“Strong” year for Dunelm
Dunelm has hailed “another strong performance” for its latest financial year, despite a backdrop of increasing input cost prices and high general inflation.
In a trading update the Leicestershire homewares retailer reported robust sales of £1.64bn in a challenging consumer environment – 6% higher than the year prior and nearly 50% higher than the last full year before any impact from Covid.
Meanwhile, profit before tax for the full year is expected to be slightly ahead of current analysts’ consensus of £188m.
Nick Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The breadth and relevance of our product offer has continued to resonate with our home-loving customers over the last quarter of the year. This has been reflected in our strong financial performance despite the challenging broader consumer backdrop.
“Against this backdrop, our commitment to value is stronger than ever. During the quarter we lowered prices on over 1,000 lines, and our customers were also able to take advantage of great offers in our Summer Sale.
“We have a strong business model, with committed colleagues and suppliers, who strive every day to improve our customer proposition. We continue to focus on further strengthening our product mastery, developing our stores, enhancing our digital channels, and building out our marketing ecosystem, in order to create an even better experience for our customers. With these improvements to our customer proposition and business capabilities we see a compelling opportunity for sustainable and profitable growth and are confident about the future.”
Pendragon hails robust first half performance
Car retailer Pendragon has “delivered another robust performance” in the first half of 2023, according to a trading update for the six months ended 30 June.
Growth in gross profit more than offset underlying pressures of interest rate rises and ongoing cost inflation.
As a result, the Nottingham-based business expects to report a 9% increase in underlying profit before tax to £36.5m for the first half of 2023, growing from £33.5m in the same period of 2022.
Bill Berman, Chief Executive of Pendragon PLC, said: “Pendragon has continued to perform well, demonstrating the continued success of our strategy. Increased sales across all divisions and higher profitability more than offset cost pressures, resulting in a strong cash position.
“While we expect high inflation and interest rates to persist in the second half of the year, our resilient model means we are well-placed to perform in line with Boards expectations.”
Planning application submitted for major Clay Cross town centre improvements
A planning application for major regeneration in Clay Cross town centre has now been submitted.
North East Derbyshire District Council and the Clay Cross Town Board have made progress over recent months, culminating in the planning application for the Town Centre Regeneration project.
The planning application has been submitted as part of the next steps in delivering the £24.1m Clay Cross Town Deal and is a momentous occasion as the reality of the project draws nearer for residents and businesses.
A public consultation was undertaken to gauge opinions of the proposed plans following on from ongoing face-to-face engagement with local businesses over the last few months. Feedback from this has been positive and has been taken into consideration as part of the ongoing project to help shape the future of Clay Cross.
The planning application is made up of four key elements in the proposals, which are:
- The creation of a new Town Square which will become a public space to be used for markets, seasonal events and as a public forum.
- Food and Beverage and Leisure Units – the route from Broadleys to the public square to be lined with artisan food companies, leisure operators and cafes and restaurants.
- The Clocktower (Derbyshire Adult Education Centre) – to make the best use of the existing building, enhancing existing uses and bringing the library into the heart of the town.
- The “Block A” (working title) proposal – Repurposing an existing historic building with the aim of providing a quality food and drink offering and leisure opportunities, directly overlooking the public square.
Showcase sustainable developments at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
With the nomination deadline for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 approaching quickly, there are 10 categories open for entry, providing a perfect opportunity to shine a light on outstanding businesses, teams and projects at the annual event celebrating the region’s property and construction industry.
One such category is Sustainable Development of the Year, which can be entered here.
The winner of this category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to sustainable development in the East Midlands, whether this be in an environmental development, social enterprise or a scheme which will benefit the region in other ways, so long as it benefits the future generation. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Last year, Galliford Try Construction scooped the award, for Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park, beating out stiff competition from Scenariio, for the refurbished HQ for LKAB Minerals, and Chesterfield Borough Council and Whittam Cox Architects, for Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.
Judges said: “We felt that the building whilst sustainable in its own right could play a larger role in the longer-term sustainability of Nottingham by balancing people, planet and prosperity!”
Jon Marston, Managing Director of Building East Midlands, Galliford Try Construction, said: “We are immensely proud of the work that has taken place at Broad Marsh Car Park, and the recognition it has received at the East Midlands Bricks Awards is just reward for the efforts of the team.”
With this year’s Sustainable Development of the Year award once again sponsored by Viridis Building Services, a spokesperson for the company said: “We are proud to sponsor the Sustainable Development of the Year award at the East Midlands Bricks Awards for another year. We promote this award in particular because of its relation to us as a business and how it fits within our values. Sustainability isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are and to be able to live this through this award makes us proud to be involved.
“Through this award we are ensuring the East Midlands is leading the market through sustainable design. We understand the passion from those involved towards this award and we know the great pride in delivering these outcomes. Therefore, to present this award allows us to promote this type of design and ensure innovative, collaborative and pragmatic solutions are provided. This not only helps promote those involved in the design stages, but also to promote those who will be using the spaces in the future.
“We look forward to seeing this year’s entries to the Sustainable Development of the Year award and attending the event to reveal the winner. We feel the awards bring the East Midlands together, not just within the Sustainable Development of the Year category, but for all the categories – we are proud to be part of the East Midlands Bricks Awards to promote the area and molding its future.”
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 Residential 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 Sustainable 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 Residential 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:
Chartered surveying practice snapped up by Gateley
Gateley, the professional services group, has acquired Richard Julian and Associates Limited, trading as RJA Consultants, in a deal worth up to £6 million.
The deal includes, subject to certain revenue targets being achieved, an earn out based on the EBITDA achieved in each twelve-month period expiring 31 March 2024 and 31 March 2025.
Established by founder and Managing Director, Richard Julian, RJA is a chartered surveying practice, providing quantity surveying and project management services across a variety of construction sectors. It specialises in the provision of these services to organisations that deliver affordable housing, a resilient sector which is underpinned by high levels of grants to support delivery of the Government’s housing targets.
Richard Julian and directors Steven Collin, Liza Julian, Hardeep Kooner and Chris Clubb, will continue to work as part of the RJA management team post acquisition.
The company employs approximately 50 staff based in Nottingham and Leicester.
In the financial year ended 31 March 2023, RJA generated revenue of c.£3.9 million, corporatised profit before tax of c.£0.8 million and organic revenue growth of 65% against the prior year.
Rod Waldie, Chief Executive Officer of Gateley, said: “I am delighted to welcome the team from RJA, who are already well known by our colleagues in Gateley Smithers Purslow.
“There are common threads between the two teams and across our Property Platform, bringing opportunities to increase market share, as well as target new markets and workstreams. They have considerable expertise in the construction market and specifically in resilient sectors such as affordable housing and insurance services.
“RJA has a strong track record of growth, excellent relationships with clients, a dedicated and positive culture and an ambitious management team, qualities which closely match Gateley’s business and culture.”
Nottingham firm named as one of the first retail partners of premium Korean car manufacturer
Nottingham-based Pendragon PLC has been chosen as one of the first retail partners of premium Korean manufacturer, Genesis.
Further building its Stratstone brand portfolio, which includes manufacturers such as Aston Martin, BMW and Mercedes, Pendragon will operate the Genesis Leeds, York, Sheffield market area from January 2024.
With the agreement signed last week, over the Genesis Scottish Open, the move will support Genesis’ expansion plans to grow capacity and capabilities for test drives, sales and service operations, ahead of further expansion into other European markets.
Bill Berman, Chief Executive Officer of Pendragon PLC, said: “We are delighted to add Genesis to our Stratstone roster and be able to offer Pendragon customers another luxurious and sustainable brand from next year. As the fastest-growing luxury car brand in the world, we are looking forward to being an integral part of Genesis’ continued success and its plans to become an EV leader in the UK.”
Lawrence Hamilton, Managing Director for Genesis Motor Europe, said: “This is an exciting milestone for Genesis in the UK. Earlier this year, we announced we would be expanding the Genesis footprint and we are delighted to now have Pendragon on board who share our vision for the future.
“With Pendragon now officially part of the Genesis family from the start of 2024, it means we can deliver our unique Korean customer service directly to our new and existing customers in Leeds, York and Sheffield.”
New homes and retail offer to breathe new life into Newark
Work to transform the empty former M&S building on Stodman Street in Newark into an attractive hub made up of homes and retail units is nearing its start date. The project will breathe new life into the heart of the town when completed.
Stepnell has been appointed to undertake the demolition and mobilisation of the project.
Plans will see the empty building made into an attractive hub made up of 29 high-quality residential homes in the heart of Newark which will provide a new town centre housing offer with a sympathetic but eye-catching and vibrant design.
There will also be two refurbished retail units which will improve Newark’s retail offer with the aim of attracting more people into the town centre.
Matt Lamb, Director of Planning and Growth at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Like us, our local community care passionately about the health of our town centre and we’re doing all we can to support businesses and find new ways to bring people to the town in challenging times.
“The loss of a town centre Marks and Spencer store left a significant vacant building within the town which was generating little interest from new tenants.
“This development enables a new approach, bringing a high-quality residential scheme into the town centre for private let and sale, alongside two new ground floor commercial spaces, with smaller footprints to make them more attractive to retailers.
“The scheme will bring more residents and footfall into the Town Centre, acting as a catalyst for a revitalised and thriving town centre.”
Tom Cartledge, Co-Chair of the Newark Town Board, said: “Everyone wants a town centre that is thriving where living, working, shopping, leisure and enjoyment can all merge together.
“This is an opportunity to transform a large empty building into something that will be hugely beneficial to the health of our high street in the future. Across the country retail in towns and cities is in decline which is why we’ve put this project together to inject new life in the area with the aim to make the heart of Newark a great place to live and shop.
“While Newark performs well compared to the UK average for numbers of vacant town centre retail units, it’s important that we continue to do all we can to attract people. Currently, the average vacancy rate for England Town Centres is 13.9% while Newark equates to 9.54%.
“There are many other projects running alongside the development including Newark Cultural Heart which has already brought people to the town centre through creating exciting events and programmes and the Stodman Street work is an extra step in encouraging more to visit, stay longer and take advantage of the activities and hospitality on offer.”
Tom Sewell, Regional Director at Stepnell, said: “We are proud to be working as a complete construction partner with the council on such a fantastic scheme for the people of Newark. As well as facilitating the demolition and mobilisation works, we will also be making a significant investment back into the local community.
“Our team at Stepnell will do this via targeted regional spending, employability programmes with local schools and colleges, and sustainability initiatives to reduce our carbon impact throughout our work on the project.
“We understand the power regeneration projects like this have to provide more opportunities for local people and to develop a more vibrant town centre. Our work aims to reflect the same value, so it is a privilege to bring our construction expertise to the development of this new and exciting town hub.”
Despite a vigorous search and engagement process where a long list of national traders had been approached to find a retailer to occupy the store as it is, no one has stepped forward as the current unit is too large for most traders in a town centre the size of Newark. Cost increases were predicted but will not affect the ability to deliver the project which continues to be supported by government grants.
Work on the site is set to take place in late summer this year. The construction phase is likely to begin around Christmas 2023 with completion in summer 2025.
The Stodman Street development is one of many projects being funded by Newark Towns Board’s successful application to the Government’s Towns Fund initiative. It is being delivered by Newark and Sherwood District Council whose aim it is to breathe new life in Newark town centre. Other projects include the £3m restoration of Newark Castle and a £2.1m Cultural Heart project aiming to provide a varied and exciting events programme alongside investments to improve the town centre even further.
Northampton logistics company acquires local parcel and pallets business
A Northampton logistics specialist has swooped for a local parcel and pallets company.
Crisis Logistics has acquired Action Express as part of its growth plans, as the company looks to expand its portfolio of services.
Established as a same day delivery specialist in 1998, Crisis Logistics has developed its service offering to include warehousing and fulfilment, alongside national and international road haulage.
The company plans to retain Action Express’s Brackmills Industrial Estate depot and make key investments in the site and its facilities as it increases the volume of pallets and parcels it handles.
It has already purchased 10 new vehicles for Action Express, including seven articulated lorries and three 18-tonne trucks, and plans to create new jobs as it grows the company.
Action Express founder and former APC Overnight Chief Executive, Syed Ziaullah, who established the company in 1982 with just a bike and a van, will join the board of directors at Crisis Logistics.
Charles Grant-Salmon, chairman at Crisis Logistics, said: “As part of our growth strategy we are expanding our business and developing Crisis Logistics into the market leader and one-stop shop for all logistics services in Northamptonshire.
“The acquisition will benefit customers of both companies by enabling us to provide a full range of logistics services across pallets, parcels and general haulage, in addition to specialist services like temperature-controlled delivery and secure distribution.
“We are delighted that Syed will join our board for the next five years to allow us to benefit from his wealth of knowledge and enable a smooth integration into Action Express’s new era.”
Edward Grant-Salmon, Managing Director at Crisis Logistics, said: “We want to provide flexible solutions for our customers as they expand and diversify their own operations, and the acquisition of Action Express will allow us to do that.
“The business is a perfect fit with our own operation, as we’re both well-established firms with a loyal long-term customer base, and we remain committed to providing the best experience for all of our customers.
“In recent years, we have invested heavily in building a Customer Relationship Management system to improve efficiency and speed up processes, which has ensured we are in a strong position to grow while also maintaining the quality of service that is so important to our customers.”
Caroline Green, Chief Executive at Pallet-Track, added: “We are delighted to be working with Crisis Logistics and would like to extend a warm Pallet-Track welcome to Charles, Edward and the whole team.
“Action Express is a well-respected and long-term member of our network and we have every confidence that the new team will steer the business to great success in its new era.”
Motorcycle insurance firm appoints administrators
Blueprint produced to shape Nottingham’s Eastside
A blueprint for how the Eastside of Nottingham is developed in the coming years has been produced, underpinned by sustainability and protection of green spaces and heritage sites.
A Supplementary Planning Document produced by the City Council will provide developers with a clear idea of what is expected for the area, which includes Sneinton Market and runs north-west to include Victoria Park and St Mary’s Rest Garden, parts of Lower Parliament Street and Glasshouse Street and Huntingdon Street as far as just below Woodborough Road.
It provides a connection between the Victoria Centre, Hockley and Lace Market shopping areas and the communities of St Ann’s and Sneinton. It is also close to the Island Quarter and Waterside regeneration sites.
As part of the Creative Quarter, the redevelopment of Sneinton Market and the Victoria Leisure Centre has created a vibrant centre for creative and digital economies which the new planning document aims to build from. All of these elements place Eastside as an important centre for regeneration.
The new planning guidance states that the area presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the economic growth of the city, providing opportunities for a vibrant mix of new residential, business, shops, restaurants, leisure and cultural uses including the night-time economy.
It is envisioned that there will be a variety of high quality housing, attractive to a wide range of households, well related to public realm and accessible to public open space and benefiting from good access to existing and new facilities. New and enhanced pedestrian routes will be created between the Eastside, city centre and adjoining neighbourhoods.
The council will assemble existing and potential new sources of infrastructure funding to create high quality public realm and co-ordinate safe pedestrian, cyclist and traffic movement.
All new development will be required to achieve a high standard of environmental sustainability and an appropriate balance in the type of housing.
Portfolio Holder for Highways, Transport and Planning, Councillor Angela Kandola, said: “Regeneration of the Eastside area aims to deliver high quality housing, attractive to a wide range of households, to promote mixed and balanced communities, improved public realm and enhance connections between the Eastside, the city centre and adjoining neighbourhoods.
“In line with our ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2028, we also want to encourage a range of measures that developers can employ to reduce carbon in their development proposals. These relate to energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable design and construction.”
The Eastside Supplementary Planning Document was approved for adoption by the council’s Executive Board when it met on Tuesday 18 July.
