Streets’ to deliver annual update on issues affecting payroll management, HR and compliance

Tess Egginton
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Streets’ to deliver annual update on issues affecting payroll management, HR and compliance
Whether you have just one employee or a large workforce, you do payroll in house or use a payroll bureau, have an HR team or not, Streets Chartered Accountants’ Annual Payroll & HR Update aims to keep you informed of the issues, regulations and changes affecting payroll management, HR and compliance. Taking place from 11:00 – 12:00 on Wednesday 19th February, the virtual event will also look at the broader HR matters that may concern employers now and in the year ahead, along with the potential impact of changes to and the introduction of new employment legislation. Payroll – a topical update and refresher Theresa Waddingham, Partner, Streets Chartered Accountants Theresa’s presentation will focus on the forthcoming changes affecting payroll as we start a new tax year, along with some useful hints and tips to make your life easier to ensure that those charged with payroll are on the right track. Her presentation will include the following:
  • NLW and NMW changes and rates for 2025
  • Statutory increases
  • Working from home expenses
  • Working from home when home is in another country
  • Changes to the employment allowance
  • Employment allowance and connected entities
  • Employers NI changes
  • What can be done to mitigate the NI increases
  • What can we anticipate in the future
On the minds of employers and those charged with HR Anita Wynne, CEO and HR Advisor, Beststart Human Resources Anita’s presentation will cover a number of highly topical issues facing employers and in house HR managers and professionals including:
  • What businesses need to do to demonstrate that they are taking measures to prevent sexual harassment following the amendment to the Equality Act that came in in October 2024 and the guidance issued by Equality and Human Rights Commission
  • What will happen with the Government’s Employment Rights Bill in 2025
  • Other legislation that will come into force in 2025 that businesses should be aware of

To register for the event click here.

This presentation will be recorded and available on demand for those not able to join live. Simply register to receive a link to watch on demand.

Record first half performance for sustainable building products firm Alumasc

Tess Egginton
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Record first half performance for sustainable building products firm Alumasc

Alumasc, the Northamptonshire-headquartered sustainable building products, systems and solutions group, has seen a record first half performance, with revenue and profit on the rise.

According to results for the six months ended 31 December 2024, group revenue increased by 20% to £57.4m, with organic growth in all three divisions.

Underlying profit before tax, meanwhile, grew strongly, up 19% to a record £7.5m.

Statutory profit before tax rose to £6.5m from £5.6m in the same period of the prior year.

Paul Hooper, Chief Executive of Alumasc, said: “We are pleased to report a record first half, driven by both organic and inorganic growth. Group revenue grew by 20% compared to the prior period, which is a particularly impressive result given the challenging market environment.

“All three divisions have demonstrated continued growth in revenue, highlighting the resilience of our business model. This performance reflects execution of, and focus on, our four strategic pillars: accelerating organic revenue growth; enhancing efficiency and margins; advancing sustainable products; and making value-enhancing investments.

“We’ve also made significant progress in expanding our presence in export markets, which should benefit future periods’ revenues and profits. We are particularly excited about the performance of ARP Group, who have exceeded expectations since joining the Group in December 2023. We are confident that we will continue to see synergies and efficiencies come through in the second half.

“We remain confident in both the quality of our businesses and in our capacity to deliver our ambitious growth plans, supported by our strong positions in higher growth sustainability-driven markets, and have a clear line of sight to delivery of significant shareholder value.”

Rolls-Royce welcomes strategic co-operation with Hungary over SMRs

Stuart Pearcey
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Rolls-Royce welcomes strategic co-operation with Hungary over SMRs
Rolls-Royce SMR has welcomed the announcement by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó of growing strategic cooperation with the UK on nuclear energy, including a specific focus on small modular reactors. Rolls-Royce SMR’s Director of Strategy and Business Development, Alan Woods, said: “The announcement on cooperation between the UK and Hungary, which specifically mentioned SMRs and described Rolls-Royce SMR as a leader in the development and deployment of this technology, is exciting. “Hungary is an experienced and credible nuclear nation and our work in Central Europe – including our strategic partnership with Czech utility, CEZ – means there is a huge opportunity in the region.” Each ‘factory-built’ Rolls-Royce SMR nuclear power station will provide enough low-carbon electricity to power a million homes for more than 60 years, and will create thousands of long-term, high-skilled jobs.

Games Workshop appoints LEGO regional president to board

Tess Egginton
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Games Workshop appoints LEGO regional president to board

Games Workshop, the Nottingham-based manufacturer of miniature wargames, has appointed Eric Maugein to the board as non-executive director of the company.

Eric will also become a member of the Audit and Risk, Remuneration and Nomination Committees.

Eric has more than 35 years of experience in the consumer goods sector and spent 20 years of his career at The LEGO Group. Most recently, Eric was regional president at The LEGO Group Asia Pacific.

Eric has considerable experience in building and leading successful strategies for new markets in the Middle East, Europe and Asia, defining and implementing expansions in markets such as China and India.

New Hydrogen Propulsion Lab at University of Nottingham gets the go-ahead

Tess Egginton
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New Hydrogen Propulsion Lab at University of Nottingham gets the go-ahead
Planning permission has been granted for the construction of a new state-of-the-art hydrogen propulsion lab on the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus, in partnership with Research England and industry partners. YMD Boon is the architect, lead designer and principal designer (building regulations) for this facility, which will advance research in sustainable transport technologies and play a key role in shaping the future of zero-carbon propulsion. With a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation, the team has developed a facility that meets the complex requirements of hydrogen research while prioritising safety and efficiency. Strategically integrated with the adjacent Power Electronics and Machines Centre (PEMC), the Hydrogen Propulsion Lab will provide an advanced environment for high-power propulsion system testing. The lab will feature cutting-edge cryogenic test capabilities, environmental chambers for altitude simulation, and testing areas for gaseous hydrogen, ammonia, and other green fuels. These capabilities will enable the university’s world-leading researchers to push the boundaries of propulsion technology in a controlled and secure setting, supporting industries such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and power generation in their transition to clean energy solutions. The Hydrogen Propulsion Lab is part of a wider initiative to establish Jubilee Campus as a hub for zero-carbon innovation. In parallel, the university is launching a new Zero Carbon Innovation Centre, funded by East Midlands Freeport, in partnership with Loughborough University. Shari Setayesh, Director of YMD Boon, said: “We are thrilled to be leading the design of this groundbreaking facility, which will drive innovation in sustainable propulsion technologies. “Collaborating closely with the University of Nottingham and key stakeholders, we are creating a space that not only meets the complex demands of hydrogen research but also supports the transition to a cleaner, greener future. We are proud to continue our partnership with the University and look forward to the development of this project.” Professor Chris Gerada, Professor of Electrical Machines and lead for strategic research and innovation initiatives at the University of Nottingham, said: “A new hydrogen lab for the East Midlands is a leap forward in establishing the region’s leadership in zero carbon innovation on the world stage. “It is this region that has the right place, the right people, and the right technologies that industries need to achieve their decarbonisation ambitions.” Construction of the Hydrogen Propulsion Lab is set to be completed by mid-2026. The facility is designed in collaboration with Turner and Townsend, GF Tomlinson, CPW, Derry Building Services, and Price & Myers.

Calls for Government to take a lead in strengthening cyber security

Stuart Pearcey
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Calls for Government to take a lead in strengthening cyber security
The British Chambers of Commerce is warning that businesses face increased cyber security risks without stronger engagement with government. In a new report published today, the BCC is calling for ministers to:
  • Carry out a cyber security awareness programme for businesses, particularly smaller firms
  • Update the National Cyber Strategy
  • Reform cyber security insurance to provide firms with better protection
  • Address the shortage of UK cyber security professionals and support more training in all workplaces
  • Engage directly with businesses to strengthen confidence in the UK’s digital infrastructure
The report has been produced by the BCC’s Digital Revolution Challenge Group, drawing on expertise from businesses of all sizes and sectors, academia and think-tanks. It advises that the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, due this year, must be developed in full consultation with businesses. This is to avoid creating ‘an unnecessary burden for businesses’ and to ensure that firms are ‘actively incentivised to report cyber breaches or attacks’. This will then support the Government’s growth agenda by strengthening cyber resilience. Changes to working environments have created more IT challenges for businesses. BCC research has revealed more than half of firms believed working from home left their computer systems more exposed. The report highlights an urgent need to tackle the current shortage of cyber security professionals, and the digital safety skills gap facing over half a million businesses. Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the BCC said:  “Cyber threats against businesses are growing, and without coordinated action many SMEs will remain at risk. Our report outlines some immediate actions for ministers to engage directly with firms. “There’s a lack of specialist digital security knowledge in many smaller companies.  Government needs to take the lead and proactively engage with business to raise awareness. “Businesses are keen to see the detail of the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill in the coming months. The legislation must send a signal of confidence to the UK’s SMEs and not create unnecessary costs and reporting burdens. “Cyber resilience isn’t just about protection; it’s about trust, innovation, and supporting the long-term growth of businesses.”

Transformation of former bus depot into new neighbourhood gets funding boost

Tess Egginton
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Transformation of former bus depot into new neighbourhood gets funding boost
Proposals to transform a vacant former bus depot into a vibrant new neighbourhood are set to take a step forward as West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is awarded vital funding to deliver the regeneration scheme. WNC has been awarded £1.37m from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund to develop Northampton’s St James Depot, a project which would provide more than 70 homes. West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet will meet on 11 February to discuss the next phase of plans to breathe new life into this vacant site. Built in the early 1900s, the 4.5 acre site was the home of Northampton’s tram and bus depot until its closure in 2013. Church’s bought the depot a year later so it could expand its operations, but it remained vacant and was bought by the Council in November 2023. The Council has identified a need for quality housing in the area, but developing this site poses a range of challenges. Asbestos and ground contamination, the flooding risk, and structural deterioration all need to be tackled before construction work can start, while any development must also retain the Grade II listed Transport Office, built in the 1930s. The funding requirements as part of the Brownfield Release Fund outline that the contract for these remedial works must be in place by 31 March. Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure, said: “This redevelopment is a fantastic opportunity to transform a gateway site into Northampton Town Centre and it will complement the wider regeneration of our town. “By revitalising the St James Depot site, we are not only preserving the historical significance of the Transport Office but also creating much-needed housing and boosting the local economy. We are committed to overcoming the challenges and delivering a project that benefits our residents and the wider community.” If cabinet approve the proposals, the next steps will include:
  • Transport Offices: The Grade II listed building will undergo a light strip out of fixtures and fittings, with asbestos removal where it does not impact listed features.
  • Original Section of Tram Depot: The front and rear facades of the original building will be retained. Works will include an internal strip out and asbestos removal. Roof coverings will be removed, but the roof structure and internal walls will remain to support the facades. 
  • Bus Depot Extension: The mid to late 20th-century extension will be demolished. Hoarding will be reinstated to secure the site post-demolition.

Three banned for misleading investors over Derby development

Stuart Pearcey
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Three banned for misleading investors over Derby development
Three people have been banned as company directors after they misled investors who paid more than £4m into a Derby city centre student accommodation development. Fraser MacDonald was a director of Prosperity Cathedral View Development Ltd which was behind The Croft development on Cathedral Road before the company went into administration in 2020. The 53-year-old was also a director of Prosperity Cathedral View NMPI Ltd, a company used as a fundraising vehicle to attract investors for the development. In his role as Investor Relations Director, MacDonald allowed 42 investors to be misled when they entered into loan agreements with Prosperity Cathedral View NMPI worth a combined £4.13 million. They thought their money would go into the Derby development, but instead more than £2 million was transferred to a connected company. MacDonald, of Walkdale Brow, Glossop, Derbyshire, has been disqualified as a company director for seven years, until February 2032. The companies’ Chief Exec Gavin Barry, 49, and COO Edward Fowkes, 52, were both also disqualified as directors in 2021 for their roles in causing or allowing the investors to be misled in 2019. Ann Oliver, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: “Fraser MacDonald, Gavin Barry and Edward Fowkes allowed the continued promotion of an investment offer which was misleading to investors. “Significant sums of money were invested by people who thought they had more security over their investments than they actually did. “We also uncovered evidence that the three directors did not use all the funds borrowed for financing the development at The Croft development as they had promised.”

MacDonald has now been removed from the corporate arena until January 2032 and joins Barry and Fowkes in being barred from running, managing or promoting a company without permission of the court.

A total of 44 investments were made by 42 high net worth investors in the Derby scheme between January and July 2019. The highest individual investment during that period was £504,000.

US giant acquires Lincolnshire PPE manufacturer

Tess Egginton
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US giant acquires Lincolnshire PPE manufacturer
Goldfreeze Limited, the manufacturers of Chill, Cold and Freezer PPE, based in Sleaford, Lincolnshire and founded by Tarek Hayat, has been acquired by US giant RefrigiWear for an undisclosed sum rumoured to be in the region of £3-4 million. RefrigiWear, established in 1954, has 70 years of commitment to designing warm industrial apparel, with an understanding of the challenges faced by working in the extreme cold. RefrigiWear entered the UK market in Q1 of 2024 determined to “become the trusted and go-to supplier for Thermal Protective Clothing globally,” raising a share capital of in excess of £13 million before acquiring FlexiTog (Goldfreeze’s largest competitor) in March 2024. Having acquired FlexiTog and Goldfreeze, RefrigiWear has become a powerful force in the UK cold chain industry’s PPE supply chain. RefrigiWear CEO Ryan Silberman now sits on the board of Goldfreeze.

Nottingham Venues celebrates success at the Nottingham Hospitality Association Awards 2025

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham Venues celebrates success at the Nottingham Hospitality Association Awards 2025
Nottingham Venues, the collection of independent venues specialising in meetings and events set within the University of Nottingham campus, is celebrating success in three categories at the Nottingham Hospitality Association Awards 2025. The event, held on Thursday 23 January 2025, recognised excellence across the local hospitality sector, with Nottingham Venues’ dedicated team receiving well-earned accolades. The company entered five categories and either won, or was placed, in three. Among the evening’s highlights was the remarkable victory of Sing Ding Yu and her Operations Team at The East Midlands Conference Centre, who were awarded the prestigious Top Team Award. The team’s commitment to delivering exceptional service, developing a strong team culture and contributing to record-breaking sales earned them the award. Tom Waldron-Lynch, CEO of Nottingham Venues, said: “The Operations Team are true advocates of our business, always striving to deliver excellent customer service in our mission to be the best meetings and events business. They exemplify our core values – inclusive, ambitious, fair, open and respect and have contributed to record sales and exceptional team engagement.” In addition to success for the Operations Team, individual team members were also recognised for their hard work and contribution to the success of the business. Lassad Jaballah was named runner-up in the Unsung Hero Award category, honouring his invaluable behind-the-scenes efforts that keep operations running seamlessly. Bozena Juszko secured third place in the Back of House Customer Service Award, a testament to her consistent dedication to delivering excellence. Peter Bartlett, General Manager of Nottingham Venues’ Orchard Hotel and East Midlands Conference Centre, added: “These accolades are a reflection of the talent, hard work, and passion that drive Nottingham Venues forward every day. The company extends its congratulations to all nominees and winners, and thanks to every team member who plays a role in Nottingham Venues’ ongoing success.”
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