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Research and technology organisation joins Space Park Leicester

Tess Egginton
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Research and technology organisation joins Space Park Leicester
An independent research and technology organisation has joined the University of Leicester’s £100 million science and innovation park – Space Park Leicester. TWI is a membership-driven organisation which helps firms design, create and operate products by providing them with expert advice and safety assurance related to engineering, materials and joining technologies. It has been active in the space sector for decades and has joined Space Park Leicester to further increase its reputation among space companies. TWI Business Development Manager Vito Di Pietro said: “We’re very well suited to tackling the manufacturing challenges faced by space companies and have joined Space Park Leicester to define our identity in the sector. “Joining Space Park Leicester is helping us to engage with other established space companies and organisations and gives us a physical presence in the East Midlands to take advantage of regional funding opportunities and to join local clusters. “Moreover, we see value in gaining access to Space Park Leicester’s manufacturing and testing capabilities which are complementary to our offering.” As of this month, TWI is also the European Space Agency’s official Technology Broker in the UK and will run a Space technology transfer programme called Prepare for Space. The Technology Broker activity aims to create, support and promote an ecosystem of space and non-space entities. The Prepare for Space programme will enable companies from non-space sectors to apply for business and technical support to reduce the barriers to entering the space industry. Vito added: “We see this as an opportunity for collaboration with Space Park Leicester and the University of Leicester, and as an additional service that Space Park Leicester could offer to attract new players to the space sector and to Leicester’s new Space City cluster.” Vinay Patel, Head of Commercial and Innovation at Space Park Leicester, said: “TWI is one of the world’s foremost independent research and technology organisations. It employs around 650 people and has an annual turnover in excess of £60 million. “TWI has provided services such as the development of materials, coatings processes and procedures to the space industry for over 30 years, working on several projects related to materials engineering and manufacturing technologies, developing advanced welding, joining and inspection technologies for space applications, as well as innovative materials such as lightweight alloys and composites. “We’re thrilled that TWI has joined our vibrant community at Space Park Leicester.”

£1.4m grant awarded to revamp Newark Castle Gatehouse

Tess Egginton
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£1.4m grant awarded to revamp Newark Castle Gatehouse
Newark and Sherwood District Council has received a £1.4m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its plans to create a new and improved visitor attraction at Newark Castle.
Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, the project will allow visitors into Newark Castle’s original Romanesque Gatehouse where they’ll be able to learn more about the castle’s story through time as five gallery spaces bring its medieval history to life through interactive displays, designed by Nissen Richards Studio. Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is absolutely wonderful news for the town, and is the final piece of the puzzle we’ve been waiting for to kick start this fantastic project. “Without the funding from National Lottery players and the Heritage Fund, we could not start the project, so I’m delighted they have made such a substantial grant to the project, and like us, could see the huge benefit this could bring to Newark. I thank them wholeheartedly.” Robyn Llewellyn, Area Director, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to be supporting these ambitious plans to revitalise the historic Newark Castle Gatehouse. The story of the castle dates back to the 12th century, and it’s fantastic that support from National Lottery players will keep this historic site relevant for future generations.” The project will enable people to discover the origins of the castle and explore the wealth of its history which dates back to the 12th century. There will also be a tower-top viewing platform from which visitors can overlook great views of Trent Valley. The project aims to enhance and protect the natural environment and green space within this historic site, establishing more biodiversity and enhancing accessibility through landscape development. More than 600 visitors and non-visitors were initially consulted to help shape the development. The District Council then worked closely with historians, archaeologists, conservators, ecologists, access consultants, architects and designers to ensure that plans are robust and well-researched. Local people’s ideas were also taken on board and have been incorporated in the final design. HE Milner’s beloved flowerbed will remain, and the gardens will be physically accessible for everybody. It’s anticipated that, once works are completed, the Castle will attract almost 17,000 visitors each year from outside of the district, helping to deliver sustainable economic growth. It is proposed that entry to the exhibition will be half price for Newark and Sherwood residents, with free entry for children and young people. Visitors will also be able to return for free as many times as they like within a 12-month period. Access to the grounds will remain free for all. Councillor Cozens continues: “This project ensures accessibility and biodiversity remains at its very heart while providing a beautiful green space for our residents as well as our visitors. It is hoped that increased visitors to the site will be a huge boost to our local economy too with local businesses having access to more people who can spend in their stores. “The District Council is planning to use the grounds for a range of activities and events for all the community and entry to the galleries itself will be reduced for Newark and Sherwood residents. I’m incredibly excited about the future for Newark Castle and am waiting with eagerness for the next stage in its journey.” The town’s early evening economy will be supported too with plans to improve the lighting in the grounds to enable a safe ‘after dark’ experience. The project will cost £5.4m in total, with a £3m investment already committed from Newark and Sherwood District Council’s application to the Government’s Towns Fund initiative through Newark Town board. Work on the Castle is expected to take place in late 2024 with construction likely to take a couple of years.

Businesses prioritising retention of talent following Covid, finds employment survey

Tess Egginton
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Businesses prioritising retention of talent following Covid, finds employment survey

Over four out of five businesses across the UK are still struggling to recruit people in 2024 following the Covid-19 pandemic four years ago. A total of 81 per cent of employers revealed the main reason being a lack of candidates with the right skillset.

Hybrid working is also being considered as challenging with HR teams finding people don’t want to return to the office for a variety of reasons, including a number reporting that a factor is anxiety of having to be separated from their pets.

The research, compiled by the employment team at national law firm Freeths, analysed a variety of sectors and found that the main HR priorities for 2024 are retention of employees, health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and motivation, engagement, and performance management.

Amongst this:

  • The most common top HR priority for 2024 is employee retention
  • The most popular reason given for resistance experienced in getting staff to return to the office was that it meant a poorer work life balance.
  • Over 35% of respondents reported that a reason given to them for not wanting to return to work in the office was fear of being separated from their pets
  • Whereas only 20% of these surveyed cited family separation as a reason given for not returning to the office
  • Only a mere 11% of respondents said that they would trust AI tools to recruit the best candidates, and only 19% said that they had a good understanding of artificial intelligence HR tools available.
  • 43% of employers said that they would trust AI tools to support employee learning and development.

Rena Magdani, Partner and National Head of Employment at Freeths, said: “Our survey has provided valuable insights into how businesses are coping with the past and looking to the future. Employers are still experiencing the impact of the covid pandemic with challenges in recruitment and finding working arrangements that suit all parties.

“Looking ahead, there seems to be a low level of trust in AI, perhaps linked to the lack of knowledge of the available tools. It will be interesting to see the extent to which attitudes towards AI will change during this year.”

PR and communications agency appoints former journalist to support East Midlands growth

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PR and communications agency appoints former journalist to support East Midlands growth
A PR, communications and public affairs agency has made a major appointment in its bid to grow in the East Midlands. PLMR Advent, part of the Westminster-based PLMR Group, is based in Coventry and was founded 25 years ago. It has a string of clients in the East Midlands and is looking to grow its client base in the area after some recent wins. It has just appointed Leicestershire-based Paul Suart as an account manager. Suart has 20 years’ experience in the industry as a reporter, copy writer and content editor, most recently working for Reach plc. Suart will work across the PLMR Advent client base and will support growth in the East Midlands. Lee Corden, a PLMR board director who heads the Coventry office, said the appointment was part of a plan to extend the company’s footprint. “We work with clients locally, nationally, and internationally but have a strong focus in the Midlands as we are based in Coventry and Birmingham,” he said. “In recent years, that scope has widened and we work with clients both based in the East Midlands or with projects in the area. “That has gone very well on every level, with our work for them appearing in regional, national and trade titles, and we have grown our client base as a result. “We are delighted to have attracted Paul to join us. He has great experience in the media and his presence in the East Midlands will prove very useful as part of our ongoing push to attract more clients from that part of the region.” Suart added: “I had been considering moving into public relations but wanted it to be with an agency with the highest quality. I have dealt with PLMR Advent for more than a decade and I know how well they represent their clients. “They have a great knowledge of the media, employ staff who have a proven track record in producing accurate and relevant copy and are very sharp when it comes to what has news value. “As a journalist there are certain agencies you can rely on – and PLMR Advent is among the best.”

Island Quarter developer makes gym site purchase

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Island Quarter developer makes gym site purchase

The Conygar Investment Company has purchased the long-leasehold interest of the site occupied by Virgin Active gym, located on The Great Northern Close at The Island Quarter, Nottingham.

The freehold of the site is already owned by Conygar, with the leasehold purchased from Wood Pension fund.

The purchase, which enables better control of Conygar’s arrangements for this and the adjoining site at The Island Quarter, was subject to signing a new direct 25-year lease with Virgin Active at a rent of £600,000 per annum with a 12-month rent free period spread across the first 24 months.

This will replace the rent received by Conygar from the long-leasehold, which amounted to 10% of the rent previously received by the vendor from Virgin Active.

The purchase price of £5.9 million was funded by way of a drawdown of the second and final £7 million tranche of an existing debt facility with ASK Partners Ltd. The surplus funds received over the purchase price and associated fees will be applied in the further progression of The Island Quarter.

New East Midlands legal firm Devello Group signs up as drinks sponsor for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024

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New East Midlands legal firm Devello Group signs up as drinks sponsor for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Law firm Devello Group has joined the lineup of businesses backing the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, becoming the event’s drinks sponsor. Devello Group is a specialist planning and property development practice with offices in Nottingham and Lincoln, founded by experienced lawyers Shruti Trivedi and Iain Hibbert. Their niche law firm can help clients with a wide range of services in the sector, operating with a bespoke, value-led approach that does not use a traditional hourly fee-paying model. Devello Group also has a strategic arm, offering a high-level advisory service to developers, landowners, promoters and others in the planning and property development sectors. Speaking with Business Link, Shruti Trivedi said: “Devello are delighted to be sponsoring the Bricks Awards as what better way to mark our own start as a brand new business offering to the region than by being associated with the Bricks who burst on the scene similarly a few years ago with an innovative and fresh approach. “The Bricks have always been appealing as they value local and regional businesses in the region in an inclusive and fun manner but also connect these businesses with each other to foster relations and lay foundations for future working relationships. We are looking forward to being part of that community as that is very important to us as a regional firm and very much welcome the Awards as an opportunity to meet other businesses in a relaxed setting on the evening.” The East Midlands Bricks Awards, which will take place on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, recognise development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes, schools and public spaces. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. Winning one of these awards will add considerably to a company’s or individual’s brand and enhance their commercial reach significantly. Nominations are now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards, which provide the ideal opportunity to celebrate successes, boost businesses’ profiles, showcase teams, reward their efforts, and bolster morale. To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include:

Nominations end Thursday 5th September

A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening of celebration and networking with property and construction leaders from across the region. Tickets can be booked for the 2024 awards event here. Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. Thanks to our sponsors:      

 

To be held at:

Council steps up mission to ensure £25m of Town Deal cash is spent

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Council steps up mission to ensure £25m of Town Deal cash is spent
Erewash Borough council is stepping up its mission to ensure £25m of government Town Deal cash gets spent in Long Eaton, a new report reveals. The authority is reassuring the public after it emerged most Town Deal projects across the UK are falling behind schedule. In a report to the Long Eaton Town Deal Board the council concedes it has not been immune to the kind of challenges faced elsewhere in the UK – where barely a fifth of towns fund initiatives have been meeting their own deadlines. Reasons include labour shortages and the impact of rampant inflation on costs. In Erewash a new business hub being created next to Long Eaton Town Hall was hit by the contractor going bust. The town’s West Park was due to get new lighting – but flooding from winter storms caused a delay. Both these projects are now resuming. Lampposts are being installed to illuminate the park, while new builders have been found to continue converting what is known as the old Stable Block. The biggest chunk of the £25m will be spent refurbishing Long Eaton’s town centre. Plans have advanced to a detailed design stage while consultations take place with residents and businesses. Work is scheduled to start in the New Year. The five key Long Eaton projects include building iconic new bridges, paths and cycle routes – and compulsory purchasing the derelict Galaxy cinema. The report stresses how most of the progress so far in terms of meeting delivery timescales is “in common with other Town Deals across the country.” All risks are being “actively managed” as feverish work goes on behind the scenes. The report says of a March 2026 deadline for money being spent: “The council believes this target can be met.” The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said earlier this year that the completion rate for Town Deal projects “is entirely consistent with the delivery timeframes we have set out.” It added: “All of the money which was allocated from the towns fund is on track to be spent by March 2026 as planned.”

Law firm acquires West Bridgford conveyancers

Tess Egginton
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Law firm acquires West Bridgford conveyancers
As part of a succession strategy, West Bridgford conveyancing firm Michelle O’Shea & Co has been acquired by AG Corporate Law. Founded in 1995 by Michelle O’Shea, the company is based on Exchange Road and has developed a five star reputation for delivering residential conveyancing services. Initially, there will be no changes to the management team or how the company is run under the new ownership. Michelle plans to continue working part time and oversee the work of the team of seven conveyancers and administrative assistants for an initial term of 2 years. Longer term the intention is to develop the existing team and recruit more people. Founded in 2023 by Adam Gilbert, AG Corporate Law is a boutique firm specialising in Corporate and Commercial Law. The acquisition of Michelle O’Shea & Co will be the second legal business to be owned by Mr Gilbert who plans to continue operating each brand as entirely separate entities due to their different geographic location and target markets but with the benefit of being able to cross refer work between the two firms. Michelle O’Shea said: “Once I had taken the decision to sell the business it was necessary to find a buyer who would be willing to retain the team and acknowledge that we have a robust and profitable operating model. AGCL is a perfect fit and Adam is committed to a ‘business as usual’ policy which has been good for the confidence of our staff and clients.”

Nottingham immigration law firm looks North

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Nottingham immigration law firm looks North

Nottingham’s OTB Legal, a UK immigration law firm, is expanding with a new Manchester base. The firm will be based at Bloc on Marble Street.

OTB Legal has grown consistently from its Chase Park headquarters just outside Nottingham. However, with demand increasing for immigration services in the region, OTB Legal’s Marcus Worthington says the time is right to expand the offering north: “Expanding our leading immigration team into Manchester is a strategic move aimed at better serving our clients in the area.

“Manchester’s vibrant and diverse community provides an excellent backdrop for us to deepen our connections with individuals and businesses navigating complex immigration laws.

“Our expansion into Manchester aligns with the city’s role as a magnet for talent and investment, positioning us to provide crucial guidance and advice as clients navigate the evolving landscape of immigration regulations and pursue their business and personal goals.”

The Manchester office will act as a northern hub for OTB Legal’s growing team.

Hannah Bowers, OTB Legal’s marketing manager, says: “We have a thriving and growing team and have plans for further growth in terms of expansion across the UK. I am based here at Bloc and the space is fantastic. It has a vibrancy to it that I know our team will love and I can’t wait to welcome them here.”

Real estate investor adds 315,000 sq ft of retail parks to portfolio

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Real estate investor adds 315,000 sq ft of retail parks to portfolio

Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, the real estate investment and asset management specialist of Columbia Threadneedle Investments, has acquired Phase 2 and 3 of Merry Hill Retail Park in Brierley Hill and Phoenix Retail Park in Corby on behalf of separate client funds for undisclosed sums.

These recent acquisitions follow the purchase of Parkgate Shopping Park in Yorkshire earlier this year and reinforce Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate’s position as one of the largest retail park owners in the UK.

Phases 2 and 3 of Merry Hill Retail Park comprise a combined circa 197,000 square feet of retail warehouse and restaurant space on a site that extends to almost 15 acres with approximately 600 free parking spaces. Anchor tenants include The Range, Currys, Wren Kitchens, DFS and Pets at Home trading from a range of retail formats from 1,900 square feet to circa 52,000 square feet.

Phoenix Retail Park is the dominant retail park in Corby, offering 118,200 sq ft of retail warehouse accommodation with anchor tenants including M&S Foodhall, Matalan, The Range, Currys, Next and The Food Warehouse.

Its occupier mix is complementary to the demographics of the local catchment with a focus on food, discount and convenience-led retailing. It adjoins a 95,000 sq ft Asda superstore, which adds further critical mass, and the town of Corby has recorded significant population growth over the last decade, with further growth on the existing 203,000-strong catchment forecast thanks to a residential development pipeline of more than 12,000 new homes.

Tom Elviss, Fund Manager at Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, said: “The simultaneous acquisition of both Phases 2 and 3 at Merry Hill Retail Park from two separate vendors constitutes a majority holding at one of the UK’s dominant retail warehouse clusters in the West Midlands. This presents a significant opportunity to maximise the assets’ potential under single ownership.

“Phoenix Retail Park is set to benefit from Corby’s sizeable residential development pipeline, which brings with it a catchment growth proposition that will allow us to enhance the tenant mix further.

“At both locations, we intend to draw on our strong retailer relationships and scale in the retail warehouse market as we seek to proactively asset manage the holdings to deliver strong returns for our investors.”

For the Merry Hill transaction, Harvey Spack Field acted for the purchaser and Morgan Williams represented the vendors, while Savills advised the purchaser on the Phoenix Retail Park acquisition and Knight Frank represented the vendor.

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