Ultra Events smashes £30m charity fundraising target

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Ultra Events smashes £30m charity fundraising target

A company that helps adventurous people fulfil life-affirming ambitions while raising money for charity has hit its much-anticipated £30m fundraising target.

Derby-based Ultra Events, which operates across the UK, from Exeter to Inverness and Norwich to Belfast, has achieved its magic milestone in just nine years.

The firm lays on ‘experience’ events including white collar boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), ballroom dancing, mountain climbing and stand-up comedy, and provides participants with eight weeks of free training prior to their event.

More than 150,000 individuals have taken up the challenges since Ultra Events launched in 2009, with formal tracking of fundraising starting in 2014.

Now that the firm’s original £30m target has been surpassed this week, participants can raise money for any charity of choice.

Ultra Events’ Jon Leonard said: “We are so proud to have facilitated donations of such a massive amount in such a short space of time.

“At the same time, we have provided an outlet for thousands of people to fulfil their dreams, maybe get fit in the process and all the while doing it for a good cause.

“Participants can choose their own charity to raise funds for, so we will hopefully support even more worthy causes and bring even more adventurous people on board.”

The most popular challenge is the Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB) programme, where participants receive eight weeks of intensive training followed by a nerve-wracking fight night in a boxing arena, taking on other Ultra Events challengers.

UWCB is followed by MMA, ballroom dancing and stand-up comedy in the popularity stakes. Participation in many of the events, particularly ballroom dancing, was badly affected by the Covid pandemic, which makes the firm’s fundraising achievement even more spectacular.

The most amount raising at a single event was £67,087 at a London UWCB event in 2019, while the record amount of funds raised through Ultra Events in a single day has topped £100,000.

The highest individual fundraisers over the years include Mark Solan, from Durham, who raised more than £22,000 for his UWCB challenge in 2015, while Derby’s Steph Snooks has so far raised over £20,000 for her UWCB event that’s due to take place in October.

This week’s £30m target has been achieved by the contingent of participants who are currently fundraising for their forthcoming challenges at around 160 events across the UK this autumn and winter.

“It’s a case of scale,” said Jon. “Most people raise a few hundred pounds, which all adds up to create an amazing sum.

“We’re blown away that we’ve managed to change so many people’s lives and enable them to do things that they otherwise would never have been brave enough to attempt.

“So, whether you want to be punched in the face, kicked in the leg, trip over your two left feet or make an audience laugh, we’ve pretty much got it covered.

“Everyone is pushed out of their comfort zone, but not a single person has regretted taking up their challenge over the years.”

Autumn boost for East Midlands businesses as start-ups increase, cashflow improves and insolvency-related activity falls

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Autumn boost for East Midlands businesses as start-ups increase, cashflow improves and insolvency-related activity falls

A late summer hike in the number of start-up businesses in the East Midlands, as well as indications of improving cashflow and a drop in insolvency-related activity, could give the region’s economy a much-needed boost heading into the final quarter of 2023.

This is according to the Midlands branch of national insolvency and restructuring trade body R3, and is based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe.

R3’s figures show a month-on-month rise of 4.10% in the number of businesses set up in the East Midlands in August, while the quantity of debts owed by liquidated firms in the region fell by a sizeable 10.68% over the same time period.

There has also been a significant month-on-month decrease of 19.62% in insolvency-related activities in the region, which include liquidator and administrator appointments as well as creditors’ meetings.

R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a director at law firm Thursfields in the region, said: “This research reveals some positive news for the East Midlands, with an indication of growing business confidence. We should remain tentative, however, in how we view these figures in the context of a hugely challenging economic backdrop.

“Inflation, higher wage and utility bills, plus the rising cost of borrowing are but a few of the factors impacting heavily on the profitability of local businesses as they fight hard to survive and thrive.

“Our advice to any directors who are worried about the viability of their company, start-up or otherwise, is to seek professional help and to do it as soon as possible. Many R3 members offer a free consultation to those who wish to explore their options.”

Growing Nottingham wealth management company makes new appointment

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Growing Nottingham wealth management company makes new appointment

Independent financial planning and wealth management specialists Stephen Eve Financial Planning has bolstered its team with the appointment of Rav Jackson.

Rav will be based at Stephen Eve’s office on Regent Street, Nottingham, and will join the company as Trainee Paraplanner. Having previously worked at Cockburn Lucas Independent Financial Consulting Limited and The RU Group, Rav brings several years of experience to the team and will play an important role in supporting clients and the future growth of the business.

Commenting on his appointment, Rav Jackson said: “Joining a new business and having the opportunity to play an integral part in its growth really appealed to me, so I am thrilled to be joining Stephen Eve and looking forward to taking the next step in my career.”

Stephen Eve Financial Planning was established in 2022 by Chartered Financial Planner Ben Slater and marketing specialist Danielle Slater. It already has over £20 million in funds under management with clients drawn to the firm’s practical, holistic approach to financial planning.

Ben Slater began his career in wealth management aged 18 by undertaking an apprenticeship with The RU Group where his talent was spotted and developed. In 2019, he became one of the youngest Chartered Financial Planners in the UK and also scooped the ‘High Achiever of the Year’ award from the Chartered Insurance Institute.

Danielle specialises in marketing strategy, particularly around the customer journey and building loyalty, from acquisition to retention. During her career she has delivered campaigns for Boots, Chanel, Dior, Philips, L’Oréal as well as numerous SMEs across the Midlands.

Ben said: “It has been a successful first year for the business and we are delighted that so many people have trusted us to look after their financial future. Throughout my career, I have always valued continual professional development and training very highly, and this is a founding principal of Stephen Eve. Having in depth and up-to date knowledge means we can help our clients achieve their financial ambitions.

“We will be investing significantly in Rav’s ongoing training and development. He will be completing the CII Aspire Apprenticeship which will see him achieve the Diploma in financial planning after 18 months. He will also learn the client facing skills through ongoing work with us. I am excited to have Rav on board and to be laying further foundations in the growth of our business.”

£1.9m funding boost for new leisure centre in Clay Cross

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£1.9m funding boost for new leisure centre in Clay Cross
North East Derbyshire District Council has secured a £1.9m funding boost from Sport England as part of the development of the new Clay Cross Active Leisure Centre. Sport England has been working closely with North East Derbyshire District Council for more than 8 years, assisting with strategy work, playing a key part as active members of the Clay Cross Town Board and generally supporting the development of the new facility which will replace the current sports centre at Sharley Park. The £1.9m funding will go towards delivering the project, which will boast a range of sport, wellness and community assets:
  • 6 lane x 25m pool & spectator seating
  • Teaching Pool
  • 4 badminton court sports hall
  • 100 station fitness suite
  • 2 studios (1 group exercise, 1 group cycling)
  • Treatment room
  • Soft play & TAG active
  • Multi-purpose room
  • Full size, floodlit 3G pitch
  • Citizens Advice
  • Clinic Facilities
  • Café
  • Wellness Suite to cater for people of all fitness levels, those less mobile, suffering from illness or undergoing post-operative rehabilitation
The facility is set to open in the winter of 2024 (timings estimated at this stage) and is part of the wider Clay Cross Town Deal regeneration and developments which will transform the town. North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Health and Leisure, Cllr Kathy Rouse said: “We are genuinely delighted to have Sport England on board as a partner and are grateful for their funding contribution to help deliver this fantastic project. “Their support and expertise has ensured the new centre meets the needs of the community and includes learning from other new build leisure centres from across the country. “You can see the progress being made on site and I can’t wait for Clay Cross Active to open.” Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director of Place, Sport England, said: “This is an exciting project that will enable a community to come together and reap the benefits of sport and physical activity. “We will continue to work with North East Derbyshire Council as development of the Clay Cross Active leisure centre reaches a critical stage, supporting in the construction of the facility to ensure the centre delivers on its promise of being a low carbon, low energy facility and a hub for all the community for years to come.”

Derby City Council seeks talks with Alstom as job losses announced

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Derby City Council seeks talks with Alstom as job losses announced
Derby City Council are to seek talks with Alstom as they have announced that job losses are expected in Derby due to delays with future contracts. The Council has pledged to play its part in supporting the company, and is urging Government to work with Alstom, as it attempts to mitigate a major fall off in production as a result of delays in new train orders. Alstom is the UK & Ireland’s leading supplier of new trains and train services, having built, or building, just under 40% of the UK mainline train fleet; as well as the entire fleets in service with London Underground. The company is one of Derby’s largest private sector employers, employing 2,000 highly skilled people who design and build trains at their Derby Litchurch site, which is the UK’s only train factory. Councillor Baggy Shanker, leader of Derby City Council, said he would be taking steps to work with the city employer to understand how Derby City Council could assist and support. “We’re shocked to hear the national media coverage today. The Litchurch Lane factory site is a unique asset for Derby and we understand the impact these job losses will have on our residents and the wider region. “As a Council, we’re ready to play our part and urge the Government and unions to work closely with Alstom to ensure a sustainable future for the factory, which would not only benefit the thousands of staff at the site, but many more across the local supply chain. “The rail sector is immensely important to the city, and was recognised earlier this year with Derby being named the home for the new Great British Railways headquarters. We stand with Alstom and their workers during this challenging time and pledge to support wherever we can.”

Acquisitive wealth management business sees strong results

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Acquisitive wealth management business sees strong results

Specialist wealth and asset management business, Mattioli Woods has welcomed increased profit, revenue and client assets in its final results for the year ended 31 May 2023. 

Total client assets of the group and its associate rose 2.7% to £15.3bn, up from £14.9bn in the year prior. Meanwhile profit before tax at the company grew to £11.9m from £8m.

Revenue increased 2.8% to £111.2m, from £108.2m, driven by a combination of continued organic revenue growth, positive contribution from acquisitions, increased total value of new client wins and improved new client lead generation.

During the year, Mattioli Woods acquired Doherty Pension & Investment Consultancy Limited and a 50.1% stake in White Mortgages Limited.

Ian Mattioli MBE, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The last few years have been complex for our clients. This has reinforced our commitment to putting clients first and developing our service offering.

“We are building a business that is sustainable and ethical, but resilient over the long term, and I am pleased to report this approach has delivered revenue growth of 2.8% to £111.2m, reflecting the combined impact of organic growth of 3.7% and the revenue contribution of recent acquisitions being partially offset by the market impact on ad valorem, placement and performance fees.

“Adjusted EBITDA was up 1.8% to £33.2m and adjusted EBITDA margin was 29.8% with the positive impact of the change in revenue mix following the acquisitions made during the current and prior year being partially offset by inflationary increases in administrative expenditure. 

“Basic EPS was up 79.9% to 14.9p and adjusted EPS of 47.8p was down (0.9%). The Board is pleased to propose a final dividend of 18.0p per share. This makes a proposed total dividend for the year of 26.8p a year-on-year increase of 2.7%, demonstrating our desire to deliver value to shareholders and confidence in the outlook for our business.   

“We expect the current macroeconomic conditions and recent legislative changes to drive continued demand for high quality advice as we expand capacity within our adviser training academy to train a greater number of advisers each year, seeking to capitalise on the current ‘advice gap’ and drive strong organic growth in our financial planning and specialist pension consultancy businesses.

“We are progressing our other strategic initiatives, including the roll-out of our new, Group-wide client relationship management system Xplan. We are confident in the resilience of our business model and excited by the opportunity to accelerate growth and make meaningful progress towards our strategic goals.

“While inflationary cost pressures and investment in our strategic initiatives may impact margins in the short term, we are confident that we will continue to deliver attractive, long-term sustainable shareholder returns.

“Our focus remains on delivering great client outcomes. We have continued to develop our client proposition, reviewing the range of investment management options we offer and identifying opportunities to enhance the proposition and realise revenue synergies across the Group. The implementation of Consumer Duty regulations brings a welcome focus to the value that clients derive from the various services we offer and accords with our principles of integrity and professionalism.

“Previously acquired businesses are integrating well, with synergies being realised and additional cross-sell opportunities targeted for the new financial year.

“There continues to be a high level of M&A activity in the wealth and asset management sector and we were pleased to complete the acquisition of Doherty and our investment in White during the year. We have a strong pipeline of bolt-on acquisition opportunities to assess, as well as potentially more substantial opportunities in the longer term. We plan to build on our track record of successful acquisitions by continuing to assess and progress opportunities that meet our strict criteria. 

“Our Executive team continues to bring new ideas to drive further growth and generate sustainable shareholder returns. We were pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Wright as Deputy Chief Executive Officer to lead and support the delivery of certain strategic goals alongside his current responsibilities.

“I wish to thank David Kiddie for serving a 3-year term as Non-Executive Director and more recently as Non-Executive Chair as he steps down from this role at the next AGM as part of our long-term strategic planning. We are pleased to retain David’s services in a consultancy role with the Group given his expertise and extensive career background in investment management.

“His insight will be invaluable to support the continued development and structure of the Group’s investment proposition required to deliver our next phase of growth. 

“Over 31 years since founding the company, I continue to be thankful and humbled by the enduring culture of professionalism, positive mindset and commitment that our entire team continues to show when managing our clients’ affairs throughout another complex year. I look forward to the future with confidence.” 

All wilko shops to close as rescue fails

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All wilko shops to close as rescue fails
Wilko’s administrators have informed all staff that they will be commencing the closure of all wilko stores, the two distribution centres and the cessation of the majority of activities of the Support Centre. “Despite extensive efforts,” PwC say, “it has become clear that no significant part of the wilko operations can be rescued as a going concern.” It is anticipated that all stores will be closed by early October, resulting in the redundancies of a further 9,100 employees in those stores. Staff at 124 stores were informed yesterday that those outlets will close on, or before, Thursday 21 September. Timings for the closure of the remaining 222 stores will be announced in due course. The closure of distribution centre (DC) operations is expected to take place on Friday 15 September, with the majority of the remaining 886 DC employees being made redundant on that date. Further redundancies of the remaining 210 support centre employees will take place during September and early October as operations wind down. The administrators’ dedicated employee team will continue to help provide support, including assisting in the statutory redundancy claims process and ensuring the dedicated employee helpline remains in place to address any employee queries. Company support systems with access to further advice and resources will remain active. The administrators continue to liaise closely with the government, agencies, unions and large employers to help create avenues to further employment opportunities for staff, with the aim of helping team members quickly return to employment. This includes any and all transactions that may lead to stores opening quickly under other brands as a platform for future employment. Zelf Hussain, joint administrator, says: “Despite the significant and intensive efforts of both ourselves and Putman Investments – the remaining party interested in buying a significant part of the business as a going concern – a transaction could not be progressed due to the inability to reduce central infrastructure costs quickly enough to make a deal commercially viable. “The dedication shown by all team members during this period has been hugely humbling and we are grateful for the patience and understanding they have shown. As with those who have already been given notice of redundancy, we will guide and support those team members impacted over the coming weeks through the redundancy claims process. We also continue to collaborate closely with relevant agencies and engage with any potential employers to help facilitate a quick return into new employment for those impacted. “We continue to work with potential buyers for different parts of the business and are confident of completing transactions in the coming days.” The following 38 stores will close on Sunday 17 September with final day for employees on Tuesday 19 September: Accrington, Ashington, Blackwood, Bognor Regis, Bradford, Bury St Edmunds, Coalville, Crawley, Droylsden, Ellesmere Port, Falkirk, Ferndown, Hanley, Humberstone, Huyton, Kensington High Street, Kings Heath, Lakeside, Leigh, Letchworth, Maidenhead, Market Harborough, Melton Mowbray, Newport, Orpington, Pontefract, Pontypool, Redruth, Rugeley, Shirley, Southport, Sovereign Harbour, Torquay, Wimbledon, Wombwell, Woodhouse Lane – Leeds, Worcester, Workington. The following 38 stores will close on Tuesday 19 September with final day for employees on Wednesday 20 September: Aberdare, Alfreton, Ashby, Barnstaple, Belper, Beverley, Blackheath, Brigg, Byker, Chepstow, Clifton Nottingham, Colindale, Devizes, Didcot, Earlestown, East Ham, Great Bridge, Greenbridge, Grimsby, Hessle Road – Hull, Jarrow, Kimberley, Leighton Buzzard, Long Eaton, Maesteg, Matlock, Middleton, Newton Abbot, Redcar, Ripley, Seaham, Sherwood, Stamford, Stevenage, Swanley, Tamworth, Wrexham, Wythenshawe. The following 48 stores will close on Thursday 21 September with final day for employees on Friday 22 September: Allestree, Andover, Bedford, Beeston, Bicester, Bloxwich, Bolton, Bordon, Bransholme, Bridgend, Bury, Carlton, Clacton on Sea, Cramlington, Crewe, Cwmbran, Cyfarthfa, Denton, Driffield, Droitwich, Edmonton Green, Farnborough, Fort Kinnaird, Fulham, Gateshead, Gorleston, Grays, Greenock, Havant, Hereford, Hillsborough, Holyhead, Newton Aycliffe, Northampton, Orton, Parc Trostre Llanelli, Penge, Peterlee, Pwllheli, Shrewsbury, Slough, Swindon, Tamworth Retail Park, Taunton, Walton on Thames, Wheatley Retail Park, Wigan, Wolverhampton.

55,000 sq ft Grade A urban logistics development sold to private investor

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55,000 sq ft Grade A urban logistics development sold to private investor

Developer Chancerygate has sold Boundary43, its 55,000 sq ft urban logistics scheme in Brackley, to a private investor for an undisclosed sum.

Situated on the Buckingham Road Industrial Estate off Boundary Road, the development comprises 14 high specification Grade A units. These range from 2,100 to 19,200 sq ft and are available on a leasehold basis.

Boundary43 benefits from excellent access to Brackley town centre, Silverstone race track and the A43, as well as connections to the M1 and M40 motorways.

All properties at the development achieved an EPC A and BREEAM Very good rating and benefit from electric vehicle charging points.

In addition, the units are constructed from high-performance building materials and 15 per cent roof lights to reduce CO2 emissions and occupational energy costs.

Chancerygate development director, George Dickens, said: “This deal is the culmination of years of hard work and expertise to develop Boundary43 and will help satisfy the strong demand there is for prime urban logistics accommodation in the region.

“The sale is also a testament to our product’s sustainability credentials, flexible sizing and proximity to key infrastructure and transport hubs, all of which are attractive to both investors and occupiers.”

JLL and Brown & Co. advised Chancerygate on the sale of Boundary43 while Chadwick McRae acted for the buyer. The scheme is now available to lease through JLL & Brown & Co. and has been rebranded Boundary Park.

Property consultancy welcomes record number of graduates

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Property consultancy welcomes record number of graduates
A property consultancy has shown its commitment to the next generation of talent by welcoming a record number of graduates into the business. Fisher German has hired 34 graduates this year, along with 10 staff on placement, across its 27 offices around the country in a range of disciplines. The firm is making a concerted effort to find young talent and bring them through the company, which includes hiring graduates from all sorts of backgrounds. One such graduate is Rachel Cornthwaite, who is working within Fisher German’s agribusiness department after a background working on livestock farms in Cumbria. After studying at Harper Adams University, Rachel joined Fisher German on an eight-week placement at its office in Market Harborough within the agribusiness team during her studies. Rachel impressed so much during her placement that she was offered a full-time role after she graduated. She said: “I started with Fisher German on placement and from the start I was welcomed as a proper member of the team and was encouraged to get involved. “The team were so supportive, and I was able to gain great insight into the arable side of agribusiness that I simply hadn’t experienced in Cumbria. “When I was offered the job, it meant my final year at university did not have as much stress as it might have done. “Now I’ve started work with Fisher German, it’s just as varied as I remember. I’m working with all sorts of clients across Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, and Rutland. “I really think I’ve made the right decision to work for Fisher German and I’m looking forward to developing my career with them over the coming years.” Andrew Bridge, Managing Partner at Fisher German, started as a graduate himself before working his way up to the top of the firm and has always encouraged staff to realise their ambitions at the company. He said: “At Fisher German, we are committed to improving our colleagues’ career prospects by offering clear pathways for progression and supporting them with important qualifications. “I know first-hand that you can go far at Fisher German if you put the work in, and this is still true today. “If graduates have the drive and the attitude to succeed, they will do so at Fisher German, and our record intake this year underlines our commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.”

Taking its lead from Harry Potter – Lincolnshire IT business celebrates 21st anniversary

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Taking its lead from Harry Potter – Lincolnshire IT business celebrates 21st anniversary
A Lincolnshire IT business – which started life in a understairs cupboard – is celebrating its 21st anniversary. LCS IT Solutions has grown from a one-man band to a business employing 10 people – and it continues to focus heavily on future expansion. Today the busy specialist, whose staff work on a hybrid basis, is based in professional premises in Washingborough from where it services micro enterprises, SMEs of all sizes and also supports a range of schools. Celebrating its achievements, Managing Director Anthony Bryant said: “Thinking back, the business had a rather Harry Potter-esque start in life, but our brand of magic must have worked, when I stop and realise where we have got to today!” After being made redundant in July 2002, Anthony and his wife Claire headed down to the pub, then camped out overnight, whilst mulling over their next move. That September Anthony, a former IT manager with a large muti-national company, immediately started work on creating the LCS brand from scratch despite never having had any experience in brand creation. In 2006, the fledgling venture switched up a gear. Anthony moved his business into a spare bedroom and Claire joined him to help with the rising number of accounts. It was a busy time all round as this tied in with the arrival of their first son, Louie. His brother Charlie was born two years later. By 2012, with the arrival of surprise son number three, Ted, the Bryant family had run out of bedrooms! LCS IT had also grown to employ four people, so it was time to find a new home for the business and they rented a little office nearby, in Washingborough. By 2015, further success led the firm to relocate to its current home in the village. Claire said that the fact that it is straight opposite the local pub is “pure coincidence!” That milestone also saw the couple tweak their business’s name to LCS IT Solutions, to reflect its growing range of services. 2020 turned out to be a memorable year for every company as Covid breezed in and acted as a major disruptor. In common with others, LCS IT Solutions examined the way in which it was working and took action to ensure it could continue supporting and delivering to clients during what ran into several lockdowns. “We responded by getting all of our clients up and running from home – and that entailed working with over 1,000 users. Sadly, our own team members were also forced to work remotely for the best part of the year,” said Anthony. “In line with the way in which hundreds of companies are still working today, we organised two Teams meetings each day to catch-up with everyone and keep our staff fully in the loop about the latest developments,” said Claire. “We are still doing that today and, depending on the individual needs of individual staff, hybrid working continues to be the way forward.” LCS IT’s core services include IT support, project management, consultancy, Cyber Security and managed telephone services. “The technological developments since we started out are massive. The largest growing area is Cyber Crime, but we are proud to be Cyber Essentials Accredited,” said Claire. “We’ve been building a close working relationship with the police and the East Midlands Cyber Crime Unit who were our partners in an educational event we ran for clients earlier this year. “We are keen to keep educating our clients, which is why we constantly create new resource they can use to educate their staff in ways to help safeguard against hacking attempts.”
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