£8.8 million skills hub progresses in Mansfield

Tess Egginton
-
0
£8.8 million skills hub progresses in Mansfield
The creation of an £8.8 million skills hub to train people for careers in emerging industries and help businesses adapt to new technologies has taken a major step forward. Education and council leaders joined construction specialists to see the state-of-the-art building – called the Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange – take shape at West Nottinghamshire College’s Chesterfield Road campus in Mansfield. A large steel frame that makes up the ‘skeleton’ of the structure has been erected, taking it into the next phase of development, which will involve constructing the external elevations, masonry work, installing windows and doors, and completing roof coverings. Due for completion in summer 2025, the flagship facility will accommodate around 300 college students and will deliver qualifications at level 3 and above, with a strong focus on innovation and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects. Incorporating facilities to support construction, engineering and digital technologies, it aims to prepare Mansfield to meet future labour market needs, plug skills gaps, and create better-paid jobs, particularly in sectors that are growing through advances in technology and automation. This latest college building will provide 1,343 sq m of teaching space across two floors and be a focal delivery point for T Levels – technical-based qualifications developed in collaboration with employers.
It will also offer opportunities for businesses to benefit from the technological expertise of the college and Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and their networks of industrial partnerships. Andrew Cropley, principal and chief executive of West Nottinghamshire College, said: “I’m delighted the Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange is emerging from the ground and beginning to take shape. It is a fantastic, physical symbol of a growing sense of optimism and a determination to embrace technology – and to create an exciting and prosperous future for local people. “We look forward to working with our partners from Nottingham Trent University and in local businesses to help young people, adult learners and employers develop the skills and knowledge that will enable them to seize opportunities and grow our economy. “This building will provide a great partner to our sixth-form college at the Chesterfield Road campus and make this site a focus for nurturing skills and expanding knowledge in the very heart of the East Midlands.” Funding for the multi-million-pound project is through a £4.3 million allocation from Mansfield District Council’s Towns Fund pot, £3.8 million from the Education and Skills Funding Agency as part of the second phase of its Further Education Capital Transformation Fund, and £734,000 from the college and NTU. Executive Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams, said: “To see the steel frame structure in place for this state-of-the-art facility is a proud moment for the council as we are starting to see the reality of our regeneration plans for education in Mansfield come to life. “I am confident that the Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange, once constructed and fully operational, will attract new employers to Mansfield as it develops high-level, industry-relevant skills here. Our partnership with the college to bring one of the biggest expansions in educational and skills provision for decades is one I am incredibly proud of, and I cannot wait to see the site works gather pace and conclude in the coming months.” The centre will serve as a knowledge exchange between the college, university and employers – giving businesses greater understanding of future trends and the opportunities technology will bring, plus support with product and process innovation. There will also be spaces where students and employers can work collaboratively on projects to support the greater use of evolving technology. This will allow learners to gain significant work experience on technology-driven projects, giving them valuable insight into how businesses work while aiding their progression to higher education or employment. Meanwhile, businesses will gain access to support and a ready-made future workforce, helping them improve their competitiveness and efficiency. The building will also host regular business engagement events and roadshows, showcasing specialist equipment to firms in the district and surrounding areas. Jeremy Hague, director of knowledge exchange at Nottingham Trent University, said: “The Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange is a fantastic opportunity for Mansfield and surrounding areas. NTU is committed to collaborating with key stakeholders to deliver real sustainable growth and this skills hub is evidence of the power of these partnerships. “It will provide life-changing outcomes by providing much-needed skills for the local economy, and we are excited to watch as the building takes shape over the next few months.” The building’s lower ground-floor will incorporate a T Levels centre, library and circulation space, while its upper ground-floor will house 11 classrooms and circulation space. Additional car parking spaces will be created, along with electric vehicle charging points, bicycle storage and new areas of soft and hard landscaping to provide a welcoming environment for students. The centre will incorporate Ashfield House, an early nineteenth-century Georgian building, which has been retained and will have prominence in front of the skills hub, forming a visual link between the area’s past and present. In addition, the portico on the former School of Art building has been retained and will be re-positioned to create the entrance to the new centre, preserving the historical significance of this architectural feature.
Gavin Peake, director of IT, estates and learning resources at the college, said: “It is exciting to see the building move into its ‘above ground’ phase of construction. Once complete, it will be used by a variety of STEM subjects to deliver high-quality education and training in both existing and emerging sectors. “This new facility, in the centre of Mansfield, will enable our students to study towards innovative careers in areas such as engineering, construction and digital, and fill skills gaps for many local firms. It will be an extremely welcome addition to the college’s estate and will further strengthen our links with employers in responding to future-facing job roles.” Darren Chapman, operations director at Clegg Construction, the building contractor leading on the site’s development, said: “We are delighted to be working with one of the leading further education providers in the East Midlands on the construction of its Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange hub. “As a Nottinghamshire-based contractor, several of our staff, including me, are West Nottinghamshire College alumni and neighbours. We are especially excited to be involved in the creation of these new facilities, which will support the future training of professionals in a range of sectors, including our multi-faceted construction industry.”

Merger sees TC Group strengthen Lincolnshire presence

Tess Egginton
-
0
Merger sees TC Group strengthen Lincolnshire presence
TC Group, the firm of accountants and tax advisers, has completed a merger with Lincolnshire-based accountancy practice, Brooks & Partners, to form ‘TC Brooks & Partners’. This deal continues TC Group’s M&A Strategy and enhances the firm’s more than 30 locations across the UK. Brooks & Partners provide a full range of accountancy services. Their team in Stamford possess extensive expertise across various tax domains and business sectors, enabling them to provide comprehensive services to a diverse clientele, ranging from individuals and small enterprises to large corporate organisations. Fay Brooks and Kate Howitt, Partners at Brooks & Partners, said: “We are thrilled to join TC Group, marking an exciting chapter in our journey. This partnership will help us work more closely with our clients, offering even better services and support. Our team is eager to meet and collaborate with the new team, building strong relationships and continuing to grow for the benefit of our clients.” TC Group Partner, Keir Warwick said: “We are delighted to merge with Brooks & Partners, Stamford has always been an area in our sights and Brooks has a great reputation. As a result of this merger we now have a really strong presence in the town and I cannot wait to get started and grow it further with Kate and Fay.”

Frasers Group’s offer for Mulberry rejected

Tess Egginton
-
0
Frasers Group’s offer for Mulberry rejected
Shirebrook-based retail giant Frasers Group has made an offer for fashion brand Mulberry, which has been rejected. Yesterday (30 September), Frasers, which is a significant minority shareholder owning approximately 37% of the issued share capital of Mulberry, revealed a possible cash offer for the business.

Under the terms of the deal, Mulberry shareholders would have been entitled to receive 130 pence in cash for each Mulberry share. This implies a valuation of approximately £83 million for the entire issued, and to be issued, ordinary share capital of Mulberry, or approximately £52.4 million for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Mulberry that Frasers does not own.

The offer followed Mulberry announcing a proposed subscription for 10,000,000 new ordinary shares in the capital of the company by Challice Ltd (the company’s 56.1% majority shareholder), at a price of £1 per share, and a separate offer to existing shareholders of the company of up to 750,000 new ordinary shares at the subscription price. Frasers said: “As a significant minority shareholder, owning approximately 37% of the issued share capital of Mulberry, Frasers was not aware of the Proposed Subscription until immediately prior to its announcement. Frasers first invested in Mulberry in February 2020 and grew its holding to approximately 37% that same year. “As a committed long-term investor in Mulberry, Frasers would have been willing to underwrite the subscription in its entirety, potentially on better terms for the Company. Given this total lack of engagement, we believe the status quo to be an untenable position for Frasers and the other minority holders of Mulberry shares.” The firm added: “We have long been supportive of the brand and commercial opportunities available to the Company. With our leading retail expertise and presence, and best in class distribution capability, we believe Frasers to be the best steward for returning Mulberry to profitability. “As highlighted in the Subscription Announcement, as a standalone business, the Company is facing unabating difficulties. To name a few, rising costs, macro-economic headwinds, and increased selectivity from its discretionary customer base. Frasers are exceptionally concerned by the audit opinion in the latest annual report released on Friday, 27 September 2024, which notes a ‘material uncertainty related to going concern’. As a 37% shareholder, Frasers will not accept another Debenhams situation where a perfectly viable business is run into administration.” Mulberry, however, has now rejected Frasers’ offer. Mulberry shared: “The Board believes that the combination of the recent appointment of Andrea Baldo as CEO alongside the recently announced Subscription and Retail Offer provides the Company with a solid platform to execute a turnaround and, ultimately, to deliver best value for all Mulberry shareholders. “In light of this, the Board has concluded that the Possible Offer does not recognise the Company’s substantial future potential value. In addition, the Board has been informed that Challice is supportive of the Company’s strategy and has no interest in supporting the Possible Offer. As a result of the above, the Board has rejected the Possible Offer.”

Employing people with criminal records could boost East Midlands recruitment says Chamber as it backs launch of new charter

Tess Egginton
-
0
Employing people with criminal records could boost East Midlands recruitment says Chamber as it backs launch of new charter
East Midlands businesses could plug gaps in their workforce by hiring people with a criminal record, East Midlands Chamber has said, announcing support for a new Alliance and Employment Charter set to launch with a “Go Live” event on 2nd October. The UK Fair Chance Business Alliance encourages employers to open up recruitment and career progression to people that have previously offended by promoting the benefits to businesses, and providing employers with resources to safely, successfully and sustainably leverage the talent pool. The “Go Live” event will detail the mission, overview the Charter itself, plans for the future and those businesses already involved. East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “In our Quarterly Economic Survey six out of ten respondents reported having difficulty finding suitable candidates to fill roles. The Chamber has supported prisons in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire on their employment advisory boards so supporting the Fair Chance Business Alliance and its ‘Go Live’ event to launch the Charter is a natural progression that builds on that work. “By embracing, not excluding those with a criminal record, businesses can really take advantage of the vast expanse of this talent pool. Widening the approach to employment would take the pressure off the recruitment process, increasing the number of skilled applicants and, ultimately, productivity. “One of the best things about the Charter is the way it can provide resources and training to employers that sign up to it, so I’d really urge any business that’s struggled with recruitment to attend the Go Live event and consider joining the Fair Chance Business Alliance.” Fair Chance Business Alliance Chair Keith Jones said: “Overlooking this large group of candidates at a time when businesses are struggling to both attract and retain talent would be overlooking huge potential. Eight million British adults of working age have a criminal record, so to discount the opportunity presented by this talent pool would be limiting employers’ scope to find the best candidates. “In addition to filling a vacancy, research shows that businesses gain a more inclusive and diverse workspace. Not only are businesses that join the Alliance likely to see an increase in the number of applications for a role, but customers have the added comfort of knowing the business is community minded. “Being an employer-led initiative, the Alliance is set up to make implementation easy; we have practical resources to help businesses recruit aligned to the UK’s first dedicated three-tier charter for recruiting and progressing people with criminal records – a disability confident for the Justice sector. A business can ultimately become a ‘Champion’ of Fair Chance Employment, showing that it’s a truly inclusive workplace.”

BDO Midlands welcomes new UK Managing Partner

Tess Egginton
-
0
BDO Midlands welcomes new UK Managing Partner
Kyla Bellingall, Regional Managing Partner at BDO in the Midlands, has welcomed BDO UK’s new Managing Partner who begins his new role today [1 Oct 2024] restating the firm’s commitment to the mid market. Describing the mid market as the ‘economic engine’ powering UK growth, BDO UK’s new Managing Partner, Mark Shaw, praised the impact these businesses have on growth, skills and employment in the region and across the country. In the Midlands, there are more than 4,000 mid-sized businesses generating £224bn in revenues. UK-wide, the mid market is responsible for one in three private sector jobs and has revenues equivalent to half the value of UK GDP. Mark also used his day one message to emphasise the importance of regional offices to BDO’s future success. “We are proud of our regional network and the knowledge and market understanding of those who work there. Our close connection to local markets allows us to make a difference to regional growth benefiting local economies,” said Mark. Today also marks the commencement of a new Leadership Team at BDO, which includes Midlands Managing Partner, Kyla Bellingall. Kyla’s national leadership team role sees her responsible for the strategic direction of regions, markets and sectors for the firm. Kyla has more than 25 years’ experience having joined the profession as a school leaver apprentice. She joined BDO as an Audit Partner in 2015. Commenting, Bellingall said: “The growth of our Midlands practice is a reflection of BDO’s growth and investment as a firm overall. Our core market of mid-sized, ambitious and entrepreneurially-spirited businesses has demonstrated strength and resilience during a challenging economic period. “It is an exciting time for Mark, and I am delighted to be part of the new Leadership Team with a firm focus on the regions, where we will collectively build on our heritage while looking to the future.” Mark Shaw, BDO Managing Partner, added: “I look forward to working with our talented partners and colleagues to achieve balanced growth over the coming years; one that puts serving the public interest, our culture and the wellbeing of our people at its heart.” Mark takes on the role at an exciting time for BDO. The firm, which has 18 offices across the UK and employs 8,000 people, is fast approaching the £1bn revenue milestone. This has been done through controlled growth across all parts of the firm. Last year, BDO also invested £120m back into the business – the largest annual investment in the firm’s 100-year history.

East Midlands business leaders invited to make their voices heard on new board

Tess Egginton
-
0
East Midlands business leaders invited to make their voices heard on new board
A new board that will strengthen links between businesses and East Midlands Combined County Authority is recruiting members. Representatives from businesses of all sizes across the East Midlands can submit their interest in joining the Business Advisory Board until Friday 11 October. The board will provide strategy, advice and guidance to the main EMCCA Board, EMCCA’s committees and Mayor Claire Ward, helping to ensure the experience and knowledge of regional businesses is harnessed when making decisions around the economy, skills, transport, housing and the transition to net-zero. The Business Advisory Board, chaired by David Williams, Chairman of Geldards, one of the UK’s leading law firms, will meet at least four times a year to shape policy and engage with wider stakeholder networks and activity. Mayor Claire will sit on the Board to hear the voice of business first-hand. The new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has more powers, more funding and more control devolved from Westminster. Covering Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, it is uniquely placed to put the region first, speak with a strong voice and exercise powers to boost the region. The Business Advisory Board will have 16 members from the private and public sector and East Midlands Chamber of Commerce. Private sector representatives will include experts from large businesses, small and medium enterprises and sectors with a significant chance of attracting further investment. Members of the Board will be expected to have a good understanding of the East Midlands region and the business sectors that operate within it, experience of leadership roles in business and understand the challenges faced by businesses. Anyone interested in joining the board must apply by Friday 11 October. There will be a shortlisting process and interview panel for applicants in the second half of October.

Hydrogen power unit builder secures £22m for expansion plans

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Hydrogen power unit builder secures £22m for expansion plans
Hydrogen power unit producer GeoPura, with hubs in Nottingham, Sheffield, Matlock, and Newcastle, has raised £22 million to accelerate its expansion plans.
This announcement builds on momentum from a £56m investment round in February 2024 and a £36m Series A funding round in February 2023, welcoming investment from Siemens Energy, General Motors Ventures, Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital, Swen Capital Partners, and the UK Infrastructure Bank. This brings total capital raised to £114m over the last two years.
Derek Bulmer, CFO of GeoPura, said: “Securing this debt funding is a pivotal milestone in our journey to build a global fleet of over 3,600 HPUs, which will require over £2.5 billion in capital over the next decade.
“This funding will not only accelerate our expansion but also drive significant reductions in carbon emissions and improve local air quality while contributing directly to the UK’s net zero targets. Partnering with world-class debt funders like BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, Close Brothers, HSBC UK and Siemens Financial Services is critical to delivering this vision and achieving these goals.
“This milestone supports our commitment to a cleaner, healthier future and underpins the vital role of sustainable finance in advancing global environmental goals.”

Closure of Britain’s last coal fired power station is chance for Green Growth lead in East Midlands says Chamber

Tess Egginton
-
0
Closure of Britain’s last coal fired power station is chance for Green Growth lead in East Midlands says Chamber
East Midlands Chamber says the closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station is an opportunity for the region to continue to lead on Green Growth, but government support is needed. The site is to cease producing energy today (30th September). Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “Having powered millions of East Midlands homes for nearly six decades, the steam from Ratcliffe-on-Soar’s towers is a familiar site, whether you fly into East Midlands Airport or drive along the M1, but the continued transition toward reduced greener energy cannot wait. “Reduced carbon emissions and more sustainable energy production take us closer toward reaching Net Zero, will boost employment and the economy through Green Growth. The East Midlands has development projects underway looking at nuclear fusion, nuclear fission and hydrogen; we have the UK’s only inland Freeport and extensive research is carried out at the region’s universities into future energy technology, but support from the new government is needed. “With the Autumn Statement fast approaching, it’s essential that priority is given to backing low carbon projects like solar, wind, and small modular nuclear reactors; we need funding for energy storage and grid modernisation and Net Zero initiatives need to be properly incentivised so that the East Midlands can be firmly established as a leader in clean energy.”

£45m Lincoln student development reaches completion

Tess Egginton
-
0
£45m Lincoln student development reaches completion
Moorfield Group, the UK real estate fund manager, has completed construction of its 293-bed, £45m PBSA scheme in Lincoln. The scheme, named BGU Student Village, includes townhouses and cluster flats across almost 90,000 sq ft and seven buildings ranging from one to four storeys, as well as landscaped gardens and leading sustainability credentials – including a +10% Biodiversity Net Gain. Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) Student Village is being delivered as part of a development agreement with Melberry Developments, with Bowmer and Kirkland as contractors. The development, which took 15 months to build, is ready to welcome students from BGU. The scheme has delivered positive social impact, with the local workforce, suppliers, and education providers engaged in the development process. This included 76 hours of education for local students and 130 weeks’ worth of work experience for architecture students from the University of Lincoln. Bowmer and Kirkland estimates that the social, economic, and local value realised by the scheme’s development amounts to £2.6m. Charles Ferguson-Davie, Co-CEO and Chief Investment Officer at Moorfield Group, said: “Student housing is a sector of strategic focus for us, with the investment case supported by structural and demographic demand drivers, as well as the undersupply of fit-for-purpose accommodation. “BGU Student Village will help to plug this gap, with the sector offering those with proven and long-standing expertise the opportunity to fund development and to refurbish existing purpose-built schemes as well as student houses of multiple occupation (HMOs).” David Sarson, Managing Director at Melberry Development Management, said: “After our successful work together on Enso, the completion of BGU represents yet another vindication of the quality of product produced by Moorfield and Melberry’s development partnership. “With a conscientiously thought-out amenity offering and best-in-class sustainability credentials, the scheme is all set to provide this generation of Lincoln’s students with high-quality accommodation they can be proud to call home throughout their educational journey.” Bishop Grosseteste University Chancellor Dr. Tracy Borman, said: “We are thrilled to open the Student Village, which will significantly enhance the university experience by fostering a vibrant and supportive community close to our campus. “This development is a key part of BGU’s broader growth plan, complementing our existing on-campus accommodation. It’s wonderful to see it all come together, ready to welcome our students to their new homes very soon.”

Caddick appoints Midlands operations team

Tess Egginton
-
0
Caddick appoints Midlands operations team
Caddick has appointed John Currie and Ian Calder to head up its operations team for its growing construction division in the Midlands as the business’s project pipeline in the region hits £250m. John and Ian join Caddick just over 12 months after it launched its presence in the Midlands construction market following the appointment of Ray O’Sullivan as Regional Managing Director in July 2023. Fulfilling a remit to oversee the operations of Caddick’s construction division in the Midlands, John and Ian will be involved in all aspects of pre-construction and project delivery for the business’s growing pipeline. John’s remit will include the operational delivery of the business’s high-rise residential development projects and Ian’s remit will include the region’s broader project base, including commercial, low-rise residential and industrial. Previously Operations Director for Wates in the North West, John brings 30 years of experience to his new role having started his career as a Site Engineer in Yorkshire, later joining Carillion as a Project Manager in 2005. Project highlights throughout John’s career include Manchester’s One St Peter’s Square and Beetham Tower, where John led the delivery of the residential floors of the city’s first skyscraper. Ian started his career as a Site Engineer at Bullock Construction after obtaining a degree in Construction Management at Sheffield Hallam University. Throughout his career, Ian has held a number of senior operational roles for Midlands-based contractors, including Wates and Seddon Construction. More recently, Ian has spent seven years at Speller Metcalfe where he was based in Wolverhampton, holding the position of Operations Manager and overseeing the business’s project delivery across the Midlands. Ian said: “I’ve had a varied career delivering and overseeing projects in a number of different sectors from residential to commercial, industrial and public sector development across the Midlands, and I enjoy nothing more than getting out on site and being hands-on in achieving high standards. For me, my work environment is very important, and there is a really positive culture at Caddick. “The business has a very strong reputation, and it has seamlessly introduced itself as a very strong player in the Midlands. I’m very excited to become part of the team as Operations Manager for the Midlands, and look forward to working alongside John.” John added: “I am really excited to join Caddick, and particularly to be bringing my experience to help grow the business’s capability in high-rise development. Caddick is a family business with strong capabilities and an excellent health and safety culture, and the business is full of operationally focused people who know how to build, and know how to do it to a high standard. “The market is changing, and there is a real need for a strong and financially stable contractor that can meet the needs of the pipeline. I’m really energised by the opportunity to lead the operations of our Midlands business, and to be working with colleagues in our other regions to build our high-rise capabilities.” As Operations Director, John will also have a wider remit to bolster Caddick’s growing portfolio of high-rise residential work across Yorkshire, the North East and North West, drawing on his experience as Project Manager for Manchester’s Beetham Tower. Ray O’Sullivan, Regional Managing Director of Caddick’s Midlands construction division, said: “The Midlands market has responded extremely well to Caddick as a new presence; we have a number of high profile projects on the ground and a healthy pipeline for the coming year. “Our intention was always to offer clients and the supply chain a strong, financially stable and capable construction partner to give certainty of quality and delivery, and welcoming John and Ian will strengthen this commitment considerably.”
1...156157158...988Page 157 of 988