
“We look forward to working together to expand further into our existing European and Asia Pacific markets which offer very significant growth opportunities.”
Karsten Langer, Riverside Europe managing partner, added: “The sale of Guestline marks the sixth exit achieved by the Riverside Europe team over the past 18 months, and again demonstrates our ability to support leading mid-market businesses through organic and inorganic growth initiatives.
“Despite the challenges of Brexit and Covid-19, Guestline’s revenue and earnings more than doubled during our investment period.”
